Famous for a living A novel

Ferguson (Meet Me in the Margins) illuminates the value of true friends and true love in this wholesome rom-com. Thirty-year-old social media influencer Cat Cranwell's life looks perfect on paper: companies pay her exorbitant sums to promote their products, and she's a partner in a new social media venture forecasted to become bigger than Facebook and Instagram. But when it's revealed that her shady business partner has been illegally harvesting and selling data from the platform, both sponsors and so-called friends are quick to drop Cat. Cat flees Manhattan for a long-term stay with her uncle at the Kannery National Park in rural Montana. There she must put down her phone and learn to live in the moment. She also meets social media--hating park ranger Zaiah Smith. At first the ranger and the internet star seem to have nothing in common--but as they work together to preserve the park, they develop a deep bond. Ferguson makes a convincing and heartfelt case for how opposites attract, and a host of endearing supporting characters--especially Cat's uncle Terry, her bestie Serena, and her quirky roommate, Mina--add charm. For readers who like their romance on the sweet side, this will hit the spot. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Whalen Agency. (May)

Influencer Cat Cranwell did the unthinkable--she signed a contract without reading it first. Now her business partner has disappeared, she's being sued, and her lucrative brand partnerships are severing their connections with her. Retreating to a national park in Montana to work as the park's social media specialist, Cat slowly acclimatizes to living in a small town, in the winter, in a rustic cabin. It helps that everyone is so friendly. Everyone but park ranger Zaiah Hudson, whose stoic face shows only disapproval. But somewhere between a hike to Cades Peak, the polar-bear plunge, and the 10th Annual Skijoring National Race, Cat and Zaiah become friends and maybe something more. This small-town opposites-attract romantic comedy features likable, relatable protagonists and a plethora of delightful secondary characters. Cat and Zaiah are well drawn, with just enough backstory to show their motivations. The city-versus-country theme is well executed, and the storyline is paced well. VERDICT Ferguson's (Meet Me in the Margins) chaste, heartfelt, hilarious novel is perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Jen DeLuca.--Heather Miller Cover