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Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends: A Novel | Maeve Binchy
It began with Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, growing up, inseparable, in the village of Knockglen. Bennythe only child, yearning to break free from her adoring parents...Evethe orphaned offspring of a convent handyman and a rebellious blueblood, abandoned by her mother's wealthy family to be raised by nuns. Eve and Bennythey knew the sins and secrets behind every villager's lace curtains...except their own. It widened at Dublin, at the university where Benny and Eve met beautiful Nan Mahlon and Jack Foley, a doctor's handsome son. But heartbreak and betrayal would bring the worlds of Knockglen and Dublin into explosive collision. Long-hidden lies would emerge to test the meaning of love and the strength of ties held within the fragile gold bands of a...Circle Of Friends. From the Paperback edition.
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DebinHawaii
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#SummerSpecial

For #FriendsDay 💚
Still a favorite - book & movie.

Eggs Sounds good!! 8mo
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review
Yoricke_SouthAfrica
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. It was exactly what I was in the mood for. Think I will be reading a lot more of this author's books. She has a similar style to Jilly Cooper or Anita Burgh.. good story, lots of characters and lots of drama, but still a fairly light and enjoyable read.

Cortg It‘s been over 20 years but I remember really enjoying Tara Road by Binchy. There was also a 90‘s movie with Minnie Driver done on Circle of Friends that was decent. Tara Road had a movie but I remember that one being bad. Cheers to discovering authors! 2y
Yoricke_SouthAfrica @Cortg It really is such a pleasure to discover a new author with such an extension list of books. Thank you so much for the info, I'm definitely going to look into the movie and add Tara road as a next read. 2y
33 likes2 comments
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Yoricke_SouthAfrica
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Another author recommended to by a reader's group. So far I'm really enjoying this book.

perfectsinner I enjoy her! 2y
Yoricke_SouthAfrica @perfectsinner It's always a bonus when you find a new author that you enjoy and they have so many books. It's like finding hidden treasures 🤩 2y
perfectsinner Absolutely! 😊 2y
29 likes1 stack add3 comments
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sarahbellum
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Pickpick

Finally finished this chunky (600p) and delightfully warm read! Near the end, some of the romantic elements started to get a little melodramatic for me, but Binchy reigned it in and had me cheering for Benny and Eve. The small town setting reminded me of an Irish version of Stars Hallow and the kooky townspeople rounded out the cozy story nicely. Will be reaching for more Binchy in the future!
Second March #roll100 complete!
#catsoflitsy

Ruthiella Maeve Binchy is a total comfort read for me. The woman knew how to tell a story! 2y
PuddleJumper That's great and you found a new author to enjoy! 2y
43 likes2 comments
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sarahbellum
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I get today off in observance of Cesar Chavez Day (a holiday in California), so I‘m starting my day reading with our sleepy pup. I‘m almost halfway done with Circle of Friends for my second #roll100 pick and very much enjoying it so far. Hoping to finish it up in time to squeeze in my #bookspin for the month 😬
#dogsoflitsy

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Ruthiella
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It‘s been a few years since I read any Maeve Binchy, and I don‘t exactly remember what titles entirely, but I have fond memories of her and her novels which are almost all set, at least in part, in Ireland 🇮🇪 🍀 .

#LitsySpringBreak. Ireland

TheKidUpstairs 💚💚💚 3y
Ruthiella @rubyslippersreads I‘ll have to add it to my list! I‘m pretty sure I‘ve not read it. 😀 3y
32 likes3 comments
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Andrea313
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Sure, Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnell had big parts in the film adaptation of this wonderful book by #MaeveBinchy. But we all know the real stars were Alan Cumming's Creepy Sean Walsh and Colin Firth's moustache. #AugustAuthors
 @OriginalCyn620 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

OriginalCyn620 🤣🤣🤣 4y
19 likes1 comment
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MallenNC
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I normally don‘t like movie-tie in covers, but it‘s only fair to use this one since the movie introduced me to this author and to Minnie Driver. (Although, apologies to Chris O‘Donnell bc in my memory it was Matt Damon in this movie. I guess my brain was mixing it with Good Will Hunting.) #AugustAuthors

