FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS: A heart-warming journey of self-discovery
by Ruth Torjussen

When her best friend dies of cancer just before her 50th birthday, and other friends move away from their hometown of Stoke, grief-stricken Jenny sinks into a depression that her job as a Marie Osmond impersonator only exacerbates.
Nine months later, while everyone else is moving on, Jenny is still struggling. Despite the love of her family, nothing can alleviate her heartbreak and she dwells on the female-shaped hole in her life.
When newlyweds move in next door, she hopes that the woman over the fence will become a new friend and help get her back on track. But instead she gets Dawn: loud, fat, tattooed and shouting the ‘C’ word within minutes of arriving.
Jenny’s GP suggests starting a course at the local college to bring her out of her reverie. And that’s where she meets Trudi. At last! Someone on her wavelength.
Will lovely Trudi be the friend she has so longed for? Will the creative writing class bring them together and add some much needed happiness to Jenny’s life?
“There are lots of angles in my story, Friends and Neighbours, but my favourite/most topical is the eco one. It’s a story within a story really, Jenny’s journey of self-discovery after the death of her best friend and her failure as a Marie Osmond impersonator, while husband Lonny is prepping the family and their home for climate change.” – Ruth Torjussen
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Ruth Torjussen grew up in Stoke-on-Trent but now lives and works in Brighton as a Shared Lives Carer.
She is a passionate advocate of eating local food grown through regenerative farming as the answer to climate change.
Social media links –
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FB – https://www.facebook.com/ruthtorjussen
Twitter – https://twitter.com/RTorjussen
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/TorjussenRuth
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Reviews –
“This book made me laugh out loud in many places and shed a tear in others.” – Siobhan Curham, author Clementine and Ruby
“ ‘A joy to read!’….
Ruth Torjussen’s ‘Friends and Neighbours’ is a highly entertaining novel that sparkles with verve and wit.”
“Loved it….
Laugh out loud funny, great characters and really strong narrative voice. Manages to be feel-good and optimistic whilst taking on serious themes that can be related to on lots of different levels – highly recommended.”
I like this book because I’m from Stoke and I can relate to the characters. I’m halfway through and enjoying every minute!”
Friends and Neighbours has exceptional pace and energy, and a first-rate narrative that hooks the reader instantly.”
“Poignant and laugh out loud….
This book was such an entertaining read, with such a strong and fresh voice. It’s the perfect book to read right now, as it will have you laughing out loud and keep you thoroughly entertained, plus it really makes you think about the world and what we can do to change things for the better.”
A funny and moving book, written with fantastic pace and energy, had me laughing out loud. Thoroughly recommend.”