When sixteen-year-old Jill Whitaker’s mom walks out—with a sticky note as a goodbye—only Jill knows the real reason she’s gone. But how can she tell her father? Jill can hardly believe the truth herself.
Suddenly, the girl who likes to fix things—cars, relationships, romances, people—is all broken up. Used to be, her best friend, tall, blond and hot flirt Sean Addison, could make her smile in seconds. But not anymore. They don’t even talk.
With nothing making sense, Jill tries to pick up the pieces of her life. But when a new guy moves in next door, intense, seriously cute, but with scars—on the inside and out—that he thinks don’t show, Jill finds herself trying to make things better for Daniel. But over one long, hot Arizona summer, she realizes she can’t fix anyone’s life until she fixes her own. And she knows just where to start . . .
I actually finished this book several days ago and my original rating was 4 stars, but after more thinking, I'm gonna give it 5. I know it's cringe to say, but....this teen romance book is not like other teen romance books 😂
First of all, the blurb makes you think the story is going one way, but in reality, it's much more complex and takes different turns till the end so you can't guess what's gonna happen. I am so glad none of my predictions came true because that means a) the story is much more realistic and unique b) the characters aren't dumb.
The characters in this story don't romanticize negative behavior, they don't gloss over problems, they don't avoid talking about serious issues, and there are no "if they just talked everything would be resolved" plot points...These characters felt like real people. Not only that, but the teens in this book (I think they are 16-17) are very mature (unlike the last book I read 😑) and they know exactly what the consequences are for their actions.
Jill has to be one of my favorite main characters in contemporary novels. She tries to take care of her father, she doesn't take crap from her horrible mother, she's a good friend, when she makes mistakes she apologises and tries to fix things, she knows what boundaries are and where to put them and most importantly, she thinks ahead and knows what will probably get her in trouble along the way.
I absolutely loved her relationship with her father. It was not all perfect, but they loved each other the best way they could. Also, her relationship with her best friend Claire was wonderful. They were so supportive of each other and helped each other deal with their problems. A friend like Claire, and Sean for that matter, is hard to find.
Sean was also a fascinating character. He's everything I said about Claire and Jill, and definitely in the minority when it comes to male characters. He's kind, supportive, and patient, he considers Claire and Jill his best friends and is constantly by their side. But not in that usual "protective macho guy" way, but like a normal friend. When reading about them, it never felt like reading about Jill + Sean the ex and then Claire. Or Claire + Jill BFF and a guy with them. They were a trio and they each gave an equal amount of support, time and love.
This was my 3rd Abigail Johnson book and you bet I'm gonna read everything she write from now on 😂
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