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One Term Left
It’s the final semester of high school, right before three best friends follow their own paths and later careers.
Sarah Sullivan, the future valedictorian, has the choice between two Ivy League schools, but a doctor diagnoses a family member with a heartbreaking disease.
Alice White thrives backstage in drama club and plans to play it safe, when she learns about her past.
And Makayla Kissoon, captain and star of the lacrosse team, doesn’t care where she ends up as long as she can play her sport, until an injury shatters her dream.
The girls have been unlikely friends for years, ever since they created a book club in seventh grade. But now they separate and go on their own way. With only one term left till graduation, they have to choose if they’ll remain long-term friends or not.
Sarah Sullivan, the future valedictorian, has the choice between two Ivy League schools, but a doctor diagnoses a family member with a heartbreaking disease.
Alice White thrives backstage in drama club and plans to play it safe, when she learns about her past.
And Makayla Kissoon, captain and star of the lacrosse team, doesn’t care where she ends up as long as she can play her sport, until an injury shatters her dream.
The girls have been unlikely friends for years, ever since they created a book club in seventh grade. But now they separate and go on their own way. With only one term left till graduation, they have to choose if they’ll remain long-term friends or not.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 21, 2025
One Term Left is a Teen & Young Adult novel written by the author Catherine Francis, published in October 2023. Set against the tranquil backdrop of Cape Cod, the story beautifully captures the joy, heartbreak, and uncertainty that come with the final year of high school. What stood out the most to me was how real and relatable the characters felt. Sarah, Alice, and Makayla each have their own unique journeys, and I found myself genuinely invested in all three. Sarah’s story, in particular, tugged at my heartstrings. Her struggle to balance her dream future with the devastating reality of a loved one’s illness was both powerful and emotional. Alice’s quiet strength and her path of self-discovery through theatre brought a subtle depth to the narrative, while Makayla’s forced detour from her sports-driven future added a raw, vulnerable edge. Each girl is at a crossroads, and the way their stories intertwine felt natural, yet deeply moving. C.M. Francis has a real gift for character development—every emotion, every friendship dynamic, every small detail (even down to naming the car!) felt thoughtfully crafted. I especially appreciated the shifting points of view; it gave me a chance to connect personally with each character. The writing is clean, vivid, and immersive, making me feel like I was right there on the Cape with them, riding bikes, sharing secrets, and navigating the messiness of growing up. This novel doesn’t rely on dramatic twists to keep you hooked—it’s the authenticity of the relationships, the strength of the character arcs, and the deeply human emotions that make it unforgettable. It feels like three books in one, yet everything fits together so seamlessly. A heartfelt and beautifully written coming-of-age story that reminds you how friendships evolve, sometimes strain, and yet—when they’re real—can endure even the hardest of goodbyes. I can’t wait to see what C.M. Francis writes next. At 371 pages, it’s a bit lengthy but definitely worth it. Highly recommended from my side.
May 13, 2025
This review first appeared along with discussion questions on my website, GinaRaeMitchell
One Term Left tells the story of three best friends—Sarah, Alice, and Makayla—facing the ups and downs of their final semester of high school. It captures that emotionally charged, everything’s-about-to-change feeling that comes with growing up. C.M. Francis brings warmth and authenticity to the page, making it easy to connect with each girl’s journey.
All three characters are dealing with big changes. Sarah, the class valedictorian, is thrown off course when a loved one falls ill. Alice, who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, uncovers a family secret that makes her question who she is. And Makayla, once defined by her athletic achievements, has to find her footing after an injury derails her plans.
Their stories feel genuine and relatable. It’s like reading pages torn straight from their personal journals—honest, heartfelt, and never too polished.
What stuck with me most was the quiet courage threaded through their experiences. Francis gently explores how friendships evolve, how dreams shift, and how letting go of certainty is sometimes the bravest thing we do. This book is a tender, honest reflection on that strange, beautiful time when childhood fades and everything else begins.
One Term Left doesn’t try too hard. It simply tells the truth—and that’s what makes it stick.
I read this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
One Term Left tells the story of three best friends—Sarah, Alice, and Makayla—facing the ups and downs of their final semester of high school. It captures that emotionally charged, everything’s-about-to-change feeling that comes with growing up. C.M. Francis brings warmth and authenticity to the page, making it easy to connect with each girl’s journey.
All three characters are dealing with big changes. Sarah, the class valedictorian, is thrown off course when a loved one falls ill. Alice, who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, uncovers a family secret that makes her question who she is. And Makayla, once defined by her athletic achievements, has to find her footing after an injury derails her plans.
Their stories feel genuine and relatable. It’s like reading pages torn straight from their personal journals—honest, heartfelt, and never too polished.
What stuck with me most was the quiet courage threaded through their experiences. Francis gently explores how friendships evolve, how dreams shift, and how letting go of certainty is sometimes the bravest thing we do. This book is a tender, honest reflection on that strange, beautiful time when childhood fades and everything else begins.
One Term Left doesn’t try too hard. It simply tells the truth—and that’s what makes it stick.
I read this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
December 16, 2023
Young adult
I wouldn't normally read a young adult book, I much prefer the adult content in a read. However, that said, this was well-written and the story flowed. It felt true to life and made the characters relateable. Good read
I wouldn't normally read a young adult book, I much prefer the adult content in a read. However, that said, this was well-written and the story flowed. It felt true to life and made the characters relateable. Good read
December 1, 2023
Another Hit for CM Francis!
As a retired high school teacher, I can say that CM Francis developed her her teenage girl characters spot on! Even naming the car! I love the different points of view approach, and how the author invests the reader into each character’s personality. As with her last book, be prepared to stay up all night to finish this one. it’s THAT GOOD!
As a retired high school teacher, I can say that CM Francis developed her her teenage girl characters spot on! Even naming the car! I love the different points of view approach, and how the author invests the reader into each character’s personality. As with her last book, be prepared to stay up all night to finish this one. it’s THAT GOOD!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews