Westminster Abby (S.A.S.S. Series #1)

Abby has always considered herself to be a little vanilla—sweet,plain, but not very exciting. So when she finds herself flying across the ocean to London, trying to forget her problems with her cheating ex-boyfriend and her overprotective parents, she figures her semester abroad is her chance to become one big hot fudge sundae. And she isn't disappointed. London boasts a plethora of funky pubs and shops, drivers on the wrong side of the street, French fries called chips, and a very charming Brit named Ian. As Abby moves closer to the vision of her wild child self, she realizes that sometimes leaving what you know best actually brings you closer to what you best know—yourself. This S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) novel is one of the first two in our new study abroad fiction series. Teen girls will latch onto these books as they're enmeshed in the lives of characters just like themselves, who are experiencing new cultures, new friendships, and new worlds through study abroad!

Abby has always considered herself to be a little vanilla—sweet,plain, but not very exciting. So when she finds herself flying across the ocean to London, trying to forget her problems with her cheating ex-boyfriend and her overprotective parents, she figures her semester abroad is her chance to become one big hot fudge sundae. And she isn't disappointed. London boasts a plethora of funky pubs and shops, drivers on the wrong side of the street, French fries called chips, and a very charming Brit named Ian. As Abby moves closer to the vision of her wild child self, she realizes that sometimes leaving what you know best actually brings you closer to what you best know—yourself. This S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) novel is one of the first two in our new study abroad fiction series. Teen girls will latch onto these books as they're enmeshed in the lives of characters just like themselves, who are experiencing new cultures, new friendships, and new worlds through study abroad!

Vicki Sherbert - Alan Review

Abby Capshaw's application to the Students Across the Seven Seas Study Abroad Program has been accepted. She has mixed emotions as she heads to London. She sees herself as vanilla ice cream; sweet, plain, and not very exciting. Never one to be a risk taker, this trip is stretching her limits. This may be the perfect opportunity to assert her independence from her over-controlling parents, escape a disastrous break-up with her boyfriend, and become one big hot fudge sundae! Upon arriving in London, Abby determines to do things she wouldn't ordinarily do. She introduces herself to a green-haired girl. She commits lies of omission to avoid conflicts with her parents. And she ventures into a new relationship, even though she's not looking for one. I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold in this book. Middle and high school girls will relate to the issues of friendship and dating. Readers will enjoy realistic characters interacting with peers in a foreign country. This is the first book in a series that focuses on adventures of teen-age girls studying abroad. 2005, Penguin Group, 168 pp., Ages young adult.

Micol Ostow is an editor, writer, and complete Anglophile living and working in New York City. She can do a mean British accent—but only if you ask nicely. Questions, comments, and all manner of praise can be directed to: [email protected]