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Crossing the Line
Laura, who died thirty years ago, enlists the help of a tenacious high school reporter named Rebecca, who is very much alive. Rebecca, although skeptical and conflicted by her supposed encounters with a spirit, determines to learn the truth about Laura’s tragic death. As the clues unravel and their worlds collide, Rebecca finds herself at a dangerous crossroads.
Laura, now pulled back into everything she left behind when she died – her old high school and memories of her life and death—has been in training for this exact moment. And nothing means more to her than succeeding at her assignment.
It is her one chance to make sure that what happened her does not happen to anyone else, and especially not to her new friend, Rebecca.
Laura, now pulled back into everything she left behind when she died – her old high school and memories of her life and death—has been in training for this exact moment. And nothing means more to her than succeeding at her assignment.
It is her one chance to make sure that what happened her does not happen to anyone else, and especially not to her new friend, Rebecca.
300 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2018
28 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Wolfson Valladares
7 books19 followersEllen Wolfson Valladares is an award-winning writer/author, workshop facilitator, community volunteer, and mother. A native Floridian, she grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She has worked as an editor, public relations professional, and freelance writer. Her first book, a children’s novel entitled Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu, received several awards, including a Mom’s Choice Gold Award and the 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards Book of the Year award. She also has a meditation CD, entitled “Healing and Manifestation with the Archangels.”
Today, Valladares continues to work as a freelance writer. She also enjoys coaching high school students working on their college essays and helping other writers realize their publishing dreams. She has been married to her husband, Manny, for 30 years and they have two sons, Gabriel and Michael, two dogs, Flash and Chili Pepper, and a crazy cat named Zelda. They live in Weston, Fla.
Today, Valladares continues to work as a freelance writer. She also enjoys coaching high school students working on their college essays and helping other writers realize their publishing dreams. She has been married to her husband, Manny, for 30 years and they have two sons, Gabriel and Michael, two dogs, Flash and Chili Pepper, and a crazy cat named Zelda. They live in Weston, Fla.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 28, 2018
**Review on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Rebecca and her two good friends are trying to decide how to spend their afternoon when they stumble on an old Ouija board in a closet. When they decide to use it just for fun, they are shocked when the board tells them they are talking to a girl named Laura who was murdered in 1983 from their high school. Laura is a spirit sent on a mission to help Rebecca any way she can, even though there are very strict rules as to how she can interfere in a living person's life. When Rebecca finds out that Laura was a real person, she decides to investigate what happened to her and uncover the truths that nobody will say.
I went into this book thinking I was reading a dark paranormal murder mystery, but really it was so much more than that. This was a story full of redemption, truth, friendship and forgiveness (with such a nice, perfect ending). Sure there were some very suspenseful things that occurred in the story, as well as the fact the whole premise was built around a murder-suicide and a ghost, but I thought the story was really sweet and feel good. All the characters were given the chance to show their heart and good side, wrongs were righted and possible terrible events were prevented. Yep, not what I thought based on the synopsis but I found this to be a quick, easy, engaging read to escape into for an afternoon.
The book started out with three girls playing with a Ouija board, when someone starts talking to them and I was instantly hooked. But then I was confused as to how the story was set up when I started the second chapter because all of a sudden I was dropped into a "special school" for the dead with a new character and rules for Crossing the Line (I loved how the title to the book had so many uses and connections throughout the story!). I had zero idea what was going on for almost the entire second chapter. But once I made it to the third chapter, I was fully immersed and interested in the plot. The book is dual narrated by Rebecca in the present and ghost Laura who is in the afterlife and has flashback to her past. Each character has a distinct voice and personality that came through the pages, and I really enjoyed trying to figure out how the two connected or what the mission was that Laura had to accomplish.
There was definitely a mystery to the book, but the relationship dynamics between both girls and their friends as well as between both girls was the main focus of the story (for me at least). I enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and the way the book unfolded, giving me hints along the way. I enjoyed this book which felt like a standalone since everything was wrapped up nicely, but there is most certainly potential for more from this world. Also, the concept of ghost detectives (or whatever you want to call the ghost helpers) was really neat. This was an interesting read full of mystery and supernatural appropriate for all ages.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance, complimentary copy of this book.
