Imagine you are listening to your favorite show as you prepare for work in the morning, and suddenly you hear your own voice. Grabbing your iPad, you not only continue to hear your voice, but you see your face! It’s on a body you don’t recognize, with tattoos you would never have, and with a short bob of black hair instead of your own long, blonde mane. But it is definitely your face! Well, that’s what happens to one of Terri Gillespie’s main characters, Sarah Sweeting, at the beginning of her novel, Sweet Rivalry. And the action never stops as a family emergency causes Sarah to reach out to her doppelgänger, whom she believes is her twin sister—the sister who was kidnapped by their mother twenty years ago and has been lost to the family ever since. Despite the miles and years between them and the ways in which they were raised, Sarah and her sister, Raven Souwer, are both successful bakers. Though there are other similarities, as well, there are also major differences which they might not overcome, especially since Raven seems to have little interest in getting to know her sister. Throw in a couple of potential romances, a jealous boyfriend, a national bake-off, and a lot of soul-searching, and you have a book which will keep you reading into the night way later than you should.

I was delighted by this book and think it has appeal for readers of all ages, particularly young adult and older. The story world created by Jeffries is rich with detail (think The Chronicles of Narnia and the world of Harry Potter). And the characters, even the animals with human traits, are believable, relatable, and lovable—except for the bad guy, who is evil and creepy. I love Tess’s growth throughout the story from vulnerable and self-involved royal to confident and sacrificing warrior. My favorite character, though, is Profigliano, the erratic little towhee. He delivered some of my favorite lines, which made me laugh out loud. If you or someone you know enjoys young adult fantasy, with a little romance mixed in, you’re going to love this book. Imagine a world where talking terriers act as family governors, and man’s best friend takes on a whole new meaning, as animals (not just dogs) take oaths to bond themselves magically to their human masters. In this incredible world from Jeffries’ imagination, sixteen-year-old Tess is engaged to marry Prince Linden. However, his indifference toward her makes her question why he ever proposed in the first place. During the first night of their seven-night wedding festival, Tess is shocked to learn the reason for his indifference and further stunned by a pronouncement from the queen. A mighty weapon, which chooses the one who wields it, has chosen Tess to be its next thane! But with war waging around her and no training as to how the weapon works, Tess must depend on a motley crew of “soldiers” to help her gain the training she needs—her 12-year-old brother, the flighty Profigliano, a wise but wild owl, and a two-hundred-year-old bear. To become the thane and save her homeland, though, she must sacrifice the one thing her heart desires.