[I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

The Art of Keeping Secrets centers around a group of three middle-aged women:  Neve, Emma, and Flick. The trio have been best friends since their sons started high school together and they discovered a common bond. Neve has always been a single parent, Emma is recently divorced, and Felicity (Flick) seems to have the perfect marriage the likes of which others wish for.

The cracks in their personal relationships start to show when Neve’s 17yo son becomes determined to find out more about his father, forcing Neve to confess to poor life choices when she was younger. Stepping into her shoes, you can somewhat understand her reasoning for her decisions, even though you can’t help but shake your head at her for not realizing the eventual repercussions to her actions. Her friends are initially quite judgmental toward her which would make you think being friends with women might not be the smartest thing if they are going to kick you when you are down. Give them a chance, dear readers.

    As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.  –Proverbs 27:17

Within short order, the other two women must also face serious issues in their own lives. Emma a health crisis; and Flick must finally face the truth in her marriage when keeping its secrets is no longer a viable option. Their friendship does prove its mettle as they help each other get through very difficult moments as well as share hopeful and fulfilling times.

Freedom from their burdens and hope for their future happiness comes to them by being put in difficult places where they are forced to put life in perspective and focus on what really matters:  health, love, family, forgiveness.

This is an accurate study of female friendships and of women in general, especially when faced with stressful events in life. There is also hope for second chances and a little romance thrown in.