Clipston, Amy

Gr 7 Up—Seventeen-year-old Emily Curtis has lost her faith in God. After her mother died from cancer, her father, bankrupt from the medical bills, had to sell the family automotive business, and the two move in with her wealthy aunt, whose generosity unnerves her. A self-proclaimed motorhead, Emily is happier repairing cars than hosting pool parties, and she feels inadequate compared to her beautiful and popular cousin. Fearful that others are judging her, she distrusts people's good intentions. When a romance blossoms with next-door neighbor Zander, her lack of confidence and spiritual questioning threaten to sabotage her newfound happiness. Then an accident forces her to reevaluate her relationship with God and count her blessings. Interspersed throughout the thoughtful first-person narrative are the emotional letters Emily has written to her dead mother, describing her isolation, grief, and wavering faith. Adult author Clipston deftly tackles her first YA novel with insight and understanding about grief and God. A worthy addition to Christian fiction collections and a meaningful recommendation for teens dealing with similar issues.