Together For Never

by Marilyn Kaye

The Parent Trap meets Mean Girls when two polar opposites are squeezed into a tiny vacation house just because their parents are dating.

Charlotte is the queen bee of her 8th grade class—popular, confident, always wearing the trendiest clothes—and judging others for what they wear. Lily is a loner who dreams of becoming a writer—and she wants nothing to do with Charlotte and her snobby crowd.

Then Charlotte’s divorced father starts dating Lily’s single mother. Neither one of the girls even notices—until the day they learn that they are going on vacation together. Worse than that, they’ll have to share a small bedroom for two whole weeks.

When The Parent Trap meets Mean Girls, can two girls ever make peace, or will they drag their vacations—and their parents’ romance—into disaster? Every teen girl’s nightmare becomes an entertaining, surprising and heartfelt story in the hands of seasoned middle grade pro Marilyn Kaye.

Genres: Middle Grade, Contemporary

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

I was born in New Britain, Connecticut, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. I also spent a year (5th grade) in Montgomery, Alabama, and a year in Ann Arbor, Michigan(8th grade). As a child, I always wanted to be a writer, but I had lots of other ambitions too. I wanted to be a teacher, a librarian, a movie star, the president of the United States, and a ballerina.

I didn't achieve all my goals. I never became a movie star, the president of the U.S., or a ballerina. But I've been a teacher and a librarian and most of all, a writer. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always kept a diary. I wrote poems, stories, plays, songs and lots of letters. Writing wasn't easy for me, but it felt natural and right.

I've always read a lot, too. I was an English major at Emory University (I love Shakespeare), and I also received a master's degree in library science at Emory. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago, and I taught children's and teen literature at St. John's University in New York for over 20 years. Now, I'm a full-time writer, living in Paris, France - the most beautiful city in the world.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two girls who are polar opposites in personality are forced together when their parents began dating and rent a beach house for the summer. Will they all make it through alive and intact?
This was a good read that would be very relatable for middle-grade and Y.A. readers. It was rather short, and the ending seemed to be set up for a sequel.

[chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 - eARC from Netgalley

this book was fun. i easily guessed all the plot points as soon as anything about them was introduced, but this is a middle grade book, so i suppose its okay.

high schoolers making fun of a middle schooler to their face, especially about how they dress, is very unrealistic imo. people dont care about that stuff.

i liked charlotte but she was pretty infuriating and almost always in the wrong. i wish she had had some more redeemable qualities.

also, i love martin 🫶🫶

also, was this book referring to pretty little liars? please tell me it was. charlotte was definitely a little alison dilaurentis.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Charlotte is always trying different clothes and makeup to keep up with her popular best friends. Her mother has left her and her father, and is traveling through Europe with her younger musician boyfriend, but she's left before, and Charlotte is sure she'll be back. It's always been just Lily and her mother, and Lily is a bit nerdy and unpopular, since she cares more about a series of fantasy books that also have a television series. When Charlotte's father and Lily's mother start dating, and Charlotte's father invite the two to spend time at a beach cottage together, it's not a perfect set up. The two are constantly fighting and belittling each others' choices, although they do work together long enough to try to get their respective parents to date other people. Charlotte is still trying to be popular, and attempts to hang out with some high school students who live in the small beach town, but Lily has seen these teens get into trouble and tries to warn her away. It doesn't work, of course, but just drives another wedge between the two. Charlotte contacts her mother, who shows up at the beach with her boyfriend, and this doesn't help matters. Eventually, the parents are so tired of all the fighting that they decide to break up, and Lily and her mother plan to head home. Charlotte decides to go on a motorcyle ride with one of the older boys, and it ends badly. Will this emergency be enough to bring the four together as a family.
Strengths: Blended families don't get the attention in middle grade literature that they deserve, and I imagine that tweens whose parents are dating live in constant fear that their parents might date someone whose child they know and hate, so this is a great premise for a book. There's just enough fun stuff, like hanging out on the beach, getting ice cream, and staying in a cool beach house to balance out the emotions that the girls have about their parents dating. The parents seem supportive and understanding, and seem to genuinely care about each other and the girls. The book is a good length, and moves quickly.
Weaknesses: While friend and family drama is always in demand in my library, this cover is not going to encourage readers to check out the book.
What I really think: This had a very similar vibe to this author's 1980s Sisters series, and felt almost like a book written a while ago and dusted off for publication. The way the girls thought about others seemed dated in a way I can't quite explain, and there were other small things, like the mother sunbathing covered in tanning oil that seemed half a bubble off. Even if actual tweens call each other weirdos, scum, and hoodlums, it's unusual to have this negative attitude work its way into books.

