The Summer of Cotton Candy

Sweet Seasons #1

by Debbie Viguié

Most people think The Zone is an amusement park, but Candy Thompson knows it's really a slave labor camp. What else would you call a summer job that requires a sixteen-year-old girl to set aside her whole social life for the privilege of standing out in the hot sun selling cotton candy? Still, there are perks---particularly the mysterious hunk in the Lone Ranger costume. Behind that mask are the most amazing eyes Candy has ever seen. Who is that masked man? But someone else is just as interested. And romantic competition isn't the only problem. Besides being hard work, The Zone is eating up major time. How is Candy supposed to stay involved in church? Worse yet, will she lose her best friend, Tamara, who resents how Candy's job limits their time together? This is NOT the summer Candy hoped for! But as she is about to discover, the summer of cotton candy will be the greatest summer of her life.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2008

About the author

Debbie Viguié is the New York Times Bestselling author of more than three dozen novels including the Wicked series co-authored with Nancy Holder. In addition to her epic dark fantasy work Debbie also writes thrillers including The Psalm 23 Mysteries, the Kiss trilogy, and the Witch Hunt trilogy. Debbie also plays a recurring character on the audio drama, Doctor Geek’s Laboratory. When Debbie isn’t busy writing or acting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, visiting theme parks.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book was the cutest! I loved it so much and read it in less than 24 hours. I need the next book in the series ASAP.

[$hanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! The Summer of Cotton Candy is a novel about Candace Thompson who wants her summer to be about her social life and hanging with friends and cute guys. That all changes when her Dad decides that Candace needs a summer job. Candace gets a job at a amusement park called The Zone and works as the cotton candy operator for her summer job. There is a lot of mischief and romance that comes along with Candace`s job. Candace`s question is will her friendship last with her best friend Tamara due to her job. Candace goes through everything a senior high schooler goes through in the summer. The first book was awesome and I`m just starting the second one that is very good so far! I can`t wait for you all to read this book!!!!!!!!!

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Most people think The Zone is an amusement park, but Candy Thompson knows it s really a slave labor camp. What else would you call a summer job that requires a sixteen-year-old girl to set aside her whole social life for the privilege of standing out in the hot sun selling cotton candy? Still, there are perks particularly the mysterious hunk in the Lone Ranger costume. Behind that mask are the most amazing eyes Candy has ever seen. Who is that masked man? But someone else is just as interested. And romantic competition isn’t the only problem. Besides being hard work, The Zone is eating up major time. How is Candy supposed to stay involved in church? Worse yet, will she lose her best friend, Tamara, who resents how Candy’s job limits their time together? This is NOT the summer Candy hoped for! But as she is about to discover, the summer of cotton candy will be the greatest summer of her life.”


Series: Book #1 (of four) in the “Sweet Seasons” series.


Spiritual Content- Prayers & mentions of Praying; Asking forgiveness; A couple mentions of Scriptures; Church & Youth Group; A mention of David & Goliath; A girl says God isn’t real because her mother told her so.
*Note: Candace says the workers at The Zone act like The Zone is “some sort of shrine to the god of entertainment.”; Candace renames The Zone, “Hell Zone”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dang’, a ‘dang it’, a form of ‘dumb’, a ‘gosh’, a ‘oh my gosh’, a form of ‘screw’, a ‘stupid’, a form of ‘suck’, a ‘wicked’, a ‘wimpy’, two forms of ‘crap’, three ‘duh’, five ‘idiot’; Sarcasm; Mentions of a drug test & urinating in a cup; Mentions of vampires & mummies.


Sexual Content- Five barely-above-not-detailed kisses (One of those on the first date and telling friends about it) and Five boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Thinking about kissing & kisses; Noticing & Staring; five forms of ‘hot’ when referring how someone looks; Boys, crushes, cheating & dating plus mentions of it all; Flirts & Jerks leer & make kissy noises at Candace; A couple mentions of sexual harassment; Candace is convinced that a guy is a pervert; Candace calls Tamara’s 15year old cousin a perv when he pinches her; Candace asks a guy friend if he has a crush on a guy after being told there's no girls he has his eye on (he does not, he recently broke up with his girlfriend); A nightmare of wearing nothing from the waist down at school (no details).
*Note: “get your butt over here”, “You kicked butt” and “kick your butt out of here” are said once each; Mentions of (and sometimes wearing) shorts, tank tops, short skirts, bras & low-cut tops.

-Candace “Candy” Thompson, age 17
P.O.V. of Candace
209 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Higher ratings for girls in Public School or fans of Melody Carlson}
While I wasn’t a fan of all the kisses, I laughed so hard! The plot-line was fun. This was overall decent read and I can see many teenagers enjoying this series.


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little wary of reading this book at first. but ultimately decided to give it a shot. In the end, there were a couple issues I had with the story that I just couldn't overlook, even though I really enjoyed the theme park setting. For starters, I found the main character to be more than a little pretentious and just annoying in general. She wasn't so bad at first, but the part where she screamed at a child and called her ugly because she said she didn't believe there was a god was just so disgusting in my opinion. Not too long after that, the MC then threatened to falsely accuse a male supervisor of sexual assault. Candy does a lot of Christian soul searching throughout the novel but never reflects back on how she acted in these situations and it made me hate her as a character even more. From there, the book just got even more annoying. Most of her friends and their actions were unrealistic. The romantic interest was boring, flat, and I never really cared what happened with the two of them.

This just wasn't the book for me. However, I'd be interested in reading more books set in theme parks in the future because that was the only aspect of the story that piqued my interest.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely more fluff-like then I would have wanted, but I was still entertained. I kept expecting the main character to switch her love interest, but she never did, and that puzzled me. I wasn’t sure that Kurt was good enough for her, and I wished that there was more depth to their relationship. There didn’t seem to be enough meat for this story as well. And coming from the experience of working at a theme park one whole summer, some of the things in this book seemed way far-fetched. I thought it was a little flakey as well. The ending wrapped up far too nicely and I didn’t understand why some things were so easy for the main character to get over. I enjoyed this book and will probably read the others in the series, but if you are looking for something with more substantial than you will have to look elsewhere. A nice beach read though.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Lydia Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had an interesting concept, and for the most part I enjoyed it. It didn't seem extremely realistic though. There were parts that just made me shake my head, and parts that made me raise my eyebrows because it didn't make sense.
The book reminded me of someone using their imagination and just going all out while still trying to make it realistic. (In regards to how the theme park worked.)
There were some good lessons in the book, so that was a plus.
I didn't really connect or like any of the characters other than one of the side ones, so that was a bit of a downside, but totally just a personal preference.

[Madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! I think I might even like this series better than the Uglies series.

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Summer of Cotton Candy was all kinds of cute. Cute and predictable. In it, you will meet Candace. She's not a complicated girl and seems to just brush things off rather quickly. Yet, I couldn't connect with her one bit. I mean she's basically me in book form because I just give zero effs about anything and everything. Unless it's my dogs.. you hurt them I will hurt you.

There's also a romance between her and Kurt which was just so dull to me. She honestly could've done a lot better and it seemed like she deserved it as well. Yet, she stuck with him through and through. I just couldn't get behind this whole relationship because it bored me to tears.

In the end, I'm way happy that I listened to the audiobook and it zoomed by for me.

[Carly Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all I think the cover is totally cool. That said, the book wasn't that great. I kept waiting for something to happen.. and nothing ever did. Just an average story of an average theme park job. Pretty boring. The characters weren't that lovable either. Especially Kurt. He really bugged me. Candace had no idea if he was even a christian and that bothered her, yet she still let him kiss all over her all the time. And it seemed like he had a different girlfriend each season and she was just 'this summers girlfriend'. So yeah it was just eh for me.

