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Take What You Can
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25 copies available
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"Take What You Can is so brilliantly, unbelievably good I have a burning in my heart.... Love is utterly bewildering, and nobody writes about it better than Naima Coster."—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich
From the New York Times bestselling author of What’s Mine and Yours, a rich, panoramic exploration of female friendship, class, new motherhood, and independence
Val and Milly fell in love with France at the same time they fell in love with each other and became immediate best friends. Then, they bonded as the only Black students on a study-abroad trip. Now, they are in their thirties, each married and with a baby girl on the way. When Milly suggests Val move to New York to raise their daughters together after a decade apart, it’s a resounding yes.
Despite their excitement, the pair secretly wonder if their friendship has always worked best as a trio. From that first trip to France, these two motherless daughters were taken under the wing of an older woman named Helene. She showered them with money, love and attention, and showed them the possibilities of a meaningful future. But without Helene, who are Milly and Val?
Milly, a successful influencer married to restaurant royalty, is occupied with her desire for independence. Val, a brilliant journalist, is struggling to write her first book and fit into her old friend’s new world. The realities of class and social capital, of strained marriages and the demands of motherhood, serve as constant reminders of how far apart they’ve grown. And no matter how much they try to avoid it, everything comes back to the rift that began all those years ago in France. What they’ve long tried to bury may finally destroy their sisterhood.
Weaving between Brooklyn brownstones and the glittering beaches of southern France, Take What You Can is a dazzling novel exploring what it means to be a mother when you have none, a sister without blood ties, and a woman in pursuit of the life she wants. With her signature sharply-observed prose, Coster illustrates what it means to be—and to stay—someone’s person through all phases of life.
"Take What You Can is so brilliantly, unbelievably good I have a burning in my heart.... Love is utterly bewildering, and nobody writes about it better than Naima Coster."—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich
From the New York Times bestselling author of What’s Mine and Yours, a rich, panoramic exploration of female friendship, class, new motherhood, and independence
Val and Milly fell in love with France at the same time they fell in love with each other and became immediate best friends. Then, they bonded as the only Black students on a study-abroad trip. Now, they are in their thirties, each married and with a baby girl on the way. When Milly suggests Val move to New York to raise their daughters together after a decade apart, it’s a resounding yes.
Despite their excitement, the pair secretly wonder if their friendship has always worked best as a trio. From that first trip to France, these two motherless daughters were taken under the wing of an older woman named Helene. She showered them with money, love and attention, and showed them the possibilities of a meaningful future. But without Helene, who are Milly and Val?
Milly, a successful influencer married to restaurant royalty, is occupied with her desire for independence. Val, a brilliant journalist, is struggling to write her first book and fit into her old friend’s new world. The realities of class and social capital, of strained marriages and the demands of motherhood, serve as constant reminders of how far apart they’ve grown. And no matter how much they try to avoid it, everything comes back to the rift that began all those years ago in France. What they’ve long tried to bury may finally destroy their sisterhood.
Weaving between Brooklyn brownstones and the glittering beaches of southern France, Take What You Can is a dazzling novel exploring what it means to be a mother when you have none, a sister without blood ties, and a woman in pursuit of the life she wants. With her signature sharply-observed prose, Coster illustrates what it means to be—and to stay—someone’s person through all phases of life.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2026
About the author
Naima Coster
5 books962 followersNaima Coster is a New York Times bestselling author and a recipient of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honor. Her most recent novel, TAKE WHAT YOU CAN, will be published by Pamela Dorman Books in August 2026. Her novel, WHAT'S MINE AND YOURS, was a Read with Jenna pick, a statewide read for One Maryland One Book, longlisted for the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, and named a best book of the year by Kirkus Reviews, Esquire, Marie Claire, Ms. Magazine, and more. Her first novel, HALSEY STREET, was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize and named a must-read by People, Essence, Well-Read Black Girl, The Skimm, and the Brooklyn Public Library. Naima’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Elle, Time, Kweli, and The Cut, and in numerous anthologies. Naima teaches creative writing at CUNY Baruch College. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.
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August 20, 2026words to live by
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There's a lot to love in this book, including sparkling descriptions of extravagant food and drink, beautiful settings, and gorgeous clothes. The book starts out strong, with intriguing characters and a promising premise.
