Though Maine's Whickett Harbor is considered quaint by most standards, Jane has always loved her coastal town. On the night the story opens, Jane is bursting with excitement because a famous author, J. E. Fairfax, is giving a talk at the library, and Jane, an aspiring writer, is sure Ms. Fairfax will divulge important trade secrets. But then a hurricane breezes into town and ruins everything, prematurely ending the library event and throwing Jane into the company of Devon, one of Ms. Fairfax's snooty, obnoxious sons. The hurricane also unexpectedly brings Jane's mother back from Hollywood, handsome fiancé in tow. It is, if you will, a perfect storm of events that throws Jane's life into chaos. Going (Pieces of Why, 2015) explores Jane's internal confusion, allowing her to feel conflicted, angry, worried, passionate, and happy by turns. Yet, the story itself remains buoyant, with interesting plot developments, layered characters, humorous moments, and a healthy dose of marine science, courtesy of Jane's father. When the issue of Jane's absentee, starlet mother declaring she wants custody arises, Jane must take an honest look at what she wants her life to look like, while considering the merits of second chances. Adoration for Jane Austen and a matchmaking scheme worthy of Emma Woodhouse add an extra dash of heart to this wonderfully told tale.

Jane Austen fan and aspiring writer Jane, 12, can't wait to meet a published author--when bestselling romance novelist J.E. Fairfax visits her tiny Maine town, she looks forward to learning "the secret to literary success." Unfortunately, it's also the night of the worst hurricane in a decade, and after a series of misadventures, Jane must grapple with two unwelcome visitors: Fairfax's irritating son, Devon, and Jane's own screenwriter mother, who arrives suddenly from Hollywood with her new fiancé. Jane, who has always been happy living with her oceanographer father, is terrified that her mother's sudden interest in joint custody will mean having to leave loved ones behind. To tip the scales in her father's favor, Jane decides he needs an impressive girlfriend and schemes to set him up with Fairfax. Going (Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump!) offers a fitting depiction of life in a small coastal town--three grades share a single classroom at the small school--and shrewdly imbues her lively romantic comedy with timely discussions of natural science and climate change, as well as advice on what it takes to become a successful author. Ages 10--14. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (May)

Aspiring novelist Jane Brannen likes to think she will be the "next great Jane"--Austen, that is. Unfortunately, the 12-year-old's aspirations suffer a blow in the form of a rejection letter from Girl Power magazine. Hoping to get some pointers, she is determined to meet her favorite romance writer, J.E. Fairfax, who has just moved to Jane's seaside hometown of Whickett Harbor, Maine. Fairfax's arrival coincides with a hurricane's landfall, kicking off a series of challenging events that begin when Jane meets Fairfax's arrogant son, Devon. In school, the two adversaries are paired to work together on a science project. To make matters worse, Jane's absentee mother, herself an aspiring actor, unexpectedly arrives from Hollywood with her new fiance. Their arrival is a further disturbance to the peaceful life Jane has shared with her ocean-scientist father. Life in this small Maine village is full of drama, enough so that it spurs Jane to deepen her writing, make new friendships, and fortify the strong bond she has with her father. Appropriately for a novel that name-checks Austen, Going succeeds with witty banter and young small-town characters that are both sophisticated and accessible. Brazilian-born, British-raised Fairfax and her son are some of the few people of color in this mostly white village. This humorous tale is led by a young writer who is, like Jane Austen, quite determined. (Fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 5 Up--Jane Brannen is an aspiring author from a small town where nothing ever happens. Things change quickly as best-selling author J.E. Fairfax arrives in Jane's town at the exact same time a hurricane threatens to blow Whickett Harbor off the map. But nothing is going to stop Jane from her dream of meeting a real, live author. Not a hurricane. Not some insufferable snob, who happens to also be J.E. Fairfax's son. Not even her mother, who threatens to take Jane away from the only life she has ever known. Jane doesn't expect the heap of trouble she courts while trying to get the advice she was hoping for, but she does learn a lot about true love. Fans of Going will love her latest book, and new fans will emerge with a new favorite. VERDICT Going has created another original and captivating story by weaving engaging characters in an ordinary setting who do incredible and impossible things. An inspirational must-have for every library.--Christina Paolozzi, Bonaire Elementary School, GA