58. The Chapel Wars - Lindsey Leavitt

2014, Bloomsbury

294 pgs.

YA CRF

Finished 9/11/14

Goodreads rating: 3.57

My rating:   3.5 liked it on many levels

Acquired TPP:

Contemporary Las Vegas, NV

1st sentence/s: "Inheritance.  I hate that word.  Translation: Sorry someone you loved kicked the bucket; now here's your present.  It's like getting hit by a car, only to make a fortune in the lawsuit.   People constantly remind you what a financial blessing that accident was, such a sweet silver lining, when the truth is, you still got hit by a car."

My comments: The Chapel Wars is a cute story about young love, determination, relationships of all sorts, and Las Vegas. It's a quick read and pretty light.  I really loved looking into the mind of a teenager that loves the city of Las Vegas itself - not its vulgarities, vices, and debauchery.  I have the same feelings about the city, and appreciated the story for that alone.  The characters and setting were both strong points.

Becky's review from Becky's Book Reviews

Goodreads book summary: Sixteen-year-old Holly wants to remember her Grandpa forever, but she’d rather forget what he left her in his will: his wedding chapel on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever happened to gold watches, savings bonds, or some normal inheritance? 
          And then there's Grandpa's letter. Not only is Holly running the business with her recently divorced parents, but she needs to make some serious money—fast. Grandpa also insists Holly reach out to Dax, the grandson of her family's mortal enemy and owner of the cheesy chapel next door. No matter how cute Dax is, Holly needs to stay focused: on her group of guy friends, her disjointed family, work, school and... Dax. No wait, not Dax. 
          Holly’s chapel represents everything she’s ever loved in her past. Dax might be everything she could ever love in the future. But as for right now, there's a wedding chapel to save.