Young Adult Fiction

Published on May 1, 2012 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

334 Pages

TITLE & AUTHOR: When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

PLOT: Rosaline is a high school student in Southern California who is trying to navigate the ups and downs of high school life along with her two best friends, Charlie and Olivia. Rose's other best friend, Rob, grew up next door and has been by Rose's side ever since she can remember. However, at the end of last school year, Rob told Rose that she was beautiful, which leaves Rose wondering if maybe there is something more between them.

When Rose and the gang start their senior year, things begin to heat up between Rose and Rob. However, just when Rose thinks that they are on their way to being a couple, Rose's cousin Juliet enters the picture. Rose and Juliet were close when they were kids. After a family dispute that resulted in Juliet's family leaving town, the two cousins lost touch and have become frenemies along the way. Much to Rose's dismay, Rob falls head over heels for Juliet upon her return, leaving Rose in the dust.

Rose finds it difficult to forgive Rob and Juliet for hurting her in this way. But even though things did not work out the way that Rose envisioned, she soon learns that maybe some things work out (or don't) for a reason, and that forgiveness is always the way to go.

THOUGHTS: Oof. I felt for Rose throughout this entire story. It made me so sad when she was not able to be with Rob like she hoped, and ended up losing him as a friend too. However, I was impressed with her assertiveness and belief that she deserved better.

A huge lesson in this novel is that it is always important to try to forgive those that you love, even when it feels impossible to do so. Life is unpredictable and you don't know if you will have the chance again. The end of this story is heartbreaking and not what I was expecting whatsoever. As sad as it was, I still enjoyed it.

RATING: 4/5 Stars