Under the Lights

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton witnessed a horrificevent. She saw her father murder her mother. Since that moment, she has notspoken a word. Even when forced to move in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, she remains silent. West Ashbly is a super hot, popular, football-playing jockthat everyone wants to be friends with or date. No one knows the pain heendures every day having to watch his dad die from cancer. West does not feelcomfortable telling anyone about his father's illness. However, when he meets agirl who cannot speak, he finally bears his soul. Maggie is just as shocked asWest when she responds, sharing her story with him. Having someone who canunderstand their pain and help them heal is a blessing for both of them. Glinesbelievably shows readers that love, trust, and friendship can result from somuch tragedy. The narrative illustrates that there is more to high school thanthe big game. VERDICT Romance fans will love therelationship between the protagonists and be sucked into the story line of thecircumstances that bring them together.--School Library Journal, on UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT "August 2015 " West Ashby seems to have it all--looks, a football future, and any girl he wants. No one, not even his closest friend Brady, knows that his dad--West's biggest fan--is dying of cancer. Two years ago, Maggie Carleton saw her father murder her mother, and once she told police what happened, she refused to speak another word. Now Maggie lives with her cousin Brady's family, and when she meets West, she sees the pain in his eyes that no one else recognizes. The bond between West and Maggie grows, and eventually Maggie rediscovers her voice to walk West through his father's final days. Aided by chapters that alternate between West's and Maggie's perspectives, what could be a typical romance--both are drop-dead gorgeous and could have anyone they want--is raised to a new level by Maggie's self-imposed silence and the grief they are both experiencing. Glines' novel will be welcomed by fans of Lurlene McDaniel who want something with more depth.--Booklist Online, on UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT "August 31, 2015 " Praise for Until Friday Night "Tender, honest, and achingly real--Until Friday Night captures the intensity of first love, the power of friendship, and the pain of growing up. This book has it all, and I can't wait for the next field party." --Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES & author of UNBREAKABLE