Sparrow Road

The first day of summer holds such promise. For 12-year-old Raine O'Rourke that includes stacking shelves at Grandpa Mac's store, playing chess with Grandpa's best friend and eating all the popsicles and candy she wants. That's how Raine expects to spend this summer too. Instead, she finds herself far from Milwaukee. All of a sudden, her mom decides to take a summer job as a cook at an old mansion in the country. There goes Raine's hope for a fun summer. Sparrow Road seems to be a summer camp, of sorts, for adults who want to get away from their regular jobs to concentrate on creative projects. Lillian writes poetry. Josie makes assorted things out of fabric scraps. Diego likes to use odds and ends in his artwork and Eleanor is a writer. As soon as they arrive at Sparrow Road, the owner sternly warns Raine not to disturb anyone. Viktor definitely did not make her feel welcome. Raine knows her mom's hiding something. Why are they really at Sparrow Road? Raine is determined to find the truth. As the days pass, she finds more questions than answers. There are so many mysteries at Sparrow Road. When the biggest secret comes out it will change Raine's life forever. O'Connor's use of descriptive language brings Raine's world alive. The reader can smell the fish in the lake, the rotten apples in the breeze and the musty blankets in the attic. There is adventure in the air. Her characters are authentic. Each one brings an essential ingredient to aid Raine on her journey. Her story reminds me of a fragrance - Sweet Honesty. It was my favorite at Raine's age. Sparrow Road is sweet, honest and full of hope. It's a perfect read for the first day of summer.