Pinky Swear
About
A 90s Coming-of-Age Novel About Friendship, Secrets, and Finding Yourself
Women's Fiction by Award-Winning Author S.E. Linn
A Gripping Story of Female Friendship, Loss, and the Secrets We Keep
What happens when the friend who knew all your secrets takes them to the grave?
In the neon-soaked world of 1990s Kamloops, British Columbia—"The Loops"—college friends Jesse Digger and Jaime Frame lived by one sacred rule: what happened there, stayed there. Bound by their "Pinky Swear," these two inseparable best friends navigated wild adventures, questionable decisions, and the intoxicating freedom of their twenties.
But when Jaime dies suddenly and tragically, Jesse's carefully constructed world shatters.
A Powerful Story of Grief, Memory, and Self-Discovery
Thrust into overwhelming grief and haunted by unanswered questions, Jesse must confront the truths she's buried for years beneath late-night laughter and hazy 90s nostalgia. Through vivid flashbacks to the hedonistic, vibrant heart of 1990s Canada, she pieces together the fractured puzzle of their shared past—and discovers the devastating weight their promises carried.
As Jesse untangles the chains of secrecy binding her to her lost friend, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, redefining what it means to be a hot, single, unapologetic Canadian woman. Along the way, she finds a new vision of friendship, freedom, and radical self-acceptance.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• Coming-of-age novels with 90s nostalgia and cultural references
• Women's fiction exploring complex female friendships
• Grief and loss memoirs with emotional depth and healing
• Canadian fiction set in British Columbia
• Books about best friends and the secrets that bind them
• Stories like Daisy Jones & The Six, Wild, Firefly Lane, and The Nightingale
• Dual timeline narratives weaving past and present
• Strong female protagonists on journeys of self-discovery
Themes Explored:
✦ Female friendship and sisterhood
✦ Grief, loss, and healing after tragedy
✦ Secrets and their consequences
✦ 1990s nostalgia and coming-of-age
✦ Self-acceptance and personal growth
✦ Canadian culture and small-town life
✦ Women's empowerment and independence
✦ The complexity of memory and truth
What Readers Are Saying:
"Raw, compelling, and impossible to put down. This book captures the essence of female friendship like nothing I've read before."
"The 90s nostalgia hit me right in the feels. Jesse's journey through grief is both heartbreaking and hopeful."
"If you loved Firefly Lane, you'll devour Pinky Swear. A beautiful exploration of friendship, loss, and finding yourself."
Why This Book Stands Out:
Pinky Swear is more than a novel about grief—it's a raw, honest exploration of the promises we make, the secrets we keep, and the courage it takes to reclaim your truth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Kamloops, this emotionally charged story will resonate with anyone who's ever lost a best friend, questioned their past, or struggled to move forward.
Dare to break the silence. Dare to remember. Dare to make a new promise—to yourself.
📚 ALSO AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE - Experience Jesse's emotional journey in audiobook format
About the Author:
S.E. Linn is an International Impact Book Award-winning author known for her honest, relatable storytelling. Writing from British Columbia, Canada, she brings authentic Canadian voices and settings to contemporary women's fiction and memoirs.
Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to discover the secrets of The Loops!
Categories: Women's Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Friendship Fiction | Coming-of-Age Novels | Canadian Literature | Grief & Loss Fiction | 1990s Historical Fiction
Keywords: female friendship novel, 90s nostalgia book, grief and loss fiction, best friends story, Canadian fiction, women's contemporary fiction, coming of age story, secrets and lies, British Columbia setting, dual timeline novel
Praise for this book
5.0 out of 5 stars Very solid!
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Pinky Swear is a captivating exploration of friendship, loss, and self-discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Kamloops. The novel skillfully alternates between Jesse Digger’s carefree youth and her present-day reckoning with the secrets that shaped her life. Through raw emotion and vivid storytelling, the book delves into the complexities of grief, loyalty, and the courage it takes to confront the past. Jesse’s journey is both relatable and inspiring, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the bonds that define us and the resilience needed to move forward. This is a thought-provoking and memorable read that will resonate with anyone who values authenticity and emotional depth.
4.0
Apr 22, 2025
flash back! growing up in kamloops in the 90's was great. this book had me laughing out loud,jaw dropped a few times and memories. all the places she referenced, had me traveing back in time. good light read/ listen. A must read/listen if you grew up in kamloops.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read. Good book.
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A friend recommended this book, and although it's not exactly aimed at me, it's a fun read with great characters. I appreciate the attention to detail the author employs to create a familiar west coast setting which makes you feel like you're back in the early 2000s.
Cool characters with a fun vibe - great book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Relax
Reviewed in Canada on February 1, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Book good for a plane or to relax on the beach with a drink in your hand. Don't expect science just some fireworks and laughs as the author has vivid imagination.