Author: Emma Lord
Publication Date: 12 January 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Page Count: 320
Reading Method: Digital ARC [Thank you to Wednesday Books]
Synopsis:
When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.
But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.
When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents ― especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.
The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby’s growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.
Review:
The best way to describe this book? Modern Parent Trap with a twist. I had a lot of fun reading through this and discussing with my pal Naomi (@3starsandup on Instagram). This is a cute, light summer read with a feel good story. Abby accidently finds out she has a sister when she agrees to take a DNA test with her besties. But Savvy, Abby’s new sister, is so vastly different than Abby. The two agree to go to summer camp (along with Leo, Abby’s love interest) to learn more about each other, their parents, and why they were separated.
I enjoyed seeing Abby and Savvy get to know more about each other and watching their relationship bloom as the story progressed. There were a lot of ups and downs, but that’s to be expected when you find out a stranger is actually your sibling (I assume). I liked Abby’s character much more than I liked Savvy, but I think a part of that might be because we didn’t really get to know Savvy as well as Abby.
The romance in this story definitely takes a backset to the familial drama, and while I appreciate that the romance doesn’t always have to be front and center, I would have liked to have seen a little more of the relationship between Leo and Abby.
I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I really liked how it all wrapped up. There was laughter, there were tears, self discovery and uncovering the truth of why they were separated. If you are looking for a cute, light summer read of the YA Contemporary variety, I would certainly recommend this one for you!
