Clearwater Crossing Series by Laura Peyton Roberts

When a classmate is diagnosed with leukemia, the students at Clearwater Crossing High School organize a fund-raising carnival. But after they’ve formed teams to work the booths, the members of one group find they couldn’t be more different. There’s aloof Melanie, the girl who has it all, and wannabe Nicole, who only wishes she did. Best friends Peter and Jenna jump at the chance to make a difference, while football jock Jesse sees a perfect opportunity to impress... moreWhen a classmate is diagnosed with leukemia, the students at Clearwater Crossing High School organize a fund-raising carnival. But after they’ve formed teams to work the booths, the members of one group find they couldn’t be more different. There’s aloof Melanie, the girl who has it all, and wannabe Nicole, who only wishes she did. Best friends Peter and Jenna jump at the chance to make a difference, while football jock Jesse sees a perfect opportunity to impress. Brooding Miguel keeps to himself, to the frustration of confident Leah. And tagalong Ben? He just wants to make some friends. Soon the carnival is over, and the surprisingly close-knit team members drift back to their regular lives. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, will the eight friends come together again? Or is it time to say good-bye? Book 1 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Jenna and her friends are having a car wash to help needy kids, but there’s more in the autumn air than soapsuds. . . .Leah and Miguel are trying to keep their new love a secret . . . but a heartbroken Jenna is the first to find out. And if her over-before-it-began romance isn’t bad enough, her younger sister Maggie is driving her crazy! How can Jenna have a life when she’s sharing a room with the enemy?Peter’s got a crush too—on Jenna! He doesn’t want to ruin the special friendship they share... moreJenna and her friends are having a car wash to help needy kids, but there’s more in the autumn air than soapsuds. . . .Leah and Miguel are trying to keep their new love a secret . . . but a heartbroken Jenna is the first to find out. And if her over-before-it-began romance isn’t bad enough, her younger sister Maggie is driving her crazy! How can Jenna have a life when she’s sharing a room with the enemy?Peter’s got a crush too—on Jenna! He doesn’t want to ruin the special friendship they share. Is telling her the truth the answer?Nicole’s determined to win a national model search. It would be sweet payback to conceited Jesse for humiliating her at school. But payback doesn’t quite fit with Nicole’s resolution to be a better person. Does it?Book 2 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

After a cheerleading stunt goes terribly wrong, Melanie is rushed to the hospital. Her frightened friends are praying for her recovery. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she feels a comforting presence. Is her imagination playing tricks on her, or is Melanie not as alone as she thinks?Of course Nicole is concerned about her so-called friend, but she has a modeling contest to worry about. She’s still following a strict diet—she’s got to be in perfect shape... moreAfter a cheerleading stunt goes terribly wrong, Melanie is rushed to the hospital. Her frightened friends are praying for her recovery. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she feels a comforting presence. Is her imagination playing tricks on her, or is Melanie not as alone as she thinks?Of course Nicole is concerned about her so-called friend, but she has a modeling contest to worry about. She’s still following a strict diet—she’s got to be in perfect shape. Especially now that Jesse has begun to take her seriously!Jenna finally has a room she can call her own! She loves its privacy, its spaciousness. But will her new surroundings cause hurt feelings between Jenna and her closer-than-close sisters?Book 3 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Halloween is around the corner, and Eight Prime is putting in a lot of hours working on a spooky haunted house fund-raiser. It’s the perfect opportunity for Leah and Miguel to bring their budding relationship into the open. So what is Miguel so afraid of? Jesse’s off the football team—maybe forever. If he can’t convince Coach Davis that he’s given up drinking, he can give up his NFL dreams for good. Jesse’s ready to promise the coach anything to get back on the Wildcats... moreHalloween is around the corner, and Eight Prime is putting in a lot of hours working on a spooky haunted house fund-raiser. It’s the perfect opportunity for Leah and Miguel to bring their budding relationship into the open. So what is Miguel so afraid of? Jesse’s off the football team—maybe forever. If he can’t convince Coach Davis that he’s given up drinking, he can give up his NFL dreams for good. Jesse’s ready to promise the coach