Book One (The Haunting of Sunshine Girl Series) - The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is what I would call a fluffy horror book. Aimed at younger readers, it would be the perfect balance of horror and humour.

I love creepy books that will scare me, and while I didn’t find this one to be particularly creepy, there were a few moments that surprised me, with paranormal twists that I didn’t expect. Going into Sunshine Girl, I knew it was going to be about a girl at a haunted house, but the luisearches who banish ghosts made it really unique.

The real star of the book however is Sunshine’s fun, fresh and hilarious personality, which lightened the hauntings dramatically. Her narration and point of view were really easy to get into, but I do admit she had had traits that often annoyed me. Such as being cute for the sake of it and mispronouncing things, saying how she never lies or has never, ever felt alone. I would be drawn into Sunshine’s point of view and then she’d say things like that that would jar me right back out. She felt like an inauthentic and idealised character.

There were a few creepy moments in the book, but I think Sunshine’s lighter narration kind of downplayed the impact of these for me.

I haven’t heard of The Haunting of the Sunshine Girl on Youtube before, but it’s worth a second look especially if you have an interest in the paranormal. I enjoyed this installment, even without being a fan of the series. With a fun, hilarious girl at it’s center and a few creepy moments, it was a fun fluffy read. I just prefer my horror to be scarier.

Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews - happyindulgencebooks.com

First--an admission. I was not one of those people who followed the Sunshine Girl videos on YouTube so I came into this unaware of what it was about and went off the book blurb to tell me about it. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I suppose I went into reading this without any real expectations.

For the first third or so of this book, I was pretty enthralled. I liked Sunshine and her mom Kat right away. I liked the dog and the cat and the best friend and I was grateful that the author didn't wait until the last page to start revealing the paranormal aspects of the story. This seemed like it would turn out to be the kind of old-fashioned, creepy ghost story that relies a lot on the unseen to create terror. The it went a different way.

I can't say that I didn't enjoy the rest of the book, I did, but in a bit different manner. Rather than being a ghost story, this book becomes more about the strange qualities of the main character and what her future holds. I thought the plot line was pretty unique, and I was still happy to continue reading, but I also was a bit dismayed that the story went from being about one thing and suddenly became about another. I'm not sure (again with the lack of videos) where the author will take this series, but it should be interesting to see.

I do have to say, the final battle with the dark force in the story was not my favourite. It seemed a bit too easy and too convenient for such heavy subject matter. I also want to mention that the bathtub scene is possibly one of the most terrifying scenes in any book I've read. So, I guess it balances.

Overall I think teens (and adults) will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading the next and seeing what happens to Sunshine in the future.

This review is based on a complimentary copy offered in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I bought The Haunting of Sunshine Girl two years ago during my creepy book stage. I read it and loved it. Unfortunately, the first two times I read it, once when I first bought it and again when I bought The Awakening of Sunshine Girl, I easily forgot it because I skimmed it. Thankfully I have matured in my reading and, as they say, third time’s the charm! I really love this series! Sunshine is one of those rare, mature teens who fits in better with adults than she does with kids her own age. The one teen she does get along with best is Nolan, who is also a mature teen. And what’s really nice about this series is that its not full of teenage drama. Yes, Sunshine’s relationship with Nolan and later with Lucio gets a little complicated, but never does it get annoying. I love how she considers her mom to be her best friend, aside from her actual teenage best friend, Ashley. All I could think was, “oh good, I’m not the only one who has Mom as her best friend!” And strangely enough, Ashley became one of my favorite characters by the end of the series! She is the typical, boy-crazy, shallow teenager, but she’s so funny and loveable and cute that I started liking her very quickly! The story is unique and not just a rehash of every other YA book out there. Sure, there are some similarities, but nothing too obvious. Considering that this series is considered fantasy, it’s actually very realistic. Overall, McKenzie did a great job of writing a continuous, fascinating story with great characters and interesting settings. This series is perfect for middle and high schoolers, not too much language and not too scary. A great series!!

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the whole I liked it. It was a bit of a "fluffy" ghost story. The very first encounter with the ghost when they first move in was very well written and creepy and I only wish it would have kept that atmosphere, but unfortunately a more mystical quality took over the plot. However, I would have been more disappointed had I not foreseen this occurring. I went into this book assuming it was more lighthearted than most ghost stories and so therefore was not surprised when I was proved right. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much....until the ending that is. I thought the way she defeats the water demon was very stupid and made little sense and I didn't get the closure I was looking for, both between Sunshine and her newly un-possessed mother, as well as with Anna and Victoria Wilde. Very disappointed with this ending and am thereby still mulling over wither or not I want to continue with the series. I probably will at some point because its a quick and easy read and if it ends up sucking I wouldn't end up wasting much time, but I am not leaping out of my chair to go buy it right now.

We follow a sixteenth year old girl named Sunshine Griffith as she and her mom make a move from Austin, Texas to Ridgemont Washington. From the moment the two arrive in their new home, Sunshine cannot shake off the creepy feeling that seems to follow her through the house.

It doesn’t take long for Sunshine to realize what is happening. The house feels cold, there are footsteps of a little girl in the middle of the night, sobbing, bedroom door slamming shut, and her stuff gets thrown all over the floor.

It’s not until one night where the experience what happened to the little girl that turns Sunshine’s whole world upside down. Both her and her mother Kat witness something evil that has happened in the house, but her mother does not remember what happened the next day. Now her mother is acting strange and not at all like the loving woman that Sunshine is familiar with.

This book was interesting. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started reading it, but I found myself enjoying it.

Sunshine starts a new school and is drawn to a boy named Nolan, who becomes her really good friend. Nolan is incredibly smart and really adored his grandfather who had recently passed away. The loss had hit him hard, but Nolan holds on and believes in his grandfather’s ghost stories so he and Sunshine become really close when Nolan ends up the only person who does not look at her as if she had gone insane.

There is also a strange art teacher that is really into weird and creepy.

Together Nolan and Sunshine must find out what Sunshine really is and save her mother before time runs out.

Outside of the special snowflake alert, I found myself kind of liking Sunshine. She loves film photography – a girl after my own heart. She is very loyal to the people she really cares about and very modest. She just wants to feel like a sixteen year old girl, but she experiences things that no one else can.

The book was pretty character driven and some parts were really spooky. I was kind of hoping the rainy eeriness setting of Ridgemont, Washington would add to the atmosphere, but that part I found a bit lacking.

Overall, I enjoyed it and cannot wait to see what happens next.

