Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon What it's about (from publisher Blink): Willow Lamott's best friend is a convicted killer, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she's tried to fade into the background---but none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and fueled by revenge. The moment their eyes meet, Willow no longer feels invisible. Drawn to the vulnerability behind Ashton's mask of rage, she sinks deeper into his sinister world and begins to question whether he's a villain, a savior, or both. Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves. Why you should read it: Driven apart by numerous lies, revealed at unexpected times throughout this well-plotted novel, Willow and Ashton hunger for the closeness and trust they once shared. As truths are revealed and faith in each other rekindles, danger grows to a quite literal white-knuckle conclusion you will not want to miss. Best known as co-author of the Doon series (with Carey Corp), Lorie Langdon comes into her own with Gilt Hollow. This atmospheric and emotionally driven novel is one part mystery, one part suspense and at least three parts romance. The author's solo debut will pull you, heart-first, into the tale and keep you glued to the pages until you reach the pulse-pounding, heart-soaring end. Highly recommended! By - Serean Chase is the author of the critically acclaimed Eyes of E'veria series. * USA Today's Happy Ever After *
'Easily the most thrilling and dangerously addictive YA novel to hit bookshelves this year, readers of all ages will fiercely devour every word of this stunning literary win." * PopSugar *
Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon - Willow has spent the past four years trying to forget the day her best friend was convicted of murder. But when Ashton is released from juvie, Willow is forced to confront the past, as well as her growing romantic feelings for her once best friend. Ashton seeks out Willow's help to clear his name, but the closer they get to the truth, the more Willow begins to doubt Ashton's innocence. Why we're looking forward to it: We need a heart-pounding thriller to keep us occupied while we wait for The Girl On The Train to hit big screens. Lorie Langdon gives us that. It may be YA, but Gilt Hollow had us checking in our closets and behind the shower curtain before bed. * Redbook Magazine *
Gr 9 Up-Langdon draws readers into a town riddled with deadly secrets and dangerous lies lurking in every corner, from the protagonists' possibly haunted attic to the bustling coffee shop downtown. Threatening messages appear, and suspicious events begin occurring upon the return of convicted killer Ashton Keller. But is he really the true danger to this society? Meanwhile, Ashton's former best friend Willow is barely piecing together a normal adolescent life following Ashton's conviction and now sudden unexpected return from juvenile detention. Torn between her longtime love and loyalty to Ashton and her interest in dating other boys, getting through high school, and keeping her family safe and happy in the wake of her father's death, Willow finds herself right in the thick of some very dark business. Filled with detailed descriptions of the characters' physical appearances, this novel would be great for teens who want to mix some elements of danger and mystery in with their love triangles. VERDICT For those who enjoy the romance and drama of Twilight but would rather skip the supernatural sparkling and packs of werewolves, this could be a good fit.-Emily Grace Le May, Providence Community Library * School Library Journal *
