Gift of Friends

There is no greater gift than friendship.

For the first time in fifty years, Lynette Howe's financial struggles are behind her. Her wildly prosperous online boutique is now someone else's headache. It wasn't hard to bid farewell to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City, but designing her new life in the quiet town she left decades ago isn't working.

Men used to find her intriguing-mysterious, even-when her role as a stylish CEO demanded most of her time. Women's desire to emulate her only helped fuel her success. But now? Now she spends her days poking around the small town of Ruby Shores, talking to a cat.

She isn't the only one struggling. Her mother, Donna, remains by her side, but sometimes it feels like their roles have reversed. Even though they've accomplished great things together, both women harbor unspoken dreams. Will their codependency lead to regrets?

Lynette welcomes the distraction of her annual girls' trip with her four best friends. This year's destination isn't a plane ride away. Instead, they'll go back to the peaceful solitude of Whispering Pines. It'll feel like summer camp all over again . . . except for adults. She could use some girlish giggles, along with coffee on the dock at sunrise or wine around a sunset campfire.

But unexpected guests bring turmoil to the resort. When long-hidden secrets come to light and unsettling news arrives from New York, not even the tranquility of Whispering Pines or the reassuring presence of her girlfriends can stop Lynette from questioning every decision she's made during the past two years.

Slip away with this uplifting group to the restful Minnesota lake resort of Whispering Pines in Gift of Friends by Kimberly Diede. You're sure to catch their laughter floating on a warm lakeside breeze in this fourth book of the Kaleidoscope Girls women's fiction series.

Hopeful expectations, mixed with delicious surprises and shocking truths, will have you cheering on both daughter and mother in this colorful celebration of female friendships.