Finding her edge by Jennifer Iacopelli

Author of Break the fall (2020), Jennifer Iacopelli excels at teenage sports-related romance novels. In Finding her edge, a soon to be Netflix series, the story focusses on the aspirations of ice-skate dancer Adriana Russo, growing up in a famous ice-skating family, owners of the Kellynch skating rink. She has always lived in the shadow of her older sister, Elisa, an Olympics finalist, but now has a chance at the Junior World Championships, with new skating partner, cool guy Braydon, ex-boyfriend of her sister. The only problem is that she had to ditch her long-time close friend and former dance partner Freddie, because he hasn’t matched her growth spurt and isn’t considered suitable any more.

This is the central dilemma. To be successful, the skating duo have to not only be highly skilled but a good visual combination; they need to be a good physical match and create the sense of romance that the song routines demand. Braydon is the perfect heart-throb, he and Adriana dance well together, but in order to create that magical spark, the idea of fake-dating seems like a good way to draw in sponsors and the financial backing they need. That is, until Adriana realises that Freddie still stirs her heart. She has to work out how to be honest, her true self, and still achieve her dreams.

Iacopelli brings to life the conflict between ambition and loyalty, career aspirations and personal relationships. There isn’t an easy answer; it means being truthful, honouring friendships but at the same time appreciating personal goals. It’s a delicate balance, which takes open and honest communication. This is another thoughtful and inspiring story which is sure to be a winner with teenage audiences on Netflix.

Themes: Romance, Ice-skating, Competition, Friendship.

Helen Eddy