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On Thin Ice
Seventeen year old figure skater Penny Trudeau has secrets. She’s not perfect, as hard as she tries to be. With a mother who is dying and a father who treats her like she’s invisible, Penny has every reason to lie. To escape the life that is spinning out of control, she falls into the arms of an older boy. But when she lies about her age and he finds out the truth, Penny loses the one good thing that has happened in a long time.Carter McCray is the hockey hunk she falls for, but Carter has his own family drama, and he’s not looking for trouble. Penny proves to be the exception, until the truth comes out and he can’t get past the betrayal—or her father’s threats.Can Penny find her way back into Carter’s heart, or will she have to face the harsh realities of life on her own? Penny’s choices lead her down a dangerous road and the secrets she’s keeping will change her world forever.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2011
13 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Sharon
18 books90 followersPJ Sharon is the award winning author of contemporary young adult novels, including PIECES of LOVE, HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES, ON THIN ICE, and SAVAGE CINDERELLA, winner of the 2013 HOLT Medallion Award and the 2013 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Follow the Savage Cinderella Novella Series with FINDING HOPE, LOST BOYS, SACRED GROUND, and BROKEN ANGEL. PJ is also the author of The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael, a YA Dystopian trilogy, which includes the award winning novels WANING MOON, WESTERN DESERT, and HEALING WATERS.
In addition, PJ Sharon owns ABSolute Fitness and Therapeutic Bodywork, a private practice massage therapy and personal training business in East Granby, CT. With over twenty-five years in the health and fitness industry, Ms. Sharon offers a multidisciplinary approach to wellness. Overcome Your Sedentary Lifestyle
(A Practical Guide to Improving Health, Fitness, and Well-being for Desk Dwellers and Couch Potatoes), her debut non-fiction title, is a holistic living, self-help book, sure to motivate readers toward a more balanced and active lifestyle.
Writing since 2007 and following her destiny to write romantic and hopeful stories for teens, PJ is a member of Romance Writers of America, CTRWA, and YARWA. She is mother to two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.
In addition, PJ Sharon owns ABSolute Fitness and Therapeutic Bodywork, a private practice massage therapy and personal training business in East Granby, CT. With over twenty-five years in the health and fitness industry, Ms. Sharon offers a multidisciplinary approach to wellness. Overcome Your Sedentary Lifestyle
(A Practical Guide to Improving Health, Fitness, and Well-being for Desk Dwellers and Couch Potatoes), her debut non-fiction title, is a holistic living, self-help book, sure to motivate readers toward a more balanced and active lifestyle.
Writing since 2007 and following her destiny to write romantic and hopeful stories for teens, PJ is a member of Romance Writers of America, CTRWA, and YARWA. She is mother to two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 1, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to P.J. Sharon and Netgalley.)
17-year-old Penny is the youngest of 4 girls, and the only daughter left at home. Unfortunately Penny’s mother has lung cancer, and is dying right in front of Penny’s eyes.
Penny has more issues though; she has an eating disorder, she’s not sure if she wants to carry on figure skating, her father acts like she doesn’t exist, and she desperately wants to feel loved.
Is a new boyfriend the answer to Penny’s issues with love? And how will she cope with the death of her mother?
This was a really interesting coming-of-age story, although I expected there to be more skating.
Penny was an interesting character, and I admired how she dealt with all the stressful things going on in her life. It seemed like more and more problems got piled on top of her, and she did so well to keep it together, even one of these issues could have crushed her, but she kept right on going even when things were hard.
The storyline in this was pretty good. I expected this book to be more about the skating (because of the cover and the title!), but the skating actually seemed like quite a minor storyline really. Instead we had a whole host of other hard-hitting problems like the death of a parent, and a whole load of other stuff that I really can’t go into because of spoilers. I did see some of these problems coming, but so many others were a real surprise, and I really liked not knowing what was about to happen next!
There was some romance in this book, but the book was mainly about the journey that Penny went through. There were some really nice romantic scenes, and I really enjoyed them, but that wasn’t all that the book was about.
The ending to this was pretty good, although I really don’t think that Penny’s troubles are over yet!
Overall; a good coming-of-age story, but not much skating.
7 out of 10.
17-year-old Penny is the youngest of 4 girls, and the only daughter left at home. Unfortunately Penny’s mother has lung cancer, and is dying right in front of Penny’s eyes.
Penny has more issues though; she has an eating disorder, she’s not sure if she wants to carry on figure skating, her father acts like she doesn’t exist, and she desperately wants to feel loved.
Is a new boyfriend the answer to Penny’s issues with love? And how will she cope with the death of her mother?
This was a really interesting coming-of-age story, although I expected there to be more skating.
Penny was an interesting character, and I admired how she dealt with all the stressful things going on in her life. It seemed like more and more problems got piled on top of her, and she did so well to keep it together, even one of these issues could have crushed her, but she kept right on going even when things were hard.
The storyline in this was pretty good. I expected this book to be more about the skating (because of the cover and the title!), but the skating actually seemed like quite a minor storyline really. Instead we had a whole host of other hard-hitting problems like the death of a parent, and a whole load of other stuff that I really can’t go into because of spoilers. I did see some of these problems coming, but so many others were a real surprise, and I really liked not knowing what was about to happen next!
There was some romance in this book, but the book was mainly about the journey that Penny went through. There were some really nice romantic scenes, and I really enjoyed them, but that wasn’t all that the book was about.
The ending to this was pretty good, although I really don’t think that Penny’s troubles are over yet!
Overall; a good coming-of-age story, but not much skating.
7 out of 10.
November 30, 2015
This was a surprisingly good read, but my did it run on and on. And there were some clichés. Well, a lot.
I think there's only one way I can properly review this...
