Lucky Caller

Starred review from December 23, 2019
Wanting her final semester at Meridian North High to be as painless as possible, Indianapolis high school senior Nina signs up for a radio broadcasting class, “reportedly one of the most fun electives you could take.” Though her absent father hosts his own radio show in California, Nina has little knowledge of the field. Taking on the task of producing her group’s program proves disastrous, especially when she’s stuck working with a wooden-voiced host—and Jamie, a childhood friend, with whom she’s felt awkward ever since their potential romance soured in the eighth grade. Meanwhile, her mother’s upcoming marriage to dentist Dan is bringing unanticipated changes to Nina’s family. Proving once again that a teen’s life is anything but simple, veteran romance writer Mills (Famous in a Small Town) delivers a well-crafted, bittersweet comedy of errors filled with realistically flawed characters and taut, witty dialogue. The book’s frenzied climax and splashy resolution, showcasing an unexpected hero, sharply depicts the pain of betrayal and power of effective teamwork. Ages 14–up.