As they embark on motherhood, Val and Milly make decisions that range from seemingly random to purposely destructive. Coster beautifully illustrates how hard and confusing it is to be a mother in the wake of trauma and loss. But while the characters do change and grow by the end of the novel, there's also a lot that's ignored or glossed over. Like the severe alcoholism that impacts both women significantly, yet no one (author or character) ever names.
Some of the muddle might also be due to themes that aren't fully tackled. The book is saying *something* about money, privilege, giving gifts to (and taking gifts from) family and friends, giving or withholding loans, where money should come from, what jobs are respectable, and what defines true "worth." But *what* is it saying? Maybe there are no answers in the late-stage capitalist world we're living in, but I found myself wishing the author committed to more of a distinct point of view.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read with memorable characters and beautiful descriptions of France and NYC.
Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As they embark on motherhood, Val and Milly make decisions that range from seemingly random to purposely destructive. Coster beautifully illustrates how hard and confusing it is to be a mother in the wake of trauma and loss. But while the characters do change and grow by the end of the novel, there's also a lot that's ignored or glossed over. Like the severe alcoholism that impacts both women significantly, yet no one (author or character) ever names.
Some of the muddle might also be due to themes that aren't fully tackled. The book is saying *something* about money, privilege, giving gifts to (and taking gifts from) family and friends, giving or withholding loans, where money should come from, what jobs are respectable, and what defines true "worth." But *what* is it saying? Maybe there are no answers in the late-stage capitalist world we're living in, but I found myself wishing the author committed to more of a distinct point of view.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read with memorable characters and beautiful descriptions of France and NYC.
Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2026
Thank you @netgalley and @vikingbooks for this ARC.
I am really starting to fall in love with Literary Fiction. There's so much more detail and layers to everyone and their relationship with each other.
Milly and Val meet in France while being the only black students and were paired up together and at some point they meet Helene. Then we see them in the present, married and both pregnant with baby girls. We get alternating chapters so we see how their friendship has evolved over the years.
This book touches on friendship and how life choices affect how you treat each other and how changed lifestyles can sometimes help you realize that sometimes things are for a season and not a lifetime. We also see class, race and economic issues within this friendship and how motherhood looks for both.
This is a book that many women will be able to relate to who have long-term friendship that sometimes stand the test of time or only for a season.
4.5 🌟's!
I am really starting to fall in love with Literary Fiction. There's so much more detail and layers to everyone and their relationship with each other.
Milly and Val meet in France while being the only black students and were paired up together and at some point they meet Helene. Then we see them in the present, married and both pregnant with baby girls. We get alternating chapters so we see how their friendship has evolved over the years.
This book touches on friendship and how life choices affect how you treat each other and how changed lifestyles can sometimes help you realize that sometimes things are for a season and not a lifetime. We also see class, race and economic issues within this friendship and how motherhood looks for both.
This is a book that many women will be able to relate to who have long-term friendship that sometimes stand the test of time or only for a season.
4.5 🌟's!
August 22, 2026
I'm not sure were I land with this one.... I think 3.5-3.75?
This one was complex for me to rate. While I enjoyed parts of the book and the writing style, the story as a whole didn't completely win me over.
The narrative focuses on a deep bond between Millie and Val, who meet in August 2024 while studying abroad in France. They quickly become inseparable—the chosen family neither ever had. Val comes from a horrific, abusive upbringing, while Millie was raised by a single Colombian immigrant in NYC.
The story champions themes of chosen family, motherhood, pregnancy, and identity, but the central relationship frequently felt like it was bordering on codependency. As the plot progressed, I found my perspective constantly shifting—one moment I'd think, "Okay, this is actually a beautiful friendship," and the next, I'd be pulled right back to feeling like it was an unhealthy dynamic. Overall, I'm left with very mixed feelings!
This one was complex for me to rate. While I enjoyed parts of the book and the writing style, the story as a whole didn't completely win me over.
The narrative focuses on a deep bond between Millie and Val, who meet in August 2024 while studying abroad in France. They quickly become inseparable—the chosen family neither ever had. Val comes from a horrific, abusive upbringing, while Millie was raised by a single Colombian immigrant in NYC.
The story champions themes of chosen family, motherhood, pregnancy, and identity, but the central relationship frequently felt like it was bordering on codependency. As the plot progressed, I found my perspective constantly shifting—one moment I'd think, "Okay, this is actually a beautiful friendship," and the next, I'd be pulled right back to feeling like it was an unhealthy dynamic. Overall, I'm left with very mixed feelings!
