I finished this book at 3am, and went to bed. An hour later I got up to write this review because the characters and the story wouldn't let go of me. This had the emotional depth of Beaches as far as writing about women's friendships. These two had a rare bond that not many people share. I wasn't sure if there was any way this could reach a HEA. I would like to revisit these characters some time after the resolution of this novel and see how everything was working out with the solution they found. ( )

The Friendship Pact by Tara Taylor Quinn is a 2014 HQN publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster this book turned out to be!

Kora and Bailey have been friends since childhood and are really like sisters, the bond is that strong, maybe stronger. They have been through everything together from Bailey's very tumultuous upbringing to Kora's more traditional life which included marriage to her high school sweetheart, Danny, and her seemingly picturesque life.

But, into every life a little rain must fall and eventually Kora's life takes a turn she never thought possible and the friendship pact she made with Bailey will be put to a very serious test. Will the two stay BFF's ?

I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading this book. We sail through the girls childhoods at record speed and it's several years into Kora marriage to Danny when the story develops in a way I never saw coming.

I'm still gathering my thoughts on this one. I like a good old fashioned sudsy drama from time to time and you know, I don't run across many books like this one anymore, so it was a change of pace. I understood Bailey at times, not so much at others. I admired her will to survive and to break the chain of failure she was sure would take place if she chose marriage and traditional life, even though the formula works great for Kora.

I have to admit that sometimes people like Kora get on my nerves just a bit. She was just so perfect and when you don't have all that much adversity in your life, it's easy to judge others when they don't stay on script. Kora has her life and Bailey's all mapped out, but Bailey keeps upsetting the applecart. But, fate does come calling on Kora and I felt bad for rolling my eyes at her from time to time.

The plot twist that really threw a wrench into things was just weird and I didn't think it was true to the characters up to that point. But, it was a grand gesture and sweet in a way, a hats off the the grand friendship between these two ladies that some people didn't really understand and were kind of jealous of, so I was willing to see where it all went, even if I didn't see it turning out too well. I knew it would come back to haunt them and sure enough it was the start of a horrible downward spiral for all concerned.

Now, from that moment on things almost got out of hand and turned into a big, huge melodrama that bordered on total implausibility. But, admit it, from time to time we all like these big heavy emotional stories and so I found myself unable to put the book down because I could not wait to find out what was going to happen next and how all of this was going to play out. It was like watching a train wreck.

But, on a rare occasion, there is bond we forge in our lives that is just unshakable. Time, space, age, major life changes,tragedy, and some serious line crossing, could not come between these ladies. Theirs was a bond few could understand or relate to and was at times irksome to the men in their lives, but in the end it was what brought them up out of the dark corners they found themselves painted into. Without that, these people would never have survived the mess they were in.

Overall this was a interesting and unconventional story about the power of not only romantic love, which we read about often enough in novels, but a tribute to the power of friendship, and how this bond uplifts us even in our darkest moments, without judgment or punishment, just the knowledge that someone is there who knows your deepest needs, hopes, fears, and dreams, and will back your play, have your back, and support you even if they think you are making a mistake, and will forgive you for most anything. So, although this friendship was stretched to the maximum, and it all became a little maudlin at times, the message is still clear. So, go forth and give your bestie a hug and thank them for sticking with you through thick and thin...but it's not necessary to mention a kidney exchange. ( )

It's been quite some time since I last read one of Tara Taylor Quinn's books, but I hadn't forgotten how much I loved those stories. This is another example of her excellent story telling skills. A very touching and emotional story with many surprises. I couldn't put it down! ( )

When Koralynn Mitchell defended Bailey Watters in grade school little did they know that it would be the beginning of something big. It didn't matter that they were total opposites, that Kora came from a loving stable home and that Bailey’s was anything but. It didn't matter that Kora was the optimist and Bailey’s glass was only half full, or that Kora knew her high school sweetheart was her one and only true love and that
Bailey’s abusive childhood wouldn't let her believe in fairytales. They were sisters of the heart, they could finish each other’s sentences, and they made a pact, they promised they would always be there for each other, that they would “give each other a kidney” if they needed it. But when it’s time for the organ to be cut out that’s where the real tests are proven. When secrets cause hurt and covert actions feel like betrayals is when the “pact” is hard to live by.
Koralynn and Bailey will have their friendship tested, their loyalties questioned.
Will their Friendship Pact survive or fall under the battles to come?

Tara Taylor Quinn’s latest release is a mix of women’s fiction, romance and suspense, a haunting, heartbreaking page-turner and a one sitting non-stop angst filled read. Starring two incredibly strong, caring and genuine women with a fine cast of co-stars that will fill in blanks and add depth and meaning. Her narrative flows with edge of your seat intensity, honesty that’s often brutal, and loyalty that’s pure. Its a prime example of literature imitating life because its based on and dedicated to the author’s own special BFF. Her story within a story is complex and rife with life-changing obstacles, tragedies and triumphs. And as I neared the end all I wanted was more. Tara you have taken me on some incredible journeys before but none can compare to the passion of this one. I can’t wait to see where you take me next. ( )