THE DRINKING GAME:
It's basically like bingo with YA/NA clichés. First you make a 3x3 grid, then you pop some clichés into each little box. Every time you come across a cliché that you have on your grid you take a shot. When you get a line or four corners you down your whole drink. When you get a full house... Well, you'll probably be too pissed by then to care that you have to down a pint of straight vodka.
Take some angst and eating disorders and a dying parent, add some insta-love and sexual assault and a baby, then stir in a straight A student who's stunning and doesn't even know it and you've pretty much got this covered.
That said, it was pretty good. I couldn't stop reading. Even when the words went all woozy because I'd filled three grids with cliché bingo and full-housed them all. This book covers a lot of very serious issues, but I felt it was too much. I know that sometimes the world shits on you, but if it happens to this extent then you should probably take a step back and see what you're doing wrong.
I think there's only one way I can properly review this...
THE DRINKING GAME:
It's basically like bingo with YA/NA clichés. First you make a 3x3 grid, then you pop some clichés into each little box. Every time you come across a cliché that you have on your grid you take a shot. When you get a line or four corners you down your whole drink. When you get a full house... Well, you'll probably be too pissed by then to care that you have to down a pint of straight vodka.
Take some angst and eating disorders and a dying parent, add some insta-love and sexual assault and a baby, then stir in a straight A student who's stunning and doesn't even know it and you've pretty much got this covered.
That said, it was pretty good. I couldn't stop reading. Even when the words went all woozy because I'd filled three grids with cliché bingo and full-housed them all. This book covers a lot of very serious issues, but I felt it was too much. I know that sometimes the world shits on you, but if it happens to this extent then you should probably take a step back and see what you're doing wrong.
January 20, 2015
What a book, sigh...
When I read what "On thin ice" was about, I couldn't help thinking about Jodi Picoult. I'm a huge fan of her books. She doesn't just write them. She paints the characters, the difficult situations, the storyline and "On thin ice" was just as good.
A lot of things go wrong in Penny's life. A mother with cancer, an eating disorder and boy troubles out of the ordinary,... I suffered with Penny, I smiled with her in the beautiful moments and I urged her on to share the truth with her friends and family. She's not whiny, not plain, not stupid, not terribly smart, not girly and not annoying at all. I have read a lot of YA novels in the last years and after some time, you see chlichés everywhere. The strong heroine, the to-die-for-handsome boy that falls for her, the ordeals, the solution that's obvious to everyone but the heroine, you name it. When Penny met Carter I thought "here we go again, instant romance". And yes, it was that kind of love that doesn't develop over time. But it was also that kind of attraction to someone that you remember well from your teenage days and that can bloom into love if reciprocal.
"On thin ice" neither tells you what to think or do, nor does it show you that only one way can be right. It's a tale of someone who made mistakes but is forgiven and learns to forgive.
I got "On thin ice" from the author in exchange for an honest review and to be honest, it's a great book. The author put many burdens on Penny's slim shoulders, yes, but never more than she could handle.
Little digression on German words in the English language: Encountering 3 German words in quick succession made me laugh. Normally it's us borrowing terms from the English language (by the way, did you know German speakers call their mobile "Handy"? It comes in handy indeed ;)) but seemingly the words "angst", "fest" and "autobahn" all made their way into colloquial language (And "zeitgeist"? You Americans use that word more often than we do).
When I read what "On thin ice" was about, I couldn't help thinking about Jodi Picoult. I'm a huge fan of her books. She doesn't just write them. She paints the characters, the difficult situations, the storyline and "On thin ice" was just as good.
A lot of things go wrong in Penny's life. A mother with cancer, an eating disorder and boy troubles out of the ordinary,... I suffered with Penny, I smiled with her in the beautiful moments and I urged her on to share the truth with her friends and family. She's not whiny, not plain, not stupid, not terribly smart, not girly and not annoying at all. I have read a lot of YA novels in the last years and after some time, you see chlichés everywhere. The strong heroine, the to-die-for-handsome boy that falls for her, the ordeals, the solution that's obvious to everyone but the heroine, you name it. When Penny met Carter I thought "here we go again, instant romance". And yes, it was that kind of love that doesn't develop over time. But it was also that kind of attraction to someone that you remember well from your teenage days and that can bloom into love if reciprocal.
"On thin ice" neither tells you what to think or do, nor does it show you that only one way can be right. It's a tale of someone who made mistakes but is forgiven and learns to forgive.
I got "On thin ice" from the author in exchange for an honest review and to be honest, it's a great book. The author put many burdens on Penny's slim shoulders, yes, but never more than she could handle.
Little digression on German words in the English language: Encountering 3 German words in quick succession made me laugh. Normally it's us borrowing terms from the English language (by the way, did you know German speakers call their mobile "Handy"? It comes in handy indeed ;)) but seemingly the words "angst", "fest" and "autobahn" all made their way into colloquial language (And "zeitgeist"? You Americans use that word more often than we do).
January 4, 2012
Emotional read but left me with a smile on my face.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
December 21, 2013
I chose to read On Thin Ice because it was available on netgalley and I love all things related to the ice-hockey or figure skating and I was intrigued. I am also drawn to books that deal with illnesses and problems at home, so this synopsis basically said Brandi, read me.
I was not disappointed, because I really liked the narrator Penny. She is hard core scheduled and she takes on so much at home and at school. I relate with her because I am one of the people that was like that with home and school, but Penny is different from me in that she was good at something, very good. At skating and she juggled that along with everything else. She had so much on her, but she stayed so strong. Of course she had her weaknesses, but I got to see her grow in those through the book.
Carter definitely got my attention right along with Penny's. He wouldn't stand for bullying and then he was kind, if awkward, when they ran into each other. I do think that the attraction and progression of their relationship was fast, but I felt the chemistry so was able to ride with it. And honestly, if you give me a reason why they see something in the other person, I am not as picky about insta-love type things as others, because it is a reality of teenage relationships.