[Amy (Bossy Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marilyn Kaye's middle-grade novel explores eighth-grade opposites' struggle to find common ground when their single parents begin dating and they're thrown together.

In Marilyn Kaye's Together for Never, eighth-grade loner Lily is an aspiring writer. Queen bee girls like her fashion-conscious, judgmental classmate Charlotte feel like they're on another planet, and Lily wants it to stay that way.

But when Charlotte's divorced father and Lily's single mother begin dating, a nightmare takes shape: the four of them are headed for a vacation together. In a small cabin. At the beach. And guess which two teenaged nemeses are expected to share a room?

Described as Mean Girls meets The Parent Trap, Together for Never explores each girl's point of view, and after conflict and hurt feelings, what eventually brings them together is sharing their vulnerabilities.

Together for Never is short and sweet. It explores the complications of potentially blending a family and the layers of complexity involved in sharing a parent after having forged a special bond as a team of two against the world.

To see my full review on The Bossy Bookworm, or to find out about Bossy reviews and Greedy Reading Lists as soon as they're posted, please see Together for Never.

Find hundreds of reviews and lots of roundups of my favorite books on the blog: Bossy Bookworm
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[whatnolareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two girls from different social circles being forced to share a vacation and confront their differences intrigued me from the start. Marilyn does a commendable job of capturing the nuances of adolescent relationships and the complexities of navigating middle school social hierarchies.

Charlotte's portrayal as the popular queen bee and Lily as the aspiring writer with a loner disposition adds depth to the story. Their evolving relationship is both believable and engaging, as they navigate misunderstandings, jealousy, and ultimately, acceptance.

While I appreciated the exploration of friendship and personal growth, I found certain aspects of the plot to be somewhat predictable. The "Parent Trap meets Mean Girls" comparison sets high expectations, but the story doesn't fully deliver on the promise of high-stakes drama and unexpected twists.

Additionally, some of the character development felt rushed, particularly towards the resolution of the novel. I would have liked to see more depth and complexity in the characters' motivations and relationships, especially given the rich potential of the premise.

Overall, "Every teen girl’s nightmare becomes an entertaining, surprising, and heartfelt story in the hands of seasoned middle-grade pro Marilyn" is a solid read with moments of humor, heart, and relatability. While it may not have exceeded my expectations, it still offers an enjoyable journey through the ups and downs of adolescence.

This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions formed are my own. Thank you again Netgalley for giving me a chance to review this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together For Never by Marilyn Kaye



Charlotte and Lily are forced to spend a vacation with their mom and dad who are dating.
Neither girl likes the other at all. Charlotte desperately wants her parents reunited and that can't happen with him dating Lily's mom. Lily just wants distance from Charlotte.
Charlotte is a girly girl, fashion, make up and boys are what she likes. Lily is more bookish and writes in her notebook often. How will they coexist together?
So will they split their parents up? Will Charlotte's parents reunite? And will the girls continue not liking each other or will they learn to coexist and get along, maybe like each other?
y'all have to read the book to find out.

I enjoyed the story as the author has written good books in the past, this is no exception. I will be looking for more of her books of course.

Middle graders will enjoy this quick read.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher.

3 1/2 ***

[Riley K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte is the queen bee of her 8th grade class--popular, confident, always wearing the trendiest clothes--and judging others for what they wear. Lily is a loner who dreams of becoming a writer--and she wants nothing to do with Charlotte and her snobby crowd.

Then Charlotte's divorced father starts dating Lily's single mother. Neither one of the girls even notices--until the day they learn that they are going on vacation together. Worse than that, they'll have to share a small bedroom for two whole weeks.

When The Parent Trap meets Mean Girls, can two girls ever make peace, or will they drag their vacations--and their parents' romance--into disaster? Every teen girl's nightmare becomes an entertaining, surprising and heartfelt story in the hands of seasoned middle grade pro Marilyn Kaye.

