In the Bag

March 5, 2012
Klise takes a break from her bestselling children’s books for her first foray into adult fiction. This lively love story is told through four voices—those of star chef Daisy Sprinkle; her precocious 18-year-old daughter, Coco; the art installation designer Andrew Nelson; and his 17-year-old son, Webb, a computer geek. Traveling separately on the same flight to Paris with their kids, Andrew is immediately smitten with Daisy, but is too shy to chat with her, so he slips a note in her purse in hopes that she’ll e-mail him. Unfortunately, her response reveals that she found his behavior “completely unacceptable.” But Coco’s lost suitcase, mistakenly swapped with Webb’s at the airport, connects the teens, and through attempts to be reunited with their luggage, they start an online flirtation. Coincidentally, Andrew and Daisy cross paths and the sparks fly, while their kids’ clandestine rendezvous ends awkwardly. Klise’s portrait of modern romance is infused with the trappings of a digitized world, and while she wraps up all the loose ends too swiftly, the brisk pace will keep readers happily engaged. Agent: Kelly Siegel, Michael Siegel & Associates.

April 15, 2012

When the paths of chef Daisy Sprinkle and her daughter Coco collide with those of father-and-son duo Andrew and Webb Nelson on a transatlantic flight from Chicago to Paris, none of them have any idea of the hand fate has dealt them. While the men depart for Madrid, the women stay in Paris. The real adventure begins when Coco and Webb discover that they picked up the wrong luggage. While the teenagers quickly connect over their missing bags and build a digital friendship, their single parents get off to a rocky start. However, after much trial and tribulation, the foursome discover that their misunderstandings--borne of a lack of clear communication--are no match for kismet. VERDICT In her debut adult novel, YA author Klise (Dying To Meet You) uses multiple varying viewpoints to provide insight into just how differently men and women, children and parents think. Readers will enjoy this lighthearted, fast-paced read that manages to amuse as often as it astounds.--Natasha Grant, New York

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
Professional chef Daisy is heading to Paris with her teenage daughter, Coco. On the same flight are Andrew and his son, Webb, en route to Madrid to oversee the installation of an art exhibit. When Andrew accidentally spills wine all over Daisy, he impulsively slips a flirtatious note in her bag, offering to pay for the cleaning and take her to dinner. When she finds it, she is not impressed and fires back a raging e-mail. Speaking of bags, Coco and Webb happen to be traveling with identical black duffels, which get switched at baggage claim. They find each other's contact info in the bags and start an e-mail courtship, which leads to Webb covertly taking a train to Paris from Madrid for a disastrous first date. Little do they realize they are all about to meet when Daisy is pressed into service catering the grand opening event for the exhibit Andrew is working on. Sound confusing? It's not. It's actually quite charming. Klise's debut is light and romantic and will go down as sweetly as a glass of champagne.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)