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Cloud Writing
In the small town of Moonglow, North Carolina, the boundary between the living and the dead is as fragile as a kite’s string.
Aurora, a recent arrival, quickly becomes entwined with three teenagers: Harriet, whose father owns a local bookstore rich with history of the town; Silas, whose grandmother operates a quirky kite shop known as Cloud Writers; and Ashby, a boy reeling from the recent death of his father. As their paths converge, they find themselves drawn to a tradition that promises a connection to the spirit world: writing messages on the bodies of kites and sending them soaring into the sky, where they are believed to reach the ghost of Muriel, a young girl who died decades ago when she fell from the widow’s walk of Kessler’s Lighthouse.
As the teenagers grow closer, they find their own lives tangled in the aftermath of grief, love, and family secrets. Ashby, especially, is still broken by his father’s death and begins to wonder if Muriel’s ghost may offer him a chance for one last conversation with his lost parent… if he dares to cross that thin line, every bit as fragile as a kite’s string, that exists between life and death.
Aurora, a recent arrival, quickly becomes entwined with three teenagers: Harriet, whose father owns a local bookstore rich with history of the town; Silas, whose grandmother operates a quirky kite shop known as Cloud Writers; and Ashby, a boy reeling from the recent death of his father. As their paths converge, they find themselves drawn to a tradition that promises a connection to the spirit world: writing messages on the bodies of kites and sending them soaring into the sky, where they are believed to reach the ghost of Muriel, a young girl who died decades ago when she fell from the widow’s walk of Kessler’s Lighthouse.
As the teenagers grow closer, they find their own lives tangled in the aftermath of grief, love, and family secrets. Ashby, especially, is still broken by his father’s death and begins to wonder if Muriel’s ghost may offer him a chance for one last conversation with his lost parent… if he dares to cross that thin line, every bit as fragile as a kite’s string, that exists between life and death.
Paperback
Published April 28, 2025
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About the author
Hannah Rae
14 books127 followersWhen she was in the fourth grade, Hannah Rae couldn't fall asleep one night. She climbed out of bed, padded down the hallway to her parents' bedroom, and said, "Mom, I can't sleep." To which her mother replied, "Make up a story in your head." So Hannah created a cast of characters, and a setting, and a plot... and to this day, the first thing she thinks about when she snuggles under the covers each night are those characters and that setting. But the plot is always changing.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 17, 2025
My mom told me I should never publish this novel.
I sort of love this novel. I think the writing is some of my best AND I am drawn to the characters. They're young, but they're complex, and I think the way they fit together is kind of fun. Plus, it's a ghost story... which I've been writing a lot of lately. Go figure, huh?
Anyway. I'm not taking my mom's advice this time around; the book will be published and I will be proud of it. :)
I sort of love this novel. I think the writing is some of my best AND I am drawn to the characters. They're young, but they're complex, and I think the way they fit together is kind of fun. Plus, it's a ghost story... which I've been writing a lot of lately. Go figure, huh?
Anyway. I'm not taking my mom's advice this time around; the book will be published and I will be proud of it. :)
May 13, 2025
Bravo to Hannah Rae for diving into the world of YA! Cloud Writing is a page turner that can hook the most reluctant of readers, and for this I applaud her efforts.
I loved the sensitivity of her male characters, Silas and Ashby, and admired the independence of her female characters, Aurora and Harriet. Hannah Rae also has a knack for keeping her finger on the pulse of what is current and real in the world, such as relationships.
On a personal note, I am grateful that Hannah Rae took my advice and persevered in exploring new characters, and I feel privileged that she wove the story around a personal aspect of my life, and also dedicated the book to me. ☺️
I loved the sensitivity of her male characters, Silas and Ashby, and admired the independence of her female characters, Aurora and Harriet. Hannah Rae also has a knack for keeping her finger on the pulse of what is current and real in the world, such as relationships.
