"As readers of Deb Atwood’s blog Pen In Her Hand know, Atwood is passionate about ghost fiction. Since 2011, Atwood has read, re-read, and written about ghost literature. 31 Ghost Novels to Read Before You Die presents a selection of the best of these posts. Among the books discussed are old favorites (The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson) as well as some indie gems few people will know about (The 20’s Girl, the Ghost, and All That Jazz by June Kearns). There are ghost novels for every reader, in genres ranging from historical to literary to romance. "
Deb Atwood holds an MFA and lives in California with her husband and rescue dog Nala. Her time-slip novel Moonlight Dancer was selected as a front page Featured Review by Book Ideas. Deb's work has appeared in numerous anthologies. Her interests include ghost fiction, Korean culture, quilting, and, of course, reading.
Connect with the Author here:
Long excerpt for 31 Ghost Novels
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Format: Audiobook
Source: Pleasanton Library
What it’s about:
When Andromeda Miller returns ten years’ worth of alimony
checks to her ex-husband, she is met with a surprise. A job offer. One month’s
salary for 10,000 dollars. An offer too good for Andy to reject. North knows
that when he sends Andy to the haunted castle she will figure out a way to
handle any and all problems—all without missing her 3 o’clock baking session with the
child Alice. Andy’s mission is to take care of two orphaned children in a
rebuilt castle in rural Ohio, a castle complete with its own moat. Andy arrives
at the castle to find two kids suffering abandonment issues, one seedy housekeeper
who doesn’t keep house, a derelict structure...oh, and a trio of ghosts. As if
that’s not enough, Andy is visited by an opportunistic journalist, an
ex-mother-in-law, a mother, a fiance, and an ex-husband convinced he can
uncover a charlatan.
Andy is a problem solver and soon has matters in hand.
Still, even Andy’s skills are challenged when the ghosts show up. Can Andy
trust the beautiful dancing ghost who offers love advice? What are the old
specters’ intentions concerning the children?
Miss J and Peter Quint are old specters now devoid of
souls, bound to a house that was transported piece by piece from England.
Devotees of Henry James will find much fun here with Miss J and Peter and the
two abandoned children as allusions to James’s famous ghost novella The Turn
of the Screw.
~~~
What I thought:
This is a delightful romp with zany characters balanced by
the calm restraint of one North Archer who happens to be Andy’s ex-husband but
still very present in her thoughts. Readers will love to root for Andy. She’s
brave and honest and creative.
I originally picked up a print version of this book and
returned it, judging it a bit simplistic. Later, I decided to give this novel
another chance in audio format and realized it was too much fun to put aside,
and in fact, the story becomes more complex as it moves forward. While some
characters are two-dimensional, the children will charm readers. The author
does a wonderful job of exposing their hard-won strength in the face of much
adversity as well as revealing their poignant vulnerability. They become the
impetus for Andy’s character growth. Andy, who never wanted children, evolves
into their fiercest advocate and protector against any and all villains.
The author clearly had fun with names. Ensconced in the
deteriorating castle is the greedy Mrs. Crumb. Mrs. Crumb, the wicked
housekeeper; North Archer, the straight shooter; and Southie, the ne’er do well
brother. Whenever authors play with names this way, I think of Dickens. And
when authors have fun with names, so do I as the reader.
I enjoyed watching Andy wrestle with her love life. She
loves the children, but does that mean she can reunite with their 3rd cousin,
who happens to be her ex, the cerebral North Archer? Well, romance is in the
air, along with some not-so-friendly ghosts, so you can probably guess.
If you’re looking for a romantic ghost story with a gutsy
heroine, if you believe in second chances for family and love, then this is the
book for you.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
Thank you so much, Spunky n Sassy for participating in the blog tour for 31 Ghost Novels. I really appreciate it!
ReplyDelete