Too Late for Love

Filled with cliches and stereotypes, this entry in the Sisters series might be summed up as much ado about nothing. The Lewis sisters, whom the front cover pigeonhole as a dreamer (16-year-old Nicole), a tomboy (15-year-old Cindy) and a flirt (14-year-old Molly), are both friends and rivals in this story, which centers on Cindy. Not caring about boys or dating, Cindy is both pleased and unnerved when Grant, the gorgeous new boy at her California high school, challenges her to a surfing contest. However, egged on by Nicole and Mollie, the contest quickly (and rather unbelievably) blossoms into an event with schoolwide boys-vs.-girls interest, leaving no room for romance to develop naturally between Cindy and Grant. Wooden characters and a ``Leave-It-To-Beaver'' narrative style (``pesky'' little sisters, ``harebrained'' plans, etc.) lead this to its predictable end. Girls may enjoy the fast read, but there's nothing new here. (12up)