In the picturesque coastal town of Clearwater, seventeen-year-old Lila Parker finds herself grappling with the uncertainties of a new beginning. Following her family's relocation, she reluctantly bids farewell to the familiar hustle and bustle of city life, trading it for the tranquility of sandy shores and starry nights. But as the summer unfolds, so too does the promise of unexpected adventures and newfound love.
Lila's days are spent navigating the quaint charms of her new hometown, from cozy diners serving up homemade ice cream to the vibrant energy of the boardwalk. Yet, it's beneath the canopy of the night sky that her journey truly begins. When she crosses paths with Alex Hayes, the enigmatic lifeguard with a passion for astronomy, Lila finds herself drawn into a world of constellations and celestial wonders.
As the warmth of summer envelops them, Lila and Alex forge a bond rooted in shared dreams and whispered secrets. Together, they embark on nightly escapades to the secluded beach, where they lose themselves in the beauty of the cosmos, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the waves. But beneath the shimmering stars lies a universe of uncertainties, as Lila grapples with her own insecurities and fears of letting go.
Amidst the whispers of the ocean breeze, Lila discovers the power of vulnerability and the courage to embrace the unknown. But when a misunderstanding threatens to tear them apart, she must confront her deepest desires and choose whether to follow the path of her heart or succumb to the shadows of doubt. Will she find the strength to trust in love's enduring light, or will the stars fade into the darkness of regret?
"Under summer stars" is a heartwarming tale of summer romance, self-discovery, and the magic of first love. Set against the backdrop of a charming seaside town, it's a story that reminds us of the beauty found in the simplest moments and the transformative power of love beneath the stars.
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]