#BookoftheMonth - The Spirit Keeper (The Spirit Keeper #1) by Melissa Luznicky Garrett

Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal

Blurb:
After her mother and grandparents die in a raging house fire, eleven-year-old Sarah Redbird ends up in the custody of her aunt and uncle. Six years later, Sarah discovers the fire may not have been an accident at all, but a deliberate act of revenge.

Sarah's family has kept the truth of their Native American heritage secret her entire life, refusing to acknowledge where they came from. But when a family that has direct ties to their past moves to town, Sarah's true identity is revealed.

What Sarah soon learns is that some secrets are better left unspoken. ​

Goodreads

My Thoughts:
THE SPIRIT KEEPER is the first book in the series of the same name that talks about Native American legends and the ability to control the elements but, for the most part, it reads as a contemporary.

I found this to be quite formulaic but also thoroughly enjoyable. You have the sweet sixteen - nearly seventeen, thank you very much - high school student who is bullied by the Queen B. A new guy arrives in town, liked by the in-crowd but he is too cool for that, and falls for our MC instead. There is insta-love - in just a month, they are declaring their feelings. BUT there is a reason for that. After all, a deep bond can be forged when someone is trying to kill you.

I read this in one sitting, gripped by the story. I loved the dialogue between Sarah and Priscilla. Shyla was a wonderful surprise, the power transfer suspected. This book left me feeling satisfied and yet still wanting more, which is always a good thing! I would have like a bit more about the Native American side of things, but hopefully, that will happen in future books.

I'm really glad I read this and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Amazon

Melissa Luznicky Garrett began "writing" books at the tender age of five before she was old enough to do much more than print her name. When she wasn't watching Sesame Street or Mister Roger's Neighborhood, she could be found sitting in front of her parents' typewriter, transcribing the conversations inside her head one keystroke at a time. Now all grown up, Melissa has several published novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and numerous animals.
Melissa is a certified elementary general education and special education teacher. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in literacy education.

Amazon Author Page