The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Clement-Moore, Rosemary The Splendor Falls, 513 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (26 swears, no ‘f’); Violence: PG. Sylvie Davis, 17, was then youngest principal dancer in a prestigious ballet company, but an accident has ruined her for dancing forever. Now she has been exiled (so she feels) to her dead father’s hometown in Alabama, while her mother goes off on her honeymoon. Sylvie didn’t even know that her father had any family – let alone that they had a gorgeous old mansion that her cousin is turning into a B&B. Two young men will vie for Sylvie’s attention – Rhys, who is working on an archeological dig with his father; and Shawn, the town’s young star, whom everyone around her thinks is Sylvie’s destiny. Sylvie’s inner strength may be more than just willpower – something a bit mystical may be involved. Wow – and I thought Clement-Moore was great with writing about demons – she is just as good at writing about subtle relationships with a hint of magic. Think of this book like Sarah Dessen with a twist. Nice! MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher