'How about we toss a coin? Heads, it's west and a lift. Tails, it's still west, but no lift.'James is heading into the country on his first teacher-training round when a mysterious girl asks him for a ride. Sophie has him all worked out: 'You live with your parents and they bought you this car, and a very nice car it is too...' At first James can't see past her wild hair and attitude, but then Sophie trusts him with a secret she's been keeping too long.Steven Herrick masterfully reveals the essence of his characters in this tough and tender story about opening up to love and living a life that's true. Black Painted Fingernails is a captivating novel by the author of By the River and other popular, award-winning books.

Steven Herrick is one of Australia's most popular poets. HisSteven Herrick is one of Australia's most popular poets. His books for teens include "Love, Ghosts, & Facial Hair; A Pla books for teens include "Love, Ghosts, & Facial Hair; A Place Like This;“ and ”The Simple Gift." ce Like This;“ and ”The Simple Gift."