anything to get back on the Wildcats. But promises can be hard to keep. Melanie would never have believed she’d be interested in a do-gooder like Peter. Yet lately he’s the only thing she thinks about. Not that she’s falling for him, or anything dumb like that. She and Peter would make a terrible couple. Wouldn’t they? Book 4 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Bonfires, pep assemblies, and football: Spirit Week has kicked into high gear at Clearwater Crossing High! All Nicole can think about is getting Jesse to take her to the homecoming dance, but he’s not in a partying mood. Nothing matters now that he’s off the Wildcats.Everything matters to Jenna these days. Dealing with her sisters, getting over Miguel . . . more than ever, Jenna needs a friend she can count on. She needs Peter... moreBonfires, pep assemblies, and football: Spirit Week has kicked into high gear at Clearwater Crossing High! All Nicole can think about is getting Jesse to take her to the homecoming dance, but he’s not in a partying mood. Nothing matters now that he’s off the Wildcats.Everything matters to Jenna these days. Dealing with her sisters, getting over Miguel . . . more than ever, Jenna needs a friend she can count on. She needs Peter. But has her best friend in the world found someone he likes better?Ben is on a mission—to fit in! He thought being part of Eight Prime would solve all his problems, but he’s still invisible at school, and even his new friends don’t really seem to accept him. Then Ben hits on a plan. If he can pull this off, he’ll be the toast of CCHS! Book 5 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Ever since her mom’s death, Melanie has dreaded the holidays. This year, though, she has to put on a happy face: Amy, one of the underprivileged children she’s been a friend to, is spending Thanksgiving weekend with her!When a kidney becomes available for Miguel’s ailing mother, he drops everything to be by her side. In a moment of desperation, he vows he’ll do anything, anything, if only his mom will get well... moreEver since her mom’s death, Melanie has dreaded the holidays. This year, though, she has to put on a happy face: Amy, one of the underprivileged children she’s been a friend to, is spending Thanksgiving weekend with her!When a kidney becomes available for Miguel’s ailing mother, he drops everything to be by her side. In a moment of desperation, he vows he’ll do anything, anything, if only his mom will get well. Will Miguel have the chance to make good on his promise?Now that Eight Prime is this close to buying a school bus for needy kids, there’s no further reason for them to stay together. Nicole’s ecstatic: She’s free! At last she can go back to her regular life. The funny thing is, she doesn’t really want to anymore. . . .Maybe achieving their goal isn’t the end . . . just the beginning of everything else.Book 6 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Amid the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas, Nicole can barely find a moment to breathe. She can’t wait for winter break—until her parents drop a big bombshell.Melanie’s last-minute holiday plan is just a teensy bit complicated. First, she needs to keep it secret from her dad, and second, the scheme involves a major mileage road trip. Will Jesse’s sleek BMW come to her rescue?Peter and Jenna have dreamed up the best gift ever: winter camp for the Junior Explorers... moreAmid the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas, Nicole can barely find a moment to breathe. She can’t wait for winter break—until her parents drop a big bombshell.Melanie’s last-minute holiday plan is just a teensy bit complicated. First, she needs to keep it secret from her dad, and second, the scheme involves a major mileage road trip. Will Jesse’s sleek BMW come to her rescue?Peter and Jenna have dreamed up the best gift ever: winter camp for the Junior Explorers. But the fun stops short when an Explorer disappears . . . and Eight Prime must find the child before it’s too late.Book 7 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Not only did Melanie fail to resolve her feelings about her mother’s death, she did what she swore she never would: She let Jesse into her life. Now that she’s opened the door, would slamming it shut be a losing move?Jenna has a secret—a big one—and strict orders from sister Caitlin not to tell anyone. Jenna has given her word . . . but keeping quiet is killing her!Ben has never kissed anyone, and it’s starting to drive him crazy. He’s determined to get his first kiss by the new year’s end... moreNot only did Melanie fail to resolve her feelings about her mother’s death, she did what she swore she never would: She let Jesse into her life. Now that she’s opened the door, would slamming it shut be a losing move?Jenna has a secret—a big one—and strict orders from sister Caitlin not to tell anyone. Jenna has