The Chapel Wars

March 17, 2014
The chapels that Leavitt’s title refers to host weddings, not religious services, and they’re in Las Vegas. Holly’s grandfather has just left her the Rose of Sharon—which would be complicated enough, since Holly’s only 17—but the chapel’s in major debt, the rival chapel owner next door is always plotting his next move, and, inexplicably, Holly’s grandfather also left her a letter for Dax, the nasty neighbor’s adorable grandson. Leavitt (Going Vintage) is a Vegas native, and Holly is an effective tour guide not only for newcomer Dax, but also for readers who wonder what it’s like growing up in a place associated more with lost weekends than with proms. Dax is charming and a little lost, Holly’s a logical type who’s suspicious of emotion, and it’s fun to watch them fight their attraction and struggle with the feud between their families. While Grandpa Jim’s eccentricities are laid on a little thick, secondary characters like Holly’s brother James are well drawn, and Leavitt’s sense of place and ability to balance grief with hope make for an entertaining read. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary.

April 15, 2014
A teen struggles with loss and love in Las Vegas. The death of her Grandpa Jim sends Holly reeling--not just because she misses him greatly, but because he's also left her the Las Vegas wedding chapel they both loved. The Rose of Sharon Wedding Chapel employs Holly's family and friends, but it's on the verge of foreclosure if they can't make a lot of money, fast. That means compromising Grandpa Jim's values and making friends with the grandson of archenemy Victor Cranston, owner of the wedding chapel next door. Dax Cranston is different from his grandfather, and Holly finds herself falling for him. But with the chapel to save, grieving for her grandpa, dealing with her newly divorced parents and angry younger brother, and making time for school and her group of guy friends, Holly's got a lot to juggle. It might come down to a choice: saving the chapel or being with Dax. Although the threads of the various stories come together, there's just too much going on in this novel. Most characters come off as tropes instead of people, and nothing is explored deeply enough to offer new or interesting perspectives for readers to ponder. Leavitt's latest doesn't rise above the pack. (Fiction. 14-18)

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May 15, 2014
Grades 9-12 At 17, Holly Nolan is the surprised owner of the Rose of Sharon Wedding Chapel after her Grandpa Jim's death. Smart, business-minded Holly is dismayed to discover that the classy chapel is heavily in debt, and she vows to rescue it from ruin, even if it means lowering standards to compete with Victor Cranston's tacky Cupid's Dream Chapel next door. Victor has a ridiculously handsome grandson, Dax, who has arrived in town after a family tragedy. Holly and Dax are immediately attracted to each other, but their romance is complicated by the competition between their respective chapels as well as the dramas of family and friends. Leavitt creates some hilarious scenes that could only be set in Las Vegas (kissing Elvises, anyone?) while maintaining a serious emotional tone. Like a Sarah Dessen heroine, Holly discovers that her heart has answers that are neither easy nor perfect. Recommend to readers who enjoy novels that blend lighthearted moments and gravitas.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)