Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives - Josie Brown

Book synopsis:

Lyssa Harper should have warned divorced DILF du jour Harry Wilder before she invited him to meet the mommies of the Paradise Heights Women's League Board. At least he brought cupcakes. Since taking the former Master-of-the-Universe turned stay-at-home single dad under her wing, Lyssa has been his domestic Sherpa, teaching him the ins and outs of life inside their gated community. She never dreamed her friends would bombard him with casseroles, leopard-print bikini briefs, and offers to rearrange his kitchen cabinets.

But Harry's presence soon stirs up trouble in paradise: if Harry and his wife, the neighborhood’s "perfect couple," can call it quits, what does that mean for other so-called happy couples, like Lyssa and her husband, Ted? When Harry sets boundaries with his new fan club, he is exiled from the ladies' clique. But Lyssa refuses to snub him. What she never expects is the explosive impact her ongoing friendship with Harry will have on her close-knit pals—and on her marriage.

My review:

Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives introduces the reader to the wealthy stay-at-home mothers. Or as I referred to them as the "mean mommies". Meet Lyssa, our protagonist. Immediately I liked her. Yes, at times she came across as a bit naive, however I didn't find it to be irritating or a distraction from the story. Next are Lyssa's friends: Brooke, Tammy, Margot and Colleen. Each woman appears to have the perfect life at first glance, but when the reader gets to know them, it's easy to see the flaws each works hard to keep hidden.

Lyssa and Harry first meet by accident at the neighborhood park. After several minutes of small talk, Harry breaks down and confides in Lyssa about the breakup of his marriage. From that moment on, Harry and Lyssa become friends. Thinking it's in Harry's best interest, Lyssa decides to introduce him to her friends. Little does she know, this introduction is the catalyst that will bring her to where she is supposed to be.

Reading Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives was like watching a television drama. Lots of gossip, back-stabbing, extramarital affairs and pettiness. As much as I liked Lyssa, I did not care for her so-called "friends". With friends like these, who needs enemies? At times, I found myself shaking my head and wondering why these women are taking things so seriously and going to the extreme to getting what they thought they deserved. Watching Lyssa's relationship with Harry continue to grow, despite the "mean mommies", made up for their cattiness.

Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives, was humorous at times and certainly entertaining. It's a good escape from your everyday hassles as you find yourself engrossed in other people's lives. When the book is over, and you say goodbye to your new friends, you'll realize your life isn't as bad as you think.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391-7317-6
Pages: 331
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Fiction
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher

The book was sent to me from the publisher for the author's blog tour. It has not influenced my review in any way.

Sunday Salon

YAY! It's official! Summer is here! It has been (and will continue to be this week) hot and sticky in northern VA. And you know what? I love it! Yep... I'm the girl who loves the hot, humid, muggy days of summer. I'm thrilled when the temperatures are 90 degrees and higher. The only downside is, I'm a runner and it's quite challenging to run in this weather. So I either run first thing in the morning or after work in the evenings.

As of late, I've been doing a lot of thinking about my reading so far this year. As usual, the number of library books I've read is triple the number of books I've read that I own. A few weeks ago, Mary of Bookfan challenged herself to read books that have been on her TBR list for several months. These books were either purchased by her or giveaway wins. So I asked her if I could join her as well and she agreed.

My summer reading challenge officially begins today and will end Sept. 6 (Labor Day). My goal is to read at least 10 books that I own. Here's a list of books I randomly pulled from my shelves:

• 29 - Adena Halpern
• Balancing Acts - Zoe Fishman
• Between Friends - Kristy Kiernan

• Bundle of Trouble - Diana Orgain
• Commencement - J. Courtney Sullivan
• Dead Air - Mary Kennedy

• House Rules - Jodi Picoult
• Italian for Beginners - Kristin Harmel
• Live to Tell - Wendy Corsi Staub

• Motherhood is Murder - Diana Orgain
• Second Time Around - Beth Kendrick
• The Beach House - Jane Green

• The Bright Side of Disaster - Katherine Center
• The One That I Want - Allison Scotch Winn
  

Will I read 10 from this list? Will the list change by summer's end? Stay tuned to find out.

What are your summer reading plans?

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop: June 18 - June 21

TGIF!!! The weekend is here and that means it's time for BOOK BLOGGER HOP!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer of Crazy-for-Books. This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky.

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event!

