Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine

SOPHIE & CARTER
Author: Chelsea Fine
Source: Author
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc. (June 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935089447
ISBN-13: 978-1935089445

SUMMARY:

While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from reality, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, will their friendship become something more?

MY THOUGHTS:

If you are looking for your next young adult romance that has sweet charm and innocence in it, then look no further!  Sophie & Carter was such a surprise read for me and I finished this book in thirty minutes after nonstop reading.  


Carter and Sophie live next door to each other and have been friends ever since.  They both come from dysfunctional families and know secrets about each other that no one else does.  Carter grew up in an abusive household and now takes care of his Mother who has mental disabilities after being beaten so many times by her long gone husband.  Sophie is busy raising her 3 younger siblings while their Mother is busy being strung out on drugs and being a prostitute.  After school ends and the pretending of being normal comes to an end each day, they both have to go home to real life.  They go through the daily routine of taking care of what needs to be done.  When the day begins to come to a close, they sit outside on the front porch swing and just be there for each other.  


With alternating points of view for each chapter, the reader gets to take a glimpse into the mind of each character.  While Carter is scarred on the outside, he is sweet, gentle and protective of everything he loves on the inside.  I loved his character and found myself falling for him along with Sophie. While Sophie has had a hard life as well, she is a strong and brave girl who finds the strength everyday to take care of her siblings and be a role model for them.  She is kind, patient and strong with a devotion to her family that was wonderful. 


This is a quick read, but an outstanding read that will touch you.  I loved the ending and I couldn't have been happier.  I do hope the author writes a sequel to this book because when it comes to Sophie & Carter, "I LOVE THEIR GUTS!"

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS