"The past was a lot easier to imagine than the future."

At Midwinter in Denver, Ann Brashares was at the Random House display signing copies of 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows. My friend Kristin and I were thrilled to be able to meet Ann and enjoy the newest "sisterhood" saga. She was gracious enough to pose for this photo while she signed Kristin's book. This book is going to cause excitement among Sisterhood fans--even the lady at the post office in Denver was excited when I told her about getting my copy!

Polly, Jo, and Ama became fast, yet unlikely, friends when their parents forgot to pick them up after school on the first day of third grade. After waiting as long as they could stand, the girls broke free of the school and walked one another home, carrying the baby willow trees they received in science class. They cared for the trees over the coming years and cemented their friendship. However, middle school has tested their ability to stay close.

Jo has a new and more sophisticated group of friends. She wears the latest fashions and hangs out with the beautiful people. She and her mother are planning to spend the summer at their beach house where she will work as a bus person at a tourist restaurant. Is this a relaxing summer vacation or a way to hide from their troubles? Jo's family is struggling, but when she kisses a mysterious boy, will her summer suddenly become interesting?

Ama is focused. Her sister entered Princeton two years early and her parents have very high expectations. She loves getting "A's" and following the narrow path forged by her smart and hard-working sister. She has applied for a scholarship to attend a summer academic program and will surely be accepted. However, when the program turns out to be the exact opposite of what she expects, will she be able to see through her disappointment and enjoy the new challenges she encounters?

Polly wants to change. She thinks she must or she will be left behind by her friends. If she can just get her mom to let her go to modeling camp, she will become more glamorous. People will look at her and pay attention to her. Will Polly's plan work?

The girls start the summer far from the close friendship they once shared. However, their experiences apart just might be able to draw them closer together. 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows was released on January 13, 2009.