cover image Secrets of Southern Girls

Secrets of Southern Girls

Haley Harrigan. Sourcebooks Landmark, $15.99 trade paper (400p) ISBN 978-1-4926-4755-3

Julie Portland holds down a menial job in New York and relies on her ex-husband for the support of their young daughter, Beck. Yet Julie has never let go of her demons, a fact that rears its ugly head when August, a man from her past, appears at her door. August was the boyfriend of Julie’s best friend, Reba, who died after falling off a bridge, a death for which Julie holds herself responsible. August wants her to go back to Lawrence Mill, Miss., to find out what really happened that night. Julie knows that the only way to discover the truth is to find Reba’s diary, which she believes is in the hands of Nell, a woman who owns a small shop. When Julie and August finally locate the diary, they uncover secrets about Reba, who they both believed was perfect, almost untouchable. Harrigan’s novel, part mystery and part coming-of-age, explores the process of healing from tragedies and misunderstandings. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. (June)