Heading back to Eagle Shores Trailer Park to see how Truly is getting along since her mom left, Elvis, Me and the Postcard Winter by Leslie Gentile allows readers to have a little bit of closure on Truly’s story.

It’s winter at Eagle Shores Trailer Park and Truly has settled in with Andy El and Raymond as well as her puppy Gracie when she receives a gift from her friend Elvis Presley. The guitar she receives brings her joy and brings her closer with her friend/cousins Linda and Agnes. When Clarice rolls back into town, Truly has to navigate some pretty big feelings as well as make some big decisions. Luckily she has Elvis and his postcards to help her figure things out.

Leslie Gentile once again gives readers a heartfelt story about family and all of its complications. In this story, Truly finally feels settled and safe but when Clarice comes back to town, she wrestles with so many different emotions: anger, sadness, hope and uncertainty. Truly’s story is unfortunately one that is played out for so many readers so the fact that Leslie Gentile has written a story that is honest and difficult but ultimately empowering is vital to these readers and hopefully will open the hearts and minds of other readers who are lucky enough to not be in the same shoes as Truly.

I love the thread of Elvis throughout the story. A silent character that bring so much comfort to Truly as she navigates life’s challenges. Having that older adult to look up to, having a penpal who you can open your heart to is so special and someone who gifts you exactly what you need, when you need it. This story also shows the toll that addiction can play on a family and the roller coaster that often comes with living with an adult with addiction. It also shows how incredibly resilient readers can be when faced with the same circumstances as Truly.

While reading, It was so infuriating as an adult as it was pretty clear what was coming down the pipe in Truly’s story but I found the ending to be quite remarkable. To show the growth and the strength of a character and to show readers that family is not just about blood relation but about love, care and support. This is the perfect companion to Elvis, Me and the Lemonade Stand