From the Publisher
"Sweet, witty, and touching . . . a novel that transcends the conventional romance genre." —VOYA, starred review
"Rife with witticism, like a finely honed sitcom, and brimming with heart." —Kirkus Reviews
Foolish Hearts:
"Mills (This Adventure Ends) thoughtfully explores the nuances of all kinds of relationships, both friendly and romantic. . . . Through these friendship struggles and romances old and new, Mills evokes the high stakes and vast rewards of trust, intimacy, and honesty." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"The characters are wonderfully fresh and honest. . . . The course of true love never did run smooth, but in the case of these two lovers, the journey is worth your while." —Kirkus Reviews
"[Main character] Claudia’s. . . voice shines. A fun, thoughtful portrayal of different kinds of vulnerability." —Booklist
This Adventure Ends:
"Immensely enjoyable." —Booklist
"Mills (First & Then) seamlessly creates art imitating life imitating art while bringing freshness to the familiar romantic conventions she invokes. With taut, realistic dialogue, she expertly crafts blossoming friendships and nascent romances." —Publishers Weekly
First & Then:
“With sporadic references to Jane Austen's famous characters and wickedly inventive language, Mills closely observes the social milieu of an American high school. . . . A fresh, smart, inventive, and altogether impressive debut.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Kirkus Reviews
2018-10-28
The summer before senior year, Sophie falls for a new neighbor and campaigns for a country music star to help raise money for the school band.
Sophie Kemper loves her small hometown of Acadia, Illinois. Though she's focused on college applications, she can't help wondering why anyone would want to leave. School band is her thing, and as the next president of the fundraising committee, it's her responsibility to get them to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Sophie hatches a plan to raise money by persuading Megan Pleasant, country singer and lone famous person from Acadia, to perform at the fall festival. At the same time, she finds herself falling for August Shaw, the mysterious new boy who is staying with the family she babysits for down the street. They instantly click, exchanging clever banter and bonding over their blended families. But August won't let Sophie in, and the sister she desperately misses disappoints her. Even her once-tight friendship group begins to splinter. On top of everything, Megan Pleasant seems to have deserted Acadia for good. Teeming with witty exchanges and realistic but heady drama, Sophie's summer is easy to sink into. Though the romance is electric, it's the relationships with her friends that really sing. Sophie and August are assumed white; there is some ethnic and sexual orientation diversity.
Rife with witticism, like a finely honed sitcom, and brimming with heart. (Fiction. 14-18)
