This novel reads more like a memoir than a novel, a book of poetry, a book that is about books. Robin has been sent to a grandmother whom she has never met once her parents are sent to prison for murder and accessory to murder. Trying to hide her identity, Robin weaves fantastic stories of who she is and where she came from. She only tells the truth to Peter, a young football player who shares her love of books and also lost a parent since his mother recently died. The setting where they meet was not at all romantic since they met at a cemetery. This book was a beautiful story of a young girl who faces her past and who finally accepts it. I really enjoyed the way the author seamlessly wrote about the past and the present, telling Robin and Peter’s stories. I really enjoyed the mention of all of Robin’s favorite books, bringing to my mind how much I liked or disliked some of them. My most enjoyable part of this book were Robin’s poems, the ones she wrote for Peter in payment for the books he gave her during their high school years of finding friendship in each other. I expected a lot from this book because I have read Erin Bartels’s previous novels, and this book did not disappoint. It was by far by very favorite, telling the story of books and the story of an unlikely heroine who has to rise above the reputations of her parents and create her own life, declaring an independence that is vulnerable and reaching out to others at the same time. I loved this book and I am confident that fans of the author and readers who just want to read an excellent story that will touch your heart will savor this book. It’s not just a book; it’s a masterpiece!

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books, the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This amazing book is available now from your local bookseller or online and is appropriate for teens and adults. It is a Christian book, so it is a clean read.