Some Like It Cold

Unbeknownst to her parents, autistic 18-year-old Jasper Montgomery is planning to drop out of college. Though her family expects her to attend law school, what Jasper really wants is to study design, a desire that kicks off her plan to leave Lake Pristine for good. Her older sister’s public engagement is a welcome distraction that allows Jasper to focus on her list of “things to do before leaving this town forever,” which includes visiting the Christmas Maze, casting and directing Lake Pristine’s annual Nutcracker performance, and doing “something brave.” Meanwhile, teen filmmaker Arthur Lancaster is determined to record a documentary of Lake Pristine that will not only revitalize the town but hopefully win him first place in a film contest. But when Jasper and her “old foe” Arthur cross paths, both of their plans will need readjusting. In her YA debut, McNicoll (the Like a Charm series) will have readers feeling like they’re sipping hot chocolate in front of a cozy fire. It’s a straightforward love story with all the trappings of a Hallmark holiday rom-com. Main characters read as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Lauren Gardner, Bell Lomax Moreton. (Oct.)