For the Love of Friends: A Novel Paperback – August 1, 2021

Oh, I really enjoyed this story. It was very well written. It was so easy to visualize the characters and the settings.

An enjoyable book about a young woman, Lily, who suddenly finds herself surrounded by engaged friends and family and saying yes to being a bridesmaid in five weddings during a two month span. Her once lovely friends turn into bridezillas and think nothing of asking her to change her looks and spend thousands of dollars on their "special day." Although a few things were a little over the top, this is sadly all too common in the real world, not just in a work of fiction, and you really feel for Lily. She begins to take out her frustrations by starting an anonymous blog called "Bridesmania." The author excels at dialogue, and has an engaging and intelligent writing style that pulls you right into the story. The friends to romance story is lovely, and even though you may see a couple plot twists coming, everything wraps up in a very sweet and realistic way. This book is all about relationships; no open door scenes.

It is not often that I "follow" an author - but this is the third book of hers I have read and when I was halfway through the first one, I bought the other two immediately.She writes with an easy and intimate style, with plots that are simple and still manage to both compel and surprise. A woman who suddenly finds herself taking part in 5 weddings, and the problems and complexities that arise, both social and personal, are entertaining and moving and make for a thoroughly delightful read.I loved the first book, was thoroughly delighted by the second, and found this, the third, honestly a member of the "couldn't put it down" club. Each is different, and stands completely alone, but the pleasant and flowing writing style makes each a delightful read.

I've never written a book review before, but I felt compelled to do so for this one and this author. This is one of the best books I've read in years (and I read a lot)...for its realism. I laughed, I cried, and I self-reflected. I couldn't put it down (despite the 101 things I need to do to prepare for a 13-hour road trip I'm driving tomorrow). I have enjoyed every book I've read by Sara Goldman Confino, three in total. I generally read mysteries, police procedurals, and psychological thrillers, but something about the writeups of her books called to me, and I'm glad it did. Her characters are well-defined and recognizable. I can identify with their traits and see them in others I know. Her stories are believable, and the emotions and personal struggles of her characters are relatable. I was so engrossed in her books that I read them in one sitting each time. I want to thank the author for her lifelike creations and entertaining words and look forward to the next one and the next.

Delightful. Funny, especially when laughing at yourself. The hurt comes off and love wins. Honesty and loyalty finally triumph too.

I am so glad that I found this book based on AI recommendations. I am also glad that I am 53 and probably won’t be in anymore weddings. Halfway through this book, I texted my friends who had me as a bridesmaid for not being the nightmare in this book. I listened to the audio which was very well done. I started to get very stressed for Lily because I knew what eventually had to happen. I really enjoyed this author’s style and how she built Lily’s relationship with so many people. Lily’s self-reflection and personal growth was very real and made me look back as well. Read this book.

This novel immediately drew me in with its sharp wit and dry humor. The protagonist talks directly to the reader, which is a style that I enjoy. However, even though I liked Lily, I’m not sure how I feel about the book as a whole.For most of the book, Lily’s friends and family are kind of the worst. Some body shame and nitpick her looks, some put her down, and some expect her to fight their battles for them. So she’s spending a ton of money for people who don’t seem to have the redeeming qualities to warrant it.I also felt like the blog didn’t factor in as much as I thought it would. It doesn’t have a ton of traction in the beginning, so Lily is mainly posting on it for her own venting outlet. Based on the book’s description, I expected to read a lot more actual blog posts. Instead, most of the novel is just Lily dealing with crappy scenarios.I did really enjoy the buildup between Lily and Alex. It was nice to see their friendship start from scratch and build into something more. However, I didn’t feel like I got enough of the romantic part of it after the big conflict at the end. The epilogue wasn’t truly an epilogue, it was just a last chapter in the book because it’s the same night of the last wedding and it’s only a couple pages long. I know the point of this book isn’t to be a romance, and is more women’s fiction focused on Lily. But because the romance was explored, I wish it had been fleshed out more at the end.Speaking of the big conflict - it reminded me of the part in Mean Girls when everything blows up for Cady and she subsequently gets blamed for the Burn Book. Yes, Lily was over the line with some of what she posted in the blog (mainly because it was anonymous and she thought no one would find out), but the people in her life were also legitimately horrible to her at points and there’s not much focus on that part of it.I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars because I did enjoy the book, especially the second half, but in the end I felt like I was left with puzzle pieces that didn’t quite fit for me.For those that take this into consideration - there are no sex scenes, but there are curse words and plenty of f-bombs.

It has been a while since I enjoyed a book so much. Loved the story and hope there's more to come!

OMG!!!OMG!!!excellent work, read it in one sitting as unable to put it down..

Loved it! It's a daft situation, brilliantly exploited and deftly handled. Lily finds herself tormented by 5 weddings of her family and friends, coming one after another. She hilariously and damagingly punishes them all with an autonomous blog ... that gets rumbled. The consequences and fallout are a rip-roaring read and a true delight. Sometimes, you just wish you could do this - say it and call it just the way it is ... warts and ugliness and all - and stuff the consequences. Lily does! And you have to love her for it.

The only problem I have with this book is that I can’t put it down! I’ve started reading before bed again to wind down… but with this book I find myself tired eyed saying “just one more page” … SO GOOD!It’s an easy story to get into, the writing is fabulous! It’s whimsical and fun but also sophisticated. Sara Goodman Confino is by far my favourite Author. I’ve got ADD so I need a GOOD book if Im going to read, otherwise I tune out and read the same page over and over but never absorb. But with Sara’s books I can’t get enough! Her characters are always so relatable. The stories are captivating to get lost in, while also realistic with the world. Can’t say enough… wish I had half her writing skills to write a better review !!HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Funny story, great vocabulary (didn't have to use the F word to describe everything), an honest look at what friendship is about. But, (there has to be a but if it's not a 5-star) it gets really old to hear how much alcohol one can consume, and the only thing there is to do is get drunk at a party, and repercussions of said drunkenness. There is life beyond alcohol abuse.