“The Haunting of Sunshine Girl “ written by Paige Mckenzie is an action packed, thrilling book, full of adventures and a mystery that only Sunshine and Nolan can solve, because no one else believes in ghosts. I love how Mckenzie leaves you hanging after every chapter. You feel like you are apart of the book when you read it. Paige gives you so much details about the settings and how the character looks like. The narrator is very soft, or I think it would be, and very helpful in a case where you don’t know what's going on.

Sunshine is a girl who is used to her Texas ways, but gets this funny, creepy feeling about her new house. Kat is Sunshine’s step-mother, and those two have a bond like no other mother and daughter that they have every seen. But when Sunshine tells Kat about the things that Sunshine has heard, Kat won’t believe it. That’s when Nolan, a friend of Sunshine’s, helps her out with solving the mystery. When Nolan and Sunshine join forces, they can solve this crime, or they think they can.

I would definitely recommend this book to your friends and or family if they like mysteries. “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” should be on the top of your reading list. A 5 out of 5 stars. I was hooked on the first page.

I had never heard of the YouTube channel "the Haunting of Sunshine Girl" before reading the description of this book. So obviously, a did a little research before digging in. I watched the first "season": about 80 1-2 minute videos. There's at least 7 seasons I believe, but not knowing exactly how closely the book follows the videos, I decided to stop there and hopes I didn't spoil too much.

At least compared to the 1st season, the book seems to have gathered loose inspiration from the channel and while throwing nods towards the video, the book seems to be different. So this is a book you could easily read without needing to watch the videos to understand anything.

Cover: I was drawn in by the cover. Girl in froofy dress floating in mid air with an antique-y filter? I'm so down for that! My one gripe is I get a southern belle feel from the cover. I can so see this fitting a ghost story set in Georgia. But I don't care because it's still an awesome cover.

StoryLine: I really enjoyed this book. I'm a scary movie fanatic, I love thrills and I love to be scared. And while this book didn't scare me, there were a few creepy scenes and it was all around a good suspense. The book is shrouded in mystery almost clear in to the end. While there are little bread crumbs dropped here and there to lead the reader on the path of uncovering the secrets, it takes about 75% of the book before the pieces start coming together. That's why I couldn't put it down, I just had to know what was going on.

The lore behind this was interesting and had a nice twist to it. It wasn't one of those things where once it was revealed you roll your eyes and want to through the book. It sort of organically fit in to the storyline and the information we already knew.

Characters: The love story was sweet and innocent and totally G-rated. Not even really a love story, just a hint to love to come, the beginning sparks. In fact, most of this book is G-rated. I could see a young 10 year old me reading it and feeling spooked but not devastatingly scared. The perfect mix for a ghost story to tell around a campfire. If you told me this was middle grade, I would probably believe you. But it doesn't take away from the story in my mind.

Parting Thoughts: I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down for more than a few minutes. If you're looking for a mystery suspense, featuring ghosts, demons, and an innocent MC, give this book a shot.

I received the e-Book version for free through NetGalley.
For a little background- “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” (the book) is written by Paige McKenzie, a teenage girl who has her own YouTube channel called “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl”. So apparently the book is based on the YouTube channel. Or something like that. I obviously, did not have any idea that such a YouTube channel existed so I was tempted to do a little background research myself after reading the book so that I could understand the author a little more. Anyway, I will stick strictly to the book for the purposes of this review.
In “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” the protagonist is a teenage girl, Sunshine, who moves from sunny Texas to rainy, dreary Washington (think: Twilight) with her mother. When Sunshine starts to experience strange “happenings” in her house she enlists the help of her new friend and an extremely peculiar teacher to uncover the cause of these hauntings. What Sunshine discovers, is that she is actually a “luiseach” (a type of “paranormal bodyguard”) and she must learn to accept her new identity if she is to save her mother, who has been “possessed” by a demon.
Now this book has it all, from haunted houses to possessions to “otherworldly” creatures. Although there are some elements that are familiar (for example, the location) the novel is well written for an author who is apparently a teenager herself. The book was an unexpected surprise from someone so young, and I think that it will definitely be relatable to younger readers, who are looking for a wacky, independent and realistic heroine to root for. As this is a “young adult” book, the language is easy-to-read and the chapters are small and compact. I will definitely give McKenzie the respect she deserves for her obvious creativity and beginner talent. I am well-accustomed to horror stories and demons, so this book was more entertaining than scary for me (in a good way), but I think that it will definitely cause a few goosebumps and maybe a “double-check” on the doors and windows for some of the younger readers. It is definitely a book I would recommend to intelligent, creative young adult readers who enjoy scary ghost stories, and are looking for the brave heroine protagonist that is actually relatable and realistic. McKenzie is definitely one to be watched, and I look forward to what else she has to say!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Moving into a new house can be fun, unless it’s haunted and that is exactly where Sunshine finds herself. No one believes her, not even her best friend a.k.a Mom, no one until she meets Nolan. Once her mother begins acting strangely, the two set out to free the ghosts and save Sunshine’s Mom.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is based off of the Youtube show and is being adapted into a movie (I heard it comes out this year but I’m not sure). Prior to reading this book I hadn’t heard of the Youtube show, don’t think that just because this book is based off a Youtube Channel that it isn’t good, because it is. This book was a pleasant surprise to me, being someone who doesn’t read many paranormal or ghost stories, this was a good place to start and it certainly made me more interested in books like it.

The plot was really, really good more than I expected, which was a haunting with an Ouija board and an exorcism, etc. There was a mystery about who Sunshine really was and what her powers would do, not to mention how she could use them. Then there was their strange art teacher with a love of death, with more to her than it seems. Chapters change every once in a while, going from Sunshine’s life to a mysterious, unknown character that I would love to know more about! So many events in this book build up to a fantastic ending, leading for even more possibilities in the next book, not to mention how perfectly it was written! Everything was written really wonderfully, from the amazing detail to Sunshine’s quirky attitude, this book has a lot to look forward to.

This isn’t your typical haunting book filled with endless spooks to make you jump, it wasn’t even scary for me. Don’t get me wrong, there were thrillers and heart pounding moments, very little blood and not too many creepy events. For me, this was pleasant since I don’t handle gore or horror too well, so don’t expect a super scary story.

