Set in 1960's Mississippi, where 13-year-old Layla Jay is confused by her desire for salvation, sex, and a "normal" life. Her father died when she was two, and sine then her mother has dated and broken the hearts of many men. When the mother decides to marry again, the results are disastrous. ( )

A coming-of-age story with a dysfuntional parent. Layla Jay is 13 and living with her wild and crazy mother Frieda and her religious grandmother and not so religious grandfather. Not a combination that works well, but Layla Jay is happy with her life. Then a handsome, young preacher sweeps Frieda off of her feet, and there are enormous changes in Layla Jay's life, and not all good ones. The preacher is not what he seems, and Frieda is out of control, and Layla Jay is forced to be the adult. The writing was good, the characters well-written, but the overall story was a little uneven. ( )