When We Were Friends: A Short Story

3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars | 17,133 ratings

Price: 0.99

Last update: 01-01-2025


About this item

From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes a riveting story about a friendship that turns ugly when a woman realizes her new best friend is not what she seems.

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life.

When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?


From the Publisher

A NEW BEST FRIEND CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU

Top reviews from the United States

Sweetpea
5.0 out of 5 stars “WHEN SOMEONE SHOWS YOU WHO THEY ARE, BELIEVE THEM THE FIRST TIME.” --MAYA ANGELOU
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
Such a profound little story, so much to think about. Issues of trust, forthrightness, honesty, and just plain meanness. Knowing what we have a right to expect from those we allow into our lives. Knowing our self-worth. Do we view our friendships in terms of meeting our own needs and not how they really are.

These aren't things we learn about overnight. Life lessons are just that—truths we learn over the course of our lives. It's also a story of generational differences. I don't blame Lucy for her blind faith—we all should view new acquaintances as nice until they prove themselves otherwise. Always being suspicious in life is no way to live. I also don't blame Elle for her youth, but she's much earlier in her life lesson journey than Lucy is and has a lot left to learn. One thing I do know is that once trust is broken it's almost impossible to earn back. This story can be an eye-opener for some, and/or a validation for others, but everyone, male or female, should take it to heart. It's a real skill writing a meaningful and well developed short story. They're hard to find and well worth it.
Happy Client
4.0 out of 5 stars A Cautionary Tale
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
I think the number of Lucys is growing in the world. I'm not sure if it's because the existence of people like Elle is increasing or if current societal conditions have just made them more visible. I was catfished by an Elle, and she nearly ruined my life. And yes, she did exactly to me what Elle did to Lucy, and more (my Elle was diabolical).

I've grown so much in the years since I experienced that trauma, and I saw evidence of that growth a few pages into this story. I called it and I'm proud of myself for that.

The moral of this story is trust your instincts. Pay attention to the little red flags because they add up; and when you ignore the little ones, the big ones always follow. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

This story will validate you if you've ever had something like this happen to you. If you haven't, be forewarned that it can happen to anyone. Don't let it happen to you.

Meanwhile, Green captures the emotions well, portraying Lucy as someone with integrity, self-awareness, and a willingness to meet her demons. I felt some of the tangential elements were too stereotyped or made to appear too easy, but the overall telling of the story was sound, easy to follow, and flowed well. It's a solid, quick read for a lazy morning before you set about being productive with your day.
Brooklyn
3.0 out of 5 stars Promising Premise, Disappointing Execution
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2024
This short story was available for free through Amazon First Reads. While the synopsis gives you a good idea of the plot (minus the final twist), it led me to believe the story would be more exciting or edgy. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. The friendship between the characters developed unrealistically fast, and the ending felt rushed. I understand it’s a short story, but I’ve read others that offered more depth and a stronger sense of completion.

I gave it 3 stars because it was a quick read that held my attention, but ultimately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. This was my first book from this author, and based on this experience, I’m not inclined to read more of her work.
Katherine Galvez
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable short novel, super quick read!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2024
When We Were Friends by Jane Green was a quick, enjoyable read that I added to my Kindle Unlimited FirstRead list. The story follows Lucy after her divorce and her friendship with Elle, who at first seems great, but gradually shows her selfish and jealous side. It takes Lucy some time and several events to see Elle’s true nature. By the end, Lucy realizes, “The biggest lesson is that I’m perfectly fine, exactly as I am...” I really enjoyed this short novel and will likely read more from Jane Green.
Glo
5.0 out of 5 stars WhenWe Were Friends
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
This short story was well worth the read. I enjoyed the new friendship that the two ladies formed. I liked the writer's style that kept your focus. The story was so good between the two women that it seemed realistic. I started reading the book and then I stopped. The next time I started the reading the book I finished it in no time. Good read
Erin Marsicano
3.0 out of 5 stars Seems like a stretch…
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
Generally enjoyed the story, but when the truth comes out, the timeline and some details just don’t add up…
SPOILER ALERT…
….
- Elle already knows/is dating Simon when she intentionally meets Lucy
- Elle and Lucy then have a months-long friendship spending every waking minute almost texting, speaking on the phone, hanging out, etc. supposedly while Elle is finding time to date Simon.
- The party at the rich friends’ and the subsequent IG post show Lucy’s supposed disdain for the rich, yet she’s dating Simon…who we assume she would at that point in their relationship be connected with on social media, so 1) he would have seen such a snarky post and 2) he and Lucy would see that the other follow Elle.
- Was the disdain all an act?
- And how public is the relationship with Simon - no one at that party recognized Elle?
- Is Simon how Elle knows the dance mom?
- Then Elle ghosts Lucy..why? Because of spending time with Simon? Because of guilt? If the end is true…that she valued their friendship and wanted it back, why the ghosting? Why not just apologize for her behavior after the party?

I think this is the first thing I have read by Jane Green, and it may be the last. Just reading this short story, her bio, and the teaser for Stardust Sisters, I can tell she writes within her small sphere of personal perspective…London roots and how many times did I read the word Marrakech?!

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