Ah summer camp, the pine trees, the color wars, the bug spray. I never got the appeal but Calonita makes a good case for it with Samantha Montgomery who heads to Whispering Pines for a change of scenery and to get away from being the third wheel to her BFF and boyfriend love bubble.

Right away she meets camp mean girl, Ashley who is also the director’s daughter (of course!) and is set on that girl’s hit list. She also meets the camp casanova, the true love interest and three close knit buds that make this summer one to always treasure.

I’m not going to go too into the details because then I’d just be explaining the book’s plot but it was an overall enjoyable book.

For one thing, Calonita blessedly cuts the whole love triangle thing short quick and lets Sam figure it out early on that casanova is a a jerk. Such a breath of fresh air so we can enjoy her flirtationship with Cole, the right guy.

Furthermore, Calonita weaves an important personal arc for Sam as she learns to set boundaries for her people-pleasing self in regards to her friend from home and in dealing with Ashley. She’s usually against confrentation but after Ashley oulls one too many, some physically-injurious, pranks, it’s cathartic to see Sam let loose.

Furthermore, the friendship between Sam, Emily, Courtney and Grace is just lovely. Full of gossip, support and giggles as they record their days in their self-named Sleepaway Girls videos. I just ereally enjoyed how they clicked and stood up for each other and help one another whether it be pranking Ashley or finding the courage to confess their crushes.

Another feel good book in Calonita’s repertoire with a distinct heroine and a summery atmosphere.