OriginalCyn620 This is my favorite Binchy and I love the film adaptation! 4y
25 likes1 comment
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OriginalCyn620
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By no means have I read all of her works, but of the ones I have, this is my favorite.
#MaeveBinchy #augustauthors

rubyslippersreads 💚 this one. I also highly recommend my favorite, 4y
OriginalCyn620 That‘s one I haven‘t read yet @rubyslippersreads! Thanks for the rec! 4y
36 likes3 comments
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GatheringBooks
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#AugustAuthors Day 6: In the ten years that we have blogging over at GatheringBooks, I just realized that we have not featured anything at all by #MaeveBinchy

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
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OriginalCyn620
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One of my favorites! 🇮🇪☘️💚
#irishauthorsetinireland #magnificentmarch

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty!! 💚💚 4y
50 likes2 comments
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EadieB
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TheSpineView 😍😍😍 5y
59 likes1 comment
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DebinHawaii
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#LilithJuly
I looked for books set in the fifties, the prime time of #DooWop & saw one of my favorites & also a favorite book-to-film adaptation (except for the unfortunate Colin Firth character & his mustache. Don‘t make my Mr. Darcy an ugly sleazeball!😱). Anyway, there‘s a college dance & music & Fats Domino on the movie soundtrack, so I think it counts. 😉

AsYouWish Love this book and movie!!!! This was the movie that started my love of Alan Cumming, although his character was quite creepy. 5y
DebinHawaii @AsYouWish Yes! Alan Cumming was most excellently creepy in it! 😆 5y
Liatrek I love this movie and always wanted to read the book. 5y
See All 11 Comments
Penny_LiteraryHoarders Now I want to rewatch this movie! (And reread the book!) 5y
Rachbb3 I love this book! ❤ 5y
DebinHawaii @Liatrek It‘s worth a read for sure! 👍📚 5y
DebinHawaii @Penny_LiteraryHoarders I know! As I was grabbing the photos for the collage I thought the same thing! 🤗 5y
DebinHawaii @Rachbb3 Me too! 📚❤️ 5y
KarenUK Perfect! 👌and such a cute movie ... 5y
Cinfhen Well played 🙌🏻‼️🎶 5y
70 likes11 comments
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OriginalCyn620
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This book is one of my all-time favorites! 🇮🇪
#ireland #letstraveljuly

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚💚💚 5y
46 likes1 comment
review
EmilieGR
Pickpick

Beautiful and smart and healthy

review
ralexist
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Pickpick

I'm a fan of the movie by the same name but I'd never read the book so when I had a reading challenge prompt of "Set in Ireland or by an Irish Author", I knew that this was the time to pick it up. Set in the 1950s and bouncing between Knockglen and Dublin this follows Benny as she navigates life, friendship, and love with the university's golden boy. I flew through this despite its 576 pages, which should tell you that I truly loved this.

Rachbb3 This was my pick for #Booked2019 too and I love it! 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I forgot this was made into a movie. Good job on the prompt! 5y
Cinfhen A few Littens choose to read Maeve Binchy for this prompt and they all gave her 4 + stars (edited) 5y
38 likes4 comments
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catebutler
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Pickpick

I recently read my first Binchy & oh how I adored it! Sometimes books come into our lives at just the right moment & this was one of them. It was comfort food for the soul, & the perfect book to curl up w/ on a cold winter day. Binchy writes w/ a simplicity that‘s brilliant, & her characters! I absolutely fell in love w/ several in the novel, & feel like they‘ve become friends. Don‘t you just love when that happens w/ a book! #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead

wallacereads Well said. 5y
catebutler @Phancatherine Thank you, Catherine! 💓 5y
BiblioLitten Absolutely! 🤗 5y
See All 6 Comments
catebutler @BiblioLitten 🧡 Every time it happens, it‘s that lovely reminder of why I‘m a bookworm. 📖🐛 5y
Freespirit I read some of her books years ago and remember loving them. Thanks for reminding me Cate 5y
catebutler @Freespirit I can see why you loved them! This was such a wonderful book. I‘ll be reading more of them with the buddy read here on Litsy. Next up, later this month, is ‘Firefly Summer‘. 5y
50 likes1 stack add6 comments
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OriginalCyn620
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Representing #Ireland, like the good little Irish girl I am! #literaryluck

