A detective ghost story featuring a girl challenged by her ADHD. Hannah uses a journal to write down her thoughts about what is going on in her life. The short answer is “A lot!”

Her father has been missing for 120 days and people in the town seem to be forgetting about him. School brings even more challenges as a guidance counselor is only making matters worse.

There’s still her mother providing support and irritating Uncle Fergus who has been hanging around their house way too much. Hannah decides she will solve the mystery and find her father. Help comes in the form of best friend Sam and Tim, a respected school Hall Monitor.

The ghostly turn in the story happens when Hannah meets a ghost who claims to be her father. She pursues more answers as to whether the ghost is real and in turn lines up a few suspects who may have been involved in a murder coverup.

The strength of the story is the mystery and what occurs in the classroom as Hannah struggles with her neurodiversity. Hannah’s first person narration tells more than shows, but the last 50-75 pages will have readers anxious to find out what happens. Perfect for fans of contemporary stories with the added bonus of a friendly ghost. It would be nice to see the endearing Hannah in a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 10, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 268

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY by Ashley Hards

1. Students often need someone other than a parent to help them through learning challenges. Hannah finally connects with that person with the kindly Mr. Roseband, a school counselor.
2. Kids will often hide what they consider the bad stuff in the way they process so that they will appear “normal.” Reading about Hannah will change their perception in a good way about being perfect.
3. Sam and eventually Tim are friends everyone should have. “If you need us, just tell us! We’re a team!”
4. The journal style writing will appeal to the younger audience.
5. Although the intended audience will miss the plot’s parallel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, for me it was a pleasant surprise.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.

Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book. Find her on Instagram @ashleyrhards. 

About Fabled Films Press LLC

Fabled Films Press creates original content for young readers and middle-grade audiences that combines strong literary properties with high-quality production values to connect books with generations of parents and their children. Each property is supported by websites, educator guides, and activities for bookstores, educators, and librarians, as well as videos and social media content. Fabled Films Press has published two critically acclaimed children’s book series: Pippa Park by Erin Yun and The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht. Find them online at fabledfilms.com, on Facebook at @Fabled.Films.Press, and on Instagram at @fabled.films.

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