Rebecca and her two good friends are trying to decide how to spend their afternoon when they stumble on an old Ouija board in a closet. When they decide to use it just for fun, they are shocked when the board tells them they are talking to a girl named Laura who was murdered in 1983 from their high school. Laura is a spirit sent on a mission to help Rebecca any way she can, even though there are very strict rules as to how she can interfere in a living person's life. When Rebecca finds out that Laura was a real person, she decides to investigate what happened to her and uncover the truths that nobody will say.
I went into this book thinking I was reading a dark paranormal murder mystery, but really it was so much more than that. This was a story full of redemption, truth, friendship and forgiveness (with such a nice, perfect ending). Sure there were some very suspenseful things that occurred in the story, as well as the fact the whole premise was built around a murder-suicide and a ghost, but I thought the story was really sweet and feel good. All the characters were given the chance to show their heart and good side, wrongs were righted and possible terrible events were prevented. Yep, not what I thought based on the synopsis but I found this to be a quick, easy, engaging read to escape into for an afternoon.
The book started out with three girls playing with a Ouija board, when someone starts talking to them and I was instantly hooked. But then I was confused as to how the story was set up when I started the second chapter because all of a sudden I was dropped into a "special school" for the dead with a new character and rules for Crossing the Line (I loved how the title to the book had so many uses and connections throughout the story!). I had zero idea what was going on for almost the entire second chapter. But once I made it to the third chapter, I was fully immersed and interested in the plot. The book is dual narrated by Rebecca in the present and ghost Laura who is in the afterlife and has flashback to her past. Each character has a distinct voice and personality that came through the pages, and I really enjoyed trying to figure out how the two connected or what the mission was that Laura had to accomplish.
There was definitely a mystery to the book, but the relationship dynamics between both girls and their friends as well as between both girls was the main focus of the story (for me at least). I enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and the way the book unfolded, giving me hints along the way. I enjoyed this book which felt like a standalone since everything was wrapped up nicely, but there is most certainly potential for more from this world. Also, the concept of ghost detectives (or whatever you want to call the ghost helpers) was really neat. This was an interesting read full of mystery and supernatural appropriate for all ages.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance, complimentary copy of this book.
November 12, 2018
Great Ya book for young and adult readers.
I received this book from the author for honest review.
Omg what a great read it was.
This novel kept me going. I didn't want to put it down for a minute. I didn't want to miss thing. All I wanted to now more about the characters and the more I kept reading the more I was enjoying them all. All threw the book chapter by chapter they kept me guessing of what they are. All I wanted to do was to jump in the book and be like I'm here. I wanted to join them and more Emily. This is what this novel make me want to do!
What a Great YA read!
It truly was a delightful to read and I enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend everybody to read this awesome fantastic fantasy novel.
I can't wait for her next book!!!
Book 2 please!!!
This book is one of a kind, captivating and engaging no matter what your age. The story is creative, the characters are well developed, interesting and totally relatable if you were ever a teenager, parent, or adult. While feeling like a dragonfly on the wall, journeying back and forth between realms with each of the characters, there is never a dull moment in the storyline. The essence of the Crossing the Line draws you into places in your mind that you may not have ventured to before. It makes you look at life with more awareness and perhaps even consider that the world around you may be more involved than it appears on the surface. At some point everyone should take the opportunity to explore what it’s like to view life from a different perspective. Crossing the Line is essentially an expertly guided tour to consider the potential of more.
I received this book from the author for honest review.
Omg what a great read it was.
This novel kept me going. I didn't want to put it down for a minute. I didn't want to miss thing. All I wanted to now more about the characters and the more I kept reading the more I was enjoying them all. All threw the book chapter by chapter they kept me guessing of what they are. All I wanted to do was to jump in the book and be like I'm here. I wanted to join them and more Emily. This is what this novel make me want to do!
What a Great YA read!
It truly was a delightful to read and I enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend everybody to read this awesome fantastic fantasy novel.
I can't wait for her next book!!!
Book 2 please!!!
