Friends with Secrets

A Novel

By: Christine Gunderson

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton, Andi Arndt

In a funny and suspenseful debut, Christine Gunderson explores the myth of the perfect mother, the bonds of female friendship, and the haunting impact of secrets.

What you see isn’t always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?

©2024 by Christine Gunderson. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Funny and poignant, Friends with Secrets is a feel-good book about balancing motherhood, friendship, and career.”—Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author of Deconstructed

“Friends with Secrets is a sparkling debut novel about an unlikely friendship between two mothers who are just trying to make it through the day. A thoroughly enjoyable read full of voice and humor and a suspenseful storyline that makes it impossible to put down. Be prepared for a book hangover. Totally worth it.”—Sharon M. Peterson, author of The Do-Over

“Christine’s genius lies in the minutiae of the mundane, rendered through her hilarious lens. From Exersaucer toys to chipped mugs, you will feel seen.”—Camilla Monk, author of Spotless

Was easy to listen to

This was a fun book, had humor, mystery and friendships. It kept my interest the whole time which is hard

Don’t want it to end!!

I loved everything about this book!! The characters, the story, the narration. The only thing that I did not like was that it had to end. I feel like this could be a great series of books. Give us more of Nikki and Ainsley!!

Great characters

Perfect book about friends, motherhood, mystery. Great characters, easy to follow. Definitely would recommend! Narration was great too.

Excellent narration

Story got a little long and lost interest towards the end but the exciting ending made up for it.

Something Different!

I love that this book has about as much humor as mystery! The narrators are phenomenal!

Characters

I’m only halfway through this book and I probably listen to five audiobooks a month. I never leave reviews. I don’t even care how this book ends, I am in love with Nikki and Ainsley and the narrators. Definitely two of the best characters and dialogue I’ve listened to in a really long time. I wish I had friends like them!

Compelling read

Good story line and development of characters. Private school life in Washington DC area accurately described!

I loved this book

The book had some funny parts that really made me chuckle. It was a great storyline.

Fast paced and fun!

Ainsley and Nikki are an unlikely pair of sleuths/moms. Join them in an often madcap, adventure as they go about proving what they know to be true. A popular coach in their daughter’s school has a dark secret.They are cunning, often bumbling but always compelling. The two moms are relatable and lovable. The story is fast paced with suspense and a lot of laughs along the way. Highly recommend!

Unexpectedly great!!

This was fun - it had depth and thriller-type plot lines weaved in with regular day-to-day domestic stuff which made it super relatable. Definitely worth a credit!!!!