The Magician's Doll by M.L. Roble

Natalie knows she's different.  If she had any doubt, the boys who bully her would be sure to point out any faults for her.  The only real friend she has is Phillip and he doesn't understand.  She knows her mother is keeping secrets.  The problem is that what she doesn't know could kill her...

The author and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review.  It has been published, so check where ebooks are sold to get a copy.

This is a story of unseen and untold powers that a small group of people have.  Natalie's mother and Phillip's mother have some of those powers and they are hiding from a madman who wants them all.  They think they are hid well enough but, unfortunately, that's not true.  Now trying to keep their children safe and not telling them all the family secrets means that they may be fighting a losing battle.

I wasn't sure about this book when I started it.  The author has done a very good job of making the story interesting enough to draw you in and keep your attention.  The circus has a magician that can take a doll and turn it in into life.  That's his power:  Imbibing life into inanimate objects.  Phillip's mother stitches clothes that keep people safe and take care of their troubles.  Phillip has the power to transport to places he sees on a map.  Natalie tends to use the others' power to enhance her own.  She also has her mother and grandmother to help her out.  But the man who wants this power is insane and Natalie has the strongest power he's ever seen. 

The fight is tense, the madman doesn't mind hurting people, and Natalie is the only one who can overcome him.  Can an untrained child beat an insane madman?  You'll have to read it and see...