There was a lot going on in this book, the skating, her responsibilities, including her mom with cancer, her jobs, eating disorders and body image issues, plus the lying about her age, and the things that Carter is dealing with on top of it all. But I was never confused, and I felt like the plot lines kept themselves up and they were all able to be resolved, or given hope for the future that things are working themselves out. I felt like it was trying to shove the cliches into one story and a few I think weren't really necessary, but that aside, or in spite of it, I couldn't look away from the book and I was invested in Penny and couldn't stop reading. It still is realistic and emotional though. Unfortunately there are no miracles to make everything a perfect HEA, but it makes everything believable, and therefore satisfactory for the book.
I did appreciate the hard work that she had to do in counseling, and although she was resistant to going at first, which actually made it realistic, that it wasn't an addendum at the end. She was working through things for a good part of the book, and that healing takes a long time, it is not easy, but it is worth it.
There is a good bit of talking about religion, but again, it worked. I think that it was her personal battle, although there were some monologues from the nun sister that while they were believable that your nun sister would say these things, I know that some might find it a bit preachy. BUT they were all things said that helped Penny to ultimately find her way, her answers, and peace.
The ending worked for me, showing hope, optimism, that sorrow and grief are burdens that you will forever carry, but that you can still find and experience joy.
Bottom Line: Captivating ya contemporary, cliched at times, but great messages and character development.
I was not disappointed, because I really liked the narrator Penny. She is hard core scheduled and she takes on so much at home and at school. I relate with her because I am one of the people that was like that with home and school, but Penny is different from me in that she was good at something, very good. At skating and she juggled that along with everything else. She had so much on her, but she stayed so strong. Of course she had her weaknesses, but I got to see her grow in those through the book.
Carter definitely got my attention right along with Penny's. He wouldn't stand for bullying and then he was kind, if awkward, when they ran into each other. I do think that the attraction and progression of their relationship was fast, but I felt the chemistry so was able to ride with it. And honestly, if you give me a reason why they see something in the other person, I am not as picky about insta-love type things as others, because it is a reality of teenage relationships.
There was a lot going on in this book, the skating, her responsibilities, including her mom with cancer, her jobs, eating disorders and body image issues, plus the lying about her age, and the things that Carter is dealing with on top of it all. But I was never confused, and I felt like the plot lines kept themselves up and they were all able to be resolved, or given hope for the future that things are working themselves out. I felt like it was trying to shove the cliches into one story and a few I think weren't really necessary, but that aside, or in spite of it, I couldn't look away from the book and I was invested in Penny and couldn't stop reading. It still is realistic and emotional though. Unfortunately there are no miracles to make everything a perfect HEA, but it makes everything believable, and therefore satisfactory for the book.
I did appreciate the hard work that she had to do in counseling, and although she was resistant to going at first, which actually made it realistic, that it wasn't an addendum at the end. She was working through things for a good part of the book, and that healing takes a long time, it is not easy, but it is worth it.
There is a good bit of talking about religion, but again, it worked. I think that it was her personal battle, although there were some monologues from the nun sister that while they were believable that your nun sister would say these things, I know that some might find it a bit preachy. BUT they were all things said that helped Penny to ultimately find her way, her answers, and peace.
The ending worked for me, showing hope, optimism, that sorrow and grief are burdens that you will forever carry, but that you can still find and experience joy.
Bottom Line: Captivating ya contemporary, cliched at times, but great messages and character development.
January 27, 2012
Seventeen-year old Ice-Skater, Penny, meets handsome Hockey hunk, Carter McCray, or Mac, and sparks ignite. Those sparks start a fire that burns hot and fast. But like all fires, the aftermath is never pretty.
There are YA books that hit on edgy issues such as, sex, bulimia, teen pregnancy, death of parents, finding out you are not who you thought you were, rape and parental stress to succeed....This book had ALL of these things, it was A LOT to take for just one young girl. Some of the issues could have been drawn out more, and some could have been taken out all together. NOT to say that PJ Sharon didn't do an AMAZING job at making all these issues not just believable, but they WORKED!
For me, as a reader, it was a bit much. As a fellow writer, it was a bit much. There were some unnecessary secondary characters that could have been taken out, and I would have suggested taking out one or two of the conflict issues, maybe drawing out some of the main issues a bit longer. I felt as if the conflict was piled on and forced on the reader.
But as I said, PJ Sharon did an amazing job at making ALL THE CHAOS work. There was some "God" talk, which doesn't bother me in the least, but this is coming from a 13-yr Catholic School Veteran. In my opinion, if I was dealing with all of the things Penny was dealing with, I'd be praying too!!
As for the main characters, Penny was your average girl, I didn't really get too much more out of her, but I liked her. But I think because there was so many issues going on at the same time, we couldn't really get a good read on her feelings about just one thing, or how she would react in just one situation.
As for our Hero, Carter McCray....well....he freaked out after he found out Penny lied to him, then proceeds to do something that didn't fit his character. I thought he was a smart and handsome boy, but I thought he should have tried a little harder. I don't want to give anything away, so I can't explain his reactions to different issues going on, but again, I think there was too much going on with Penny, that everything else just got lost in the shuffle.
Funny thing is, aside from all the craziness, I liked the book. I wasn't sure where it was going, but I liked it. I'd say give it a chance, or if you have an OLDER YA, have them read it. This book touches on many issues that any Young Adult might face, and PJ Sharon "writes" great advice/options to all teens facing these issues.
I will give Ms. Sharon props for mentioning Author, Kristan Higgins in this book!!
