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Morrill, Lauren
5 Reviews
(3)
YA
When her spacey mother leaves the country on a spiritual retreat, Maritza--a practical, affable seventeen-year-old--finds herself spending the summer on a Florida island with her former foster mother. Maritza feels torn between two different lifestyles, two mothers, and two boys. Compelling friendships, complex family struggles, a thoughtful narrator, and a well-drawn setting will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen.
Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald
(4)
YA
Dee is thrilled to be spending her summer as a production assistant on the set of a movie starring teen heartthrob Milo Ritter. Despite the awkwardness of their first encounters, they begin to secretly date, but jealousy and media scrutiny threaten their relationship. Though this wish-fulfillment fantasy is improbable, the central romance is appealing and some juicy movie-making details are included.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
Liza's high-school band, which is losing funding, vies for the $25,000 prize in a competition on the cruise ship Destiny. But as the pressure--and her total cluelessness in the love department--gets to her, Liza's behavior puts the band and her friendships at risk. Though the farfetched antics drag, Liza's perseverance and (eventual) maturity make her relatable to teen readers.
Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum
(3)
YA
Sloane Emily Jacobs, a figure skater, and Sloane Devon Jacobs, an ice hockey player, meet en route to different skating camps in Montreal. Both girls have had major setbacks on the ice and are dreading their summers--so they pull the old switcheroo. The far-fetched but compelling story features likable characters whose conflicts involving family, boys, and sports provide ample interest.
Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander
(3)
YA
On a class trip to London, uptight Julia is paired with obnoxious Jason. When she begins receiving mysterious romantic texts, Jason encourages Julia to loosen up and go for it. The plot thickens when Mark, Julia's meant-to-be crush, arrives, and Julia revises her thoughts on fate. Many will see the resolution coming, but fans of undemanding romance stories won't mind.
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
5 reviews
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