July 28, 2026
ARC REVIEW
While I enjoyed the premise, two best friends figuring out life and navigating the changing dynamics of their friendship, I had major concerns about how these women acted. They never seemed to grow or evolve. Their friendship felt toxic, and they were toxic to the people around them as well. While they clearly share trauma and have trauma-bonded, neither ever seems to want to heal. Ultimately, the story fell flat for me.
Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity of reading this book as an e-arc <3
While I enjoyed the premise, two best friends figuring out life and navigating the changing dynamics of their friendship, I had major concerns about how these women acted. They never seemed to grow or evolve. Their friendship felt toxic, and they were toxic to the people around them as well. While they clearly share trauma and have trauma-bonded, neither ever seems to want to heal. Ultimately, the story fell flat for me.
Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity of reading this book as an e-arc <3
Did Not Finish
August 11, 2026DNF 40% - the writing is good but I don’t care the characters or about what happens
August 11, 2026
Thank you to Viking Publishing for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. I've been loving books about friendship between women, especially when it's kind of complicated. Milly and Val were two motherless girls brought together through a trip to Paris and their relationship to another maternal figure in their life made things complicated. The events of their relationship with Helene definitely changed things for them and a lot of things went unsaid. They were holding that for years and their journey into motherhood together brought those issue to a boil.
I think this a great depiction of how you can have so much love for each other, but our lives can change as we go in our friendship and it changes dynamics and possibly creates animosity. It can be sticky and a little dangerous. Utimately you can work through it if the love and care is there, if you choose.
The side characters were interesting to me, but I was never on their side. LOL It was always team Milly and Val for me. They definitely weren't perfect women and that showed, but they were able to work through their flaws.
I really enjoyed this book. I've been loving books about friendship between women, especially when it's kind of complicated. Milly and Val were two motherless girls brought together through a trip to Paris and their relationship to another maternal figure in their life made things complicated. The events of their relationship with Helene definitely changed things for them and a lot of things went unsaid. They were holding that for years and their journey into motherhood together brought those issue to a boil.
I think this a great depiction of how you can have so much love for each other, but our lives can change as we go in our friendship and it changes dynamics and possibly creates animosity. It can be sticky and a little dangerous. Utimately you can work through it if the love and care is there, if you choose.
The side characters were interesting to me, but I was never on their side. LOL It was always team Milly and Val for me. They definitely weren't perfect women and that showed, but they were able to work through their flaws.
August 4, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
This was my first read by Naima Coster, and I enjoyed it. I think this was a beautiful exploration of found family and how friendships have an ebb and flow of unmitigated comfort and sometimes frustrating moments. This was an incredible journey of Milly and Val, as random girls who somehow find each other in France, who then become beautifully broken women who are trying to mother their daughters in the US.
My heart broke for Milly, silently grieving the loss of her mother, as well as the postpartum thoughts and feelings she was having surrounding the birth of her own daughter, Astrid, and the baby that came before. I also felt incredibly sad for Val and her quest to salvage whatever was left with her parents while also dealing with the harsh reality of the trauma they gave her instead of the love she so desperately wanted.
I think what Coster does best is show how relationships can be incredibly flawed, yet still worth saving—in some cases. I think this played out well with most of the characters, and specifically between Milly and Val. This story demonstrates how love can be incredibly messy, flawed in its structure, and ever-changing, but true love can keep you grounded, especially with the right person. This is a story about platonic love and self-love, and it's also a story about mother love. It's a beautiful love letter to friendship and the found family we hold dear to our hearts.
This was my first read by Naima Coster, and I enjoyed it. I think this was a beautiful exploration of found family and how friendships have an ebb and flow of unmitigated comfort and sometimes frustrating moments. This was an incredible journey of Milly and Val, as random girls who somehow find each other in France, who then become beautifully broken women who are trying to mother their daughters in the US.
My heart broke for Milly, silently grieving the loss of her mother, as well as the postpartum thoughts and feelings she was having surrounding the birth of her own daughter, Astrid, and the baby that came before. I also felt incredibly sad for Val and her quest to salvage whatever was left with her parents while also dealing with the harsh reality of the trauma they gave her instead of the love she so desperately wanted.