There are YA books that hit on edgy issues such as, sex, bulimia, teen pregnancy, death of parents, finding out you are not who you thought you were, rape and parental stress to succeed....This book had ALL of these things, it was A LOT to take for just one young girl. Some of the issues could have been drawn out more, and some could have been taken out all together. NOT to say that PJ Sharon didn't do an AMAZING job at making all these issues not just believable, but they WORKED!
For me, as a reader, it was a bit much. As a fellow writer, it was a bit much. There were some unnecessary secondary characters that could have been taken out, and I would have suggested taking out one or two of the conflict issues, maybe drawing out some of the main issues a bit longer. I felt as if the conflict was piled on and forced on the reader.
But as I said, PJ Sharon did an amazing job at making ALL THE CHAOS work. There was some "God" talk, which doesn't bother me in the least, but this is coming from a 13-yr Catholic School Veteran. In my opinion, if I was dealing with all of the things Penny was dealing with, I'd be praying too!!
As for the main characters, Penny was your average girl, I didn't really get too much more out of her, but I liked her. But I think because there was so many issues going on at the same time, we couldn't really get a good read on her feelings about just one thing, or how she would react in just one situation.
As for our Hero, Carter McCray....well....he freaked out after he found out Penny lied to him, then proceeds to do something that didn't fit his character. I thought he was a smart and handsome boy, but I thought he should have tried a little harder. I don't want to give anything away, so I can't explain his reactions to different issues going on, but again, I think there was too much going on with Penny, that everything else just got lost in the shuffle.
Funny thing is, aside from all the craziness, I liked the book. I wasn't sure where it was going, but I liked it. I'd say give it a chance, or if you have an OLDER YA, have them read it. This book touches on many issues that any Young Adult might face, and PJ Sharon "writes" great advice/options to all teens facing these issues.
I will give Ms. Sharon props for mentioning Author, Kristan Higgins in this book!!
December 30, 2011
A MUST read for young adults and beyond. Penny's story is about how she overcomes the twists and turns life puts in her way. Dealing with her mom's cancer and grief, the responsibilities that are passed on to her, learning the effects lying can cause, family issues to deal with and her future and those in her life.
Penny finds herself ON THIN ICE at the rink but especially in life, with decisions to make, consequences to deal with and understanding why things happen and how to make the best of it. Not all is lost and there is always the right solution to any problem. Very inspirational, full of hope and surprises.
This story covers so many issues that I'm sure readers will connect or at least relate with in some way. Also, a beautiful love story, every girl would love to have a Carter in their life.
This book really touched my heart and as a parent it reminded me how life is viewed from a teens point of view (the inexperienced one I once was) and as an adult to understand and be more open with my kids letting them know they can come to me no matter what problems they face.
I highly recommend this book. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. I liked that it wasn't so predictable and had me eager to keep reading. PJ Sharon does an awesome job with the voice. Her scenes play like a movie, very well written and I love happy endings. Caution-tissues are a must for this one, I give it 5 hearts!
Penny finds herself ON THIN ICE at the rink but especially in life, with decisions to make, consequences to deal with and understanding why things happen and how to make the best of it. Not all is lost and there is always the right solution to any problem. Very inspirational, full of hope and surprises.
This story covers so many issues that I'm sure readers will connect or at least relate with in some way. Also, a beautiful love story, every girl would love to have a Carter in their life.
This book really touched my heart and as a parent it reminded me how life is viewed from a teens point of view (the inexperienced one I once was) and as an adult to understand and be more open with my kids letting them know they can come to me no matter what problems they face.
I highly recommend this book. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. I liked that it wasn't so predictable and had me eager to keep reading. PJ Sharon does an awesome job with the voice. Her scenes play like a movie, very well written and I love happy endings. Caution-tissues are a must for this one, I give it 5 hearts!
September 8, 2014
I received this book from Net Galley with the approval of the author.
When I first opened this book to start reading it I was expecting the story to revolve around ice skating with its challenges etc
I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very much more than that.
This 17 year old has so much to deal with in her life, her Mother is terminally I'll, she herself is suffering from an eating disorder and on top of this, she's not sure she wants to remain skating for the rest of her life.
Its not all doom and gloom though as towards the end you do get to smile before shutting the book and saying ` What a good read`.
Very well written and the story flowed nicely.
When I first opened this book to start reading it I was expecting the story to revolve around ice skating with its challenges etc
I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very much more than that.
This 17 year old has so much to deal with in her life, her Mother is terminally I'll, she herself is suffering from an eating disorder and on top of this, she's not sure she wants to remain skating for the rest of her life.
Its not all doom and gloom though as towards the end you do get to smile before shutting the book and saying ` What a good read`.
Very well written and the story flowed nicely.
January 17, 2012
On Thin Ice was a great read and I'm not a teenager. The characters were well-developed and believable
and I couldn't wait to see what happened after every chapter. The teen angst was heart-breaking and
made me want to reach out and comfort the main character. Descriptions were superb and I just loved
everything about this book.
and I couldn't wait to see what happened after every chapter. The teen angst was heart-breaking and
made me want to reach out and comfort the main character. Descriptions were superb and I just loved
everything about this book.
August 12, 2014
For the Young Adult genre, this book touches on a variety of adult themes in specific detail.
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 12, 2018
An introduction to the drama that courts during the life of a young girl who is passing from the teenage years to the adult side of living. The young lady is an excellent ice skater with a lot of potential, but here life is in a constant turmoil due to family problems without addressing the problems she is facing herself.....This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
May 20, 2016
17 year old figure skater Penny Trudeau is full of secrets. She tries to maintain the "perfect Penny" title but no-one's perfect. Penny's mother is dying of cancer, and her father acts like she doesn't exist, so you could say she has reason to lie. Penny's life is spinning out of control, she doesn't want to compete in figure skating, but her dying mother wants her to, and in order to do the lifts, she has to stay a certain weight, which means Penny isn't a stranger to an eating disorder. But when Penny falls in to the arms of an older boy, Carter, her life gets even more out of control. She lies about her age, and when he finds out, he wants nothing to do with her, he can't get past the lies or her fathers threats. When Penny's raped by his roomate, she can't bear to tell anyone especially Carter, and things just go from bad to worse. As shocking family revelations start to pile up, can Penny win her way back in to Carter's heart? Or is she about to face a very scary life on her own?
