3.5 starsThis is the story of Ashley, a popular senior in a small-ish high school. But instead of worrying about college and boys and cheerleading and prom, Ashley has spent her senior year with her dying father, watching the once health nut, exuberant man waste away from cancer. The book starts in the aftermath of the funeral, in which Ashley has to endure well meaning but pointless platitudes. She's in a bit of a fog, and instead of leaning on her brother and mom, Ashley begins replacing her despair with...well, ANY other feeling she can find. Some of these feelings come from placing herself in questionable positions with Jordan...and also Colt. Love triangle? Sort of.Jordan is the nerdy good guy... compassionate and kind and thoughtful, he sees through her act and tries to help. Colt is the new local bad boy...he wants to help also, but in a very different way.THE GOOD: I loved that each character was multilayered. At time, I wasn't sure how I was supposed to perceive some of the actions of the characters. Colt is definitely a careless bad boy, but is he heartless? He's cruel at times, but then he also has moments of levity, moments of understanding in which he's just another teen, dealing with life in the only way he knows how. Jordan, on the other hand, was awfully good...super understanding, extremely kind, awfully close to being a goodie goodie. But he had a couple of instances in which I thought (hoped?) that he'd crack, put his foot down, give in, or give up...Ashley's Mom and brother were two characters that we don't get to see much of, but I think that was the point. They both dealt with their own grief but sort of let Ashley alone...maybe not the best way to handle the situation, but who's to say what's right and wrong when your Dad and Husband dies?Ashley's best friend: She's the popular, judgmental mean girl, and SHE NEVER CHANGES. The author also never alludes to a change in her, nor makes apologies for her. However, her loyalty to Ashely is incomparable. Just because she's snooty and rich doesn't mean she's flighty and a traitor. I loved this aspect so much, though I don't know why I focused on it so much.THE BAD: At times...okay, a LOT of the book felt preachy preachy and fairly predictable. Ashley questions her faith...someone pushes her to believe. She is making questionable moral choices, and yet she's still going to church, albeit involuntarily. While the overall message here was beautiful, I wanted for Ashley to show some kind of lift, some kind of connection with God again. I mean, it's completely understandable that she question God's purpose upon the death of her father. But what's the point of that particular story arc if there isn't a follow through? For me, it was left up in the air...even though the particulars DO point in the right direction, it just wasn't enough for me. The ending, AAAAAAaaaaahhhhh! Happy for now endings are a pet peeve of mine, so this is completely personal preference. This one had a VERY open-ended Happy for now, and it drove me crazy. I would have been MUCH more satisfied with a thorough epilogue. Closure, it's needed!!---------------------------------------------------------Overall, I was satisfied with this read. Sort of a Sarah Dessen feel, but with a bit of a bite to it. These characters aren't innocent little flowers, all introverted and sweet. This was edgier than I expected, but I think the story needed that edge. This was more real life, less hidden behind closed doors. And despite my complaint about the ending, I DID like how a few things were left open to interpretation...some of the friendships in trouble, and Ashley's relationship with her Mom and brother...on the mend but not fully healed. This is a great book for teens and young adults who need a boost of faith...both in God and their friends and family.Copy generously provided by Leigh Talbert Moore in exchange for an honest review
