Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights
About
Young Adult Contemporary Romance (Ages 12+)
“A charming summer romance full of fireworks and sweet moments.” - Kirkus Reviews
When First Daughter Abby is banished from the White House, she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world in this swoony, patriotic romance—just in time for America’s 250th anniversary!
Red, white, and you
Abigail Cary-Alzona, eldest daughter of President Constance Alzona, just wanted one normal night as a teenager. But after an impulsive pizza order later makes her front-page news, Abby is officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister, Elle.
The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s family. Gabriel is sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.
As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . .
Praise for this book
“Dador’s YA debut is a cozy romance that thoughtfully explores community, familial expectations, and living for oneself. A charming summer romance full of fireworks and sweet moments.”
“Debut novelist Dador creates a cozy and diverse town with vivid scene setting, reflecting both her Filipino American heritage and experience as a wedding planner.”
"A romance that will fly off the shelves"!
“Most Anticipated Books of 2026"
“8 of the Most Exciting Debut Romance Books of 2026”
"Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights is a delightful YA romance filled with small town charm, first love, fireworks…and the occasional secret service agent. Celeste Dador’s swoony debut will have you wishing you lived in the same world as First Daughter, Abby Cary-Alzona, as she navigates friendship, family, and her future. This book felt like a gentle hug on a warm summer night!"
"Full of all the sweet kisses and star-filled nights that make summertime so magical, Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights is a dazzling delight. Dador’s sparkling prose and glittering cast sizzle bright as fireworks."
"Warm, cozy, and brimming with nostalgia, Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights is the perfect blend of sweet romance, small town charm, and impeccable summer vibes. It had me craving ice cream and fireworks and the good old days of a classic summer. Don’t miss this charming debut!"
“I came for the Filipino-American First Daughter, but I stayed for gorgeous and scenic Mystic Hollow, charming, conscientious Abby, and her first romance with irresistible Gabe. Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights is a firework of a debut! Celeste Dador is an author to watch.”
"Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights is a sparkling, side-splittingly funny debut that also has real emotional weight. Dador perfectly captures the tension between family expectations and finding yourself, and you cannot help but root for Abby and Gabriel every step of the way. The first family will steal your heart. This is a delightful debut from an author to watch!"