This book by Jamie McGuire shows the depth and determination of first love.

Elliott Youngblood’s home life is less than stellar, so he is usually shipped off to his aunt and uncle’s house for the summer. His Aunt Leigh loves him, though she is tough.

As he explores the town with his first camera, he sees Catherine Calhoun and his heart is stolen. He’s never seen a sadder and more beautiful sight.

It takes years for this boy to actually talk to her but when he does, a true friendship is born. Calhoun’s world is tainted by her family’s past in town, which follows her like a black cloud and hinders her from making friends. When she meets Youngblood, she isn’t sure what to think but she needs an escape from her fighting parents. They feel like outcasts* and find an easy friendship with each other.

Then Calhoun’s world crashes down on her as Youngblood gets ripped away against his will.

When Youngblood makes it back, he and Calhoun are now different people. He’s a star high school athlete, and she spends all her free time working at her mother’s mysterious bed-and-breakfast. She hasn’t forgiven him for abandoning* her, but he’s determined to win back her friendship.

Just when Calhoun is ready to fully trust Youngblood, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy. Despite the town’s growing suspicions*, Calhoun clings to her love for him. But a devastating secret that she has buried could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.

(SD-Agencies)