32 Candles

“With all the charm of a clever romantic comedy and peopled by appealing, memorable characters, Carter’s first novel is a winner on all fronts.” —Booklist, starred review

Davie—an ugly duckling growing up in small-town Mississippi—is positive her life couldn’t be any worse. Just when she’s resigned herself to her fate, she sees a movie that will change her life—Sixteen Candles. But in her case, life doesn’t imitate art. Tormented endlessly in school and hopelessly in unrequited love with a handsome football player, James Farrell, Davie finally finds the courage to leave the only life she knows.

Years later Davie has reinvented herself in LA and is living a glamorous life far from where she started—until she bumps into her former crush James Farrell. To Davie’s astonishment, James doesn’t recognize her, and she can’t bring herself to end the fantasy. She lets him fall as deeply in love with her as she once was with him. But just as they’re about to ride off into the sunset, the past comes back with a vengeance, threatening to break her heart again.

“Ernessa T. Carter is a fresh new voice. In Davie Jones, she has created a wicked yet empathetic character.” —Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Waiting to Exhale 

“32 cheers for Ernessa T. Carter! She’s created one of the freshest, funniest characters I’ve ever read. . . . 32 Candles is a charmer.” —Carleen Brice, author of Orange Mint and Honey

“This summer’s juiciest beach read. . . . [A] disarmingly moving tale.” —Essence

“Potent and well rendered.” —KirkusReviews

“[Davie’s] need for sweet revenge adds a welcome dark edge.” —i