❥ Thank you for the free book and gifts, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA Books, and The Hive.
Synopsis
Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot’s borne the brunt of their mother’s care and now it’s Gia’s turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.
As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome. There’s the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.
When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.
Thoughts
I received this book and goodies during Banned Books Week last month, so I have been eager to jump into it! This is a great option if you enjoy books where women stand up to their oppressors and exhibit some personal growth. Low on book talk and spice, but full of heart, this is a title to check out.
Please review trigger warnings because a few types of trauma lurk beneath this cute cover. As a person who primarily reads to escape, I felt as though the story leaned into the family drama. I was actually on the edge of my seat with some of the suspense. Once I realized where the book was taking me, I appreciated that some tough topics were addressed.