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Sweet Valley High #29
Bitter Rivals
Three's a crowd...
Elizabeth Wakefield is ecstatic. Her dearest childhood friend, Amy Sutton, is moving back to Sweet Valley. Elizabeth can't wait to see her again and introduce Amy to her current best friend, Enid Rollins.
Amy is an undeniable hit at Sweet Valley High. She's glamorous and vivacious, and she becomes the newest member of the cheerleading squad. But to Elizabeth's shock, Amy and Enid seem to be heading for a showdown. Will the prospect of having two best friends leave Elizabeth with none?
Elizabeth Wakefield is ecstatic. Her dearest childhood friend, Amy Sutton, is moving back to Sweet Valley. Elizabeth can't wait to see her again and introduce Amy to her current best friend, Enid Rollins.
Amy is an undeniable hit at Sweet Valley High. She's glamorous and vivacious, and she becomes the newest member of the cheerleading squad. But to Elizabeth's shock, Amy and Enid seem to be heading for a showdown. Will the prospect of having two best friends leave Elizabeth with none?
138 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
53 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,844 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 15, 2019
Tomboy athlete and Elizabeth's childhood best friend Amy Sutton returns to Sweet Valley all grown up and totally bitchy, but hits it off with Lila and the cheerleaders. Also, Enid is totally not putting up with that bitch. In subplot, Jessica lies and whores it up a little to try to steal a senior's boyfriend just BECAUSE, and Elizabeth is boring. A very high school-y SVH. 2 stars.
August 3, 2012
This is the one where Elizabeth realizes her old friend Amy Sutton is a total bitch now. Sad but realistic ;)
September 20, 2023
Good as I remember it!
November 19, 2023
1.5 stars
groannnn
groannnn
January 27, 2021
Enid is annoyed with Elizabeth because she is hanging out with Amy, Amy is annoyed at Enid because she is hanging out with Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Lila are annoyed at Jessica because she's hanging out with Amy. It's a lot, but I appreciated that this book centered around female friendships. Actually some good messages about how friendships can change as we get older.
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**Review Note - I have been re-reading the Sweet Valley High series one book at a time for my podcast, “Lessons From Sweet Valley.” The following is the unique SVH rating system that I use on goodreads for these books alone…
5 Stars - The book is worthy of being read outside of the series purely as an exemplary example of YA fiction.
4 Stars - The book contains an element, storyline or theme that sets it apart from your average SVH tome.
3 Stars - The book adequately meets the expectations of an SVH book as it exists in the Sweet Valley universe.
2 Stars - The book falls below the SVH standards in terms of subject matter, characters or overall story.
1 Star - Offensive by SVH standards! Any of those re-reading the series should skip entirely
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**Review Note - I have been re-reading the Sweet Valley High series one book at a time for my podcast, “Lessons From Sweet Valley.” The following is the unique SVH rating system that I use on goodreads for these books alone…
5 Stars - The book is worthy of being read outside of the series purely as an exemplary example of YA fiction.
4 Stars - The book contains an element, storyline or theme that sets it apart from your average SVH tome.
3 Stars - The book adequately meets the expectations of an SVH book as it exists in the Sweet Valley universe.
2 Stars - The book falls below the SVH standards in terms of subject matter, characters or overall story.
1 Star - Offensive by SVH standards! Any of those re-reading the series should skip entirely
April 14, 2025
Bitter Rivals (Updated)
Jessica, Liz, and Enid are hanging out by the pool. Jessica is trying to get Liz’s attention to tell her something but she’s distracted and day-dreaming about Amy coming back. She tells Enid she can’t wait for her to meet her. Enid says she just hopes they’ll like each other. Jessica tho isn’t as excited. She wonders if Amy’s changed over the last five years. She also wonders if Amy coming back will shake up her sister and Enid’s friendship. Jessica wonders if Mrs. Sutton will be able to introduce them to some handsome athletes. Liz says she doubts it. She’ll probably be too busy with work. Amy and Liz’s letters grew less over time. They visited each other a couple of times. Then she got the letter Amy was moving back.
Jessica starts to complain about Helen Bradly moving and not wanting to go through auditioning someone else to be on the cheerleading squad. Then she starts to talk about her and Cara’s column for the Oracle. The column is called “Dear Mrs. Lovelorn.” And she tells it’s going to be the best thing to hit the Oracle. Penny’s already excited about it. Liz asks for a taste and Jessica reads her one of the letters about a boy that can’t seem to get a date.
It advises him to ask someone and if not just go alone and have a good time. Then she reads one more about a guy that has too many girls, but he’s really a sensitive guy. They all think this one sounds like how Bruce use to sound before he started seeing Regina. The advice they (she) tells him she’s impressed. Shape up or find another branch to swing from. Liz gets a call and tells Enid that Amy will be going a week from Sunday.
Enid thinks that’s much too soon. So, Enid says they have to figure out what they’re going to do about the ski trip. They’ve been invited by Enid’s aunt. But they’ve planned the trip on the same day Amy’ll be back. Liz asks if they can put the trip of.. Enid says ok and says maybe they can invite Amy. She’s sure her aunt will understand. She’ll call her aunt and make the arrangements. Liz tells her she’s the best, but she wishes she felt more enthusiastic about Amy’s arrival.
After they talk about Amy moving back, at their table at SVH, Jessica asks her if her cousin is coming back (Christopher). Dee-Dee wants to know who he is and Lila tells he’s the most amazing man in the world. He’s six feet two and has wavy hair. He’s from Main, a terrific yatzman, and dancer. Lila is also planning the biggest and best bash ever and it’ll be a costume party. Jessica thinks it’s a great idea. Lila says they will also be great food. It might even be a lobster dinner. It’ll be two weeks away. Lila assures Liz Amy will be invited. It’ll be a big enough party that even tomboys are invited.
