Overview

ClaireLee's life changes when she must take charge of her siblings after her mother becomes depressed from a difficult childbirth. Frightened by the way Mama sleeps too much and her crying spells during waking hours, ClaireLee just knows she'll catch her illness like a cold or flu that hangs on through winter. ClaireLee finds comfort in the lies she tells herself and others in order to hide the truth about her erratic mother. Deciding she needs to re-invent herself, she sets out to impress a group of popular girls. In deception, ClaireLee weaves her way into the Lavender Girls Club, the most sophisticated girls in school. Though, her best friend Belinda will not be caught with the likes of such shallow puddles, ClaireLee ignores Belinda's warnings the Lavenders cannot be trusted. ClaireLee drifts farther from honesty, her friend, and a broken mother's love, until one very public night at the yearly school awards ceremony. The spotlight is on ClaireLee, and she finds courage and faces the truth. Will ClaireLee be able to save her mother's life?

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Reviews

The message of integrity, faith, loyalty, perseverance and love that shines through it is a timely one. This book is not filled with the filth many are famous for, and I find that refreshing. I especially liked it was not predictable and had me staying up late reading it to see what would happen next. I felt like I was in the character feeling her pain and struggles. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. -MELANIE KIME, business owner Simply thrilled to read this book! Beautifully written story! I love that the author shared an issue so many deal with but few write about. -REDA REDDING, mother of 11 children Well written book about a young girl trying to grow up and understand mental illness within her family. As I was reading I felt as though I struggled along with her. I couldn't put the book down until the end. This is a great book for young adults (middle school) to help today's generation look to God for guidance and support. -CORI LARSEN, school teacher Jean Ann Williams will never write superficially because she has plunged the depths of personal tragedy and come up with a treasure trove of insight. Just Claire gives the reader an unfolding look into postpartum depression and the effect on families. This coming-of-age book from the eyes and heart of a middle schooler pulls your heartstrings. Claire wants to be liked, but loyalty and home mean something more to her. Those values keep her afloat during a difficult time in her family's life. Jean's writing has a steady rhythm. If you're tired of books that leave you saying, ""Couldn't happen,"" I can assure you, this book isn't one of them. -DIANE HUFF PITTS, co-author of Summer in Sweetland A sweet and poignant story about a young girl coming of age and learning that true strength can be found in unlikely places. This will appeal to young teens who have to deal with difficult family issues. And I must say, the author's ""voice"" was spot on - I read this in one sitting! This is an author I'll be following. -DARBY KARCHUT, author of Del Toro Moon When I began reading this story, I thought it was for children. It was like a whirlwind dance down memory lane. I had completely forgotten what it was like to be thirteen back in the fifties. Peer pressures, the need to fit in, and the drive to find a best-and-forever friend, were as much a struggle for Claire as taking care of four siblings. As an adult caregiver, I shared Claire's agony wanting Mama to be well and sane again. What this heroine bears upon her small shoulders is a burden the readers will never forget. I guarantee you will laugh and you will cry when you go to the little cabin on the river and spend time with Claire Bear. -BECKY WHITE, author of 300 educational books for children

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