Reviewed by: Molly D
First off, I'm practically speechless after realizing this was SD Hendrickson's debut novel.
That said, I could not put it down. Jess Mason and Alex Tanner were some of the most beautifully crafted characters. Several times I wished I could knock their heads together so they would figure their shit out.
From the age of 8, Alex struggled with feelings of inadequacy and harbored a hatred toward the one family that became her family's lifeline.
With the vast majority of the book viewed in flashbacks, it immediately sets the stage for the type of friendship that doesn't come along very often. A friendship/love that lasts a lifetime. The glimpses into the present are somewhat vague and unfold layer by layer. It felt a touch slow at times, but I was drawn in from the start and couldn't stop reading if I tried.
This story spans a lifetime of friendship, love, hate, loss, heartbreak, hope and family.
This is one novel not to be missed. Phenomenal debut, I'm excited to see what else this author has in store.