Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right time. You know that you would have enjoyed it regardless, but you also know that you appreciate it so much more for the perfect timing.

This book was that for me. I absolutely loved every moment. In my opinion, the best historical fiction humanises the key points in history, and this book did that perfectly. We've all seen pictures and videos of the protests at newly integrated schools, but I'll admit that until I read this book I'd never stopped to think about what it must have been like after that initial walk through the doors of your new school. It was also a much-needed story about what life is like historically for gay women, especially teens living in conservative areas.

Sarah and Linda's relationship is perfectly crafted. Neither massively changes the other, single-handedly bringing them round to their point of view, which I was worried would happen! It's obvious from fairly early on that Linda's loud opinions aren't her own, and it takes getting to know Sarah for her to realise that that's not what she really thinks.

Also, a quick shout-out because Robin Talley approached that subject that is virtually never tackled in fiction and certainly not positively - religion!!! By which I mean, what it's like to believe in God and have difficulties with that. My heart went out to Sarah so many times because her faith - and the questions she had about her faith - resonated strongly with me.

Basically, just go and read this book. You will not regret it!