Icing on the Lake »

Catherine Clark is the author of several young adult novels, including The Alison Rules, Maine Squeeze, and So Inn Love. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and daughter, and takes family road trips whenever and wherever she can. (But not on buses.)

ICING ON THE LAKE

Beach reads for snow bunnies–our wildly popular beach reads expand to winter! The author of Maine Squeeze is back with another funny, romantic novel, this time in the snow.

Joanna Solomon - KLIATT

Clark takes a detour from her past novels that deal with some heavier issues, like The Alison Rules, to have a bit of fun with her latest book. The main character is a likeable older teenage girl from the Midwest who moves to St. Paul, MN. Kirsten comes for the month of January to live with her sister, who is injured and is having trouble caring for her toddler. Her friends challenge her to keep a New Year's resolution: find a guy to invite for a ski trip over a long weekend. Kirsten sees this as a big obstacle, but vows to do her best, and the novel tracks her efforts over that month. With a little self-doubt turned into confidence by loving, sisterly advice, Kirsten manages to get caught between two competing brothers. Even though this book has no major conflicts, it's got normal high school dating struggles, which makes it an enjoyable read. Clark skillfully portrays a smart and realistic character, chronicling accurately what dating at age 17 feels like. It's a light and fun read, perfect for summer, despite the snowy winter setting. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, HarperCollins, Avon, 342p., Ages 12 to 18.