Making Faces by Amy Harmon

So, I thought I'd start the day with a little book review. There are some great authors out there, weaving interesting stories together, and I'd like to shine the light on them from time to time.

Today, I want to share a story I loved, called Making Faces by Amy Harmon.
   
There are four relevant characters we follow throughout the story. We have Fern, the main character, an intelligent, sensitive late-bloomer, who has been considered unattractive all her life, and will still see herself in that light, even when she comes into her beauty. Then there's Rita, Fern's extremely beautiful, but simple-minded and shallow friend. We also have the wonderful character of Bailey, Fern's best friend, a boy with a worsening health condition.  And finally, Ambrose, the male protagnist, a hunky star wrestler, who's everyone's heartthrob.

The story jumps back and forth between present day and childhood for Fern. This can be confusing at first, but it begins to make sense as we watch her come to terms with her lot in life as the unattractive, unpopular redhead who will never have someone like Ambrose give her his time and attention. She focuses her attention on caring for her best friend, Bailey, who becomes wheelchair bound.

During the story, 9/11 happens. Ambrose goes to war. While he's gone, Fern blossoms into a beauty. Of course, she doesn't know this. Ambrose comes home broken, with scars he can't bear. Fern, who truly cares for people, hurts for Ambrose and wants to help him heal. Ambrose and Fern develop a friendship that will have you smiling and hoping more will come of it.

I loved this poignant story. There were moments of pain and sorrow that rip your heart out as well as lots of page turning moments that'll have you on the edge of your seat . Amy writes with her heart and soul. There's meaning here. It's deep, while at times funny, and cute.

I also enjoyed Amy's book, A Different Blue. Quite the plot twist in that one. I'll blog about it at some point.

You can find Making Faces on Amazon.