Okay, I wasn't expecting this book at all, half of what's in it isn't mentioned in the blurb and I feel it's necessary to do a warning here....
This book contains mentions of rape, bulimia and anorexia, so beware being triggered if you suffer from or have suffered from any of these and don't want bad memories or anything to surface. This really should have been made apparent on the back of the book, because anyone picking this up expecting a nice happy romance story is totally in for a shock like I was and you won't get that.
On Thin Ice was very fast paced, and I really connected with Penny and really felt for her, she was brilliantly written as was the character of Carter. I really loved her sister Sarah as well, and the plot twist involving her, made me love her more!
There where tonnes of plot twists in the book, and I wasn't expecting any of them really, partly because I wasn't expecting the book to be like it was and partly because I just didn't see them coming! I really was going in to this book expecting some fluffy romance book, and got quite a shock to be honest! Despite that I did really enjoy the book.
On Thin Ice deals with serious subject matter such as a parent dying of cancer, rape and eating disorders, and all where brilliantly presented, handled and concluded. There was no brushing over the subjects or being derogatory or dismissive. Each subject had the appropriate level of respect dealt to it, and I thought it was just very well written, very realistic and very respectfully handled.
I wasn't expecting the story I got in On Thin Ice, but I enjoyed it and connected with Penny emotionally. On Thin Ice is fast paced, full of plot twists, but more importantly it brilliantly and respectfully handles some serious subject matter. On Thin Ice is realistic in it's subject matter, and it's romance, and it's one hell of an emotional read.
Okay, I wasn't expecting this book at all, half of what's in it isn't mentioned in the blurb and I feel it's necessary to do a warning here....
This book contains mentions of rape, bulimia and anorexia, so beware being triggered if you suffer from or have suffered from any of these and don't want bad memories or anything to surface. This really should have been made apparent on the back of the book, because anyone picking this up expecting a nice happy romance story is totally in for a shock like I was and you won't get that.
On Thin Ice was very fast paced, and I really connected with Penny and really felt for her, she was brilliantly written as was the character of Carter. I really loved her sister Sarah as well, and the plot twist involving her, made me love her more!
There where tonnes of plot twists in the book, and I wasn't expecting any of them really, partly because I wasn't expecting the book to be like it was and partly because I just didn't see them coming! I really was going in to this book expecting some fluffy romance book, and got quite a shock to be honest! Despite that I did really enjoy the book.
On Thin Ice deals with serious subject matter such as a parent dying of cancer, rape and eating disorders, and all where brilliantly presented, handled and concluded. There was no brushing over the subjects or being derogatory or dismissive. Each subject had the appropriate level of respect dealt to it, and I thought it was just very well written, very realistic and very respectfully handled.
I wasn't expecting the story I got in On Thin Ice, but I enjoyed it and connected with Penny emotionally. On Thin Ice is fast paced, full of plot twists, but more importantly it brilliantly and respectfully handles some serious subject matter. On Thin Ice is realistic in it's subject matter, and it's romance, and it's one hell of an emotional read.
November 18, 2020
There is so much in this book: It's a lot. It's a lot of a lot.
But then there's this, in the author's note at the end: ON THIN ICE is the book of my heart. Of course, they all are in one way or another, but Penny's story is most like my own. She and I share many life experiences, including dipping our toes in the competitive figure skating pond, suffering an eating disorder, losing our mothers to cancer when we were sixteen, and surviving a dysfunctional family and a teen pregnancy.
Some readers may feel that too many serious life issues were addressed within this story, but the fact is, many teens have to deal with whatever life throws at them. Sometimes that means multiple dramas at once. That was certainly the case for me. (229)
She's right, of course. Life doesn't usually come with one or two carefully chosen dramas—sometimes they overlap, and sometimes that overlap is messy or poorly timed or both. It's still, I think, too much for the book (because in real life, even when traumas are colliding, there's usually more time for the little things, the banal, et cetera; even when a lot is going on it doesn't usually feel like we're leaping breathless from one crisis to the next—although, to be fair, I'm writing this in 2020, and I'm not sure if this year is proving or disproving my point). What to do with that?
*
But then there's this, in the author's note at the end: ON THIN ICE is the book of my heart. Of course, they all are in one way or another, but Penny's story is most like my own. She and I share many life experiences, including dipping our toes in the competitive figure skating pond, suffering an eating disorder, losing our mothers to cancer when we were sixteen, and surviving a dysfunctional family and a teen pregnancy.
Some readers may feel that too many serious life issues were addressed within this story, but the fact is, many teens have to deal with whatever life throws at them. Sometimes that means multiple dramas at once. That was certainly the case for me. (229)
She's right, of course. Life doesn't usually come with one or two carefully chosen dramas—sometimes they overlap, and sometimes that overlap is messy or poorly timed or both. It's still, I think, too much for the book (because in real life, even when traumas are colliding, there's usually more time for the little things, the banal, et cetera; even when a lot is going on it doesn't usually feel like we're leaping breathless from one crisis to the next—although, to be fair, I'm writing this in 2020, and I'm not sure if this year is proving or disproving my point). What to do with that?
