Rainbow State: A Sweet YA Romance with a Dark Mystery

by Mariah Ashley

Living on a Hawaiian island is no guarantee that life will be all palm trees and pineapples.

Jade fears seeing auras will make her a social outcast. Under no circumstances can her crush, DJ, or unrelenting bully, Laila, ever find out how tragically weird she is.

Only— Jade is already alone, grieving her mother's recent death and spiraling— outraged that the crash was her father's fault.

To make matters worse, she's shocked to learn that her parents were survivors of a shipwreck fifteen years earlier and not all the deaths that ill-fated night were drownings.

A trail of ghostly visits, secret notes, and bizarre photos steer Jade straight into the path of the boy she's swooning over. Unfortunately, they also make her a bigger target for Laila.

If you'd enjoy a heart-warming YA romance set in paradise, with page-turning adventures on a stole moped, not to mention a sprinkling of magical mystery ... this is your book.

If Jade can't hide her parent's misdeeds, will she be doomed to a life of loneliness?

Genres: Young Adult, Romance

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2023

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so grateful to be able to read this beauty before it’s release, and I was not disappointed! Rainbow State was such a sweet, refreshing read!

This story follows Jade, who finds herself in the middle of a 15-year family mystery. With a group of colorful characters (literally and figuratively, iykyk), she dives into this mystery head-first to find out who she really is and how she fits into her small Hawaiian town.

This was a perfect light read for me (considering my last read was heavy lol). First, it’s set in Hawaii, which was so vibrant and popped right off the page 🏝 You really get the island-life feel and small town feel at the same time. The inclusion of magical realism was so unique and I enjoyed how it was incorporated into the story and characters themselves. I thought the mystery aspect was well-formed and came full-circle at the end, and the incorporation of the supernatural took it to another level.

I thought the characters were vibrant and well-crafted. I appreciated Jade’s growth throughout the story and how the friendships she made helped to pave the way for her true shine to come through.

The slow-burn romance was super sweet (DJ was so adorable and cheesy)! I also loved the various relationships explored in this story: mother-daughter, father-daughter, aunt-niece, friendships (and maybe more👀💕). A big part of this story centers around friendship which I haven’t read in a while, so it was quite refreshing! And though the story does deal with some heavier topics (TW: death [recent and years prior], grief, alcoholism), I thought it was done well for YA ages.

Overall I thought the writing was not too overdone, but easy to follow and it had a lot of great quotable moments. I definitely made sure to tab my favorites☺️

If you enjoy any of the following, I think you’ll enjoy this read:
✨Found-family
✨Friendship & new/growing relationships
✨Family mystery (including a shipwreck!)
✨Magical realism
✨A splash of the supernatural
✨Slow-burn romance
✨Vibrant Hawaiian setting

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author for generously gifting me an ARC to review!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet adventure, filled with heart and heartache 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧼

Jade is a teenage girl dealing with the incredible loss of her mom, and also never quite fitting in socially. She also sees people’s colors/auras, and is afraid if her crush/first friend DJ or her bully Laila find out, it’ll just make her more of an outcast.

They discover secrets & mysteries to follow, which take us on an adventure, along with a bunch of fun side characters.

Rainbow State takes place in the late 80s, which I loved since it led to the simplicity of the story (no distractions like cell phones for these teens!).

What you’ll find in Rainbow State:
🌈 Young adult
🌈 Island Life (Hawaii)
🌈 First love & first friendships
🌈 Grief and moving forward
🌈 Paranormal (ghost)
🌈 Magical realism
🌈 Fun cast of characters!
🌈 Found family
🌈 Friendship
🌈 Family secrets and mystery
🌈 Slow burn romance
🌈 Single POV/first person

Trigger warnings: loss & grief (of a parent, a spouse, a child), bullying

Thank you so much to Mariah Ashley for sending me a copy, I really appreciate it! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 4.5 stars!

This book was such a refreshing read, cozy and at the same time heartfelt ❤️ Rainbow State is a YA romance with a dark mystery plot, full of family secrets.

Jade lives hiding her true self, afraid of what others will think when they find out she’s “different”: she can see people’s auras. After a tragic accident, Jade loses her mother, the strongest and most beautiful golden person she knew. She feels deep sadness, loneliness and anger at her dad for how it happened. Until things start to look up as she spends time with the sweet DJ.

