Publishers Weekly
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Stewart's fiction debut is a classic coming-of-age story set in tiny Graham Camp, Tex., in 1958. Sammie Tucker, soon to be 13, has a mother with "nerve problems," a desire for a typewriter since she wants to be a writer, and a sort-of boyfriend in Cly, an Elvis Presley-like teen just arrived from California with a stuffed bag of family issues. Subplots involving all the minor characters that revolve around the central constellation of Sammie and her family as Sammie's life is upended by a tragedy pack a bit too much complexity . Stewart writes about powerful and basic emotions with a restraint that suggests depth and authenticity; the relationship between Sammie and her mother Rita, the engine that drives the plot, is beautifully and delicately rendered. . Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Library Journal
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In a small Texas town in the late 1950s, Sammie Tucker's mother, who suffers from depression, commits suicide. Following her mother's death, Sammie is left wondering whom can she count on now. VERDICT This nostalgic debut is perfect for readers who enjoy Christian coming-of-age stories. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.