4.5!
After reading The First Move last year, I was enthralled with Jenny’s writing, and the stories as well as the representation that they provide.
The Boy Next Door is about becoming who you need to be, not who people want you to be, as well as second chances, particularly in the face of events that could change your life forever.
Following Molly, St Anne’s most popular girl, and Finbar, the seemingly unnoticed boy in school (the butterfly boy as he is referred to at some point), a rekindling of past friendships occur, and the kindling of something more as well.
After Molly’s accident, her life is turned upside down, and she’s unsure who she has or who she is becoming, until Finbar is reintroduced and becomes her new constant.
This story is about reminding each other, personal growth, and healing in adversity; the both find their childhood best friend in each other again, and they both heal with each others support.
A fast paced read, and it was an absolute delight. Some of the issues Jenny discusses are handled so brilliantly, balanced well with both character and story.

TW: loss of parent (pre existing), disordered eating and self image issues, traumatic health event, representation of anxiety, overly controlling parent, distant parent

I absolutely love a good best friends Love Rosie themed book. I loved this storyline and absolutely cannot wait to share a full thought and review with you all