Off the Trails

Melissa and Dove are off for some surf, sand, and sun. Tired of the cold and snow at Les Trois, they are off to the Caribbean island of Nevis. Dove's boyfriend, William, works on a yacht there. But things start off on the wrong foot when they get to the airport and William is not there to greet them, and Melissa's baggage doesn't arrive. With little money between them, and no prospects for housing or employment, Dove remains cheerful and the two of them set off for the docks to try to find William. Wandering the dock area, the two girls encounter a group of guys. The one, Gus, is able to offer Dove a job as chef on the yacht he works on. Melissa, often seasick, opts to look for a job and a room on dry land. After a few desperate attempts, Melissa's luck turns and she acquires a job working in the kitchen of the famous Matt Chase. Little does Melissa know that this could be her life-altering moment. Both girls encounter heartache and joy on the island. They also find their old roommate from Les Trois, Harley. Harley has her own issues to deal with while on Nevis. She's had various romantic adventures, and has had little success in holding down a job for very long. And after throwing a fantastic birthday party for Melissa at the rotunda, she now owes $1,500 in fines. William turns out to have secrets of his own, and the connection that brought Dove and him together may not be as strong as Dove anticipated. Harley has a secret man, Bug. And Melissa keeps running into Orange Shorts, otherwise known as Bob. The third story in the CHALET GIRLS series by Ms. Franklin is full of tears, love, friendship and, of course, sun and sand. Each girl has inner struggles they have to deal with as they try to realize where they are meant to be in the world. Their friendships prove strong and supporting in the end and the future looks pretty bright for all three girls. Reviewed by: Jaglvr