Hawthorne

by Sarah Ballance

After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Romance, Novella, Fantasy, Ghosts, Paranormal Romance

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2011

About the author

Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.

She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.

Reviews

[Rachel Dyken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading ;)

[katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the cover certainly depicks whats inside once you have read it !! ** Cover love **

Once again Sarah does not dissapoint !! A wonderful written story that will draw you in from page one and leave you speechless at the very end. !!!! ** adds in daannannaaaaaannnn **

Emma Grace has returned home to Hawthorne Manor to say goodbye. She has found her first love - unbelievable family secerts and a mistake in which she alone could right.

Not only does she find her freedom and is able to move on in life, she also gets to say one last goodbye.

** My thoughts **

Oh my !!

Sarah has created a story that will leave you heart broken, teary eyed, gob smacked and captivated by the twists and turns that become about.

An ENDING - that is certainly unpredicable by any means, it will leave your heart shattered, - mouth agape and Im sure mesmerized by the crafted story in which Sarah has weaved throughout.. A ghostly story, magically written to encase your heart , fall in love with both the characters and a plot that glides right throught till the very end.
A quick read that will stay with you, Im sure !! But great for a cuppa and time out moment !!

Remember things are not quite what it seems..

[Bri Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that you immediately get sucked into, hang on every word, think you know the ending then it's a doosey. Then you feel like you should have seen it coming...then get over it because Sarah Ballance is just that great of a writer.

[Cambria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Hawthorne
Author: Sarah Ballance
Publisher: Astraea Press
Genre: Paranormal novella
ISBN: 978-1936852-44-4
Format: Ebook

Note: 100% of the proceeds from Hawthorne benefit Japan disaster relief charities.

Emma Grace left home ten years ago and never looked back. Why? Because a horrifying accident and an encounter with the unexplained left her with scars that never healed.
But Emma is coming home, the death of her beloved Grandmother the catalyst for her to face what happened all those years ago.
She knew that she might see Noah, but what she didn’t expect was that he still could affect her heart. It’s going to make coming to terms with what happened and saying goodbye to the past that much harder.
Not to mention the fact that the unexplained still lurk in the shadows at Hawthorne Manor and as much as Emma Grace tried to forget them, they never once tried to forget her….

This is my first opportunity to review a novella and all proceeds of this book go to charity. What more could a girl ask for?
A good read perhaps?
Hawthorne wasn’t just a good read it was a great read! I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this up, I admit I don’t usually read novellas. Only because sometimes they feel incomplete to me, like the story could go on but didn’t.
This was not the case with Hawthorne. It was a full, complete story. When I put it down I didn’t feel like there was anything missing, all the elements of a great story were there. There was good characterization, which to me, in a novella, is key. The writer has to have a good skill for imparting the character to the reader quickly but thoroughly and still move the story along. I will say the only thing I wished for was maybe better description of what the characters looked like. But even that set my imagination to work, creating a picture in my head of the perfect Noah. ;)
The storyline was well thought out. It included romance, mystery, paranormal, gossip and even had a good climax towards the end. The author did a great job moving the story along, flowing everything together with ease.
The setting of the book was great too: An old manor, modernized by money and for convenience, yet still somehow stuck in the past and clinging to its history. The image my mind conjured was of sweeping rooflines, romantic balconies and a quiet expanse of lush lawn with the sweet, heavy fragrance of blooming flowers floating through the air. It is the perfect setting for all things paranormal, where things appear perfect but aren’t.
And let me just say that my favorite part of this novella was the end. I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give it away (what fun would that be?) but I will say that it was fabulous and something that was unexpected.
I highly recommend this novella for anyone who loves to read paranormal. It’s an easy read, a quick read and it is great for transporting you away from your own mind and into someone else’s. I live in the south, where the heat is sometimes unbearable and the air is heavy with humidity…some days I just want to stay inside with my air conditioning and a cup of tea and pretend that it isn’t blistering outside. Hawthorne was the perfect excuse to do that. Even if you don’t live where the heat keeps you in, you can take this book outside with you and enjoy it on a brilliant summer day.
You won’t regret it. And what makes it even better is that by buying this book you will be helping others in need. Hey, it’s all in a day’s work…
So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

[C. Zampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd hesitated to write a review for this story because when I'd read the last page, I was angry at the author for quite some time. Why? Because Ms. Ballance led me by the colorful, elegant prose through a garden of romance, heart-wrenching emotion and then...on that last page...I found myself on the edge of a cliff of pure surprise. And I did not like being caught off guard.

But, then, is that not the perfect story? The secrets within a tale we cannot anticipate?

'Hawthorne' is a mere thirty-five pages; yet, in that twinkling of an eye, I became intimate with Emma Grace Hawthorne and Noah Garrett. I became familiar with the southern charm that wound its way through the supernatural suspense to paint a lovely, portrait of a lazy, moss-and-oak shrouded estate where haunting secrets lurked.

I will warn, as I feel it my duty, of an ending you will not see coming. You might find yourself angry like me. But I also feel it my duty, as a fellow reader, to recommend this gem of a story to you as the perfect treasure chest of haunting love, eloquent prose. For the small price, you will carry this story--this ending--in your heart for a long time.