I think what Coster does best is show how relationships can be incredibly flawed, yet still worth saving—in some cases. I think this played out well with most of the characters, and specifically between Milly and Val. This story demonstrates how love can be incredibly messy, flawed in its structure, and ever-changing, but true love can keep you grounded, especially with the right person. This is a story about platonic love and self-love, and it's also a story about mother love. It's a beautiful love letter to friendship and the found family we hold dear to our hearts.
August 5, 2026
4.5⭐️ Friends can be soulmates and we see it in Val and Milly. These are 2 complex characters who are so human but their love for each other and their journeys as new mothers was so inspiring to read. Love it!
Thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital arc
Thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital arc
May 31, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
I rate this book a 3.5! For me it was hard to fall in love with all the characters but I do think that’s part pr the point of this story.
I found Val & Milly’s relationship really relatable although slightly codependent. I loved that each character was layered and didn’t always do exactly as you expected them to. It adds a layer of reality that makes them and this story immersive.
I rate this book a 3.5! For me it was hard to fall in love with all the characters but I do think that’s part pr the point of this story.
I found Val & Milly’s relationship really relatable although slightly codependent. I loved that each character was layered and didn’t always do exactly as you expected them to. It adds a layer of reality that makes them and this story immersive.
August 4, 2026
This book was immersive and beautifully written, and I was lucky to read it basically in one sitting on a plane. There was such a physicality to the narrative that I really enjoyed, and yet it felt almost dreamy in places. I struggled to find the characters actions justifiable and I wouldn’t say they are likeable, and yet I was so invested in their relationships.
I highlighted so many lines I loved. Coster writes such strong dialogue where characters are saying out loud the theme of the book (love), and yet it manages to feel realistic and never stilted or preachy. There was a particular line that stuck with me and I have continued to think about daily since I read the book: “If there was one thing Milly knew, it was that love was about one body and another…love began and ended in the body…There was no love without another body, no grief without the memory of one.” That line so beautifully encapsulated an idea I’ve understood on some level but never seen articulated.
I disagreed pretty vehemently with some of the characters’ choices (I particularly hated how Milly seemed to disregard her husband despite his almost perfect behavior), but that still somehow didn’t ruin the book for me. I loved the exploration of love in so many forms and think many readers will see themselves and their relationships in those of Milly and Val.
Thanks to Viking Penguin / Pamela Dorman books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
I highlighted so many lines I loved. Coster writes such strong dialogue where characters are saying out loud the theme of the book (love), and yet it manages to feel realistic and never stilted or preachy. There was a particular line that stuck with me and I have continued to think about daily since I read the book: “If there was one thing Milly knew, it was that love was about one body and another…love began and ended in the body…There was no love without another body, no grief without the memory of one.” That line so beautifully encapsulated an idea I’ve understood on some level but never seen articulated.
I disagreed pretty vehemently with some of the characters’ choices (I particularly hated how Milly seemed to disregard her husband despite his almost perfect behavior), but that still somehow didn’t ruin the book for me. I loved the exploration of love in so many forms and think many readers will see themselves and their relationships in those of Milly and Val.
Thanks to Viking Penguin / Pamela Dorman books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
Want to Read
August 6, 2026YES: A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend's reviews. This is what I did and didn't like:
Love this cover. Love this plot so much one review “story of two college friends that reunite when one moves to New York City to live in the same neighborhood as the other right before the two women are due to give birth.
In many ways it's just as much about the relationships the women had with their mothers, how that relationship shaped them as women and mothers, and how their different relationships with the same mother figure shaped their relationship with each other. “ 💕
Qian convinced me “tore through this in a single sitting on a flight. moving, elegant, and sensual, travels between Brooklyn and France and explores motherhood, chosen family, and love in all their complicated forms. i loved this book and couldn't put it down. “
I started reading it and I love this. The ch felt real writing was great! Yes!
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend's reviews. This is what I did and didn't like:
Love this cover. Love this plot so much one review “story of two college friends that reunite when one moves to New York City to live in the same neighborhood as the other right before the two women are due to give birth.
In many ways it's just as much about the relationships the women had with their mothers, how that relationship shaped them as women and mothers, and how their different relationships with the same mother figure shaped their relationship with each other. “ 💕
Qian convinced me “tore through this in a single sitting on a flight. moving, elegant, and sensual, travels between Brooklyn and France and explores motherhood, chosen family, and love in all their complicated forms. i loved this book and couldn't put it down. “
I started reading it and I love this. The ch felt real writing was great! Yes!