All of the characters were very unique, and you can rest easy knowing that there was no love triangle, there wasn’t much love at all! Sunshine loves old things, vintage, taxidermy, photography, she wasn’t perfect and she wasn’t considered the prettiest, she was an awesome narrator and main character. Reading her story is like taking a breath of fresh air from all of the other typical stories about mysterious boys and the kind best friend love triangle. Nolan was a nerdy book worm, with a love of ghosts, another unique character. Together, the two main characters make a refreshing read.

Overall, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl was fantastic! From the different (in a good way) plot, to the quirky strange characters, there is a lot to look forward to in Page McKenzie’s book.

One of the things I have discovered this year was Web series that have been created on YouTube and one in particular that I enjoyed was called The Haunting of Sunshine Girl, so imagine my excitement when I discovered that it had been transcribed into book format. As I read it , I could see all my favourite characters coming alive and I have to admit I fell more in love with the story and more connected to the character's emotions and feelings. The book starts with Sunshine's birthday and we notice that their is a ghost watching her and that soon she will be exposed to the supernatural world and readers wonder why she hasn't already. We then learn it's because she was adopted , Sunshine and her mother then move to a smalltown and a creepy town it is indeed and strange things start occurring . Sunshine's mother has never believed in the paranormal and thinks that it's her daughter's way of rebelling. As the book goes along , Sunshine meets Nolan and discovers things about her past and that she has strange powers tucked away and that she will have to embrace her past in order to conquer the demons that are at bay , either that or she will fail and the ones she loves will perish as those who have fallen before her. I am hoping since this book did end on a major cliffhanger that the author will work with the director and writer of The Haunting of Sunshine Girl and continue the series.
This is the perfect book for fans of Paranormal Activity but also love the mother/daughter interactions that viewers have seen on shows like Gilmore Girls.

I have to say that “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” is one of the most interesting horror novels I have ever read. It has an unexpected blend of ghosts, romance, teen angst, and plot.

I really enjoyed the characters and their arcs. Sunshine especially is a great and likable character who reacts to the extraordinary paranormal situations in a way that most of us would. That being disbelief quickly followed by fright. I won’t give away what else she goes through, but needless to say it isn’t something most of us would encounter. At least I hope not. I do like to sleep on occasion.

My first thoughts were this isn’t too scary, which quickly progressed to being afraid to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night (which is when I was foolish enough to read a horror story), and finally ended up with “my significant other needs to read this”. That last bit is the most telling, as she is what could be called a horror connoisseur. She likes terrifying things and “The Haunting of Sunshine” fits that requirement at many points.

Oddly enough, the book can be classified as clean as long as someone is ok with paranormal violence. There is no bad language, only the vaguest of sexual references, and no drinking or drug usage. Therefore, I can easily recommend “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” for any age provided they are comfortable with books by authors such as R.L. Stine. It’s a lot of good old-fashioned ghost story fun.

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS
I was kind of worried about this book at first. Not because of he creepiness, but because I watched the YouTube series and it was a disappointment. Thankfully, this book was much creepier (which I love).

Sunshine's mother just moved the both of them to a new town and a new house. The house is creepy and Sunshine is convinced that it's haunted. She's hearing noises, coming home to her stuff rearranged, and she's having dreams of a little girl. Her mom remains unconvinced despite all the proof and she's becoming more an more distant. Sunshine teams up with a fellow classmate in order to figure out the ghost situation.

First off, I love the plot. I'm a sucker for ghost stories and the creepier the better. This one definitely had the creep factor involved. There were enough ghosty shenanigans and the book just got darker and darker! I didn't like the luiseach thing, though. It added an unnecessary "chosen one" plot that I could've done without. I just wanted an old-fashioned haunting.

As for characters, I hate Sunshine's name. It's a fine nickname, but otherwise, horrible name. Anyway, she's an okay character. She annoyed be with her "I'm not like other girls" thing. Especially since she thinks she's different for shopping at Goodwill. Other than that, she's likable and a bit quirky. Nolan, a friend she makes, is a great supporting character. He's a bit nerdy, which I loved, and helped immensely.

As for romance, there really wasn't any, though there must be some in the coming books.

IN CONCLUSION
I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but I did like this book. The ghost story is really what made the book and the ghost story was fantastically creepy! I will be looking into the other books when they come out.

Sixteen-year-old Sunshine Griffith has always enjoyed a close bond with her adoptive mother Kat. But when the two move from Texas to Washington for her mom's new job, their relationship suddenly changes dramatically.

Although Sunshine can't really prove it, she knew the moment they stepped into their new house that there was something supernatural. From the first night, Sunshine hears what sounds like the voice of a little girl, giggling and wishing her good night.

Before long, however, the little girl shows Sunshine that something else is lurking in the home...something sinister. And it's clear that it's beginning to affect Sunshine's mother. Once a kind, friendly woman who took a great interest in her daughter's life, Kat is now distant and sometimes downright mean. But what on earth can Sunshine do to stop it? Even worse, it's not like anyone would believe her.

Yet one person does. Sunshine's new friend Nolan quickly teams with her in the race against time and evil. But will they possibly have what it takes?

Although this novel is based on a YouTube web series, it stands alone well. It's not at all necessary to have viewed the videos (and in fact, I had no idea they even existed until I was nearly done with the book.) While the plot seems a little contrived at times, the characters are well-written and enjoyable. (Aside from her supernatural powers, Sunshine is a relatable teen, funny and smart, and the warm relationship between mother and daughter is a delight in today's world where many kids and their parents live separate lives under one roof.) Readers will root for Sunshine and Nolan, desperately wanting the safe return of her old life just as much as she does.

Sixteen-year-old Sunshine and her mom, Kat, just moved into a new house in Ridgemont, Washington --- a big change from their old home in Austin, Texas. The move is hard on Sunshine for several reasons: she can’t seem to shake the chill she caught when she first got into town; the new house is creepy to an extreme, including a strong mildew smell and the sounds of footsteps roaming the upstairs; and Sunshine has a hard time fitting in at school with her penchant for vintage clothing and other “old stuff.” The fact that her creepy art teacher seems to be especially interested in her isn’t helping, either. However, this is a huge opportunity for her mom as she starts a new job, so Sunshine does her best to make Ridgemont home.

Unfortunately, something in the house isn’t making that so easy for Sunshine. On her first night in the house, Sunshine hears the laughter of a young girl, which soon turns into something much more horrific. To make matters worse, her mom doesn’t believe that anything is wrong and has been growing more and more distant to Sunshine every day. Desperate for answers and proof to show her mom, Sunshine begins researching with the help of her new friend, Nolan. As they research they find out more about the supernatural and Sunshine’s past than they ever expected. After Sunshine finds out who she really is, she realizes that she must defeat the demon that has been torturing her family before it destroys everything she loves.