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚🍀💚🍀💚🍀 5y
vkois88 Yes! 💚☘💚☘💚 5y
52 likes2 comments
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 18 - 20

Question 5 of 5

cobwebmoth I hope that Eve can open up emotionally to Aidan. I like them together. I think that they'll keep Heather as a regular part of their lives. I hope Benny stays strong and has a happy future. I hope that Mother Francis is around for a long time to lend her common sense to everyone. I think I'll keep these characters with me for a long time. 5y
TheBookHippie I think the town is the main character:,all the intertwining pieces. I loved Mother Francis. Benny and Eve. This was a lovely read. Also truthfully it was fun to loathe NaN 🤪 5y
catebutler I really hope Eve and Aidan work out! He‘s so good for her. And I‘m so proud of Benny! She is by far my favourite ending of the book. I was so happy she walked away from Jack. She grew so much as a character. I also hope Heather sees more of Eve and Benny. I was so happy to see her find some happiness at the convent. And Mother Francis, she‘s and angel. Such a well written and loveable character. 5y
EadieB I also hope that Eve, Aidan and Heather get together. I think Benny was the one that grew the most and I hope Eve learned a lesson but I doubt she did. I hope Jack reconsiders next time about cheating and hurting another person. I wish the best to Mother Francis also. 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 18 - 20

Question 4 of 5

cobwebmoth I thought that Jack's parents would push him to end the engagement. I wasn't sure what Nan would decide to do. 5y
TheBookHippie I figured it‘d all be over. No reason now. 5y
catebutler I wasn‘t surprised Nan ended things with Jack. I also wasn‘t surprised she left him hanging for so she could recover and sort things on her time. She‘ll unfortunately bounce back quite quickly and move onto the next man easily. It‘s very hard to feel empathy for her, even with the loss of her baby. I‘m not sure how I feel about the wrap up of her story. I don‘t feel she really grew or learned to be a better person from all of this. 5y
EadieB I thought that Jack was now off the hook and would try to get back with Benny and I was glad that Benny turned him down. 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 18 - 20

Question 3 of 5

cobwebmoth No, I believe that Nan is to blame because of her own actions. 5y
TheBookHippie No I think that Nan was purposeful and calculated in all she did. This is the fruition of that!!!! 5y
catebutler I truly think it was an accident. Nan‘s remorse afterwards was very realistic and heartfelt to me. It did make Nan‘s dilemma go away quite nicely though... 5y
EadieB I think is was accident. 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 18 - 20

Question 2 of 5

cobwebmoth I thought that it showed no consideration for Benny's feelings. 5y
TheBookHippie Very CRASS. Just wow. Self involved to the point of being so not right in the head!!! 5y
catebutler I thought this just showed how self centred each of them were. It wasn‘t respectful at all to any of the others, especially Benny. 5y
EadieB They should have stayed away. So inconsiderate of Benny‘s feelings! 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 18 - 20

Question 1 of 5

cobwebmoth Their relationship infuriated me. Everything Nan did was calculated and uncaring. I felt that Jack's side of the relationship was just lust fueled. 5y
TheBookHippie @cobwebmoth I‘m with you!!!! Ugh!!!! They both make me sick!!! 5y
catebutler I honestly wasn‘t surprised. When Simon rejected Nan, and she refused to go to England, I knew she would have to come up with a pretty sly plan. And, she definitely knew how to play to Jack‘s honour and weakness. 5y
EadieB I agree Nan was wicked enough to know how to trap Jack for her own interest. 5y
8 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
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Will shortly post the final questions for the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of #CircleOfFriends. Thanks everyone who joined in and contributed.

I may possibly have communicated mixed messages about the March book for #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead. Apologies if I have - I got myself confused 🙄😳🤦‍♂️, the next book we will be reading together is Firefly Summer which will start on 19th March.

catebutler My copy of ‘Firefly Summer‘ just showed up in the post today! Looking forward to reading another one later this month. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler How‘s that for timing! 👏😊👍 5y
47 likes2 comments
review
EadieB
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Pickpick

Great Binchy read and probably the best story in my opinion. The characters were well-developed and some you could love and some you could hate. It's a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of several girls as they grow into young women, navigate romantic relationships, and try to come to terms with who they are as people. I'm looking forward to reading Firefly Summer next and would recommend her books to those who love reading about Ireland.

