When shy Alexia meets the boy of her dreams, she realizes more than one painful truth about growing up and falling in love. Is it all worth it? She will have to answer this question for herself.
It all begins, strangely enough, in group therapy. Alexia is the sole caregiver and support for her mother, who is undergoing a mental health crisis after suffering a violent attack at her workplace. As the teenager struggles with the responsibilities of her new role in the family, she falls head over heels for Justin, whose grandmother is part of the same therapy class Alexia's mother attends. Alexia is sure that Justin-tall, handsome, and charismatic-won't even notice her. To her surprise, he does more than that-he asks her out!
Justin is kind, artistic, and thoughtful, but he's also coping with his own trauma. Justin's sister was brutally murdered, and the killer is still at large. Alexia tries to find ways to support Justin and his family as they go through the grieving process and move forward with their lives.
This charming young adult romance follows Alexia as she deals with Justin's affection, her mother's mental illness, and her own budding womanhood.
About the Author: Avid writer M. T. Straker, a mental health nurse, used her own experiences as inspiration for her new young adult romance, You, Me, and the Goldfish. Her first novel, this initial installment launches a series.
Straker holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Edge Hill University. She subsequently received her diploma in mental health nursing from Liverpool John Moores University. She is dedicated to helping and supporting those suffering with mental health problems.
Straker enjoys reading, running, yoga and fitness, and cooking. Married with one daughter, she lives with her husband in Southport, England.
