Heart to Heart

Secret Sisters #1

by Sandra Byrd

After a lonely time in the fifth grade, Tess Thomas dreads the beginning of the next school year. Then the exclusive Coronado Club invites her to join. She thinks she'll do anything to belong--until she finds out just how much is required. How far is too far to keep a friend? When does belonging cost more than you should pay? How can there be a God when bad things happen? In the end, Tess develops an unexpected friendship that results in a pact between the two to become Secret Sisters.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Childrens, Christian Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

The author of more than fifty books, Sandra’s work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including a starred review-PW Pick from Publishers Weekly and multiple starred reviews and Best Book selections from Library Journal. Other awards include the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice, two Christy Awards nominations, a BookPage Top Pick for Romance, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.

A dedicated foodie, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In addition, she collects vintage glass and service ware in her free time, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.

Reach Sandra Here: https://linktr.ee/sandrabyrd

Reviews

[Sofia Marie]

Typical Tess: "Great. Even Marcia had friends, someone to sit with. After finishing her burger, Tess placed her tray on the dish return. She took her paperback outside with her and sat alone. Fifth grade all over again."

Tess Thomas just started sixth grade. It's going to be the perfect year now that she has a best friend. Or does she?

Wanting to look good for her first time at youth group, Tess "borrows" her mom's earrings. Okay, so maybe she should have asked, but it can't be that bad, right? Until she loses them...

Heart to Heart holds two stories of a sixth-grader Tess, who struggles with problems many tween girls face. What should one do when the girl who promised to be friends forever turns your back on you? Is it okay to hurt others, but then make it up later? Can you earn forgiveness?

Sandra Byrd weaves lessons of faith into Tess's life. By the end of the second story, Tess has given her life to God. At times it felt like the scenes were too "ordinary" and didn't contribute to the story much. However, this is still a book that can propel tweens and young teens to live out their faith.

This is the first volume in the Secret Sisters series. The others are "Accidental Angel," "Double Dare," "Backdoor Bridesmaid," "Camp Cowgirl," and "Picture Perfect." Each contains two stories.

[Sheila]

Tess is entering sixth grade in her Arizona elementary school. She’d love to be part of the popular crowd, but she doesn’t want to hurt anyone, and sometimes the popular kids aren’t as nice as they might be. Unable to ask her parents’ advice, she writes her concerns in her diary and even learns to pray—after all, some people believe God answers prayer, so it’s surely worth a try.

Both prayers and answers to prayer are nicely handled in this convincingly evocative tale. Parents argue, friends’ parents might divorce, and brothers might be pains. Life is filled with all the genuine trials of sixth grade, mean girls, smelly boys, cute boys and more. And the story’s told smoothly, never preachily. It’s a fun read for girls approaching or already in the world of the mean.

Disclosure: I got it on a deal and I enjoyed it.

[Sydney]

It's so heartwarming to reread books that shaped and defined my childhood. I'm so thankful to have been raised in a family that values reading and learning as well as moral fiber. Sandra Byrd's books are so wonderful for middle school girls. Thankful for this series being a presence in my formative years.

[Laura]

I thought this book was pretty good, possibly with even more potential than the author's Hidden Diary series. Too bad our library only has this book in the series. I guess I won't be reading the rest...

[AurorainBookland]

This book series is awsome for middle school girls especially if they are a christian. All the books are avalable on kindle in 6 volumes each volume has 2 books for $0.99 which is awsome.

I really like how Tess wasn't in the same class as her friend and how it talked about bullying.

[Melenia]

Good read

[Feathertail]

Sort of very sad, but it ends well. I like it.