Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're shining the spotlight on a new Middle Grade novel COMING SOON via Candlewick Press! It's official book birthday is July 24th, 2018 (as of this post), and in truth, I think it will draw fans of the genre from all age groups because it's much more than just a simple story. It takes actual history, gives it a little twirl, and spins out a result most unexpected...and utterly intriguing! Ready a spot on your wish list because here comes today's book of choice...
by
Allison Rushby
9780763696856
Candlewick Press
About the book...
Twelve-year-old Flossie is no ordinary ghost — she's the caretaker of every soul in Highgate Cemetery. And during World War II, even the ghosts aren't safe.
Flossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London's Highgate Cemetery. As Turnkey, it's Flossie's job to ensure that all the souls buried in the cemetery stay at rest. Not an easy job for a young ghost, but a task made especially difficult by World War II: London is being attacked every night by enemy bombers, and even the dead are unsettled. When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object that seems to exist in both the living and spirit worlds, she becomes suspicious — what is the officer up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could destroy not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country. Can Flossie and her ghostly friends stop the soldier before it's too late? History collides with the supernatural in this exciting, ethereal mystery from Allison Rushby.
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A curious read about the keepers of our spirit's comfort at life's end set amidst WWII as the evil powers that be try to bridge the world of twilights and the living for nefarious purposes...
Can you just imagine? WHAT IF the Hitler regime had been able to accomplish what is being attempted in this book? I mean, the effects would have been devastating on such another level, I can't even begin to envision it...and yet, it is said he did have an obsession or sorts with the occult, and supernatural interests. *shivers* Sorry, but no one should have so much power, especially with that much hatred in their heart, but I digress...this book isn't JUST about the war and what COULD have been. It's about the enumerable souls left behind in the rubble, those that passed from natural causes and those "helped along" by the tragedies occurring all around them, and where they all fit in. A phrase repeated much was that it wasn't their war...it was for the living and they were beyond that world's reach for all intents and purposes. Thing is once the soldier appeared, all bets were off and choosing inaction would leave ghostly blood on their hands regardless of who would or would not see it. Flossie may have been an unusual pick for a turnkey, but she was without a doubt chosen, and with good reason. Despite her lack of years, she's knowledgeable, dependable, compassionate, and determined. She faces down ghosts from her own past, conquers unanswered questions that left fear in her formerly beating heart, and manages to keep the faith and stand strong when everything seems to be crumbling to the ground.
In the end, there was so much learned and so many miles of the heart covered, showing us that looks can be deceiving, not all lost can be saved, and sometimes the greatest thing we can give is ourselves. A great pick for Historical Fiction fans as well as the Middle Grade set. The use of a younger soul to guide the way makes it more approachable, while her lack of confidence makes her seem more human. After all, we aren't all born with a backbone of steel...but it doesn't mean we can't accomplish great things in this life...or even perhaps in the after.
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About the author...
Allison Rushby, the daughter of an author, was raised on a wholesome and steady diet of classic English literature. Some of her favourite books, re-read countless dog-eared times include Rumer Godden's The Dolls' House, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle and Noel Streatfield's "Shoes" series. She has long been a fan of cities with long, winding histories, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick Victorian museums, foxes and ivy. She likes to write with a cup of Darjeeling tea by her side and a Devon Rex cat called Claudia curled up in her lap.
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Special thanks to Raquel and Anna at Candlewick Press for the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is set to release July 24th, 2018, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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