Romance Novels for Teens Archives -

Young Adult Book Review – Words Composed of Sea and Sky

November 29, 2021
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Ages 13 and up, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Romance, YA Fiction

WORDS COMPOSED OF SEA AND SKY

by Erica George

(Running Press Teens; $17.99, Ages 13 and up)

Two love triangles unfold in Erica George’s YA romance, Words Composed of Sea and Sky. Michaela (Mack) Dunn’s stepfather won’t pay for her to attend a poetry workshop. However, a local contest is giving away that retreat as a prize for whoever writes the best dedication plaque for the new statue honoring the Highland Whaler, Captain Benjamin Churchill. The problem is, not much is known about Churchill even though his name is plastered all over Mack’s Cape Cod town. Looking for inspiration, she explores the historical Whaler’s Watch Inn. There, she finds an amazing link to the past and the artistically aloof Caleb Abernathy. A college kid, Caleb seems like so much more than the high-school boys like the nice Finn Pearce, star pitcher at their school. For a girl who loves words, a baseball player can’t compare to the poetry-writing Caleb who attends Mack’s dream school.

As Mack’s present-day story unfolds, alternating viewpoint chapters bring us into the summer of 1862 where Leta Townsend publishes poems as Captain Benjamin Churchill; borrowing his name seems simple enough until the handsome lost-at-sea captain returns and harpoons her heart. Yet Leta’s imagination has created a persona that may not have much to do with the real captain. Disruption ripples through Leta’s writing plans and the blossoming romance with her best friend, Elijah, the poor boy from the lighthouse.

Erica George’s atmospheric setting works just as well for modern-day romance dilemmas as it does for those in the 1800s. I appreciate how the parallel stories about getting your voice heard are deftly woven to form a complete tale across years and relationships. With its elements of mystery and historical fiction, this well-crafted book shows romance novels can be much more.

Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt (www.ChristineVanZandt.com), Write for Success (www.Write-for-Success.com), @ChristineVZ and @WFSediting, Christine@Write-for-Success.com

Fridays Featuring Flintridge – Ready For Romance?

Summer’s a Perfect Time for Romance –

A Message from Catherine Linka

Parents often despair to me that their teens only read romance or trashy novels once school is out. I like to remind them that when they themselves are lying by the pool, they probably aren’t reading Tolstoy, and that their kids read plenty of examples of great literature during the school year. Our goal is to get them to read during the summer instead of spending hours on Facebook or YouTube.

Keeping that in mind, I suggest books that are romantic, but that offer more insight into the human heart and soul. My top romantic picks are below:

ROMANCE FOR TEENS WITHOUT VAMPIRES OR WEREWOLVES

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS ($17.99, Penguin Teen)
by John Green

Literary rockstar John Green writes intelligent stories with interesting, offbeat characters. Hazel meets Augustus at the Cancer Kids Support Group, and they seize the day. For the girl who’s not interested in Bella and Edward. 12+

WHY WE BROKE UP ($19.99, Little, Brown and Company)
by Daniel Handler

Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket, writes the story of a girl who writes the story of her failed romance as she returns all the souvenirs of their time together. Intelligent, interesting characters, great dialogue. 12+

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY($17.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
by Jenny Han

Wildly popular series of three books. Summer romance for Sarah Dessen fans. 12+

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Also for Sarah Dessen fans. For years Samantha Reed watches the Garrett family next door who her politician mother loathes. Then one summer Samantha falls in love with Jase Garrett which means first she has to lie to her mom, and then lie to him. 13+

THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME ($17.99, Dial/Penguin)
by Jess Rothenberg

Adorable romantic fantasy about a 15 year old girl, Brie whose heart literally breaks when Jacob her boyfriend calls it quits. She plots her revenge from heaven. 12+

Please visit the Flintridge Bookstore today to pick up your copy of these great books, buy gifts, enjoy their extensive selection of other great reads and relax over a great cup of coffee. Also visit the website at www.flintridgebooks.com to keep up-to-date with story times author events and other exciting special events.