How have your friends shaped who you are today? What happens if you fall in love with your best friend? How would you cope if a friend died suddenly? And what are the golden rules of going into business with a close friend? 15 women who have faced these questions - and many more - tell us everything they have learned in the process about life's essential bond: friendship.

In turns funny, moving, confronting and uplifting, each lesson gives a frank and refreshing view on both the pleasure and pain of our closest connections, with contributors including Dame Jenni Murray, Gina Martin, Shappi Khorsandi, Megan Jayne Crabbe (@bodyposipanda), Candice Brathwaite, and Flo Perry.

From contemporary questions about the authenticity of online friendship to universal talking points such as how many friends we really need, this is a wise exploration - and joyous celebration - of the most essential relationship in our lives.