Seeing Samantha fit into this equation was nothing short of entertaining and only increased my respect for her. I love my family and I guess i would stick to them no matter what, but I definitely hope not to find out this on my own. As the summer begins, Tracy leaves to work in Martha's Vineyard, leaving Samantha feeling abandoned and smothered by their mother. She can’t see how good and loving these people are because her mind is clouded by the stereotype; messy yard, large brood equates to trailer trash!

Tim, Nan's troubled brother, a boy who was going places but is now in a constant state of being hungover and stoned.I was expected a Sarah Dessen type novel and what I got instead is something I can only relate to authors who I happen to loathe like Stephanie Meyer or Becca Fitzpatrick, even though they’re not contemporary authors. Today, Huntley lives on the coast of Massachusetts with her encouraging husband and their six energetic children who, thankfully, let her pick their brains, advising her on whatever is currently cool and reminding her of what always matters.

She is also the author of the contemporary YA romances What I Thought Was True and The Boy Most Likely To. The Garrets are her neighbors next door and Sam’s mother hates them because they remind her of her ex- in laws.e. her friendship with Nan, what Tim would do, what was Sam's decision about moving, what would happen with her and Jace, and it made me frustrated. Sam’s mother is Senator Reed, running for re-election, so the truth can’t com out because of her campaign, but you know what? My Life Next Door is everything I want from a YA contemporary novel: a close-knit American town setting; a realistic and believable romance; a supportive and loving family (especially toddler George! Even though at times I was irritated with the parents for having baby after baby, leaving the older ones to pick up the slack. Then there is Duff and Harry, the trouble-makers and George who is constantly worrying about things that are very unlikely to happen and little one-year old Patsy.