When Carrie's father was indicted for embezzling, her whole world changed. Her parents sold their large, comfortable home and moved to a ramshackle house on the outskirts of town. The girl whom she'd considered her best friend turned against her. She had to switch schools, and her new English teacher seemed to have a grudge against her. Her academic future was in danger. Even the boy she loved was involved with someone else.

Why, then, did it turn out to be such a banner year? Could it possibly have been because Carrie refused to be beaten in war - or in love?