Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson

A Delightful Dive into the Messy World of Motherhood and Friendship

You know that feeling when you’re juggling a million things—kids screaming, dinner burning, phone ringing—and you wonder how the heck other moms make it look so easy? Well, buckle up, because Christine Gunderson’s debut novel “Friends with Secrets” is about to take you on a wild ride through the chaos of modern motherhood, with a hefty dose of mystery and girl power thrown in for good measure.

The Lowdown

Okay, so picture this: On one side, we’ve got Ainsley Bradley, the quintessential suburban mom who looks like she just stepped out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Perfect hair, perfect house, perfect kids. But underneath that polished exterior? Total hot mess express. Then there’s Nikki Lassiter, former hotshot TV anchor turned stay-at-home mom, who’s drowning in a sea of dirty diapers and lost dreams.

These two couldn’t be more different, right? Wrong. When a blast from Ainsley’s past threatens to blow up her carefully constructed life, she and Nikki team up to take down the bad guy and protect their kids. Along the way, they discover that maybe—just maybe—they’re not so different after all.

The Good Stuff

Let me tell you, Gunderson nails the whole mom thing. Like, spot on. There’s this scene where Nikki’s trying to get out the door for a playdate, and it’s like watching my own life unfold on the page. Kids losing shoes, baby spitting up, phone ringing… I was laughing so hard I nearly snorted coffee out my nose.

But it’s not all laughs. Gunderson digs deep into the insecurities and fears that plague so many of us moms. Am I doing this right? Am I screwing up my kids? Why does everyone else seem to have it together? It’s raw and real and honestly kind of refreshing.

Character Development

The characters in this book? Chef’s kiss. Ainsley and Nikki are so well-rounded and relatable, you’ll swear you know them in real life. Heck, you might even be them. Ainsley’s journey from perfectionist robot to actual human being is particularly satisfying. And Nikki’s struggle to reconcile her identity as a mom with her career ambitions? Oof. Right in the feels.

Plot and Pacing

Now, let’s talk plot. This isn’t just some fluffy mom-com (though it’s definitely funny). There’s a legit mystery at the heart of this story, and Gunderson keeps the tension ratcheted up to eleven. I’m talking edge-of-your-seat, staying-up-way-too-late-to-finish-one-more-chapter kind of suspense. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of laugh-out-loud moments and nail-biting tension.

Themes and Depth

But what really sets “Friends with Secrets” apart is the way Gunderson weaves in deeper themes. We’re talking class differences, the pressure to be the perfect mom, the way society treats women with “controversial” pasts. It’s meaty stuff, but never preachy. Gunderson serves it up with a side of humor and a whole lot of heart.

The Not-So-Great Stuff

Look, no book is perfect, and “Friends with Secrets” has a few hiccups. Some of the secondary characters feel a bit one-dimensional, especially the husbands. And there are a couple of plot twists that stretch believability juuuust a tad.

But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar debut.

The Verdict

So, here’s the deal: If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe want to call your best friend at 2 AM to tell her how much you love her, “Friends with Secrets” is it. It’s the perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense, with characters so real you’ll want to invite them over for coffee (or, let’s be real, wine).

Gunderson has knocked it out of the park with her debut. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s got depth. Plus, it’s just plain fun to read. I’m already itching for her next book.

Who Should Read This?

• Moms who need a good laugh (and maybe a good cry)
• Anyone who’s ever felt like they’re faking it till they make it
• Mystery lovers who want a side of humor with their suspense
• Book clubs looking for their next great discussion starter

Who Should Skip It?

• Readers who prefer their mysteries gritty and ultra-dark
• People who can’t relate to mom struggles (but seriously, give it a shot anyway)

Similar Reads

If you loved “Friends with Secrets,” you might want to check out:

• “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty (for more suburban secrets and mom drama)
• “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple (for another quirky look at motherhood)
• “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler” by Kelly Harms (for more mom-rediscovering-herself vibes)

Final Thoughts

You guys, I can’t stress enough how much fun this book is. It’s like Gunderson peeked into our lives, took all the messy, hilarious, terrifying parts of being a mom, and turned them into this roller coaster of a story. And the friendship between Ainsley and Nikki? It’s the kind of ride-or-die relationship we all need in our lives.

Plus, can we talk about how refreshing it is to see moms as the heroes of their own story? No damsels in distress here, just badass women taking care of business (while also remembering to pick up milk on the way home).

“Friends with Secrets” is the kind of book that’ll have you texting your bestie quotes at midnight, laughing so hard you wake up the baby, and maybe—just maybe—feeling a little better about your own mom fails. Because let’s face it, we’re all just doing our best, right?

So grab a copy, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a giant mug of coffee, no judgment here), and settle in for a wild ride. Just don’t blame me if you’re up until 3 AM because you can’t put it down. And when you’re done? Come find me so we can dish about that ending. Because holy plot twist, Batman!

Rating

4 out of 5 stars

This book is like that friend who always shows up with wine and chocolate when you’re having a bad day. It’s not perfect, but it’s exactly what you need.

About the Author

Christine Gunderson is a debut novelist, but she’s no stranger to the world of words. With a background in television news and politics, she brings a sharp eye and quick wit to her writing. “Friends with Secrets” is her first novel, but something tells me it won’t be her last. Keep an eye on this one, folks – I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more from her.

Fun Fact

Gunderson grew up on a farm in North Dakota, which explains her characters’ down-to-earth charm. She now lives in the DC suburbs with her family, where she’s probably gathering material for her next book as we speak. (Watch out, suburban moms of DC—you might end up in a novel!)

So there you have it, folks. “Friends with Secrets” by Christine Gunderson: a laugh-out-loud, stay-up-too-late, call-your-bestie kind of read. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reread my favorite parts and maybe call my mom to apologize for all the grief I gave her growing up. Because after reading this book? I have a whole new appreciation for the magic (and mayhem) of motherhood.