Ghost Island [Paperback]

Bonnie Hearn Hill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2011

Is Aaron a dream or something much more deadly? Livia Hinson has just begun a Seminar at Sea when a storm hits their yacht. Now, she is stranded with the other students on an island off the coast of California. Far away from her foster home and her heartbreak, Livia finds Aaron, the perfect love. But the only way they can be together is in her dreams. The other students are having tempting dreams of their own, and Livia begins to realize that the storm has blown in more than rain. Is Aaron flesh or spirit? Can he come to her world, or will he pull her into his? Together, they explore the blurred territory between love and illusion on a dangerous journey that will force Livia to make the most important decision of her life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ghost Island by Bonnie Hearn Hill is a fascinating book. Although it is intended for YA audiences, I found it enthralling. Livia Hinson is a delightful heroine. Genuine, clever, down on her luck, and exceptionally appealing, she tells the story in a unique and refreshing voice. From the moment the storm hits the yacht off the coast of California, you know this book is different. Ghost Island captured and held my interest from the opening paragraph to the last word. While I have never been to Catalina Island, after visiting there with Livia and Aaron, I feel like I have been. Hill s scenes are descriptive without being intrusive to the story, and they pull you right in. I could see the hotel and casino with no trouble at all. Her characters are well-developed and completely believable. Not once throughout the whole book did I shake my head and say, Oh, come on! A girl her age would never do that, as I have with other YA books I ve read. I did feel like screaming at Livia and the others, No, don t do that! more than a few times throughout the story, however. Of course, fictional teenagers never listen, do they? Kind of like teenagers in real life. The storyline in Ghost Island was as fascinating as it was intriguing. Though I had no trouble following the plot or the characters actions, it took me a while to figure out what the spirits wanted, and why Emily had changed so drastically. And then when I was convinced I knew what was coming, Hill would throw me for a loop. I love stories and authors that can do that! As much as I read and have to read for my day job it s a real treat to find a book I really can t put down. Once I started reading it, I skipped meals, telephone calls, and emails until I got to the end. I had to know what happened next, but as soon as I found out, I had to discover what happened after that. When I got to the end, as satisfying as the ending was, I didn t want the journey to be over. In fact, if there had been a sequel, I would have purchased it immediately. If you want a book that will fascinate you, intrigue you and make you lose a pound or two from the meals you forget to eat while reading it, Ghost Island is a sure bet. I m giving it a well-earned 5 stars! - Regan Murphy --Regan Murphy - Black Opal Books

Bonnie Hearn Hill has earned herself a dedicated new fan with her page turner Ghost Island. A fantastic read from start to finish, this YA novel defies genres and will hook in readers of all ages. Our heroine, Livia Hinson, is a normal teenager well as normal as you can be when your Dad is serving a life sentence for the murder of your Mom. Sure, she has her baggage, like the fact she s been able to see ghosts since she was a toddler, but for Livia, this all takes a back seat as she embarks on a dream vacation to Mexico, accompanied by a teacher she idolizes and a group of fellow teenagers she can take or leave, and she d prefer to leave. A storm at sea, an island hiding more than a few mysteries, and the cunning exploitation of our deepest fears and desires catapult Livia into a desperate race against forces far greater than nature and the hurricane bearing down on the island. She s joined in her fight by a core group of fellow travellers and Aaron, a young man whom seems as lost as Livia when it comes to finding a way home. One of the strengths of Ghost Island is the rich color of the characters, all believable for their various ages, especially Livia and her teenage supporters, who tackle daunting challenges without appearing to be super human or mature beyond their years. The older supporting cast adds another layer of depth and provides a great foil for the younger protagonists. Bonnie Hearn Hill is to be commended for the fine balance struck between the generations. There is plenty of humor, action, and a hint of romance. Yeah, I like my romance and make no apologies. Hill s descriptive scenes paint the right amount of detail to immerse you in the picture without clubbing you over the head with every finite detail. So much is achieved with a deft touch. Ghost Island gains my first 5 star rating, and it s well deserved! - Taylor Jones --Taylor Jones - Black Opal Books

About the Author

Bonnie Hearn Hill worked as a newspaper editor for 22 years, a job that, along with her natural nosiness, increased her interest in contemporary culture. Prior to her new Star Crossed series from Running Press/Perseus Books, she wrote six thrillers for MIRA Books, as well as numerous short stories, nonfiction books and articles. An interest in astrology along with her close friendship with Cosmo Magazine Astrologer Hazel Dixon-Cooper inspired the Star Crossed series: Aries Rising, Taurus Eyes, and Gemini Night. A national conference speaker, Bonnie founded The Tuesdays, a bonded and successful writing workshop in Fresno, California, and she also teaches an occasional online class. On Fridays she meets with her private critique group (humorous astrology author Hazel Dixon-Cooper, prescriptive nonfiction writer Dennis C. Lewis, and musician/thriller novelist Christopher Allen Poe). What happens in those groups ranges from spontaneous applause to getting filleted, as Bonnie s students and colleagues call it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: Black Opal Books (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1937329054
• ISBN-13: 978-1937329051
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,138,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)