KEEP MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO

Caroline “Chuck” Wilson finds herself unraveling as she tries to keep her heart in San Francisco, trying to save Bigmouth’s, her family’s bowling alley.

Chuck dreams of going to San Francisco’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising after graduating from high school. Spring break is around the corner, and Chuck has a packed itinerary that she hopes will bring her closer to her fashion design dreams. However, in a twisted turn of events, Chuck learns that she has less than two weeks to help her father come up with $8,000 in overdue rent. Enter Beckett Porter, Chuck’s ex–best friend and crush, who seems to know the ins and outs of the Bay Area’s underground bowling scene. He has a plan to help Chuck save Bigmouth’s and avoid her family’s having to move in with grandparents in Arizona. Despite her doubts, desperate times call for desperate measures, and they are off on a thrilling adventure together. As the story unravels, Chuck finds herself trusting Beckett again, and the sparks she once thought to be snuffed out are rekindled. Chuck has clinical depression and is worried that she might develop bipolar disorder like her mother, Caroline. The author’s portrayal of mental illness is sensitive and insightful although Caroline is slightly underdeveloped. Readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories will appreciate this book. Main characters are presumed to be white.

Intriguing and charming.