Lexie is a simple, but very charming little book.

Lexie's parents have gotten a divorce, and she is off to spend a week a the start of summer with her Dad in his summer beach house. Lexie (10) excited about some time with him... only to find out after getting there that he has invited his new girlfriend and her two sons (3 and 14). The storyline deals with Lexie's emotions as she tries to cope with the new order of things. (I've never been trough anything like this, but Lexie certainly seemed to cope better than I would have.)

To be dealing with divorce, it is a fairly light and pleasant book. There are no bad guys. Lexie's Mom and Dad are both good people. Dad's new girlfriend, Vicky, is quite likable. And although the 3 year old Harris can be annoying in a 3 year old way, and the 14 year old Ben can be occasionally annoying in a 14 year old way, they are both nice boys too.

The book probably makes everyone a little too nice, and the emotional solutions a little too quick, but it's aim is to be a gentle book, so I didn't mind those things. ( )

A simple story about 10-year-old Lexie, who goes on her first vacation with her father since her parents divorce, and finds out his girlfriend and her kids will be there too.
Lexie has weathered her parents divorce fairly well. There is passing references to the unhappiness in her parent's marriage and in her life before the divorce. She is put out that she will not have her father to herself. But she doesn't let it overwhelm her and tries to adjust. Lexie is honest with herself and her own feelings in a very believable way. ( )

Her parent's divorce has changed Lexie's life and now her week at the beach that she thought was going to be just her (missing her mom) and her dad is invaded with her dad's girlfriend and two sons. A lot of growing up goes on in just one week. ( )

Though hardly an original story, it is very well told. The characters and their interactions with one another are sharply and thoughtfully drawn. ( )

charming sensitive treatment of divorce and blended families ( )