The Friendship Circle

'Left me with a big smile and that lovely warm feeling you get when you finish a really special book' ★★★★★

Warm, witty and deeply moving, The Friendship Circle is a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the magic that finds us when we're finally ready to believe in it.

Eve moved to the coast to be alone.

After the loss of her beloved bakery and the life she'd spent thirty years building, a small cottage by the sea feels like the fresh start she desperately needs.

But from the moment her neighbour Ruth appears on the doorstep with a casserole and an inexhaustible supply of warmth and wisdom, Eve begins to suspect that the village – and the secret hidden at the bottom of her garden – has very different plans for her…

Readers are LOVING The Friendship Circle…

'Beautiful, uplifting… Left me with a big smile and that lovely warm feeling you get when you finish a really special book.' ★★★★★

'I really felt all the emotions… I came out feeling better for reading it' ★★★★★

'I read this in 1 day it was that good!… Heartfelt and uplifiting… Drew me in from the very beginning… Standout' ★★★★★

'A heartwarming story about love, loss, friendship, starting over' ★★★★★

'A cozy, relaxing read that restores your faith in society' ★★★★★

'Cozy, lovely, lighthearted, & simply beautiful' ★★★★★

'A warm hug' ★★★★★

Reviews

PRAISE FOR AMANDA JAMES:

'This was an emotional and heartfelt read and had me invested from the start.' ★★★★★

'A thoroughly uplifting enjoyable read that will certainly leave you feeling better with the world. Amanda James always seems to write intriguing, sensitive books with that touch of magic and The Midnight Bookshop is no exception.' ★★★★★

'To appreciate the book fully you have to leave any preconceived ideas at the first page and open up you mind to a magical world.' ★★★★★

'This is quite an intriguing and magical story of fantasy and realism [and] in many ways, is a complex novel about relationships and Amanda James successfully weaves magic with realism to create a potent tale in an unforgettable way.' ★★★★★

'The book underscores the importance of community and self-reflection, especially in a time when many people feel isolated or overwhelmed.' ★★★★★

'This book had me rooting for all three of them and didn't disappoint.' ★★★★★

'[Amanda James’] writing so beautifully captured all the emotions throughout the novel.' ★★★★★

'Those who enjoy [magical realism] are going to love the fairytale aspects of this charming, well-written book with its uplifting message and sweet romance.' ★★★★★

About the author

Amanda James has written since she was a child and even asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published. In 2010 the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published.

Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired every day by the wild and beautiful coastline. She can usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.