I agree with your review 100%, Roberta. In fact, I thought the book read sort of like a screenplay, especially the whole ghost part of it.
I would call it a “beach read” - easy, fun reading.
Along with most of the other responses, I too saw it as a cozy mystery which does usually involve a romance and a light, non-violent mystery action. This was a perfect quick read for enjoyment. I also enjoyed the historical setting.
I agree with Roberta’s rating of 3.5 and overall comments. The word “cozy” keeps popping up and indeed that fits as a description of reading this book on a rainy day. I like the specter in the basement! As silly as it may seem I am a believer in spirits. His hands-on teaching of the young boy was heartwarming. If the author responds to early reader feedback she may end up sharpening the book by “maturing” some of the YA episodes to grow appreciation from older readers, especially those of us past “middle age” at 29! Overall I saw this book as having real potential to become a reader favorite with the maturing of the character and the story line.
This is not my type of book. I kept getting annoyed with it and putting it down. I agree it was Hallmarkish, or sappy, and I was confused when she says she’s middle aged to later find out she’s 29 - what the heck. It seemed to try too hard to be mysterious.
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I felt that this book would have been better typed as a good young adult story.
Easy enough to read, but yes, as others have said, rather simplistic. I thought a redeeming fact was about the gypsies/Romies in World War II. It was rather like watching American tv. It doesn’t take much thought, but is like lukewarm cocoa. Not the best ever, but still tasty enough to complete.
As others have stated, it is an easy read that doesn’t challenge the reader too much. I usually don’t enjoy books with “magical” aspects to them, but that element does fit in with a simple plot that expects the reader to not expect anything too difficult.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The mystery part kept it going. I liked how it all worked out in the end.
The middle-aged reference bothered me too, like a lot!
I agree it was like a beach read. However, I don’t read on the beach. Ha! It was sweet and cozy and fun to read. Not one that I would recommend my book club to read. The discussion would be very limited.
I liked the book a lot. I read one other book by this author and really enjoyed it. It definitely one of those feel good books. I was not disappointed with this story. It was a cozy read, but then every once in a while I enjoy reading these styles of books.
This is a light read, with a touch of mystery, a touch of romance, a touch of philosophy, a touch of histor but nothing to sink your literary teeth into. Honestly, After the first few chapters, I reverted to skimming.
I’m typically not a fan of mystical fiction, but I think this book handles it really well.
I was pretty sure that once the mystical part of the story appeared, I would not complete the read.
Turned out I found myself drawn deeper into the story, the characters, and the reasons behind their passions.