Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Poppy is an 18 year old living on the run with her parents and younger sister. She has no idea why they live this way-- fearing every little thing and moving at the drop of a hat. She's always wanted to go to California, but for some reason her paranoid father won't ever let them go that far west. One magical day, Poppy learns they are moving to the Golden State and she's even going to be allowed to take an advanced summer math class. Poppy is determined to keep to herself and enjoy her newfound freedom... until she meets Harry Addison in her class and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.

This book was so great. It was completely riveting and I kept telling myself "okay one more chapter" and then realizing I'd read at least 6 chapters. Each one was so short and ended in such a way that I just HAD to keep going. The mystery behind Poppy's parentage and secret life was satisfying and the way it fell in to place for her made a lot of sense. Obviously there's some suspension of disbelief, but it was minimal. Poppy was such a real character-- she behaved like a teenager would, and seemed to have all the mannerisms and personality of a kid who grew up really sheltered, wanted to know more, and was terrified of the consequences of wanting too much.

Overall, this was a great mystery that included a sweet romance, coming of age, and truly coming to understand oneself and stand up for what you desire. The ending was pretty open-ended, which I am generally a huge fan of. I do wish the huge climax had come just a bit earlier in the story so we could get more of a denouement, but that was relatively minor for me. My only other complaint is that I wanted to spend more time in the mystery and less time in the romance. That's just a personal preference though-- the romance was well-written and believable. I just wanted more answers and less kissing.

I would definitely recommend this title to readers who like mystery, romance, and coming of age stories.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Miri is a 14 year old who has found herself in a really difficult place. She's grown a ton in the past year, now towering over her mom and with curves for days-- not exactly the body you hope for as a 14 year old in today's culture of stick-skinny models. Her much older step-brother and step-sister each announce impending nuptials in the same summer, and both want Miri to be a bridesmaid. Just perfect for a kid dealing with body issues and things not fitting how you want them to!

Adding to the stress, her step-brother's fiancee is the older sister of Miri's nemesis, Toxic Tiffany. Now on top of trying to be a bridesmaid in 2 weddings in 2 horrible dresses, she also has to make nice with her least favorite person-- the perfect, blonde, skinny, Tiffany.

This was a sweet story about growing up, learning to love yourself, making new friends, and finding your voice even when it isn't necessarily what your friends and family think you should be saying. I enjoyed watching Miri grow throughout the story with her new friendship with Tiff and her acceptance of both her siblings' fiancees.

I did feel like this book had quite a bit of fatphobia in it that wasn't challenged enough. Miri is struggling with her body being a new size and shape and people continue to talk to her about diets and exercising for the purpose of losing weight. They also buy her clothes in sizes that are both too big and too small. This is SO not okay, and I'm really disappointed to see this in a book targeted to middle grade readers. This knocked off a full star for me.

I would cautiously recommend this book to middle grade readers, but only if it were paired with parental/guidance discussion about what is and isn't okay to say about people's bodies and how we should treat others.