"Wall's newest novel delivers the perfect blend of friendship and intrigue"

Rhonda, Gina Kay, and Holly were sure they'd be friends forever. The three were more like sisters in high school rather than friends. That is until Gina Ka left their Texas town to marry Rhonda's boyfriend Terry. Rhonda could never find it in her heart to forgive Gina Kay or the scumbag, Terry. Poor Holly has spent twenty-five years feeling caught in the middle between her two dearest friends.

Now news has arrived of Terry's death and Holly tries to use the unfortunate event to draw the three women together again. Can a trip to the Big Apple where Gina Kay promises to fill in all the missing pieces to the puzzle pull them together again? Rhonda is sure that hearing the rest of the story won't repair the wounds to her heart but she's curious enough to agree to the trip.

New York City provides a fabulous backdrop as the three former friends reveal old secrets that ultimately affected the rest of their lives. Soon they will not only take a step toward recreating their lost friendship but also questions the decisions that ultimately led them to become the women they are today.

Long time fans of Walls' previous book who had anxiously awaited a new release will be pleased with this new book. Wall once again pens a novel sure to touch the emotions of readers of all ages.

Reviewed by Shelby Bagby
Posted October 31, 2005

Summary

Three childhood best friends reunite after decades of silence in Wall's latest novel (after The Girlfriends Club). Growing up in rural Texas, Rhonda, Holly and Gina Kay vowed to be best friends forever. "But, the forever part turned out to be a pipe dream," and the fate of the friendship changed course the day that Gina Kay eloped with Terry, Rhonda's one and only true love. Twenty-five years later, their paths cross again at Terry's funeral, and Gina Kay convinces her old friends to trek to New York City for a five-day retreat where, she promises, she'll tell them the truth behind her marriage to Terry. The women are all on different career paths by then-Rhonda is a high-powered attorney, Holly an accomplished seamstress, Gina Kay a cattle rancher-but once in New York, the years of silence break down to reveal the many hurdles each one has faced. Rhonda's marriage is on the fritz because she's still holding onto the love she had for Terry; Holly is torn between her dream to become a hot fashion designer and her devotion to her family; and Gina Kay recovers from the brutal disappointments behind her picture-perfect marriage. Though Wall's prose style is often flat and her characters' emotions somewhat predictable, her plot lines are engrossing and her ending brings a satisfying conclusion to this reassuring tale of redemption, hope and, most of all, friendship.