What does a Jewish woman and a Black woman have in common? A whole lot in this feel good novel! From grief, unrealistic expectations, divorce, dating and Weight Watchers this unlikely kindergarten teacher and book publisher pair show what it’s like to build a true friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel; Frank and Youmans take on some heavy topics with a light and humorous touch, and I felt like I was hanging with my girlfriends in this one. ( )

I really enjoyed this great story of friendship, family, loss, and healing. I laughed my way through much of it.

The characters are awesome! Marjette Lewis, a divorced strong Southern, Baptist, Black woman, lives next door to newly widowed Noa Abrams, who happens to be Jewish. Noa’s daughter Esty is in Marjette’s kindergarten class. Then there is Noa’s hot brother Max. And Marjette’s longtime bestie and Weight Watchers pal Judy. These characters felt so real! They brought out a variety of emotions in me as I read the book.

Marjette had a firm rule of not getting friendly with her students’ mothers. Stay in your own lane, Marjette! But she just could not help it with Noa. They develop a bond as they both deal with being a single parent. Marjette has years of experience raising her teenage son Darius alone. But as she encourages Noa to move on from the death of her husband, Marjette recognizes she needs to move on from her ex-husband’s unfaithfulness. Together, Marjette and Noa set out to reclaim their lives.

Two of my favorite quotes – “That’s right; us queens should always adjust each other’s crowns.” - “Let me tell you, life’s too short to be thinking about somebody who ain’t thinking about you.”

Being Jewish, I could easily relate to Noa. And one of my besties is Black and she loved the cultural references. ( )

Never Meant to Meet You is a change from my usual historical fiction books and I must say that it was rather enjoyable. What you have is a story of women and how friendships can develop.

Marjette and Noa are an unlikely pair to forge a bond of friendship but they do, finding that they have far more in common than they could have ever thought. As they navigate the changes in their lives they will be glad for the other to be there even though it was never expected to be.

This is a book that surprises with the fun characters and fascinating story featuring themes that impact us all….love, loss, betrayal and friendship.

*I received a free copy for my honest review ( )