Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Why did this book sit on my bookshelf for as long as it did? I am seriously mad at myself for not reading it the minute I bought it months ago. Okay a quick overview from Sarah Ockler's website:

Things in Delilah Hannaford’s life have a tendency to fall apart. She used to be a good student, but she can’t seem to keep it together anymore. Her “boyfriend” isn’t much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family’s painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, FIXING DELILAH is a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

From the minute I started to read this book I knew I would love it. The writing style reminded me of Sarah Dessen who is one of my favorite YA writers. It has a strong voice and I instantly sympathized with Delilah. The issues were heavy, but they didn't leave me drained like other books. This was a more uplifting book and I was routing for Delilah as she tried to figure it all out.

The supporting cast was great. I'm in love with Patrick. He was sweet and fun, but more than anything he was realistic. Her mom was a big part of the book and I loved how their strained relationship slowly started to mend.

My favorite part was learning about the aunt who died before she was born. Everything that had happened with her family, all the issues they were dealing with were related to this aunt she had never met. Slowly she started to put the pieces together and Wow! I won't spoil it for those that have not read it, but I didn't see that one coming.

If you love a book with a good romance, a good dose of drama and a bit of mystery, or if you just love a good contemporary YA book this is the book for you.

I also LOVE the cover. It's so different from the other covers that are out right now and I feel like it really encompasses what the book is about.

Have you read Fixing Delilah? Have you read any of Sarah Ockler's books? I can't wait to read more from her.