Enid walks home and again worries about Amy. She doesn’t know her like the rest of them. She didn’t move their until 8th grade when her parents split up. She hadn’t meet Liz right away. She was depressed and got in with a bad crowd. It tells us about George’s and Enid’s relationship and how Liz helped her through their ups and downs. Now she and Liz are closer than ever since Liz and Todd broke up after he’d moved to Vermont. She admits to herself she’s jealous of the sound of Amy and wonders how she can compete with her. She knows Liz won’t drop her but still. Enid wonders what will happen if she doesn’t like Amy or she doesn’t like her.
Jess decides she’s in love with Jay Macguire. She’s luckily gotten him for her French dialogue partner. She’s pretty sure she likes him too but there’s his girlfriend Denise Hadley. She asks Cara for “Mrs. Lovelorn’s” advice. Cara tells her she needs to fall in love with someone not taken. She sees her expression and points out the age difference (as in she’s not right for him). Jessica gets an idea and decides to use their column to convince Jay that Denise is wrong for him. Once he figures that out… Cara says she hopes he has insurance or he’s Jessica proof. Cara says with them and “Mrs. Lovelorn” working against Denise she doesn’t stand a chance.
Liz is supposed to meet Amy at the beach, but gets a call that Amy is there and rushes over to meet her. When Liz sees Amy she looks like a fashion model. She has long, blond, hair, and gray eyes outlined in black. She’s wearing a cotton miniskirt. The tomboy is GONE! Amy says she doesn’t know how she’ll be able to sleep in her room that night because of the mess. Liz invites her to stay over her house that night. Liz goes to help Amy pack and on the way back, she realizes she forgot about Enid. Liz tells Amy about Enid and the ski-trip. Amy says she has to tell her about an incredible guy she meet in Vermont named John and then she goes on to tell her about the drastic thing he told her she’d do if she left.
All the Wakefields welcome Amy while Liz goes to call Enid, but no one picks up. Liz can’t believe she was so thoughtless. She wants to go to the beach to see if she’s there but doesn’t want to leave Amy. Jessica and Amy are talking a mile a minute when Liz comes back in the room. Liz, Jessica, and Amy spend the rest of the night laughing and catching up. Liz is surprised that Amy and Jessica are getting along so well. Jessica is eating up her stories about Jon Norton and her travels. Liz starts to feel like Amy is a little on the boy-crazy side, but then with her looks Liz can’t blame her.
Amy says she wants to meet some great guys in SV. Jessica says she’ll be ok. Liz says she’ll be fine too. She can’t imagine her being shy. But while Amy babbles on Liz can’t help feel bad and knows she won’t be ok until she apologizes to Enid. The next day, she decides that the perfect way to introduce Amy and Enid will be brunch at the pancake house. Enid says she was mad but now that she’s explained it she forgives her. Enid agrees to come to the pancake house but she sounds doubtful.
. Liz tries to tell Amy about Enid but she brings up the dream she had about Jon. She tries to tell her about Enid again but Amy says don’t worry. She and Enid will get along just fine. When she orders Amy says she’ll have a grapefruit and black coffee. She’ll hate herself if she weighs over 110 lbs. Enid looks at her huge order and feels bad. Liz says she’ll have pancakes too. Then they laugh about how much they use to eat after school. Liz says their pantry was like a candy store. Enid answers flatly sounds like they had a lot of fun. They they start to go down memory lane.
Enid asks Amy how it feels to be back in SV. Amy says she’s worried about fitting in at school. Enid wonders how this glamourous girl would ever worry about fitting in or being *shy* like she claims. Enid is starting to get the feeling Amy is an airhead. Liz offers to meet up with her and show her around and the Oracle office. Amy excuses herself and Liz asks Enid isn’t Amy terriric. Enid doesn’t know how to tell her she seems vain and silly to her. So, she lies and says she seems nice. Liz-Enid thinks- is so oblivious she doesn’t realize her two closest friends really don’t feel anything about each other, but Enid isn’t gonna be the one to break it to her.
Amy is an instant hit. Every time Liz sees her, she’s surrounded by people and Liz couldn’t be more happy. Only one thing makes her uneasy. It’s Jessica and Amy’s bond. She’s been feeling a little jealous. Jessica is the one that’s been showing her around and she doesn’t want Jessica wasting Amy’s time “with trivial things”. Enid tells Liz, she needs to let her aunt know something and they agree on next weekend. The only thing is Lila’s party is next weekend. Enid and Liz agree they’ll live if they miss another one of Lila’s parties. Tho Liz says she wouldn’t mind meeting Christopher.
Enid asks if she still wants her to invite Amy. Liz asks if she still wants her to come. Enid says she still wants her to come but she thinks Liz should ask her. Liz sees Amy with Jessica’s sorrority sisters and thinks it’ll be good to get Enid and Amy alone. She admits they didn’t get along that well at the pancake house and then worries what will happen if they don’t end up getting along. Winston asks to hear some of the letters and Liz reads him one from a junior writing about his senior girlfriend. It says she never wants to spend time with his friends. She just wants him to spent time with hers. Plus, she’s bossy. He asks if he should be looking for someone younger.
Mrs. Lovelorn tells him to give someone his age a chance. It’s signed “Cradle Snatcher”. Then there’s another one from a senior saying she’s getting teased by her friends who are asking her what she’ll do next year when she’s in college. She’s starting to lose faith and thinks she needs a man not a boy. Mrs. Lovelorn tells her to wise up and listen to her friends. Tell him before she really hurts him. They all think it sounds like Jay and Denise. It seems to be working, Jessica sees Jay and Denise sitting together. Jay has his head in his hands. Neither look happy. Jessica knows that they won’t believe the other wrote the letters but all she has to do is plant a seed of doubt and get them arguing and from what she sees it’s working.
Liz finally catches up with Amy and she says next weekend will be fine. She doesn’t sound all that enthusiastic about it but then tells her she’s sure they’ll have a great time. Liz wants to show her the Oracle office, but she’s made plans with Cara and Jessica who want to take her to cheerleading practice. She says she adores cheerleading and was on the squad at her old school. Liz is a little bothered that Amy seems to be more into the things Jessica likes than her. She thinks that maybe it’s somehow her fault and vows to give herself an attitude adjustment and be more understanding. She’ll show Amy how deep their friendship is to her.
