Chasing the Sun

Campfire #1

by Melanie Hooyenga

The new boy. The quiet girl. Will they find love during the solar eclipse?

Neb

Starting at a new school senior year sucks. Moving across Oregon to live with my mom after my dad died is worse. But I refuse to miss the total solar eclipse at the end of summer. Dad and I looked forward to it for as long as I can remember, so when my only friend in my new town invites me on a school camping trip to watch it, I’m there.

And only 67% of my wanting to go is because of Sage, the quiet girl on the group text my friend started. She gets my jokes, doesn’t mind when I geek out about the eclipse, and for the first time in months, I’m looking forward to something.


Sage

When my controlling ex broke up with me at the end of junior year, I thought my only chance at love was over. But then Neb moved to town and what started as a casual text conversation turned into something that made me believe that maybe I’m not as damaged as I thought.

My self-help-loving best friend is dragging me on “the path of self-healing” — a path that apparently includes camping with twenty classmates to see the solar eclipse. And Neb, the boy I’ve never seen but whose silly space jokes turn my insides to mush, will be there. But when we finally meet in person, another girl stakes her claim on him. Do I run the other way to save my heart, or risk it all for a chance at happiness with this space boy?


Book one in the Campfire Series, Chasing the Sun, is a lighthearted romance with space puns, Portland shenanigans, and enough feels to totally eclipse your heart.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Published August 11, 2020

About the author

Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to that age group. She has lived in Washington DC, Chicago, and Mexico, but has finally settled down in her home state of Michigan.

When not writing books, you can find Melanie enjoying the great outdoors and playing every sport imaginable with her husband Jeremy.

**Awards**
Flicker
–> 1st Place Winner (MG/YA) of the 3rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published eBook Awards (2015)

The Slope Rules
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2017, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Silver Winner (High School Romance) 2017, Children's Literary Classics
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2017, Readers' Favorite

The Trail Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2018, Children's Literary Classics
–> Silver Winner (YA Romance) 2018, Readers' Favorite
–> Silver Winner (YA General Fiction) 2018, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

The Edge Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2019 — Children’s Literary Classics
–> Winner (YA) 2019 – Orange County RWA BBB Awards
–> Finalist / YA/MG Winner 2019 – BookLife Prize
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2019 — Readers’ Favorite

Chasing the Sun
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2020, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Quarter-Finalist / YA/MG 2020 – BookLife Prize

Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Hooyenga is on my auto-approved must read list. Her books suck me in and I can’t get enough of the worlds she creates.

Chasing the sun is about accepting the loss of the past and searching for a better future.

Sage has escaped a toxic relationship but it’s left her weary. When she starts messaging Neb she knows he’s different but her ex still has a hold over her. Can she make the final break?

Neb has lost his dad. Now he’s living with his mum and his life has been turned upside down. What he really wants is to experience the eclipse. When he starts talking to Sage he finds a connection like no other. Can he find a new life that isn’t overshadowed by his loss?

This is sweet, fun and heart-warming.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binge-read this book! The characters were what drew me in initially, totally sucked in from the first page. It's been a bit since I've been able to sit down and read a sweet book like this for fun, and it was absolutely enjoyable. Loved it!

*I received an ARC in exchange for a review*

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately after reading chapter one, I saw so much of myself in these characters (both Sage and Neb). I loved how real they felt to me, as well as the supporting characters they called friends (even the antagonists were well drawn). The adults in this book are so refreshing; they are truly caring people who are actively involved in the teens' lives. I enjoy reading books in which adults show role model behaviors.

This book dealt with issues such as anxiety, bullying, learning to love oneself, learning to stand up for yourself, death of a loved one, and more, and brought out all the emotions in me as I got to know and love these characters.

The jokes, puns, and word play are spot on my sense of humor and I laughed and rolled my eyes at the best of the worst ones. The scientist and lover of all things space in me enjoyed the geeky moments too. I remember this solar eclipse event well and even bought glasses so we could enjoy the partial eclipse we could see from our home.

