Until Niagara Falls by Jennifer Maruno is a charming, nostalgic story about friendship, growing up, and the lifelong lessons that are acquired along the way. This is a book that evoked memories from my childhood, and also brought pleasant recollections of the types of novels that I would devour during my own middle school years.

In 1960, Brenda is living with her father and grandmother in Niagara Falls, Ontario when new girl Maureen arrives in town. The two girls form a friendship of sorts that is not without its ups and downs, yet despite their many differences the girls bring to one another's lives what each has been missing. For Brenda, Maureen represents daring adventures and chances taken, while Maureen gains stability and a sense of loyalty from the time she spends with Brenda's close family. Ultimately, this is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and coming of age at a time when childhood seemed altogether more innocent. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for this ARC.