This mature YA fiction is the fourth volume of "The Charm City Chronicles". To read the series, start with Vol. 1 - Ednor Scardens Volume 2 - The Body War Volume 3 - The Hurting Year

"The Hurting Year", the third installment of the Charm City Chronicles series, continues the story of sixteen-year-old Kate Fitzgerald in 1960's Baltimore, Maryland. Having an older boyfriend does have its perks - until he leaves to go to college. Kate's troubles quickly multiply when her beloved Nana falls ill, and her best friend, Anita, faces personal disaster. When things seem like they couldn't possibly get worse, Kate pays an impromptu visit to boyfriend Michael's dorm, and her life spirals out of control. What happens in the aftermath sets events into motion that will change her life forever.