August 22, 2026
If I’m being honest, my rating is slightly under 3 stars. I thought this was beautifully written and started with a lot of promise. However, I found a lot of the friendships and relationships to be weird and borderline unrealistic.
Milena and Val’s friendship dynamic is monotone throughout the novel. Neither character really changes or evolves. It’s clear they have this deep trauma bond but I don’t think it’s realistic that the nature of their relationship stays the same. We are told they are in their 30s but they consistently make reckless and ill-thought out choices. Furthermore, I thought their relationship with Helene was extremely weird. I don’t think we ever fully explored the mommy issues or substance abuse or absent parents or the dynamics of their interracial marriages.
I was underwhelmed.
Milena and Val’s friendship dynamic is monotone throughout the novel. Neither character really changes or evolves. It’s clear they have this deep trauma bond but I don’t think it’s realistic that the nature of their relationship stays the same. We are told they are in their 30s but they consistently make reckless and ill-thought out choices. Furthermore, I thought their relationship with Helene was extremely weird. I don’t think we ever fully explored the mommy issues or substance abuse or absent parents or the dynamics of their interracial marriages.
I was underwhelmed.
July 20, 2026
3.5
A complex story of female friendship, Val and Milly met in Paris and recognized the hurt in each other. From that point on, their lives are intertwined, yet they continue to push and pull at each other.
I think the storyline with Helene wasn’t truly realized and just served as back burner tension for these characters. They are so incredibly different that they find it hard to relate to one another, yet this event in the past kept them together. I don’t know I just had a hard time believing they would still be friends.
This did showcase grief and how long it can affect you. It highlights the intensity of female friendships and how people will inevitably let you down. It did a lot of things right but failed to fully come together for me.
I received an eARC via NetGalley.
A complex story of female friendship, Val and Milly met in Paris and recognized the hurt in each other. From that point on, their lives are intertwined, yet they continue to push and pull at each other.
I think the storyline with Helene wasn’t truly realized and just served as back burner tension for these characters. They are so incredibly different that they find it hard to relate to one another, yet this event in the past kept them together. I don’t know I just had a hard time believing they would still be friends.
This did showcase grief and how long it can affect you. It highlights the intensity of female friendships and how people will inevitably let you down. It did a lot of things right but failed to fully come together for me.
I received an eARC via NetGalley.
July 31, 2026
3.5⭐️ - Complex is the best word I can think of to describe this book. Complex characters, complex relationships, complex HUMANITY! Life is messy and our two female main characters exhibit that in such a raw and real way. I enjoyed the changes in perspective as well as the flashbacks. However, I struggled at times to connect and truly deeply dive into the book and stay in the book. I don’t know whether that is a reflection of the book, or just my mindset and ability to fully immerse in the material.
Thank you NetGalley & Viking Penguin for access to this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley & Viking Penguin for access to this ARC!
August 13, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the e-arc!
This was my first read by Naima Coster and it did not disappoint! If you love complex stories about female friendships- the Eb and flows and how the dynamics can change given different life paths, then you’ll definitely enjoy this! The author did a great job depicting how a relationship can change due to different life courses and choices. This book is very layered and there are many themes that can be discussed in this book. I think this would be a great book club selection! We also get an exploration into different parenting and postpartum journey and how class/wealth can severely affect your experience and overall satisfaction with your experience. Milly and Val are two different women, who are friends, yet had completely different experiences based on different socioeconomic statuses. This difference can lead to rifts and distance, as we, the readers were able to witness.
If you are someone who enjoyed Kin and Love by the Book then you’ll definitely enjoy this one as well. There were many parallels that I was able to gather from this book between the others, while still remaining its own very original story. There is honestly so much I could say and dive into with this review: marriage, parenting, postpartum, grief, abuse, addiction, class, wealth, depression, and more. This book was messy, drama, real and so very layered. The vibe of the book felt somber. As a married woman, with children of my own, I could empathize with many of the thoughts and feelings of these women, specifically Val. I found Milly to be a bit selfish, and not quite my cup of tea.