Based off of the hit web series with the same name, THE HAUNTING OF SUNSHINE GIRL will draw readers in from the first page. With the help of author Alyssa Sheinmel, Paige McKenzie --- face of The Haunting of Sunshine Girl web series --- adds a whole new dimension to Sunshine and her strange talents. While the web series and book have different plots, Sunshine is still the same lovable character that viewers will immediately recognize. However, readers who haven’t yet seen the web series have no need to fear --- the novel stands independent of its web show counterpart. While the two definitely complement each other, the plot of each is different enough that you don’t need one to enjoy the other.

The characters make THE HAUNTING OF SUNSHINE GIRL exceptionally enjoyable. Sunshine and Nolan make a great team. Both are caring, smart, and funny individuals, but they have different strengths and they end up making each other better characters overall. Another character that readers will grow to love throughout the novel is Victoria Wilde. Her compassion towards Sunshine and her desire to help her daughter will make her a favorite for audiences. And while Kat’s character wasn’t quite as developed in this book, I can’t wait to see what happens to her later in series and how she will grow as a character. The writing also makes this book a fun read. Creepy at points, cute and funny at others, this is a novel that a variety of readers will enjoy. With a cliffhanger ending and unanswered questions, readers will be eagerly awaiting the next book from Sunshine.

Reviewed by Cheyenne C.

I had no knowledge of the whole YouTube thing that goes along with this YA novel. I am certainly not the demographic that this book is targeting but I’ll be honest – I really enjoyed it. It’s far out of my usual reading world but sometimes when I take a chance like this I’m richly rewarded. It’s funny, as a rule I tend to really not like paranormal stories but some of my favorite books fall into that realm. Goes to show that you should pigeonhole your reading.

Sunshine is a 16 year old girl who moves with her mother from sunny Austin, Texas, to wet and dreary Ridgemont, Washington. The house her mother finds is, as Sunshine calls it, creepy. Soon after moving in she hears things; laughter, giggling and soon starts seeing other manifestations of a ghost. Her mother doesn’t believe her and thinks that Sunshine is just trying to whine her way back to Texas. She sets out to prove to her mother that the ghost exists by taking photos but her mother is experiencing some other issues about which Sunshine has no idea.

I was drawn into this story immediately. The character of Sunshine is so realistically drawn and just such a teenager – a little precocious, a little ahead of her time, a little stubborn and a little unsure of her place in the world. She is trying to figure out what is wrong in her house and ultimately what is wrong with her mother while not really understanding why it is all happening to her. She has a friend to help her along the way but even when presented with (her) reality she can’t believe it.

The book is written for a teenage audience but it did keep me interested. The other characters are as well developed and interesting as Sunshine and I am looking forward to the next installment.

4.5

I received a free copy for my honest review

Sunshine faces more than night terrors and things that go "bump" in the dark. This 16-year-old is a spiritual warrior that has come of age without anyone to guide her. Through what almost seems like providence, Sunshine meets Nolan who believes every odd thing Sunshine tells him. He digs beneath the surface of things to find the truth that Sunshine desperately needs. Why? Those answers could possibly save Sunshine's mother's life!

While I am not a huge fan of YA novels (the teen angst drives me batty), I enjoyed The Haunting of Sunshine Girl. The story, while familiar in its elements, has a very fresh feel and lovely twists that make this teen ghostly thriller a great read. There's just enough angst for the teens to revel in, but light enough so adult readers can read it with ease. The romantic element is very subtle; it does not overwhelm the story. However, it has you rooting, and hoping, for more sparks.

If you enjoy a good, hair-raising, back tingling ghost story coupled with an engaging fully developed main character, you will LOVE The Haunting of Sunshine Girl. [P.S. - I cannot wait for book 2!]

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl: Book One - Paige McKenzie, Alyssa B. Sheinmel

I received a copy of The Haunting of Sunshine Girl: Book One from the publisher in return for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book because it's written around a series of YouTube videos, I haven't watched any of the videos but the idea intrigued me. The blurb really doesn't give much away in regards to what the story is about, so unless you've watched the videos all you really know before reading is that it's about a girl living in a haunted house. It's so much more than that.

The story revolves around Sunshine and unlike most YA books, the female lead doesn't have boys falling at her feet, she's not pretty or perfect and there's no love triangle or overly mind numbing teenage angst. The first half of the book felt slower than I would have liked. There was plenty happening but I just wanted it to hurry up and get to part where I could really get my teeth into what was happening. I think it was more impatience on my part though because of the other voice in the story, someone who throughout the story is watching Sunshine but who we don't know who until nearer the end.

The characters of the book are well done and each play their own part very well. The overall atmosphere is dark, cold and creepy and I felt so sorry for Sunshine feeling like she did all the time. I enjoyed the plot, I won't go into the plot details as I don't want to spoil it but it was original and held my attention throughout.

I enjoyed this cute story about Sunshine and her coming to terms with a haunting in her home. In many ways, she's a loner teenager, so moving to Washington state from Texas sounds like a disaster for her. While disastrous and exciting things happen to her after moving and meeting a new friend, Nolan, Sunshine strives to do whatever she can to clear her home and save her mother. This was a quick read that kept me turning pages. I look forward to reading the other two books in this series.

Review contains spoilers!!!

I was really disappointed with this book. It started out as a creepy story that seemed unique, and it was engaging. It really did have potential to be a good book. However, once Nolan was introduced and the cheesy story line of an awkward never-been-kissed girl and her brooding jacket-clad sidekick became part of the novel, things started to go downhill. Through his research he determines that Sunshine is a mystical being that is intended to help save the human race. Again, another cheesy overdone story line, awkward, clumsy girl turns out to be humanity's only hope. Then you throw in the cliche of the goth art teacher being the dead girl's mother, which was made obvious before it was even stated, and it puts another damper on the story. Finally, there is the ending which does not even involve a reunion with her newly unpossessed mother. I understand there is a sequel being written, but the story in the first book could have had a stronger conclusion.