If you discovered my blog through the Book Blogger Hop, please let me know. I will also stop by your blog.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Gimme a Call - Sarah Mlynowski

Have you ever wished you could change your future by correcting a mistake of the past? If so, you're not alone. Meet Devi Banks. She's weeks away from graduating high school and prom is around the corner. It's her senior year and she should be happy, right? Well, she's not.

You see, her boyfriend, Bryan, of three plus years just broke up with her. Technically, they're not broken up yet, but they will be when college starts in the fall. Devi heads to the mall to return a present she just purchased for him prior his decision to end their relationship. Angry, confused and hurt she listens (yet again) to his voice message to her. She begins thinking if only she never met Bryan. If only they never were a couple, then she wouldn't feel so miserable right now. It's at that very moment, Devi accidentally drops her cell phone in the fountain and her life changes.

When she recovers her wet phone, at first glance it appears to be working, however when she tries to dial a number it flashes her number on the screen. Devi soon realizes she's able to talk to her freshman self, days before she meets Bryan.

Devi, as a freshman, is skeptical when she receives her first phone call from Devi, as a senior. After several conversations, she realizes she's speaking to her future self. Too make things less confusing, senior Devi is known as "Ivy" and freshman Devi is known as "Frosh". Ivy is able to persuade Frosh into not agreeing to go out with Bryan when he first asks her out. As a result, Ivy begins to notice changes in her life and begins having Frosh alter other areas as well. Finally, Ivy is free of Bryan and their relationship. But is that a good thing? Or what she truly wants?

Gimme a Call is a fun read. It brought back high school memories and made me think about what I would have changed in my senior year based on my decisions I made as a freshman. Mlynowski did a fantastic job of setting up the plot and never once confusing the reader. It was entertaining to see how much Ivy altered her life through her conversations with Frosh.

Although Gimme a Call is classified as young adult fiction, I think adults would also enjoy this one. It's a good pick for those lazy, summer days. Fans of Mlynowski's previous novels will not be disappointed.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73588-9
Pages: 301
Year Published: 2010
Genre: YA Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Fly Away Home
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Release Date: July 13

Sometimes all you can do is fly away home . . .

When Sylvie Serfer met Richard Woodruff in law school, she had wild curls, wide hips, and lots of opinions. Decades later, Sylvie has remade herself as the ideal politician’s wife—her hair dyed and straightened, her hippie-chick wardrobe replaced by tailored knit suits. At fifty-seven, she ruefully acknowledges that her job is staying twenty pounds thinner than she was in her twenties and tending to her husband, the senator.

Lizzie, the Woodruffs’ younger daughter, is at twenty-four a recovering addict, whose mantra HALT (Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired?) helps her keep her life under control. Still, trouble always seems to find her. Her older sister, Diana, an emergency room physician, has everything Lizzie failed to achieve—a husband, a young son, the perfect home—and yet she’s trapped in a loveless marriage. With temptation waiting in one of the ER’s exam rooms, she finds herself craving more.

After Richard’s extramarital affair makes headlines, the three women are drawn into the painful glare of the national spotlight. Once the press conference is over, each is forced to reconsider her life, who she is and who she is meant to be.

Written with an irresistible blend of heartbreak and hilarity, Fly Away Home is an unforgettable story of a mother and two daughters who after a lifetime of distance finally learn to find refuge in one another. (From Amazon.com)

Bloggiesta: Finish Line

Over the weekend, I participated in my first Bloggiesta. Several weeks ago, I had fallen behind on my blog maintenance due to uncontrollable factors, so Bloggiesta came at the right time for me.

Here's what I accomplished:

• Updated my "2010 Books" page to include all book reviews (I'm pretty impressive that I've reviewed all the books I read this year!)
• Updated my Challenges page: linked reviews to current challenges and removed challenges that are completed
• Wrote completed challenge post for Support Your Local Library Challenge
• Wrote completed challenge post for The Pub Challenge
• Added a "Follow Me" on Twitter button
• Wrote outline for "About Me" page
• Wrote outline for "Review policy" page
• Wrote book ratings description (As of yet, I don't include ratings in my reviews. However, when I post to Amazon, B&N or Library Thing, I include a rating. I needed to have a more detailed description to assist me with this.)

Total hours: 10

I wanted to update my sidebars and tackle my subscriptions in Google Reader, but ran out of time. All in all, I'm happy that I finally FINALLY got caught up with my challenges. Those items have been nagging at me for awhile!