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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 15 - 17

Question 5 of 5

EadieB Nan is a creep and tricked Jack and I think Benny should have nothing to do with Jack anymore. 5y
cobwebmoth @EadieB I have to agree. 5y
Andrew65 Never had a great opinion about Nan but going after Jack! I don‘t have the words! @EadieB @cobwebmoth Benny needs to be very worried! Can‘t see any future between Jack and Benny and she deserves better. (edited) 5y
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catebutler This just made me sad. Especially since Benny has been the one and only true friend to Nan out of the entire group. Even though Benny is a bit naive at times (clearly with sending Nan off with Jack), I do admire her character and loyalty immensely. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler Very sad! 5y
TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I did never like it trust NaN!!!!!! She‘s a snake. No scruples 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🤯 no emotion. She‘s quite the piece of work! 5y
TheBookHippie @EadieB I so agree!!!! 5y
12 likes7 comments
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 15 - 17

Question 4 of 5

EadieB I thought after Simon didn‘t want to have anything to do with the baby that Nan should have just had the baby and adoption would be a good idea if she didn‘t want to keep it. I‘m not an advocate for abortion but that‘s an option too. Don‘t think I could ever have one but don‘t condemn that option if you can have one and handle it. 5y
cobwebmoth I was not surprised by the pregnancy or Simon's reaction. I'm beginning to think that Nan is downright diabolical. 5y
Andrew65 Not surprised by Simon‘s reaction, he saw her as below him. Have fun with her but never marrying material in his eyes. Pregnancy not a great surprise. Difficult to know what she should do in Ireland at that time. But definitely shouldn‘t have done what she ended up doing. @EadieB @cobwebmoth (edited) 5y
catebutler I think her decision to fool Jack, instead of going to England and having the baby, putting it up for adoption and then coming back with a clean slate, just proved her lack of character. She truly was a selfish individual. A part of me does pity her, I think her mother raised her with so many disillusions and warped opinions. It struck me quite a bit, when she mentioned that she was tired, tired of trying to be someone, and she was only twenty. 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 15 - 17

Question 3 of 5

EadieB I thought they should fire Sean as he was stealing from the company. 5y
cobwebmoth I think they handled things well. I think it would have been a lot of ugliness and drama if they had done things in a more public way. I was pleasantly surprised by how Mrs. Hogan took charge after Benny told her about everything. 5y
Andrew65 @cobwebmoth @Eadieb They did it brilliantly in the end. Good to see Benny‘s mother come to the fire. What a scumbag he was! How did he fool Mr Hogan! 5y
catebutler I was so happy with the way they handled Sean and the embezzlement. Well written, Ms. Binchy! 👏🏼 5y
10 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 15 - 17

Question 2 of 5

cobwebmoth She was sad and lonely and no one was listening to her. It didn't surprise me that she ran away. I was just relieved that she was safe. This part reminded me why I like Mother Francis so much. 5y
EadieB Yes I thought she ran away because she didn‘t like her school too much. I figured she would run to Eve‘s cottage because she knew nobody was there and knew where to find the key. 5y
Andrew65 Definitely looked like she had run away, wondered if she was trying to follow Eve.certainly nobody see,Ed to be listening. Big problems in that family. @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
catebutler I actually guessed quite easily where, Heather had run off to. It wasn‘t surprising in the least. It actually bothered me quite a bit with how dumb or unimaginative all of these characters were about the cottage. I thought it would be easily guessed that it was Nan and Simon and Nan and Jack staying there when music was heard or the ghost was mentioned. And it was a very logical place for Heather to run to as well. 5y
11 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Chapter 15 - 17

Question 1 of 5

EadieB Jack gets involved with Nan and after that I didn‘t care for him much and thought that Benny would be better off without him as she would always have to worry about his cheating. 5y
cobwebmoth At first he seemed supportive, but he is definitely a very selfish person. Benny deserves better. I agree that his cheating would always be a concern. 5y
Andrew65 His behaviour became disgraceful, first there was Wales, then by the sound of it sleeping with people in Dublin and if this wasn‘t enough he then slept regularly with one of her friends in her own village. 😡🤬 @cobwebmoth @EadieB (edited) 5y
See All 6 Comments
catebutler I‘m in agreement with each of you! I really had high hopes for Jack, I think I have a habit of looking on the positive side and giving people chances. I was really disappointed at how selfishly he hooked up with Nan and ditched Benny. I don‘t think he was justified at all, especially since Benny wasn‘t there because of the death of her father. I have a feeling he‘ll have many regrets because of this. 5y
TheBookHippie He is a narcissist...being how his mother raised him to be and showed how to treat women 😭😭🤷🏽‍♀️ 5y
TheBookHippie Sooooo disgusting !!! 5y
9 likes6 comments
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Andrew65
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Will shortly post the questions for Chapters 15 - 17 for the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of #CircleOffriends.

Tove_Reads Will join you for the next one! 5y
39 likes1 comment
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #Circleoffriends

Chapter 12 - 14

Question 5 of 5

cobwebmoth I hope that Benny can figure out where the money went. I'm hoping that Mr. Hogan's death doesn't keep Benny from finishing her education. I'm afraid that her mother won't be much help when it comes to things related to the business. 5y
EadieB I hope Mr. Hogan hasn‘t signed the final agreement to make Sean a partner. I have a feeling Sean has been embezzling money from the business. I think Benny should talk to a solicitor or her mom and let someone know what she suspects. 5y
catebutler I was quite shocked by his death! I can see this being the downfall of the Hogan‘s, or the making of Benny and her mother. I‘m hoping for the latter. I also wouldn‘t be surprised in the least that Sean is the one who‘s been taking money. And that would also explain his looking at the cottages. I think it‘s all connected. I am so invested in this novel right now, I really am rooting for so many of the characters to shine and pull through! 5y
Andrew65 Please don‘t have signed that agreement! 🤞 The Death was a shock and feel it could have a major impact in the second half of the book. Definitely sounds like he was embezzling. Is this why it wasn‘t a successful business? Yes fish to a solicitor and throw Sean out on his ear! @catebutler @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #Circleoffriends

Chapter 12 - 14

Question 4 of 5

cobwebmoth I felt bad for Mr. Hogan. It really put him in an impossible situation. It just made me hate Sean even more. He's such a weasel! 5y
EadieB I don‘t trust Sean and I think Mr. Hogan should think twice about making him a partner. (edited) 5y
catebutler Sean, where to even begin. He really is a snake in the grass. I do hope the entire Hogan family can gain a backbone and not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by him. I‘m really hoping he gets tossed out by the end of the book! 5y
Andrew65 I think Mr Hogan should do a Robert the Bruce and think and think again. Please don‘t do it! Never understood why he gets such favourable treatment from them! 😡 @catebutler @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #Circleoffriends

Chapter 12 - 14

Question 3 of 5

cobwebmoth I wasn't surprised by her behavior, but it irritates me. She's so manipulative. 5y
EadieB Nan is turning into a real snob but I‘m not surprised because she likes to act as a debutant. 5y
catebutler Nan‘s behaviour is quite atrocious, she really does seem to use people for her gain. But, I do think it will backfire on her at the end. I don‘t see her ending being quite as bright as she thinks she deserves. 5y
Andrew65 One word! Disgusting behaviour, really going off her more and more! Very manipulative @cobwebmoth @catebutler @EadieB 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #Circleoffriends

Chapter 12 - 14

Question 2 of 5

cobwebmoth It doesn't surprise me. She didn't grow up around any real examples of romantic love, and she has always been very practical about most everything. I like Aidan. I think he really cares about Eve. I just don't know if Eve is capable of letting herself open up at this point. 5y
EadieB Growing up in a convent does not make for a good example of love between a man and woman. I‘m not sure Eve is ready for a relationship with Aiden. (edited) 5y
catebutler I think with the fates of both her parents and being raised by the nuns, it isn‘t surprising the way she feels about love. But, I do think she‘ll soften, especially with the help of Benny, Heather and Mother Francis. I actually really like Aidan, I do think he genuinely cares for Eve. His banter with her about their eight children, etc., is quite endearing and comical. (edited) 5y
Andrew65 I think she will struggle with the love concept because of the abandonment by her family. I feel it is this more than growing up in a convent. Mother Francis did act more like a mother than a nun. I think Aidan is just what she needs, but needs to give herself permission to commit to what could be a loving relationship. Hopefully he will help her me.low. @catebutler @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #Circleoffriends

Chapter 12 - 14

Question 1 of 5

cobwebmoth I wondered about this. I'm not sure, but everything he does makes me uneasy. I'm hoping he just wants to move into his own home. 5y
EadieB I think he may want to move into one. 5y
catebutler Sean seems to always have an ulterior motive for his actions. I‘m with @cobwebmoth and @EadieB I think he‘s planning on moving into one of the cottages. (edited) 5y
Andrew65 I agree, I think in his warped mind he saw him and Benny moving into one of them! @catebutler @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
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Andrew65
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#CircleOfFriends #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead

Will shortly post the questions for chapters 12 - 14, sorry these are so late. Been a VERY busy week at work and also been scrabbling trying o finish off books before the end of the month. I will seek to get back on track by posting questions for chapters 15 - 17 tomorrow, and 18-20 on Saturday.

TheBookHippie No problem I‘ve been delayed too 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🙄🤪 5y
Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Thanks. Life does have a habit of getting in the way. 😳 5y
cobwebmoth No worries.☺ 5y
See All 8 Comments
Andrew65 @cobwebmoth Thanks 👍😊 5y
catebutler Please don‘t stress! All that you‘ve done with the discussion, is highly appreciated. It clearly takes time and effort and life can be busy. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler Thanks, just don‘t like to let people down. 👍😊 5y
EadieB @Andrew65 Just post the questions when you can and don‘t stress about it. We understand. (edited) 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB Thanks 😊👍 (edited) 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead
#CircleOfFriends

Chapter 9 - 11

Question 4 of 4

catebutler I can see something long term with Jack and Benny if they both grow up a bit. I‘m hoping Benny will have the courage to move out, away from her parents and make up with Eve. My ideal, both of them moving into the cottage together. What fun they‘d have! 😊 5y
EadieB I think Benny will end up in love with Jack but I think Jack will break her heart. I think Benny will want to leave Knockglen because it is too small and not much happening there. I‘m not sure leaving Knockglen will be a good idea for Benny. (edited) 5y
TheBookHippie @catebutler oh I like that !!! 5y
cobwebmoth I agree with @EadieB that Benny will fall in love with Jack, but Jack will probably break her heart. I wish she could get away from Knockglen, but I think her parents will make that difficult for her. 5y
Andrew65 I had more hope for Jack and Benny and hope he is serious about Benny and won‘t break her heart @EadieB @cobwebmoth @TheBookHippie @catebutler I think it‘s definitely time for Benny to become more indecent and move into accommodation in Dublin. 5y
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Andrew65
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead
#CircleOfFriends

Chapter 9 - 11

Question 3 of 4

catebutler Nan‘s true colours kind of came out at the dance, especially when Simon walked into the gift shop. I loved how Benny gained courage after overhearing Rosemary gossiping about her in the bathroom. And I do think Benny and Jack‘s relationship has progressed a bit, especially since he asked her out to lunch the next day, alone. I‘m still up in the air with him though, since he does seem to play the field. 5y
EadieB I think Jack seems more interested in Benny. Other than that the others are status quo but I think Rosemary will be disappointed when she finds out about Jack and Benny. 5y
cobwebmoth @catebutler @EadieB I agree. I was amused at how Eve refused to introduce Simon to Nan. 5y
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Andrew65 @catebutler I think we‘ll starting to see Jack make a decision and stop playing the field. 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB Can‘t wait for the reaction when Rosemary finds out about Benny, at the moment she doesn‘t see her as a rival. 5y
Andrew65 Simon and NaN are definitely getting together. 5y
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead
#CircleOfFriends

Chapter 9 - 11

Question 2 of 4

catebutler I can understand why she is hesitant to keep clear of the cottage, but I personally think if she gave it a chance, she‘d love it. I‘m really hoping Simon, Heather and Mother Francis can soften her a bit. I see all three of them being good for her and vice versa. 5y
EadieB I think Benny should move into the cottage but right now it does have sad memories for her. 5y
cobwebmoth I understand her being hesitant about staying there, but I don't think it would be a bad thing to work through those feelings. 5y
Andrew65 She definitely needs to work through her feelings. @catebutler I definitely agree about Heather being good for her and Simon could be if she‘d allow him in. @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead
#CircleOfFriends