**I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I have never seen or heard of the Youtube channel for this story so I started reading it without knowing what to expect. The story tells about a girl named Sunshine and her adoptive mother, who move from sunny Texas to a gloomy rainy town in Washington. Sunshine has just turned sixteen and is a little bit of a loner, she has never really fit in anywhere. She likes old fashioned things and wears vintage clothing from thrift stores. She immediately feels like something is "off" with her house. She seems to always be cold and her house always seems damp and smells like mildew. She tried explaining it to her mother, who thinks she's overreacting and tells Sunshine to try and make the best of things. Shortly thereafter strange occurrences start to take place in Sunshine's room. Her stuffed owl is always in a different place, her glass unicorns are moved around, and her board games are set up to play when Sunshine gets home from school. Luckily, Sunshine befriends a boy at school named Nolan who is interested in ghosts. He starts researching things with her and they discover that Sunshine isn't who she thinks she is and she must discover the truth behind her past in order to save herself, her mother, and the world.

I will most likely check out the Youtube channel after reading the book. I thought it was creepy and when stranger things started happening around the house I wish it had gone into more detail. Sunshine's mother starts acting very strange and I would have liked for more of those examples in the book. It was a quick and creepy YA story. I feel like the author is trying to create a popular series much like the Twilight or Divergent series, I just don't know if there is enough depth to the story line to really catch on like that.

I received an ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love anything that has to do with ghost's. Whether it be books, movies, tv shows. I absolutely love a good ghost story. I myself have seen and experienced things before, so I am a true believer in the paranormal.

While I was scrolling through NetGalley I came across this book. The cover definitely caught my attention, and anything that has the word haunting in the title is going to be good. Even though this is a YA novel, it's just as scary and creepy as you would expect a ghost story to be.

I loved all the characters, especially the main character, Sunshine. She's not your typical teenager. She's clumsy, She's pretty much scared of everything, she loves to shop at thrift stores rather than go to the mall, and she has a great relationship with her mom.

I didn't know that this book was a series till I started reading it, and I'm excited to read the next one.

Sunshine and her mother, Kat, have just moved from their home town in Texas, leaving behind the only home Sunshine has ever known. Her mother got a job offer for her dream job, causing them to move. Her new town is dark and wet and her new house gives her the creeps. Their first night there, Sunshine hears someone playing upstairs and a little girl laughing and talking. Of course, her mother thinks she is imagining it, but Sunshine keeps hearing and seeing things. Things in her room will be moved or scattered when she gets home. Mostly harmless, until the night that her and her mother hear a little girl being murdered in their bathroom. The bathroom door is locked and the little girl is screaming. When they finally get in, nobody is there. But on that night, Sunshine soon learns, her mother was possessed by a demon and the only person that can stop it is her.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. When I read on the cover that it was a book that a youtuber wrote, I was skeptical. It seems like everyone on youtube is writing a book and I thought this was another one of those, or worse, had a ghost writer. But I was wrong. This book was great. I have never read a paranormal/scary book that flowed like this did. Usually I have one or two complaints, but I didn’t have any with this. The story flowed perfectly, it was original, and it kept the reader hooked.

I loved the romance, even though there wasn’t any. Nolan helps Sunshine throughout the book and there are hints of feelings, but nothing overly fluffy like in SO MANY YA books today. It focused on what Sunshine was going through and her journey to save her mother instead of her relationship with Nolan. And I loved that. Not to mention Nolan and Sunshine’s characters. They are so well rounded and not the least bit annoying. A lot of times in YA the main female comes across as annoying a lot of times, but Sunshine is very relatable. I think the only thing I didn’t like about this book was her name and even that had a reason behind it.

I give this book a 5/5 stars. This book is good for anyone looking for a good YA book, but especially if you want a good paranormal halloweenish read.

I really didn't expect much from Sunshine Girl. I picked it up with a skeptics eye and little patience for tired YA tropes. Learning that it was based on a YouTube series didn't help. I am a sucker for a good ghost story though, and this one really delivers the goods. The writing is solid,the pacing is fast, and the chills are real. The author does a wonderful job of creating suspense, and the imagery is memorable.

Sunshine Griffith is an excellent main character and an engaging narrator. She's adorable and young readers will find her easy to relate to and will be cheering her on from the first page. This is an excellent read and an enthusiastic recommend for young readers grades 7 and up with a fondness for all things ghostly.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl was a book I couldn't put down. I received the book as an arc from work (bookstore) and was thrilled. I watched the Youtube video and loved the creativity behind it and was not disappointed in the book.

Sunshine has just moved from sunny Texas to the Pacific Northwest and isn't really happy about it. Her mom has a new job and she struggles to fit in. The house they move into is creepy (her words) to the extreme and the uber pink bedroom resembles an exploding pepto bismal bottle. When things start to go bump in the night, Sunshine realizes there is a lot going on with her new house. She is changing too. But that is only the start of her problems. Her mother may be possessed, her new friend is creating some romantic tension and the odd teacher at school may know more than she is letting on about the goings on at her house.

If you love haunted house tales, this is one for you!

I love this this book: Sunshine Griffith has lived in sunny Austin, Texas. But just a bit after her sixteenth birthday she is uprooted from home to dreary Ridgemont, Washington. In her small home she experiences horrors, from her mom to an abandoned building almost killing her and her friend Nolan Sunshine must past her test- to save mankind. I love this book and Sunshine's channel. This book has horrors and thrill but not gore that'll keep you up all night (like 15 minutes). You should buy this book right now, do it hit that button and read it NOW or don't read a book a book ever again because they will never live up to this or the sequel.

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Haunting of Sunshine Girl', A Novel based on the YouTube web series phenomenon.

Reaching the age of 16 is an important turning point in a teen’s life. It is a special time, labeled sweet 16 in the case of young girls, a kind of coming of age. What if there was more than just a coming of age, a heralding of a different understanding.

In The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie, we are introduced to Sunshine Griffith and her mother, Kat. As Sunshine reaches the age of 16 things seem just a bit different, but she can’t really get a feel for it. Moving cross-country to the Northwest for her mother’s new job she finds the new house they are moving into decidedly creepy. Her relationship with her mother has always been extremely close, much like that of best friends, their bond is strong and they laugh and share inside jokes that hold them close. Yet that too seems to change as they move into this new place. Unable to figure it out, she shares her concerns with her friend she left behind, as well as her mother.

Usually on the same wavelength, she cannot get her mother to see or hear the strange happenings, including that of water running and a young girl crying. Sleep is becoming more difficult and her mother is becoming more distant. School is her only escape for now and she has befriended a strange young many, Nolan Foster, who is more than willing to listen to her concerns. His is smart and cute, yet he is a bit ostracized from the rest of the kids due to his belief in paranormal occurrences. He certainly comes by it naturally as his grandfather was a bit of a ghost hunter, who died before he could prove his theories to the outside world.