I participated in one mini challenge: Embracing Community hosted by Cass at Bonjour Cass and discovered new blogs.

I'm glad I was able to participate in Bloggiesta. I'm excited about blogging again after taking a break for awhile. Life happens and will continue to happen and things get pushed aside. The important thing is just jumped back in where you left off.

Bloggiesta: Starting Line

It's official! I'm starting Bloggiesta!! I'm a little late getting started thanks to working late. (Again, why does work interfere with my life?!)

First up: challenges. I have reviews that I need to link to challenges, wrap-up posts to write and post to their hosts' blogs and update my challenges page. These items have been nagging at me for awhile now, so it will be a relief to cross them off my list.

I plan to spend about 2 hours working tonight. I won't write a post for every task I complete, however I'll be updating my status on Twitter. You can follow me at @mybookandcouch.

To everyone participating in Bloggiesta, cheers to a productive weekend. Let the PARTY begin!

Bloggiesta: June 11th - June 13th

YAY! It's my first Bloggiesta! I'm pretty excited to participate. I have LOTS of items on my to-do list that I'm ready to start tackling. Here's a glimpse of what's on my list:

• adding reviews to my review database
• linking reviews to challenges
• writing completed challenges posts and posting to hosts' blogs
• updating my side bars
• revising my "About Me" page
• cleaning up my Google Reader subscriptions

Even if I do not cross everything off my list this weekend, it's progress, right?

Want to join in on the fun? Find out more here.

Book Blogger Hop

TGIF!!! The weekend is here and that means it's time for BOOK BLOGGER HOP!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer of Crazy-for-Books. This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky.

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event!

If you discovered my blog through the Book Blogger Hop, please let me know. I will also stop by your blog.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Promises to Keep
Author: Jane Green
Release Date: June 15

From the New York Times bestselling author-a momentous new novel about a family suddenly thrown together

Callie Perry is a successful family photographer living in upstate New York. She adores her two daughters, has great friends, and actually doesn't mind that her workaholic husband gets home at 9 p.m. every night-that is, when he's not traveling six months out of the year.

Callie's younger sister, Steff, on the other hand, has never grown up. She's a free spirit, living in downtown Manhattan and bouncing between jobs and boyfriends. Lately, she's been working as a vegan chef, even though she can't cook.

Lila Grossman is Callie's best friend and has finally met the man of her dreams. Eddie has two wonderful children, but also a drama queen ex-wife who hates Lila. And then there are Callie and Steff's parents, Walter Cutler and Honor Pitman. Divorced for thirty years, they rarely speak to each other.

The lives of these colorful characters intersect when they each receive a shocking note that summons them together for one extraordinary summer in Maine and changes their lives forever. This novel is about the hard choices we have to face, about having to be your parents' child long after you've grown up, and about the enduring nature of love. (From Amazon.com)

The Art of Devotion - Samantha Bruce-Benjamin

The Art of Devotion is the debut novel of Ms. Bruce-Benjamin. The reader is introduced to Sophie and her children Adora and Sebastian. Their story spans across two decades and is filled with secrets, lies, betrayal and deceit.

The book is narrated in alternating voices: Sophie, Adora, Miranda (Genevieve's mother) and Genevieve. It begins with Genevieve's wedding preparations, the year is 1940. The reader is then transported back in time through a series of flashbacks that reveal the history of Sophie and her children; Adora and her charming husband, Oliver; and his lawyer and best friend James and his wife Miranda.

Oliver and Adora were the power "it" couple back in the day. They threw extravagant parties and everyone wanted to be included in their world. Their lives appeared to be abundant and perfect, however when the truth was revealed, all that remained were unhealed wounds, a trail of lies and a undeniable devotion between a brother and sister.

For me, The Art of Devotion was like watching a documentary of characters telling their perspectives about a family tragedy. At first glance, Adora seems to be controlling and self-centered. As she shares more of herself through her journal entries to Sebastian, she transforms into a broken and bruised woman who is not happy with the path her life is on.

Initially, I was drawn to Miranda. I quickly pitied her and felt Adora took advantage of her at every turn and Miranda had no choice but to accept it. By the end of the novel, my feelings for Miranda changed as I realized she was not the helpless victim, but in fact was more manipulative than Adora.

