STARS, STRIPES & SUMMER NIGHTS

Being grounded leads to unexpected delights for the First Daughter of the president of the United States.

Abby Cary-Alzona is the reliable, responsible, predictable one who has her life carefully planned out. For the summer before her senior year, she’s created “Abby’s Personal Summer Endeavors List,” which covers academic preparation, activities for her trips to Hawai‘i and Italy, and pursuits that will make her more well-rounded, like volunteering. Secretly, however, Abby, who’s Irish and Filipino American, wants to have a normal, unscripted summer that involves picnicking, eating ice cream, stargazing, and maybe even getting a first kiss—but normal is hard when your mom is president. At a state dinner, she meets handsome, sarcastic Gabriel Calabrese, who gets under her skin. It all ends with a viral pizza incident that’s dubbed Pineapplegate. As a break from the press attention, Abby and her little sister are sent to stay with their aunt Tita Karra, who’s working in Mystic Hollow, Virginia. To Abby’s surprise and chagrin, Gabe’s Filipino American family runs the inn where they’re staying. Determined to salvage the summer, Abby strikes a deal with Gabe: She’ll help him with his photography portfolio for art school, and he’ll help her check items off her bucket list. She soon discovers that Gabe and small-town life might bring the spark and spontaneity she needs. Dador’s YA debut is a cozy romance that thoughtfully explores community, familial expectations, and living for oneself.

A charming summer romance full of fireworks and sweet moments.