Ruined

by Paula Morris

Summary: Rebecca and her dad live together in New York City, but when he has to take an extended trip to China for work, he sends her to live with his sister in New Orleans for the year. She soon learns that this old southern town has rules she doesn't understand, and she has a hard time making friends. The beautiful old cemetary by her aunt's house seems to call to her, and even though it's forbidden, she walks around it whenever possible. There she meets Lisette, a girl with tattered clothes and bare feet, and becomes her friend. But no one else can see Lisette...because she's a ghost. Why can Rebecca see her when no one else can? Is Lisette really her friend, or is Rebecca just a pawn in the fulfillment of an ancient curse?

My thoughts: It took me a little while to get into this one, but after the slow start it really took off! I like the unusual New Orleans setting, and learned a lot about the city, and Mardi Gras, that I didn't know.