This story is all about the learning process that it takes for a teenage girl to eventually find herself and differentiate real love.

I found this book to be well done, which is to say that it was insightful and poignant.  The author nailed  the depiction of a teenage girl that finds herself making some bad decisions, recognizing them, and being able to move on from them.  Aspen’s repetitive mistakes made the story realistic.

The father character was a great side character.  He, too, recognizes his faults but takes well chosen steps to do better in a way that can have a positive effect on his daughter.  The struggle between parent and child was well portrayed when the father requests honesty from his daughter.

“Honey, would you please try and make an effort here? … I know you’re not being completely honest with me, and to me, that constitutes not making an effort.”

I liked how Aspen was compared and contrasted between both her parents, both from her perspective and from her father’s.

Sean, Aspen’s best friend at home, was a bit too perfect.  That is why I awarded this book 4 stars instead of 5.

LOVELY HEA!

 to Elizabeth Murphy!