Frenemies

I needed a good chick lit read, since I have been submerged in home design and improvement books lately. This one fit the bill--and it's well-written, too! It follows two young women who have been friends since college. One has become a published author, one has two small children and struggles to make money writing articles. Their relationship takes a hit when Alison has a tragic car accident while driving home intoxicated from Claire's book release party and the truth about their history begins to unravel. The characters are likable and human and the story is absolutely believable.

Growing Up Quickly

Sam is fifteen and has a lot to consider. Her father is the pastor, her mother is in rehab, her faith doesn't feel so real anymore, and then one of the girls from her class goes missing. This might sound like a lot to consider in a single book, but Sara Zarr does a fantastic job of making it believable and real in Once Was Lost. I had the pleasure of meeting Zarr upon the release of Story of a Girl. Make time to read her novels this year--she's got a way with words.