Chapter 9 - 11

Question 1 of 4

catebutler It seemed to work when he wasn‘t able to invite her to the movies again, but he doesn‘t seem like the type to take no as the answer. I‘m really hoping that she is able to get away from him, he‘s so toxic! 5y
cobwebmoth I think she should be polite, but I think she should be more firm about their lack of a future together. She's being so passive about letting Sean take her to the movies, etc. that I think he still views her as "his". 5y
Andrew65 @cobwebmoth Definitely agree, needs to make it clear that there is no future with him. Don‘t keep going to the pictures with him, only encouraging him! 5y
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Andrew65 @catebutler I agree about him being toxic! Creepy with it too. Just no! 5y
EadieB I would have to agree with @cobwebmoth she needs to be upfront with him and say that we can be friends but nothing more. 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB I think he will still take encouragement from friends, I think she needs to stop the friend relationship with him. 5y
catebutler @Andrew65 I thought it was so interesting when Sean had the discussion in the street with Clodagh. They have a history and it seems to be a bit seedy too! So I definitely didn‘t like or trust him after this. He is creepy! 5y
EadieB @Andrew65 I don‘t think she should ignore or talk mean to Sean as it will make her parents mad and she will look bad. She needs to be social to him but lay it on the line that the relationship is going nowhere. 5y
TheBookHippie He is creepy!!!!! No no no no. Over. Buhbye. Yikes. She needs to be FIRM. 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB I don‘t think she needs to be mean to him just not send him mixed messages. She doesn‘t have to socialise with him. 5y
EadieB @Andrew65 I agree! 5y
Crewgurl Agreed!!! 5y
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #CircleOfFriends

Will shortly post the questions for Chapter 9 - 11.

Aleida Loved that book. One of the few I‘ve ever read twice. So smart and full of young souls. 5y
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Chapter 5 - 8

Question 5 of 5

cobwebmoth At this point I don't really see either relationship going very far romantically. I worry very much that Benny will get her heart broken. 5y
catebutler I like how each of these characters have found another that pushes them out of their comfort zone. I see Aidan being really good for Eve and her rigidity. And I actually think Jack and Benny have a unique relationship, I think Jack will come to see how incredible and unique Benny really is, and Jack is also giving confidence to Benny in return. Fun to see how it all unfolds. (edited) 5y
TheBookHippie I like it so far. Will see. It‘s a good learning experience right now. 5y
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EadieB I agree these relationships are good for Eve and Benny. Better for all of them to hang together as a group and not get too serious. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler I can definitely see Benny and Jack forming a strong relationship, but may depend on how she can stand up to her family. 5y
Andrew65 Eve and Aidan‘s is an interesting relationship. Not totally sure about this one. @EadieB @catebutler @TheBookHippie @cobwebmoth 5y
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Chapter 5 - 8

Question 4 of 5

cobwebmoth I think she's holding out for someone with a high position in society, with lots of money. I wonder if she'll truly end up happy. 5y
catebutler I think it‘s in chapter 8, where Nan explains why to her mother Em. She says she is holding out for something better. Even if she dates someone who is economically better off than her in the village, it will still be the village. I do think Em is trying to give her the best, but I somewhat feel that she is also hurting Nan too, with this ideology. Although being in an abusive relationship I can see why Em pushes her to get out and do better. 5y
catebutler I know this is typical of the time (and even our time still), but it is sad to me, how Nan‘s way of getting better or out of her environment is based solely on her good looks. 5y
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TheBookHippie I don‘t like her!!!!!! I think she has an evil plan 🤷🏽‍♀️😳🙄 she makes me suspicious ! 5y
EadieB I think Nan needs to relax about her plan to meet someone with money. She needs to enjoy her college years and let things happen naturally. She‘s turning into a snooty girl and even if she is beautiful, her snooty attitude makes her ugly. 5y
Andrew65 @cobwebmoth She does seem to be holding out for someone with status and money. 5y
Andrew65 @TheBookHippie She seems a bit of a tease and then backing off. I do think she could be trouble too. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler I‘d agree. 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB Well said. 5y
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Chapter 5 - 8

