When Grace Stanley’s older brother, Matt, died in a car accident, she wanted to die, too. But she’s slowly finding her way again, with the help of her mysterious new friend, Philomena--who always seems to show up when Grace needs her most. If only Jackson, Matt’s best friend, had a Philomena of his own. He’s fallen into some very bad habits--at the same time that Grace is falling for him. The second book in the Saving Grace series explores the themes of faith, hope, and learning to live (maybe even love) in the wake of a tragedy. In this sequel to Saving Grace (2006), teenage Grace is determined to keep on the straight and narrow and reform her destructive behavior that followed her brother Matt’s death. She works to repay the credit card debt she accumulated, and avoids alcohol and the friends she had while grieving Matt. While working at an eclectic retail store, Grace reconnects with Matt’s best friend, Jackson, and her crush finally blossoms into a relationship. Then Grace notices some extravagant purchases that otherwise cash-strapped Jackson has made and questions his integrity. As in the first book, Grace is aided by enigmatic Philomena, who appears just when she is needed the most. Though Philomena is never called a guardian angel, the reader will likely come to this conclusion by the book’s end. The Christian overtones are subtle enough to broaden the book’s appeal to those looking for a clean problem novel with a romantic angle. Grades 7-10. --Heather Booth KATHERINE SPENCER has written many books for children and adults, including eight books in the bestselling Cape Light series. She lives on Long Island, New York.