Heartbeat at my Feet (The Heartbeats, #1)

Fourteen year old Lilly reaches for her furry companions when the challenges in her life overwhelm her. She struggles to cope with her first year in high school living with her next door neighbor because of her mother's hospitalization and her absent brother, Max. Teen issues in the coming of age story are resolved with the most positive coping skills making it a good choice for ages 13+. Although the challenges are not sugar-coated the resolutions are possible and as with all challenges in life, there are brighter days.

This first novel in the Heartbeats series introduces Lilly and her brother Max as they come to grips with their mother's alcoholism and rehabilitation. Other teen issues arise for both siblings, allowing them to problem-solve and go through a myriad of feelings as we ache with them along with their furry friends.

Just when Lilly thinks her coming of age path has been smoothed another blow will force her to face confusing feelings and question friendships in Heartbeat Too.