Drive

Twins Ida and Ellie Honeycutt are looking forward to moving on to the local high school. They have always been together — in the same classes, even sharing a bed. Nothing has ever come between them. But Ellie, the chatty one, has ideas about taking different classes than Ida, the quiet, artistic one. And when the girls meet a boy named Arne, both are interested. He chooses Ida — a surprise to both Ellie and Ida — and it complicates everything. The jealous feelings Ellie has set her on a dangerous path. The girl’s father is still suffering from PTSD from his time in World War II, and his problems put terrible pressure on the entire family.

Author Joyce Moyer Hostetter has written a rich, complex addition to her Baker’s Mountain series. She transports readers to the small town of Hickory, North Carolina in the 1950s with her heartfelt storytelling, realistically flawed and relatable characters, exceptional historical research, and clean, clear writing. For readers who have already discovered the Baker’s Mountain books, this will be a very welcome addition. For new readers, this book stands well on its own and will undoubtedly send them looking for more books in the series.