DNA Test, Secret Sister

Abby Day, a high school junior, takes a DNA test with her best friends Leo and Connie, expecting nothing more than a fun bet about Irish ancestry. Instead, she receives a message from the testing site: she has a full-blooded sister named Savannah "Savvy" Tully, living just a half hour away. The revelation shakes Abby's world, making her question everything she thought she knew about her family. The news is both thrilling and terrifying, as Abby realizes her parents have kept a life-altering secret from her. The emotional weight of betrayal, confusion, and curiosity sets the stage for a summer that will upend her relationships, her sense of self, and her understanding of what family really means.

The Message from Savvy

Abby is paralyzed by the message from Savvy, who wants to meet. She stalks Savvy's Instagram, seeing a girl who seems perfect, popular, and nothing like herself. With Connie's encouragement, Abby agrees to meet Savvy at Green Lake. The anticipation is a mix of dread and hope—what if this girl is nothing like her, or worse, everything she wishes she could be? Abby's mind races with questions about her parents' motives and the life Savvy has led. The emotional tension is palpable, as Abby stands on the precipice of a new reality, unsure whether to embrace or run from the truth.

Meeting at Green Lake

Abby and Savvy meet in person, accompanied by Savvy's friend Mickey and her dog Rufus. The resemblance between the sisters is undeniable, but so are their differences—Abby is awkward and impulsive, Savvy is polished and controlled. Their conversation is stilted, filled with nervous jokes and half-truths. Yet, a strange sense of kinship flickers beneath the surface. They discover their parents once knew each other, and a shared childhood story about "Queen Quack" hints at a deeper connection. The meeting leaves Abby both unsettled and desperate for answers, as the mystery of their parents' past looms larger.

Family Secrets Unravel

Abby and Savvy dig into their parents' pasts, finding old photos and realizing their mothers were once close friends. The discovery of matching magpie charms—gifts from their mothers—deepens the mystery. Both girls feel the ache of being lied to, but also the pull of a bond they never knew they needed. Meanwhile, Abby's relationship with her parents grows strained as she hides her investigation and struggles with guilt. The emotional stakes rise as Abby and Savvy resolve to uncover the truth, even if it means confronting painful family secrets and risking the fragile trust they have with their parents.

Camp Reynolds Arrival

Abby's parents, eager to keep her busy and out of trouble, send her to Camp Reynolds—a hybrid academic and traditional summer camp. Unbeknownst to them, Savvy is a junior counselor there, and Abby has orchestrated her attendance to get closer to her sister. The camp is a world of new rules, new faces, and unexpected reunions—Leo is working in the kitchen, and Savvy's friends Finn and Mickey are also on staff. Abby feels out of place, caught between her old life and the new one she's building. The camp becomes a crucible for testing friendships, sibling bonds, and Abby's sense of identity.

Sibling Rivalry Ignites

Abby and Savvy's relationship is rocky from the start. Savvy, under pressure to be perfect, enforces camp rules with an iron fist, even punishing Abby for minor infractions. Abby, feeling judged and misunderstood, rebels with pranks and sarcasm. Their rivalry is fueled by jealousy, insecurity, and the pain of abandonment. Yet, moments of vulnerability—shared stories, inside jokes, and glimpses of their parents' history—hint at the possibility of real sisterhood. The emotional rollercoaster is intense, as both girls struggle to let down their guards and trust each other.

Kitchen Duty Confessions

Forced to do kitchen duty together as punishment, Abby and Finn bond over their outsider status and shared sense of humor. Finn confides in Abby about his own family struggles, and Abby opens up about her fears and frustrations. Meanwhile, Leo's presence complicates Abby's feelings—old crushes resurface, and the tension between them simmers. The kitchen becomes a safe space for honesty, laughter, and the forging of new alliances. Abby begins to realize that family isn't just about blood, but about the people who show up for you when it matters most.