*
February 8, 2013
May contain spoilers
I totally love ice skating love watching it. Liked this book a lot but it ended too soon for me well to be frank I hate when any book ends cause I always want more to continue the story of the characters I learn about. I want to see Tyler grow up and how Carter and Penny deal with being parents so if you ever want to write a squeal I'm never opposed to them. I do not like that a girl who gets pregnant especially if she a minor waits so long to tell the father or never does is awful I know she scared and all but the truth usually comes out in the end just depends on how long it takes. The guy have a right to know it only fair you created the child together so why go through all of it alone. It was a good story sad about Penny having to deal with everything thrown at her, a mom with cancer a father who ignores her, getting raped finding out she has another dad and becoming pregnant after helping her friend go through same thing and getting an abortion. I'm glad Penny decided to keep her baby. It was crispy of Richard to throw Penny out he totally overreacted yes it was a bad time to tell him about the baby while he was drunk but to do that to your child even if your not biologically related you don't have to be blood related to be a parent or family. I totally hated Tom from the beginning I knew something was off about him especially after the thing in woods with Katie glad he got put in jail there is zero excuses for rape that one of the worst crimes. Would love to read a sequel to this book to continue on with the journey info parenthood.
I totally love ice skating love watching it. Liked this book a lot but it ended too soon for me well to be frank I hate when any book ends cause I always want more to continue the story of the characters I learn about. I want to see Tyler grow up and how Carter and Penny deal with being parents so if you ever want to write a squeal I'm never opposed to them. I do not like that a girl who gets pregnant especially if she a minor waits so long to tell the father or never does is awful I know she scared and all but the truth usually comes out in the end just depends on how long it takes. The guy have a right to know it only fair you created the child together so why go through all of it alone. It was a good story sad about Penny having to deal with everything thrown at her, a mom with cancer a father who ignores her, getting raped finding out she has another dad and becoming pregnant after helping her friend go through same thing and getting an abortion. I'm glad Penny decided to keep her baby. It was crispy of Richard to throw Penny out he totally overreacted yes it was a bad time to tell him about the baby while he was drunk but to do that to your child even if your not biologically related you don't have to be blood related to be a parent or family. I totally hated Tom from the beginning I knew something was off about him especially after the thing in woods with Katie glad he got put in jail there is zero excuses for rape that one of the worst crimes. Would love to read a sequel to this book to continue on with the journey info parenthood.
January 28, 2012
"On Thin Ice" by PJ Sharon is about a seventeen-yr-old figure skater named Penny who is dealing with the fact that her mother is dying from cancer. When she meets handsome Carter McCray who is a twenty-one-yr-old hockey player she finally has someone who can help take her mind off her mom.
This book has a great concept with just dealing with the stress and grief that comes from having a parent who is dying. But then PJ Sharon throws too many other big issues into the pot with tough subject matter such as teen pregnancy, rape, bulimia, the stress of high level athletic competition and even dealing with the age difference between the two main characters. Unfortunately there is so much going on that the main plot line gets buried in all of the other story lines. Having said that the action never stops and she will keep you turning the pages.
I do like PJ Sharon's easy flow writing style. Her writing is true to life with very realistic and wonderful characters. I just think that overall there is too much going on with way too many conflicts to the point that it takes away from the main story line. The potential is definitely there though and I would read future books by her.
This book has a great concept with just dealing with the stress and grief that comes from having a parent who is dying. But then PJ Sharon throws too many other big issues into the pot with tough subject matter such as teen pregnancy, rape, bulimia, the stress of high level athletic competition and even dealing with the age difference between the two main characters. Unfortunately there is so much going on that the main plot line gets buried in all of the other story lines. Having said that the action never stops and she will keep you turning the pages.
I do like PJ Sharon's easy flow writing style. Her writing is true to life with very realistic and wonderful characters. I just think that overall there is too much going on with way too many conflicts to the point that it takes away from the main story line. The potential is definitely there though and I would read future books by her.
December 31, 2012
This book was a page turner! I found myself hoping that Penny would come out on top and make the best of her situation, and I couldn't stop reading until I found out.
I know a lot of reviews said that they thought it was a lot for one girl to go through, and that even two of poor Penny's issues would have been enough for a touching novel. I feel like this book was going after a bit more than just being a touching story, though. I think readers could see a very real glimpse of what life as a troubled teen can be. I've worked with troubled teens, and I have seen first hand, one problem leads to another, to another. A child of a woman with cancer would have control issues, and food is a very common thing for girls to control. The burden of her responsibility at home would very naturally lead to her making some irresponsible decisions outside of the home, etc. Yes, I thought it was a lot, it was painful to see the character go through that, but I think many people would be surprised to know how close to reality this story comes in many cases.
PJ Sharon didn't pull any punches with this one, and I think it might help some people to see how life for a teen can be like when things aren't all roses and proms and cheerleading.
I know a lot of reviews said that they thought it was a lot for one girl to go through, and that even two of poor Penny's issues would have been enough for a touching novel. I feel like this book was going after a bit more than just being a touching story, though. I think readers could see a very real glimpse of what life as a troubled teen can be. I've worked with troubled teens, and I have seen first hand, one problem leads to another, to another. A child of a woman with cancer would have control issues, and food is a very common thing for girls to control. The burden of her responsibility at home would very naturally lead to her making some irresponsible decisions outside of the home, etc. Yes, I thought it was a lot, it was painful to see the character go through that, but I think many people would be surprised to know how close to reality this story comes in many cases.
PJ Sharon didn't pull any punches with this one, and I think it might help some people to see how life for a teen can be like when things aren't all roses and proms and cheerleading.
