Between Friends

Between Friends
Debbie Macomber

Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy' - CandisJillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski. Two girls from very different backgrounds. Jillian is the only child of wealthy parents, while Lesley's from a working-class family. They become best friends in the turbulent '60s, but their circumstances, their choices - and their mistakes - take them in virtually opposite directions. Lesley stays in their Washington State hometown. She gets pregnant and marries young, living a life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money - never enough money - and an unfaithful husband.Jill lives those years in a completely different way: on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War, and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City. But they always remain friends. Through the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jill and Lesley confide everything to each other - every grief and every joy. Because the quality of a friendship is the quality of a life.

Praise for Between Friends by #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“In this heartwarming, often heartbreaking story, Macomber explores the depths of girlhood friendships that stand the test of time…Macomber captures the magic of the special bond forged among women.”

—Times Record News, Wichita Falls, TX

“Macomber’s latest traces the lives and friendship of Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski through their letters, diaries and other correspondence…. Both women experience loss, from men to dreams, but through it all they remain the truest of friends for 50 amazing years. Bestselling Macomber…sure has a way of pleasing readers.”

—Booklist

“A compelling story… Between Friends is an example of how [Macomber] demonstrates the ability to see beyond the souls of women and perfectly express their emotions, values and concerns.”

—The Sunday Oklahoman

“In a story told entirely through letters, newspaper articles, receipts and other forms of the written medium, these women’s lives are laid open, and the history of our country is seen at the same time. Follow these women through love, loss, triumph and tragedy. I guarantee that you will absolutely love the trip.”

—RT Book Reviews

“This book reveals the power of perhaps the truest earthly love, that of friendship, to endure and sustain. This is the kind of book you buy for a friend to tell them how much they mean to you.”

—Romance At Its Best

“BETWEEN FRIENDS is an insightful look at five decades of America through the eyes of two friends living totally different lifestyles as the country goes about its changing business. These two wonderful female characters empower readers to see Debbie Macomber at her best as the dynamic author provides a powerful look at the American half century….”

—ReadertoReader.com

February 2011

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to see Between Friends in trade format. In my almost thirty-year history as a writer, this is one book that stands out for me, one story that holds a special place in my heart. If I had to explain why I feel it’s special, I would say that’s because it’s my life story, my dearest friends’ life stories, the story of many women in my generation. Jillian and Lesley are perhaps two of the strongest, truest characters I have ever written. They are what friends are meant to be. They learn from each other, encourage and support each other. They epitomize what it means to have grown up in the ’50s and ’60s.

That said, take a good look at the photos. In the first one, my best friend from high school, Jane Berghoff McMahon—or as my granddaughters would say, my BFF (best friend forever)—is pictured with me. This was taken the summer between our junior and senior year in high school. Jane was seventeen and I was sixteen. The second one is the two of us a couple of years ago. Jane and Debbie—then and now.

Although this book is almost ten years old, I believe the story is as poignant now as when I wrote it. You’ll see that I’ve added an epilogue bringing you up-to-date on what’s happened in Jillian and Lesley’s lives in the past decade.

Please enjoy Between Friends and let me know what you think. My hope is that it bears some similarity to your life or that of your friends—or perhaps your mother’s. As always, I enjoy hearing from readers. You can contact me either through my website at www.DebbieMacomber.com or by writing me directly at P.O. Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

Warmest Regards,

Between Friends

Debbie Macomber

For all the wonderful women

who have graced my life with their wisdom.

My mother—Connie Adler

My aunts—Betty Stierwalt, Gerty Urlacher, Paula Malafouris, Betty Zimmerman and Lois Munson

My mother-in-law—Marie Macomber

Contents

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