Lock and Key by Sara Dessen

Lock and Key:
Ruby can take care of herself.

She's used to counting on no one and answering to nobody. But all of that changes when her mother vanishes and Ruby is sent to live with her older sister, Cora. Now Ruby's got her own room in a fabulous new house, she's going to private school, and—for the first time—feeling as if she has a future. Plus, there's the adorable and sweet boy next door, Nate. 
Everything should be perfect. So why is Ruby so wary? And why is Nate keeping her at a distance? Ruby soon comes to realize that sometimes, in order to save yourself, you've got to reach out to someone else.

From start to finish my heart broke for Ruby throughout Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen, I rooted for her and was constantly blown away by her strength. There were times that yes, she didn't always make the right decisions, but Ruby was a character that I truly enjoyed. This story was emotionally gripping and I found myself riding an emotional roller coaster. While the main story is about Ruby and her journey to finding where she belongs, the underlying story focuses on family--the definition of it and the true meaning of caring for another person.

When Ruby is abandoned, she believes she can take care of herself. But getting caught is the best thing that could ever happen to her--even if she doesn't believe it. Ruby holds herself a part from everyone, not trusting that she won't be abandoned once again; her only thoughts are of surviving this new place until she turns eighteen and can be on her own. A chance encounter with her neighbor sparks a friendship that she's not ready for. And as truths are revealed about her past, Ruby discovers that her mother manipulated her into believing that no one wanted her. Suddenly she finds herself opening up to her new friends and sister; and for someone who always thought she could do everything on her own, she begins to help others find their own way to asking for help. And pretty soon she begins to ask as well.