In a funny and suspenseful debut, Christine Gunderson explores the myth of the perfect mother, the bonds of female friendship, and the haunting impact of secrets.

What you see isn't always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben-aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune-in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she's doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki's fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She's a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation-and the paycheck-of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley's past becomes a coach at her kids' school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives-and their new friendship-in the process?

About the Author
Christine Gunderson grew up on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she read Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She's a former television anchor and reporter and former Capitol Hill aide. She currently lives in the Washington, DC, suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband. When not writing, she's sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars Monopoly, rereading Jane Austen novels in the school pickup line, or unloading the dishwasher. Christine loves to hear thoughts and ideas from readers or, best of all, delightful emails telling her she succeeded in making you laugh out loud while reading this book. You can contact her at www.christinegunderson.com.

Reviews

"Funny and poignant, Friends with Secrets is a feel-good book about balancing motherhood, friendship, and career." -Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author of Deconstructed

"Friends with Secrets is a sparkling debut novel about an unlikely friendship between two mothers who are just trying to make it through the day. A thoroughly enjoyable read full of voice and humor and a suspenseful storyline that makes it impossible to put down. Be prepared for a book hangover. Totally worth it." -Sharon M. Peterson, author of The Do-Over

"Christine's genius lies in the minutiae of the mundane, rendered through her hilarious lens. From Exersaucer toys to chipped mugs, you will feel seen." -Camilla Monk, author of Spotless

Book Information
ISBN 9781662522710
Author Christine Gunderson
Format Paperback
Page Count 431
Imprint Lake Union Publishing
Publisher Amazon Publishing
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 137mm * 29mm