Meet Me at the Lions

His anger, leather jacket, and mohawk hair have served him well, keeping everyone at bay. For one so young, he has suffered more than his share of tragedy and loss. One night at a school event, Jonathan lets his temper fly, and the consequences are grave for a kid who has never been far from his home in Texas. Expelled from school in the spring of his junior year, he must spend the following fall semester in a tiny village on the east coast of England. He will live with and be homeschooled by his father, who he barely knows and against whom he holds a pretty serious grudge. A new stepmother and a half-sister complicate things further.

Jonathan hates everything about England: the cold, dreary weather, the bland food, and boring TV. There is nothing to do, and he doesn't know a soul. Jonathan often walks along the beach to clear his head. There, under two great stone lions, he meets Little Kenny, an elderly man who is intrusive but intriguing. Despite the difference in their ages, these two will form an unlikely friendship.

And then, there is Bridie, who has suffered much but has a quick wit, a penchant for fun, and a tender spot for Little Kenny. Jonathan falls hard for the green-eyed beauty with purple hair and a contagious smile.

They climb ancient castle keeps, wade in the frigid North Sea, and eat a whole lot of ice cream. Jonathan forms a new understanding of friendship, family, and home. At 80 years old, Kenny gains confidence and a new lease on life. Bridie finds peace within and has high hopes for her future.

Together, these three friends form a bond, tackle the town bully, and rebuild much more than a garden.