As they come together to try and tackle the possible haunting, they find there is more danger then could be imagined. The short time in the home already has her mother turning into someone else. As Sunshine tries to come to terms and get her mother to understand, Kat picks up a knife and cuts first herself and then Sunshine on the hand. Sunshine now knows that this woman is more than just her mother, there is another presence there as well, and one who is not concerned about the body that seems to now be housing it. Sunshine enlists the help of Nolan to help her find the answers before any further damage can occur. As they search for information, the horror of the answers is more than they bargained for. Death seems to be stalking them. Can they do what they need to do before it is too late for them all?

This is a fascinating tale of the paranormal and the importance of family and the belief in each other. The characters are quite well thought out, and you find yourself wanting to be a part of the fold. Well, except for the creepy stuff. There is humor and terror, and the investigation is strange and abhorrent, yet sets the stage for the presence that seems to be within their new home.

If you enjoy paranormal activity, friendships, family and just great personalities you will find this a fun, page turning work. Set as a young adult work, it also works great as a crossover novel for the nature and speed of the action keeps you riveted as the investigation takes your mind in dizzying
direction.
Paige McKenzie is an author to watch for.

3.5 Stars

I have never seen the YouTube channel this is based on, so I have no clue how it compares. As a book, this was a really fun story.

Sunshine and her mother, Katherine, have just moved half way across the country to Ridgemont, WA. Her mother has been offered a position in the new Neo-Natal unit at Ridgemont Hospital. Sunshine mourns the loss of having her BFF with her all the time and, well, sun shine. Not only does she have to adjust to life in grey skied Washington, she also has the feeling that something just isn't right at home. Sunshine and Katherine have always been close. They've been together almost everyday since Sunshine was abandoned at the hospital. Katherine happened to be working the night Sunshine was left. She from the moment she laid eyes on Sunshine, Katherine knew they were meant to be mother and daughter.

Sunshine knows there's something wrong on the first night in their new house. She hears the voice of a small child. Soon, someone is pulling all of Sunshine's toys out. Board games are set up to be played. There are screams in the night. The scariest part? Sunshine is the only one who notices or remembers any of this.

I really enjoyed this. The characters are fun and likable. Sunshine is the kind of girl you want to root for. She is smart, brave, and isn't boy crazy. The story has a great creepy feel to it. There is a second POV that pops in every now and then. I did find this a little confusing at first. You don't know who it is or what they're talking about. Their voice feels a little forced until the pieces fall into place. After that the second voice flows nicely with the rest of the story. The romance was allowed to form gradually. It had a very natural feel and was a breath of fresh air as far as YA romances go.

I will definitely continue with this series

***Thank you Weinstein Books and Netgalley for providing this in exchange for an honest review**

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is an excellent fantasy novel of a girl and her mom moving in to a new place that appears to be haunted. Sunshine, the girl, experiences all kinds of paranormal activity and confines in a friend in school. Together they learn more and experience more haunting activity. Meanwhile, mom gets possessed. Yikes! Come to find out, Sunshine is a supernatural creature herself that fights evil but she doesn't know how. The plot is great with lots of action,suspense, and haunting activity. The characters are well developed and interesting. Loved this story and can't wait to read the next book.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.The paranormal activity is disturbing and distressing, but I would describe the book as intense more than scary. The plot moves quickly and the writing is compelling and engaging. Sunshine is a clear enough character, but the motivations and personalities of secondary characters were vague. This left some characters feeling a little flat. There were glimmers of a theme about finding and believing in your personal strength, but this book is more about entertaining readers than about leaving a lasting impression, and it was an entertaining read. If you like the Mara Dyer books or Katie Alender, this is a good pick for you.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie is a terrific YA Horror/Mystery that is perfect for ages 13 and over. It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything in this genre and I will honestly say that it was this book’s amazing cover that drew me in and made me want to read it. Sunshine and her mom have just moved from Texas to WA State for her mom’s new job. From her first glance out the car window Sunshine is convinced they’ve moved to the ultimate creepy house. It quickly becomes clear that the house is haunted and that Sunshine is the only one that can see and remember the strange happenings that are going on. No matter how much physical evidence Sunshine shows her, her mom either can’t see it or remember any of it the next day, definitely something strange going on there! Luckily, Sunshine befriends a very sweet, cute boy at school, Nolan, who not only believes her but also seems to have some experience in researching ghost stories thanks to his grandfather. The two team up together and investigate the strange happenings in Sunshine’s house, they soon discover that Sunshine is no ordinary girl and this is no ordinary haunting.

Sunshine is such a refreshing, realistic character in the YA genre, now these are the kind of girls I want my daughter reading about! She has a great relationship with her mom; they and super close and completely honest with each other and as a mom to teenagers, I loved reading about their relationship. She’s also really shy around boys and new people in general and I think this is a pretty accurate portrayal of a teen that’s been uprooted from everything she knows and is used too. What I loved most though was that she doesn’t have boys fawning all over her, telling her how beautiful she is while she herself thinks she’s such a plain Jane, I’m so sick of that storyline!! Sunshine knows she may not be the prettiest girl in school and she would certainly change her frizzy hair if she had the opportunity too but you can also sense her inner confidence, even if she doesn’t realize its full potential yet. She’s got her own unique style and she’s not afraid to show it off.

This is a fast paced, super fun, spine tingling tale and I loved every minute of it! You can’t help but root for Sunshine; she is so likable and her internal monologues are spot on. I recently read that this will be book one in a soon to be series and I predict it will be hugely popular with teens of all ages as well as adults who read the YA genre. I could even see this being made into a TV series on a network like The CW, ABC Family or MTV; I hear there’s already a huge following on the young author's YouTube series of the same name. Highly, highly recommend; even if scary, spooky stories aren’t your thing, you’ll love The Haunting of Sunshine Girl.

**I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the publisher, Weinstein Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie is a terrific YA Horror/Mystery that is perfect for ages 13 and over. It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything in this genre and I will honestly say that it was this book’s amazing cover that drew me in and made me want to read it. Sunshine and her mom have just moved from Texas to WA State for her mom’s new job. From her first glance out the car window Sunshine is convinced they’ve moved to the ultimate creepy house. It quickly becomes clear that the house is haunted and that Sunshine is the only one that can see and remember the strange happenings that are going on. No matter how much physical evidence Sunshine shows her, her mom either can’t see it or remember any of it the next day, definitely something strange going on there! Luckily, Sunshine befriends a very sweet, cute boy at school, Nolan, who not only believes her but also seems to have some experience in researching ghost stories thanks to his grandfather. The two team up together and investigate the strange happenings in Sunshine’s house, they soon discover that Sunshine is no ordinary girl and this is no ordinary haunting.

