A SEASON OF EDEN by J.M. Warwick

A SEASON OF EDEN is not your typical student/teacher romance. J.M. Warwick has crafted a story that offers both the temptation of forbidden romance and a life lesson to benefit all readers.

Eden lives a privileged life. Although she lost her mother to cancer years ago, Eden has always gotten whatever she's wanted. Her father remarried less than two years after her mother's death, and the younger woman who has occupied the place of stepmother to Eden has been anything but loving and kind. Despite the circumstances, Eden lives the life of one of the most popular and sought after students in her exclusive high school.

When she enters the music room on her first day in the concert choir, Eden has thoughts of nothing other than filling her last semester as a senior with easy classes. She heads toward the back row intent on staying away from the lower classmen and as far from the teacher as possible. Imagine her surprise when Mr. Christian enters the room. He is fresh out of college and dressed in a nerdy, yet strangely appealing jacket. She has never seen anyone like him, and she quickly transports herself to a seat at the front of the room.

The more Eden sees and learns about Mr. Christian, the more she wants to become not just another one of his students. Surprising everyone, she breaks up with her boyfriend Matt and begins arriving at school earlier and offering to do menial tasks like taking attendance and handing out sheet music. She is the first to admit her amazement at how much she enjoys the classical music the new teacher plays with such talent.

Could it be possible that Mr. Christian (James) has similar feelings for her? Or is she dreaming the impossible?

J.M. Warwick treads on the edge of some dangerous territory as she develops the relationship between student and teacher. Many readers might shy away from this topic, but hopefully, they will give A SEASON OF EDEN a chance. Eden may be headed toward trouble, but through her experience she learns a lot about herself and the often unpleasant person she has become over the years. Teachers and librarians should consider Warwick's book as a worthwhile pick for YA collections.