This is the second book I've read by this author and I plan on reading the next books in this series too. Highly recommended for a fun, emotional, authentic teen voice, and fast read (because I never wanted to put it down).

[Exclusively_Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a big fan of romance but I really loved this book. This was an ARC read for me and I’m so happy I read it. I came for the space pun (which where really good) but I stayed for her writing. I love how well the author portrayed her characters and I love the character of Kit, the witty character that makes everyone have that eye roll moment when he made a joke, but he’s also very caring. I loved the budding romance between Neb (short for Nebula) and Sage and how cute they were with each other and I could just picture this adorable couple in my head when I was reading it. The only thing was that it had a slow start and wish we had bit more background into both Sages previously relationship and breakup but also Neb’s struggle. This book had me feeling giddy, happy and sad when I was meant to and I even had those eye roll moments myself with Kit. It was a short, and easy read that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend reading this book when it is released on August 11th.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always love Melanie’s character development, and Chasing the Sun did not disappoint in this department. New and Sage are precious, complicated, and damaged characters that draw the reader into their world. The story deals with some heavy topics, and has some steamy scenes, that target an older teen audience. I really appreciated the way she portrayed a healthy relationship between young people who are searching to navigate through an often tumultuous world.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the conversations with Neb and Sage. Both were trying to heal from personal issues. Both issues were explained and realistic. Their friendships were perfectly imperfect. The story was steady paced. Perfect read for around the campfire.

[Tammy Ruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a break from the 2020 pandemic? Take off your mask, pick up your device and dive into Hooyenga's latest novel. As always, Hooyenga makes it easy to jump into the book and imagine that you are right there in the car with Sage and Naomi. It was fun to read about and remember what life was like before Covid-19. Additionally, I like how the chapters alternate between Sage and Neb's voices. While reading their witty texts and dialogues I often found myself reminiscing on when I first met my husband. Great read. Keep 'em coming please.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of overcoming difficult situations and finding love! Neb and Sage help each other heal through friendship and their connection. Not only was I pulled in for the main characters, but also all their friends. I’m definitely looking forward to any further books in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story! I loved this book- had a hard time putting it down because I was so intrigued with the story line. The perfect amount of young love, drama, new adventures and overcoming fears and learning to trust. A 5 star young adult read!

[Emily Kazmierski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute. Perfect for fans of Jenn Bennett’s YA novels.

[Aleena Marot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Chasing The Sun from author Melanie Hooyenga and man, am I glad I did! Great book! Good story, good characters! Deals with true coming of age problems in a real world setting, plus great humor to keep it from feeling too heavy! Definitely a YA book as it doesn't get too hot-n-heavy! I certainly recommend reading it!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All the characters came to life for me and I couldn't put it down until the end!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL. THE. FEELS.
I came for the space puns (and the romance, duh!), and stayed for the beautiful writing, the quirky and loveable cast of characters (Sage and Neb are too adorkable - seriously, I love these two!), and ALL the smiles, the laughs, the heartbreak, the sighs, and the swoons (don't get me started... <3).
More please? Pretty please with s'mores and Baily's beads on top?

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Chasing the Sun' by Melanie Hooyenga captures the raw emotions felt after a breakup, as well as the ones that can throw anyone for a loop as they enter into something new. When Sage and Pax break up, she doesn't know if her heart and her mind will ever be in sync again. Having lost the ability to trust guys after getting out of an emotionally abusive relationship, she internally questions herself and the guys around her. When she meets Neb, even though it's just over text, she feels something happening between them, but the fact that they haven't met in person makes it easier for her to let loose and enjoy their conversations. Since he has just moved to town and doesn't know her past, she is able to be herself with him without worrying that his judgment is clouded since he knows what she's been through. When she finds she is going to meet him on a school trip to see the eclipse, she is excited, yet worry clouds how eager she is. It doesn't help that Pax seems to show up wherever she is, causing her to succumb to the anger, tension, and guilt she feels after dealing with him for so long.

Along with her best friend, Naomi, Sage and their friends travel to see the eclipse. Once there, she meets Neb in person, and the way they click makes her thrilled, yet very wary all at the same time. She remembers how Pax swept her off her feet too, and how he seemed so nice at first. Her questioning nature could threaten to ruin their relationship as it just starts, but Neb takes it in stride, as he tries to show her that he is nothing like her ex. Moving on from Pax for both Sage and Neb is made all that much more difficult, though, when Pax's sister, Ariana, and Ariana's friend, Tara, also go on the trip. Sage can't shake the feeling that she's being watched, as though Pax sent them to spy on her, and Neb can't get Tara to realize he's not interested in her.

The way that Sage and Neb's relationship develops is endearing. It shows that love can seemingly exist at first sight; however, it doesn't hurt when you've been talking with someone via text for weeks prior to meeting them, and you know that person's sense of humor and how you get along to at least some degree already.

Sage, Neb, and their friends throw around lots of fun “sun puns” and jokes about the eclipse. They show that even when people know things about you that aren't so pleasant, it doesn't mean that they can't still enjoy your company and have your back when someone threatens to stand in your way or make your life harder.

'Chasing the Sun' isn't just about a group of friends going to see the eclipse happen. It's about chasing dreams, chasing truth, chasing love, and chasing self-worth. Melanie Hooyenga has done a wonderful job penning all of this emotion in her latest novel.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summer before her senior year of high school, Sage is recovering from an abusive relationship with a controlling boyfriend that resulted in Sage having panic attacks in crowded areas. With the help of her best friend, Naomi, she is steadily recovering. Neb is new to town, moving across Oregon to live with his mother after the unexpected death of his father. Neb is adjusting, but misses his father and his avid love of science and outer space. Neb is looking forward to the upcoming total solar eclipse, but it will be a bittersweet experience without his father. Neb's friend throws him an epic bonfire to get to know some friends before the start of the school year along with a group text of everyone invited. Through the group text, Neb gets to know Sage, but she opts out of the bonfire. Through continued texting, Sage finds herself connecting strongly with Neb, but her fear of a new relationship stops her from going too far. When an opportunity to view the eclipse on a school trip pops up, Neb jumps at the chance and Sage is convinced to come along. When Neb and Sage finally meet, they see stars; but will Sage be able to overcome her trauma and will Neb be able to fully experience the eclipse without his father?



Chasing the Sun is a cute young adult romance centered around the 2017 total eclipse. This character driven romance included strong male and female leads as well as an amazing supportive cast of friends. Sage is strong willed and knows herself well, but has been shaken to her core by manipulative boyfriend, Pax. Neb is caring and resilient but coming to terms with missing watching the eclipse with his father. Their relationship forms very naturally, getting to know one another through text without ever seeing one another. When Sage and Neb finally do meet, it is a moment of kismet. With the backdrop of the approaching eclipse, there is magic in the air as the new couple is able to get to know one another over an epic three day date. I loved all the space jokes and their easy nature with one another. Sage and Neb's relationship showcased healthy relationships, respect for each other's boundaries and freedom of expressing yourself. Sage and Neb's friends are also super supportive of each of their quirks and needs. Overall, an amazing young adult romance with spectacular characters and settings.

[Klaudia Janek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: I really enjoyed this young adult romance set against the backdrop of the 2017 total solar eclipse. The story follows Neb, a boy navigating life after the death of his father while adjusting to a new school in Oregon. Eager to experience the eclipse his father loved, Neb connects with Sage, a girl recovering from an abusive relationship. Through a group text and shared interests, their friendship blossoms into something deeper. As they prepare for a camping trip to view the eclipse together, Sage grapples with her past trauma and fears of new relationships, while Neb seeks to embrace life despite his loss. When they finally meet, their connection shines brightly, but both must confront their personal struggles to find happiness together. With charming space puns and relatable characters, "Chasing the Sun" explores themes of healing, self-acceptance, and the magic of new beginnings.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book offers rich themes of resilience, friendship, and the impact of past trauma, making it an excellent choice for discussions on mental health and emotional well-being. Librarians can host book clubs that encourage students to share their perspectives on the characters' experiences, promoting empathy and understanding. Additionally, the book's connection to the solar eclipse provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning. Librarians can collaborate with science teachers to create lessons that explore the science behind eclipses, linking it to the characters' experiences and emotions. The incorporation of space-related jokes and terminology can also spark interest in astronomy. The narrative encourages creative expression. Students can be prompted to write their own stories or reflections based on themes from the book, enhancing their writing skills. I think this book is appropriate for any high school library. It is a romance, but it is not sexually explicit. The characters in the book do sneak around the woods and tents, despite their teachers telling them not to :) But it has all the romantic vibes that readers are looking for. This author is a local Michigan author, which makes me want to promote it even more to my students.
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[Kevin Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Sun was such a lovely falling-in-love story between two extremely vulnerable teens who were both a little reluctant to do so. Sage comes to the story having experienced an emotionally tumultuous relationship with a manipulative emotional abusive partner. Neb arrives having just lost his father suddenly in an extremely traumatic way. Together they navigate a path toward each other first through texts and then in person when they finally meet at a summertime school camping trip to view a total solar eclipse together. Both are tentative but excited. Sage wants to believe in love again, but doesn't fully trust her own judgement. Neb is adjusting to a new city...and isn't quite sure how to allow himself to feel joy while simultaneously mourning the loss of his father. When Sage and Neb do meet in person, sparks fly immediately. But are sparks enough? This story is filled with wonderfully cute falling in love moments. The eclipse almost becomes a character as the story winds down and the tension mounts and the moment of the eclipse nears. I loved everything about this story!

[Jennifer Greenleaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of anything that Melanie Hooenga writes. So, when I found out Chasing the Sun was available, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy.

The main characters, Sage and Neb, are relatable and real in many ways. This "realness" sucks you deep into the plot and keeps the pages turning. First, Sage is reeling from escaping a toxic relationship whereby her ex still very much has a hold over her. Neb is also undergoing emotional turmoil, but it's because of his father's passing.

Throughout the plot, you'll find the characters dealing with hard-hitting issues including bullying, standing up for yourself, death, how to love yourself, and anxiety - all of which are emotions I find myself, my kids, and my husband dealing with, thus making this book even more relatable. Sage and Neb help each other heal, love, and overcome difficult situations.

[Hope Munson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a surprise mystery book for the summer and while I thought the writing was alright it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I don’t usually go for pure romance books as I don’t love a lot of spice and smutty topics in general. I liked the storyline of the eclipse but found it hard to really get into since there wasn’t really any major conflict. The texting embedded in the story was a bit challenging too. I was happy to see that Neb and Sage got a happy ending (did see it coming, but still cute). I don’t plan to read the rest of the series but this did challenge me as a reader to try and branch out even if I didn’t like it too much. My only real drawback was that it was a little bit too descriptive for what seemed like a cute, innocent quick summer read and there wasn’t a warning for that content which for some audiences should be included as a general curtesy.

[Maria Croff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I just wanted to keep reading it. Pretty sure I would've finished it in one day instead of two had I not had family visiting me the day I started it.

Neb and Sage reminded me of when my husband and I first started dating. The way they originally connect is similar to how my husband and I first connected, through group messaging and then texting each other for a couple weeks before ever meeting in person.
And then there were all the feelings and excitement of a new relationship that Neb and Sage were experiencing. The story had me reminiscing of our early days together and all those same feelings and excitement that we felt.

