A coming of age story with a twist! This well written story of Harmony, a teen with a troubled past, a strung out mom, and a secret she can't quite remember will haunt your memory long after you finish the book. The well developed and true to life characters nearly leap off the page and in your face.

I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy to review. ( )

Better Left Behind is going to be a book I will not be forgetting for some time to come! Belinda Frisch created the most realistic cast of characters woven together in the most mysterious plot! I found myself half-way through the novel before I even knew it, and each time I picked it up I have to be forced to put it down. Belinda's writing made it very difficult to stop at the end of each chapter, she kept putting clues or a new piece of the mystery in each.

Even though I thought I figured out the circumstances that brought two families to break apart, I would be wrong in some manner. This allowed the ending to be thrilling as the truth was finally told. The whole story was very realistic, this could easily be any family, any best friends, anyone's life. That is why I think it became such a gripping tale. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone that loves mysteries. The ending while sad-also showed a tad bit of happiness, as Harmony finally ended up where she wanted to be {maybe?} The next time you look at an abandoned house, you will always wonder what the history really is of the house, especially after reading this book. ( )