The Ghosts of Rose Hill

By: Jamie Steinberg

Many teenage girls dream about the man of their dreams. For Ilana, her dream guy comes in a unique form…ghost boy Ben. Sadly, young love never goes smoothly, and a serious block (other than the afterlife) keeps these two from fully finding their potential. Author R.M. Romero beautifully weaves Ilana’s adventures and the bittersweet history of Prague into a wonderfully enthralling tale, known as The Ghosts of Rose Hill, that will leave readers turning page after page – hoping that a happy ending can find its way to these star-crossed sweethearts.

Ilana is sent to visit her aunt in Prague because her parents don’t support her dream of becoming a violinist. She leaves behind a life in Miami where her friends are enjoying their summer at the beach. In need of a distraction from her parents’ intentions of her focusing on her studies, Ilana tasks herself with cleaning up the local cemetery. It is there where she meets the ghost of a local boy named Ben. Unfortunately, Ben has a caretaker named Wasserman who becomes overly fixated on Ilana. Hoping to save herself (and Ben) from his clutches, Ilana risks her life to put an end to a terrible monster and the longstanding terror he has spread over the city.

First, readers will become fascinated with Romero’s writing as it is in verse form – something this writer has never come across before. It’s an intriguing and unique writing format that begins providing readers a bit of a startle. However, the story is quick to enthrall as you watch Ilana immerse herself in the Nazi occupation of Prague and become enchanted by Ben and enveloped by Wasserman. Will Ilana be able to save herself – and Ben – from the clutches of Wasserman? You’ll absolutely have to read this fascinating book to find out.

The Ghosts of Rose Hill is not just a love story. It’s a chilling and beautiful tale of a young girl finding her voice and learning how to use it. Readers will find themselves rooting for Ilana and appreciating her determination. While the book is aimed at a young adult audience, anyone will find themselves falling for our heroine and hoping that the future holds happiness for her.