Summer Friends by Holly Chamberlin

In this compelling novel set against the beautiful backdrop of Ogunquit, Maine, the bestselling author of Tuscan Holiday and One Week in December portrays an unexpected friendship, and its consequences for two very different women as time inevitably sweeps them into adulthood. . .
Over the course of one eventful summer, nine-year-old native Mainer Delphine Crandall and Maggie Weldon, a privileged girl "from away," become best friends. Despite the social gulf between them, their bond is strengthened during vacations spent rambling around Ogunquit's beaches and quiet country lanes, and lasts throughout their college years in Boston. It seems nothing can separate them, yet after graduation, Delphine and Maggie slowly drift in different directions. . .
With her MBA, Maggie acquires a lucrative career, and eventually marries. Delphine is drawn back home, her life steeped in family and the Maine community she loves. Twenty years pass, until one summer, Maggie announces she's returning to Ogunquit to pay an extended visit. And for the first time, the friends are drawn to reflect on their choices and compromises, the girls they were and the women they've become, the promises kept and broken—and the deep, lasting ties that even time can never quite wash away. . .
"An honest, forceful novel about love, family, and sacrifice."—Booklist on One Week in December
"It does the trick as a beach book and provides a touristy taste of Maine's seasonal attractions." —Publishers Weekly on The Family Beach House

Goodreads Summary

This is a beautiful book on female friendship.  Maggie and Delphine are completely different with regards to their social and economic status; even so, they become fast friends when they are younger.  Delphine is the one who takes the time to smell the roses; she is kind, thoughtful, and sweet.  Maggie lives life a little bit in the fast lane.  She is more impulsive, a bit of a spendthrift, and chaotic.  They are perfect foils for each other, balancing out each other's characters.

As with many friendships, the two drift apart after graduation.  Maggie and Delphine lead very separate lives; for a gap of two decades, they do not acknowledge their friendship.  The reader will find their lives in between interesting, the events are fast-paced and fun to read about.  Eventually, they meet again at a time when their lives have calmed down and they both have time for long chats and reacquainting themselves with the other. 

The reader will find this book funny, somewhat dramatic, cute, and sweet.  The plot is nothing special, but perfect for the book's purposes.  The characters are fun to read about-even the secondary characters.  This book is recommended to young adults/adults who enjoy novels like Sarah Addison Allen's containing female friendship.

4 Stars