At first I wasn't sure I would like this novel. The opening chapters read like a travelogue. But I soon realized that the setting was as much a character as any of the humans. The Newfoundland culture is fascinating, this does sound breathtaking, and the young man, Jim, is the perfect person to meet if you have lost your sense of joy. He has much to teach the protagonist, Cheryl, about courage, friendship, family, and compassion. A gentle story of a girl who has chosen a bitter outlook on life and feels alone in the world. She meets a young man who is far more reason to be bitter and cynical, but yet he lives with hope and brings happiness to everyone around.

This book reads like a sweet dream. However, I think they could have come up with a better title. ( )

Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com

Cheryl has moved a lot throughout her life. Due to her father's work on his anthropological book, Cheryl has had to travel with her parents all across Canada as he does research.

However, there is one aspect of life in St. John that Cheryl might find pleasing...and his name is Jim.

Jim is Cheryl's new next-door neighbor, and he is as fascinated with Cheryl as she is with him, much to her disdain. She would rather pack up everything and head back to the city, but as she gets to know Jim she starts finding herself becoming attached to this little fishing town and the people in it.

Lori Weber writes a touching coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who not only struggles to distinguish her home, but also to distinguish who she is. Any girl can relate to Cheryl, knowing the struggles and confusions of teenage life.

Through her talent to create a realistic narrator, Weber writes a fascinating book that even throws the reader with a few twists and turns. ( )