Training Ground

Girls of Summer, Book 1

By: Kate Christie

Narrated by: Britney Gil

Sometimes a chance meeting can change everything.

At 15, Jamie Maxwell’s main goals in life are to make the United States youth national soccer pool, move past the Incident-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, and maybe - someday - kiss a girl. When she meets Emma Blakeley at a tournament in Southern California, something about the older girl draws her in. And it isn’t that she expects to ever get the chance to kiss Emma. Really.

When Jamie invites her to sneak out on the last night of Surf Cup, Emma doesn’t go because she likes Jamie’s smile. She goes because, as the daughter of a surgeon and a nurse, she has a genetic predisposition to try to heal people. And Jamie, she can tell, is wounded.

Neither girl suspects that this first last night together will form the basis of a bond that will last across years and miles, from SoCal soccer fields and New York hotels to Portuguese beaches and the streets of Vancouver. But that’s how most friendships begin, isn’t it? With a smile and a nod and the courage to ask, “Do you maybe, possibly, want to come with me”?

©2016 Kate Christie (P)2019 Kate Christie

Loved it!!

Just make sure you have the next one cued up and ready to go! You won’t want to put this down and you won’t want it to end. Jamie and Emma’s story is not finished and I can’t wait to find out where they end up. Loved this one!!

Wow

This was probably my second or third YA book. It was an emotional ride with heartache and laughter in some parts. I loved the sister meg for always being there and just being the support for Jamie. The narration was good but it was just slow but all in all it was a must read/listen to book

All. The. Feels.

All. The. Feels. I didn’t expect this book to be so deep and emotional. Kate Christie has created wonderful characters that I’m very drawn to and feel connected with. I definitely want to continue on their journey in the series. Narration was also good - which makes all the difference. Great writing and performance - I’m all in. On to book 2!

Beautiful story & narration

I came across this series from a soccer playing friend and it quickly became a favorite ‘read’ for me and my girlfriend. Subtly drawn characters and an engaging, even moving story.

It’s all brought alive by deft voice narration that really shines, especially with the use of inner monologues. I’m over half way through but I already have got the next book in my queue. Recommended!