November 9, 2012
Grab your tissues. Sharon tugs every emotion in this Young Adult contemporary drama. I'm not sure I'd call it a romance per se, but the romantic elements play heavily into the plot. A story based on choice and consequence, Sharon does a great job of examining the frustrations and resentment of a teenager saddled with being a caregiver to an ill parent, faced with huge life altering decision that plays against her religious upbringing, and just as she thinks nothing else can go wrong, the bottom drops out of her troubled world. Her landing, though, is on an unexpected cushion desperately needed by the protagonist and the reader at this point, allowing for a realistic ending where you know the characters are going to be all right, even though the path ahead is still full of challenges.
My only reason for not giving "Ice" 5 stars, is that I prefer more dialogue in my stories and this book is more on the telling side, albeit well done, which did not give me the deep personal connection I get through verbal interactions between characters. I do highly recommend this book for teens struggling with life's tough road.
My only reason for not giving "Ice" 5 stars, is that I prefer more dialogue in my stories and this book is more on the telling side, albeit well done, which did not give me the deep personal connection I get through verbal interactions between characters. I do highly recommend this book for teens struggling with life's tough road.
December 21, 2013
"Life experiences could change you in a way that made it impossible to be who you are and yet didn't allow you to be someone else."
Penny is a girl who is just trying to find her way. She loves ice skating but continues on her mothers request. Her mother is pretty much on her deathbed. Her father is more withdrawn then ever. Then the one thing good comes into her life is ruined by age. From there things start to go from bad to worse.
"Hiding from the truth is like trying to run away from your own reflection. Just because you can avoid a mirror, doesn't mean your image isn't still there, jumping out at you every time you pass a reflective surface."
I haven't really been a fan for young adult books lately because they all seem to have the same theme but I found my self still enjoying this book. I thought that the characters were interesting. I liked watching Penny grow and develop as a character. I liked that rather then just ignoring her problems with the help of others she was able to get support and help to get through things. This book was well written. The characters were very relate able. 4.5 stars!
Penny is a girl who is just trying to find her way. She loves ice skating but continues on her mothers request. Her mother is pretty much on her deathbed. Her father is more withdrawn then ever. Then the one thing good comes into her life is ruined by age. From there things start to go from bad to worse.
"Hiding from the truth is like trying to run away from your own reflection. Just because you can avoid a mirror, doesn't mean your image isn't still there, jumping out at you every time you pass a reflective surface."
I haven't really been a fan for young adult books lately because they all seem to have the same theme but I found my self still enjoying this book. I thought that the characters were interesting. I liked watching Penny grow and develop as a character. I liked that rather then just ignoring her problems with the help of others she was able to get support and help to get through things. This book was well written. The characters were very relate able. 4.5 stars!
December 22, 2013
First thoughts: I was expecting a book that centered around ice skating so I was surprised to find it was hardly even a back drop to the story, just another element that was swirled in.
What it's about: Penny loves figure skating but she doesn't like living up to her mother's dreams, not her own. Her home life is stressful so when she finds the perfect guy she lets him think she is older than her seventeen years. Trouble follows.
What I liked: The story kept my interest even though it wasn't at all what I was expecting it to be.
What I didn't like: This story raced from one drama to the next. I think it covered everything that could possible happen to a teenage girl. It reminded me of the ABC family show "Secret Life of an American Teenager". I was a bit overwhelmed.
Who I'd recommend it to: I'd recommend it to older teens and adults that like non stop serious issues mixed with teen drama.
What I'd want to know as a parent: This book deals with a lot of mature themes, cancer, rape, homosexuality, teen age pregnancy, eating disorders ect.
I received an ARC of this book for review purposes through NetGalley.
What it's about: Penny loves figure skating but she doesn't like living up to her mother's dreams, not her own. Her home life is stressful so when she finds the perfect guy she lets him think she is older than her seventeen years. Trouble follows.
What I liked: The story kept my interest even though it wasn't at all what I was expecting it to be.
What I didn't like: This story raced from one drama to the next. I think it covered everything that could possible happen to a teenage girl. It reminded me of the ABC family show "Secret Life of an American Teenager". I was a bit overwhelmed.
Who I'd recommend it to: I'd recommend it to older teens and adults that like non stop serious issues mixed with teen drama.
What I'd want to know as a parent: This book deals with a lot of mature themes, cancer, rape, homosexuality, teen age pregnancy, eating disorders ect.
I received an ARC of this book for review purposes through NetGalley.
March 11, 2013
I absolutely loved this story. My main reason for giving this book 5 stars are for the hard lessons that some people either have to learn or never learn at all. Dealing with adult situations at 17 are tough. Dealing with these issues when you might be broken is nearly impossible. At certain parts I felt especially saddened by the desperation that she felt because of her loneliness among other feelings. When your in a large family and you become overlooked and not loved it takes great strength to get over that.
Penny was dealing with numerous things that could break someone however in the end she gained support from an unlikely source.
The only parts I did not like was the repetitive of the scenario you would think she learned her lesson instead of repeating it constantly that grated on my nerves.
Overall this story was well written and put alot of things out there that is considered taboo. I enjoyed this story and it taught alot about myself as well and that is rare in a fiction book.
Penny was dealing with numerous things that could break someone however in the end she gained support from an unlikely source.
The only parts I did not like was the repetitive of the scenario you would think she learned her lesson instead of repeating it constantly that grated on my nerves.
Overall this story was well written and put alot of things out there that is considered taboo. I enjoyed this story and it taught alot about myself as well and that is rare in a fiction book.
February 5, 2013
It pains me to do this, but this book turned into religious propaganda halfway through, and the main character is possibly the most extreme Mary Sue I have ever encountered - who doesn't seem to care she tricked a man into committing statutory rape many times.
The book skips over issues like rape and death like they’re just minor blips in life – like catching a cold, and then you get over it the next week! By the time I reached the secret baby plot, followed closely by Penny being kicked out of home (after the cancer, death, eating disorder, rape, being dumped, being neglected, losing friends), I was wondering if there was any melodrama left the main character hadn’t been through yet!
