Charlotte Cross didn't believe in ghosts, until she met one whose heart was as broken as her own… The spring before 7th Grade, tragedy strikes C. C. Cross. Dad won’t be coming home from Afghanistan. When her mother packs her up and moves her across the country to Manassas, Virginia, C.C. finds herself in a new neighborhood, a new school and a new life, one without her mighty, fearless, and beloved father. As C.C. struggles to build a new life, she meets a boy on the Civil War Battlefield near her home. Then he disappears right before her eyes. C.C. knows that somehow, she must uncover the truth about the disappearing boy, and why he haunts the Battlefield. …In the spring of 1861 Jeremy Turner wants nothing more than to join Lincoln’s army and shoot himself some Rebels, if only Ma would sign the enlistment papers. Not until he abandons his family farm and leaves behind everything he loves, will Jeremy find his way into the bloodiest war in American history. Can these two broken hearts help one another find their way home? "Charlotte's Ghosts by L.P. Simone is a thoughtfully crafted novel that deftly weaves the threads of historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural elements. The book opens with the protagonist, C.C. Cross, grappling with the loss of her father, a pivotal event that sets the stage for an intriguing narrative. Simone artfully navigates the dual storylines of C.C. in the present and Jeremy Turner, a boy from the Civil War era, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. The plot centers on C.C.'s quest to unravel the enigma surrounding a boy who vanished on a Civil War battlefield, a mystery that gradually intertwines her life with Jeremy's. Simone's skillful storytelling oscillates between these two distinct periods, maintaining suspense and intrigue while expertly avoiding spoilers. The novel's setting is rendered with vivid detail, immersing readers in both the turmoil of the Civil War and the nuances of modern life. The characters of C.C. and Jeremy are particularly noteworthy for their depth and development. Their individual journeys, marked by challenges and discoveries, form the backbone of this dynamic narrative. Simone's writing style, characterized by warmth and a personal touch, underscores the emotional layers of the novel, particularly in its exploration of themes like grief, connection, and the lingering impact of historical events. For those drawn to the allure of mysteries, this book offers a brisk and engaging pace, seamlessly blending the lives of characters separated by over a century. Simone's depiction of the Civil War era is immersive, lending authenticity and depth to the historical backdrop of the story. The characters' struggles are portrayed with a sensitivity that evokes empathy, enhancing the reader's engagement with their journeys. The book's structure, alternating between different timelines, enriches the story's complexity and depth. The resolution of the central mystery is both satisfying and thought-provoking, adding a layer of depth to the novel's exploration of grief and historical context. Charlotte's Ghosts is a commendable addition to the realms of historical fiction and mystery. L.P. Simone's novel is original and resonates with a wide range of readers, appealing to both young and mature audiences. Its unique blend of genres and eras offers a reading experience that is as enlightening as it is captivating." - Literary Titan "A cozy contemporary paranormal mystery offers an opportunity for a gentle historical perspective on war and loss in this time-crossed middle grade novel. As an Army kid, 7th grader Charlotte Cross is used to moving, but since her dad died in Afghanistan, she knows this new school in Manassas, Virginia, is more permanent. On a walk past a local Civil War battlefield, her black lab Beau runs toward a strange boy, who soon after disappears. From there, Charlotte's Ghosts plunges into the past. In 1861, Jeremy is left alone on the farm after his father goes north to join the Union Army, but his pacifist Quaker mother won't let Jeremy sign up to fight the rebels like he desperately wants to. While Charlotte navigates grieving by joining the cross-country team and making friends, she also finds some others willing to help her figure out how to help Jeremy's ghost be at peace. Charlotte's side of this well-constructed story will be instantly relatable for readers, with themes of settling into a new place, and the sadness of losing her father touches without being overly visceral. Jeremy's story will prove less immediately intuitive for young readers, as a Virginian father eager to fight for the North against slavery despite his wife's religious objections is complicated, especially as slavery itself is not depicted in the story. Still, that setup illuminates the complexity of American identities, and the idea of a boy who wants to follow his own idea of manhood will resonate with adolescent readers. In the past, the