Reviewed by Sonia

A Summer�s Apple-Scented Dream The evocative title captured my imagination before I had read the first word.

This is Cami�s story. Camilla or �Cami� is a young girl whose mother left her with her father because �...she found being a mother harder than anything in the world�. Cami�s alienation as a teenager in a new place is vivid, the character�s actions draw a picture of attitudes, and bring past experiences to life. Cool Kate, the baby-sitter, breaks through Cami�s cocoon.

The beautifully drawn characters tell a story about relationships, trust and growth. The relationship between Cami and her father, and Cami and Kate are well drawn, with the progression natural and compelling. The father�s embarrassment/awkwardness at his developing daughter rings true, and the way Cami�s change of opinion of Derrick alters her interpretation of his actions is spot on.

Ear-piercing as a growing up ritual; these are characterizations drawn by a master of observation.

As I approached the end of the story I was filled with dread, I didn�t want to read on as I didn�t want to be disappointed..... I wasn�t. There is a whole lot more here but I won�t say anything else, other than read this, it deserves it�s highly commended reading quill.