" The picture on the cover of Circle of Friends tells us quite a bit really. As much as I love an English setting and enjoy being taken back a few decades, I found this story lacked pace. I had always wanted to read one of Maeve Binchy's books as a couple of friends are great fans, but perhaps the 'ordinariness' of the characters (although each one is decidedly well portrayed)pre-determined my overall opinion. We all know personalities that are akin to Benny, Eve, Jack and Nan's and can probably place them into a myriad of work places which is obviously indicative of a good story teller. And although I haven't rated it highly the heart of the author comes through giving me a sense of wholeness. It is good to be reminded that wherever we do our growing up there will always be conflict, pain, competitiveness, but also growth, happiness and friendships that do last throughout one's lifetime. "
— Trudee, 2/13/2014