The Art of Devotion is a dark book about the extremes people will go for the love of another, a sense of belonging and the fear of losing it all. It shows how lies, deceit and secrets can tear a family apart and turn family members into complete strangers. The Art of Devotion would make a good book selection as it would spark conversation centered around family dynamics, loss, and how death can impact a familial structure. A reader's guide and discussion questions are included.

Please note: Samantha Bruce-Benjamin will stop by to answer any questions or respond to your comments.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391-5394-9
Pages: 378
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Fiction
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher

The book was sent to me from the publisher for the author's blog tour. It has not influenced my review in any way.

Other blogs participating in this blog tour:

http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/
http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/
http://armsofasister.com/
http://booktumbling.com/
http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/
http://literarilyspeaking1.blogspot.com
http://busyjulieblog.blogspot.com/
http://thestuffyouneedtoknow.blogspot.com/
http://www.teresasreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
http://frugalplus.com/
http://www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com/
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/
http://www.eclecticbooklover.com
http://notquitesusiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/
http://bookswithcoffee.wordpress.com/
http://www.jewelknits.blogspot.com/
http://thegirlfromtheghetto.wordpress.com/
http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
http://simplystacie.net/
http://mustreadfaster.blogspot.com/
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://reminderlist.blogspot.com/
http://www.tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/
http://my-book-views.blogspot.com/
http://www.amusingreviews.blogspot.com/
http://thisbookforfree.com/
www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com
http://takingtimeformommy.blogspot.com/
http://www.luckyrosiescreations.blogspot.com/
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/
http://www.jeannesramblings.com
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
www.bellasnovella.com
http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com/
http://www.rundpinne.com

Sunday Salon

Happy Sunday everyone. It has been a strange day here in VA weather wise. The morning started out pretty sunny and by mid-afternoon it was dark with threatening clouds. The wind picked up and I thought a storm was coming. Within fifteen minutes, the sun was out again and things were calm. Going from sunny to cloudy within minutes has been the theme for the last few hours. I just wonder if it will ever rain.

My plans to participate in the 48 Hour Book Challenge fell by the wayside on Friday. I had to work late and by the time I got home and ate dinner, I was too tired to even pick up a book. So, I decided to start at 7am on Saturday morning. As my Saturday morning began, I pretty much knew immediately any participation in the 48 Hour Book Challenge would be little to none.

Much of my day was been spent reading The Art of Devotion by Samantha Bruce-Benjamin for her upcoming blog tour on Tuesday. Look for my review then. I had to set aside Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski to read The Art of Devotion, as it's hard for me to read two books at once. Gimme a Call is a great read (taking me back to my awkward days of being a teen-age girl) and I can't wait to pick up where I left off.

On a productive note, I'm planning to participate in my first Bloggiesta hosted by Natasha at Maw Books Blog. This past week I got caught up on my outstanding book reviews (YAY!), but still have a lot of blog maintenance to do. I looked at my calendar to see when I could block some time off when I discovered Natasha's announcement. (I love it when that happens!) I'm hoping to get several tasks accomplished from my to do list and maybe start working on those "someday when I have more time" items that I've been thinking about.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Runaway - Meg Cabot

Book Summary:
Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved—since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed—this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running. (Taken from dust jacket)

My thoughts:
Runaway is the third and final installment in the Airhead series. Readers learn the secret Stark has been hiding and how he plans to profit from it. Em is busy trying to stop him while attempting to save her relationship with Christopher. Living as Nikki Howard defnitely has its perks, but Em also realizes how far she is from her former life. Trying to balance the "old" Em with the "new" Nikki is challenging, but in the end she may just have the best of both worlds.

Cabot did the trilogy justice with the ending of Runaway. I enjoyed meeting Em, Christopher, Frieda, Lulu and of course, Cosabella, Nikki's dog. It's hard for me to write this review without spoilers. I will say, though, fans of the Airhead series will not be disappointed.

Book details:
Series: Airhead #3
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-04060-0
Pages: 310
Year Published: 2010
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Get Lucky - Katherine Center

Ms. Center became a part of my world last year after I read raving reviews for Everyone is Beautiful. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to read it. When I heard her latest book would be released in the spring of this year, I immediately added my name to the wait list. My only regret is I waited to start reading her books.