Friendship Fractures, New Bonds

Abby's friendship with Connie is strained by distance and secrets, while her connection with Leo is muddied by unresolved feelings and misunderstandings. As Abby grows closer to Savvy, she must navigate the shifting dynamics of her relationships—balancing loyalty, honesty, and her own needs. The camp's social ecosystem is a microcosm of the larger world, forcing Abby to confront who she is and who she wants to be. Through pranks, late-night talks, and shared adventures, Abby learns that growth often comes from discomfort and that true friends accept you, flaws and all.

The Wishing Tree Pact

Abby and Finn sneak out to climb the camp's legendary Wishing Tree, a rite of passage for campers. High above the ground, they share their deepest wishes and fears—Finn about his fractured family, Abby about her longing for acceptance and understanding. The tree becomes a symbol of hope and transformation, as both vow to face their problems head-on. The pact they make is a turning point, marking the beginning of real change. Abby starts to believe that she can shape her own destiny, even as the past continues to cast a long shadow.

Pranks, Punishments, and Plans

A prank war between Abby and Savvy escalates, drawing in their friends and culminating in a camp-wide spectacle. The consequences are swift—demerits, extra chores, and a temporary rift between the sisters. Yet, the chaos forces everyone to confront their true feelings and motivations. Abby realizes that her anger at Savvy is rooted in fear—of being replaced, of not being enough, of losing the people she loves. Through apologies and honest conversations, the group begins to heal, and Abby and Savvy tentatively rebuild their bond, united by a shared goal: uncovering the truth about their parents.

Truths and Betrayals Revealed

The girls' investigation finally pays off when their parents arrive at camp, leading to a dramatic confrontation. The truth is painful: Abby and Savvy's mothers were once best friends, but a series of misunderstandings, legal battles, and heartbreak tore them apart. Abby learns she was conceived soon after her parents gave Savvy up for adoption, a fact that leaves her reeling. Feelings of inadequacy, anger, and betrayal threaten to overwhelm her. Yet, in the aftermath, Abby finds strength in her friendships and the realization that her worth isn't defined by her parents' choices.

Lost and Found in the Woods

After a heated argument, Savvy goes missing in the woods, prompting a frantic search. Abby, despite a broken wrist, is the one who finds her, and together they wait for rescue, sharing food, stories, and hard truths. Trapped and vulnerable, the sisters finally let down their defenses, admitting their fears and regrets. The experience cements their bond, transforming rivalry into genuine love and understanding. When they are rescued, both girls are changed—more forgiving, more open, and more determined to build a future together, regardless of their parents' past.

Parents Confront the Past

With both families present, the parents are forced to confront the choices that tore them apart. Through painful honesty and shared memories, they acknowledge the love, loss, and mistakes that shaped their lives. The magpie charms, once tokens of friendship, become symbols of forgiveness and hope. The adults' willingness to talk openly paves the way for Abby and Savvy to move forward, no longer defined by secrets or shame. The emotional catharsis is profound, as everyone begins to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of reconciliation.

The Magpie Connection

The magpie charms lead to the revelation that Abby's grandfather, Poppy, was the quiet architect of their families' connection. His love of photography and community inspired both girls, and his memory becomes a guiding light. The families decide to honor his legacy by reopening Bean Well, the beloved coffee shop, as Magpie—a place for art, friendship, and new beginnings. The transformation of the café mirrors the healing in their lives, as old wounds are replaced by new traditions. Abby finds her voice as a photographer, and Savvy learns to let go of perfection.

Healing, Forgiveness, and Futures

As summer ends, Abby and Savvy, now true sisters, support each other through the challenges of returning home, facing school, and navigating changing relationships. Abby reconciles with Connie and Leo, learning that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself as much as others. She embraces her passion for photography, encouraged by her parents and friends. Savvy, too, finds balance—allowing herself to be imperfect, to love and be loved without conditions. The future is uncertain, but both girls are ready to face it, armed with the knowledge that family is chosen as much as given.