Liz finds out Jessica is in love with Jay and gets the feeling *she* had something to do with the letters. She tells her if she’s been using the Oracle to get between this couple. Jessica says tho that’s where she’s wrong. Jay and Denise *aren’t* happy. She asks if they’ve been spending time together. Jessica admits she’s dropped by his house to work on her project. But she’s got to convince Jay to come with her to Lila’s party.
Jessica is surprised to hear that Liz isn’t coming to Lila’s party and that she thinks Amy will be missing it to (to) go skiing with her and Enid. Liz is surprised to hear that Amy will be trying out to be a cheerleader and that Jessica says she thinks she’ll make it (leaving them even less time to spend together). She tells Jessica she might just come along to watch the tryouts. Enid tho thinks the last thing Amy needs is support. Liz and Enid make plans to meet up later. Enid just hopes Liz is right about this weekend but she doubts it from what she’s seen so far and she doesn’t like that Amy doesn’t ever seem to have time for Liz.
Liz watches Amy and knows she’s got it. She has grace and looks like she’s having fun. True enough, she’s made the newest member of the squad. There’s a part about Sandra looking at Jean and wondering how she got on the squad when Jean compliments Amy’s tryout. Then Phi Beta Alpha is mentioned and Sandra knows Jean wants to put her up for membership but she’s unsure about it. Liz goes over to Amy to congratulate her and invite her to the mall but she says she has plans with Robin and Jessica. So, Liz offers to pick out some ski gloves for her. Any says she’ll meet up with her later at the Dairi Burger. As she watches Amy go, she’s not feeling all that good about the ski-trip.
Liz tries to reschedule her plans with Enid. Amy wants to go to the party. Enid says the two of them can just go. They can go another time and invite Amy. Enid doesn’t think it’s right to keep putting her aunt off. Liz knows she’s right but doesn’t want to Army. Liz is convinced she owes it to Amy to keep on trying to save their friendship. This might destroy what’s left of it. Enid says ok but on one condition. They pick a weekend and stick to it no matter what. Liz says next weekend. Enid says she really hope Amy’s worth all this. Liz says that’s not a nice thing to say. Enid remains silent.
Jessica goes over to talk to Jay at lunch and asks where Denise is. He says they aren’t really getting along lately. He says lately she doesn’t think they’re a good fit. He says it started with the Mrs. Lovelorn column. Jessica acts like she’s sorry. He says there might be some truth in it. Jessica says he’s better off without her. She says it won’t do him any good to sit around and mope and she invites him to go out and get a hamburger on Friday. He says why not.
Liz confronts Amy about a lunch date with her she missed. She’s ticked about it but Amy breezes her way out of it She tells Liz she’s in love with Lila’s cousin Christopher even tho she hasn’t seen him. She just knows they’re meant to be. Liz wishes her luck, After the movies, Jessica suggests she and Jay go to Millers’s Point. Jessica tries to put the moves on Jay but he stops her because he’s thinking of Denise. He says he hopes it will blow over. Jessica tells him he needs to let it go because she didn’t want to tell him but Denise is seeing someone else behind his back. A lot of the kids know but just haven’t wanted to tell him. He then looks at Jessica and she says if he ever wants to give someone else a chance let her know. HE says how bout tonight and kisses her.
Amy stands Liz up again. They’re supposed to go see an old movie. Liz has to face the facts. She just can’t depend on Amy. Liz calls Enid but she’s not home. Amy comes by she gives her a bunch of excuses about her mom having a dinner party. Liz asks her why then did no one answer her phone. Amy says she must have been outside. Jay at the end of their date invites Jessica to Lila’s party. But there’s one thing that worries her. There are two letters written to Mrs. Lovelorn from Denise and Jay about how much they miss each other. One is signed “Heartbroken” and the other “Missing Her”.
She stuck them in her notebook so no one would see them, but stuck the wrong letters in her notebook instead. She makes a mental note to get to school early Monday and get them before anyone sees them. Jessica goes to the party as Cleopatra. Liz goes as a skier. Liz sees that she’s forced to choose when Enid says she’ll get a ride when she finds out Amy will be riding with her. Amy goes as a ballerina. Lila is the Princess of Whales. Cara and Steven are Raggedy Anne and Andy. Winston Egbert was looking his usual comical self, wearing a bathing cap and enormous sunglasses, a plaid bathing suit, and rubber flippers. Enid comes in an outfit identical to Liz’s.
I
t turns out Enid and Chris know each other from camp. They spend all night talking and then leave together. This pisses off Lila and Amy and they vent to Jessica in the powder room. Lila says they’ll get him away from Enid. Amy says she’ll ask him to dance. When she gets back, Jay says he can’t stand it there any longer and he’s leaving. Denise is there with some other guy. He storms out of the party and leaves her standing there. Amy asks him to dance, but he dances one dance with him and then comes back to Enid. Amy keeps following them around the whole night. When he goes to get her dessert Amy tells her to get lost. She can’t steal Chris or Liz. He’s hers.
Enid says Chris knows his own mind and she can’t tell him who to see. Amy says we’ll see. After tonight Liz nor Chris will want to talk to her again. Enid decides to keep Amy’s threats to herself. Liz offers to take Enid home, but she says Chris offered to take her. She admits she likes him but she doesn’t know if he likes her. Amy then comes and drags Liz away. Amy tells Liz Chris will be driving her home. She asks if she asked or if he offered. Amy says she might have asked. She convinced him to take her by telling him there was no room in Liz’s car. Liz starts to tell her that Enid likes Chris. Amy tells her ENOUGH! She doesn’t care about Enid. She’s a bore. Then she starts to cry. She says every since she came back she’s wanted to recreate their friendship but now Enid’s always in the way. She then runs off.
Then Enid accuses her of going along with Amy’s plans. Enid tells her she’s had it with both of them. The twins end up riding home with each other. Neither wanting to tell the other what happened. At the end of the book, Enid and Liz make up. Liz says she should have told her when she started threatening her. Enid says she just didn’t want to lose her friendship. But she says it’s all good. Chris called and asked her out to dinner. He says Amy acted like a pain all the way home. Then she came over and straightened things out and they can still go to Lake Tahoe. Enid says she can invite Amy if she wants. Liz shakes her head and says she’s the best friend in the world, but Amy won’t be coming. She’s not the same girl she was years ago. Enid says still she can if she wants.