Get Lucky is a fascinating story between two sisters Sarah and Mackie. Sarah makes one careless decision which costs her her job. Uncertain what to do next, she flies home to spend the holidays with older sister Mackie. Mackie and her husband have attempted several times to conceive a child. When Mackie informs Sarah they have decided to give up, Sarah decides for once she will take care of Mackie and offers to become their surrogate. Little did each sister know the impact this will have on their lives.

What I liked most about Get Lucky were the relational themes throughout the novel. At first glance, it's obvious the story is about sisterhood. Ms. Center delves deeper and explores parental relationships, the loss of relationships and forming new relationships. Just when we think everything is okay, the past has a nasty way of blindsiding us. Until that moment of sudden impact, little did we know it was there all along shaping us and protecting us in all our relationships. Center does a great job of examining the unhealed wounds of the past.

So, yes I'll admit my first thought of Get Lucky was a quick, light read. But after reading the last page and closing the book, I realized it was much, much more than that. Take a lesson from me, don't wait to read a book by Katherine Center. Get Lucky was my first read, but will not be the last.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-345-507941-4
Pages: 267
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Chick Lit
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Library

The Cougar Club - Susan McBride

Kat, Carla and Elise were high schools friends, only to lose touch when Kat moved away to New York. Factor in careers, marriages and the passing of time, these women slowly drifted apart, only to be reunited again when Kat lost her job.

On her last day at work, she came home to find her much younger, live-in boyfriend engaging in self-activity while browsing the internet. Fed up, she decides to return home to Missouri to think about the next chapter in her life.

Upon arrival, she reconnects with her two best friends Elise and Carla. Elise is married to Michael, has a son in college and is a successful dermatologist. Carla is the face that everyone loves and a popular TV anchor. As the friends catch up, they learn that life sometimes doesn't turn out as planned.

The Cougar Club is a book about 40-something women coming into their own when things turn upside down. Together these women are able to face the curve balls life throws at them. The Cougar Club is my first book by this author and will not be the last.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 9780061771262
Pages: 309
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: The Life You've Imagined
Author: Kristina Riggle
Release Date: August 17, 2010

Are you living the life you imagined? Is there anything you’d have done differently if you could? Those are the questions asked in Kristina Riggle’s unforgettable new novel.

In high school, Cami and Anna were as close as they could be...now, years later, both have returned to their hometown to face the people they had once left behind. Anna must confront her mother, still distraught over the abandonment of her husband, and come to terms with choices she had made years before. While Cami returns home to stay with her alcoholic father, she uncovers a secret he sought to keep which could change her life and salvage her future. They reconnect with their classmate, Amy, who can't understand why achieving the thin body and handsome man of her dreams hasn't given her the happily-ever-after she desired. This is a novel that digs deep and touches the heart of the issues so many women face-the quest for perfection, the hope of love, the value of family and importance of always striving for your dream. (From author's website)

A Deep Dark Secret - Kimberla Lawson Roby

Book summary:

The New York Times bestselling author returns with the moving story of a family who learns to overcome betrayal and secrets with courage and love

On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She's helpful with chores around the house, gets straight As in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather.

But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.

Too frightened to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won't understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing that things will get better. However, as time passes and her dilemma intensifies, the bright, hardworking girl becomes sullen and disinterested in her studies. Then, just when it seems she's on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined…and the power to change her fate.

With sensitivity and grace, Kimberla Lawson Roby addresses a very real and serious issue, while delivering the inspiring tale of one family's mission to shed light into the darkest corner of their lives.

My thoughts:
A Deep Dark Secret is a disturbing novel about a young girl who is being molested by her step-father. The molestation begins when she is seven on the night her baby sister is born. Now Jillian is twelve and the abuse has escalated between her father.

Jillian's father has threatened her if she breaks her silence. Jillian is quite convinced his threats will come true so she remains quiet and continues to live her life as normal as she can. Jillian's facade starts to slip when she begins a relationship with a boy at her school, Kyle. Also her best friend Nikki is dating a popular boy at school and will do just about anything to remain his girlfriend.

A Deep Dark Secret is a short novel, with 179 pages, but is difficult to read. The abusive scenes are quite graphic and the reader's heart breaks as Jillian is forced to perform these acts with her step-father. My only issue was it was hard to know the author's target audience. The main character is a twelve-year-old girl, however the book is listed as adult contemporary African-American Fiction.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-144309-1
Pages: 179
Year Published: 2009
Genre: African-American Fiction
Format: Audio Book
Source: Library