This book is one of a kind, captivating and engaging no matter what your age. The story is creative, the characters are well developed, interesting and totally relatable if you were ever a teenager, parent, or adult. While feeling like a dragonfly on the wall, journeying back and forth between realms with each of the characters, there is never a dull moment in the storyline. The essence of the Crossing the Line draws you into places in your mind that you may not have ventured to before. It makes you look at life with more awareness and perhaps even consider that the world around you may be more involved than it appears on the surface. At some point everyone should take the opportunity to explore what it’s like to view life from a different perspective. Crossing the Line is essentially an expertly guided tour to consider the potential of more.
August 10, 2018
**4.5 Stars!**
Thank you so much Ellen Wolfson Valladares and the WiDo team for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not much of a paranormal fan, so I was a little reluctant to give this book a try. Wow, am I glad I did though! This book was unlike anything I have ever read. The whole concept of spirits attending schools to learn how to help the living was something so new to me and something I just ate up! I found myself submerged in the ways of "life" on the Other Side, that I couldn't put this book down!
Crossing the Line is written in two different POVs--Rebecca's and Laura's. Rebecca is a high school reporter who finds herself caught in a tragedy that rocked her town's world thirty years ago. Laura is a spirit living on the Other Side who just so happens to be at the center of that town-shattering tragedy. I enjoyed the two different perspectives of this book and found myself loving each girl's chapters equally. They are both so different, yet find themselves in such similar circumstances. It was hard not to love them! They are very complex and just felt real.
I went into this book knowing it was about ghosts, but I didn't expect it to cover so many important topics that teens struggle with today. It covers all the lows that high schoolers go through, including bullying, relationships, divorce, abuse, and even suicide. While these topics can get very dark, the book handles them in a way that won't leave you down in the dumps. That being said, those darker topics aren't "glamorized" and, being a high schooler myself, I can definitely attest to the accuracy of the topics portrayed in the book.
The plot was nicely paced--I never found myself getting bored with the story and was constantly justifying "one more page" :) It starts off with a bang and only gets better from there! As the story progresses, more and more of the truth behind the tragedy comes out and there is quite the plot twist near the end of the story! I kinda saw it coming and kinda didn't, so it was a nice surprise!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Being someone who isn't a paranormal fan, it was a pleasant surprise! The characters are well-developed and the plot is excellently paced! I appreciated all the "tougher" topics discussed and loved all the world building for those on the "Other Side". I recommend this book to anyone looking for something new and unique to read! It was a nice breath of fresh air in the world of YA!
Thank you so much Ellen Wolfson Valladares and the WiDo team for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not much of a paranormal fan, so I was a little reluctant to give this book a try. Wow, am I glad I did though! This book was unlike anything I have ever read. The whole concept of spirits attending schools to learn how to help the living was something so new to me and something I just ate up! I found myself submerged in the ways of "life" on the Other Side, that I couldn't put this book down!
Crossing the Line is written in two different POVs--Rebecca's and Laura's. Rebecca is a high school reporter who finds herself caught in a tragedy that rocked her town's world thirty years ago. Laura is a spirit living on the Other Side who just so happens to be at the center of that town-shattering tragedy. I enjoyed the two different perspectives of this book and found myself loving each girl's chapters equally. They are both so different, yet find themselves in such similar circumstances. It was hard not to love them! They are very complex and just felt real.
I went into this book knowing it was about ghosts, but I didn't expect it to cover so many important topics that teens struggle with today. It covers all the lows that high schoolers go through, including bullying, relationships, divorce, abuse, and even suicide. While these topics can get very dark, the book handles them in a way that won't leave you down in the dumps. That being said, those darker topics aren't "glamorized" and, being a high schooler myself, I can definitely attest to the accuracy of the topics portrayed in the book.
The plot was nicely paced--I never found myself getting bored with the story and was constantly justifying "one more page" :) It starts off with a bang and only gets better from there! As the story progresses, more and more of the truth behind the tragedy comes out and there is quite the plot twist near the end of the story! I kinda saw it coming and kinda didn't, so it was a nice surprise!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Being someone who isn't a paranormal fan, it was a pleasant surprise! The characters are well-developed and the plot is excellently paced! I appreciated all the "tougher" topics discussed and loved all the world building for those on the "Other Side". I recommend this book to anyone looking for something new and unique to read! It was a nice breath of fresh air in the world of YA!
