Would you keep a secret for your boyfriend if he was gay and didn't want anyone to know even if it meant losing out on the love of your life and your reputation in a small military town? Jackson combines hard moral choices with well-researched military knowledge and jazzy storytelling to tell what one girl, Sophie, chose to do. Slow start to the story but a good finish. ( )

Rating: 4.5/5

Favorite quote:

Sometimes a moment defines you, defines how people see you the rest of your life. You can accept it or fight it. If you’re lucky, you’ll recognize the moment when it happens.

The heartbreaking moving story of Sophie Topper Quinn; a fresh voice, honest and gritty, and deeply emotional. Think several-punches-in-the-gut emotional.

Despite everything she went through for the sake of protecting her boyfriend Carey: the insults, the bullying, losing all her friends, being ignored by her father and secluded from the rest of the town... Sophie stayed strong 'till the very end, she kept her promise to not reveal Carey's secret, and stood her ground when I could have easily crumbled down and faded into nothingness from all that verbal bullying. I lost count of the times I stopped reading because of the big lump in my throat and my urging need to hug Sophie.

The writing kept flowing, so heart-wrenching and beautiful, I was genuinely surprised when I read that this is Ms. Jackson debut novel. Well kudos! I'm eager to read more from you. ( )

this is a book everyone should read it's so good ( )

Brought me to tears! ( )

This is one of those books that sticks with you and leaves you thinking. What is honor? How much pain do you put up with for the sake of love and friendship? And how can the people who love us most hurt us so badly?

Read this. It's beautiful, frustrating, and amazing! ( )