The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

"Kick" Kennedy played sports with her brothers, learned to dress well while shopping with her mother, and learned about politics through conversations with her father.  One thing she didn't know that much about was love...

Penguin Random House sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can pick up a copy now.

I was in eighth grade when President Kennedy was shot and killed.  The Kennedy family was charmed but had several moments of sorrow.  This story is about one of the Kennedy's I was not familiar with.  Kick was an independent strong woman who attempted to make her own way in the world instead of following her family's guidance.  This is historical fiction and the author has written it well.  Here's an easy way to follow the story of this Catholic Irish family and their successes and failures...

Kick finds she's more fascinated by the English lads that the Americans but it causes a conflict because they are Protestant.  She persists in seeing her favorite despite that.  This is during the two world wars and there are war casualties.  Life is not easy in wartime.

Her father's political views aren't shared by all.  Her older sister has mental problems and they do a lobotomy on her and she disappears into an institution.  Kick's life isn't easy but she doesn't give up...