DJ is absolutely adorable and swoon worthy! 🥹❤️ their slow burn romance was soul mate material and had me so emotional! He so understanding of what Jade was going through, the only one that could really see her. Jade was reluctant to open up her secrets to him, afraid to believe that his friendship was true. A beautiful story through and through !🥰

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rainbow State is a beautiful hidden gem. It’s that kind of book that feels like a warm blanket. The kind that touches something deep within you. Might be because I resonated with Jade’s loss, the things she thought and felt whenever she missed her mom, or because I pictured and felt things so clearly while reading, but this book burrowed deep into my heart.

The setting was wonderful. With few words, the author managed to transport me to the little town in Hawaii. I also loved Jade and her ability to see people’s colors—an aura that helps her get a measure of people and understand what they’re feeling. Though this ability is hers alone, she comes from a family of special women who each have a special talent, like her beloved mother’s photographs or her Auntie’s tea leaves. I loved both these characters a lot, even Jade’s mom, who we only see through the recollection of Jade and other characters. She was a special woman.

The mystery was also very intriguing, as it touched all the characters in one way or another, creating a tangled web of facts and emotions that one had to unravel. Putting the pieces together isn’t always easy, as Jade is very adamant in not wanting to dredge up the past. However, very much like DJ, that didn’t stop me from wanting to figure it out before the story revealed it to me, and there was a pivotal vision that made everything click together for me.

The book’s greatest strength are the characters. I already mentioned Jade and the women in her family, but the rest of the cast is no less wonderful. My favorite is DJ. He’s the kind of boy I could easily fall for: kind, sweet, funny. A great friend who you could easily love. He and Jade are adorable!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Emily Quid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you like:
🫶 Found family
✨ Magical realism
🌴 Island life
🛥️ Family secrets
🔥 Slow-burn romance

🌈 I am very impressed with the author's prose! Every moment spent in this book felt like a warm hug from Hawaii!
🌈 I really loved Jade. It's not often that I truly enjoy spending time with the female characters of a novel (a gripe for another time), but I absolutely loved every minute with Jade. Her synesthesia (or heightened sense of color) made her such a magical character but not enough to alienate her from readers. Her relatability, fearlessness, and sincerity make her the perfect character for young female readers to interact with. I'm glad she got her happy ending◡̈
🌈 The mysterious element of this book was so fun! I loved learning how all of these characters' stories overlap and it made the ending of the book that much more satisfying.
🌈 DJ is such a cutie and his relationship to Jade is genuinely adorable. I'm REALLY glad he apologized at the end of the book and that Jade didn't dismiss it. He and Laila were really mean to Jade at multiple points through the book and that deserved some attention.
🌈 I wish Jade's father had more of a redemptive arc! I really enjoyed how his character drove the plot toward the beginning of the novel, but I think his voice deserved to be heard toward the end because he is just as involved in the mystery as the other characters!
🌈 The moment between Laila and Jade about being lionesses is probably my most favorite moment in the book. Period. Also, the moment between DJ and Jade on the beach! Swoon!

Overall, Rainbow State is an adorable and cozy YA romance with the most perfect touch of mystery and magical elements! I can't wait to see what great things are in store for Mariah next!

Thank you Mariah for a #gifted copy of your book. It was such a pleasure to read◡̈

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been many days since I read a proper fiction story with vibrant characters, lively incidents and colourful narration.

The female central character Jade is extremely interesting in her miraculous power to see the auras of people whom she encounters. Set in the Aloha State ... Lands of Hawaii, the story reflects the mood and serenity that the place offers. With an intriguing flashback story, elements of magical realism and flawless mystery, this story is a full-on entertainer.

And not to forget the old-fashioned, cute and chirpy romance, this story is a light yet delightful read. The cover image is as attractive as the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to the author for writing this excellent book 😊

[Samantha Penney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story focuses on our main character Jade who has recently lost her mother and is finding it hard to fit in- after all, she does have a secret power.. Jade can see auras. One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing the way the author incorporated the auras into the story line. It was definitely a unique feature that I really enjoyed! Throughout the book, Jade must solve a 15 year old mystery involving her parents and a shipwreck. Along the way, Jade makes new friends and learns a lot about herself in the process.

Thank you to Mariah Ashley for the opportunity to read Rainbow State in exchange for an honest review!

[Tati Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave off Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer vibes. Meyer is one of my favorite authors, so I immediately clicked with Rainbow State. I don't tend to gravitate to YA much anymore, but I'm so glad this sweet book was brought my way. The book is described as Nancy Drew meets Stranger Things and I couldn't agree more!

