Review
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
Always Here is a young adult/new adult coming of age novel written by S.L. Mauldin. They were best friends, and always had been, ever since Miranda and Christian first met in grade school. The two had always sworn that they'd eternally be together and that nothing could part them, not even death, and they wore a shared friendship locket. Miranda sometimes wondered why her best friend had never become more than that, but then she'd ruefully laugh to herself and consider that Christian's fire engine red muscle car would always be his main romantic interest. Christian was not without his quirks, particularly his obsessive care of his hot rod and his perfectly coiffed and groomed hair. Still, when waiting for him to come pick her up, she'd listen by the window for the rumbling engine sounds that would precede his arrival minutes later. Miranda had her own private obsession and dream -- she wanted to sing and perform in musical theater, but so far, her only audience would be her collection of stuffed animals that still adorned her room. Christian had better things in mind for her, however; he was determined that she try out for the school's musical. Miranda knew she'd have no chance with Pam going for the lead. Pam was rich, blonde, had the best things and a football champ boyfriend to boot. And she could sing.
S.L. Mauldin's coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian's friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I've encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author's previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it's most highly recommended.
From the Inside Flap
ALWAYS HERE by S.L. Mauldin Published by TouchPoint Press
Copyright © 2017 S.L. Mauldin All rights reserved.
ISBN-10: 1-946920-23-1 ISBN-13: 978-1-946920-23-2
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. If any of these terms are used, no endorsement is implied. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book, in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation. Address permissions and review inquiries to TouchPointPress.
Editor: Kimberly Coghlan Book Cover Design: Todd Redner Front Cover Photo: Hagen Mattingly Back Cover Photos: Terri Warren and Susan Petteway
First Edition
Printed in the United States of America.
It was a dream team and I thank you Kelly Sirois, Hagen Mattingly, Eric Hernandez, Stella Doyle, Jonathan Matthews, Cate Petteway, Gabbi Fairey, Tony Veller, Ty Redner, Javy Barahona, Austin Griffis Jillian Melko, Jason Gaglione, Jackson Wright, Savannah Carmichael, and Sydney Warren. Much appreciation to the mothers, fathers and grandmothers of those listed above! Ditto for Caroline Whiskersley, Kita Blodwen, Devan Gilbert, Terri Warren and James Sirois. Thank you Todd Redner for the stunning cover. Thank you Blank Stage Acting Studios - Anthony, Brent, Lillian, Baby James and all your thespians who served as extras. Thank you Susan Petteway for all the behind the scenes assistance!
From the Back Cover
Miranda is an awkward teen, who dreams of musical theater stardom and following some encouragement from her eccentric best friend Christian, she decides to audition for their school's upcoming performance. It comes as no surprise when she is beat out by the most popular girl in school. All is not lost however since Miranda is selected to understudy the girl whom everyone views as perfect. Perfect looks, perfect money, and the perfect boyfriend. Even her younger brother's goofy best friend falls prey to allure of Pam who Miranda jokingly speculates might be a vampire. Soon after the leap of faith, Miranda and Christian uncover that someone in a seemingly perfect high school romance is hiding something. The bruises and the public displays that aren't so affectionate initiate the discovery. The secrets are well hidden behind the walls of popularity and gated communities where proper fork placement takes priority over the frivolous dreams of a teenager. Rushing to save someone dramatically alters to the lives of six young adults when late one night on a two lane road a flickering brake light leads to the revealing of truths and the fulfillment of promises. One of those promises Miranda and Christian made in the third grade. With an auditorium fully seated on opening night, it becomes necessary for Christian to remind Miranda of a pact they made at a very young age. It came with two words "Always Here."
About the Author
S. L. Mauldin was born in the suburbs of Atlanta, where he now resides and continues to write for young adults, but stories relatable to readers beyond those turbulent adolescent years. Shannon is a screenwriter and author of the young adult novels Life Sliding and Always Here.
Currently he editing an adult fiction title, Kudzu and writing Somebody Else, a New Adult Novel.
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