And for something that was marketed to me as romance, the romantic interest is hardly in the book.
I also really hate it when an author promotes their friends’ books within the story of their own book.
I'm too angry to keep reading.
DNF at 74%
The book skips over issues like rape and death like they’re just minor blips in life – like catching a cold, and then you get over it the next week! By the time I reached the secret baby plot, followed closely by Penny being kicked out of home (after the cancer, death, eating disorder, rape, being dumped, being neglected, losing friends), I was wondering if there was any melodrama left the main character hadn’t been through yet!
And for something that was marketed to me as romance, the romantic interest is hardly in the book.
I also really hate it when an author promotes their friends’ books within the story of their own book.
I'm too angry to keep reading.
DNF at 74%
August 13, 2016
okay. honestly, i really only found this book interesting because of the super random twists that happened. it was the only thing that kept me entertained. the story was somewhat interesting, though. i really liked how Penny got help with her problems and allowed herself to grow. this was a very different quality from most YA protags (where they usually depend on their love interest to change them).
in general, i liked the idea of the book (despite it being cliche), but the characters were nothing new. the protag was a mary sue, her friends were annoying to read about, and carter's actions were predictable (kinda like his eye color: they were 'blue as the ocean' in the beginning of the book, but then became 'a dark hazel'. hmm...)
i liked reading it as a passing time book (and, once again, the crazy twists in the stories), but it wasn't anything worth five stars.
i would recommend if this is your last book and you're looking for a quick read. but besides that, nothing spectacular.
January 9, 2014
The story of Penny, a youngest child with a dying mom who still finds time to pursue ice skating, even though competition is no longer her dream. In a world that is falling apart, Penny tries to sneak a few normal moments, sneaking out to go to parties, finding a boyfriend, etc.
While the plot has several predictable cliche moments accompanied by crazy, out-of-the-blue twists, I found the book enjoyable as a whole. I have lots of students who would eat this up. Lurlene McDaniel and Dave Pelzer are perennial favorites for a reason. It was not one-dimensional, a trap easy to fall into with a sick parent, sport-induced eating disorder, or Penny's confused relationship with Carter. I liked Penny as a character, even if she was fairly naive.
I ended up liking this one more than I expected and will be recommending it often.
*ARC from NetGalley
While the plot has several predictable cliche moments accompanied by crazy, out-of-the-blue twists, I found the book enjoyable as a whole. I have lots of students who would eat this up. Lurlene McDaniel and Dave Pelzer are perennial favorites for a reason. It was not one-dimensional, a trap easy to fall into with a sick parent, sport-induced eating disorder, or Penny's confused relationship with Carter. I liked Penny as a character, even if she was fairly naive.
I ended up liking this one more than I expected and will be recommending it often.
*ARC from NetGalley
December 9, 2013
On Thin Ice was a surprisingly emotional read. I thought Penny's story started out slow. Explaining her future skating career, mother with cancer and her self imposed responsibility of always being "perfect Penny" was a little too drawn out but once Carter came into the picture things changed. I was surprised at how often her story tugged at my heart. My favorite quote was at the very end:" Honesty takes courage. It requires us to be transparent to other people-to be vulnerable-to detach ourselves from the expectations of others. To believe that we are loveable exactly as we are, and to know that our imperfections are what make us so perfectly human." Powerful story. I received this book from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2015
Well written teen perspective about surviving a difficult and tragic period in her life
This book gives a fairly realistic look into the not so uncommon life of an American teenager. High pressure at home to achieve lofty goals that are not her own, dealing with very adult problems with a tremendously lacking support system, and trying to be a somewhat normal teenager in the midst of turmoil and tragedy. Living with parents unhappily married, parents with unhealthy relationships with alcohol.
This book gives a fairly realistic look into the not so uncommon life of an American teenager. High pressure at home to achieve lofty goals that are not her own, dealing with very adult problems with a tremendously lacking support system, and trying to be a somewhat normal teenager in the midst of turmoil and tragedy. Living with parents unhappily married, parents with unhealthy relationships with alcohol.
June 21, 2012
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book. The ending was a bit too perfect but was still happy with the outcome.
Sometimes I think books for young adults have a duty to portray teenage pregnancy as it is: hard, difficult and not easy. This book took a different route with it and I am not sure I agree with it. But that goes along with my feelings about the ending of this book and how it was all a little too perfect.
Sometimes I think books for young adults have a duty to portray teenage pregnancy as it is: hard, difficult and not easy. This book took a different route with it and I am not sure I agree with it. But that goes along with my feelings about the ending of this book and how it was all a little too perfect.
June 18, 2014
A very emotional coming-of-age story, pitting a young girl against her mother's dreams, complicated by her mother having cancer. As if that's not enough, Penny has a new love interest.
At times it felt like there were too many issues being tossed in the story, but Sharon handled them smoothly and kept the pages turning as you need to find out how each problem resolves.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
At times it felt like there were too many issues being tossed in the story, but Sharon handled them smoothly and kept the pages turning as you need to find out how each problem resolves.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2012
This was an amazing story of strength and hope. Ms. Sharon writes with such passion that the emotions hit straight to the heart. Her characters seem so real and you can't help rooting for them to overcome the obstacles put before them. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
October 23, 2012
...drama, drama, drama! There was everything in this book...under age sex, underage drinking, teen pregnancy, abortion, parents with cancer, parents that have affairs, long lost parents, rape, gay siblings, eating disorters...you name it! A bit too much really but not much depth. It was ok!
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May 17, 2013This book was a bit dark and too heavy for me. So much was thrown at Penny that it made if a tough read for me. Luckily this poor girls lucks begins to change at the end of the book. But I like to read for escapism and this isn't that kind of book. At least it ended on an optimistic note.
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