A forbidden YA romance (Romeo & Juliet style) set in a Michigan touched by the heavy hand of ancestral ghosts who carry regrets and revenge into the lives of the present inhabitants of a small town. Full of family tragedy and the power of truth and reconciliation, this piece of magical realism has threads of charming humour running through to keep it light despite the dark subject matter.

The last quarter plunged deeply into magic, leaving the realist portions aside in order to drive towards possible resolution for all parties. It was only during this portion that things felt unplanned and a bit reckless, a floundering for explanation and conclusion. Not seeing the ‘real’ side of the story (though summarised later) created doubt and didn’t quite satisfy.

The main love story was reluctant, tender, and respectful—a lovely story in itself—but the other love stories and histories woven throughout and revealed from the past are what bring depth and weight to this novel, making it something more than a simple YA romance. In fact, I wouldn’t call it that exactly, though there are strong elements. This is a Love Story reaching into all kinds of love we experience in families, friendships and even professional relationships within the human race.

One hugely positive thing I can say about this story is you’ve probably never read anything quite like it before.