A British Girl's Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

August 1, 2023
Wrapped up in a tempest of grief and guilt, an English teen escapes to Florida to recalibrate. Flora Maxwell, younger sister to Orion, the romantic lead from A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow (2020), is feeling unmoored. "She's a hurricane, that one," her family's always said. While she used to find empowerment in that label, in the months following the death of her mum, Flora feels as if she only embodies destruction. Grief, doubt, and the shame of mistakes she's made compel Flora to lash out and pull away from those who love her, including Gordon, the old friend who could be something more if she weren't so afraid of ruining another good thing. Heading into self-exile, Flora moves up the date of her flight to the Miami wedding of Pilar Reyes, sister of Lila, her Cuban American friend. A striking photo at a craft fair that catches the eye of keen photographer Flora might just bring the visceral jolt she's looking for, particularly when it brings her into the orbit of attractive Cuban American Baz. Namey continues to poignantly explore facets of grief, capturing Flora's complex heartache. Classic rom-com hijinks maintain the levity. Flora's voice, informed by her passion for photography, is full of evocative imagery, much of it nature related. Her journey of self-discovery, as well as her growth in her confidence in her craft, makes for a satisfying arc. A compelling torrent of emotion and healing. (Fiction. 13-18)

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December 1, 2023

Gr 8 Up-Flora Maxwell has always had big emotions; some might even say they resemble a hurricane. After her mother's death, Flora is feeling many things-grief, uncertainty, and guilt are just a few of them. When things come to a head, and Flora admits to a poor decision, she can't handle her family's disappointment and decides to get out of town. Flora ends up in Miami, where she takes on the role of wedding assistant for Pilar (sister to Lila, of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow) in exchange for some space from her family. Flora's passion for photography leads her into the world of fellow photographer and influencer Baz, but despite this distraction, she finds that it isn't quite so easy to escape the emotions, responsibilities, and decisions she ran from, especially when longtime friend and possible romantic interest Gordon shows up in Florida. Flora's voice and personality are distinctive, and Namey's consistently lush, evocative writing brings the Miami setting to life. Flora's grief and shame are palpable, but her growth and ownership of her emotions make for a satisfying resolution. Although there are brief appearances made by characters from A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, this story stands fully on its own. VERDICT Readers who appreciate stories dealing with the complexities of grief, such as We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, or the south Florida setting and Cuban influences of Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno, will enjoy this one.-Alison Glass

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