The New Girl: Billie Carver #2 by Zelmer Wilson is a warm, gentle exploration of racism, relationships, and family, played out against a backdrop of “upper crust” society in that most class-ridden of all neighborhoods, Beacon Hill in Boston. Billie Carver had never considered a life outside of her beloved home in New Orleans, but when her paternal grandmother, Josephine Carver, reached out to her and welcomed her into the family, she knew it was time to explore and experience the other side of her family tree. As a biracial woman from the South, Billie knew what racism was all about, but moving to Boston and living with her white grandmother and her white half-brother was about to expose her to a world she had little knowledge or understanding of. If anything, though, Billie was a pragmatist and was determined to make friends, fit into her new outlook, and, if necessary, change entrenched opinions. It was at the Country Club that her biggest challenges were to occur. Girls she expected to like and understand her saw her as a rival or threat instead, and just below the cultured Country Club surface lurked a dark racism that she would have to navigate, understand, and break through.

Set in the nineties, The New Girl describes a cultured, “upper crust” world that, for a young, attractive, outgoing, biracial woman from the South, would have seemed daunting. Author Zelmer Wilson does a superb job of character portrayals and filling out the differing motivations, prejudices, and self-seeking actions of the many people Billie comes across. What I liked most about Billie was her self-confidence and her unwillingness to let rejection by anyone cut too deeply into her. The story also does a wonderful job of exploring the different characters’ sexual confusions and doubts. I particularly appreciated the fluidity the author gave to these young women as they explored their feelings and desires without the constraints of tradition or expectations. The development of the relationships between Billie and her siblings was always going to be fraught with difficulty, given the prevalence of different parents among the offspring. For me, the exploration of familial ties and the warmth that grew between the siblings over the years was a highlight of the story. What this book does beautifully is prove that dialogue, relationships, and conversations can be just as important to a story as conflict and action. This is a gentle but satisfying read, and it is one I highly recommend.

The New Girl by Zelmer Wilson follows the journey of a young New Orleans woman who suddenly finds herself stepping into the opulent upper crust of Boston's elite. Through her father's family, Billie Carver enjoys her standing in Boston's high society. Although she is proud of her New Orleans roots, Billie finds it easy to mingle amongst Boston's elite, primarily due to her half-brother, Truman, who becomes her de facto confidant, and her grandmother, Josephine, who embraces her with heart and soul. But not everyone is enamored by Billie's charms. She has rivals at the local country club, namely Jasmine Carter and Bridget Jackson. Meanwhile, her older brother Willie's best friend, Drew Anderson, becomes Billie's new love interest. However, the tragic loss of a beloved family member unexpectedly reunites the entire family.

The New Girl is a coming-of-age tale that follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her family legacy. It's a beautiful story about acclimating oneself to a culture and place so different from the one the protagonist grew up in. Our heroine, Billie, is an intelligent woman who lights up the setting every time she features on the page. The most impressive aspect of author Zelmer Wilson's narrative is the inter-relationship dynamics between the different characters. Each relationship is layered with well-explained backstories that bring authenticity to the characters and the story as a whole. I loved Billie's friendships, her relationships with her siblings and the extended family, as well as her romance with Drew Anderson. At its core, it's a heartwarming slice-of-life drama. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

The New Girl is the second novel in the Billie Carver series by Zelmer Wilson. The story follows Billie Carver as she leaves behind her hometown of New Orleans for the unfamiliar and elite world of Boston high society. Welcomed by her grandmother, Josephine Carver, Billie suddenly finds herself a part of the wealthy “upper crust.” Guided by her half-brother Truman, she learns to navigate the privileges and pitfalls of this new life. Along the way, she befriends Rebecca Dubois while clashing with rivals Bridget Jackson and Jasmine Carter. At the same time, Billie’s relationships with her siblings evolve, and her bond with Drew Anderson, her brother’s friend, helps her feel more grounded. Adding to the mix are Iris Mathews, a supportive journalist, Georgia Stern, a charismatic bartender with a romantic interest in Billie, and Sadie Zimmerman, whose insecurity threatens to complicate things further. With all this happening in her life, Billie must learn how to live in this new dynamic.

Author Zelmer Wilson created a wonderful coming-of-age story of a charismatic yet hesitant girl. Billie is a fascinating character. She is determined, sympathetic, and relatable. I loved how the author made sure Billie’s identity never changed. She was tested in many ways at times, but she always handled it with grace. I loved the descriptions as well. The transition from the warmth of New Orleans to the rigid social hierarchy of Boston was described to perfection. This transition also reflected Billie’s struggles with meeting the expectations of the people around her while staying true to herself. I can write a thesis on Billie, and it will still not be enough. She is complicated, written to perfection, and a joy to read. I highly recommend The New Girl!