Milly and Val were both “motherless daughters” for different reasons and ultimately become motherless mothers. I imagine both experiences being very hard to deal with. “Before you were a daughter with no mother, now you’re a mother with no mother”
Milly and Val had an interesting friendship. Sometimes I wondered what they even had in common. Their relationship often felt co-dependent. Outside of being the only 2 black girls in their study abroad program, I wondered what other connection they really had. As you read further, we meet Helene, the other third of their trio. Helene ultimately was such an integral part of their story and connection together. Her departure from their trio, caused a chasm in Milly and Val’s relationship. I do think that Helene’s “issue” could’ve been explored further. As the readers we could assume, but I would have liked it fleshed out a bit more. Ultimately I felt that Helene’s “departure” was intentional(if you know what I mean).
In critique, I would say I wish there was an epilogue or something. While I loved the book, I walked away with several unanswered questions. I think the addition of the epilogue could have rounded everything out. I also thought it started to jump around quite a bit towards the end, sometimes felt myself going back thinking I missed something.
But overall, GREAT read! I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the e-arc!
This was my first read by Naima Coster and it did not disappoint! If you love complex stories about female friendships- the Eb and flows and how the dynamics can change given different life paths, then you’ll definitely enjoy this! The author did a great job depicting how a relationship can change due to different life courses and choices. This book is very layered and there are many themes that can be discussed in this book. I think this would be a great book club selection! We also get an exploration into different parenting and postpartum journey and how class/wealth can severely affect your experience and overall satisfaction with your experience. Milly and Val are two different women, who are friends, yet had completely different experiences based on different socioeconomic statuses. This difference can lead to rifts and distance, as we, the readers were able to witness.
If you are someone who enjoyed Kin and Love by the Book then you’ll definitely enjoy this one as well. There were many parallels that I was able to gather from this book between the others, while still remaining its own very original story. There is honestly so much I could say and dive into with this review: marriage, parenting, postpartum, grief, abuse, addiction, class, wealth, depression, and more. This book was messy, drama, real and so very layered. The vibe of the book felt somber. As a married woman, with children of my own, I could empathize with many of the thoughts and feelings of these women, specifically Val. I found Milly to be a bit selfish, and not quite my cup of tea.
Milly and Val were both “motherless daughters” for different reasons and ultimately become motherless mothers. I imagine both experiences being very hard to deal with. “Before you were a daughter with no mother, now you’re a mother with no mother”
Milly and Val had an interesting friendship. Sometimes I wondered what they even had in common. Their relationship often felt co-dependent. Outside of being the only 2 black girls in their study abroad program, I wondered what other connection they really had. As you read further, we meet Helene, the other third of their trio. Helene ultimately was such an integral part of their story and connection together. Her departure from their trio, caused a chasm in Milly and Val’s relationship. I do think that Helene’s “issue” could’ve been explored further. As the readers we could assume, but I would have liked it fleshed out a bit more. Ultimately I felt that Helene’s “departure” was intentional(if you know what I mean).
In critique, I would say I wish there was an epilogue or something. While I loved the book, I walked away with several unanswered questions. I think the addition of the epilogue could have rounded everything out. I also thought it started to jump around quite a bit towards the end, sometimes felt myself going back thinking I missed something.
But overall, GREAT read! I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommend.
August 8, 2026
Thank you soooo much @prhaudio for the complimentary audiobook #PRHAudioPartner 🎧 and @vikingbooks for the ebook!! January LaVoy delivers on every single audiobook and narrates and this one is no different! Her voice made me feel like I was in NY and France taking us through past and present timelines with Val and Milly observing the complexity of their friendship!
I found this story to be honest in terms of the friendship between women and the difficulties mothers experience through motherhood. This book also confronts the difficulties of truly being honest and open when we may fear judgement from our loved ones the most. Overall, I had a great experience with the audiobook so if that’s your preferred format, you can’t go wrong!
I found this story to be honest in terms of the friendship between women and the difficulties mothers experience through motherhood. This book also confronts the difficulties of truly being honest and open when we may fear judgement from our loved ones the most. Overall, I had a great experience with the audiobook so if that’s your preferred format, you can’t go wrong!
July 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC
This is a story I had to sit with for a bit before writing my review. I needed to think about the themes and relationships.
The story centers around Milly and Val, friends since late adolescence when they connected on a trip to France. Both have experienced trauma related to their mother, but for entirely different reasons. Following dual POV and alternating between the past and current timelines, we follow their relationship with spouses, becoming mothers, and navigating their identities as individuals and as friends through it all.
