Six teens from a small town in Maine are the subjects of six interconnected stories set the summer after high school graduation. Annabelle is a serious, talented musician who has been dating Matt for several years. Although Annabelle is leaving for college in the fall, everyone (especially Matt) seems to assume they’ll be together forever. Annabelle herself is clearly having second thoughts about their relationship, although she’s also mired in their habitual togetherness. She’s not so mired, however, that she doesn’t wonder what it would be like to date Jonah, Matt’s best friend. Meanwhile, Tobin, a fellow musician, secretly longs for Annabelle, as does Lexi, Matt’s sister. And although Jonah is somewhat interested in Annabelle, he gets side-tracked by an unexpected affair with Matt’s mother. Hillary Frank’s deep insights into character elevate what might otherwise be a soap opera to a solid look at turning points and moments of self-discovery in the lives of each of these teens (as well as a summer visitor to town who spends an enlightening day with Annabelle at the beach). Frank writes with honesty about messy and complicated moments and feelings, and offers a clear, uplifting view at the novel’s end. (Age 14 and older)