
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile happy family milestones with the lingering, heavy shadow of grief. It is particularly apt for the child who feels guilty about experiencing joy or new love after a significant loss. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes family game of Assassin during a destination wedding, the story follows Meredith as she navigates the first summer without her sister. It explores themes of identity, the complexity of family expectations, and the healing power of play. Parents will appreciate the nuanced handling of bereavement within a contemporary romance framework, making it a safe yet emotionally resonant choice for the 14 to 18 age range.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewFrequent mentions of sibling death and the mourning process.
Occasional mentions of alcohol consumption in a wedding setting.
The book deals directly with the death of a sibling. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the sensory triggers of grief and the way family dynamics shift after loss. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that moving forward is not the same as forgetting.
A 16-year-old girl who enjoys 'summer vibes' and Taylor Swift-style storytelling, but who is also quietly processing a life change or loss and needs to see that happiness is still possible.
Parents should be aware of some mild sexual references and underage drinking typical of YA contemporary fiction. Reading the first few chapters on Claire's death will help provide context for the protagonist's emotional state. A parent might see their teen pulling away from family traditions or appearing 'stuck' in a past version of themselves, unable to enjoy the present.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the thrill of the game and the romance. Older teens (17-18) will likely connect more deeply with the themes of 'becoming who you want to be' and the anxiety of entering adulthood without a loved one.
Unlike many grief-focused novels, this book uses a high-stakes, fun family game as the primary engine for healing, proving that joy and mourning can exist in the same space.
Meredith Fox returns to Martha's Vineyard for her cousin's wedding, the first family gathering since her sister Claire's death. To honor Claire, the extended family engages in a week-long game of Assassin. Meredith forms an alliance with Wit, a charming groomsman, but must balance her competitive drive with her growing feelings for him and her grief for her sister.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.