June 27, 2008

Bestselling author Jenny O’Connell presents a sizzling new series for summer. Her first two Island Summer novels, LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS (MTV/Pocket Books; June 2008; $9.95 each) highlight the lives of the summering visitors, the year-round locals living in the beach towns of Martha’s Vineyard, and the fireworks that explode when they combine for three steamy months.

In LOCAL GIRLS, friendships are in danger of ending with the summer. Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona’s mom marries one of the island’s rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha’s Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different.

Unlike his sister, Mona’s twin brother Henry hasn’t changed. He’s spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she’s Mona’s one true friend: uncover the identity of the twins’ birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she begins to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona’s mother. But it may prove to be a puzzle better left unsolved–as what she is about to discover will change their lives forever…

In RICH BOYS, Winnie jumps at the chance to babysit for a wealthy summer family and earn some extra money—but soon learns that life in the Barclay’s beautiful vacation home isn’t as perfect as it appears. And what was supposed to be a carefree summer quickly becomes more complicated than she ever thought possible.

I can’t wait to read these two books. Jenny took the time to answer a few questions for me:

1. What inspired the plot for your books?

The books take place on Martha’s Vineyard, so first and foremost summer was the greatest inspiration. I’ve always felt like summer is a time when anything can happen, it’s all about possibility. LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS have very different plots, but they’re both about the possibilities, opportunities and changes summer brings.

2. Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I love writing teen books. It’s a blast going back and remembering what it was like to be a teenager – so much of what I write is based upon my own experiences growing up.

3. What is your writing process like?

Pretty much sit down and start typing. I know the beginning, the end, and nothing in between. I just let the story take shape as it unfolds.

4. What are you working on now?

A third book in the Island Summer series.

5. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work! I have a “real job” that I also love (in advertising). I also play field hockey, which is why I have odd black and blue spots all over my body.

6. Who do you like to read?

I’ve been on a Sarah Dessen jag lately, I love her books. I love going back and reading books I read as a teen, just to see if they still hold up – and they do! I don’t read fantasy or mystery or historical or suspense. I just like reading about ordinary girls like me.

 

Learn how you can win an Island Summer t-shirt – just in time for the beach. Go to http://jennyoconnell.blogspot.com and enter to win today! And learn more about LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS at www.jennyoconnell.com.

1. On June 27th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
   Barrie Summy Says:
   

   What a fun interview! And I used to play field hockey. Badly. The books sound great!

2. On June 28th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
   Vanessa Says:
   

   These stories sound wonderful, Jenny. Can’t wait to read them. And as it’s the middle of winter down here, they’ll warm me up for sure!

   Fab interview, Sara.

3. On June 29th, 2008 at 6:51 am
   Sara Hantz Says:
   

   Thanks Barrie and Vanessa!

4. On June 30th, 2008 at 3:58 am
   Laura Says:
   

   I’m a big fan of Ms. O’Connell’s. Thanks for sharing the interview.

5. On June 30th, 2008 at 7:11 am
   Sara Hantz Says:
   

   Me too, Laura!

6. On July 1st, 2008 at 12:29 am
   Keri Mikulski Says:
   

   Great interview! I can’t wait to read these books - They’re on my TBR pile.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website