Super Special Bookanista Surprise and Book Blog of HEREAFTER by Tara Hudson

Ha Ha! You have to wait for your surprise! First... HEREAFTER by Tara Hudson

From Goodreads:

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

From me:

Hudson sets a lovely tone for this book with clear, descriptive settings and pretty prose. When the afterlife is described, it’s downright eerie, but there are also delightful moments between Amelia and Josh. I really loved spending time with these two. They genuinely cared for each other, and their chemistry was terrific. Amelia’s transformation throughout the story is palpable, both physical and emotional, as she reconnects with the girl she once was. Touching. Creepy. Romantic. This is one to curl up with in the hammock or on the beach and savor.

ANNNDDD now for a special celebration! Veronica Roth's brilliant DIVERGENT landed on the NYT Bestseller list as soon as it hit the shelves. The Bookanistas couldn't resist a celebration. Congratulations on an amazing book and fantastic accomplishment!

Check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are reading this week:

Elana Johnson and Stasia Ward Kehoe savor Bad Taste in Boys

LiLa Roecker celebrates The Summer of the Bear

Christine Fonseca has got a surprise for a Bookanista buddy (ooh—curious?)

Beth Revis interviews Blood Magic author Teresa Gratton

Carolina Valdez Miller enjoys a special celebration

Jessi Kirby and Megan Miranda gush about Imaginary Girls

Bethany Wiggins is crazy about Delirium

Shana Silver sings praises for Starcrossed

Jen Hayley applauds Possession

Carrie Harris glories in Texas Gothic