Almost sixteen-year-old Aria Jones is starting over. New postal code, new last name, new rules. But she doesn’t mind, because it means she can leave her painful regrets behind. In the bustling town of Eastmonte, she can become someone else. Someone better.Hi! I know its been a while. I had a baby and he's adorable, and taking up most of my time. But I read this and think that its worth coming on and writing up a quick review. I loved the diversity of the characters, especially Cassie. I haven't read much with a featured character with autism and I think that it was fresh, honest, and she made me smile.
With the Hartford family living next door, it seems she will succeed. Sure, Cassie Hartford may be the epitome of social awkwardness thanks to her autism, but she also offers an innocent and sincere friendship that Aria learns to appreciate. And Cassie’s older brother, Emmett—a popular Junior A hockey player with a bright future—well … Aria wishes that friendship could lead to something more. If he didn’t already have a girlfriend, maybe it would.
I also appreciated the family focus in this one. While Aria's mom hasn't always been the most involved, in this book she is realizing how to be and what she needed to change. I also love the dynamic of Cassie's family and especially big brother bear Emmett.
The romance is spot on too, and I was crushing with Aria over Emmett.
I think that it takes a hard look at bullying and shows that small things can spiral and that everyone can be guilty of hurting others and may not realize our impact on top of what that person may be dealing with.
I sped through this one and def recommend.
And just because I'm a proud momma:
This is Benjamin Lucas:
Born Oct 16th 7 lbs 7 oz, 20 inches
here's all three