When Mum gives Scarlet a beautiful red notebook it isn't the peace offering she hoped. Scarlet is furious with her mum. She's moving out, breaking up the family and she thinks that a notebook will make it all OK?

It's clear to Scarlet that her mum is expecting her to write down all her thoughts and feelings in this turbulent time, as some sort of therapy. But to spite her, Scarlet resolves not to.

But Scarlet does tell us all that is going on - finding out about mum's new boyfriend, discovering how passive dad is being about the situation, meeting up with friends for support and diversion.

And Scarlet isn't a mere observer in all these events. She can read people pretty well so she starts to get involved, influencing decisions, making plans, forcing situations.

Though there is no sub-plot to this story - it really is all about a family break up and how the teenage daughter copes - it is a lively, upbeat, enjoyable read with a satisfying resolution. And there's a nod to Jane Austen's 'Emma'.