"My Life Next Door" is a young adult contemporary romance novel written by Huntley Fitzpatrick, published in 2012. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the complexities of relationships.
The story revolves around Samantha Reed, a 17-year-old girl who lives with her strict and organized single mother. She has always been fascinated by the idyllic family life of her neighbors, the Garretts, who are a big, messy, and boisterous family. The Garretts' house is the complete opposite of Samantha's own home, and she often finds herself watching their lives unfold from her bedroom window.
As the summer begins, Samantha's life takes an unexpected turn when she strikes up a friendship with Jase Garrett, one of the sons in the Garrett family. Jase is handsome, charming, and caring, and Samantha quickly falls for him. Through her growing relationship with Jase, Samantha becomes immersed in the chaos and warmth of the Garrett family, experiencing a sense of belonging she has never felt before.
However, as the summer progresses, Samantha must navigate challenges that arise from her relationship with Jase and her own family dynamics. The novel delves into themes of social class, family secrets, loyalty, and the choices people make when faced with difficult situations.
"My Life Next Door" captures the emotions and dilemmas of teenage life, first love, and the complexities of family relationships. It juxtaposes Samantha's well-ordered, controlled life with the spontaneity and messiness of the Garretts, making her question what she truly wants and values in her life.