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Detour Ahead
Join twin sisters Gabby and Lucy in a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and resilience as they navigate family secrets, new friendships, and the inspiring legacy of a civil rights activist in the enchanting Adirondack Mountains.
In this emotionally layered novel of adventure, friendship, and historical and personal discovery, twin sisters diverge on different paths as Gabby seeks to find her purpose while Lucy's purpose is tested. The girls live on Tupper Lake in the New York Adirondack Mountains where their family rents out cabins to canoeists and hikers, and they help run the place. Their personal struggles rise as a mysterious kayaker begins shadowing the cove where they live; a secretive new girl moves to their town; and their father distracts himself by making more and more birdhouses and not being able to sleep.
Gabby finds courage to bring her dog regularly to the local nursing home and have him interact with lonely residents, while Lucy is a singularly focused swimmer who practices her laps in the lake and at regional swim meets. When Lucy finally wins her first meet, a torn bathing suit leads to harassment on social media and she withdraws into herself. Then, sidelined by an injury, she starts opening up to understand the complex truths of herself and those around her twin sister, a bully from school, and the new girl, who both her and Gabby befriend.
In this emotionally layered novel of adventure, friendship, and historical and personal discovery, twin sisters diverge on different paths as Gabby seeks to find her purpose while Lucy's purpose is tested. The girls live on Tupper Lake in the New York Adirondack Mountains where their family rents out cabins to canoeists and hikers, and they help run the place. Their personal struggles rise as a mysterious kayaker begins shadowing the cove where they live; a secretive new girl moves to their town; and their father distracts himself by making more and more birdhouses and not being able to sleep.
Gabby finds courage to bring her dog regularly to the local nursing home and have him interact with lonely residents, while Lucy is a singularly focused swimmer who practices her laps in the lake and at regional swim meets. When Lucy finally wins her first meet, a torn bathing suit leads to harassment on social media and she withdraws into herself. Then, sidelined by an injury, she starts opening up to understand the complex truths of herself and those around her twin sister, a bully from school, and the new girl, who both her and Gabby befriend.
136 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 1, 2025
I loved the setting for this story and the character development of the twins. There’s an interesting element about Goodman mountain and Andrew Goodman’s role in the Civil Rights movement. It shows young readers the ripple effect of historical events and how national can be local.
Also I loved seeing realistic parents in a young reader’s book. Parents struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. And sometimes kids need to know a little bit of what is going on. Secrets create more anxiety and worries in the child who knows something is amiss.
I also loved the sisters’ kindness towards Blossom. We always need more kindness!
Also I loved seeing realistic parents in a young reader’s book. Parents struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. And sometimes kids need to know a little bit of what is going on. Secrets create more anxiety and worries in the child who knows something is amiss.
I also loved the sisters’ kindness towards Blossom. We always need more kindness!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
Escape to the woodland beauty of Tupper Lake in New York’s Adirondack Mountains with Detour Ahead by Liza Frenette—a gripping tale packed with mystery, friendship, and challenges of self-discovery. Join twin sisters Lucy and Gabby, who help their parents run a business of renting cabins and canoes, as they decipher the riddle of a unique new classmate who smells like smoke and a lone kayaker who randomly appears in their cove. Along the way, they discover history and self-assurance. If you love outdoor adventures, puzzling secrets, and stories about true friendship, you won't put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews