HOUSE DEBUTS NEW NOVEL

There was a flutter of activity at the Cover to Cover Bookstore in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, June 19, 2010, as young skaters gathered, eager to get their copies of Maddie Takes the Ice. The author, Nicolette House was there to sign books as well as answer questions. She gave a brief presentation, reading excerpts and encouraging competitors to set healthy and realistic goals.

Nicolette Amie House, age 21, a skater herself pursues a degree in psychology at DePaul University.  She is a 4 time US Gold Medalist and Lithuanian National Silver Ice Dance Medalist. As a European and World competitor, Nicolette has had the opportunity to experience many different audiences.  She and her partner, Aidas Reklys recently produced their own show, After Dark, a unique gala skating event. Currently, they are skating in Chicago, teaching and planning appearances for the coming year.

In the book, Madison Albright is one of the most confident skaters at the Arctic Circle Figure Skating Club, but the pressure builds as she prepares for the regional championships. A jealous skater is prepared to do whatever it takes to knock Madison from the competition and an old friend turns against her just when she needs her most. Strangers and classmates alike suddenly make her the center of attention. Her stern coach seems incapable of understanding her worries. Her best friend is preoccupied with boy problems. At home, her family expects a big win. In the final days before the event, her confidence begins to unravel and she struggles to succeed in spite of the stress and strain that is competitive figure skating.

 Maddie Takes the Ice was recently reviewed by Jo Ann Schneider Farris, Managing Editor of About.com Guide to Figure Skating. Nicolette   received Five-Stars in that review. This book is one of the most accurate and “true to life” books about competitive figure skating. It not only will inspire, but will also give those interested in the sport some insight on what it takes to be a competitive figure skater…..

Maddie Takes the Ice is available through the publisher at www.sportingchancepress.com .