On a personal note, I am grateful that Hannah Rae took my advice and persevered in exploring new characters, and I feel privileged that she wove the story around a personal aspect of my life, and also dedicated the book to me. ☺️
April 15, 2025
While I am not usually one to look into this genre, Cloud Writing has reignited my want to read fiction of any sorts again. I used to think it was "for children" or "unoriginal" and I was completely false. Reading Cloud Writing has changed the way I perceive fiction and even books as an entirety. The story was consistent and very intriguing, always adding new events and AMAZING character building. Every character had a very personal touch to it, making this book even better. I cannot wait to read more of Hannah's books in the very near future!
July 8, 2025
Cloud Writing
By: Hannah Rae
Narrated by: Abby Filsinger
Magically Perfect - Everything I Wanted - Sooo Good - I LOVED This Story!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-08-25
Love, loss, regrets … a tragedy fifty years ago, and tragedies much more recent, magically woven together … intertwining, mystically influencing each other … almost as if written in the clouds! What happened fifty years ago became legend, but can that legend, combined with the power of everlasting love, heal souls? That is what Ashby, Silas, Harriet and Aurora try to find out in “Cloud Writing”, when they petition the Ghost of Muriel, a young girl who tragically died decades ago in a fall from the widow’s walk of Kessler’s Lighthouse. Just like ice tea is better with a twist of lemon, and gin to some, is better with a twist of lime, this magical story, THIS magically beautiful story, brilliantly incorporates a FANTASTICALLY imaginative twist that … well let me just say … all is NOT as it seems in “Cloud Writing” … and I’ll be NOT giving up the goods, but you knew THAT! Just know that PERFECTION does not begin to cover, and WOW is not nearly enough! The plot is beautifully smooth, cohesive and an absolute pleasure to get lost in. The characters are ALL one hundred percent human, perfectly imperfect and resoundingly REAL! I just love how they grow and change, evolving as the story plays out, with one or two in particular imprinting forever on my heart! I can’t name names for fear spoiling for others, but as you listen I’m sure some will become very dear to you as well. The final piece of perfection is the narration - believable, perfectly timed, and emotionally beautiful! When all put together, the effect of “Cloud Writing” is MAGICAL! I throughly enjoyed this entire production. Five stunning, have your tissues ready STARS, because believe me, you’re going to need them. I loved every second of this stunner and I think you will too!
By: Hannah Rae
Narrated by: Abby Filsinger
Magically Perfect - Everything I Wanted - Sooo Good - I LOVED This Story!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-08-25
Love, loss, regrets … a tragedy fifty years ago, and tragedies much more recent, magically woven together … intertwining, mystically influencing each other … almost as if written in the clouds! What happened fifty years ago became legend, but can that legend, combined with the power of everlasting love, heal souls? That is what Ashby, Silas, Harriet and Aurora try to find out in “Cloud Writing”, when they petition the Ghost of Muriel, a young girl who tragically died decades ago in a fall from the widow’s walk of Kessler’s Lighthouse. Just like ice tea is better with a twist of lemon, and gin to some, is better with a twist of lime, this magical story, THIS magically beautiful story, brilliantly incorporates a FANTASTICALLY imaginative twist that … well let me just say … all is NOT as it seems in “Cloud Writing” … and I’ll be NOT giving up the goods, but you knew THAT! Just know that PERFECTION does not begin to cover, and WOW is not nearly enough! The plot is beautifully smooth, cohesive and an absolute pleasure to get lost in. The characters are ALL one hundred percent human, perfectly imperfect and resoundingly REAL! I just love how they grow and change, evolving as the story plays out, with one or two in particular imprinting forever on my heart! I can’t name names for fear spoiling for others, but as you listen I’m sure some will become very dear to you as well. The final piece of perfection is the narration - believable, perfectly timed, and emotionally beautiful! When all put together, the effect of “Cloud Writing” is MAGICAL! I throughly enjoyed this entire production. Five stunning, have your tissues ready STARS, because believe me, you’re going to need them. I loved every second of this stunner and I think you will too!
April 28, 2025
Cloud Writing was such an adventure! I loved following Ashby, Aurora, Silas, and Harriet as they learned more about the ghost that haunts their town, and each other. The characters were relatable and Rae's imagery brought the coastal town of Moonglow to life! I highly recommend that you check out this book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews