Kingfisher Road - a leafy, peaceful street in the town of Vayhill. But there are whispers behind closed doors. Who is moving into Number 10?
Engaged to handsome, wealthy Justin Johnston, Danielle appears to her new neighbours to have the perfect, glossy life. But not everything is as it seems...
In fact, each of the other four women who live close by has a secret, and each is nursing their own private heartache.
But could a gift be waiting on their doorsteps? And, by opening their front doors, and their hearts, to each other, could the women of Kingfisher Road discover all the help they need?
Many thanks to Hachette Ireland for my copy of The Gift of Friends to review and to Sharon for having my review on the blog.
The Gift of Friends is the final gift bestowed to us by the beloved, inspirational and much missed Emma Hannigan. I think lots of us presumed her novel published last year, Letters to my Daughters, would be her last book so to discover there would be one final story from Emma was brilliant but very bitter-sweet. Given the background to this story I was really hoping that I would love it and not have a bad word to say about it and thankfully my hopes came true.
This is classic Emma Hannigan and in fact it only reaffirmed for me that this bright talent was taken from us far too soon as she had so much to give in terms of her writing as well as her personal life. The Gift of Friends is up there amongst all the books of the female Irish authors I have read and loved over the years - Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly, Maeve Binchy etc. No one can beat Irish women's fiction when it is done well and I would have raced through this book in one sitting were it not for the fact that I wanted to make this wonderful story of friendship, love and unity last for as long as possible. I knew I would never have the anticipation and satisfaction of reading new work from this author ever again so I was determined to savour every moment and I certainly did that.
I sensed there were numerous topics Emma wished to write about in future books had she been afforded the time but as she knew her time was drawing near I think she included said topics in this read. Normally I think dealing with too many controversial or sensitive issues that could have been explored over several books would feel forced and just thrown in for good measure. Instead here each of the women that feature were given issues to deal with and explore and it just felt natural and every little minor sub plot fitted in so well with the main plot and the themes and emotions Emma wished to deal with. The Gift of Friends is a story that makes you value friendships and you realise the importance of having people who have your back in times of trouble or strife.
Yes we can never be without our families and all the kindness, love and support they give us unconditionally. But sometimes you need to step out of that zone because you can't express how you feel or confide in a family member and that time is when you need friends. The women in this story become that friendship unit that only strengthens the further we progress through the story. They are of all varying ages and backgrounds but they have one thing in common - they never wish to see anyone hard done by and they believe in the power of a comforting word, a shoulder to cry on and opening their hearts to friendship, affection and love. But when it becomes clear that in fact each of the women is hiding secrets how will the tight knit community deal with any exposes to come or will things be kept secret forever?
Kingfisher Road is the most sought after address in the town of Vayhill. It's an exclusive, wealthy and prestigious estate with just a select few houses. But having the home of your dreams doesn't necessarily mean having the life of your dreams and behind closed doors every character we are introduced to is battling with something. Yes they may put on a united front when the women meet for their catch ups and coffee but when push comes to shove will the bonds of friendship prove strong enough to deal with the fallout of what is to come.
Betsy is the head of the residents association which would initially suggest to me that is she is a bit of a busybody who likes organising things and people around. But thankfully she didn't stick her nose in other people's business when it wasn't warranted, instead she had enough to deal with on the home front. She is happily married to Noel and yes she does like things to be organised but that is a good trait of hers. On the family front though she longs for a reconciliation with son Graham who she believed she brought up so well but then he went off the rails. Graham is now living in Australia and married to Tasha but communication is virtually non existent only for Noel and Betsy making a call once a week. Betsy feels abandoned and questions what did she do she wrong when she was rearing Graham? When Graham makes a surprise announcement life is turned upside down for Betsy and Noel but she takes things in her stride. That is until the daughter-in-law from hell really makes her feelings known. Tasha was a horrible character who needed a good slap and to wash her mouth out for all the hatred that spewed forth. But Betsy only has one thing on her mind that she wishes nothing but love and happiness for but can this be achieved considering her family are amidst a storm in the form of Tasha that seems to be gathering in intensity?
Nancy was the eldest of the group but boy did I love her. She spoke her mind in front of everyone and gave quite a few people the put downs they very much deserved. I think Nancy was the character that Emma really felt she could use as a tool to say things she had always wished to say in a book and she was utilised to great effect. But saying all that Nancy was not perfect and she is haunted by events in her past. Events which she had no control over as decisions were made for her without much thought to the consequences and after effects both mentally and physically. So when the past literally comes knocking at her door should she jump at what is being put forth or should she be more wary? I certainly felt the latter as from the outset of this aspect of the storyline things didn’t sit well with me and I had my suspicions. Combined with this Nancy's house is under threat and the worries just mount up by the minute. Has she the strength to withstand all that is forthcoming? Can the women help out a friend they cherish and hold so dear just as she does for them? I wondered were things just going down a path that once a certain turn was taken a return could never occur?
Maia may not have come from the most salubrious of backgrounds but herself and husband Freddie now live the life they always wanted to have. Maia has devoted herself to rearing twins Zach and Zara but as now they are about to fly the nest for university and travel she feels useless and lonely. What else is Maia only a mother? Without her chicks in her nest what can she do? Honestly I felt that Maia was having a bit of a pity party for herself and that she was an intelligent person who did so much for others in the community and for the close circle of friends that really she was worrying over nothing. Given time she would find herself with the twins gone but also she feels Freddie is slipping away from her. He is distant and not the same person for some reason that he once was. Throwing a 20th anniversary party gives Maia the focus she needs but as things are sent to test her will it all prove too much or will she battle through and emerge stronger at the other side?
Pearl is the character who I felt the greatest of sympathy for. Married to Seth who is in the army, she has not the easiest of times and I didn't blame her in the slightest regarding accepting affections. Seth was pure evil and the hatred and vitrol that spewed from his mouth towards Pearl and son Drew, who has special needs, was just abhorrent. Emma certainly let rip with the way he was acting and the words he was using and the reader could even feel the full force of his anger and rage. He was a tyrant and danger was lurking around every corner when he featured. Pearl needed to gain strength and courage but when you have kept things hidden for so long maybe you might feel ashamed when things are exposed. You may worry what others think and I think this is what Pearl felt with regards to opening up to the women.
Finally we have Danielle, the newest and youngest resident and engaged to Justin who comes from a wealthy family who breed horses. Danielle's dreams have been put on hold when unexpected news emerges. Her mother feels Danielle is in a situation that she is rushing into and there should be alternative solutions. Justin's obnoxious mother Celia Ann really was a piece of work who felt Danielle was beneath her family. Poor Danielle really was caught between a rock and a hard place and I deeply felt her indecision because she knew whatever she decided there would be significant consequences. She is a vulnerable person but when she starts to open up to the women I thought she began to change and it proved the power of friendship is very strong and always encouraging.
When the women come together they strengthen and grow in love. They work as a unit and become a force of determination, courage and strength. It was a joy to witness each individual journey but also how they could come together as one. Friendships are an anchor that never judge a background or situation they just accept you for you who are and give the support and comfort when needed. The ending could have felt so clichéd and just a bit a bit too good to be true but instead it warms your heart and if only things like that existed in real life the world would be a better place for it.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending A Gift of Friends. It's trademark Emma Hannigan and packed full of warmth, love and comfort. I loved every minute of it and feel privileged to have always enjoyed Emma's writing right from the very beginning. I hope she is looking down on us from up above with a smile on her face and all the joy and many hours of wonderful reading she has brought to us.
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Loved all Emma's books & have this one,but just at the moment can't bring myself to read it,Emma's sadly missed.
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