Love on Paper

Gr 9 Up–Macy is annoyed that her famous writer mother pulled strings to get her accepted into a writing retreat. Her parents have married each other twice (and twice divorced), and Macy isn’t sure she believes in love. At the end of the romance-themed writing retreat, attendees will have the chance to win a place in an anthology published by a major publishing house. Macy has determined that one of the five spots will be hers, but she’s having trouble putting words on paper. Macy’s critique partner is Caleb, the son of her parents’ writing nemesis, but as they spend more time together, their attraction grows. Can they manage a relationship while competing for the same prize and when their parents are enemies? Writing tips and bookish jokes are sprinkled throughout. The romance in this novel follows the formula, ideal for those hoping to become authors themselves. The relationship is full of cute moments, trust issues, and helping each other find their writing voice. The scavenger hunt allows Macy to see her mother through a different lens. Their big emotional conversation releases a lot of the book’s tension and leads to understanding for both parties. Macy is biracial Black and Korean; Caleb has dark brown skin; Fern, Macy’s retreat roommate, cues as white and uses they/them pronouns.