[Paula Soper · Rating 1 out of 5]

WHY do "christian books" have to be so poorly written?

[Incana Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book "The Summer of Cotton Candy," by Debbie Viguié was an average book. The story was predictable and boring. It's about a girl named Candice and how her new job causes conflict with her best friend and boyfriend. The story begins with her dad pressuring her to get a job in the summer when she doesn’t want to: “It was the first day of summer vacation, but for Candance, it might as well be her last” (Viguié 7). This shows how she wasn’t fond of getting a job in the first place. It then ends with her being sad about her last day at her job: “But as she parked in the employee parking lot and showed her identification to gain entrance in the park, she felt a little sad instead” (Viguié 202). This shows how her emotions were changed from the beginning of the story.

While she was working, she found a boyfriend who was a co-worker and was happy with him. Unfortunately, she found her best friend and boyfriend together at a coffee shop displaying inappropriate behavior between them. Fortunately, the situation was resolved, and Candice and her boyfriend remained together. Candice and her best friend also remained best friends. The book then ended with an expected ending of Candice having a great boyfriend and still having her best friend by her side.

In conclusion, the book is slow, dull, and uninteresting, and the text fails to be intriguing and compelling. Therefore, I do not recommend this book because the concept and text is usual and familiar.

[Zoe]

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER! ITS FULL OF FUN AND EXITEMENT! EVERYONE WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deanna Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book my Nana bought me the third book to this series and after it I was hooked. I loved taking the journey with candace and her friends from being this shy timid girl to taking a daring step into the lime light. This book was so interesting from the the first page i was hooked i was also quite happy when i found out that these where christian books, I liked that Candace stuck to her faith but it didnt make us christians look like we are crazy which was really nice for a change. The descriptions of the characters reminded me of some of my friends which really made me feel like i was right there with candace working at the zone.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is meant to be Christian chick-lit for teens, and it works as that, but it's also really funny in places - something most Christian chick-lit seems to be sadly lacking. Viguie actually worked at several southern-California theme parks, and it shows in the insider details of Candace's job at the fictional theme park The Zone. The writing is clumsy in places, with some of the characters seeming more like caricatures, but Vigue gets better in the rest of the books in this series.

[Katie Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was ok. Predictable.
The only thing that bugged me was the constant references to her Christianity. It actually got annoying after the first chapter.
Will not be reading the second for thus reason.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out not really fond of it, but the more I got into it the more I started to like it. I may read the next one.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Sweet Seasons series, the main character Candy works at an amusement park for the summer selling cotton candy. Hijinks and trouble ensue, and even though I found some of it rather unbelievable, I really enjoyed Candy's adventures.

I didn't care for the love interest much but she was so sweet and I really liked her as a character. The secondary characters were pretty good as well - they're fun and quirky.

Overall a quick, cute, summery read.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when I was in 4th or 5th grade and omg I loved the series so much can't wait to re-read it again! Super fun cause I'm the characters age now haha

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little while back I reviewed With This Ring, I'm Confused because I was looking to see how published authors did light-hearted stories that had characters with doses of morality; I did that book because I couldn't find any YA Christian literature. However, lucky for me, I was able to find this series (and another, The Carter House Girls series, that I'll review separately) that fits the YA Christian fiction bill.

These books were decent, I started to like the characters the further they went on--perhaps because this author is kind of new and maybe her writing is getting better each time. Whatever the cause, Candace (and her friends and boyfriend) became more likeable as time went on. What irritated me with this series though is the same issues I've had with Kristin Billerbeck (see the With this Ring... review linked above), Christian fiction is way too heavy-handed. If you want to make your message really clear, make it clear, but don't preach. I think the reason I find this so grating is because the target audience is very likely Christians, who could probably draw the conclusions themselves without having the author come right out and put in a little prayer. Call me crazy, but some times I like to actually have to think for myself when I'm reading.

