One Paris Summer

Gr 8 Up—A summer in Paris should be a dream come true for talented pianist Sophie, but the circumstances of her sudden trip don't leave her with much hope for a good time. Her father, who left the family behind for a great job opportunity, is getting remarried. Sophie planned to spend the summer practicing for an important audition—but her father doesn't even have a piano. When she and her brother, Eric, arrive, they discover that they'll be spending most of their time with their new stepsister Camille, who seems about as excited as they are about this development—in fact, she's outright angry. The addition to the group of Dane, Eric's friend from home, and Camille's Parisian friends adds plenty of opportunities for drama and romance. They all have two months to get to know one another, and for a while it doesn't seem as though it will ever happen. One of Camille's friends offers Sophie real friendship and access to a piano, and things finally start to look up. But as romance starts to bloom, it becomes clear not everyone is being entirely truthful. Sophie could lose both a friend and her chance to practice for her auditions. This is a fun, light novel with relatable characters that will resonate with high school readers also struggling with romantic disappointment, difficult parents, and the stress of college exams and auditions.