What draws Jennifer and Amanda together? Asked by police about the relationship, Jennifer says, "Close, but combative. Amanda was in many ways a difficult woman" (p. 41). "You'd have to hold your own or be vanquished" (p. 45). Does this remind us of Jennifer's own mother?

Several reasons come to mind that would have drawn Jennifer and Amanda together and kept them together over the years. Being neighbors put them in a position to interact with each other frequently. They were both strong, intelligent women in professions of service to others. The older, childless Amanda had a nurturing tendency to Jennifer's children, especially Fiona, and somewhat to Jennifer and James. Amanda and Jennifer could disagree, argue, even fight, but they could also forgave each other. They respected each others strengths.

What kept them together in the long run? They really did know too much about each other to let the relationship dissolve, didn't they?

In my opinion, jwbriggs13's explanation is right on.

Jennifer and Amanda challenged each other on a few different levels (I certainly can't picture them having a discussion about Dancing with the Stars). It is interesting that each viewed the other as difficult, as an adversary. As we see toward the end of the book, Amanda actually envied Jennifer because of Fiona.