Jessica finds out Liz went ahead and printed the love letters and she knows Jay and Denise will make up. But it’s cool she’s had it with journalism and Jay Maguire. Liz asks Amy about the trip but she says Enid just isn’t her idea of fun. Amy asks if she’s mad but Liz says no. She’s just disappointed that her friend grew apart from her. She’ll cherish her memories of Amy’s friendship but will never be able to forgive what she did to Enid. She knows now she’d never do anything to destroy their friendship. Denise and Jay get back together and Cara and Jessica read their printed letters. But soon they’ve moved on to talk about the new pledge period and talk about why Jeannie West hasn’t been put up for Phi Beta.
My Thoughts (7)
Jay and Denise are both DUMB! Because they couldn’t have just ASKED EACH OTHER did they write the letters. Jessica is too, because honestly while her scheme wasn’t bad would you really want a guy you had to get with deceit? One that you *knew* was in love with someone else. But sadly women *do* play these games and have *got* the guy with much less effort. The Amy plot I remember having this book was interesting to me because in the Sweet Valley Middle School series Amy was just as boring as Enid. So even though in this book she’s a flake, its an improvement. But I have to give it to Enid even though she’s not that interesting she’s got some *game* for sure. She’s had three guys already in this series, Ronnie, George, and now hottie Christopher. So, she *must* have something going for her. Even though Amy’s ballerina costume did sound prettier.
Jessica, Liz, and Enid are hanging out by the pool. Jessica is trying to get Liz’s attention to tell her something but she’s distracted and day-dreaming about Amy coming back. She tells Enid she can’t wait for her to meet her. Enid says she just hopes they’ll like each other. Jessica tho isn’t as excited. She wonders if Amy’s changed over the last five years. She also wonders if Amy coming back will shake up her sister and Enid’s friendship. Jessica wonders if Mrs. Sutton will be able to introduce them to some handsome athletes. Liz says she doubts it. She’ll probably be too busy with work. Amy and Liz’s letters grew less over time. They visited each other a couple of times. Then she got the letter Amy was moving back.
Jessica starts to complain about Helen Bradly moving and not wanting to go through auditioning someone else to be on the cheerleading squad. Then she starts to talk about her and Cara’s column for the Oracle. The column is called “Dear Mrs. Lovelorn.” And she tells it’s going to be the best thing to hit the Oracle. Penny’s already excited about it. Liz asks for a taste and Jessica reads her one of the letters about a boy that can’t seem to get a date.
It advises him to ask someone and if not just go alone and have a good time. Then she reads one more about a guy that has too many girls, but he’s really a sensitive guy. They all think this one sounds like how Bruce use to sound before he started seeing Regina. The advice they (she) tells him she’s impressed. Shape up or find another branch to swing from. Liz gets a call and tells Enid that Amy will be going a week from Sunday.
Enid thinks that’s much too soon. So, Enid says they have to figure out what they’re going to do about the ski trip. They’ve been invited by Enid’s aunt. But they’ve planned the trip on the same day Amy’ll be back. Liz asks if they can put the trip of.. Enid says ok and says maybe they can invite Amy. She’s sure her aunt will understand. She’ll call her aunt and make the arrangements. Liz tells her she’s the best, but she wishes she felt more enthusiastic about Amy’s arrival.
After they talk about Amy moving back, at their table at SVH, Jessica asks her if her cousin is coming back (Christopher). Dee-Dee wants to know who he is and Lila tells he’s the most amazing man in the world. He’s six feet two and has wavy hair. He’s from Main, a terrific yatzman, and dancer. Lila is also planning the biggest and best bash ever and it’ll be a costume party. Jessica thinks it’s a great idea. Lila says they will also be great food. It might even be a lobster dinner. It’ll be two weeks away. Lila assures Liz Amy will be invited. It’ll be a big enough party that even tomboys are invited.
Enid walks home and again worries about Amy. She doesn’t know her like the rest of them. She didn’t move their until 8th grade when her parents split up. She hadn’t meet Liz right away. She was depressed and got in with a bad crowd. It tells us about George’s and Enid’s relationship and how Liz helped her through their ups and downs. Now she and Liz are closer than ever since Liz and Todd broke up after he’d moved to Vermont. She admits to herself she’s jealous of the sound of Amy and wonders how she can compete with her. She knows Liz won’t drop her but still. Enid wonders what will happen if she doesn’t like Amy or she doesn’t like her.
Jess decides she’s in love with Jay Macguire. She’s luckily gotten him for her French dialogue partner. She’s pretty sure she likes him too but there’s his girlfriend Denise Hadley. She asks Cara for “Mrs. Lovelorn’s” advice. Cara tells her she needs to fall in love with someone not taken. She sees her expression and points out the age difference (as in she’s not right for him). Jessica gets an idea and decides to use their column to convince Jay that Denise is wrong for him. Once he figures that out… Cara says she hopes he has insurance or he’s Jessica proof. Cara says with them and “Mrs. Lovelorn” working against Denise she doesn’t stand a chance.
Liz is supposed to meet Amy at the beach, but gets a call that Amy is there and rushes over to meet her. When Liz sees Amy she looks like a fashion model. She has long, blond, hair, and gray eyes outlined in black. She’s wearing a cotton miniskirt. The tomboy is GONE! Amy says she doesn’t know how she’ll be able to sleep in her room that night because of the mess. Liz invites her to stay over her house that night. Liz goes to help Amy pack and on the way back, she realizes she forgot about Enid. Liz tells Amy about Enid and the ski-trip. Amy says she has to tell her about an incredible guy she meet in Vermont named John and then she goes on to tell her about the drastic thing he told her she’d do if she left.
