Chopstick: Forever Friends

Two girls each have friends, family, and crushes rooting for them. But they can't both win - someone must lose and disappoint those counting on her.

Paige Winsome has always been in the shadow of her athletic brother and academic sister and, as a result, is often overlooked. She's committed money to helping stray animals before they are put down - money she does not now have.

Kate Kennedy, a pastor's daughter and only child, receives plenty of praise and attention for her voice, but her family struggles to make ends meet and must constantly accept others' charity - and put downs. She agreed to buy Christmas gifts for needy kids who will get nothing otherwise, but needs the funds to buy them.

No sooner do Paige and Kate meet and become fast friends than they discover they're competing for the same $400 singer/songwriter prize. Each girl sees this contest as an answer to her problem. Can their fast friendship survive the stress of competition? After all, only one can win ...

"This book is excellent. The girls are real, and their conflicts engage the heart. A laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud, cheer-out-loud book." Romantic Times Book Review, Top Pick, 4 1/2 stars