Elizabeth has moved to a small town for her husband’s dream job.  She is a first time mother who has left her beloved Brooklyn and her best friend, Nomi.  Elizabeth needs a babysitter for her infant son, so she can start writing her third book.  She hires Sam, a college senior who is somewhat naive, but a kind, caring girl.  Very quickly Elizabeth and Sam become friends, and Elizabeth makes confessions to Sam that the babysitter is unable to handle.

If you have enjoyed other novels by Courtney Sullivan, you will like Friends and Strangers.  Although at times predictable, it’s an easy read with well-described major and minor characters.