So first thing: Naima Coster can write a complicated and complex character. At times Val and Milly are so real and flawed that it can be hard to *like* them. But, then, aren’t we all difficult sometimes as we navigate our own past, insecurities, stressors, and worries? They just feel so real.
Second - as we follow Milly and Val become mothers alongside each other - the rawness of emotion that Coster conveys is so powerful and relatable. There was a point in the book that without a doubt captured feelings I, and so many new mothers, have had to when observing everything that has changed for themselves and seemingly nothing for their partner.
I also appreciated the feelings of inadequacy Val felt when comparing her life to Milly’s seemingly rich, perfect, and curated life - while glimpsing into the idea that “all the glitters isn’t gold”.
Finally - I enjoyed unraveling the “mystery” of what caused strain for Milly and Val’s relationship and how it continued to influence how they engaged with each other since.
I did feel as if the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly for how the story played out throughout the novel - but, at the same time it provided satisfaction given the journeys each character went through.
I would rate 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars - and would recommend to others!
Please be sure to check trigger warnings!
August 15, 2026
As someone who is from New York City and currently ives in Paris, I wanted to love this book but I found almost all the characters unlikable and I thought the friendship between the two main women was lowkey toxic. All of the conversations felt unrealistic and the relationship dynamics between many of the characters were kind of weird and didn’t feel fleshed out like many of the storylines through the book. Overall, I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings and scenery, and I think the start had a lot of potential, but I felt there was much more left to be desired in this book.
August 20, 2026
The book starts with a promising premise and hooks you right away, but the story loses its way as the themes become muddled and never feel fully developed. Despite that, Val and Milly's friendship is the highlight of the novel. Their relationship feels raw, authentic, and deeply relatable, making it easy to invest in them even when the plot falls short.
Read
June 3, 2026I can’t decide if these characters are toxic or if I just didn’t like them. But I have been thinking about it a lot and that is a sign of a good book I suppose. I wouldn’t say there was a ton of character growth but so much happened to them before and throughout this story. There were some parts that were unnecessary in my opinion and some things that seemed like they were dying to be addressed and weren’t (Val’s drinking anyone??). Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC to review.
August 10, 2026
3.5, rounded up
August 14, 2026
This was tough to read in that it was about two women who are deeply wounded in different ways and how those wounds impact their relationship with each other and others. It was also a quick read as Coster is a gifted writer, and I liked the story and style. 100% recommended.
August 14, 2026
3.5 stars. 🎧
August 20, 2026
I guess I’m glad I didn’t find this relatable at all
Read
August 23, 2026I don’t really know how I feel about this book. I got into it, but at times, for me, the dramatic sequences were a little melodramatic . It was enjoyable
August 8, 2026
3.5* rounded down
This was so lovely, in that both women were so deeply flawed and yet, they loved each other, in turns in spite of and because of these flaws. With every problem, every argument, every moment providing potential for growth, I am still reminded that there is nothing like an old friend.
This was so lovely, in that both women were so deeply flawed and yet, they loved each other, in turns in spite of and because of these flaws. With every problem, every argument, every moment providing potential for growth, I am still reminded that there is nothing like an old friend.
August 13, 2026
It started with lots of promise and then left me feeling a little unfulfilled.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Need Answers, Closure, and a Part Two IMMEDIATELY! 👀
It was at the 12% mark when I knew I was sat; there was no way I could go to sleep without knowing what happened with Jerome and the rest of this crew! My, my, my... the level of drama, angst, eye-rolling, "what in the world?" moments, did I say drama, and laughs packed into this book gave me the emotional get-up that I needed while delivering such a satisfying payoff. I don't know if I'm nosey as hell or just plain nosey, but either way: I'm nosey. Don't judge me. 💅🏾
At every turn, I found myself reflecting on my own life, asking: Is that how my friends are with me? Is that how I am with my friends? Naima Coster captures the complex dynamics of sisterhood and friendship with rare, amazing talent. I could see bits of myself in Milly and Val, but I definitely had mixed emotions about both of them. There were issues raised around selfishness, manipulation, morality, and tough decision-making, but that's what made the story feel like an episode of real life and not just fiction. Nobody's perfect; we are all flawed and need guidance, but there is no handbook on how to do life, so we do the best we can.