given her word . . . but keeping quiet is killing her!Ben has never kissed anyone, and it’s starting to drive him crazy. He’s determined to get his first kiss by the new year’s end. All he needs is a plan . . .Leah and Miguel have never been closer, which is why she’s dreading the finals of the modeling contest she reluctantly entered. She’s only competing because the top prize is a major scholarship—but her college plans and Miguel’s don’t line up at all. Can she and Miguel stay together? Or are two very different futures destined to pull them apart?Book 8 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Good-bye, Clearwater Crossing . . . hello, California! Well, at least for the weekend. The girls of Eight Prime are on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Golden State, and each of them has her own agenda. . . . Leah’s trying to focus on the modeling competition—and the scholarship that goes with it. But how can she strut down the catwalk when all she can think about is Miguel’s marriage proposal?Melanie is ready for sunshine and fun, forbidding herself even a moment’s thought of Jesse... moreGood-bye, Clearwater Crossing . . . hello, California! Well, at least for the weekend. The girls of Eight Prime are on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Golden State, and each of them has her own agenda. . . . Leah’s trying to focus on the modeling competition—and the scholarship that goes with it. But how can she strut down the catwalk when all she can think about is Miguel’s marriage proposal?Melanie is ready for sunshine and fun, forbidding herself even a moment’s thought of Jesse. So why does she see his face everywhere she looks?Jenna’s squeezing in as many cool sessions as possible at the Hearts for God youth rally. She wants Nicole to join her, but her starstruck friend is too busy keeping her eyes peeled for movie stars—and hoping to be discovered. Will Nicole give faith a chance, or is Hollywood calling her name? Book 9 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Every time Jenna gets involved in Caitlin’s life, she ends up making things worse. How could she have revealed her shy sister’s crush on Peter’s handsome brother? And now that she has, how can she earn back Caitlin’s trust?Melanie felt certain about her decision to break up with Jesse. So why has getting him back become the top thing on her mind? She knows now she was wrong to say there was nothing real between them... moreEvery time Jenna gets involved in Caitlin’s life, she ends up making things worse. How could she have revealed her shy sister’s crush on Peter’s handsome brother? And now that she has, how can she earn back Caitlin’s trust?Melanie felt certain about her decision to break up with Jesse. So why has getting him back become the top thing on her mind? She knows now she was wrong to say there was nothing real between them. If only she can convince Jesse!Just because Nicole got in a little trouble, her parents have found her a job—at the restaurant where her perfect cousin, Gail, works. Nicole is less than thrilled to be around such a Goody Two-Shoes, until she discovers that Gail isn’t quite as good as she remembered . . . or as their parents think.In an unguarded moment, Miguel proposed to Leah. He’d have said anything to keep from losing her. But now that she seems on the verge of accepting, he’s on the verge of panic. Is marriage really the answer? Book 10 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Jesse’s mom is finally coming to Clearwater Crossing, and he can’t wait to see her! But not everyone is excited about her visit. His father is tense, his stepmother is jealous, and his stepsister has turned into a royal brat. Jesse’s had enough misery in his life lately. Can’t his family give him some peace?Melanie has never felt more alone. No one is there for her—not Jesse, not her father, not even Peter... moreJesse’s mom is finally coming to Clearwater Crossing, and he can’t wait to see her! But not everyone is excited about her visit. His father is tense, his stepmother is jealous, and his stepsister has turned into a royal brat. Jesse’s had enough misery in his life lately. Can’t his family give him some peace?Melanie has never felt more alone. No one is there for her—not Jesse, not her father, not even Peter. There has to be more to life, and if she can’t find it in Missouri, maybe it’s time to look somewhere else.When the bad behavior of Nicole’s cousin Gail almost costs them both their jobs at Wienerageous, it could be a blessing in disguise—except that Nicole’s parents will kill her if she loses the job that’s supposed to teach her responsibility. Amazingly, the restaurant’s boss is willing to cut the girls a break. There’s just one thing Gail has to do . . . Book 11 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Everybody knows that cars and alcohol don’t mix. But someone in Clearwater Crossing decides to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, and the results are tragic. One heart-wrenching accident will change the members of Eight Prime forever as they realize that having faith is one thing . . . but truly believing is another.Book 12 of the Clearwater Crossing Series

