"Reaching Shore," an historical novel by Mary Wimmer, effortlessly weaves history, romance, and the enduring strength of friendship into a captivating read. (For readers 12+). Seventeen-year-old Maggie Reilly is dealing with a lot: her dad left her family, her grandmother could be getting sick, and she panics every time she plays her violin in front of an audience. And now she has to work on this really important history class project with this really cute jock, Jordan O'Neill. As Maggie and Jordan study the true story of the wreck of the "Lady Elgin" on Lake Michigan near the start of the Civil War, she finds herself haunted by a beautiful Irish girl with red hair who has an important message. Will Maggie learn what the ghost wants? Will she be able to navigate the rough waters of her own life and overcome the obstacles she faces? "Compelling characters, interwoven stories, and a fascinating glimpse of Irish-American heritage make this novel a winner!" Kathleen Ernst, award-winning author of "Hearts of Stone."