"Revengeful teen learns a HUGE lesson"

Mary E. Trimble begins her young adult novel ROSEMOUNT with conflict between Leslie and her dad. She doesn't want to go to a far-off academy, because her home and the ranch is her security. Her dad, on the other hand, feels that sending his daughter, Leslie, to ROSEMOUNT Academy is best for her and that ends the discussion, except that doesn't end it for Leslie. She isn't involved in the final decision, and this angers her.

Because of this, Leslie decides to start making her own decisions, starting with giving up the piano and cutting her long hair. But in the end, she's punishing herself and not the one it's intended to hurt—her dad.

Her rebellious attitude increases when she meets her father's new girlfriend, Lilith, and her daughter, Roxanne. All the while Leslie is planning her revenge. On the first day at Rosemount Academy, with her new fake I.D., Leslie runs away.

Mary's story engages the reader as Leslie's family searches for her. Leslie is finding out the hard way, just how challenging living on your own can be. Luckily, Leslie has a brother, Wade, to confide in.

Suspense and what-ifs envelope each page as the reader starts to feel for the main character and her not-so- good decision.

Mary's characters are well defined and the realistic dialogue improves the character's personalities, and their roles in ROSEMOUNT.

In reading ROSEMOUNT, I found myself remembering my own teenage revengeful days and like Leslie, I found that my decisions weren't always great ones. However, as a grown- up, I realize that by learning from my mistakes, I am the person I am today.

To find out if Leslie learns the same in her own life, read Mary E. Trimble's book ROSEMOUNT. You will be completely satisfied feeling sympathy for the character and hoping for her safe return. I highly recommend this one.

Reviewed by Jennifer Leese
Courtesy AStoryWeaver's Book Reviews
Posted July 6, 2002