Question 3 of 5

cobwebmoth I was a little surprised that she would approach them for money. I suppose it shows just how badly she wants to be able to attend college. Her cousins were more agreeable than I expected them to be. 5y
catebutler I actually really love how she went about this. The exchange between her and Simon, was so funny! I laughed at how stubborn she was about not begging and saying she was glad. I also loved her run in with her younger cousin Heather. I‘m hoping we‘ll see more of both of these cousins. I have a hunch that Simon might in truth be meant for Nan, but that‘s just me thinking out loud. 😊 5y
TheBookHippie I found it very interesting. Showed character in all the people. The cousins and Evie. 5y
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EadieB I think it was great that Eve went to their house to ask for college money. Maybe it will turnout that she can get closer to her mom‘s family. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler I wouldn‘t be surprised about NaN and Simon ending up together. 5y
Andrew65 I was surprised about her approaching them and that she got the money out of Simon so easily. I like Heather! She‘s like a bridge between them, can see more developing on this front. @EadieB @catebutler @cobwebmoth @TheBookHippie 5y
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Chapter 5 - 8

Question 2 of 5

cobwebmoth I have noticed some changes in Benny and Eve's friendship, but I think some of it is inevitable. Benny having to travel back every night isn't helping anything. 5y
catebutler I can see why she would be a bit bothered about it. Adding new people and shifting and changing friendships are natural. Growing pains of being a close duo to adding a third wheel is understandable. I do think it amplifies or reveals Benny‘s insecurities about herself, so thus the reason for why it bothers her. 5y
TheBookHippie I don‘t like Nan 🤣😳🤷🏽‍♀️at all. I think she‘s trouble. 5y
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EadieB If Benny is going to have secrets about losing weight and she is not confiding in Eve about what is going on in her life, it will be a wedge in their relationship. 5y
Andrew65 @TheBookHippie What is is about NaN you don‘t like? 5y
Andrew65 The relationship does seem to be breaking down and Eve appearing to gravitate more towards NaN. Eve disappointed me here because she never seemed to to back to the convent. I thought this was quite ungrateful of her. I can see why Benny would be jealous of the relationship and Eve being able to stay in Dublin. @cobwebmoth @EadieB @TheBookHippie @catebutler 5y
TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I wish I knew!!!! Seriously for some odd reason I don‘t like her. Bizarre!!! I just sense betrayal and narcissistic traits . Ha. Who knows I‘ve not had much sleep 🤣🤣🤣🤣 5y
Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Your readers instinct coming to the fore! 😊 5y
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Chapter 5 - 8

Question 1 of 5

catebutler I thought this was such a nice thing for her to do, and then it obviously led to Eve being able to have a place to stay - she seems to be quite intuitive. She‘s quickly becoming one of my favourite characters. 5y
cobwebmoth @catebutler I agree. I thought it was very kind of her. 5y
TheBookHippie Very kind. Insightful I think. 5y
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EadieB It was very nice of Mother Francis to ask Kit to come stay at the convent. It also turned out nice for Eve as a place to stay and help Kit at her house. 5y
Andrew65 It was very good of her and you could just see it ending up with her having Eve to live with her. @catebutler @EadieB @TheBookHippie @cobwebmoth 5y
TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I really liked these passages. But I have a love for nuns. This represents what I have personally experienced ❤️ 5y
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Apologies for being a bit late, but will shortly post the questions for Chapters 5 - 8 of the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of #CircleOfFriends.

Like before I will post these under spoilers so as not to spoil anyone‘s reading.

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Currently reading Circle of Friends for the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead.

Up to 6 hrs 33 minutes, and 345 Pages, in the #24B4Monday #readathon with under 4 hours to go on the first day.

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances @TheReadingMermaid is unable to co-host this month‘s Readathon but sends everyone her best wishes and support, whilst I hold the fort and encourage everyone during the challenge. Big shoes to fill but will do my best! 😳😊

Eggbeater @Andrew65 You're a great host. I really appreciate your doing this! 💕 5y
Andrew65 @Eggbeater Thank you 😊😍 5y
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