CLOSE AS SISTERS by Colleen Faulkner, is a bittersweet tale of four lifetime friends united in a unique sisterhood. Every summer, they drop whatever they are doing to spend part of their summer together at a beach house in Albany Beach, Delaware.

Thirty years ago, something tragic occurred at this beach house. There is a secret connected to that night and on the anniversary, they unite to renew their vows of friendship.

This year, things are different. There is a feeling of finality because McKenzie Arnold is undergoing cancer treatment and Janine is considering selling the beach house. It may be their last summer together.

As these women enjoy each other's company amid the sunny days and beautiful moonlit lights, they are about to discover that they don't know everything about each other after all.

Ms. Faulkner has written a novel that flows off the page with vitality and authenticity. The women are living, breathing, and flawed people. They deal with their problems each in her own way: Lilly with mothering and feeding everyone; Aurora with her sardonic jokes (she dubs McKenzie with the nickname of "Cancer Girl" for heaven's sake!); McKenzie with logic and checklists; and Janine who tries to strong-arm the past into submission.

CLOSE AS SISTERS will stay on readers' minds long after reading. I've added Colleen Faulkner to my list of favorite authors and I eagerly await any upcoming books written by her.