Loved it. Will recommend this story to others.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it shows how girls in school can be mean to other girls who are different and that is the unfortunate truth. Also this doesn't resonate with me, but for families that are blended the two girls, Charlotte and Lily meeting and trying to get along for their parents sake is a normal thing nowadays. You first meet Charlotte who is a mean girl at school always talking badly about other girls or boys who are different or not as well off financially as her family is, etc. Then you meet Lily, Lily is different. She dresses a little more casual and doesn't wear makeup or have friends that do. The parents of the two girls get together and Charlotte and Lily really don't like each other, so they are trying to break them up. A light hearted read with a happy ending for all involved;)

[Zinzee Noel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it shows how girls in school can be mean to other girls who are different and that is the unfortunate truth. Also this doesn't resonate with me, but for families that are blended the two girls, Charlotte and Lily meeting and trying to get along for their parents sake is a normal thing nowadays. You first meet Charlotte who is a mean girl at school always talking badly about other girls or boys who are different or not as well off financially as her family is, etc. Then you meet Lily, Lily is different. She dresses a little more casual and doesn't wear makeup or have friends that do. The parents of the two girls get together and Charlotte and Lily really don't like each other, so they are trying to break them up. A light hearted read with a happy ending for all involved;)

[Hannah Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

This book started out strongly. I was excited to see how these two seemingly opposite girls share a room in a beach house and see how they got along. As the plot progressed, each girl went on their own path and didn't really grow closer until closer to the end of the book.
As that ending came closer, they started to tolerate the other in an attempt to separate their parents. Although that plot point seemed like it would be a main factor of the book, it really didn't feel that way because nothing really happened until the last thirty percent of the book. And after that point, the plot went by really fast and all of a sudden the book was over.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for an eARC of this book.

[Cherokee - Books With A Chance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Together for Never was a decently cute short story.

I didn't like Charlotte or Lily too much. As one other reader put it, they are different sides to the same coin. Their differences were too minute for there to be as much hostility as there was. I did, however, enjoy the dual POV from both girls. It's always a bonus with the author lets us see the different characters' desires and needs, even if they were pretty flat.

I really liked the premise of the story, as it was compared to the Parent Trap. But... I wish it had been longer. The story felt too rushed and hollow. The two week vacation was not enough. I needed more conflict and resolution. More depth.

I didn't really understand the conflict between the two girls. Maybe because I haven't been thirteen in awhile, but it just seemed unrealistic for acquaintances to feel this way.

I really liked the adult characters and wanted more from them! They seemed to be the most dynamic and well established in the book.

You can read my full review, and others like it, at www.bookswithachance.com

[Donna Metler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Lily and Charlotte don’t like each other at all. Lily likes fantasy stories and worlds. Charlotte likes fashion and makeup. Unfortunately, their parents like each other. A lot. When the girls decide the only thing they can agree on is that they need to break their parents up…well…

This is a relatable book that many tweens will see themselves in. While the conclusion is expected, it is nevertheless deserved. While this isn’t an “assign to an entire class book”, it deserves a spot on library and classroom collection shelves.

[Vibha C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about two girls who go to the same school. They don't like each other at all. The situation between them is kinda like Mean Girls, which it says on the back.

The book is amazing, but on the back, it says "When The Parent Trap meets Mean Girls," though the book doesn't exactly relate to The Parent Trap; it's not as extreme, but maybe just a milder version of The Parent Trap.

Other than that, it's a great book! Definitely recommended!

[nat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a lunch time read with only 160+ pages and an easy read without having to use much of our brains.

The plot is predictable and moves very quickly; but it also doesn’t seem to have any highlight in the storyline - I tried recalling any parts that is the most memorable to me and I couldn’t, and this is coming from someone who has just finished the entire book. The ending felt very rushed and abrupt as well.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Characters were super cute and I enjoyed the characters of the parents.
It really depicted how young people would feel if put in that situation. I would recommend it to anyone who would like a fast pace quick read.
I feel it would begood for middlegrade readers because they could understand the characters. I enjoyed the setting and it was easy to follow.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book and I think many middle school children will too. The is a character to appeal to different personalities and I think that's fun. The language and way of thinking is very age appropriate and comes across as very relatable.

[Royally Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a book tour and I really enjoyed it. It's a fun Mean Girls meets The Parent Swap kind of story. As someone who has enjoyed both those films, I had a good time with this book. It has some fun twists, relatable teen drama, but it isn't overly drawn out either. I like how quickly it gets to the point, without losing the summer vacation vibe.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as parent trap meets mean girls. LIly’s mom announces a week’s vacation at the beach with her new boyfriend and his daughter. When Lily realizes John’s daughter is mean girl Charlotte, she dreads the trip. She tries to make the best of things by finding a quiet place to write. When she and Charlotte team up to break up their parents, things quickly become complicated.

[Kayla Plutzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had so much potential. It could have been amazing but was just so rushed and so one dimensional.