When Stephanie and her brother, Tim’s parents split up, her Dad takes off and she barely ever gets to see him – he’s too busy with his new girlfriend, who’s young enough to be his daughter. But when her Mum, who she loves to pieces, starts to have a breakdown, the pair of them are sent off to Joanna Lingway’s summer house ... Joanna is lifelong friends with Amy, Stephanie’s Mum, and she has three children herself. Oldest of the three is Lucas, who insists on being called Luke... he’s unavailable, mysterious and broody and Stephanie’s been in love with him since forever. Then there’s Callum who’s friendly and funny – the class clown. He’s the only boy who’s ever paid her any attention. Then there’s Josh who is a thoughtful soul, who shares a birthday with Stephanie, which makes the two of them have that special connection. Stephanie’s always got on with the Lingway boys, but this year something is different. She’s different. And finally, maybe the boys will start to notice her...
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
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