August 15, 2018
Thank you to Ellen Wolfson Valladares and WiDo for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! This book is way more than I excepted. Valladares sure did pull at my heart while reading this book. When Rebecca and her two friends Nicole and Jenny decide to play on her mothers Ouija board, they do it for fun until they actually make a connection with a spirit. The spirit lets them know her name is Laura Sherman and she died in 1983. With that Rebecca being her curious self, she searched the name up and came across an article that proved the girl was real. Wanting to know what happened to Laura, Rebecca decides to write an article hoping to uncover the truth.
Laura is a spirit and she lives on in The Academy a school for spirits that are assigned to help the living without Crossing the Line. In this case Rebecca is Laura's client but I didn't know why until I read more. (I wont say more because you should definitely read it) The story had me turning page after page wanting to know the truth, both of the girls point of views are told every other chapter. I loved that we get flashbacks to Laura's past life because we get to know her on a deeper level and see some resemblance in both Rebecca and Laura.
A paranormal mystery of friendship, romance, suicide and bullying all wrapped in a remarkable book. Valladares captures every topic wonderfully and it will pull at your heart. It shows you to never judge someone by what you see on the outside, because you truly never know what someone is actually going through.
Wow! This book is way more than I excepted. Valladares sure did pull at my heart while reading this book. When Rebecca and her two friends Nicole and Jenny decide to play on her mothers Ouija board, they do it for fun until they actually make a connection with a spirit. The spirit lets them know her name is Laura Sherman and she died in 1983. With that Rebecca being her curious self, she searched the name up and came across an article that proved the girl was real. Wanting to know what happened to Laura, Rebecca decides to write an article hoping to uncover the truth.
Laura is a spirit and she lives on in The Academy a school for spirits that are assigned to help the living without Crossing the Line. In this case Rebecca is Laura's client but I didn't know why until I read more. (I wont say more because you should definitely read it) The story had me turning page after page wanting to know the truth, both of the girls point of views are told every other chapter. I loved that we get flashbacks to Laura's past life because we get to know her on a deeper level and see some resemblance in both Rebecca and Laura.
A paranormal mystery of friendship, romance, suicide and bullying all wrapped in a remarkable book. Valladares captures every topic wonderfully and it will pull at your heart. It shows you to never judge someone by what you see on the outside, because you truly never know what someone is actually going through.
September 8, 2018
“This message is from me and from your Spirit. You have the gift, Rebecca.”
Jumping back and forth between Rebecca and Laura, you see the before through Laura’s eyes and the after through Rebecca’s. I truly enjoyed this story as the paranormal feeling gave me chills but also gave me the sense of fulfilment while reading throughout the book. I can honestly say I have never read a book like this one and this unique story is one I will always remember.
I really enjoyed reading the point of view of Rebecca, her raw sense of acknowledgement of Laura and her ghost gave me chills and I loved every second of it. Even throughout her high school drama and friendships, Rebecca and her friends are full of desire and passion for their new “friend”. Laura's perspective was also very intense as I loved how you could still sense her feelings and when she talks to Rebecca, OH MAN!
I would recommend this book to those who love a great, unique story where your favourite character could be either alive or dead! Ellen did an amazing job on creating a riveting story that connects not only the character to the person reading but also being able to have the reader really think about what their reading.
Jumping back and forth between Rebecca and Laura, you see the before through Laura’s eyes and the after through Rebecca’s. I truly enjoyed this story as the paranormal feeling gave me chills but also gave me the sense of fulfilment while reading throughout the book. I can honestly say I have never read a book like this one and this unique story is one I will always remember.
I really enjoyed reading the point of view of Rebecca, her raw sense of acknowledgement of Laura and her ghost gave me chills and I loved every second of it. Even throughout her high school drama and friendships, Rebecca and her friends are full of desire and passion for their new “friend”. Laura's perspective was also very intense as I loved how you could still sense her feelings and when she talks to Rebecca, OH MAN!
I would recommend this book to those who love a great, unique story where your favourite character could be either alive or dead! Ellen did an amazing job on creating a riveting story that connects not only the character to the person reading but also being able to have the reader really think about what their reading.
August 11, 2018
This book was fantastic! I usually don’t gravitate towards the paranormal genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The relationship between Rebecca and Laura was fascinating and left me wanting more. All the characters are well thought out and each had a vulnerability that progress throughout the book and made it easy to relate. The book always kept me on my toes and even had a little twist towards the end that I really wasn’t expecting. I also enjoyed the teen romance aspect of it, and I think everyone needs a Tyler in their life. I definitely recommend!
