The Chapel Wars
At 17, Holly Nolan is the surprised owner of the Rose of Sharon Wedding Chapel after her Grandpa Jim’s death. Smart, business-minded Holly is dismayed to discover that the classy chapel is heavily in debt, and she vows to rescue it from ruin, even if it means lowering standards to compete with Victor Cranston’s tacky Cupid’s Dream Chapel next door. Victor has a ridiculously handsome grandson, Dax, who has arrived in town after a family tragedy. Holly and Dax are immediately attracted to each other, but their romance is complicated by the competition between their respective chapels as well as the dramas of family and friends. Leavitt creates some hilarious scenes that could only be set in Las Vegas (kissing Elvises, anyone?) while maintaining a serious emotional tone. Like a Sarah Dessen heroine, Holly discovers that her heart has answers that are neither easy nor perfect. Recommend to readers who enjoy novels that blend lighthearted moments and gravitas. Grades 9-12. --Diane Colson