When We Were Friends

Discover the gorgeous, emotional book club pick from the top 50 bestselling author of A Single Act of Kindness, Samantha Tonge.

Four friends, one big secret... and the journey of a lifetime.

It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from school: Paige, Emily and Tiff.

Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant.

Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all?

A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life. Totally heartbreaking, brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila O’Flanagan.

Praise for Samantha Tonge:

‘Such a joy of a book’ Faith Hogan

‘Family stalemates are unravelled in this moving novel about three strong women told with Samantha’s warmth, humour and empathy’ Zoe Folbigg

‘Heartwarming tale of family rifts and reunions. A lovely read!’ Ruth Hogan

An achingly perceptive, beautifully written exploration of the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. I adored it’ Shari Low 'A gorgeous tale of a divided family facing the past via a treasure hunt, beautifully written and full of fabulous 80s nostalgia.' Jessica Redland

‘An uplifting, yet emotional story about what it means to be family. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry’ Sian O’Gorman

‘I found this book tender, moving and intensely honest’ Celia Anderson

'Warm, wise and wonderfully nostalgic' Alex Brown

‘A heartfelt and thought-provoking read’ Sarah Bennett

‘This book just pulled me in. The story pulled at my heart as I read on and on and on. I couldn’t stop reading as I had to know what the ending was going to be!… I’m still thinking about this story. It made me think back to my teenage years and things that had happened. A beautiful story about friendship that I highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘WOW this is one book that will keep readers flicking page after page. I loved the story… The author once again captures real life dramas… Takes you on a journey… Fabulous!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review