Rachel Braun was the inspiration to her group of friends, the one who lived each day to the fullest—and the one whose life was cut tragically short. Upon her untimely death, Rachel left letters for her three best friends challenging them to face their biggest fears.
Sarah, an international relief worker who calls the steamy jungles of Africa home, must travel halfway around the world to track down the only man she ever loved. Stay-at-home mom Kate must confront her fear of heights by skydiving and soon finds that her new hobby is affecting her once-tranquil marriage. She and her husband must find a way to rekindle the romance they once shared. And Jo, a media mogul voted “least likely to breed,” is given the most terrifying assignment of all: caring for Rachel’s orphaned and grieving little girl. In doing so, Jo is forced to confront her own unhappy childhood—and the wall it has built around her heart.
Even as these women mourn Rachel’s passing, her legacy lives on and their lives are enriched by a friend who, in many ways, knew them better than they knew themselves.
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"I loved this story, it reminded me of friendship I have with various women who have been so important in my life. Janie, Yolie, Raquel and my sister Sue are just four who come to mind. Each has played an important part in who I am. I love each of them immensely."
— Andrea (5 out of 5 stars)
“Higgins writes with grace and humor, reminding us to hold tight to the ones we love.”
— Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author“The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship is a lovely novel with moments of deeply moving insight into what it means to be a mother, a wife, and a friend. Read it and share it with your own friends—you’ll be glad you did!”
— Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author“Offering words of wisdom from a dying friend, The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship inspires us to focus on what’s really important in our lives.”
— Liza Palmer, international bestselling author of A Field Guide to Burying Your Parents“Full of humor, love, and life lessons, this is an uplifting and satisfying novel that lingers long after the last page.”
— Elizabeth Noble, bestselling author of The Reading Group and The Girl Next Door“Poignant, romantic, and funny…About the need for our closest friends to occasionally give us a shove in the right direction when we’ve lost our way. You’ll recognize yourself in these women. I loved it.”
— Claire LaZebnik, author of If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home Now“An amazing novel of love, friendship, and community. A truly joyous read that marks an impressive debut.”
— Jane Porter, author of Flirting with Forty“A happy reminder that life is all about taking risks.”
— Publishers Weekly“Higgins’ novel will appeal to fans of feel-good stories whose life lessons lead to happy endings.”
— Booklist“Higgins balances humor and a touch of pathos to deliver an amiable tale of friendship.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Easy read outlining the lives of 3 college friends as they examine their lives years later. Enjoyed it. "
— Aunt, 2/7/2014" I agree with most of the other "Good Reads" reviews. It was a quick easy read. Thought provoking at times. I definitely categorize it as chick lit, though. "
— Beth, 2/7/2014" a tear jerker, but a worthwhile beach read. "
— Janine, 2/5/2014" Great book for a bookclub full of girls. A story about the meaning of true friendship. "
— Nicole, 2/4/2014" This was an enjoyable, quick read. I felt like I knew these women and enjoyed the journey that each one of them took in the story. When I started, I was worried that it was going to be a gushy Chick-lit book, but was pleasantly surprised when it showed some depth. "
— Francine, 1/29/2014" This book was so good. I'll be honest, I thought that it was going to be just a fluffy chic book, but I was so wrong. There was much more depth to it than I expected. What a wonderful cast of characters, whom I immediately bonded with from the first page. "
— Sheryl, 1/25/2014" I was lukcy enough to meet the author at a signing, and the book is as delightful as she is. A lovely foray into interwoven friendships and the choices people might make if the chance to take a different path is thrust upon them. "
— Christi, 1/24/2014" This is a nice light read about three friends who each take on a new life changing challenge after the death of a mutual friend. It has nice concurrent storylines about each of the women. Its a good holiday read. "
— Jacqui, 1/16/2014" Enjoyable, quick read. Not great, but likable. I did appreciate reading "chick lit" that was about women in/near my age group. I suppose the most telling explanation for a 3-star review is that I can't really find much to say about the book other than "I liked it." "
— Mary, 1/14/2014" Whether you are a mother or wife (or just thinking of becoming one/both of the two) the universal themes of this wonderful women's fiction novel will resonate with you. "
— Cristina, 12/28/2013" I liked the story and the friendships but I think the Characters needed a little better development in the begining. "
— Melissa, 12/19/2013" Author wrote romance novels. this is her first book of women's fiction. YUK. Abandoned it. "
— Carole, 12/11/2013" summer fiction reading... interesting but not captivating! ;-) "
— Holly, 11/25/2013" A wonderful book about the power of love and the strength of friendships. I loved it! "
— Maria, 10/31/2013" A good, easy read that was not only fun but also made me think about my own life. What might Rachel have written to me? Where can I improve? Most of all, a great reminder of to value close friends. "
— Susan, 10/25/2013" Makes you think about your friendships. I liked it. "
— Diane, 8/19/2013" Really enjoyed this story about 4 friends and how they reconnect to their lives and each other . I have wished for a friend circle like this -to be all lucky "
— Sarah, 7/29/2013" This is a wonderful book that makes you question your own responses if you found yourself in similar situations. I would recommend this to any woman. "
— Lisa, 1/20/2013" Hated for it to end. Wanted to know more their lives. "
— Donna, 9/20/2012" Jennifer "
— Jennifer, 9/8/2012" I really liked this book, especially on audio. The characters are likable, and they have much more depth than you think in the beginning. "
— Jocelyn, 6/11/2012" Predictable. A bit entertaining. "
— Ali, 1/31/2012" Captures the essence of good friendships and makes you think about the friendships you have. Don't take any friendship for granted. "
— Mbstrongman, 1/23/2012" Wonderful book. Could not put it down! It was about 3 women discovering themselves after their friend dies of a terminal illness. A must read. "
— Alicia, 5/20/2011" I agree with most of the other "Good Reads" reviews. It was a quick easy read. Thought provoking at times. I definitely categorize it as chick lit, though. "
— Beth, 5/18/2011" my next book club book. This one was an easy enjoyable read - yet again something I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself. Started it and couldn't put it down. A few home truths in it for me... "
— Nicola, 5/18/2011" Enjoyable read. Love the title, would that I took such care of my own friendships. The plot was highly predictable, but as i enjoyed all the characters, this didn't really other me. Good chic lit overall. "
— Kirsten, 5/16/2011" I really liked this book, especially on audio. The characters are likable, and they have much more depth than you think in the beginning. "
— Jocelyn, 4/29/2011" This book read like a lifetime movie. It was a good one to pass the time on my commute :) "
— Rachel, 4/4/2011" What a great story. I could definitely relate being married with kids and nearly 40. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much when I was younger.<br/> "
— Jeanette, 3/29/2011" The title and cover caught my eye. What a great book. It dove right into the plot and kept ahold of me until the end. I recommend this author/book. "
— Jen, 3/26/2011" This book was so good. I'll be honest, I thought that it was going to be just a fluffy chic book, but I was so wrong. There was much more depth to it than I expected. What a wonderful cast of characters, whom I immediately bonded with from the first page. "
— Sheryl, 3/25/2011" Deeper than the usual "chick lit." "
— Gina, 3/14/2011" This is a nice light read about three friends who each take on a new life changing challenge after the death of a mutual friend. It has nice concurrent storylines about each of the women. Its a good holiday read. "
— Jacqui, 3/10/2011Lisa Verge Higgins is the RITA-nominated author of thirteen historical and contemporary novels that have been published worldwide and translated into fifteen languages. Her novel The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship is her first venture into mainstream women’s fiction.
Elisa Medhus, MD, is an accomplished physician who has practiced internal medicine for more than thirty years. She is also the award-winning author of Raising Children Who Think for Themselves, Raising Everyday Heroes, and Hearing Is Believing.