Lily Dale Bk. 1: Awakening
by Wendy Corsi Staub

    AWAKENING by Wendy Corsi Staub
    Category:  Paranormal
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  8/21/07
    Publisher:  Walker Books
    Reviewed by:  Carrie Spellman
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Calla Delaney was sure that when her boyfriend, Kevin, who also happens to be her best friend's brother, dumped
    her three months ago, it was the worst thing that could ever happen to her.  She had never been so wrong.  
    Standing at the edge of her mother's grave proves that.  Her mother, who was way too young to die, especially in
    some crazy freak accident, before Calla even had time to talk to her about everything that you're supposed to get
    to talk to your mom about.

    Before she has much time to process everything, Calla's dad sends her off to spend the summer with her weird
    grandmother, who she barely knows.  It was that or live in an already overcrowded house with her aunt, uncle, and
    cousins.  Or live with Lisa's family and risk running into Kevin on a regular basis.  No thank you.  Crazy Grandma it
    is.

    Grandma Odelia lives in a very small town in western New York, in the middle of nowhere.  Literally.  Lily Dale
    gets no cell phone reception, and Odelia doesn't own a computer.  Calla has no idea how she's supposed to get
    through all of this.  Especially once she finds out what really goes on in Lily Dale, and why her Grandma always
    seemed so weird.  When it starts to seem like Calla herself may have a place in this town, as well as in a family
    mystery, well...  There's only one thing she's sure of -- nothing will ever be the same again.  

    If you like anything about the supernatural, ghosts, psychics, whatever, you will love this book!  It's very well-
    written, and very absorbing!  Calla is a perfect disbeliever, even with "reality" staring her in the face, and Odelia is
    just plain fun!  This story has mystery, danger, romance, and so much more.  You won't be sorry you read this
    one.  It may even prompt a cool vacation, since Lily Dale is apparently a real place!  I just hope I'm not wrong in
    assuming that there are many more books about Calla and Lily Dale on their way.