Saying Goodbye, Starting Anew

The last days of camp are filled with laughter, tears, and promises to stay in touch. Abby and Leo finally confess their feelings, choosing to be together despite the distance. Savvy and Mickey take a chance on love, and Finn reconnects with his family. The sisters say goodbye, knowing it's not the end but a new chapter. The reopening of Magpie Café becomes a celebration of everything they've gained—family, friendship, and the courage to be themselves. Abby steps into her future with confidence, ready to capture the world through her lens.

One Year Later: Magpie Café

One year later, Abby, Savvy, and their friends gather at Magpie Café, now a thriving community hub. Abby's photography has gained recognition, and she's found her place in the world. Savvy and Mickey are together, and the families have forged a new, blended bond. Leo and Abby are still going strong, navigating the challenges of long-distance with humor and heart. The café is filled with art, laughter, and the echoes of the past—now transformed into hope for the future. The story ends with Abby making a wish, not for what she's lost, but for all she's found.

Characters

Abby Day

Abby is the heart of the story—a creative, impulsive teen who feels like she's always falling short of her parents' expectations. Her love of photography is both a refuge and a way to connect with her late grandfather, Poppy. Abby's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the revelation of a secret sister, the complexities of friendship, and her own sense of inadequacy. Her relationships with Leo and Connie are central, but it's her evolving bond with Savvy that transforms her. Abby's greatest strength is her willingness to face uncomfortable truths and her capacity for forgiveness, which ultimately allows her to build a new, chosen family.

Savannah "Savvy" Tully

Savvy is Abby's older sister, raised in privilege but haunted by the knowledge of her adoption and her parents' anxieties. Outwardly confident and successful, Savvy is driven by a need for control—manifested in her Instagram stardom and strict adherence to rules. Beneath the surface, she's vulnerable, lonely, and desperate for connection. Her rivalry with Abby is rooted in fear of being replaced, but through shared adversity, she learns to let go and embrace imperfection. Savvy's arc is one of learning to trust, to love without conditions, and to accept that family is messy but worth fighting for.

Leo

Leo is Abby's childhood best friend and secret crush, the emotional anchor of their trio. Adopted from the Philippines, Leo is curious about his roots but more focused on caring for those around him. His love of cooking is both a creative outlet and a way to express affection. Leo's struggle is with honesty—about his feelings for Abby, his desire for connection, and his fear of change. His journey is one of vulnerability, as he learns to risk his heart and trust that he's worthy of love. Leo's relationship with Abby is a slow burn, built on years of friendship and finally ignited by courage.

Connie

Connie is Abby's other best friend, the planner and problem-solver of the group. She's ambitious, organized, and sometimes too quick to "fix" things for others, even when it means telling white lies. Connie's fear of being left behind leads her to make mistakes, but her loyalty is unwavering. She represents the challenges of growing up—how friendships change, how honesty can hurt, and how forgiveness is essential. Connie's arc is about learning to let go of control and trust that true friends will always find their way back to each other.

Finn

Finn is the camp's resident troublemaker, using humor and pranks to mask his pain over his mother's abandonment. He bonds with Abby over their shared sense of being outsiders and their struggles with family. Finn's bravado hides a deep vulnerability, and his journey is about learning to ask for help, to forgive, and to accept love. His friendship with Abby is a source of healing for both, reminding them that family can be found in unexpected places.

Mickey

Mickey is Savvy's best friend and eventual love interest, an artist with a big heart and a knack for bringing people together. She's the glue of the camp's social circle, always ready with a joke or a helping hand. Mickey's relationship with Savvy is a slow build, rooted in years of friendship and finally blossoming into romance. She represents the power of authenticity and the importance of being seen for who you truly are.

Abby's Parents (Maggie and Tom)

Abby's parents are loving but flawed, struggling to balance their ambitions, their grief over the past, and their desire to do right by their children. Their decision to give up Savvy for adoption and then keep it a secret is the source of much pain, but also a catalyst for growth. Through honesty and vulnerability, they learn to trust Abby, support her passions, and let go of the need to control her future.

Savvy's Parents (Pietra and Dale)

Savvy's adoptive parents are generous and supportive, but their fear of losing her leads to overprotection and secrecy. Their history with Abby's parents is fraught with betrayal and unresolved grief, but their willingness to confront the past allows for healing. Pietra's relationship with Maggie is especially poignant—a friendship lost and, in some ways, regained through their daughters.

Poppy

Abby's late grandfather is a guiding presence throughout the story, his love of photography and community shaping Abby's identity. Though gone, his legacy lives on in the café, the magpie charms, and the lessons he imparted. Poppy represents the enduring power of love, memory, and the ways we carry those we've lost into the future.

Rufus

Savvy's dog Rufus is more than comic relief—he's a symbol of unconditional love and the simple joys that ground the characters in moments of chaos. His presence brings comfort, laughter, and a sense of home, reminding everyone that sometimes, the best family is the one that greets you with a wagging tail.

Plot Devices

DNA Test as Catalyst

The story's inciting incident—a DNA test taken on a whim—serves as a modern plot device that instantly upends Abby's world. It's a clever use of contemporary technology to explore timeless themes of identity, family, and belonging. The test's results are both a literal and metaphorical invitation to dig deeper, setting off a chain reaction of secrets, confrontations, and growth.

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel weaves together Abby and Savvy's perspectives, allowing readers to experience both sides of the sisterhood. Their alternating chapters mirror their emotional arcs—initially at odds, then gradually aligning as they uncover the truth. This structure heightens tension, fosters empathy, and underscores the idea that understanding comes from seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

Symbolism of the Magpie Charms

The matching magpie charms are a recurring symbol, representing the bond between the girls' mothers and the possibility of healing old wounds. Their discovery and eventual significance provide both a clue to the past and a touchstone for the future, anchoring the story's themes of forgiveness and connection.

Camp Setting as Crucible

Camp Reynolds functions as a microcosm where characters are forced out of their comfort zones, stripped of familiar roles, and given space to reinvent themselves. The camp's rules, traditions, and rituals (like the Wishing Tree) serve as both obstacles and opportunities for growth, mirroring the characters' internal struggles.

Pranks and Punishments

The escalating prank war between Abby and Savvy is both a source of comic relief and a metaphor for their emotional battles. The consequences—kitchen duty, demerits, and forced cooperation—create opportunities for honesty, vulnerability, and ultimately, reconciliation.

Foreshadowing and Revelations

The novel skillfully plants hints about the parents' past, the significance of the magpie charms, and the true nature of Abby and Savvy's bond. These elements build suspense and ensure that the eventual revelations feel earned and cathartic, rather than contrived.

The Power of Art and Storytelling

Abby's passion for photography is more than a hobby—it's a way to process grief, express herself, and bridge the gap between past and present. The transformation of Bean Well into Magpie Café, filled with art and stories, is a testament to the healing power of creativity and community.

Analysis

"You Have a Match" is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the messy, beautiful process of growing up. Emma Lord uses the modern phenomenon of DNA testing as a springboard to examine timeless questions: What makes a family? How do we forgive those who hurt us? And how do we find the courage to be ourselves, even when it means breaking the rules? The novel's strength lies in its nuanced characters—flawed, funny, and achingly real—and its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it celebrates the complexity of love, the necessity of honesty, and the power of second chances. Through Abby and Savvy's journey from rivalry to sisterhood, readers are reminded that the families we're born into and the ones we choose are equally vital. The story's emotional arc is both cathartic and uplifting, leaving readers with the sense that healing is possible, even after the deepest wounds. In a world where secrets can divide, "You Have a Match" insists that truth, forgiveness, and a little bit of courage can bring us back together.

Last updated: September 10, 2025