All the Wakefields welcome Amy while Liz goes to call Enid, but no one picks up. Liz can’t believe she was so thoughtless. She wants to go to the beach to see if she’s there but doesn’t want to leave Amy. Jessica and Amy are talking a mile a minute when Liz comes back in the room. Liz, Jessica, and Amy spend the rest of the night laughing and catching up. Liz is surprised that Amy and Jessica are getting along so well. Jessica is eating up her stories about Jon Norton and her travels. Liz starts to feel like Amy is a little on the boy-crazy side, but then with her looks Liz can’t blame her.
Amy says she wants to meet some great guys in SV. Jessica says she’ll be ok. Liz says she’ll be fine too. She can’t imagine her being shy. But while Amy babbles on Liz can’t help feel bad and knows she won’t be ok until she apologizes to Enid. The next day, she decides that the perfect way to introduce Amy and Enid will be brunch at the pancake house. Enid says she was mad but now that she’s explained it she forgives her. Enid agrees to come to the pancake house but she sounds doubtful.
. Liz tries to tell Amy about Enid but she brings up the dream she had about Jon. She tries to tell her about Enid again but Amy says don’t worry. She and Enid will get along just fine. When she orders Amy says she’ll have a grapefruit and black coffee. She’ll hate herself if she weighs over 110 lbs. Enid looks at her huge order and feels bad. Liz says she’ll have pancakes too. Then they laugh about how much they use to eat after school. Liz says their pantry was like a candy store. Enid answers flatly sounds like they had a lot of fun. They they start to go down memory lane.
Enid asks Amy how it feels to be back in SV. Amy says she’s worried about fitting in at school. Enid wonders how this glamourous girl would ever worry about fitting in or being *shy* like she claims. Enid is starting to get the feeling Amy is an airhead. Liz offers to meet up with her and show her around and the Oracle office. Amy excuses herself and Liz asks Enid isn’t Amy terriric. Enid doesn’t know how to tell her she seems vain and silly to her. So, she lies and says she seems nice. Liz-Enid thinks- is so oblivious she doesn’t realize her two closest friends really don’t feel anything about each other, but Enid isn’t gonna be the one to break it to her.
Amy is an instant hit. Every time Liz sees her, she’s surrounded by people and Liz couldn’t be more happy. Only one thing makes her uneasy. It’s Jessica and Amy’s bond. She’s been feeling a little jealous. Jessica is the one that’s been showing her around and she doesn’t want Jessica wasting Amy’s time “with trivial things”. Enid tells Liz, she needs to let her aunt know something and they agree on next weekend. The only thing is Lila’s party is next weekend. Enid and Liz agree they’ll live if they miss another one of Lila’s parties. Tho Liz says she wouldn’t mind meeting Christopher.
Enid asks if she still wants her to invite Amy. Liz asks if she still wants her to come. Enid says she still wants her to come but she thinks Liz should ask her. Liz sees Amy with Jessica’s sorrority sisters and thinks it’ll be good to get Enid and Amy alone. She admits they didn’t get along that well at the pancake house and then worries what will happen if they don’t end up getting along. Winston asks to hear some of the letters and Liz reads him one from a junior writing about his senior girlfriend. It says she never wants to spend time with his friends. She just wants him to spent time with hers. Plus, she’s bossy. He asks if he should be looking for someone younger.
Mrs. Lovelorn tells him to give someone his age a chance. It’s signed “Cradle Snatcher”. Then there’s another one from a senior saying she’s getting teased by her friends who are asking her what she’ll do next year when she’s in college. She’s starting to lose faith and thinks she needs a man not a boy. Mrs. Lovelorn tells her to wise up and listen to her friends. Tell him before she really hurts him. They all think it sounds like Jay and Denise. It seems to be working, Jessica sees Jay and Denise sitting together. Jay has his head in his hands. Neither look happy. Jessica knows that they won’t believe the other wrote the letters but all she has to do is plant a seed of doubt and get them arguing and from what she sees it’s working.
Liz finally catches up with Amy and she says next weekend will be fine. She doesn’t sound all that enthusiastic about it but then tells her she’s sure they’ll have a great time. Liz wants to show her the Oracle office, but she’s made plans with Cara and Jessica who want to take her to cheerleading practice. She says she adores cheerleading and was on the squad at her old school. Liz is a little bothered that Amy seems to be more into the things Jessica likes than her. She thinks that maybe it’s somehow her fault and vows to give herself an attitude adjustment and be more understanding. She’ll show Amy how deep their friendship is to her.
Liz finds out Jessica is in love with Jay and gets the feeling *she* had something to do with the letters. She tells her if she’s been using the Oracle to get between this couple. Jessica says tho that’s where she’s wrong. Jay and Denise *aren’t* happy. She asks if they’ve been spending time together. Jessica admits she’s dropped by his house to work on her project. But she’s got to convince Jay to come with her to Lila’s party.
Jessica is surprised to hear that Liz isn’t coming to Lila’s party and that she thinks Amy will be missing it to (to) go skiing with her and Enid. Liz is surprised to hear that Amy will be trying out to be a cheerleader and that Jessica says she thinks she’ll make it (leaving them even less time to spend together). She tells Jessica she might just come along to watch the tryouts. Enid tho thinks the last thing Amy needs is support. Liz and Enid make plans to meet up later. Enid just hopes Liz is right about this weekend but she doubts it from what she’s seen so far and she doesn’t like that Amy doesn’t ever seem to have time for Liz.
Liz watches Amy and knows she’s got it. She has grace and looks like she’s having fun. True enough, she’s made the newest member of the squad. There’s a part about Sandra looking at Jean and wondering how she got on the squad when Jean compliments Amy’s tryout. Then Phi Beta Alpha is mentioned and Sandra knows Jean wants to put her up for membership but she’s unsure about it. Liz goes over to Amy to congratulate her and invite her to the mall but she says she has plans with Robin and Jessica. So, Liz offers to pick out some ski gloves for her. Any says she’ll meet up with her later at the Dairi Burger. As she watches Amy go, she’s not feeling all that good about the ski-trip.