Jade is such a good character and I loved following her adventure and solving the mystery surrounding her parens.

Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRC from BookSirens
Jade has a special power - she can see auras and know how people are feeling. She is living with her Aunt after her mother's death. She learns that her parents were in a boat wreak years earlier and that the payments her father has been making to her nemesis, Laila's, family may have something to do with it. Her crush, DJ, has offered to help her figure all this out. As they play detectives, Jade also learns more about Laila, her family, and why she might be the bully she is.

There is action, adventure, sadness, and friendship, along with some music and a cranky old man who may become nicer when he discovers what Jade and her friends have done.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, set in a small town in Hawaii and involving a cast of quirky and relatable characters, is a fun summer read! The MC, a 15-year-old girl (Jade) whose mother has recently died in a car accident, is having a really rough time with it. Her dad is suffering under a burden of guilt about the accident and isn't offering her a lot in the way of parental support and comfort. That might sound pretty glum, and parts of what Jade is feeling and experiencing are certainly challenging, but the book is well-balanced and full of adventure and the supporting cast is quirky enough to keep things light.

Jade can see "colors"--the auras around people--and she feels that makes her dangerously creepy and weird so she keeps it (and lots of other things) a secret from everyone. She's trying to work through some mysterious circumstances involving her family and another one that includes a relentless bully and Jade's nemesis. She drafts her secret crush who's all too ready to dig into some big mysteries surrounding an old shipwreck that happened before Jade was born that might provide the answers they are looking for.

I enjoyed the adventures--and the misadventures--of this motley crew and especially liked seeing them support and encourage each other. I did get a little weary of Jade's self-destructive decision making and her endless and misguided inner dialogue is hard to take. Then I asked myself about my own thought processes as a troubled teenager and found the tiresome elements of Jade's behavior to be pretty realistic, though no less annoying. Jade's growth is evidenced as the story progresses and it's good to see her let go of the way she hides her truths and eventually trusts her friends and family to have her best interests at heart.

The action is fun and there were plenty of times that I laughed out loud while I read of some of the creative antics the gang got involved in. My favorite character was Auntie G with her big heart and unfailing support of Jade no matter what. We all need an Auntie G in our lives. Jade's love interest, DJ, is a believable teen heartthrob, and Jade's feelings for him, though conflicted sometimes because of her self-image, are pretty much teen crush 101 and very fun to read about.

I guessed the big reveal before I wish I had, which kind of ruined the suspense towards the end of the story, so that was too bad. It might have been the author's intention because the clues seemed pretty obvious even though the young people didn't pick up on them right away.

I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention that I loved (loved!) the cover design! It had the perfect feeling of Hawaii life and I felt good every time I picked up the book and glanced at it.

I'm grateful to the author and publishers for a free advance review e-copy of the book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Introverted Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Jade may be growing up on a gorgeous Hawaiian island, but her life has been anything but paradise. Grieving the death of her mother and blaming her father for the accident, Jade has resigned herself to a life of loneliness. To make matters worse, Jade is a social outcast, so the very last thing she wants is for her crush, DJ, and bully, Laila, to know just how weird she is. But then weird things start to happen; secret notes, visits from a ghost, and the startling realization that 15 years ago, her parents were survivors of a shipwreck, and not all of the deaths were drownings. Jade will need to team up with DJ and Laila to help uncover the truth, but sometimes it feels easier if the truth remains hidden.

💭𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Omg, I loved this book!! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, and then I was hooked and could not put it down. I loved the mystery and magical realism. The whole time I kept saying, “Just one more chapter” because I NEEDED to know what happened. I got sort of Now & Then vibes mixed in with a little bit of We Were Liars. This book is the perfect summer read! I’m also still in shock that this is a DEBUT novel. 🤯

Jade is such a strong and mature character! She’s only 15 but has been through so much. Her decision-making was questionable at times - because she’s a kid and still learning, but her growth over the summer makes it all worth it.

I loved every single character in this book, but Benny and Kileona stole my heart. ❤️ I also loved that this story really focuses on friendship, learning how to be a friend, and self-acceptance. Adding in an element of first love for the MC and a second chance romance for two other characters was a bonus.

Mariah is going on my auto-buy author list; that’s how amazing this book is!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.

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[Kseniya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Rainbow State” by Mariah Ashley is a captivating YA novel set against the backdrop of the enchanting Hawaiian islands. In this heartwarming story, Jade, a young girl struggling with her unique ability to see auras, embarks on a journey filled with mystery and self-discovery. Ashley skillfully weaves the elements of romance, adventure, and a touch of magic, making for an engaging read.

