Tender by Eve Ainsworth

Marty lives with his mum who's depression has worsened since his dad's sudden tragic death. His dad's friend J moved in but really only looks out for himself as he often disappears down to the pub.

Daisy is dealing with her worn out mum, hard working dad and little brother whom suffers with muscular dystrophy.

The pair meet randomly at a Christmas market and later properly at a young carers meeting Marty is new to and from there see each other in school too after realizing that they both go to the same one.

As their own lives progress with Marty watching his mum decline whilst trying to keep the social workers away, Daisy tries to get closer to him as she feels invisible and insignificant at home, only her younger brother having time for her and even then her mum limits that in fear of her hurting him.

As they watch things in their families deteriorate they come back to each other and realise they are lucky to have each other and it's good to have someone else to lean on. A true life lesson there as we all need to share things sometimes with someone with an outsiders perspective to help us. I liked that the book shows families both from a richer and poorer scale without it mattering as it doesn't but often the social divide works that way and in this book shows illness can effect anyone regardless of cash flow etc.
The way the pair came to meet was sweet and by chance and definitely fitting with a Christmas time setting. The way they dealt with each other's situations bankers maturity even if it was shocking to them. A well thought out thrilling book again by Eve!