"New Royal, Iowa--population of 397--is convinced that Goldenrod, the abandoned Victorian mansion outside of town, is haunted because of its tragic history. Almost-11-year-old Trina Maxell is convinced, as well, when she and her handyman father arrive with a year-long contract to make the structure habitable again. However, to Trina, a year in a house is as close to having a permanent home as she's ever had. Poking around the upstairs rooms, she discovers a dollhouse and Augustine, a century-old talking porcelain doll, who becomes her first friend, confidante, and mentor. Trina's desire to learn the history of Goldenrod helps her uncover the source of the legends and understand what Goldenrod has been trying to tell her. Trina vows to make things right again for Augustine, Goldenrod, New Royal, and Annie, the little girl who lived in Goldenrod in 1912. O'Reilly's debut integrates elements of spooky other-worldliness with beautiful writing to create a complex story of loss, longing, and hope that is populated by endearing characters. This wistful and superlative coming-of-age story highlights the discovery of friendship and belonging in an otherwise chaotic world.

Perfect for readers who crave contemporary stories that feel like a classic, this is one to be re-read and enjoyed many times over."--starred, Booklist.