PRESS REVIEWS

Koslow (The Late, Lamented Molly Marx) lifts a potentially trite story of friendship to a knowing, sharp-edged chronicle of ambition and acceptance that's smart, raw, and achingly real. Chloe, married to a Wall Street striver, and Talia, hitched to a teacher with a trust fund, share a copywriting job while raising preschool boys. Ambition drives them apart, and devotion—to eachother, to their kids, to their less-than-perfect husbands—brings them back. Quincy and Jules, the childless women in the quadrangle of friends, are the cool ones until New York real estate comes between them. These imperious women are a handful by themselves, but a solid case of husbands and lovers hold their own: Arthur, the oddball middle aged lothario who adores Jules; Tom, the trust-fund scion who prefers to remain safely ensconced in an educational ivory tower while letting Talia get down and dirty in the real world; Xander, the ruthless hedge fund hotshot married to beautiful but insecure Chloe; and Jake, the anchor of Quincy's stormy life. Koslow packs a trove of wit and wisdom into a slick pink package.
– Publishers Weekly

"With Friends Like These" offers a refreshingly honest look at friendships and how they change over time. The betrayals between the characters cut deep and surpass the typical fallbacks of stealing husbands or boyfriends. What's stolen here proves to be much more painful because in each case, a friend's trust becomes a weapon that wounds even innocent bystanders.
A different character narrates each chapter, a powerful storytelling technique that answers the proverbial question "What was she thinking?" while quickly advancing the plot and allowing the same twists and turns to be examined from multiple angles…The rich details make every page worth reading."
– Post & Courier Charleston, South Carolina

"It's a West Side story. In an eight-room, rent-controlled apartment on 92nd and West End, Koslow's four twentysomething heroines — Quincy, Talia, Chole, and Jules — join forces as roommates in the 1990s. Fast-forward to the present, as job-sharing, multiple births and an underpriced fixer-upper co-op threaten their long friendships. Tragedy, comedy, and plenty of "Sex and the City" in this summer novel"
– Billy Heller Required Reading - The New York Post

"...a refreshingly honest look at friendships and how they change over time....achingly real...Koslow's effort to evaluate the meaning and purpose of modern female friendships is certainly a worthwhile examination."
– Lincoln Star Journal

"Frenemes: Envy and disillusionment among old pals."
– Harper's Bazaar.

"Good Read—Whether your feet are planted in the sand...or you're dipping your toes at the pool."
– Better Homes & Gardens

“A quartet of women narrate this witty reflection on sisterhood.”
– More Magazine

"Koslow digs much deeper than the standard pop novel. With Friends like These is funny but also poignant...very wise and troubling…You don't have to be a woman—or care much about upscale pursuits—to fall under the spell of this challenging examination of how time tests friendships we make in our twenties…You will find yourself rushing to the end, wondering if the women will be able to stay friends."
– Joe Meyers, Connecticut News

"Yes, yes, yes!!! I haven't read a book in a while that really kept me guessing and wanting to turn the page. I found myself reading.. while my house lay in shambles around me. The book had four distinct characters who are friends and really goes into the intricacies of friendship. I loved the characters and was so thankful that I couldn't identify with the problems they all faced. Such a good book."
– Bonnie K, A Bonnie Life!

"Each chapter is a first-person narrative told by one of the four women, a literary device employed by Koslow to optimal effect: The reader experiences and understands each woman’s emotions and dilemmas. Therein lies the strength of With Friends Like These. Absent the insight that each successive narrative gives the reader into the character’s thought processes and experiences, the book could have been just another tale of back-stabbing, self-absorbed, vacuous women. But Koslow elevates the tale by convincingly demonstrating that even the best friendships can be punctuated by jealousy, deceit, and betrayal, as well as guilt, insecurity, regret, and, ultimately, forgiveness."
– Janie, Colloquium Book Review

