These are tears of happiness, I swear. Loved this!

I've always been fascinated by the concept of winning the lottery. I've read about the differences in picking the big payout versus the payout over time (if I won a big jackpot, I'd totally pick over time because HELLO I'd be tempted to buy a library if I got the big payout). I've read about how people come out from the woodwork when you win and how people feel a sense of entitlement to your fortune. Windfall explores several of these concepts, especially as two of the main characters play a role in winning.

Alice, Leo, and Teddy are bffs trying to navigate the end of adolescence. I love stories set as teens are transitioning into adulthood. It's a tough time to work through and these characters are no exception. Alice has lost her family and is living with Leo (her cousin) and his family. Teddy and his mom are barely surviving after his father exited the family due to a gambling addiction. Leo is the friend with the amazing parents and amazing life - yet he is not sure how he fits with his besties who haven't had it easy. I loved Leo. He really gets it and he's just a sweetheart.

Oh, did I mention that Alice is pining for Teddy? We know money complicates even the best of relationships at times.

Jennifer Smith has created a complex cast of characters and dropped them into a once in a lifetime (or once in a few lifetimes!) world that none of them are prepared for. They’re teenagers! Watching them stumble through will have you yelling at your book. You want to protect them and you know this journey is their’s to walk through. Windfall reminds us that being 18 doesn’t mean you’re ready to grow up!