Autumn Secrets

She turned away and sighed. No, things had definitely not turned out the way she had thought they would.

Book: Autumn Secrets by Melody Carlson, Bethany House Publishers, 1998

Genre: Realistic/Historical Fiction (the time period is 1948 but it feels a lot more like realistic fiction)

Target Audience: Girls 13-16

Subjects: Crushes, split family issues, friendships, dealing with someone who is out to get you

Summary: Allison's dreams have come true. She gets to live with her dad instead of her movie-star, but mostly absent, mom! However, life in a normal highschool with friends and family isn't as easy as she imagined it would be. She's still a teenager and still has to deal with having a crush on a popular boy that prettier girls like too. Then there's Shirley, who is a mix between a snob and a bully. At first she latches onto Allison as if they are best friends since she is new at the school as well. But when things don't go her way, she is willing to do anything she can to hurt Allison. 

Notes: This is just an ordinary story about a highschooler living a very ordinary life. She's dealing with the whole boy-girl relationships, friendships, mean girls, befriending those in need of friends, planning surprise parties, giving make-overs, and just regular school stuff. Allison is a Christian and when she's in doubt or hurting, she knows where to turn. God or the Bible aren't exactly a major part of the story, but they are definitely there. 

Recommendation Scale: 4

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:13-14 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.