• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Roxy is a tale of secrets and lies, sex and death. The story unfolds in Greece—an ancient land where myth and fact have coexisted for centuries. Sent there on a mission of mercy to meet her estranged grandfather, Roxy uncovers the truth about her family and must unravel the longtime consequences of a tragic love story. At the same time she has a secret of her own, and she has to deal with her strong feelings for the far-too-good-looking Giorgio. This is a riveting mystery with a tough yet vulnerable narrator whom teens will take to heart.

PJ Reece is a former filmmaker who has been a professional writer for the last twenty years. PJ divides his time between Vancouver and Mexico.

 

P.J. Reece's profile page

"The setting for this book is electric, full of colour, sweet smells, heat and dizzying heights. The themes of reuniting family, carrying on family traditions, creating another generation and holding in secrets spring out at the reader, provoking not only laughter but also deep thought and sighs of contentment."

Canadian Materials

"Interspersed throughout this charming story are little nuggets of wisdom written in a thoughtful, impressionable, and memorable manner...Reece has crafted a coming of age tale which should be sad and painful but instead is spirited. Recommended."

Library Media Connection

Roxy

Roxy is the newly pregnant 17year-old protagonist in this young adult novel of family secrets. Roxy’s mother was raised by a paternal aunt, Gretchen, because her mother died in childbirth. The aunt dies as the novel begins. Roxy travels to Greece to visit her ill grandfather, who has had nothing to do with the family since he left his baby daughter with Gretchen years before. He is a famous author who is hiding secrets about his past. Eventually a determined Roxy finds out the unexpected truth. She has learned about her family and has met a young fisherman who could be part of her future. There are descriptions of Greece, the culture of Kashmir and the cultivation of apricot trees.

Reece is an award-winning cinematographer and writes for television and film. This is his second novel for teens.

Caution: A scene describes lovemaking between Roxy and Georgio.