I read this book over two years ago and had meant to review it at that time but life has a way of changing one's plans, so I am just now getting around to it.
Alyssa Goodnight has originally reviewed this book (see review here) and her review caught my interest. The heroine in the story, Sarah Piper, worked as a temp. I supported myself as a temp for more than 10 years. Something I could already relate to. Sarah was hired to go ghost hunting. Okay, I never got an assignment like that but the possibilities of it ran through my head and I purchased the book immediately after reading Alyssa's review of the book.
Then, I must admit, I had a bit of buyer's remorse. I don't believe in ghosts and I felt that reading a book about ghosts wouldn't be a good idea. So the book sat on my entertainment center for months before I ever picked it up. And when I did, it was for the sole purpose of reading enough to know I shouldn't read it. I guess I felt that that would somehow justify the purchase of the book and the not reading of the book.
Thing was, I was instantly hooked in the opening paragraphs. Sarah also didn't believe in ghosts. She had only taken the temp assignment because she desperately needed the money. Plus, it would get her out of her small apartment (which I envisioned being over a brothel that the big bad wolf could blow down if he huffed and puffed at it . . . I saw her room as being the highlight of the entire place though, despite the other imagery the author gave to the building she lived in) for a few days.
Maddy Clare was the ghost she was going to "help". Maddy wouldn't allow men near her (she'd taken up residence in a barn) so it had to be a woman, and was why a female temp had been requested.
The way the author wrote the story, the reader became a part of the story - at least I did anyway. As Sarah and I entered the barn to "meet" Maddy, we were both skeptics. By the time we left, we were both believers. The author did an amazing job of telling the story and making it convincing.
The only issue I had with this book is the romantic elements. I didn't see it and I didn't believe it. It felt forced and didn't seem to fit with other aspects of the story. It wasn't needed either. I almost felt like the book had been written and the editor told her to add a romantic storyline to it. It just didn't work for me.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it.
For more book reviews go to barriesummy.blogspot.com.
9 comments:
That really is a very intriguing premise. And given that both you and Alyssa reviewed this book, I really must give it a whirl. Interestingly enough, I don't believe in ghosts either, but have written about them. Thanks for reviewing!
I love how you described your personal journey of reading this book. I tend to avoid ghost books too for similar reasons and the ones I've liked best have a skeptical narrator. It was fun to see your review in contrast to Alyssa's, as cross-polination. I love how we all expand each other's reading horizons.
I love ghost stories, so I may have to check this one out. Thanks for the tip!
Love ghost stories so I may give it a try.
I too read this a couple years ago, also after reading Alyssa's review. I remember liking the spooky atmosphere.
I'm glad your buyer's remorse subsided. :) Ironically, Ms. St. James's next novel comes out next week, and I've already preordered it!
What a great review! I know what you mean, about ignoring a book for awhile
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!!
Sounds like a great book. So glad you overcame your scruples and allowed yourself to be hooked. Perhaps I'll do the same!
This sounds like a fun read. So glad you ultimately ended up enjoying it.
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