"With Friends Like These demonstrates ... the complicated relationship between women. The premise is that four women have been good friends for a long time and are now working on their careers, kids and relationships.  Without really intending to, two at a time, they are competing and/or sabataging each other.  (Koslow) writes it in such a way that it is totally believable.  I just bought my daughter a shirt that says "Rise Above the Drama".  The characters in the book need this shirt! The theme is competition- for real estate, jobs, private schools, etc.  Friendship does prevail but it is an honest look at the competitive world we live in and what it can even drive good friends to do.  I highly recommend this book- It will catch your attention from the very start."
– Andrea, Great Thoughts

"A tempting plot, in which several young women of varying backgrounds rent a Manhattan apartment together in the 1990s. Years later, their paths cross again and we have a set of complex relationships... Koslow handles the contretemps with aplomb. In many ways this lighthearted book reminds me of another book of a heavier nature written years ago, Mary McCarthy’s “The Group.”
– Dave Wood, Book Report: A triple treat this week | Rosemount Town Pages | Rosemount, Minnesota

"With Friends Like These probes beneath the surface to ponder the issues that arise when a woman has to juggle friendships, boyfriends, husbands, children and work. Where does her true loyalty lie? To feel conflicted and stretched too thin seems to be the norm for today’s modern woman. Can you also admire a friend and be jealous --- perhaps even resentful --- of her at the same time? Koslow ruminates on these questions with a refreshing, and sometimes startling, honesty..... What could have been just another story of four female friends, a la “Sex and the City,” turns out to be, in Koslow’s hands, an elevated, biting tale of human foibles."
– Bronwyn Miller, Bookreporter.com

"Koslow does a great job making her characters real, showing the good along with the bad… The real issue here is whether a friendship is strong enough to forgive all wrongs, or is there a point when the pain is too much and ties must be cut? Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the women, so readers really get inside their heads.  Koslow gives each of them a unique voice, making known their motivations, frustrations, sorrows, and guilt.  The characters are well developed... Koslow stays true to these women until the very end, and…I was sad when their stories concluded.
With Friends Like These should prompt readers to assess their own friendships…Koslow is a talented writer of women’s fiction."
– Anna Bitgood Horner, Diary of an Eccentric

"Each chapter is a first-person narrative told by one of the four women, a literary device employed by Koslow to optimal effect: The reader experiences and understands each woman’s emotions and moral dilemmas. Therein lies the strength of With Friends Like These. ...The book could have been just another tale of back-stabbing, self-absorbed, vacuous women. But Koslow elevates the tale by convincingly demonstrating that even the best friendships can be punctuated by jealousy, deceit, and betrayal, as well as guilt, insecurity, regret, and, ultimately, forgiveness....Every one of the characters is unique, deliciously flawed, and individually intriguing. Their conduct will, at times, literally evoke gasps of shock and revulsion, but a few pages later, the reader is just as likely to be either laughing aloud or crying along with one of the characters. ...despite their shortcomings, each woman is a loving and compassionate friend to the other three, albeit in her own imperfect manner. Each eventually recognizes that long-time friendships, if lost, can never be replaced or replicated, because the years spent getting to know each other and standing by each other’s side, can never be recaptured."
– Janie, Mom Blog Network

"A sharp, perceptive portrait of friends and former roommates as they grow into their 30's and 40's... I can attest to the accuracy and unwillingness to take the easy way out from the author's point of view. She's real and refreshingly honest." 
– Ellen Scordato, Barnes & Noble Book Clubs

"…the definitive look at relationships among women as they change with the passing years…Koslow has lived in New York City since she graduated from college and knows the city better than many natives."
– David Kinchen, BASIL & SPICE OPINION

"I loved how each chapter was told in first-person, alternating between four women. You really get into their heads and get a true sense of who they each are. Each character was vividly written and I felt like they were my own friends by the end of the book. I also felt that each chapter left you hanging, so that you couldn't help reading to find out more. Great book and I look forward to reading more of Sally Koslow's books."
– Kristen, Always With a Book

"Plenty of snark to go around. There was more than one occasion when I actually spoke 'wow' out loud... If you are looking for a guilty pleasure, you must pick up With Friends like These."
– Teresa, Teresa's Reading Corner

"As women get married, have kids and life gets hectic, friendships fall through the cracks. With Friends like These explores these issues and more…Women's friendships are complicated…Sometimes friends are in your life for a period of time to teach you something about life and yourself. Not all friendships are lifelong. My favorite friends were [in the book] Talia and Quincy. I could identify with both of these ladies for different reasons. I liked Talia because she felt like she needed to be the breadwinner because of her husband's career…In trying to do something for herself and her family, she ended up damaging her friendship with Chloe."
– Julie, Girls Just Reading

"I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to women's book groups. Excellent platform for exploring woman and friendship…The stores are told from the first-person, with each of four voices telling a chapter. Their voices are distinct and stories realistic and believable."
– Julie, A Musing Reviews

“A great women's fiction read that belong on beach blankets this summer…Great cliffhangers.”
– Carol Fitzgerald, Bookreporter.com Newsletter

"A warm tale that focuses on the value of friendship. Readers will enjoy this intelligent salute to friendship due to the strong ensemble cast."
– Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

"Not to be missed! I love Sally Koslow's writing. her characters and most of all, her NYC settings…and surprised and pleased at how the story ended." – Missy's Book Nook

"In alternating chapters Quincy, Talia, Chloe, and Jules narrate their stories in first person.  This gives the reader the insight that keeps the tale moving…heartwarming (and) painfully blunt.  The story rings true, and readers will embrace With Friends like These.  I like these (characters) and enjoyed spending some time with them.  Put this one on your list for a summer read…I got invested in the characters and I wanted to see what was going to happen to think…I loved Jules Rules."
– Deborah C. Jackson, Romance Reviews Today

"I'm sure every woman I know would love this book! The story was well written. A great read for a lazy afternoon"
– Freda, Freda's Voice

"I got invested in the characters and I wanted to see what was going to happen to think.... I loved Jules Rules."
– So Many Books, So Little Time

"The storyline is more complex and woven together much better than...chic lit.  Ms. Koslow has a way of delving into her characters hearts and extracting emotions that make your heart hurt for what they are going through.  This book was a fast read that held my interest throughout.  And, I am sad to say, I was able to relate to what these women endured with their best friends."
– Tracee, Review From Here

"Koslow’s writing style is fresh, upbeat, keeps the four story lines flowing and ultimately creates characters that the reader will either relate with or not depending on circumstances...With Friends Like These is filled with beautiful descriptions and full character development"
– Jennifer, Rundpinne.com

"A very emotional, touching and thought-provoking novel that has an outcome that will have the reader take stock of our own lives and friendships. What makes friendships endure for years?...The plot is profound and meaningful. The author creates four characters that experience so many real life emotions, trials and tribulations and through her written words, allows the reader to palpate each and every sentiment. A poignant must read !!!"
– C. Mash, CMash Loves To Read

I really enjoy Koslow's writing and found this story of four friends hard to put down—as I witnessed the train wreck they were creating in their lives…I enjoy books about a group of female friends, and this one is a great addition to the growing number of books that fall into that category. Koslow has once again entertained me and I will be watching for more work by her."
– Tina, Tina Says…

"I liked Sally Koslow’s premise. She ably maneuvers plot twists and always keeps the writing fresh."
– Diane Kennedy, Off the Shelf

"I was a big fan of The Late Lamented Molly Marx, so I was really excited when I learned (Sally Koslow) had a new book coming out.  With Friends Like These is a close inspection of friendship between women... Koslow...(and) captures the cattiness and backhandedness that seems to inevitably come with women’s friendships, as well as the power and damage that secrets can do to these relationships. I’ll definitely be seeking out Sally Koslow’s next novel."
– S. Krisha, S. Krishna's Books

"I could understand each of the (characters) motivations behind their actions...I was very satisfied with the ending...Overall, a great book about the struggles and rewards that come with long term friendship."
– Charlotte, Charlotte's Web of Books

"Little actions into life-changing consequences... I really enjoyed the book."
– Mary, BookHounds