Aria & Liam - The Great Christmas Rescue: Aria & Liam

By Coline Monsarrat

The exhilarating Wild Ice Gliders Christmas race is all the talk in Sommetville, and Aria and Liam are primed for the win. But a twist on the ski jump sends them hurtling into the heart of Santa Claus' village. The urgent plea? Santa has been kidnapped, and Christmas hangs in the balance!

Yet, in this jingle-filled realm, appearances can be deceptive. From tech-savvy robots and quirky elves to a dubious village chief, the duo will need wits and bravery as their guide. The North Pole awaits with its biting chill, treacherous traps, and beguiling mysteries. Can Aria and Liam rise to the challenge, rescue Santa, and save Christmas?

 

Join Aria and Liam in this heart-thumping, laugh-out-loud Christmas tale. "The Great Christmas Rescue!" is a festive whirlwind sure to captivate adventurous kids aged 9 to 12, eager for a rollicking, rapid-paced adventure!

 

Aria & Liam is a series of standalone middle-grade books allowing young readers to enjoy each adventure in any order they wish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Apicem Publishing
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959814146

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Ice Gliders Race

The heart of Sommetville is glowing with festive wonder, from the Unity Wreath—a monument honoring the town's symbolic beginnings—to the enchanting Secret Garden Park. As Christmas nears, a blanket of twinkling lights shimmers over the boulevard. The city is draped in flags, all hung atop lampposts, gently swaying among the snowflakes that drift to the ground. Nestled at the park's entrance, a grand Christmas tree reaches for the skies, adorned with shimmering silver, emerald, and ruby baubles. Not too far off, Santa Claus Cabin, twinkling with festive lights, stands guard over the main avenue.

The air is filled with palpable excitement. Residents of Sommetville, young and old, gather near the Unity Wreath. It's not just any day; it's the Saturday before Christmas! The main street undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a glacial pathway. This isn't just for show—it's the setting for the town's thrilling annual event: The Wild Christmas Ice Gliders! Instead of zipping down snowy mountains, participants ski with glee from the Unity Wreath to the park on this icy lane, bringing festivity and fun to the heart of Sommetville.

Aria sits on a bench at the race's starting line, struggling to fit her boot into her ski's binding. It's been months since she last wore them, and her feet might have grown a bit. No matter how much she pushes, the boot just won't click in. She bounces on her left foot, hoping to find some space. Her whole face crinkles with effort, her eyes vanish behind squeezed-shut lids, and her nose scrunches.

Out of the corner of her eye, Aria spots Liam gliding smoothly toward her, ski poles at the ready. Having some trouble there, Aria? he playfully calls out.

It's not my problem that I'm growing while you aren't, she replies without glancing in his direction, too focused on squeezing her ski boot around her foot.

Liam brushes off his best friend's sarcastic remark. He knows better than to push her buttons when she's struggling with something. Suddenly, Pingo, the golden retriever they'd adopted after their exciting adventure in Atlantis, steals the show. He humorously skates across the rink on his fluffy behind, thankful for the warmth of his plush coat.

Pingo! Liam shouts with a laugh, bending down and reaching out to halt the sliding pup. A playful glint in his eyes, he teases, Up for a race?

At least he doesn’t need skis! Aria vents, on the verge of giving up. Aria slumps against the bench as she watches Pingo having a good time on the ice. The number of people at the starting line is increasing as the event is about to begin. You guys go ahead. I don't think I can make it onto my skis, she mumbles, looking defeated.

Liam's mouth thins into a firm line as he frowns. This race is her absolute favorite! Her love for high-stakes thrills almost always gets them into trouble, if not always. He can’t even keep track of the number of times he’s been punished because of her! She even sent them to a 3,000-year-old kingdom this year, marking the beginning of numerous travels to the past to save the world.

As he looks at her sad expression, he quickly says, No way! We go together or not at all! He moves closer, taking off his skis to assist her. Get up! he urges, stepping onto the bench.

To his amazement, Aria does what he says without hesitation. Stand on the skis! He begins. She listens, setting each foot on her skis, ensuring her boot toes touch the front while her heels are free at the back. Suddenly, Liam hops onto Aria's back, almost making her tumble. She's startled by the move, but then they hear a click. Both start to smile. They look down to see Aria's ski bindings securely fastened, holding her feet just right.

Thanks! Aria says, trying to give Liam a hug but getting stopped by her fixed skis. Liam grins and takes a playful bow. Trust me, these skis are staying on! she says happily, stepping onto the frosty path.

Liam quickly straps his skis back on, and the group dashes to the starting line. John, one of their childhood friends, waves them over. Aria! Liam! This way! We've got spots for you!

Aria and Liam smoothly glide over to their friends, all lined up and eager for the race. But as they approach, Aria nearly topples everyone over, trying to stop. Luckily, Liam grabs her, helping her keep steady. Pingo zooms toward them, sliding on his paws at a fast pace. Liam's eyes widen as he sees the dog's unexpected speed.

Fearing a crash, Liam opens his arms to try to stop Pingo. His dog’s momentum is so intense that it knocks him down onto Aria, which then causes a chain reaction of people toppling over. Everyone near the starting line has fallen to the ground in a flash.

Cradling Pingo in his arms, Liam gives an embarrassed smile, aware of everyone's eyes boring into them. After a few failed attempts due to their skis weighing them down, Aria and Liam finally stand up and try to ignore the critical looks of the people around them.

Liam! His mom's voice calls out from behind. Aria's dad isn't far behind her.

Uh-oh, Liam whispers, well aware of how stern his mom can be. Aria gives a comforting smile; she knows Liam's mom is definitely more rigid than her own dad.

Liam! his mom reprimands, stopping next to him and planting her ski pole firmly. The race hasn't even begun, and you're already causing a stir! Behave, or you might just miss out on a Christmas gift!

But Mom! Liam protests, his voice echoing Pingo’s little whimper.

Aria, you too, her dad adds, standing alongside Liam's mom. Aria bites her lip but says nothing, confident in her dad's soft spot for her, especially since her mom passed away years ago. Every time he attempts to punish her, it only takes a few minutes for him to soften. Liam's mom, however, is cut from a different cloth.

Liam's mother offers a last warning, telling them both, We'll be going in the back, but I am watching you! before politely greeting their friends. That said, she and Aria's father make their way to the group's rear.

Liam looks at Aria sternly and says, You hear me? No risky business or crazy plans, alright? I really want that new fancy keyboard I saw! He holds a ski pole up for emphasis, his eyes wide with seriousness.

Promise! Aria exclaims, her mischievous smile betraying her words.

When the mayor of Sommetville appears on the makeshift stage decorated with twinkling lights, where all the officials are assembled, Liam stops himself from challenging Aria. As she finishes her short speech, trumpets begin to blare, signaling the beginning of the race.

Without delay, Aria bolts down the icy avenue, using her poles