Pretend She's Here by Luanne Rice
Published by Scholastic Press on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 133829850X
Pages: 337
Goodreads

Mega-bestselling author Luanne Rice returns with a ripped-from-the-headlines story of a girl who is kidnapped by her friend's family.Emily Lonergan's best friend died last year.
And Emily hasn't stopped grieving. Lizzie Porter was lively, loud, and fun -- Emily's better half. Emily can't accept that she's gone.
When Lizzie's parents and her sister come back to town to visit, Emily's heartened to see them. The Porters understand her pain. They miss Lizzie desperately, too.
Desperately enough to do something crazy.
Something unthinkable.
Suddenly, Emily's life is hurtling toward a very dark place -- and she's not sure she'll ever be able to return to what she once knew was real.
From New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice comes a breathless, unputdownable story of suspense, secrets -- and the strength that love gives us to survive even the most shocking of circumstances.

Pretend She’s Here is a modern thriller which is based on a true story. Rice brings the story to an immediate climax with the kidnapping of Emily by her best friend’s parents. This is a story of loss, love, grief and intimidation. With the exception of Mr. Porter, most of the characters are compelling and on the edge of believable. Although it is hard to image such horror, situations like this do exist and evil actions like those of Mrs. Porter have been seen in our society.

This book will be well received by teens who are interested in relationships and BFF friendships. It also would make an excellent mother daughter or woman’s book group title.   The depth of feelings exhibited makes the read compelling. Compassion and fear dominate the feelings that go beyond expectations.   Add this to middle and high school media centers and to the YA collections in public libraries.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME