MOONRISE KINGDOM's Kara Hayward to Narrate New Audiobook THE BLESSED by ghostgirl Author Tonya Hurley

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Simon & Schuster Audio is proud to announce that Kara Hayward will narrate Tonya Hurley's highly anticipated audiobook THE BLESSED, due out September 25, 2012. The audiobook will be available as an unabridged digital download.

Hayward starred as "Suzy," the daughter of Bill Murray & Frances McDormand, in Wes Anderson's recent blockbuster MOONRISE KINGDOM. She was cast in this part following her very first audition and her performance continues to receive critical acclaim and even Oscar buzz.

"I couldn't be happier to narrate THE BLESSED," says Hayward. "I'm really enjoying all the new experiences I'm having as a young actress and recording this audiobook has been a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to the next audiobook in the series. I love this story and the world that Tonya has created."

Hurley, the New York Times bestselling author of the ghostgirl series, has worked in nearly every aspect of teen entertainment: creating, writing, and producing two hit TV series including SO LITTLE TIME (ABC Family); writing and directing several acclaimed independent films; and developing a groundbreaking collection of video games for PlayStation 2 and GameBoy among others.

"I was absolutely thrilled when I learned Kara was going to be narrating THE BLESSED audiobook," remarks Hurley. "I can't think of a better young actress to take this story on. Kara is incredibly talented and I know fans are going to love her performance."

THE BLESSED audiobook will feature original music composed and performed by legendary Depeche Mode, Yaz and Erasure co-founder Vince Clarke.  The pioneering synthpop artist, songwriter, producer, and programmer has previously collaborated with Hurley on music for her bestselling ghostgirl audio series and on the current book trailer for THE BLESSED.

In THE BLESSED, the first installment in Hurley's latest trilogy, Hayward gives voice to Agnes, Cecilia, and Lucy, three lost girls battling their own personal demons. Agnes' recent break-up has landed her in the hospital with cuts on her wrists while Cecilia's love of music has fueled trading her self-respect for warm bed or paying gig. Lucy's "It Girl" status has her bold-faced name appearing regularly in the tabloids, but her superficial lifestyle only makes her feel more empty and alone. Their paths cross one night when they end up in the same hospital and each wake up with a token from Sebastian, a mysterious boy they've only just met. As they become wrapped up in finding out just who Sebastian is, they each discover their own strengths, and realize the only way to save themselves is to save each other.

THE BLESSED will also be available in print and as an ebook from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  For more information on the audiobook, visit: http://pages.simonandschuster.com/the-blessed-audiobook/.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster Audio is a leading publisher of general interest audiobooks including bestselling fiction, nonfiction, business/finance, self-improvement, inspiration, language learning programs, original audiobook productions, and children's titles. In addition to a list that includes such unparalleled authors as Mary Higgins Clark, Vince Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, Michael Lewis, and David McCullough. Simon & Schuster Audio has produced audiobooks that have won seven Grammy Awards and earned thirty-five Grammy nominations since 1989. For more information about Simon & Schuster Audio, visit our website at www.audio.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

SOURCE Simon & Schuster Audio