Sophie is settled into a happy existence with her friends the Blondes - the popular girls at her school. But just as things seem smooth her father is released from prison, she becomes the repository of everyone's secrets, and she learns that friendship is not just about telling the truth, but about letting people hold you up when you need it.
(spoilers)
With Sophie's father's alcoholism, and Luke's relationship tragedy, this books isn't as light as the first book, but I thought it was stronger for it. The various Aunties provided comic relief and comfort, but this isn't a happily-ever-after ending, more of a what-doesn't-kill-you-makes-you-stronger. I think that the moral ambiguity of the situations adds a great deal to my sympathy for Sophie, who has very hard things to face. ( )