Sunshine is such a refreshing, realistic character in the YA genre, now these are the kind of girls I want my daughter reading about! She has a great relationship with her mom; they and super close and completely honest with each other and as a mom to teenagers, I loved reading about their relationship. She’s also really shy around boys and new people in general and I think this is a pretty accurate portrayal of a teen that’s been uprooted from everything she knows and is used too. What I loved most though was that she doesn’t have boys fawning all over her, telling her how beautiful she is while she herself thinks she’s such a plain Jane, I’m so sick of that storyline!! Sunshine knows she may not be the prettiest girl in school and she would certainly change her frizzy hair if she had the opportunity too but you can also sense her inner confidence, even if she doesn’t realize its full potential yet. She’s got her own unique style and she’s not afraid to show it off.

This is a fast paced, super fun, spine tingling tale and I loved every minute of it! You can’t help but root for Sunshine; she is so likable and her internal monologues are spot on. I recently read that this will be book one in a soon to be series and I predict it will be hugely popular with teens of all ages as well as adults who read the YA genre. I could even see this being made into a TV series on a network like The CW, ABC Family or MTV; I hear there’s already a huge following on the young author's YouTube series of the same name. Highly, highly recommend; even if scary, spooky stories aren’t your thing, you’ll love The Haunting of Sunshine Girl.

**I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the publisher, Weinstein Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**

THE HAUNTING OF SUNSHINE GIRL is one of those books that you'll pick up and won't be able to put down. From its instantly likable heroine to its suspense-filled mystery, the pages will fly. It’s a story that’s spooky and fun, utterly enchanting and absolutely adorable. And it’s also a bit of a nail-biter - one that will frequently tempt you to take a sneak peek at the last page to see how things end.

Sunshine was always a little bit different. Not that she minded. She saw absolutely nothing wrong with loving all things vintage, with being hooked on the writing of Jane Austen, with having a stuffed - as in taxidermied - owl, and with having a mother for a best friend.

But when she starts hearing and seeing things in her new house that she can’t pretend are caused by anything but a ghost, she starts to think that maybe being different isn’t such a good thing after all.

With her mother’s job keeping her busy and her refusal to believe in a paranormal explanation, Sunshine is thrilled to find someone who does believe her and is willing to help. Especially someone as cute as Nolan Foster.

And with her mother acting weirder and becoming more distant, and the ghost becoming more agitated, she’ll need all the help she can get to find answers. Answers that even she may not want to believe. Answers that threaten to turn her life completely upside down. Answers that could mean the difference between life and death.

The authors have turned this YouTube series into a fast-paced, captivating and at times spine-chilling tale. They’ve created a story that ensures that readers won’t have to have watched a single episode to fall in love with their incredibly addictive ghostly mystery. They’ve given readers a charming, if reluctant, heroine whose frizzy hair, slightly old-fashioned speech, dress and interests, and awkwardness around the boy she likes, make her positively delightful, easy to connect with and someone they'll want to root for.

THE HAUNTING OF SUNSHINE GIRL is super-quick and wildly entertaining page-turner of a read. It’s the start to a series that promises to be equally as enjoyable, if not more so. And it wraps up in a way that will satisfy while teasing what’s ahead for Sunshine in the next installment.

Readers who love their supernatural mysteries with a touch of humor, a quirky and lovable heroine, and an outcome that will keep them guessing, will not want to miss the fantastic start to this new series.

Absolutely amazing ghost story! From page one I was on the edge of my seat.

I loved the characters and the fact that although a bit odd, Sunshine still winds up being a character I completely love. Actually, it's her little quirks that make me love her all the more. The fact that they added up to mean something is nice but I would have liked her without it meaning something.

The plot was great. Not too crazy in the beginning. But the authors continue to add just a bit more, and more, and more until I was on the edge of my seat with curiosity for how much Sunshine and her mom can take! Creep factor was definitely up there even for someone that enjoys reading and watching horror, like constantly! Well done!

I also really enjoyed how the information was given. A bit at a time. It flows with the storyline. Nolan also makes total sense. He meshes quite well with Sunshine even with her weird gagging whenever she gets too close to guys. Everything is explained! I love it!

And with everything being explained, don't start thinking that you will not have questions at the end. I think I have more questions because I received some answers. They were not just not enough to explain the mentor or how all this is about in the first place.

And the mentor! Do not get me started on this jerk. I am not sure if I like him (obviously) but I am curious what Sunshine is going to do about him and his ideas. Some of which were brought to light in this story but I think there is a lot more behind this guy. The fact that he is a mentor but leaves everything to chance is a bit ridiculous and I really hope he has some good reasons for it! Still not sure if I like him...

As for Sunshine and Nolan, they have so much ahead of them. Although this sort of ended on a cliff hanger with the whole mentor thing, there is so much! I cannot wait for the next book and recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal.

Sadly I have not seen the Youtube series but I want to now! Loved the book even without seeing it.

Received by publisher for an honest review.

It's a good paranormal romance, a story about ghosts full of suspense, certainly not to read before going to sleep. The plot is well developed and flowing, the pace is fast, a page leads to another.
Sunshine moves with her mother to a new town. Their new house seems to be haunted. But no one believes her, not even her closest friend, only Nolan, one of her classmate, that will help her to free her home.
It 's a funny story, perfect for teenager but anyone can read.

After Sunshine and her mom move into a depressing and damp house, weird things begin to happen. Sunshine begins to suspect a little girl is haunting the house. But, after meeting a local boy named Nolan, who believes in ghosts, she learns that something much, much worse is infesting her new home. As Sunshine and Nolan struggle to learn that Sunshine might also be more than she seems, the supernatural presence begins infecting her mother. A scary read about a mother and daughter, with a smart, charismatic heroine and a chilling atmosphere.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is a fun paranormal read. It’s apparently based on a popular YouTube channel, but I’ve never seen it – although I might be tempted to check it out now – so my review is based on the book alone, and I have nothing to compare it with.

