Week-END Treasure: Across the Pond by Storyheart

Have you ever had one of those days that just seemed to be going along a little too well? I don't mean the one we all dream of where we win the lottery, have enough money for life, and can spend our time doing whatever we wish (traveling and reading....duh!). I mean the one where it's a Friday. Nothing happened too dramatic during the week. You are looking forward to the weekend and spending some time doing what you love to do. Then all of a sudden, BAM! Day gets smashed to bits! That's been my day today...one of my little dogs (Ashley) had a seizure (of all things!). Let's just say that I'm pretty distressed at the moment...I'm sure any of you that are animal lover's or dog owners know exactly what I mean. In light of my preoccupation, I need a bit of a distraction...hence the blog post! So let's get on with the show, shall we? Drum roll please.......Today's book choice is....

Across the Pond

by

Storyheart

Fred Squire is our English knight in shining armor, although he originally had no intention of being anything close. All he was looking for was an excursion to the states to forget about his own family woes. His parents won a trip to Australia...for two! While they are off gallivanting through the outback, Fred is sent across the pond for his own holiday of sorts...complete with an assigned school project (bummer!). Making the most of it, the lad arrives safely to his destination getting a bit more than he bargained for. The American family he is staying with has a delightful daughter, Brittany, of whom he grows quite fond. She does not initially return same said feelings, although her friends would love his attention! It seems that there is something that is holding Brittany back from experiencing loves youthful glow...almost as if she is afraid to get too close. What could have happened to make her so guarded? The local harassing thugs with their leader, Steve Harris, do nothing but make all the young ladies feel uncomfortable in their presence. This mystery is unravelled by the story's end, leaving young Fred the hero from every perspective, and Brittany released of a once heavy burden.

The author's name alone would make you pause to inquire further. Storyheart's real name is Barry (hmmm, I see why the former is used on his books) and it appears as though his "better known as" name came from his prior writing excursion into romantic short stories. He came to America from across the pond to pursue his love interest...sounds a bit like the book if we fast forward Fred a decade or two. Amazon has a little "about me" page on him if you'd like to learn a more about this interesting character and read his continuing blog posts.

I must say that one of my favorite things, beyond the actual storyline itself, is the school project. Fred was required to create a listing of words and their meanings that differ between countries. Needless to say, this causes several hilarious situations as well as a few embarrassing ones as well! Let's see, a car's "trunk" is a "boot"...he perceives "bagels" as "beagles"...and there is an especially funny bit of confusion caused when Brittany gets a little upset and ends her sentence by saying "period". (I'll let you figure that one out, or better yet, read the book!)

Although it is a rather quick read, I was drawn into it the moment I began. It has humor. It has wit. It has love. It has baseball! (everyone loves baseball, right?) It also has an underlying message on a more serious note regarding teens and the potential secrets they keep. I'd highly recommend this book for all ages....seek it out for your next week-END break!

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!