A quick, pleasant read. Some nice sentences, but otherwise kind of forgettable. I didn't realize it was a sequel until I was well into it, but don't think I'll read the first one. Note on this, nearly a year later: whenever I think of this book the most notable thing I remember about it is how much the main character did not seem to be the age she was supposed to be. ( )

Despite having not read the previous book, I ended up enjoying this one immensely, especially the main character, who seemed totally authentic as a barely teen girl who thinks she knows everything and what she wants but in the end is still finding out who she actually is. And, of course, as someone who is big on age differences in romance, the romantic element really spoke to me as well. I didn't even mind how she spoke, because I knew a lot of folks around that age who spoke the same way, caught at that age between knowing nothing and actually realizing you know nothing. I guess I should read the previous novel now, non? ( )

Katie is an 12-year-old Army brat, whose mother has died. She is new to town and school, and she has a huge crush on a married garage station manager. It's a touching coming of age story, told poignantly.

UPDATE - second reading 20July2013
Twelve-year-old Katie has moved with her Army colonel father to a suburb of St Louis. An Army brat, Katie is used to being the new kid in school, but things are particularly difficult now that her mother has died and her older sister, Diane, has gotten married and moved away.

This is book two in a coming-of-age trilogy that follows Katie over three years. This particular novel focuses on her efforts to develop new relationships in her new setting. Will she choose her friends wisely, or be seduced by the excitement of “bad girl” behavior? Two adults feature prominently – Jimmy, the “older” (and married) garage mechanic on whom she develops a major crush, and Father Compton, the elderly parish priest who listens patiently to her and offers gentle advice without judging her.

But the undisputed star of this trilogy is Katie, herself. She’s a wonderful character – resilient, courageous, and intelligent and a keen observer of life. Here are a couple of excerpts:
If I ever get to be God, I’m calling all the gym teachers in the world into one room to say this: All right, knock it off! And then I’m going to make them all change into pink formals with pink satin heels.
Or …
Last in the day is home ec. Here is where they teach you how to make food you never want to eat and how to make clothes you never want to wear.

The books are marketed for adults, but would be suitable for teens as well. ( )

13-year-old Katie has just moved to Missouri with her widowed Army father leaving behind her home and friends in Texas. Being an 'army brat' she is once again the new girl in school and she finds herself on the outside of friendships that have been formed since kindergarten. Katie dislikes the school, her teachers and the neighbor's children who leave her nasty notes in the hedges at night. But one thing Katie loves to do is ice skate and as soon as the pond freezes over she heads out for an afternoon of skating. Unfortunately the ice is not quite as thick as she had thought and Katie falls into the freezing water. Once she pulls herself out she stumbles to the nearest building, a Mobil station, where she is taken in by Jimmy, probably the handsomest man Katie has ever set eyes on. His kindness and concern lead the love-struck Katie into dreams and fantasies of their lives together. Knowing he is ten years older than she, married and a father just means that Jimmy will be a 'challenge'.

Katie does eventually make two friends in town, the equally unpopular Cynthia, and another new girl, Taylor Sinn, who is beautiful and brazen and, not to mention, a petty thief. Dealing with the healing grief of losing her mother and a budding romance between her father and the housekeeper Katie pins all her dreams on the gorgeous Jimmy.

Katie is sweet and funny and definitely has her head in the clouds. I enjoyed the book not realizing it is the second book featuring Katie, the first being "Durable Goods" which I will now have to read. Although we know Katie is headed for heartbreak we want her to be happy.
( )

All your teen memories, both good and bad, will come rushing back when you read this book about a thirteen year old girl attempts at dealing with life. ( )