Typical teenager Joanna Gore Alex is less than thrilled to be the new girl in a new school.

During her first day, she quickly learns teachers obviously favor the popular students and her classmates have no interest in being nice. Just when Joanna believes the day couldn't get any worse, she has a slightly embarrassing and awkward altercation with one of the hottest guys at school.

But as the school days pass by, Joanna forms friendships with some unexpected classmates and discovers exactly how strong she can be against the school's mean girl.

When Joanna is drawn to one of her brother's new friends, Frank, she feels like she's known him forever. Even his full name - Francis James - sounds familiar to her for some reason.

Joanna quickly learns life isn't all about handing assignments in on time (although it is important), she discovers the meaning of friendship, family, heartache, and most of all, love.

Self-Love: An Unexpected Romance

I WELCOMED THE COOL air as I stepped into Sweeties, a fast food restaurant I usually frequented, sometimes alone, other times with friends. 


“Mehn, this is the life,” I sighed in pleasure as my eyes spotted the different delicacies on display. Most especially the Cold Stone ice cream someone passed my face with. 


“Hey!” I heard someone yell in my location. “Stop standing there like a lost puppy and come over to the good side.” 


I turned around, curious as the voice seemed familiar, and stopped when I caught sight of Frank, who was sat in the corner grinning at me. 


“Must you yell?” I queried in a scoff as I waddled to his table. 


“Is that how you greet the love of your life?” he asked dramatically, a palm placed on his chest, and gave a pout as I rolled my eyes at him. “No Cold Stone ice cream for you then.” 


I gasped, especially when I discovered the beautiful strawberry ice cream he was dragging away from the table to himself. 


Be Alive