By Lawanda Johnson

Every so often, a Young Adult novel comes out and just steals your heart. Author Lauren Barnholdt does just that with her latest novel, The Thing About the Truth, which centers around the complex relationship of unlikely pair Kelsey and Isaac.

Kelsey is the girl who has one last chance to make things right in her life. She has been kicked out of her prep school because of an altercation with her ex-boyfriend, her father is disappointed in her and she need redemption.

Isaac, a guy who is tired of restrictions, has a senator for a father and has to uphold the family’s high-profile lifestyle. However, Isaac wants his own identity and own rules.

Isaac and Kelsey meet at the hands of fate in their new public school—after both of them have been kicked out of prestigous schools. On the first day of school, Kelsey and Isaac start off on the wrong foot. Their first impressions of each other is unpleasant. Kelsey thinks Isaac is a spoiled brat and Isaac thinks Kelsey is a self-centered diva.

Once they suck in their pride, get to know each and discover each other’s fears, they fall in love. Unexpectedly, things happen so quickly. Kelsey is different and more mature than she used to be. Isaac is secure and content with his life and school.

Kelsey has not been entirely honest with Isaac. She has a secret that could damage her relationship with him. Will she tell him the truth? Can young love conquer one big secret from the past? Only time can tell.

The Thing About the Truth, told in four prespectives, highlights Kelsey’s story before and after being kicked out of school and starting at a new one. Isaac’s before and after chapters center around his relationship with his father and Kelsey. Through each chapter, the reader is able to witness both sides of a complex story about love, betrayal and heartbreak.

Teens will be able to relate and twenty-somethings will be reminded of fond memories of their high school sweethearts.

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