Fifteen-year-old Skyler has spent every summer helping his parents run Crystal Lake Resort, tucked away in the mountains of Northern California. But while other teenagers dream about adventure, Skyler carries a secret he's never dared to share: he's hoping to meet another boy who might understand what it's like to feel different.

When sixteen-year-old Blaze arrives from England with his family, an unexpected friendship quickly blossoms into first love. As they spend long summer days working around the resort, exploring the lake, and dreaming about the future, the two boys discover a connection neither expected—and neither wants to lose.

But young love isn't always easy.

As rumors spread and two intimidating coworkers begin targeting them with harassment, Skyler and Blaze must find the courage to stand up for themselves and each other. When Blaze's family struggles to find a new home and a devastating mountain storm places everyone at the resort in danger, the boys learn that love is tested not only by prejudice but also by life's unexpected challenges.

Filled with romance, friendship, family, courage, and hope, Skyler and Crystal Lake Resort is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel about first love, finding acceptance, and discovering that sometimes the place you call home is wherever someone truly sees you for who you are.

About the Author

Jeffery Patterson grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where summers spent working at a family-owned lakeside resort in Northern California would later inspire his debut novel, Skyler and Crystal Lake Resort. Beginning at age thirteen, he helped run the resort's bait and tackle shop, rented boats, cleaned facilities, and experienced the unique rhythm of summer friendships that formed and disappeared with each passing weekend.

As a young gay teenager navigating his own identity, those summers left a lasting impression and became the emotional foundation for Skyler's story.

Jeffery's love of storytelling began early. His teachers recognized his natural ability to captivate an audience, and while still in elementary school, one of his stories was published in Highlights Magazine. He continues to write character-driven stories inspired by personal experiences and is currently working on additional novels.