Beyond Milly and Val, the author wove plenty of emotional depth into the rest of the characters, from the realistic portrayals of motherhood to the impactful roles, good, bad, or indifferent, that their husbands played throughout the story. There was one quote in particular that really resonated with me, speaking about grandparents who aren't around and whom we'll never get the chance to meet, nor will they ever get the chance to meet us. This touched my soul because I can relate. 💔 Which brings me to Helene, who might just be my favorite character for reasons you may discover while reading. She inspired my own personal takeaway: "Sometimes we meet people at the most inopportune times and they become the beacon of hope and light that changes our life forever, or leaves our lives forever changed."
The title Take What You Can manifests itself in many ways throughout the book, and I love it when an author leaves us easter eggs to make the connection! Thank you for that! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 The pacing was spot on and kept me turning the pages until 7 o'clock in the morning! An all-nighter it was! But, if I had to give a little bit of feedback, honey... those chapters were way too long! Roughly 15 chapters across nearly 400 pages left me begging for a break! But I hung in there and kept reading! Also, the flashbacks and timeline changes had me on my toes and felt a little abrupt towards the end, requiring some extra left-brain power, but not to the point where I couldn't keep up or got lost in the story. 💐
The Aftermath 🌷:
A RAVING four-star read for me! This book is messy, dramatic, and a great work of fiction that handles the challenges of modern relationships with style and grace. It reminded me of Sunset Over Napa Valley and Love by the Book in many ways; each bringing their own originality to the book space.
HOWEVER, the ending left the door wide open for many interpretations! Can we get a series? A Part Two? Where are they now? 👀 Because I have so many unanswered questions and desperately need some closure, we need more of Val and Milly! This is a character-driven story centered on friendship, class, and the real-life complexities of womanhood. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR! 😉
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, Naima Coster, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It was at the 12% mark when I knew I was sat; there was no way I could go to sleep without knowing what happened with Jerome and the rest of this crew! My, my, my... the level of drama, angst, eye-rolling, "what in the world?" moments, did I say drama, and laughs packed into this book gave me the emotional get-up that I needed while delivering such a satisfying payoff. I don't know if I'm nosey as hell or just plain nosey, but either way: I'm nosey. Don't judge me. 💅🏾
At every turn, I found myself reflecting on my own life, asking: Is that how my friends are with me? Is that how I am with my friends? Naima Coster captures the complex dynamics of sisterhood and friendship with rare, amazing talent. I could see bits of myself in Milly and Val, but I definitely had mixed emotions about both of them. There were issues raised around selfishness, manipulation, morality, and tough decision-making, but that's what made the story feel like an episode of real life and not just fiction. Nobody's perfect; we are all flawed and need guidance, but there is no handbook on how to do life, so we do the best we can.
Beyond Milly and Val, the author wove plenty of emotional depth into the rest of the characters, from the realistic portrayals of motherhood to the impactful roles, good, bad, or indifferent, that their husbands played throughout the story. There was one quote in particular that really resonated with me, speaking about grandparents who aren't around and whom we'll never get the chance to meet, nor will they ever get the chance to meet us. This touched my soul because I can relate. 💔 Which brings me to Helene, who might just be my favorite character for reasons you may discover while reading. She inspired my own personal takeaway: "Sometimes we meet people at the most inopportune times and they become the beacon of hope and light that changes our life forever, or leaves our lives forever changed."
The title Take What You Can manifests itself in many ways throughout the book, and I love it when an author leaves us easter eggs to make the connection! Thank you for that! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 The pacing was spot on and kept me turning the pages until 7 o'clock in the morning! An all-nighter it was! But, if I had to give a little bit of feedback, honey... those chapters were way too long! Roughly 15 chapters across nearly 400 pages left me begging for a break! But I hung in there and kept reading! Also, the flashbacks and timeline changes had me on my toes and felt a little abrupt towards the end, requiring some extra left-brain power, but not to the point where I couldn't keep up or got lost in the story. 💐
The Aftermath 🌷:
A RAVING four-star read for me! This book is messy, dramatic, and a great work of fiction that handles the challenges of modern relationships with style and grace. It reminded me of Sunset Over Napa Valley and Love by the Book in many ways; each bringing their own originality to the book space.
HOWEVER, the ending left the door wide open for many interpretations! Can we get a series? A Part Two? Where are they now? 👀 Because I have so many unanswered questions and desperately need some closure, we need more of Val and Milly! This is a character-driven story centered on friendship, class, and the real-life complexities of womanhood. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR! 😉
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, Naima Coster, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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