Liz tries to reschedule her plans with Enid. Amy wants to go to the party. Enid says the two of them can just go. They can go another time and invite Amy. Enid doesn’t think it’s right to keep putting her aunt off. Liz knows she’s right but doesn’t want to Army. Liz is convinced she owes it to Amy to keep on trying to save their friendship. This might destroy what’s left of it. Enid says ok but on one condition. They pick a weekend and stick to it no matter what. Liz says next weekend. Enid says she really hope Amy’s worth all this. Liz says that’s not a nice thing to say. Enid remains silent.
Jessica goes over to talk to Jay at lunch and asks where Denise is. He says they aren’t really getting along lately. He says lately she doesn’t think they’re a good fit. He says it started with the Mrs. Lovelorn column. Jessica acts like she’s sorry. He says there might be some truth in it. Jessica says he’s better off without her. She says it won’t do him any good to sit around and mope and she invites him to go out and get a hamburger on Friday. He says why not.
Liz confronts Amy about a lunch date with her she missed. She’s ticked about it but Amy breezes her way out of it She tells Liz she’s in love with Lila’s cousin Christopher even tho she hasn’t seen him. She just knows they’re meant to be. Liz wishes her luck, After the movies, Jessica suggests she and Jay go to Millers’s Point. Jessica tries to put the moves on Jay but he stops her because he’s thinking of Denise. He says he hopes it will blow over. Jessica tells him he needs to let it go because she didn’t want to tell him but Denise is seeing someone else behind his back. A lot of the kids know but just haven’t wanted to tell him. He then looks at Jessica and she says if he ever wants to give someone else a chance let her know. HE says how bout tonight and kisses her.
Amy stands Liz up again. They’re supposed to go see an old movie. Liz has to face the facts. She just can’t depend on Amy. Liz calls Enid but she’s not home. Amy comes by she gives her a bunch of excuses about her mom having a dinner party. Liz asks her why then did no one answer her phone. Amy says she must have been outside. Jay at the end of their date invites Jessica to Lila’s party. But there’s one thing that worries her. There are two letters written to Mrs. Lovelorn from Denise and Jay about how much they miss each other. One is signed “Heartbroken” and the other “Missing Her”.
She stuck them in her notebook so no one would see them, but stuck the wrong letters in her notebook instead. She makes a mental note to get to school early Monday and get them before anyone sees them. Jessica goes to the party as Cleopatra. Liz goes as a skier. Liz sees that she’s forced to choose when Enid says she’ll get a ride when she finds out Amy will be riding with her. Amy goes as a ballerina. Lila is the Princess of Whales. Cara and Steven are Raggedy Anne and Andy. Winston Egbert was looking his usual comical self, wearing a bathing cap and enormous sunglasses, a plaid bathing suit, and rubber flippers. Enid comes in an outfit identical to Liz’s.
I
t turns out Enid and Chris know each other from camp. They spend all night talking and then leave together. This pisses off Lila and Amy and they vent to Jessica in the powder room. Lila says they’ll get him away from Enid. Amy says she’ll ask him to dance. When she gets back, Jay says he can’t stand it there any longer and he’s leaving. Denise is there with some other guy. He storms out of the party and leaves her standing there. Amy asks him to dance, but he dances one dance with him and then comes back to Enid. Amy keeps following them around the whole night. When he goes to get her dessert Amy tells her to get lost. She can’t steal Chris or Liz. He’s hers.
Enid says Chris knows his own mind and she can’t tell him who to see. Amy says we’ll see. After tonight Liz nor Chris will want to talk to her again. Enid decides to keep Amy’s threats to herself. Liz offers to take Enid home, but she says Chris offered to take her. She admits she likes him but she doesn’t know if he likes her. Amy then comes and drags Liz away. Amy tells Liz Chris will be driving her home. She asks if she asked or if he offered. Amy says she might have asked. She convinced him to take her by telling him there was no room in Liz’s car. Liz starts to tell her that Enid likes Chris. Amy tells her ENOUGH! She doesn’t care about Enid. She’s a bore. Then she starts to cry. She says every since she came back she’s wanted to recreate their friendship but now Enid’s always in the way. She then runs off.
Then Enid accuses her of going along with Amy’s plans. Enid tells her she’s had it with both of them. The twins end up riding home with each other. Neither wanting to tell the other what happened. At the end of the book, Enid and Liz make up. Liz says she should have told her when she started threatening her. Enid says she just didn’t want to lose her friendship. But she says it’s all good. Chris called and asked her out to dinner. He says Amy acted like a pain all the way home. Then she came over and straightened things out and they can still go to Lake Tahoe. Enid says she can invite Amy if she wants. Liz shakes her head and says she’s the best friend in the world, but Amy won’t be coming. She’s not the same girl she was years ago. Enid says still she can if she wants.
Jessica finds out Liz went ahead and printed the love letters and she knows Jay and Denise will make up. But it’s cool she’s had it with journalism and Jay Maguire. Liz asks Amy about the trip but she says Enid just isn’t her idea of fun. Amy asks if she’s mad but Liz says no. She’s just disappointed that her friend grew apart from her. She’ll cherish her memories of Amy’s friendship but will never be able to forgive what she did to Enid. She knows now she’d never do anything to destroy their friendship. Denise and Jay get back together and Cara and Jessica read their printed letters. But soon they’ve moved on to talk about the new pledge period and talk about why Jeannie West hasn’t been put up for Phi Beta.
My Thoughts (7)
Jay and Denise are both DUMB! Because they couldn’t have just ASKED EACH OTHER did they write the letters. Jessica is too, because honestly while her scheme wasn’t bad would you really want a guy you had to get with deceit? One that you *knew* was in love with someone else. But sadly women *do* play these games and have *got* the guy with much less effort. The Amy plot I remember having this book was interesting to me because in the Sweet Valley Middle School series Amy was just as boring as Enid. So even though in this book she’s a flake, its an improvement. But I have to give it to Enid even though she’s not that interesting she’s got some *game* for sure. She’s had three guys already in this series, Ronnie, George, and now hottie Christopher. So, she *must* have something going for her. Even though Amy’s ballerina costume did sound prettier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Once again Jessica is a raging bitch who hates Enid for zero reason and is on the prowl for taken men. She manipulates the school paper to get a hottie and his girlfriend to break up because she wants to suck his face (flashback to her slut shaming girls in previous books). Liz is, once again, a spineless dork loser who does nothing to stop this.
