Swept Away

Gr 7–10—This series installment takes place in the small summertime tourist destination of Rocky Point, ME. With her best friend away at camp, her brother away at school, and her mother planning to have her work every day at the local historic lighthouse, Mandy is certain that the highlight of her summer will be avoiding the numerous lobster bakes around town. However, her prospects suddenly change when she meets Oliver, the grandson of the town's notorious eccentric, "Freaky" Framingham. Oliver is visiting from California with his mother and has an immediate interest in "Candy Cane," the lighthouse Mandy tends all summer long. Certain that Oliver's interest is geared only toward Candy Cane, Mandy is surprised and instantly open to Oliver's request that they work together on a float for one of the summer festivals. As they collaborate on the project at Freaky's house, Mandy and Oliver fall in love. Despite their concerns about Oliver's departure at the end of the summer, the two manage to grow closer and even accomplish a mission that winds up benefitting the whole town. The characters are almost saccharine, and their voices are a bit dated; adults are referred to as "grownups" and a bad movie as a "clunker." However, the romance is sweet, and the couple's shared mission is admirable.