That's not to say that when the final installment in the series, The Spring of Candy Apples, comes out in late February 2009, that I won't be picking it up. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, or I can't stand to not find out what school Candace ends up going to (although I'm pretty sure I could make a safe bet now), but I've got to close the loop on this series.

All in all, a decent series for young adult readers (I'd say maybe 14-17, any older than that and it might be too silly and saccharine). I gave it an B because, as I read the other YA series, I found that (even with its flaws), the Sweet Seasons series could have been worse. The B is probably relative.

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Thompson’s dad has ordered her to get a summer job and earn money of her own. She gets a job at The Zone, an amusement park where she’s a cotton candy operator and salesgirl. Candace starts to make friends at The Zone, including handsome guy who dresses up like the Lone Ranger. She also makes a few enemies. Plus, Candace’s best friend, Tamera, who happens to be rich, is upset that Candace doesn’t have time for her anymore and is jealous of Candace’s new friends. Can Candace learn to balance her new friends with her old? And can she stand up to the enemies she’s made at The Zone?

What a fun read! It zipped right by. I loved Candace, and The Zone was so well thought out that it read like its own fantasy world. I can totally imagine going to that theme park! The story was funny in parts, frustrating in parts, and sweet too. I’m curious what’s going to happen in Candace’s life yet and am going to have to read book two. Recommended!

[Jennifer Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was pretty cute. It definitely more for younger readers but I did find it very readable. I could relate to the MCs unsureness surrounding first jobs, boy crushes, dealing with coworkers, dealing with friends, etc. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

One aspect that I didn’t really appreciate was this character’s “best friend”. I really felt like this girl did not have her friend’s best interest in mind at all. She was constantly trying to get her to quit her job and just hang out with her more. She kind of came around by the end, but I just found myself wishing the MC would ditch her and get more supportive friends.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because it was amazing! I totally loved this book and would recommend it to any one. Well... maybe not boys because this is mostly for girls. My favorite part of the book was the very end when her and her team went on a scavenger hunt all around the theme park. The whole staff participated in it who works there. I won't tell you how it ends so you'll will have to read for yourself. I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute book. The character of Candy was well written and quite realistic. The book focused on having good morals (church is a theme throughout the book), building relationships, and being true to yourself. There is also the most amazig theme park that could ever be built! Definitely a book to recommend to middle schoolers. Thanks to Brooke C. for recommending the series.

[Rachel Sorce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!! It's about Candace who works at The Zone, an amusement park. Each book in the series covers her time working there in each season of the year. It's a great pick for young adult books. It is different from other young adult books out there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's definitely a good read!! :)

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fluffy. The entire series seems to have candy in the title (and how sweet, the heroine's name is Candace) so I'm sure the sticky sweet stuff continues. Perfect for me as I alternate between writing a paper on PTSD and watching World Figure Skating Championship performances. You can read these books in an hour or two.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a 17 year old who takes her first job selling cotton candy at a theme park. I enjoyed reading (lots of big description) about the theme park and I'm pretty sure the author loved imagining it. It even sounds like a theme park I'd enjoy visiting!

The book leads well into the next, which I'm ready to read!

[MockingBirdLeigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace talks about her summer job at a theme park called the zone. It was punishment from her parents to get a job to earn money. At the zone candy works at cotton candy machine. She talks about the new friends she makes, and her difficulties during her summer. It was a great book, and I can't wait to read the others.

[Lillian's Lovely Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really liking this one . I was a little confused with the parents . They would rather Candace have a job then attend church and even encouraged her to look "hot " on her date. I just thought this was a little weird since this is a Christian book !
Only halfway through so maybe things will get better ! ❤️

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like the heroine very much. Maybe she learned a little about responsibility through the course of the novel, but she seemed to be overreacting to everything that happened to her. And there was no real denouement; it obviously has a sequel.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's is a good book, very easy to get into.