Nicole is desperate to make the CCHS cheerleading squad. But to her dismay, this year’s competition is even tougher than last year’s. She’s got to get some help, and fast. Can Nicole swallow her pride enough to ask Melanie to be her coach?Throwing caution to the wind, Ben decides to pursue his dream girl and ask Angela out. If she says yes, it will be a miracle . . . but miracles do happen!Peter is psyched to put on a summer day camp for the Junior Explorers... moreNicole is desperate to make the CCHS cheerleading squad. But to her dismay, this year’s competition is even tougher than last year’s. She’s got to get some help, and fast. Can Nicole swallow her pride enough to ask Melanie to be her coach?Throwing caution to the wind, Ben decides to pursue his dream girl and ask Angela out. If she says yes, it will be a miracle . . . but miracles do happen!Peter is psyched to put on a summer day camp for the Junior Explorers. It’s a big commitment, but he knows he can pull it off, especially if Jenna helps. But his girlfriend seems consumed with her sister Sarah’s recovery from a near-fatal car accident. Does Jenna still have time for Peter, or is she slipping away?Book 13 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Every time Jenna sees Melanie, all she can think about is the kiss her friend shared with Peter. Jenna wants to believe it meant nothing, but her jealous heart tells her that’s not true. Maybe she and Peter never should have turned their friendship into romance. And maybe breaking up would be the best thing for them all. . . . Miguel loves working at the hospital... moreEvery time Jenna sees Melanie, all she can think about is the kiss her friend shared with Peter. Jenna wants to believe it meant nothing, but her jealous heart tells her that’s not true. Maybe she and Peter never should have turned their friendship into romance. And maybe breaking up would be the best thing for them all. . . . Miguel loves working at the hospital. Not only does he witness the incredible skill of the doctors firsthand, but he’s making a difference in the lives of sick kids, especially of nine-year-old Zach. The nurses have warned Miguel about having favorites, but he can’t help getting attached to the brave young boy who’s fighting for his life. Besides, Zach’s going to get well . . . isn’t he? Book 14 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Nicole and Courtney have been best friends forever, but Courtney’s me-first attitude has gotten out of hand. Nicole is tired of doing backflips to stay in her friend’s good graces—and she’s not the only one. It was only a matter of time before someone gave Court a dose of her own medicine . . . but did it have to be on prom night? Jesse can’t believe he was foolish enough to think Melanie would want to be his date for the CCHS prom... moreNicole and Courtney have been best friends forever, but Courtney’s me-first attitude has gotten out of hand. Nicole is tired of doing backflips to stay in her friend’s good graces—and she’s not the only one. It was only a matter of time before someone gave Court a dose of her own medicine . . . but did it have to be on prom night? Jesse can’t believe he was foolish enough to think Melanie would want to be his date for the CCHS prom. He’s wasted way too much time dreaming of holding her in his arms—hasn’t she made her feelings about him brutally clear? Melanie tried her hardest to get Nicole on the cheering squad. Maybe that’s why she feels so responsible now that her friend didn’t make it. First runner-up isn’t good for anything. Unless somebody drops out . . . Book 15 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Leah and Miguel have been through everything together: his mom’s kidney transplant, their broken engagement, even a friend’s death. Their love has been tried and has triumphed over and over again. But now they’re graduating from CCHS, and things are changing fast... moreLeah and Miguel have been through everything together: his mom’s kidney transplant, their broken engagement, even a friend’s death. Their love has been tried and has triumphed over and over again. But now they’re graduating from CCHS, and things are changing fast. Can their love stay true?Jenna loves the idea of learning CPR and water safety with Eight Prime—except that everyone keeps messing up! How will they ever be summer camp counselors if they can’t even get certified?Nicole Brewster, CCHS cheerleader! So what if her arrival on the squad was a little rocky? She has the entire summer to win her fellow cheerleaders over. Not that it ought to take that long!Book 16 