Breaking Beautiful

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident-including her memory of the event. She doesn't remember driving on the cliff road. She doesn't recall jumping from the truck just before Trip lost control. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she's kept hidden for so long, the horrible reality of their abusive relationship. When the police reopen the investigation, it quickly turns on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. As the threats begin and the survivor's guilt takes over, Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Fans of dark contemporary stories will feel right at home in the hands of debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf as she takes them on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and ultimately, forgiveness. A solid first offering from Wolf, providing a story about abuse, guilt, friendship, family, and knowing who to trust. Recommended. Library Media Connection Crafts a realistic journey through, not only recovery, but also the mine field of anger and blame...Shaw's characters, both adult and teen, are well-drawn. Any young person can identify with Allie's struggle. VOYA Wolf's debut impressively weaves Allie's chilling memories with present-day drama. Part romance, part mystery, this solid outing offers a persuasive portrait of guilt and recovery. Publishers Weekly Wolf is a writer worth watching. Booklist Online Carefully drawn characters and a well-crafted plot make this a natural choice for fans of Abby McDonald's works and Alex Flinn's realistic fiction. BCCB