Candy Apple #21: Snowfall Surprise

Snowfall Surprise By Jane B. Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens Review by Michelle Anne Cope It made perfect sense to buy a copy of Snowfall Surprise. It was a Friday afternoon in February and there was snow on the ground, snow in the air, and more snow on the way. A trip to the grocery store helped me stock my cabinets with bread, potato chips, and macaroni and cheese while stocking my book shelf with A Candy Apple Book perfect for the weather. The Ohio winter outside of my writing studio was a perfect environment for Snowfall Surprise's snowboarding, sledding, and skating. As much as I was grumbling about white fluffy flakes and ice covered sidewalks, Savannah Heglund was ecstatic about fresh pow (snow) and bluebird conditions (clear skies, new snow). Savannah dearly loves winter - the snow, the sports and most of all her family's cabin in the mountains. Her birthday week is going to be extra special this year because two of her best friends, Lucy and Ellison, are spending the week with her. Lucy and Ellison are newbies, and even though Savannah doesn't try to show-off on purpose, she can't help but let her friends know that winter is Savannah's season. A too-fast run down the mountain lands Savannah in a heap of pain and a heap of sadness. Savannah's winter weekend of fun has fallen off the radar. To make matters worse, she is fitted for a bulky cast that makes getting around on crutches slow in the snow. At her insistence, Savannah's friends continue their week of wintery wonderment while Savannah sits in the lodge by herself. Has everyone forgotten about her? Don't her friends know how nice she was being by insisting that they go along without her when she really wanted (deep down inside) for them to spend a little time with her. What about her twelfth birthday that her friends forgot? And Eric? Did he forget her birthday, too? Are her only friends the Ski Wees? If you like The Candy Apple Books, you will love this story. Jane B. Manson and Sarah Hines Stephens have created a character in Savannah that has real feelings, real problems and real surprises. And, if you are familiar with the other Candy Apple books, you know there is usually a hint of romance and this book is no different. I recommend Snowfall Surprise for any season!