Meanwhile Liz’s childhood friend Amy moves back but instead of being the same she morphed into a horny airhead bitchy cheerleader who also hates Enid for no reason (Enid can’t catch a break). Because Enid has more than two brain cells, she sees through Amy fast while Liz is once again dragged along by her Gumby bone-less spine. She allows Amy to treat Enid like trash and reschedules a ski trip multiple times (girl why).
Lila clearly has the incestuous hots for her cousin because she can’t stop going on and on about how hot he is. SVH has a legit issue with this, the twins are always salivating over their brothers and father too so there’s something twisted going on in that town.
Overall a snooze fest but readable, no obvious classism or fat shaming. Morale of this book: Jessica is quite possibly the worse literary character of all time (bitch sucks).
Meanwhile Liz’s childhood friend Amy moves back but instead of being the same she morphed into a horny airhead bitchy cheerleader who also hates Enid for no reason (Enid can’t catch a break). Because Enid has more than two brain cells, she sees through Amy fast while Liz is once again dragged along by her Gumby bone-less spine. She allows Amy to treat Enid like trash and reschedules a ski trip multiple times (girl why).
Lila clearly has the incestuous hots for her cousin because she can’t stop going on and on about how hot he is. SVH has a legit issue with this, the twins are always salivating over their brothers and father too so there’s something twisted going on in that town.
Overall a snooze fest but readable, no obvious classism or fat shaming. Morale of this book: Jessica is quite possibly the worse literary character of all time (bitch sucks).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
Amy Sutton, Elizabeth’s childhood best friend moves back to Sweet Valley. Liz is thrilled to have her athletic tomboyish pal back and even more excited to introduce her to Enid. Amy ends up being a carbon copy of Jessica including her disgust for Enid who was feeling insecure anyway. Liz is blind to Amy’s faults and tries so hard to maintain a friendship with this manipulative girl. Eventually Liz realizes Amy isn’t the same girl she was in the sixth grade, Amy has been HORRIBLE to Enid and Liz herself has been equally as bad if not worse to Enid. Don’t worry, Enid and Liz makeup and live happily ever after. Unlike Jessica, who uses her new column in the Oracle to break up Jay McGuire and Denise Hadley, so she can go to Lila’s costume party with Jay. All goes well until Jess and Cara become to lazy to follow through with the column and Liz ends up publishing letters from Jay and Denise that get them back together. To conclude, Jess was the better twin, Lila’s hot cousin Christopher ended up being Enid’s old sailing coach and “Ned Wakefield, the twins’ father, often joked that not even years of legal training had prepared him for the baffling case of these identical opposites.”
August 1, 2024
One of my favorite friendships in this series always was the Elizabeth and Enid friendship. I didn't like the thought of anyone coming between them. What does Elizabeth do when childhood bestie, Amy returns to Sweet Valley-screw everything up, that's what.
I liked that this installment of the series focuses on friendships rather than romance. But don't worry as a very surprising romance creeps up unexpectedly. Also, after not talking about him for four or five books, Todd is mentioned by Enid and it begs the question as to how long Elizabeth will remain single.
The next book looks to be another one involving other students at SVH. I am interested to see the roles Elizabeth and Jessica will play.
Goodreads review published 31/07/24
I liked that this installment of the series focuses on friendships rather than romance. But don't worry as a very surprising romance creeps up unexpectedly. Also, after not talking about him for four or five books, Todd is mentioned by Enid and it begs the question as to how long Elizabeth will remain single.
The next book looks to be another one involving other students at SVH. I am interested to see the roles Elizabeth and Jessica will play.
Goodreads review published 31/07/24
July 8, 2018
I’ll miss this book least of all because the plot was hard to follow. I don’t know why Amy was really late, but I believe it was to hang out the other cheerleaders or Christopher. What I do know is that Amy was rude to Elizabeth by how she talked to Elizabeth, by how she kept interrupting Elizabeth, and by how she didn’t ask Elizabeth if she wanted to go to Lila’s party. (If she did stand up Elizabeth, that was rude too.) I guess the lesson is it’s okay to forget, to change interests, and to feel jealous, but threatening people and being rude are crossing the line. Another problem I had were the outfits. I wish Francine had added more color to the outfits.
August 12, 2020
Liz is super excited to find out her old BFF Amy, who left Sweet Valley years ago is returning and automatically assumes that she'll fit in perfectly with herself and her current BFF Enid - and this book is filled with turmoil as Liz struggles to recognise what is bleeding obvious: Amy is a shallow, vapid, boy crazy lemming who will fit in infinitely better with Jessica and her bitchy friends. Although it seems that Enid is taking the high road of not blabbing to Liz about how awful Amy is... I reckon Enid just wasn't up to the drama and is better off lurking home alone until Saint Elizabeth comes to her senses... if she ever does. She has to though, doesn't she? In 150 pages or less?
June 24, 2023
A very disappointing read. Amy returns and is a vapid non-entity. Elizabeth doesn't notice. Enid doesn't like her. Everything between Amy and Enid happens off-screen and is recapped in a matter of sentences in the wrap-up chapter.
Overall, a complete snooze, when - for once - there was an interesting story here. Something more than silly boy drama. And still the ghostie swung and missed.
Oh, and Jessica basically acts like a predator. If a guy had done what she did, it would not be regarded as lolzy fun.
Overall, a complete snooze, when - for once - there was an interesting story here. Something more than silly boy drama. And still the ghostie swung and missed.
Oh, and Jessica basically acts like a predator. If a guy had done what she did, it would not be regarded as lolzy fun.
August 17, 2023
Ahhh, this one is partially relatable. Not the tug-o-war drama over Elizabeth, but to be parted from a friend for years, and when you reunite, things are different. They changed. Or maybe you did. Either way, things aren't what they used to be and the friendship is altered or even gone. Amy and Elizabeth were besties. But when Amy comes back, she is more like Jessica and tends to prefer that crowd. Actually I think she is a good rival for Lila for her attitude and disloyalty. She is flakier than Jess, and that is saying something.