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Peter never expected running a day camp to be like this. Jesse is sulking, Nicole’s skipped out on them, and Melanie is flirting with his brother! Jenna has a cold, the kids are acting like pro wrestlers, and bumbling Counselor Ben is about to wear through Peter’s last good nerve. What did he get himself into?Who would have guessed that little Elton had such a pretty sister . . morePeter never expected running a day camp to be like this. Jesse is sulking, Nicole’s skipped out on them, and Melanie is flirting with his brother! Jenna has a cold, the kids are acting like pro wrestlers, and bumbling Counselor Ben is about to wear through Peter’s last good nerve. What did he get himself into?Who would have guessed that little Elton had such a pretty sister . . . or that Ben could have a chance with her? If only he can keep his rep as a geek under wraps, this could be his summer of love!Melanie and Jesse have seen their ups and downs. First she hated him, then she liked him, then she dumped him . . . and then she fell in love. Their timing has always been terrible. Will they ever get things sorted out? Or is it time to walk away for good?Book 17 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Miguel is having the summer of his life. Helping out at the day camp, working at the hospital, and spending every spare minute with Leah or goofing off with Eight Prime is the most fun he’s had in years. To top it off, he and his family are about to move into a house of their own. Can life really be this good?Jesse can barely believe that he and Melanie are finally together... moreMiguel is having the summer of his life. Helping out at the day camp, working at the hospital, and spending every spare minute with Leah or goofing off with Eight Prime is the most fun he’s had in years. To top it off, he and his family are about to move into a house of their own. Can life really be this good?Jesse can barely believe that he and Melanie are finally together. So how can he leave her? Sure, he promised to visit his mother in California, and Melanie promised to visit her aunt Gwen . . . but can’t they get out of it somehow?Nicole’s mom is having a baby! How could her parents do this to her? Don’t they know how embarrassing this will be? More importantly, don’t they realize they could all end up with another Heather on their hands? Book 18 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

Caitlin and David are engaged! Jenna knew it was only a matter of time before her sister and Peter’s brother got serious . . . and now they’re planning their wedding. Jenna has lots of great ideas to make Caitlin’s special day perfect. If only Cat would listen!Ben is head over heels about Bernie Carter, and she actually likes him, too. As long as she thinks he’s cool, everything will be fine—which is why she can never, ever, meet his parents... moreCaitlin and David are engaged! Jenna knew it was only a matter of time before her sister and Peter’s brother got serious . . . and now they’re planning their wedding. Jenna has lots of great ideas to make Caitlin’s special day perfect. If only Cat would listen!Ben is head over heels about Bernie Carter, and she actually likes him, too. As long as she thinks he’s cool, everything will be fine—which is why she can never, ever, meet his parents. When Ben’s mom joins the weight loss clinic where Bernie works, Ben understands the old saying: Desperate times call for desperate measures.Leah’s parents trust her. That’s why they went on vacation and left her home alone. No one would ever find out if maybe she weren’t so alone at night. No one would ever even ask. . . .Book 19 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less

The Clearwater Crossing series finaleThe members of Eight Prime have been through a year full of ups and downs, but now summer is ending, and so is their time together.Leah and Miguel are getting ready to start college apart, and Peter’s already feeling the pressure of senior year. Jenna can’t believe she’s going to be the oldest sister in the Conrad house now that Caitlin’s marrying David... moreThe Clearwater Crossing series finaleThe members of Eight Prime have been through a year full of ups and downs, but now summer is ending, and so is their time together.Leah and Miguel are getting ready to start college apart, and Peter’s already feeling the pressure of senior year. Jenna can’t believe she’s going to be the oldest sister in the Conrad house now that Caitlin’s marrying David. Meanwhile, Ben’s still starry-eyed over the fact that he has a new girlfriend, Melanie and Jesse will be starting the new school year as a couple, and Nicole is starting to wonder if couplehood is all it’s cracked up to be!None of them can be sure what the coming year will bring. But they still have these last few days of summer. . . .Book 20 of the Clearwater Crossing Series less