[Lisa Heiberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult story immediately immerses you into the beginning of a new relationship between Sage and Neb. They have both been through a lot in their pasts and you see how it shapes them into who they are now and how they react to this new relationship. It is told by both of their perspectives which was a lot of fun to read. You don't have to guess what they are thinking because you know! And it all takes place in the days leading up to a solar eclipse in and around Portland, Oregon. I highly recommend this book!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up having read a lot of Hooyenga’s books and dove in and loved it straight away. Sage was relatable and again with Hooyenga, she doesn’t mind exploring some of the more darker themes, but doing so in a way that makes it a more rounded experience and characters. I adored Neb, adored the twists and turns and fell in love with the other characters too. Overall an amazing first in a series, well written and so engaging i read it all in one sitting! Highly recommended!

[Samantha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished it last night!! It was so good. Hooyenga writes teenagers so well! She did such a great job balancing taking them seriously and acknowledging the hard things they were going through with it still being youthful and fun! Very sweet and such a page turner!

[Genalea Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable and heartfelt binge read! So much more than romance. The characters were real and loveable. I laughed, I swooned, I teared up. I have no regrets spending my day with these characters and their adorable story.

[Alice Bottje · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about finding your way through difficult times. Highly recommended!

[L. Storms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally reminiscent of high school love and the freedom that comes with being a senior in high school. Cute!

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in a dual point of view. I enjoyed this style and seeing the story from both main character's views. The characters are well written and the story is very believable.

[Lindsey VanEerden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Happy to have read the book after meeting the author, however not a book series for me. Seems to be geared toward a younger reader

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We’re all screwed up in one way or another. The only thing you can do is to repeat the same mistakes.

I skim the new releases, trying to get lost in their promise to magically transport me to another world. The question is, which one? Mom and Dad fully support my reading habit, but my allowance is only enough for one or two books per month.

Dad always said that no matter where you are in the world, the stars will always be there. Anytime I feel lost, literally or figuratively, I look up and know my place in the world.

“I love stories and the way you can escape real life in a book.”

Powell’s is everything I imagined and more. Bookshelves line the walls and create narrow rows throughout the sprawling room, then a doorway leads to another room where more shelves hold more books than ‘ve ever seen at one time. Handwritten notes recommending different titles flutter from the edge of the shelves as we pass and I want to touch everything. Everywhere I turn, people are reading. Crouched on the floor, perched on the steps, cuddled in a small grouping of overstuffed chairs.

The worst days of our lives don’t have to define us. They may change us forever, but it’s what we take away from that pain that makes us who we are.

Neb is starting a new school the summer before he starts senior year. He moved across Oregon to live with his mom after his dad died. So, the summer has totally sucked for him. But he refuses to miss the total solar eclipse at the end of summer. So, when his only friend in his new town invites him on a school camping trip to watch it, he’s on board. But he’s not only going to watch the solar eclipse, this camping trip is the time to meet Sage, the quiet girl on the group text his friend started. Sage gets his jokes, and doesn’t mind when he geeks out about the eclipse. Stage has been the only one who can get him out of his funk when his dad died.
Sage’s controlling ex broke up with her at the end of junior year. She thought her chance at love was over. When Neb and herself started a casual text conversation, which turned into something that made her believe that maybe she’s not as damaged as she thought.
Sage’s self-help-loving best friend, Naomi, drags Sage to the camping trip with twenty other classmates to see the solar eclipse. And Neb, he will be there too. Will Stage run from the other way to save her heart, or risk it all for a chance at happiness with Neb.

I enjoyed this book. I have a feeling that I’m missing something from this book. After reading the book and reading the reviews, I know that I definitely missed something. The book didn’t click with me as much as I wish it did. I love the built up romance between Neb and Sage. The puns were great. The book made me feel happy with the cute moments between Neb and Sage, smiling and laughing when Neb, Stage, Noami, Theo and Kit were together, and sad when Neb was dealing and talking about his dad’s death, as well as how Sage felt after her break up with her controlling ex asshole boyfriend. It was a book that had fluff to it but with realistic and personal issues that the characters were going through. Overall, I’ll give this book 3.75 stars.