Stand and Shine Magazine April 2014 | Page 21

Books to Love book review with sisters Bubby & Sissy from bubblebathbooks.net Maggie is a 17 year old orphan who has just found a home with her elderly aunt in Texas. When she begins working part-time at the high school, she quickly finds herself deep in a 50 year old unsolved mystery and deep in love with a ghost – a boy who is neither alive nor dead but imprisoned in a purgatory from which he can find no release. Bubby: We came across this book as a recommendation from a mutual friend. I was skeptical at first because Amy Harmon is a self-published author and there’s a lot of not-so-good in that field, but Sissy insisted I read it. Sissy: Bubby fancies herself to be somewhat of a literary guru, which is why she was initially skeptical, but I was immediately drawn in to this story. Also, author Amy Harmon has a really cool middle name. Bubby: I couldn’t have been more wrong in this case – yes, I am admitting I was wrong. I was hooked after the first chapter. This book is set in both modern day and in the 1950′s, an era I just love. What’s not to like about poodle skirts, fabulous cars and boys with slicked-back hair and letterman jackets? Each chapter is titled after a classic 50′s song and I have to admit that I was singing along in my head, okay, out loud, as I read. Sissy: I don’t much care for oily hair, but young love, time travel, and an original twist on the paranormal are all things I like in a story, and I’m just deluded enough to think I’m not too far removed from the YA lit demographic. Bubby: Ha! I am pretty far removed from that demographic and I’m WAY younger than Sissy! Sissy: As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by my infant sister, Ms Harmon is a natural storyteller, yes she is, and that means when you read this book you will float right into the tale and be compelled to promptly purchase book two. Bubby: I completely agree. The sequel is “Prom Night in Purgatory” – just as good as the first book. I also suggest checking out “Running Barefoot”, Amy Harmon’s debut novel.