The Me You See

Author: Jill Williamson

Series: Riverbend Friends #3

Publisher: Focus on the Family

Release Date: August 3, 2021

The next installment in the Riverbend Friends series gives us a look into the life of Izzy and the struggles she faces. A great read for young adult females to connect with and relate to.

The third installment in the Riverbend Friends series picks up with the story of Izzy. Izzy has a lot put on her by her parents; while they are at work, she ends up being the caregiver for her brother, Sebastian. Izzy spends any free time she has making cupcakes and posting them to her Instagram account. During winter break, she feels more alone than ever with her friends gone and all the time she must spend at home taking care of her brother. When school starts back up and Zac, a senior she has had a crush on for a long time, starts showing interest in her and texting her, she feels like things are going her way. Her friends aren’t sure about Zac and Izzy just wants to be with him and have her friends be happy for her, is that too much to ask?

This has been a great year for good, clean young adult books. The Riverbend Friends series has been a great addition for young girls to read and enjoy. The newest installment adds value to the series with a great story, that just might be my favorite of the series. Izzy’s story resonated with me more than the others; there was more tension, and the stakes were higher for her with what she had to deal with. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this story will be much more intense with heavier issues than the previous. I think that is what made it my favorite as the stakes were higher which made me more invested in what was going to happen with the characters. We still got to see the other friends and what was happening in their world which is nice to build on that with each new novel. This book is perfect for young girls aged 12 to 16 that will show them the value of friendships and trusting your gut feelings when something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.