Racing Hearts - (Orca Soundings) by Melinda Di Lorenzo (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

To honor the death of her best friend, teen Sienna signs up to do a triathlon and finds a connection with an unexpected training partner in this body-positive romance exploring first love, grief, perseverance and trusting in yourself.

Five months ago, Sienna Shoring lost her best friend, Stacey, to suicide. Now Sienna's back at school, struggling--and failing--to find her new place in the social hierarchy. Awkward and alone, Sienna is still dealing with her grief. When a package arrives for the "Try It Triathlon," which Stacey signed them up for as a joke, it's like receiving a message from the grave. Sienna has no experience with running or biking. And she doesn't even own a swimsuit. But she decides to take on the challenge in honor of her best friend, despite being a "fat girl." And when mysterious jock Blake Romano approaches her unexpectedly and offers to train with her, she can hardly say no. He seems to understand her in a way no one else does. But Blake has a secret that might just break Sienna's heart, even as he's winning it.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"Di Lorenzo's novel highlights how sports are for everyone and that connecting and bonding with others is necessary for good health."

"A fast-paced story...[with] a lot of great messages regarding body positivity...an 'ultra-readable page-turner. Recommended."

"Di Lorenzo walks an excellent line of showing that Sienna's experience of bullying is real, but that other students are capable of respect and kindness. Readers watch as Sienna breaks down the walls she has built up around herself and opens herself to romance and new friendships. This refreshing sports story does not focus on Sienna trying to change or shrink her body; she wants to complete the triathlon in memory of her friend, and out of spite for her bullies...A quick hi-lo love story for readers who know sports are for people of all sizes."

"With an immersive narrative that is effortless and simple, this is guaranteed to become a favorite for reluctant readers with an interest in romance."

About the Author

Melinda Di Lorenzo has been writing professionally for more than a decade, and is the author of Counting Scars in the Orca Soundings line. In 2013 she won Harlequin's annual So You Think You Can Write contest, which came with a publishing contract and launched her successfully into the romance world. Bullied as a teen, Melinda sought refuge in books. She now wants to bring that refuge to others, and she draws on her experience as the parent of three teens to craft stories that reflect modern struggles without turning those struggles into stereotypes. She also supports young writers and makes an annual creative writing scholarship donation to École Salish Secondary. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.