In One Life and Out Another
On the eve of Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting divorced—or, in a parallel universe, they don’t tell her anything at all. This defining moment, along with Marin’s subsequent choices, turn her into polar ends of herself and drastically affect the relationships she has with her two best friends, her mom, and soccer player Sam Hanson. The possibilities of ‘what could have been’ play out in alternating scenarios throughout the book.
If Marin can’t make it into Wash U and get away from her suffocating mother, she just might self-implode. She’s determined that nothing will stop her, but then she can’t seem to say no to what everyone else wants—or yes to Sam, seeing as her best friend Hannah wants him too.
Things that this Marin puts up with—a narcissistic mother and a buoyant yet selfish best friend—the other never would. But then, the other can’t stop fighting long enough to get who or what she wants. Instead, she marks a path through life that nearly alienates her best friend Whitney and the boy from work she won’t let herself be distracted by, because distractions like Sam Hanson won’t get her into dance school and away from her mom.
One moment may have changed the trajectory of her future, but if Marin can’t find her way back to herself, she’ll not only lose the boy and her best friends, but also the future she’s worked so hard for.
IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER will appeal to fans of E. Lockhart, John Green, and Jandy Nelson, as well as readers who enjoyed the SLIDING DOOR premise of MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Told in alternating chapters, this story asks if the person changes the life, or if the life changes the person.
Perfection and Other Illusive Things
What if you woke up one morning looking perfect? What if you went after all the things you were too afraid to chase before? What if everything went wrong, instead of right?
One night changes everything for Eden. Literally. She wakes up and her nose is a little smaller, her lips a little bigger, her hair just that much thicker. Emboldened by her newfound perfection, she thinks maybe she could choose something more than the safe, vanilla life she’s always had. Drawn to edgy poet Hawk and his colorful best friend Ivy, she tries to juggle them—and her new daring—with her old friends and their predictable lives. Of course, it proves more difficult than she imagines, and soon she’s grounded, kicked off the volleyball team, and fighting with the friends who know her best.
At least she still has Hawk… until Ivy outs a secret Eden thought was for her and Hawk alone. Retribution comes fast, and Ivy accuses Eden of ruining her life.
If Eden can’t clear her name and fess up to her part in it, she’ll burn everyone she cares about and lose herself in the process.
Maybe a perfect face is more trouble than its worth…
“J. Mercer has done more than craft a coming-of-age story. Readers receive a thoroughly engrossing story of magic, transformation, and responsibility that will keep them engaged and reading to the end. It’s highly recommended reading for teens.” — Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Triplicity
**Moonbeam and Readers’ Favorite award winner!**
Three teens, one week on an Alaskan cruise, and an endless trail of lies…
After three days and as many unexplained thefts on board, security has an eye on everyone. Though Navy acts a proper preacher’s daughter, she did end up with someone else’s purse in her hands, and Jesse knows way more than he should about what’s gone missing. It might be because he talks to strangers like they’re his long lost best friends, or it might be because he keeps finding himself in the wrong place at the right time. Broody cowboy Isaiah, however, is the one with motive—enough money and he could get back to the ranch he loves.
Each holds a piece of the truth, but exposing the thief could damn them all. They must navigate through the lies they’ve told, choose between standing together or saving themselves, and decide if proving their innocence is worth exposing their ugliest secrets.
“Triplicity should not be limited to young adult audiences. The depth of characterization, flavors of romance, adult confidences, and alternating viewpoints keep this story lively and involving for all ages.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“The authentic characters, snappy writing style, and compelling plots make it an ideal selection for any high schooler.” — Manhattan Book Review, 5 stars
“This story was extremely well-developed as far as the characters and plot… The book read very smoothly and was easy to understand. A great balance of mystery and intrigue with a truly fabulous cast of characters.” — San Francisco Book Review, 5 stars
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