In My Mailbox (25)--Wow, have I been doing this for 25 weeks?!

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren.

Let's get to it, shall we.

For review:

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Release Date: September 15, 2009 from Henry Holt

Synopsis:

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….

I've been wanting this one for awhile, so thanks to Megan for making sure I got a copy. I really appreciate it and I'm looking forward to reading it soon.

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Release Date: October 1, 2009 from Little, Brown

Synopsis:

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

This one was completely unexpected, but very welcome. It looks fantastic, so hopefully I'll be able to work my way to it very soon.

Secrets of a Christmas Box by Stephen Hornby (autographed)

Release Date: September 1, 2009 from Ecky Thump Books

Synopsis:

Enter the magical festive world of the Christmas 'Tree-Dwellers', as Larry, a Christmas snowman, wakes up after the long sleep in the Christmas box, to find his brother is missing.

Desperate to find him before Christmas, Larry, along with his girlfriend Debbie, a newcomer Splint, and Larry's companion Tinsel, break the laws of the 'Tree-Elders' and escape down the tree and away into the house, to look for clues.
Away from the safety of the tree and in an unfamiliar world, the Dwellers stumble upon a dark and sinister secret that threatens their entire world. Can Larry and the group make it back to the tree in time to warn the others, and finally uncover the truth behind the 'Secrets of a Christmas Box'?

I'm not quite ready for Christmas yet, but I usually read one Christmas related book a year, so this is the one for me in '09. It looks pretty interesting and the author autographed it, which is great.

Purchased:

Ivy by Julie Hearn
Days of Little Texas by R.A. Nelson
The Garden of Eve by K. L. Going

That's what I got this week. Can't wait to see what's in everyone else's mailboxes.