Lilli Whitaker didn't expect to spend the summer before her senior year living on Staten Island with her notoriously difficult great aunt Stella. Her one refuge is a summer job at a run-down amusement park. For Lilli, 1989 becomes a summer of discovery that leads to romance, new friendships, and a long-hidden family secret.
A novel for teens and readers who are young at heart.

What readers say:
"A captivating journey to late 1980s Staten Island, where love, a restored carousel, and a long-buried family secret intertwine to create an enchanting and unforgettable tale. Get ready to be swept away in this mesmerizing novel filled with nostalgia and heartwarming revelations." -Christopher Barzak, author of Wonders of the Invisible World

"A charming exploration of restoration and rebirth. Restoration of a dilapidated carousel on Staten Island; of secret family histories and misunderstood relatives; of broken relationships, prejudices, and preconceptions. The writing sparkles, the story captivates and surprises, the entire book delights.- Kenn Amdahl, author of There Are No Electrons

"There are no summer job blahs for Lilli in this charming, well-written story about new friendships, budding romance, and big family secrets."
Linda Joffe Hull author of THE ROYAL GAME (co-writing as Linda Keir)

"I read over 100 books a year, and this one grabbed me right away." - Alice Kober, Librarian

"You can smell the hot dogs, feel the humidity, and hear the music of the carousal. Hill has taken the reader into the heart and soul of what it's like to be a young woman finding her place in the world. Lilli Rose is a character so memorable and lovable we can't help but root for her as she struggles to unravel tightly knotted secrets and to understand her past and what family means. A coming-of-age story with so much heart you will think about Lilli and her triumph of courage long after you close the book." --Shannon Baker, author of the Kate Fox mystery series.