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One Term Left
Living on Cape Cod is exceptionally blissful for any tourist or smooth sand and picturesque sunsets, delicious cuisine and relaxing bike rides, and an inseparable friendship who have done everything together since they met in seventh grade.
With one term left until Famlouth Academy's graduation, Sarah Sullivan, Alice White, and Makayla Kissoon are torn as they decide one path over another.
Sarah, the predicted valedictorian, is so close to achieving her idyllic life with the future Ivy League school and her perfect boyfriend. But when someone close to her is diagnosed with a heartbreaking disease, she desperately tries to keep them alive.
Alice thrives backstage and plans to play it safe by attending a college closer to home. However, once she learns a life changing secret about her past, she chooses to grow as a drama club member and as a person.
Makayla, captain and star of the lacrosse team, doesn't care where life takes her as long as she can play her sport. Yet, an injury shatters her dreams, and she needs to find something else to have a passion for.
As time draws closer to their graduation, will their connection remain everlasting, or will their friendship disappear?
With one term left until Famlouth Academy's graduation, Sarah Sullivan, Alice White, and Makayla Kissoon are torn as they decide one path over another.
Sarah, the predicted valedictorian, is so close to achieving her idyllic life with the future Ivy League school and her perfect boyfriend. But when someone close to her is diagnosed with a heartbreaking disease, she desperately tries to keep them alive.
Alice thrives backstage and plans to play it safe by attending a college closer to home. However, once she learns a life changing secret about her past, she chooses to grow as a drama club member and as a person.
Makayla, captain and star of the lacrosse team, doesn't care where life takes her as long as she can play her sport. Yet, an injury shatters her dreams, and she needs to find something else to have a passion for.
As time draws closer to their graduation, will their connection remain everlasting, or will their friendship disappear?
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Published April 2, 2025
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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