[Elizabeth Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawthorne is a beautifully written story, with an unexpected twist. The book was well written, I actually felt like a was standing in front of the old manor, wanting to scan each window for the creepy old lady ghost.

The love between Emma and Noah is sweet, and my heart really went out to them the moment I read the last paragraph.

Fans of ghost stories should definitely give this a read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't express how amazing this short story is. Ms. Ballance will absolutely blow your mind with this haunting tale. Buy now. Read next. Thank me later!

[Krystal Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given this short story a 5-star review for many reasons. The writing is amazing and powerful and moved me to tears. I don't cry often, but when I do, I cry hard. This book had me blubbering like a baby and it didn't need many words to do it. Sarah has a wonderful talent for creating believable words and characters that will stick with you long after you've finished reading.

The plot, the characters, the setting . . . everything was perfect.

This book also received a 5-star review for the pure reason it was written: charity. Sarah dedicated her time and creativity to help victims of the devastating tornadoes and earthquakes. Not many people will spend their time fretting over writing a book for free.

So I applaud you, Sarah Ballance, and cannot wait to read what you have in store for us next.

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous ghost story. The mystery, the suspense, the eeriness - all collaborate to weave a spell-binding tale. Emma suffered a ghastly fall ten years ago as Noah watched helplessly. Finally having acquired the strength needed to face the past, Emma has come home – home to a house that terrifies her, and the tormented souls residing there. Time has not diminished the love between her and Noah, and he finally has an opportunity to put the tragic incident to rest. Both he and Emma are miraculously given a second opportunity each had hoped for but never imagined. The story seamlessly flows to a shocking ending that is utterly brilliant.

Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...

[Tonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just introduced to Sarah Ballance by a mutual fb and blog friend.While checking out her site,I found this short story by her, the proceeds generously given to charity. Little did I know when downloaded it that I would read it through and be hooked until the end, with a haunting story that will stay with me. Even more surprising is that Ms.Ballance does not consider herself a short-story writer.I have seldom encountered a new writer that can create an engaging-to-read but swift-moving, emotionally-charged story that is is well-comnstructed through its fine ending.
I highly recommend it.

[C.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and hated for it to end. It's a must read.

Hawthorne is a paranormal romance story. Takes place in the old South in an old Victorian mansion. Need I say more? Okay, I will. Someone pushed her off the roof years ago, but who? It's time for answers. Lots of twists and turns and an ending you won't see coming.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done for a very short story. A little bit romance, a little bit suspense, a little bit mystery. All within 40 pages!

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Hawthorne” packs a lot into a short story (38 pages).
It's a mystery and a ghost story all in one.
Ten years after she had a bad accident there Emma Hawthorne is back at the ancestral home, Hawthorne Manor, after the death of her grandmother, Margaret.
Waiting for her is her one-time lover, Noah Garrett.
Both know that Emma's 'accident' was, in fact, deliberately caused by a ghost.
And the vengeful ghost ain't gone!
The search is on for grandmother's will.
It's very readable though spoiled by a trick ending.
3 Stars.

[Theresa Leone Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absorbing at times, at other times less so, and sort of a cross between an old fashioned mystery and a supernatural story. Recommend.

[Laura Mcquillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this is a charity title, I should have gotten to this one so much sooner and for that I apologize both to the author and to those that the charity benefits. Charity information will be at the end of the review.

All that said, I'm kind of glad that this one ended up getting left until now because with Halloween right around the corner this is the perfect time of year to read this one. Hawthorne is full of ghosts, a haunted manor, long buried family secrets and, of course, romance.

Emma Grace is haunted by her past at Hawthorne Manor and the last thing she wants to do is return but when news reaches her of her grandmother's death she is drawn back. Emma needs closure but returning also means seeing her childhood love, Noah, again.

Noah stayed at Hawthorne Manor as an employee, helping Emma Grace's grandmother. He hopes to one day see Emma Grace again, but he's not really very optimistic about that really happening. When she finally returns, all the old feelings come to life between the two of them again.

The beginning is sufficiently creepy and suspenseful enough to immediately grab your attention. The descriptions of the old manor and the landscaping surrounding it are vivid. You can see yourself in the deep south, with the moss hanging from the trees and the air humid enough to almost see. The emotions of the characters are so real that it makes you remember your first love and your first heartbreak. The author does such a good job with the atmosphere that you almost feel like you are in another time, or in a bubble hidden from the rest of the world.

Short length stories like this sometimes leave me feeling like they are incomplete. It's hard to write something that can paint a complete picture, develop characters that people fall in love with and have a satisfying conclusion within such a short amount of pages. I've read many novellas that I really liked but was left feeling like it would have been better as a full length novel with more time to really develop the story/characters. That was so not the case with this one. While I would have loved this one to be longer, just simply to spend more time immersed in this world with these people, I didn't feel cheated at all by the end.

I read this book within an hour or so. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I loved these characters and by the end I wasn't sure how to feel. I wanted to cry and smile at the same time. When I finished it, honestly, all I could do was sit there - a little awestruck. These characters and this story will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. Ms. Ballance has earned a new fan. I can't wait to check out more of her work.

