Trusting You & Other Lies

April 24, 2017
In this summer romance, Williams (the Crash series) banishes 17-year-old Phoenix Ainsworth to an Arizona wilderness camp for families and a summer of roughing it. On top of being stuck in a dusty cabin with her parents and 10-year-old brother, Harry, Phoenix knows that they are about to be evicted—hence her father installing them at his friend’s camp for free, with Phoenix working as a counselor. Phoenix’s initial anger at her parents abates as she warms to the camp: partly because of how much Harry is enjoying it and partly because of Callum, the handsome head counselor in charge of training her. Williams’s novel makes a stronger family story than a romance—as Callum zigzags between being aloof, appealing, and arrogant, it isn’t always easy to see why Phoenix likes him so much. This story is at its best when it’s focusing on Phoenix’s protective relationship with Harry, her anger at and struggles with her parents, and the family’s attempts to regain control of their home, finances, and future. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

Narrator Jorjeana Marie captures the sardonic tone of Phoenix's first-person narrative. As Phoenix drives to family camp Kismet with her parents and little brother, Harry, she recounts the dishonesty of her parents and her ex-boyfriend. Marie's delivery is sharp with the many barbed edges Phoenix has developed because of hurts and fears. Once at camp, Marie voices the coldness and sarcasm of Callum, the head counselor. His hidden hurt and judgmental responses match Phoenix's. Gradually, Marie registers softness in the tones of both teens as they develop a mutual understanding and fall in love. But distrust doesn't fade easily. In the end, Marie's reading becomes tender as the teens begin to trust each other without reservation. S.W. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine