Goddess Games

GODDESS GAMES by Niki Burnham
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 6+
Release Date: 5/22/07
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 4 Stars

Summer jobs at the plush King's Crown Resort and Spa hopefully hold the answers for three teens in search of solutions
to their very different problems.

Seneca is used to having whatever she wants. The daughter of an Academy Award-winning actress, Seneca has grown up
with the "haves" and doesn't have much patience with the "have nots." Unfortunately, that has all changed. Her mother's
job offers have been few and far between since her break up with a famous Hollywood movie mogul. Now Seneca is
hoping her job at the resort will result in a boost for her mother's career.

Claire already knows all the ins and outs of the summer resort and its snobby crowd of guests because she's one of the
locals. Most of her previous year was spent dating the popular young son of one of the regular members. Clubbing,
partying, and drinking were the order of business for Claire her entire junior year. She hides a secret that is the reason
she's chosen not to work in the family business this summer. Instead, she's trying to mend her wild ways and get in touch
with God and her spiritual side.

Then there's Drew. She's hoping a summer away from Fort Leavenworth and her depressed mother will help her confront
her demons. Loss of a loved one has turned her into a compulsive runner determined to use this summer to train in the
higher altitude. But perhaps she is really just running from her problems instead.

The start of the summer is pretty rocky as the three roommates attempt to fit their very different personalities into one tiny
cabin. Tempers flair and sides are chosen as they privately struggle with their personal troubles. However, as the summer
unfolds, each girl finds things they weren't expecting -- new friendships and better understandings of where their lives may
be headed next.

In GODDESS GAMES, Niki Burnham blends gossip and celebrity with the struggle to overcome life's hurdles. Teens will
relate to the characters and their search for meaningful relationships.