Chasing the Moon

by Melanie Hooyenga

Two best friends. One tiny tent. An attraction that’s impossible to ignore.

Melody
Being a semi-famous science tokker epically rocks because I get to make science accessible for girls. Until I make a mistake and a jerkface tokker ridicules me to his fans. I need to prove I’m not a hack before my followers bail and I ruin my credibility—all before I graduate from high school.

Just one problem: my family’s hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, where I won’t have signal for a week. Oh, and I’m sharing a tent with the Bestie Brigade—my two best friends—and I’ve crushed on one of them for longer than trends last on TikTok.

Dating Steph would make Jess feel left out and I vowed I’d never do that to her again. Do I risk hurting my closest friend for a chance at love?

Stephanie
Senior year was rolling along just great until my parents announced they’re getting divorced the same night I broke up with my girlfriend.

Spending a week offline in the Grand Canyon to watch the lunar eclipse with Jess and Mel is the perfect way to pretend my life isn’t falling apart. Except we’re camping with people who insist on talking through EVERY FREAKING PROBLEM around the campfire.

And I’m not ready to share.

The time away with Mel makes our connection even stronger, but I’m scared whatever she’s hiding could change our friendship forever.

Book 3 in the Campfire Series is filled with grand adventures, secret kisses, and an epic eclipse you won’t soon forget.

299 pages, Unknown Binding

Published October 10, 2022

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

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful finale!

I adored Melody in "Chasing the Stars," and I am so happy that she finally got her own story. Best friends to more is one of my favorite tropes, and I appreciate that Mel and Steph not only have to figure out what this could mean for them, but how it would impact Jess, the third member of the Bestie Brigade, as well. (And that first kiss? *swoon*)

This is the third book in the series, and I love that Melanie Hooyenga totally "put the band back together" for this one, not only including Naomi, Hunter, and Theo, but Sage and Neb as well.
Like the two books before, this story is very much a team effort with plenty of well-meaning meddling by family and friends. Having everyone join in on this adventure is what makes it so special for me. And no, this is not (only) because of Theo. :) (Speaking of: I didn't think I could love Theo any more, but here we are.)

While I am sad that this was the final book in a wonderful series, I am secretly hoping that this isn't the last we have seen of these characters.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I got to hike into and out of the Grand Canyon (on my bucket list) while reuniting with characters I already love from the previous books and getting to know a new friend in Stephanie. I felt as if I were hiking and camping with this tight knit group of family and friends as I read. I adored the supportive adults and loving friendships as well as the internal struggles each one was dealing with. It reminded me to seek at least three good things about each day and most importantly to remember that everyone is struggling with issues, most of which will be kept secret from others, and I should always try to choose kind.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Family and friends' trip to the Grand Canyon is filled with a lot of heartstopping drama and emotional moments. Main story focuses on Mel and Steph's budding romance and how it could affect their besties friendship with Jess.
There's also catch up on some of the other relationships in the group , all unfolding against the breathtaking landscape they encounter and the extraordinary lunar eclipse they experience.
The series just gets better and better.
Older teens and above recommended.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the characters and the way the story was told made you feel like you were there with them experiencing it all! Great read!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up having read the first two in the series and I was so happy to dive into it. I love that this series is set over a number of years so that the couples are still there, but in different life stages. Melody and Steph were adorable, and the whole three friends dynamic worked so well,. I was delighted to see cameos my previous characters from other series, and the whole book was a delightful twisty turning romance dealing with issues that everyone can relate to. Overall an amazing book, and great end to the series. Very much recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this story!

I've read almost all of Melanie's books and I fall in more love with every book. She is a great writer and creates great dialogue with her characters. This story, told by both points of view from Melody and Stephanie was super enjoyable. Highly recommend!!!

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series so much, sad to see it end. I love these characters and enjoyed how the stories ended. I love that the main character Melody is a girl who loves science and shares her love of science in creative ways. I highly recommend this book.