The first part of the book goes back in time to various times throughout the childhood of Fern, Ambrose and even Bailey. Ambrose didn't like being the golden boy though and always felt the weight of everyone's expectations. He also has a great wrestling talent and won state championship all 4 years of his high school career. Ambrose was always handsome and got attention because of that. Eventually Ambrose's mother couldn't stand small town life and left Ambrose and his dad to go back to New York. Unfortunately, Ambrose's biological father didn't want a son so his mother went back to her home town and married the man who became Ambrose's real dad (regardless of blood). Ambrose was the son of an underwear model his mother met in New York when she was young. The only boy Fern has ever wanted was Ambrose but he never seemed to take much notice of her. Bailey and Fern are best friends though and she's been his companion and taken care of him most of her life.

Fern's cousin, Bailey was born with a muscular disease that has had him in a wheelchair from an early age and will bring about his early death. Fern was a plain child and she became aware of this at an early age but did her best to live with that and not let it bother her since there are others worse off.

She was born late in their life (when they were in their 40s and thought they were past the possibility of children) and was treasured because of that. Fern is a daughter of a preacher and his wife. FYI, there is no sex in this book.the most we get if some kissing and not much more so it's relatively tame in that respect but the tragedy and emotions brought on by the book should be kept to mature readers.

This is the first story I've read by this author and based on this I'll probably read more of her work in the future. I loved Fern and Ambrose and loved their story.

Making faces harmon