Sunkissed

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2017

Review

After being caught kissing her sister's ex-boyfriend, Kat as been informed that she will be spending the summer with her slightly exotic Aunt on a remote island off the coast of Sweden. The land of no cell phone use and Friday night discos listening to ABBA. Her only saving grace is a cute Swede named Leo and the Tuff Troll, a grueling island race that she now wishes she hadn't said yes to.

This fun an engaging story is character-driven, incorporating Swedish values and traditions. Kat's positive determination not to let her banishment ruin what she has for a summer vacation lets the reader feel her growth and changes that Kat makes to accommodate her new friends and accomplishments.

Recommended for grades 7-12. This is an adorable coming-of-age and romantic novel that will be enjoyed by teen romantics, the outdoorsy types and those that enjoy a good personal challenge. Even though this is the third book in the "Ladybirds" series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone.

Overall Book Score: excellent