FIRST & THEN by Emma Mills combines teen romance, football, and blended families for an engaging, contemporary novel.
Devin leads a typical teen life. She has a crush on her best friend and is uncertain about life after high school. However when Devon’s cousin Foster joins the family, he shakes things up. Although he’s social inept, Foster’s talent as a kicker has drawn interest from the star football player. Devin soon learns that there are many ways to experience love.
Whether examining the fine line between friendship and romance or exploring the anguish of parental abandonment, Mills skillfully reflects the issues facing today’s teens.
Librarians will find a large audience for this book among lovers of realistic fiction. While some readers will be drawn to the Jane Austen references, others will be attracted to sports connections.
Although this is Emma Mills’ debut novel, she’s well-known for her vlog Elmify.
Check out the vlog at https://www.youtube.com/user/elmify.
Published by Henry Holt and Co. on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.
