Twelve-year-old Evie Carson lives with her mom. In an apartment across the lake, Evie's celebrity-chef dad is starting a new life with his young second wife, Angie, who's expecting twins. To make matters worse, Evie's dad has custody of the beloved family dog. Navigating her new family situation is difficult, and Evie turns to her love of cooking as a way to stay connected to her father. Through cooking classes, Evie finds an unexpected friend in Corey, whose eccentric aunt Shanti might be able to make everyone a little happier. Evie learns to look outside herself, help others, and make friends where she never thought she could (she also learns to make a pretty darn good souffle).

It has been estimated that at least half of the children in America come from a family that has been affected by divorce. Of those children, more than half will see a parent s second marriage dissolve as well. The impact of divorce on teens can be devastating, adversely affecting their attitudes, behaviors, and schoolwork, as well as their relationships with both friends and family. Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face in the wake of an epidemic that affects so many families. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help teens cope with the challenges that come from living with divorce. Chapters address such issues as: .Managing parental conflicts .Financial concerns .Communication problems .Placing blame and taking sides .Depression .Living in a stepfamily Featuring stories about and quotes from young people and adults who have experienced parental separation and divorce, this book will be helpful for readers who are trying to deal with similar situations. With an emphasis on strategies and resources, Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help young people cope with this often devastating experience."