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Peyton and Isabelle
"A terrible secret transforms a young couple’s life ... this is a thoughtful, affecting tale. A powerful, involving drama." -Kirkus Reviews
"The relationship between Peyton and Isabelle is intense, moves with lightning speed, and will keep readers turning the pages as Yearwood’s story spans the course of these lovers’ lives." -Booklife Review
Peyton is born to a teen mom in the hollers of West Virginia. After he lands a football scholarship to a Boston prep school, he knows this is his chance to climb out of backbreaking poverty.
Determined to make something of himself, he excels on the field and in school. No one can stop him. He falls in love with Isabelle, a fellow student, and feels like he can do anything. Surrounded by kids who are destined to rule society, he starts to see a life where he never has to want again.
But senior year, he and his prep school friends set off fireworks that spark a fire in a nearby building. Their decision to flee and cover up their involvement, even after they realize the fire killed multiple people, weighs on him.
Peyton begins to realize that all the success in the world may not make up for losing himself. As the decades pass, he and Isabelle remain at odds about his decision, and they try to hold on to one another as guilt, ambition, and fear cast shadows across their lives.
"The relationship between Peyton and Isabelle is intense, moves with lightning speed, and will keep readers turning the pages as Yearwood’s story spans the course of these lovers’ lives." -Booklife Review
Peyton is born to a teen mom in the hollers of West Virginia. After he lands a football scholarship to a Boston prep school, he knows this is his chance to climb out of backbreaking poverty.
Determined to make something of himself, he excels on the field and in school. No one can stop him. He falls in love with Isabelle, a fellow student, and feels like he can do anything. Surrounded by kids who are destined to rule society, he starts to see a life where he never has to want again.
But senior year, he and his prep school friends set off fireworks that spark a fire in a nearby building. Their decision to flee and cover up their involvement, even after they realize the fire killed multiple people, weighs on him.
Peyton begins to realize that all the success in the world may not make up for losing himself. As the decades pass, he and Isabelle remain at odds about his decision, and they try to hold on to one another as guilt, ambition, and fear cast shadows across their lives.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2022
91 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 15, 2025
I can't stop thinking about it.
I've read two of Avery Yearwood'S books. She is definitely someone I will follow. Both books were hard to put down. I'm still thinking about this book. This is the second day after reading this, still thinking about it. Needless to say they hit home in many ways. Thank you Avery. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this author..
I've read two of Avery Yearwood'S books. She is definitely someone I will follow. Both books were hard to put down. I'm still thinking about this book. This is the second day after reading this, still thinking about it. Needless to say they hit home in many ways. Thank you Avery. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this author..
December 31, 2024
Three stars
Wow. I've not read any book that just radiates anger and angst like this one did. Almost quit reading it because of that a couple times. Good basic story but too much brash negativity for my tastes in the main character throughout the book.
Wow. I've not read any book that just radiates anger and angst like this one did. Almost quit reading it because of that a couple times. Good basic story but too much brash negativity for my tastes in the main character throughout the book.
July 9, 2025
Deeply disturbing
Peyton and Isabelle were tortured souls their entire lives. But they and the author's mind troubled me. I am blessed to have survived many daunting tragedies without the serious mental instabilities she depicts here.
Peyton and Isabelle were tortured souls their entire lives. But they and the author's mind troubled me. I am blessed to have survived many daunting tragedies without the serious mental instabilities she depicts here.
November 26, 2023
While I did like this book, it was really more about character development than the story. It is somewhat of an unusual story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews