Within and Without

by Deborah Crossland

Some people go to great lengths to fit in. But how far is too far?

After her parents' divorce, sixteen-year-old Wren Newmann is forced to move from a small California town to her grandmother's vineyard, where she's convinced she'll die a shriveled, wine-country virgin. Her dad's gone AWOL, her mom's hooking up with anything in pants, and her best friend has found the love of her life. Apart from the annoying but cute Greek farmhand Panayis, who seems oblivious to her awkward ways, Wren's life has hit an all-time low.

Enter Jay, Wren's long time crush. Now that she finally has his attention, it seems as if people don't want her to be happy with all their "advice" on how Jay might not be who she thinks he is. But Wren's done being Beached Whale Girl. She's determined to live her best life because Jay wants her--every part.

But her anxiety and secret purging sessions sing another warning that's hard to ignore. And when personal tragedy strikes, Wren's life is flipped upside down and she's left to pick up the pieces of her broken relationships. Now, she must find the strength to decide if the illusion of being loved is worth sacrificing her health, and maybe even her life.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2025

About the author

Deborah Crossland (she/her) teaches English and mythology at her local community college and writes myth-based, contemporary novels with a feminist bent for young adults. She is passionate about making education accessible for everyone and makes sure her students pay nothing out of pocket. She lives in Northern California with her husband and her daughter's very spoiled, retired service dog.