Tara Hudson

In Hereafter, Amelia is not having a very easy go. She is depressed, having horrible nightmares, she is alone, and she is... dead. She cannot remember much about her life, and she is afraid of what she may find out about herself if she does remember. Whe Joshua falls into her lake (the lake where she died and is destined to return to, day after day), it is love at first sight. She helps him to safety, and they are instantly in love. There are problems, of course, when a living boy and a dead girl fall in love.

Hudson's novel has a certain dream-like quality, and she has very skillfully drawn characters that are alive on the page (whether living or dead, ironically). The reader feels a connection to Joshua and Amelia, and hopes for the best for them. Unfortunately, there are so many holes in the plot, that when the story ends, the questions begin. Joshua's grandmother, Ruth, could definitely have been developed more, as well as his sister Jillian; in a future novel, it is obvious that Jillian will play an important role. Yes- in a future novel- as with most YA lit these days, the ending lends itself well for a series. A shame, really, as this concept would have made a very lush and moving standalone novel with just another 100 pages thrown in. Overall, for seventh grade and up, this will be a very good read. Girls will love the romance between Joshua and Amelia, and they won't be able to put the book down.
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Amelia is a spirit, lost in the mortal world. Destined to relive the night of her death over and over. Not exactly the most pleasant existence. That is, until the night that she happens to rescue Joshua.

I know that there are plenty of paranormal romance stories out there, but I'd be lying if I said that this one doesn't stand out. Amelia's character is so perfect. She's sweet and lost, but downright fierce when she needs to be. I loved watching her wake up from the fog and become more aware of herself as the story progressed. Amelia's story has the perfect balance between being utterly heartbreaking, and yet full of hope at the same time. It will tug at your heartstrings, that's for sure!

Then there is Joshua. Wonderful and persistent Joshua. Want a guy who manages to be adorable without even trying? Here's your man. Dead set on being a part of Amelia's afterlife, apparently whether she wants it or not, he holds his own. The banter between these two and the stolen moments of closeness were too sweet for words. There were times when it was just so honest. Sure, they may be from two different planes of existence, but that doesn't stop them from being a perfect match for one another. Be warned, swoon worthy moments ensue.

Lest you think that Hereafter is just a book filled with romance though, let me sate your need for action! As Amelia remembers more about her past, the book really picks up pace. Ghosts who are "unclaimed" are apparently a no-no in Tara Hudson's ghostly afterlife. This allows her to weave a wonderful romance that pits two very different worlds against one another. Amelia's life becomes a tug of war between the living, and the dead. I cannot say enough how much this added to the overall story! Love is great, but love that is fated to fail? Even more delicious.

Let's be honest, I could go on about Hereafter for hours. However I'll wrap it up with the fact that while this may not be a new concept, Tara Hudson takes a story that has been done before and still manages to put her own gorgeous twist on it. Amelia and Joshua will make your heart soar, and then have you rooting for their continued existence together. Couple that with some all out action, and you have a book that is well worth your time.
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