More Than Friends Book

The Maxwells and the Popes have been friends forever. The women were college roommates, their husbands are partners in the same law firm, their kids have grown up next door to each other, and the two families share both vacations and holidays.

Like Wisteria Lane, the "perfect" suburban street of Desperate Housewives, all is beautiful and serene -- until an accident forces these close neighbors to look beneath the surface. And when their idyllic lives are unexpectedly shattered by a moment that can never be erased or forgotten, their faith in one another -- and in themselves -- is put to the supreme test.

In this moving, unforgettable story, Barbara Delinsky exquisitely captures the depth and complexity of the human heart as few writers can.

Publishers Weekly

The Popes and the Maxwells, known as the ``Popewells,'' are more than next-door neighbors: Annie Pope and Teke Maxwell were college roommates; John David Maxwell is Sam Pope's oldest friend, and both men are full partners at the Boston law firm run by J. D.'s father. But in a matter of moments, the two families are torn apart by tragedy. Sam and Teke are spotted in an act of spontaneous (and unprecedented) lovemaking by 13-year-old Michael Maxwell, who dashes out of the house and runs into a passing pickup truck. The accident leaves the boy in a coma. Making things even more hideous for Teke is the fact that the pickup truck was driven by Grady Piper, her childhood sweetheart. J. D. copes by trying to get somebody sued or arrested, preferably Grady. When Sam's indiscretion comes to light, Annie can hardly bear to be around him. As the days drag on and Michael remains unconscious, it becomes apparent that the Popewell relationships are also badly injured and not all will survive. By focusing on these characters and their responses to adversity, Delinsky ( The Passions of Chelsea Kane ) skillfully turns a somber scenario into intriguing women's fiction. (Apr.)