I love how young adult (YA) novels contain so many things, such as real-life issues like mental health and familial relationships, sweet romances, and the search for independence and individuality. It’s hard to fit all of these topics into one book—and even harder to wrap them all up without leaving plot points unanswered—but when a book is perfectly crafted to blend each of these themes, you know you’re in for a good story. One of my favorite authors, K. L. Walther, has perfected YA books, creating stories that are filled with strong female characters, complex family dynamics, and healthy, communicative relationships. Because I can’t gush about her enough, I’ve decided to create a guide to all of her books!
Previously titled If We Were Us, Maybe Meant to Be is Walther’s debut novel. This story follows Sage Morgan and Charlie Carmichael—two best friends who everyone believes to be more. But Sage secretly likes Charlie’s twin brother, Nick, and Charlie starts having feelings for the new boy at school, Luke Morrissey. Sage and Charlie try to navigate their friendship amongst their growing relationships, coming to terms with who they are and what they truly want.
This was such a sweet story, and such a strong debut. Reading about Charlie coming to terms with his sexuality—and seeing his friends and family be so supportive of him—was such a strong plotline. I loved how real the characters felt, and I loved how much Sage and Charlie cared for each other.
After losing her sister Claire in a car accident, Meredith Fox doesn’t know how to move on without her. For over a year, Meredith closes herself off from everyone, but when her family gets together for a big wedding in Martha’s Vineyard, Meredith takes the chance to reconnect with who she used to be. When she teams up with Wit, a charming groomsman, in a game of assassin, all Meredith wants to do is honor her sister’s legacy. Will her feelings for Wit interfere with the game?
This is my favorite book from Walther. Meredith is such a strong main character and watching her come out of her shell after losing her sister was so special. Her relationship with Wit was also incredibly adorable, and it only helped her grow further. This is an incredible book, and a perfect summer read!
Lily Hopper jumps at the opportunity to join in on her senior year prank in hopes of messing up her perfect reputation. When she discovers that the class Jester is her ex-boyfriend, Tag, Lily doesn’t know how to keep suppressing her feelings. As they set out to create the perfect prank, Lily and Tag remember how much they used to mean to each other, and they wonder if they can get back to that.
If you’re a reader and a Taylor Swift fan, this is the perfect book for you! There are so many easter eggs in this story that the entire book feels like a scavenger hunt in the best way. Lily and Tag had an incredible relationship, and I could tell how much they truly cared for each other. Their relationship was so mature, and I’m convinced they’re soulmates.
Inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Walther’s While We’re Young follows Grace, Isa, Everett, and James on an epic trip to Philadelphia. Grace hopes to reconnect Isa and Everett after their breakup, but there are plenty of secrets that could still hurt the trio, including that Grace is in love with Everett and Isa has been secretly spending time with Grace’s twin brother, James. James becomes skeptical when he notices the three of them are missing from school, and they all begin to wonder: how long can they keep secrets from each other?
This was a fun read, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, constantly nervous that the group was going to get caught skipping school. I loved how different each of the characters were—one of Walther’s specialties, in my opinion, is crafting the most unique characters.
Though she’s never been a fan of her brother’s girlfriend Katie, Madeline is intent on strengthening their relationship when her brother proposes. When the bridesmaids gather together to play a game of truth-or-dare, Madeline lets it slip that she’s never been kissed. Katie and the other bridesmaids make it their mission to find Madeline the perfect date for the wedding, pushing Madeline between her best friend Connor and her old friend Marco. Madeline is determined to make the right choice in finding “the one.”
This is another one of my favorite books from Walther. I loved watching Madeline’s relationship with Katie develop, and I adored Marco—he’s so multifaceted, just like Madeline is. There were so many plotlines in this story, but none of them felt rushed or incomplete. Meredith from The Summer of Broken Rules makes an appearance in this book, and I love the connections that Walther makes between her books!
Audrey Barbour dreams of being a professional glassblower, but her parents are less than thrilled about her wanting to skip college to take a fellowship at the Blue Ridge Glass School. When her best friend and business partner, Henry Chen, suggests that they fake-date, Audrey thinks it’s a great chance to finally take control of her situation. And, when her parents go out of town for three weeks before graduation, Audrey takes the opportunity to make as much money as she can to pay for the fellowship by renting out her parents’ guesthouse. With Henry’s help, Audrey thinks she can handle things, but will the weight of the pressure be too much to bear?
I had the incredible opportunity to read the ARC for this book, and I’m so glad that I did! There were many times I was laughing out loud, especially when Audrey and her friends were scheming to rent her house out. Walther always creates such interesting, distinct characters, and I will always remember Audrey (whose cousins are Grace and James from While We’re Young) and her individuality.
Olivia Lupo gets the chance to spend the summer on Martha’s Vineyard, but she’s hesitant to leave her grandmother, Annie, who has dementia. She decides to go after finding a box of memories from when Annie had been there. Once she arrives, she runs into Connor (Madeline’s best friend in A First Time For Everything) and wonders if starting something with him is worth it, or if it’s too risky to put her heart on the line.
Coming out on May 5th, 2026, The Summer of Second Chances is one of my most anticipated releases for this year! I love how Walther depicts familial relationships, so I’m really excited to see Olivia’s relationship with Annie. I’m also excited to see Connor again! Though, admittedly, he wasn’t my favorite character in A First Time For Everything, I’m hoping this book makes me fall in love with him.
Emersen Cooper, Pine Reads Review Writer, Editor, and Website Manager