I've seen this described as the issue of teenage pregnancy as told by the teen mom's younger sister, but I don't think that is quite it.

This is really the story of a sibling who feels abandoned in the wake of a serious family event (or trauma). Her parents pay her little attention (until she gets a lone B instead of an A on her report card, and their response was to load her up with science books to "catch up" instead of rewarding her for her good work), they skip her swim meets, and she no longer has the close relationship she once had with her older sister Julia,

Honestly, everything Cassie felt could have occurred if a family member had a serious disease or just a major event that drew the attention to another family member, and the author manages to share Cassie's feelings without making her feel whiny or the reader unsympathetic to her. My heart broke a bit as Cassie's friends push her aside due to her sister's situation.

When Julia runs away with her bay and takes Cassie with her, they being to reconnect in the quiet time they have together. But it isn't until she returns home that she finds the bravery to confront everyone about what she has been feeling.

The story unfolded quietly and with a steady pace. There are a few moments of tension, and at times I wasn't sure what Julia's ultimate intention was, but the book had a satisfactory ending.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )