Author: Nikki Barthelmess
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Author
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: March 5th, 2019
Summary:
Victoria Parker knew her dad's behavior toward her was a little unusual, but she convinced herself everything was fine—until she found herself locked out of the house at 3:00 a.m., surrounded by flashing police lights. Now, dumped into a crowded, chaotic foster home, Victoria has to tiptoe around her domineering foster mother, get through senior year at a new school, and somehow salvage her college dreams . . . all while keeping her past hidden. But some secrets won't stay buried—especially when unwanted memories make Victoria freeze up at random moments and nightmares disrupt her sleep. Even worse, she can't stop worrying about her stepsister Sarah, left behind with her father. All she wants is to move forward, but how do you focus on the future when the past won't leave you alone?
I really enjoyed this book. Nikki did a wonderful job telling Victoria's story and opening your eyes to the truth behind foster care. I found myself in tears at some points and rooting for Victoria and her newfound strength.
Like it states in the summary, Victoria is unexpectedly thrust into foster care in the middle of the night. With her dad acting strange and kicking her out of the house, Victoria is not sure what to expect. She shows up in a foster home in a small town and immediately feels out of place. She in a new school her senior year, her foster mother is a monster, and all Victoria wants is to go home. Victoria is challenged with keeping her true identity a secret from those at school and facing the truth of what actually happened with her father. Not to mention, she's worried about her stepsister Sarah, and what her father could do to her too.
What Victoria had to face with her father is something no one should have to face ever. It's absolutely disgusting that someone can drive themselves to do something like that. That being said, Victoria was able to keep a brave face despite not wanting to admit the truth. She just wanted to believe it wasn't true and go back to living her normal life.
I loved how strong Victoria's character was. Despite her nervousness about telling the truth and having to deal with the craziness of foster care, Victoria was able to keep herself together and not give up on her dreams of going to college. Even though things didn't go as planned, she was still able to make new friends and plan for her future.
Victoria was eventually able to start a relationship with her foster mother, Connie. She was able to look past her strict rules and she that they were actually helping her. Victoria also had friends Kale and Christina, who stuck by her side when she believed they wouldn't, just because she was in the foster system.
This is a wonderful story of personal growth, of strength, and of overcoming your biggest fears. Give this story a chance and you'll be sure to enjoy it!
I've never heard of this book until now-- and I have to admit I was cringing waiting for the synopsis to say that she meets some guy in her foster care to make everything better. Because that's usually how that goes. I was very happy when it didn't say that, and your review makes me believe this book is the kind I would like :)
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