The Lion and the Ladybug

Leo: Meg moved across the street when we were eight—pink, sunshine, and boldness. While I hid family secrets, she told me everything, and her world was my sanctuary, everything childhood should be. Then her dad had to move for a two-year job, except two years became four, and during those years, my life fell apart.

She came back in high school, thinking she would just jump back in like we were kids again. She scared me to death, because if one person could dig in and ruin my world, it was Meg and her crazy nice family and their stupid magical garden. I had to avoid her to protect my brother, the only thing I had left, the only person I loved. But keeping Meg out… That was going to be a trick, but I had to keep her out of my life, whatever the cost.

Meg: I saw the new Leo on the first day of school. He'd turned into a thug, and he was mean, and seeing him destroyed me. I hadn't had a friend like him in four years, and I honestly thought he might be waiting. Instead… Well, he sure wasn't waiting. The guy was into every adult vice available, making lousy decisions left and right. He pushed me out, but I was going to stick. Some stupid part of my heart was certain the old Leo was still in there, and I was going to find him even if it killed me.

It never occurred to me that he kept secrets that could kill him, and I wasn't helping by being in his face all the time. But maybe… Well, maybe I could rescue his life, and if I did, some tiny part of me hoped he could rescue my heart.

 Terry's Garden, stories about a huge family, an enchanting garden, and a love story that touches generations. Christian coming-of-age/romance novels for teens and anyone who remembers what it's like to take those first wobbling steps into adulthood.