Sophie's Secret by Tara West
The Wild Rose Press, Climbing Rose
Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult
Full length, sweet
Review by Snapdragon

Sophie’s BFFs, AJ and Krysta, are also ‘gifted’ with paranormal abilities. Keeping their gifts secret proves difficult, as their powers are strengthening, making them feel more and more like freaks. When Sophie falls for Jacob, she hopes he’ll ask her out to the Freshman Formal. But when she’s forced to cheat and lie for him, she wonders how far she’ll have to go to make him like her. Add to her growing list of problems - her teacher’s suicidal thoughts, a locker bully who wants to kick her butt, the totally hot school flirt who won’t stop teasing her, her pregnant sister who boots Sophie out of her room, and the growing tension between Sophie and her best friends.

Sophie’s got issues. Hopefully, she can fix them in time to save her teacher’s life and her social life.

♥ ♥ ♥

Ms. West's wonderful main character Sophie carries takes us on a trip into high school life; and offers a bit of unique perspective at the same time. Sophie's secret - her ability to read minds - gives her some unusual access to other people's thoughts, but she doesn't always want know what people are thinking!  This fun story follows Sophie through some tough moments, like helping a friend with the death of a neighbor, to some lighter moments, like the brain-jiggling effect of riding on a motorcycle. Reading minds is less helpful than one might imagine for things like evaluating how much of a jerk a certain guy might be.

Sophie's best friends each have singular abilities, as well. Their friendships are (somewhat) based on the feelings of not quite fitting in, that the three girls share.   The story is less about the 'special abilities' though, and more about Sophie, herself.

Everyday life for Sophie is much like anyone's; the first crush, dealing with rumors, helping her sister. Yet, her unique perspective gives the tale a wonderful twist.   Beautifully written, with lively dialogue and interesting, almost-familiar situations, 'Sophie's Secret' is offered as a young adult read, but in truth while engage readers of all ages.