One of the highlights of the book is Jade’s extraordinary abilities, which add an intriguing layer to the narrative. As she navigates her way through the challenges of teenage life, her paranormal gift becomes a captivating source of suspense and curiosity. The author masterfully integrates Jade’s talents into the storyline, enhancing the overall appeal of the novel.

The emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey is another aspect that shines in “Rainbow State.” Jade’s struggle with the loss of her mother and the burden of her father’s past mistakes creates a poignant backdrop for the unfolding events. It is through these trials that readers witness Jade’s resilience and strength, forming a strong connection with her character.

Ashley’s portrayal of the Hawaiian setting is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to a world of tropical wonders. The stolen moped adventures and the blend of magical mystery enhance the overall charm of the story. It’s a delightful escape into a paradise filled with secrets waiting to be unraveled.

In conclusion, “Rainbow State” by Mariah Ashley is a very sweet story that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. Jade’s unique abilities and the exploration of her emotional journey add depth and intrigue to the narrative. If you’re looking for a heartwarming YA novel set in paradise, this book is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating plot and give it a well-deserved four stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karelisse Poventud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a lovely book. It has a little bit of everything and it's not overwhelming to read. Rainbow State is a mystery, teenage romance, YA, fantasy (ghosts and special gifts), and a book on friendship, family, and acceptance of oneself and the past.

I love the overall writing in this book. The way author describes every detail in the most colorful of ways. My favorite description is when DJ and Jade are at the beach and paddle out to the reef:

"The ocean is milky green right at the shore break, then turns to aquamarine at the reef. Further on, it deepens to indigo that stretches to the horizon. A tropical parfait."

That last sentence was literally the cherry on top of describing what the character sees and seeing what the character sees through her eyes. Especially since Jade can see auras.

Since the main character, Jade can see other people's auras, the author's use of colors throughout this book paints a rainbow, even with the yucky colors when the other characters are going through different kinds of emotions. The setting and use of colors in this book make the title of the book very fitting.

This book does deal with abuse and alcohol. There is a scene where Jade is so upset that she drinks her father's beer and it's such a sad realization of how children/teenagers observe everything that their parents or any close adult in their lives do to cope with sadness, grief, frustration, etc. all negative feelings and using negative coping skills to deal with such feelings.

The ending was really nice and sweet. A way of starting fresh after Jade and her friends discovered what exactly happened to her parents the night of a really bad storm and shipwreck. It was like a symbol of starting new.

[Ameeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am back from the lake and finally have decent cell service to post on social media again! I have had this post planned for two weeks now and I can’t thank @mariah_ashley_is_writing for her patience while I travelled with my family over the past two weeks!

I posted about Rainbow State in early June and have been smitten with this book since. I could have easily read it in a day, but slowed down to savor it, because let me tell you, this book is special!

I, who never annotate, have marks all over this book, because there were so many lovely quotes. The words in this book felt like a warm safe hug. I loved the elements of mystery along with the discovery of friendship, love, and how to deal with loss.

The book was beautiful and the pain felt by many of the characters was so authentic and how they handled it was all so different.

Perhaps what stuck with me the most was Jade’s ability to see colors and how they morphed based on how people were feeling. I particularly found her description of her arch-nemesis bully to be so funny, but man I could relate because the description was soo accurate!

Mariah Ashley, I am so looking forward to all the books you write. This was an empowering novel for readers of all ages. It’s a humble reminder to appreciate our blessings and to soak up the time we have while remembering others may be in dark and often lonely places. Kindness is everything and this book demonstrated the power of kindness from start to finish!

Give Mariah a follow! Her page is so fun! I’m constantly following her travel stories and adventures with her partner! I always love discovering authors’ pages that keep me smiling!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 i seriously can’t believe this was a debut novel. it was AMAZING! this is definitely one of my favorite books this year. i feel like no matter what i say it won’t do this book justice so please just read it for yourself!!

i absolutely loved the setting, the characters, the plot, the emotion, literally everything about this book. jade and DJ, they were so perfect. the character development in this book was amazing. i felt like every character was important to the plot and were all connected. jade was such an amazing FMC she was strong even though she had so much trama and anger from her past. then there was DJ and i am obsessed with his character. he is literally perfect, i love how caring he was and how he was there for jade when no one else was.