August 19, 2018
I can't believe it took me this long to complete. This book is awesome. I commend the author for having an insight on the two age band thinking faculty. Rebecca is really some brave girl. This gave me an insight to how females think. The story in indeed interesting, but for anyone is used to reading, predicting the end was kind of easy. Should I say, it is close. The writing method will hold the reader glued.
May 15, 2018
One afternoon finding themselves with nothing better to do Rebecca and her friends Nicole and Jenny discover an old Ouija board in the wardrobe and decide it would be fun to give it a try and see if spirits actually exist. The girls get the shock of their lives when the spirit of Laura Sherman, a teenager killed over 30 years previous, makes contact with them. Despite the teenagers trying to forget their brush with the spirit world, Laura has been assigned to work alongside Rebecca on an important case so won’t be discouraged so easily.
Laura, the victim of a murder-suicide thirty years before has been made part of the prestigious Academy on the ‘other side’. Filled with deceased teenagers, the Academy trains those who have passed over to assist in cases back in the world of the living. The Academy has a whole host of rules and regulations that must be followed by those specially chosen to help, the main one being that they must NEVER cross the line. Laura is tasked with helping Rebecca, a student from her old high school, connect with fellow student Teresa. Teresa has the weight of the world on her shoulders and could really use a friend like Rebecca and it’s Laura’s job to try and make that happen – easier said than done. Being back on her old stomping ground with memories at every turn Laura really struggles to keep herself emotionally detached and begins to struggle with her assignment putting the whole case in jeopardy.
With the help of Laura, Rebecca starts to slowly uncover the details surrounding her death and begins to realise the reason that Laura has been sent to help her. Piece by piece the puzzle begins to fall into place for both the girls and they must work together to make sure they succeed.
The blurb of this book really captured my attention as I have a real interest in the spirit world and love to read books that include anything spiritual. I was extremely excited to be given the opportunity to read and review the book and it didn’t disappoint.
Written in chapter’s which alternate between Rebecca’s and Laura’s perspectives I felt I really got to know both characters well and understood what made them tick. The story is so well structured, drip feeding information into each chapter, not giving too much away until the climatic twist, making for a real page-turner of a read. Crossing The Line is a YA book and deals with some hard hitting and real struggles that many teenagers face concerning their relationships and friendships. Suicide and bullying are discussed throughout the book and written so that both sides of every story is told giving a fantastic insight into the feelings and thoughts of those involved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend 10/10!
Laura, the victim of a murder-suicide thirty years before has been made part of the prestigious Academy on the ‘other side’. Filled with deceased teenagers, the Academy trains those who have passed over to assist in cases back in the world of the living. The Academy has a whole host of rules and regulations that must be followed by those specially chosen to help, the main one being that they must NEVER cross the line. Laura is tasked with helping Rebecca, a student from her old high school, connect with fellow student Teresa. Teresa has the weight of the world on her shoulders and could really use a friend like Rebecca and it’s Laura’s job to try and make that happen – easier said than done. Being back on her old stomping ground with memories at every turn Laura really struggles to keep herself emotionally detached and begins to struggle with her assignment putting the whole case in jeopardy.
With the help of Laura, Rebecca starts to slowly uncover the details surrounding her death and begins to realise the reason that Laura has been sent to help her. Piece by piece the puzzle begins to fall into place for both the girls and they must work together to make sure they succeed.
The blurb of this book really captured my attention as I have a real interest in the spirit world and love to read books that include anything spiritual. I was extremely excited to be given the opportunity to read and review the book and it didn’t disappoint.
Written in chapter’s which alternate between Rebecca’s and Laura’s perspectives I felt I really got to know both characters well and understood what made them tick. The story is so well structured, drip feeding information into each chapter, not giving too much away until the climatic twist, making for a real page-turner of a read. Crossing The Line is a YA book and deals with some hard hitting and real struggles that many teenagers face concerning their relationships and friendships. Suicide and bullying are discussed throughout the book and written so that both sides of every story is told giving a fantastic insight into the feelings and thoughts of those involved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend 10/10!
June 10, 2018
This book is a great read for anyone who loves mysteries and a bit of fantasy. It is a young-adult book with a few strong themes (such as murder and suicide) and should be read by a mature middle to high schooler. The book alternates between Laura's ( a girl who died 30 years ago) and Rebecca's ( the girl Laura is "communicating" with) perspective. Overall it is a great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has many plot twists to keep you engaged and surprised.
June 14, 2018
Ellen Valladares is a stunning author. I loved this book so much that I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day . It contained paranormal mystery, romance and friendship, and with those three combined into one book it made. "Cross the Line," phenomenal. The story line was captivating, and being able to alternate p.o.v.s of both Laura and Rebecca allowed insight into two main important characters.
October 18, 2018
The story:
In 1983, high school senior Laura Sherman was gunned down by a jealous classmate, who then turned the gun on herself. Thirty years later, her spirit returns to help budding medium Rebecca, a teenage girl facing a crisis of her own. Can the two prevent history from repeating itself?
Read the rest of the review at Young Adult Books Central:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
In 1983, high school senior Laura Sherman was gunned down by a jealous classmate, who then turned the gun on herself. Thirty years later, her spirit returns to help budding medium Rebecca, a teenage girl facing a crisis of her own. Can the two prevent history from repeating itself?
Read the rest of the review at Young Adult Books Central:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
February 12, 2022
Smells Like Teen Spirit
The spirit of a murdered teenage cheerleader is charged with guiding some living teens. In so doing the truth about her own death will finally be revealed.
How much you like this bok depends largely on your ability to tolerate endless teen drama, nonsense and hysteria. The teens, living and dead, are just annoying. The drama, misunderstandings, super sensitivity, hormones, jealousy, interfere with the story. Made me enj9y being long out of highschool.
The spirit of a murdered teenage cheerleader is charged with guiding some living teens. In so doing the truth about her own death will finally be revealed.
How much you like this bok depends largely on your ability to tolerate endless teen drama, nonsense and hysteria. The teens, living and dead, are just annoying. The drama, misunderstandings, super sensitivity, hormones, jealousy, interfere with the story. Made me enj9y being long out of highschool.
April 29, 2018
Mysterious and mystical story! (YA drama)
Plot twists abound in this story set in multi universes. The past and present collide with a teen girl journalist digging into an old murder and a ghost visiting, determined to stop history from repeating. Great read- recommend for teens and also clean enough for middle school . Great strong female characters.
Plot twists abound in this story set in multi universes. The past and present collide with a teen girl journalist digging into an old murder and a ghost visiting, determined to stop history from repeating. Great read- recommend for teens and also clean enough for middle school . Great strong female characters.
August 24, 2020
Point of View
This story is one told through a few of the various characters' points of view. It also has a layered story line. I enjoyed the story overall, but I felt it was predictable - even at moments that could be considered plot twists. The author does a nice job showing the different sides of the characters and the drama of high school.
This story is one told through a few of the various characters' points of view. It also has a layered story line. I enjoyed the story overall, but I felt it was predictable - even at moments that could be considered plot twists. The author does a nice job showing the different sides of the characters and the drama of high school.
Read
July 17, 2022Wonderful storytelling
Although I have not a team, therefore not the intended audience, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the description of the afterlife world and the connections made beyond the veil to the current world. I love the unravelling of the mystery and the beauty that the connections created in the end.
Although I have not a team, therefore not the intended audience, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the description of the afterlife world and the connections made beyond the veil to the current world. I love the unravelling of the mystery and the beauty that the connections created in the end.
April 20, 2018
The novel opens in 1983, from 17-year old Laura Sherman’s POV, on the night of her death. This once bubbly cheerleader, known for her looks, personality and the drama-filled relationship with her boyfriend has now been trained through The Academy and assigned to make contact with the living to prevent the unthinkable from happening. Though the reader is left in the dark about who Laura’s target is and what horrible fate she is trying to save this person from, we do know The Academy Laura now belongs to has rules and “The Code” states that if a spirit is to Cross the Line, something worse than death will be their fate.
Then, we meet Rebecca Mickelson, a serious, “facts only” journalist for the high school paper with a few close friends, who is only wishing her crush would ask her to Homecoming and that she won’t embarrass herself. Then, she and her friends encounter her mom’s old ouija board and they begin a communication with the spirit of a teenage girl.
