In the quaint yet politically charged town of Edgartown, North Carolina, two worlds are about to collide. Meet Annabelle Morningstar, an impassioned, quirky high school activist raised by her news anchor and surgeon mothers, both champions of progressive ideals. Across town, there’s Gabe Delgado, the quintessential all-American boy, molded by his conservative, Cuban senator father. Edgartown is a town literally divided—the Liberal East and the Conservative North coexisting as neighbors but rarely as friends. But what happens when the two sides meet in the least likely of places: a local bookstore?

When employees at Annabelle’s favorite literary haven decide to unionize, she finds her path unexpectedly crossing with Gabe’s. And then they’re tossed together weekly as they get special training help for their beloved cross-country competitions. With their worlds thrown into disarray, the two high schoolers must navigate their complex feelings for each other while wrestling with their polarized upbringings. Can love bloom in the crossfire of political discord?

Running Mates is not just a heartwarming coming-of-age tale. It's a deep dive into the complexities of ideological divide, a vivid portrayal of modern youth activism, and a rallying cry for empathy. As Annabelle and Gabe discover the gray areas in a world seemingly split into black & white and red & blue, they learn that both politics and love require courage, compromise, and a touch of rebellion.

Engaging, timely, funny, and at times poignant, Running Mates serves as a mirror to our times, daring us to question, to feel, to laugh, and above all, to love despite our differences.

Eight Great Reasons Why People Should Read and Review Running Mates
1. Timely Social Commentary: The novel addresses the current socio-political climate, where polarization is increasingly becoming a roadblock in personal relationships. Readers can gain insight into the complexities of dating and friendship in today's divided world, making the story deeply relevant.
2. Rich Character Development: With characters like Annabelle Morningstar and Gabe Delgado coming from unique yet distinctly different backgrounds, the story offers layered character arcs. Annabelle's progressive upbringing contrasts sharply with Gabe's conservative background, providing plenty of material for both conflict and growth.
3. LGBTQ+ Representation: Annabelle's mothers, a news anchor and a surgeon, not only add layers to her character but also contribute to LGBTQ+ representation in literature. This can resonate with readers who identify with the community or seek diverse family dynamics in storytelling.
4. Focus on Youth Activism: Young readers passionate about social justice will find a kindred spirit in Annabelle and her friends. The story promotes activism and advocacy, motivating young people to stand up for their beliefs.
5. A New Twist on Romance: The concept of a love story blossoming in a politically charged environment, especially where the main characters have contrasting ideologies, makes for an engaging and unique romantic plot.
6. A Balanced Viewpoint: By portraying both liberal and conservative perspectives through its characters, the story encourages empathy and understanding. It shows that despite differences, common ground can often be found, which is an important message in today's world.
7. Real-world Conflicts: The subplot involving the unionization of workers at Annabelle's favorite bookstore offers a real-world conflict that readers can relate to. It also serves as a catalyst for the characters to confront their ideologies, making the story not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.
8. Love & Friendship in Politicized Times: Given the state of the world and particularly the way politics is affecting interpersonal relationships, "Running Mates" offers a nuanced look at how love and friendship can cross ideological lines. Thus, readers and reviewers alike will find much to discuss and ponder… and enjoy.

About Author Emily Locker

Emily Locker spent most of fourth grade persuading her friends to reenact scenes from Sweet Valley High. She was raised in Washington, D.C., by two psychotherapists, who often caught her reading well past midnight and who inspired her early interest in the human psyche and relationship dynamics.

Emily moved to New York City after graduating from the University of Rochester to complete a Social Work graduate program at New York University.

Her first job was at The World Trade Center Program, where she provided individual and group psychotherapy to first responders.

She recently returned to Washington, D.C., where she lives with her husband and two young sons.

When Emily is not writing or chasing after her own "lively" boys, she works as a therapist in private practice.

"Running Mates" is her first novel.