Sunshine and her mom moved halfway across the country to the small town of Ridgemont, Washington. They changed the sun for the clouds, and Sunshine’s mood seems to have plummeted along with the weather. They moved because her mom, Kat, got a new job at a local hospital. All seems to go well, right until they arrive at their new home. Sunshine tries to look on the bright side, but has trouble finding anything bright about her new home, which seems infested with a creepy, eerie feeling.

And the longer they spend in the house, the more Sunshine grows convinced it’s haunted. Her mom doesn’t believe it, being a practical person, so Sunshine starts to gather evidence. While the ghost grows more powerful, slamming doors, sobbing in the bathroom, and even playing games with Sunshine, her mom still won’t believe her. Up until something frightening happens, and afterward, Kat doesn’t even remember.

Sunshine realizes it’s up to her to solve the mystery of the ghost’s identity before her mom gets hurt.

I loved the relationship Sunshine and Kat have. Sunshine is adopted, but they still have a real bond, a real connection. They’re very much like a real mother and daughter. Sometimes they bicker, but they’re there for each other, and they’re best friends. You don’t often see that in YA, and it’s great when it happens. Unfortunately their bond deteriorates when Kat doesn’t believe her daughter, which drives a wedge between them. But even though, it was still interesting to see what this did to their relationship, and how it estranged them.

The second POV that pops in occassionally was confusing at first, and I could’ve done without. I wanted to read the story of Sunshine and Kat, and the second POV didn’t add to the tension, but instead diminished it.

Sunshine was a loveable character, quirky and fun. Unfortunately she doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends, not even at her new school, and I found it a little hard to believe that even after being there for longer than a month, she only ever mentioned one person from school, one friend.

The ghost part worked well, and the suspense is high from start till end. There’s some build up, but from the moment Sunshine first hears the ghost, the suspense just keeps on going. The writing was spot on, with Sunshine sounding like a teenager without jumping to clichés. Some of the descriptions were plain beautiful.

This is a promising start to a new series, with a few exciting twists to the usual ghost story. It left me pleasantly surprised, and I look forward to reading more about Sunshine and her adventures in the sequel. Can’t wait. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My daughter got me into this YouTube adventure which is totally haunting and cool and the book is a bit different set up wise but I totally love it - it's very creepy I love this book cannot recommend it enough ! If you like creepy hauntings this one is for you !!! Excellent though I do like the YouTube series a bit better only because of the visuals and I think that Paige is a little darling. She's as cute as a button!!

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl: Book One reminds me of an amalgamation of the movies Poltergeist and Twilight. This novel is a creepy creeptastic journey through the paranormal experiences of Sunshine Griffith ... the main character. For a young adult novel ... I found it intense and nightmare-worthy! I didn't expect that! It's a fast mover that I read in half a day finding myself completely sucked in from the opening pages.

The story is contemporary in every way. From the family structure and demographic, technology references and the way the story was born through the imagination of Paige McKenzie and her YouTube series web phenomenon. The story behind the story is just as fantastic.

I really enjoyed it much more than I expected to. Definitely not a book for the youngest most impressionable of kids but a book that can be enjoyed by those who are 10+. Get ready to get a little creeped out. Scary stuff.

My impression: this book and the series should be quite successful!

Sunshine and her adopted mother relocate to Washington for her mom's dream job. But right away Sunshine notices that her new home seems different. Creepy. Things quickly escalate when she starts to realize that the house is haunted by a little girl. A little girl who likes to play games. Sunshine quickly learns that there is more to her life than what meets the eye.

This book started out kinda slow to me. I had a hard time connecting to Sunshine. I think some of that was simply due to the formatting. The copy I received from Netgalley had choppy sentences and weird spacing. At times this was frustrating and distracting. Once I hit the 50-60% point I stopped seeing the formatting errors. The story had picked up nicely. I really enjoyed the narration that cut in every couple of chapters from a third party.

***Copy provided by Weinstein Books via Netgalley***

Sunshine is the only person who knows her new home is haunted. Her mom thinks she's being silly.

Nolan is only a believer because his grandfather told him ghosts are real. He decides to help Sunshine with her ghost problem.

Sunshine and Nolan embark on a wild investigation into the paranormal. Lots of things aren't really what they seem.

A little more detail about the "lushien" would have been nice. Enjoyed Sunshine and Nolan bantering about the ghosts and demons. Nice plot, especially the way spirits are released. Kat (the nurse) that couldn't resist taking the abandoned baby, because they were both SPECIAL!
Recommended highly......

You awake from a nightmare. You clamber panicked toward the nearest source of light. Fumbling frantically, your fingers can’t seem to find the light switch. Your panic builds in the fog of sleepy disorientation and fear. Is there something in the dark? Is it close enough to touch your face? Does it hover emotionless, engulfed in its designs to rip you from humanity and feed off of your tortured screams? “Click” the room is bathed in light. As relief sets in, you still can’t seem to shake the feeling that it almost got you this time, whatever it might be. You may have only been seconds away from unimaginable horror. This is what I wasn’t prepared to experience when I began The Haunting of Sunshine Girl.
The new home that Sunshine and her mother share holds a mystery. There is a dreary hopelessness there that fades between day and night. As well as a few ghosts. You might hear the laughter of a little girl, the pitter patter of her feet or the terrifying screams of her watery death. The spirit has an eerie yet playful obsession with the sunshine girl. Sunshine has an innocence that seems to draw the darkness to her. You can feel this from the ominous man reporting on her progress from the shadows of an uncomfortably close distance. You feel the pull it has over the ever creepy visual arts teacher, Victoria Wilde. Her mother won’t believe, or should I say, can’t believe that their home is riddled with paranormal activity. She’s too consumed with her new job. Or is she? But still, there is some light when she meets her nerdy but attractive classmate Nolan. There is electricity that Sunshine can’t deny. You’re soon to realize that their friendship was born from more than a possible crush but from paranormal destiny. They receive some reluctant help from some curious sources but neither one realizes the trials that they will face nor the lurking fear that waits. With every light on, bloodshot eyes at 3:30 in the morning and an eye on the closet door, I couldn’t put this book down.
There is an epic universe that has barely been tapped into with unlimited possibilities. The evolving power and terror will leave you wanting for more. I am definitely looking forward to see what’s next in Sunshine’s future. I believe that you will too.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Weinstein Books in return for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity.
-Ricky Watson

Bubby: Cue the creepy music (a la from the shower scene in Psycho), grab your blanket and your flashlight, and get ready to be scared!
Sissy: If you like a good scare but are not wanting truly horrific stuff, this is the book for you. Read full review at www.bubblebath-books.com