Chasing Lucky

March 15, 2020
A determined 17-year-old has an explosive summer. Josie Saint-Martin isn't happy thanks to the facts that she's never lived in one location long enough to make connections; her single, 36-year-old bookstore manager mom isn't capable of responsible parenting or communication; and her fashion photographer father, whom she doesn't really know, won't take her on as an apprentice until she proves her worth. Josie has a plan for her future, and the last thing she needs is to test the infamous Saint-Martin love curse with former childhood bestie Lucky Karras, who's now the hot bad boy in Beauty, their gossipy hometown where they've returned to live. Her cousin Evie drags her to a party celebrating the start of summer and hosted by Evie's ex-boyfriend, a descendent of the town's founder, who spreads vicious rumors about Josie. In a fit of rage, Josie commits a regrettable action, landing her and Lucky in a holding cell--with Lucky taking the fall. As summer progresses, Josie uncovers long-buried family secrets, learns why Lucky lied to the police, and falls in love. Bennett's detailed descriptions add to the lore of Josie's small, historic New England harbor town, giving readers a crystal-clear sense of the setting. The brisk pace and Josie's realistic, inviting voice will make readers want to dive into the story and love these flawed characters. Josie and Lucky are white; Evie's late father was black. A fun summer read about honesty and making mistakes. (Romance. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2020

Gr 7-10-Josie Saint-Martin, a budding photographer, has moved around the country for the last five years with her mother, and she is ready for her next adventure, heading back to their small New England hometown. Josie remembers beautiful memories with her old friend, Lucky, but as she and her mother settle into their old home to support their struggling family-owned bookstore, they realize that the baggage they left behind must be confronted. The heroine of this coming-of-age novel falls short in character development. Josie is likable at first, but proves to be frustratingly passive, allowing her friends and family to control her decision-making through the remainder of the novel. Instead, 17-year-old Lucky, who develops into a beautifully vulnerable character, holds the story together. In the end, Josie doesn't chase Lucky, as the title suggests, but chases so much more-her own personal growth. VERDICT An additional purchase for collections looking to add light YA romance that is non-explicit and suitable for readers at the younger end of the age range.-Rachel Lipkin, Brooklyn Public Libraries, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 The Saint-Martins women are so unlucky in love that they believe themselves to be cursed. Josie's spent half her life moving because of her mother's complicated relationships with everyone from boyfriends to her own mother. But for Josie, who wants to be a photographer like the father she barely knows, it's all temporary; her future is in L.A., with him. When she and her mom head back to Beauty, the New England hometown they left when Josie was young, it's just another stop on the road. She doesn't expect to reencounter Lucky, the childhood best friend who's now a shockingly attractive?and broody?bad boy. And she certainly doesn't expect to become embroiled in town drama. But a situation that begins with Josie and Lucky getting arrested results in a summer of reconnection, miscommunication, and, maybe, first love despite that Saint-Martins curse. Bennett, who delved into historical fantasy with The Lady Rogue (2019), returns to contemporary romance with this bittersweet, deeply reflective look at what makes a first love so strong and a first dream so big.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)