this book takes place in hawaii and i just thought that was the most perfect setting ever. every time i opened this book i felt like i was on vacation in hawaii.

i also loved the touch of magical realism, it gave the plot a whole different dimension that i feel like some books lack.

if you are looking for a YA book that will give you all the emotions this book is for you. i seriously am still speechless, it was amazing.

thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc copy! 💕

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved an advance arc of Rainbow State in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

Rainbow State is a coming of age tale. It's a tale of learning, maturing, grief, first loves and most of all family. Set in the '80's I was excited to read about a character growing in the same time that I was a teen. However it could have been written during any time period as there were really no references to the time, except the lack of today's compulsory mobile phone.

Our main character is devastated by the loss of her mother and takes us with her as she navigates loneliness and the secrets her mother left behind. As she moves forward she discovers her enemies are not quite what they seem and that to form meaningful friendships she needs to come to terms with so much more.

“My guess is the strong ones . . . the lucky ones.”I pause, draping my arm around her. “And the ones that have each other.”

This is a delightful story, with a fun supernatural twist. Though it deals with some traumatic issues, it is done in a way suitable for teens and younger readers.

[Hannah Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read! It’s hard to mail down exactly the genre or give one sweeping overview. I enjoyed Auntie G’s character the most. I liked the exploration of familial relationships and friendships. The constant self-reflection and discovery that happens throughout is refreshing for a YA book. While the main character is intentional about being honest with herself, she struggles with lying to her closest circle of friends and family. I also think these characters all must have had majorrr trust issues, because they were all very quick to shut each other down before hearing explanations. I liked seeing the growth each character had, and I wish Dj had more honestly. He was my fav character from the beginning, and I just think he didn’t grow nearly as much as the other characters did. I enjoyed this read and the interesting aspects of it— including some paranormal aspects. I also really enjoyed how the landscape was interwoven with the plot; it supported the author’s choice of a title. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayla Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawaii Mystery…

3.75/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute YA that follows Jade as she works her way through the grief of losing her mother, and starting to make real friends. Watching Jade learn how to let other people love her was an extremely heartwarming story to read!

I enjoyed this book and the feel of magic that was in it. I really connected to Jade and her working her way through grief, as I’ve had to do the same thing. Allowing others to love you is not an easy thing with lots of ups and downs that we saw Jade go through. I felt like the book could have been shorter, as there were parts that were repetitive and broke up the flow of the story. I also thought that there were points where the writing was slightly choppy. Overall, I enjoyed this book!

Read this if you enjoy:
- Grief stories
- YA mystery/Romance/Humor
-Stolen Moped
-Finding your way through life

Thank you to BookSirens and Mariah Ashely for the gifted ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy publication day to 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞, by Mariah Ashley.🌺🥳🌺

A coming of age story about family secrets and lies? Yes, please!! Jade is a teenage girl living in Hawaii and she’s dealing with alot: the death of her mother, the possibility that her dad may have played a role in that death, as well as a bully and a first love… 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 by Mariah Ashley grabbed me from the first line of the book! There is so much great stuff packed inside this DELIGHTFUL book. The writing was amazing and so were the characters, the plot and flow of the story.

Here are a few more things I absolutely loved about 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞:

🌺a sweet, quirky female MC
🌺Romance and that first “love”
🌺a mystery surrounding our MC’s parents
🌺the sweetest book boyfriend ever
🌺both tears and laughter
🌺a tiny bit of magical realism

I definitely recommend this debut novel to everyone. It’s perfect for all ages. A must read!

[Meg Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter your age there is something in this story for everyone to relate to. The magic and the relationships all play out in such vivid detail you will swear you were physically there. I may have cried, I definitely laughed, but more than that the entire book leaves you feeling special.

An ideal read for YA but my almost 80 yr old mother read it too! We both loved the nostalgia it brought for our youth and the trials and tribulations that encompassed it.

A feel-good page-turner! I was always so excited to see what was going to happen next and always surprised at the outcome! I love it so much that I read it twice! This should be on everyone's summer reading list!

This book would also translate incredibly on screen and make the best Netflix mini-series!!! I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

[Sarah Aliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved this read! I haven’t read a good YA book in a very long time, and reading this book made me feel so happy, content, and relaxed.

I’m an avid fantasy gal but I really needed something light and easy - and it was such an easy read!