Read the rest and enter book giveaway here... https://www.writelikecrazy.com/blog1/...
Then, we meet Rebecca Mickelson, a serious, “facts only” journalist for the high school paper with a few close friends, who is only wishing her crush would ask her to Homecoming and that she won’t embarrass herself. Then, she and her friends encounter her mom’s old ouija board and they begin a communication with the spirit of a teenage girl.
Read the rest and enter book giveaway here... https://www.writelikecrazy.com/blog1/...
April 21, 2018
- The book is written in 2 POV, each chapter alternates between Laura or Rebecca. This was pretty cool because you were able to follow through with both characters stories...and get a feel for both sides. It also gave you little cliffhangers at the end of each chapter since it switched POV's and something always seemed to happen towards the end of each chapter.
- I love that the book immediately drew me in. It begins with Laura on the night of her death as a ghost watching over the scene. Very few details are given about what actually happened to cause this murder, but there is enough intrigue to keep you wanting more and continue reading.
- Rebecca was probably my favorite character. She kind of reminded me of myself; a little shy, not very popular, and down to earth, also scared of Ouija boards. She was just super relatable and was super easy to read her story.
- As a spirit, Laura attends The Academy which is a “spirit school” to train her so that she can contact the human world to help someone from suffering the same fate as her. This idea was something I'd never seen in any other book, but was one I wasn't overly fond of. I just couldn't wrap my head around it, it just seemed odd to me. However, it did give a reason for Laura to be sticking around and lending help to Rebecca to save another life. It also added other characters to the story and kept the mystery up of Laura's background because she wasn't supposed to entwine her story with Rebecca's.
-The book was a very easy fast paced read, which I really liked. It was also a light read with nothing too intense happening, but at the same time kept you wanting to read more.
- The book had a plot-twist type ending which is always a plus ;) The whole time you're reading you are trying to figure out what happened to Laura, but you probably won't be able to, and it's a little shocking at the end.
- Overall, this book had a nice mix of mystery and romance and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the paranormal and mystery.
April 10, 2025
I was excited to have an opportunity to read and review “crossing the Line” by Ellen Valladares as part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour.
The premise of this book – a paranormal mystery – intrigued me and as I read it, I was quickly drawn into the unfolding story.
The book is told in alternating chapters – Rebecca in the present, and Laura – a spirit who gives us flashbacks to her former life and interacts with Rebecca’s wor4ld.
From the beginning, when Rebecca and her two friends use an Ouija board to get questions answered, through the gradual discovery of what really happened to Laura and Katie, you are caught in a very compelling story.
All of the characters have unique voices and we get a close look into their lives, their problems, their concerns.
N has created an afterlife, with the Academy, that is imaginative yet fascinating. How wonderful for our world if we could be so helped.
The other part of this story important is the focus on the damage rumours and bullying can do to so many and the ramifications it can have. The comparison of Laura and Rebecca’s lives forces one to see just how challenging or young people to navigate relationships, depression, fear, bullying, hate. Love and friendships can save lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
The premise of this book – a paranormal mystery – intrigued me and as I read it, I was quickly drawn into the unfolding story.
The book is told in alternating chapters – Rebecca in the present, and Laura – a spirit who gives us flashbacks to her former life and interacts with Rebecca’s wor4ld.
From the beginning, when Rebecca and her two friends use an Ouija board to get questions answered, through the gradual discovery of what really happened to Laura and Katie, you are caught in a very compelling story.
All of the characters have unique voices and we get a close look into their lives, their problems, their concerns.
N has created an afterlife, with the Academy, that is imaginative yet fascinating. How wonderful for our world if we could be so helped.
The other part of this story important is the focus on the damage rumours and bullying can do to so many and the ramifications it can have. The comparison of Laura and Rebecca’s lives forces one to see just how challenging or young people to navigate relationships, depression, fear, bullying, hate. Love and friendships can save lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
July 29, 2018
I was hooked on the first page! A captivating murder mystery with a beautiful relationship of humanity. The suspense full story takes you back and forth between characters, past and present, in such and exciting way, along with a few tears. It was a hard book to put down!
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