Cold Kiss

Adult romance writer Garvey makes her YA debut with an introspective paranormal story about holding on when one should let go. Seventeen-year-old Wren has inherited her family's ability to tap into the energy of the world to make magical things happen. She's never been one to think things through, but has outdone herself by raising her boyfriend from the dead after he is killed in a drunk-driving accident. As Wren becomes less certain about how to deal with what she's done, the reanimated Danny (who isn't exactly the boyfriend she remembers) is recovering his memories and becoming more difficult to control. Wren is thrown even further off-balance when new student Gabriel, who has supernatural abilities of his own, uncovers her secret. After more lies tumble together and escalate, Wren confronts her attraction to Gabriel, the reality of her inadvertent cruelty, and her failing relationships with friends and family. Garvey sidesteps zombie tropes by keeping the focus on Wren's emotional state and the consequences of her actions, painting a delicate portrait of first love, loss, and a "girl who thought love came with ownership papers." Ages 13%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)