Time to Love: Last Summer, First Love #01

The two-book Last Summer, First Love series gets off to a schmaltzy start with this cliche-ridden tearjerker. Holly Paige has just spent most of her senior year in bed, suffering from lupus. Though the disease is now in remission, the girl is haunted by the fact that she may have a relapse at any time--and by incessant thoughts about dying. When Holly finds herself attracted to Chris Franklin, the preppy son of a resort owner with whom her father has a longstanding feud, she holds back, not wanting him to learn about her illness. But Chris finds out anyway, and continues to pledge his love for her. Holly's dire premonitions come true on the night of Chris's posh 18th-birthday bash when, after cuddling with him on the dance floor, Holly notices that her legs and ankles have suddenly swollen to twice their normal size and her forehead is burning. She banishes Chris from her hospital room (``It just won't work. I can't kid myself. My life is coming to an end a lot sooner than yours. . . . It was nice knowing you''); days later she agrees to live out their fantasy of driving off in his jeep to see the country together. The sequel, to be released simultaneously, may require more than one hanky: its title is Good-bye to Love . Ages 12-up. (July)