January 19, 2019
I had taken a few years’ break from these but I recently discovered the truly awesome Double Love podcast PLUS these were on KU so I dived back in. I am so glad I did. Nothing has changed in Sweet Valley since I last visited. Jess is still psychotic, Liz is still the most doormat-y doormat ever and Enid is still boring AF. And I loved every minute of it!
December 13, 2025
Elizabeth’s old best friend Amy Sutton from middle school moves back to town and has essentially changed into a Jessica clone. Elizabeth realizes how much she’s changed, how she doesn’t like her this new vapid version of Amy, and prefers her friendship with Enid. And yet, Elizabeth still has her total blind spots for her narcissistic sister who can do no wrong. Go figure!
November 16, 2021
Liz's middle school BFF Amy Sutton is returning to Sweet Valley and while she is ecstatic, best friend Enid is not so thrilled. While Liz tries to force the girls into a friendship, it turns out that Amy had changed DRAMATICALLY, and is better suited to being friends with Jess and Lila
July 24, 2024
Oh how I loved these books as a kid. I read them and received them for most birthdays and Christmas's for many years. So sad that I can not find them anymore. I have a few from my childhood and it was great reading about Elizabeth and Jessica.
December 19, 2024
This is Sweet Valley, so everything is greatly exaggerated. Strip that (and the Jessica sub-plot) away, though, and this one is pretty realistic and emotionally believable. I love Liz's conclusion by the end. She's not even angry - some people just aren't worth it.
May 16, 2025
This is one of the only "early book" SVH books my library carried as a kid, so I re-read this one over and over again. I remember hating Amy so much in this book (which is valid) but this book also ruined her SVT character for me, too.
April 27, 2018
Can you even believe there's someone more annoying than Enid?
May 22, 2018
The IRONY of Elizabeth steadily realizing Amy is like Jessica, and then dumping her as a friend, BUT STILL EXCUSING EVERYTHING JESSICA DOES.
Girl.
Girl.
July 8, 2019
Thank goodness for Mrs. Wakefield and her ability to make Elizabeth see reason! Lol
Amy is terrible. Enid and Elizabeth were OTP. Fight me.
Amy is terrible. Enid and Elizabeth were OTP. Fight me.
December 31, 2021
Everyone was annoying in this book, it was like a competition for most annoying. Jessica as usual won the award but Elizabeth, Enid, and Amy were all on her heels.
February 22, 2023
This is to fulfill my goal of reading some old teen books!
November 12, 2023
People aren’t allowed to change and if they do change they become terrifying narcissists.
March 24, 2024
I probably need to stop reading these books.... but I can't
September 5, 2025
Finally someone I can't stand more then Lila... Amy would have gotten smacked by me at least twice.
September 23, 2016
Amy Sutton had been Elizabeth's best friend for a long time until she moved away. Enid then became Elizabeth's best friend. Now, though, Amy is due to return to live in Sweet Valley again and Elizabeth is really looking forward to that. Enid, though, has some concerns over whether or not her relationship with Elizabeth will stay the same.
Amy returns but she has changed a lot. Her appearance is different and she has become boy-crazy. For a while Elizabeth tries to restore their original relationship but she neglects Enid. The situation gets a lot worse and it looks very much like Elizabeth may lose both of her friends.
The question becomes whether or not Elizabeth can keep either friend and how she can do that. Or does she even want to keep both? Another good story in the series.
Amy returns but she has changed a lot. Her appearance is different and she has become boy-crazy. For a while Elizabeth tries to restore their original relationship but she neglects Enid. The situation gets a lot worse and it looks very much like Elizabeth may lose both of her friends.
The question becomes whether or not Elizabeth can keep either friend and how she can do that. Or does she even want to keep both? Another good story in the series.
December 17, 2011
It was interesting to see Liz and Enid reacting to a changed Amy. At least Liz found out that Amy is no longer the same Amy who had been her best friend back in grade school. Too bad that Amy came off as more vicious than Jessica is much later in the series.
I liked the way the book conveyed Enid's jealousy of Amy but, also at the same time, she was portrayed as being insecure and threatened by the return of Liz's "best friend". But sometimes I do feel that Liz deserves a more multifaceted person to deem her best friend since Enid has got to be one of the most boring characters ever written.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Bitter Rivals (Sweet Valley High, #29)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
I liked the way the book conveyed Enid's jealousy of Amy but, also at the same time, she was portrayed as being insecure and threatened by the return of Liz's "best friend". But sometimes I do feel that Liz deserves a more multifaceted person to deem her best friend since Enid has got to be one of the most boring characters ever written.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Bitter Rivals (Sweet Valley High, #29)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
April 9, 2016
Source: I read this book online via Open Library.
Cost: Free
Title: Bitter Rivals
Series: Sweet Valley High #29
Author: Francine Pascal // Kate William
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Amy Sutton is back! I think I briefly remember her from the Sweet Valley Twins books or SVJH but the new Amy is mean, self centred, loves blusher and is essentially more Jess than Liz. But Liz is loving life now that her childhood best friend has come back, and Enid, well, she's less loving life because she sees Amy as competition for Liz's love. (Which is really dumb but anyway.)
They don't like each other, Liz is sad. Liz tries her best to be the middle ground. It all works out in the end, because this is Sweet Valley, nothing ever goes wrong for long.
Cost: Free
Title: Bitter Rivals
Series: Sweet Valley High #29
Author: Francine Pascal // Kate William
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Amy Sutton is back! I think I briefly remember her from the Sweet Valley Twins books or SVJH but the new Amy is mean, self centred, loves blusher and is essentially more Jess than Liz. But Liz is loving life now that her childhood best friend has come back, and Enid, well, she's less loving life because she sees Amy as competition for Liz's love. (Which is really dumb but anyway.)
They don't like each other, Liz is sad. Liz tries her best to be the middle ground. It all works out in the end, because this is Sweet Valley, nothing ever goes wrong for long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews