Husbands & Friends

The book profiles Lucy and the development of her marriage, children, and relationship with her best friend, and best friend's family. The intertwining lives of the two families through their summers sharing a house in Nantucket becomes the focus of the story. Although the issues of infidelity and a child's serious illness may seem like a TV drama, the writing rises above that. It involves you in Lucy's thoughts and feelings through the ups and downs of their lives. A miscarriage, a spouse's depression, and other difficulties are touchingly woven into the story. One glitch in the book is the blurting out of secrets that rends the families apart. It's hard to imagine, even under stress, that Lucy would make that revelation so baldly and with such poor timing. The repercussions from that incident reverberate through the final 100 pages of the book. I found the relationships meaningful and certainly will look for more Nancy Thayer' novels to read. Particularly enjoyable are her descriptions of small town life, of children and of Nantucket. She also has a very natural way with conversations and a character's thought process.

This nobel is set on Nantucket Island and not surprisingly, a real page turner.Ms. Thayer introduces us to two famlies; the West family and the Cunnighams, and their kids. Lucy West and Kate Cunningham have been friends for years and carry each other secrets.Their husbands have also become great friends along with their children; so one can imagine what their wonderful August vacations are like. Through an inheritance of a home in Nantucket island from Lucy West's aunt, they are able to enjoy the sea, sun, sailing and relaxing, along with tasty meals of lobster and corn which they adore.The characterisation is great. Ms Thayer makes you feel like they are part of your family and you start to cherish and care for their lives. But aren't these families a little too perfect? Some will say yes, other will say no; they are indeed families and friends like that.......perfect.When you get into the story you will see how a fine friendship like theirs can sometimes turn awry over one brisk mistake; a slight brush with infidelity. It's a short novel but worth it in many ways so I have given it five stars. Thanks for your lovely book Nancy Thayer.NutfaceOctober 22nd 2001

I just finished Between Hubands and Friends and I feel like crying into my pillow! Every character seemed so alive to me. The emotions were so honest and touched on so many segments of friendship and marriage...I've known "Lucy", I've known "Kate". I don't remember ever reading a book that honestly brought me to tears as if it were absolutely real. Thank you Nancy Thayer for a wonderful, wonderful book. Please write another...soon!

Between Husbands and Friends made me feel comfortable in seeing what I really wanted out of a best friend relationship. I could really relate to the women becoming such good friends and the ups and downs that they went through. What happened in the book really didn't turn me off, but it was a little sad. I am looking forward to reading more of Nancy Thayer's book.

In Sussex, Massachusetts, Lucy and Max, and Katie and Chip, have been close for over a decade. Their children are also friends of one another. From the first moment Lucy and Katie met at the preschool, they knew their relationship would be special. They share secrets that neither one would dare mention to their respective husband. More surprising than their relationship is that their spouses, the introverted Chip and the gregarious Max, also are buddies. Outsiders would think this clan is just one extended family.The moms and their children spend August on Nantucket Island. Their spouses join them on weekends. In recent years, Lucy has covered for her friend's indiscretions. However, Lucy has not shared her own dark secret that once revealed will destroy their friendship and shatter the infrastructure of both families.In BETWEEN HUSBANDS AND FRIENDS, Nancy Thayer makes a thorough case that a secret kept hidden is a lie of omission. In alternating chapters between the past and the present, readers observe how a friendship is formed and how it endures. All four protagonists are likable people with human flaws, who make mistakes. No one is an odious villain, which adds to the charm of the story line. Ms. Thayer proves she is a talent as she establishes a rapport with her audience through the worlds of Katie and Lucy.Harriet Klausner