Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden is quite happy with her life- living with her English Professor mother, focusing on being the first in her class, and not causing any trouble. Not that there wasn't trouble in Auden's life. In fact her older brother Hollis was nothing but trouble, and then there was the matter of her parents divorce that made Auden want to be the well behaved child she is.

Prompted by a picture from from her brother, Auden is off to spend the summer before she starts college with her father, his new wife (Heidi) and their new baby. Her dad is busy writing his novel, while Heidi struggles taking care of Thisbe (yes, her baby sister's name is Thisbe). Auden feels like an outsider, and wants to go anywhere to not be at home.

Auden's once all academic life is suddenly turned upside down by a part time job in the shop Heidi owns, new friends, and of course Eli, the stoic boy who keeps showing up at unusual times.

Fans of Sarah Dessen's books will not be disappointed. Along for the Ride has her signature romance, family drama all wrapped in a real world most kids can relate to. For fans of realistic fiction and romance (I think it's her best since The Truth About Forever, but I love all of Dessen's books!)

I'll see you @ the library!
Katie (Up next is Swim the Fly and Carter Finally Gets It next)