I almost compare the family vibes with the ones from Stranger Things (funny enough) which I really loved. All the characters were so likeable and vivid, and the the plot was so unexpected! I thoroughly enjoyed this (and would’ve annotated like crazy if it was physical)!!!

It was an absolute honour to receive this as an arc from Mariah and I’d happily do it again in a heartbeat. Such a beautiful read. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!!

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! Super heartfelt. If you’re a lover of coming of Age stories, friendships, and paranormal this is for you!

I loved Jade omg she is the sweetest, relatable in a way. She learns to love herself and accept herself for who she is… it’s ok to be different. Jade has a special ability of seeing more than the eye can see and it’s beautiful. She has the ability to see auras and feel others feelings. This not only helps her thru the grief of losing her mom but also in building new relationships.

The story plot was super entertaining and lovely. I enjoyed going back and seeing Jade’s memories of her mom. Jade and DJ are adorable going thru the island on a sleuth adventure! The growth in the two is definitely seen throughout the book. Jade learns to deal with the things in front of her and not shy away from being who she is meant to be. This story will have you saying “aww🥹” a lot.

Can’t wait to read more by the author, huge thanks for sending me a copy! All opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of the book provided by the author.
Jade's adventures in Hawaii, alongside her crush and an on-again-off-again friend, are full of twists and turns, making it a book you *have* to finish to see where it all ends up. The author's imagination shines throughout the story, creating a vivid world with emotionally complex characters. Jade's teenage moodswings are so realistic - and relatable! The relationship between Jade and DJ is sweet and innocent. Rainbow State is a fun, quick, YA read that I happily passed on to my teen son and tween daughter to enjoy.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shocked me! I’ve never gotten into magical realism as I tend to want to be taken to a whole new world - the book did just that! The setting was beautiful! The character development in this book was wonderful - they all had a purpose and were important to the plot of the story. The main character Jade is such a strong, wise character for only being 15 - she’s suffered so much yet uses that to grow, accept the past, and heal. She also helps the other character in the story do the same.

If you are looking for a great YA summer read this is the book for you! Rainbow State releases tomorrow 6/27! Thank you BookSirens for sending me this eArc I really enjoyed it!

[Bryn Skibo-Birney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is captivating, mysterious, sweet, funny, and true to life (with all its twists, bumps, and laughs). Mariah Ashley has a gift with colors, imbuing the scenes and characters with life and description, while moving the plot swiftly along unexpected turns. I read the book in two days; it overcame other temptations of time and life like you hope a great summer read will. I so strongly recommend you get this book before summer’s over; reading its tale of Hawaiian lushness just wouldn’t be the same in the winter. Thought it would go very well with some tea and buttery cookies… ;) Enjoy it!

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly can't believe this is a debut novel! Thanks again to the author for so generously gifting me this book! Mariah Ashley, you are so talented.


This is such a feel-good book and I couldn't help myself from smiling throughout it all. Rainbow State is a story of self-acceptance, transformation, and family that has soooo many layers. I loved the magical realism piece, it was not overdone, but made me think about how I "see" people. Jade is a sweet character and reading about how she navigated life was fun and at times frustrating but typical of teenage decisions.

Definitely pick this book up!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the absolutely beautiful book!

If you have been looking for an adorably sweet YA Romance with a hint of mystery and some found family/family relationships this is it! I went into the book with a glimpse at the summary and not knowing what to expect and I finished it feeling whole. I cannot commend Mariah enough for writing such an wholesome book that made me fall in love with the YA genre all over again. I don't give this a 5 star review because it was sent to me by the author, I give it a 5 star review because I really loved the story and the characters. They made my heart happy and I fell in love with them completely!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read! Really enjoyed the setting, the characters and the whole family mystery overall. Recommending this :)
Full review coming soon on the blog!

Thank you to the author for sending an e-ARC. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.

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[lliteraryflo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Adult books with a mystery to solve that include magical realism aren't really my cup of tea, bu t this was amazing! Jane, the main character, is a teenager who has the secret ability to see people's auras and their colors, so she understands their emotions. Jane has just lost her mom when a new mystery pushes her crush, her enemy and herself to investigate together. The book is beautifully written and it is the perfect YA book. It was a page turner with a huge plot twist at the end!

[Amanda Zivin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rainbow State is a delightful page turner! The main character , Jade, was particularly easy for me to connect with and I enjoyed traveling with her through the ups and downs of navigating family issues, friendships and love. I cannot recommend this book enough to do it justice- readers of all ages will enjoy it, but it will be be an especially poignant book for YA readers!