The Probability of Miracles

17-year-old Campbell is a cynic: she doesn't believe in magic, true love, unicorns or miracles. A cancer sufferer who has been in and out of hospital for the last five years, her time is running out, and she has no energy left for hope or optimism. But Campbell's mum and younger sister Perry won't give up on her. Determined to do whatever it takes to make Cam well again, they set out on the road for a summer holiday in a mysterious town called Promise, where it's rumoured that miracles come true.

Promise may be hard to find, but once you're there, anything can happen - from fish raining from the skies and flocks of flamingos to purple dandelions and everlasting sunsets. In spite of her initial reluctance, Cam soon begins to make herself at home in Promise, befriending puppies, rescuing orphan birds, making new friends, falling in love for the first time - and maybe even begining to believe that miracles really can happen.

Although there are moments of sentimentality and whimsy here, debut author Wendy Wunder generally manages to sidestep the saccharine in this moving and magical novel about a teenage cancer patient, which is both funny and bittersweet by turns. The outspoken, wry and cynical Cam makes for a spiky yet likable central character with a strong and distinctive voice.