Book Review: "Kindred Spirits" by Sarah Strohmeyer

Summary from BN.com: When life gives you lemons, call your best girlfriends and whip up some lemon martinis. Such is the mantra for the Ladies' Society for the Conservation of Martinis, which was established after one fateful PTA meeting, when four young mothers-Lynne, Mary Kay, Beth, and Carol- discovered they had more in common than they ever thought possible. Meeting once a month, the women would share laughs and secrets and toast to their blossoming friendship with a clink of their sacred martini glasses. The Society was their salvation, their refuge, but when life-shattering circumstances force the group to dissolve, their friendship is never quite the same...until two years later, when a tragic event puts the Society back in session.

When Lynne passes away suddenly, she leaves behind one simple request: that her old friends sort through her belongings. Reluctantly, the women reunite to rummage through her closets. There's nothing remarkable; no kinky sex toys, no embarrassing diary. But buried deep within Lynne's lingerie drawer is an envelope addressed to the Society. And inside they find a letter that reveals a shocking secret and a final wish that will send the women on a life-changing journey...proving that nothing is more powerful than the will of a true girlfriend and a good, strong martini.

I honestly have no idea why I've never read one of Sarah Strohmeyer's books before. I've seen them everywhere but strangely enough I've never picked up one of her books until now. This baffles me because I totally think I would enjoy her books. After reading this one, I know for certain that I do. Stories about groups of women who have been friends for a while seem to be dominating my reading lately. And stories about women who had a dying friend asking them for one last wish really seems to be creeping up in my books. Seriously, this is like the 3rd book in less than two months with that same scenario. However, this one took a different approach and I found it highly enjoyable and able to stand out from the crowd.

The three women set off on a journey that brings them together to fulfill Lynne's last wish. Along the way, they have a bunch of adventures on their road trip as well as trying to solve the mystery of what happened. One of the scenes I really loved was when Beth bonds with the town librarian and is able to secure a vital piece of information for the search because of that bond. Like she says, libraries are still valuable places to visit because not everything is available online. The women not only are working on Lynn's request they are also dealing with their own private issues. Carol is struggling with feelings towards the family she left behind and if she wants to return. Mary Kay has been keeping a secret from her boyfriend and is now faced with the reality that she has to confess it. I did get annoyed with Mary Kay for the same reasons why she was annoyed with herself. I suppose I can understand why she did what she did but at the same time it all sounded very silly and incredibly selfish of her to lie all this time to her boyfriend.

I'm not a drinker but I have to admit I was very tempted with all the delicious sounding martinis that flowed from the pages. The women find themselves finding solace in their drinks and creating them but they do not drink to get drunk. Instead it is a bonding mechanism that allows them to share their hopes, dreams and fears. Overall this book was a very enjoyable read. There's laughs and tears to be had while reading and it's a great book to celebrate the bonds of friendship and relationships with women in general. I must get my hands on the rest of Strohmeyer's books. I am her newest fan.


Kindred Spirits by Sarah Strohmeyer is published by Dutton (2011)

This review copy was provided by the publisher