Charity information:
HAWTHORNE is available exclusively from Astraea Press for only $3, with all proceeds sent directly from the publisher to charity in support of Japan disaster relief. Your contribution through the purchase of this and other AP charity titles is greatly appreciated!

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young teen I was fascinated with the South--or at least what I thought of as the South. Encouraged by authors like Norma Johnston the South always had a sort of hazy gothic humid feel in my mind. Ghosts prowled everywhere on plantations and in darkened houses left vacant by Southern Aristocracy who couldn't afford the upkeep. Mystery and romance and danger lurked everywhere, on every corner, within every stranger's smile.

I grew out of that phase by about 15 when I found Elisabeth Ogilvie and fell in love with Maine and New England (never looked back). HAWTHORNE however struck me as intriguing and I felt a real need to read it. It spoke to that 13 year old Lexie who saw romance and danger in the South.

In a lot of ways this reinforced my ideas about the South and gave me a whole new interest in the subgenre once more.

Emma is, as my grandma used to say, a real spitfire. Terrified of what she'll find at Hawthorne Manor, she still returns to pay her respects to her grandmother's passing and put some old ghosts to rest (as it turns out, quite literally). Ten years have done nothing to wipe the fear she felt on the night of the Accident, but she is determined to do right.

Noah has lived stuck in the past since the day of Emma's accident. Wishing to move on, but feeling obligated to stay, when he sees Emma again all he can think of is that maybe they can say goodbye this time. All those dreams they had together, all those hopes and the young love they felt at 17--combined with the very real fear of what's really happening at the Manor are a potent cocktail.

While there is a mystery to solve, I don't think Ballance ever really answers the question of what happened between Alma and Margaret all those years ago. Its heavily implied that things took a turn for the violent between the two at one point, but things get muddled in the middle when an unexpected item is found.

I will say this, the ending is sweet and sad, though not entirely unexpected in hindsight. Its a short book, very quickly paced with events unfolding one after the other with little breathing room, which makes all the more sense in the last chapter (as does Noah's bittersweet behavior all throughout.)

I recommend this one quite a bit. You won't regret it.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I wish this book had been longer. It was fantastic and has a definite twist at the end. I loved it. It is definitely on my list to read again.

Hawthorne is by Sarah Balance. It is a novel set at Hawthorne Manor in Louisiana. As with most of the older homes in the South, Hawthorne Manor has its ghosts. Are they friendly or not?
Emma Grace Hawthorne left Hawthorne Manor ten years ago in an ambulance. She had fallen (or was pushed by a ghost) from the Widow’s walk. Noah Garrett, who was up there with her, could not reach her in time to stop her fall. Luckily the way the roof was constructed, she did not fall all the way to the ground. When she left, she took Noah’s heart with her.
Noah stayed at Hawthorne Manor with his father, the caretaker; the housekeeper, Abigail; the groundskeeper; and Emma’s grandmother, Margaret Hawthorne. He also stayed hoping that someday Emma Grace would return and at least give him a chance to say goodbye. Now ten years later, she has returned after the death of her grandmother.
During these ten years, Noah became close to Margaret and after her death, the townspeople believed he would inherit the estate since Emma Grace didn’t want it. No one knows because her will is missing and her attorney is dead. Noah had also found some journals which led him to believe the ghost who pushed Emma Grace was her grandfather’s first wife who died within a year of their marriage. After her death, he married Margaret quickly which led to rumors of her having killed the first wife.
Now that Emma Grace has returned, so has the ghost. Is this ghost out to harm Emma Grace again? Will Emma stay long enough for Noah to find the will? Loads of questions need answers, will Emma Grace stay long enough to help Noah figure them out?
It is a really good book and does have a definitely surprising ending.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Ursula
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher

This is a very short story, but a well written one. The opening grabs you right away when you ‘feel’ what Emma Grace felt upon her return to her childhood home after 10 years. A horrible and frightening event happened when she was only 17 that left so many lives changed; Emma Grace’s, Noah’s and Margaret’s, Emma’s grandmother.

The characters were well developed for such a short story, but there was still enough mystery surrounding Emma Grace and Noah, that the ending is surprising.

The one thing that pulled me out of the story a time or two was the author’s use of some of her descriptive words. She used words that seemed more to impress rather than enhance the story. There were a couple of times they didn’t seem to be the right choice. For example; “They often parked at the end of the drive and took pictures of the condescending mansion most thought beautiful.” I think I know what the author was getting at, but ‘condescending’ seems to be an odd choice of words.

Even with the occasional odd descriptive word pulling you out of the story, which thankfully is only in the very early part of the story, it is a good read. The ending is surprising, but there were a few comments in the story that made more sense once you reached the end.

I enjoyed the bittersweet story…while the twist ending was wonderfully done, one can’t help but wish life could always be, “Happy Ever After”!

[Sandy Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawthorne Manor holds heartbreaking secrets

Let me just start out by saying that I wish I could give this short story more than a measly 5 stars. If you like reading about ghosts, this is the book for you. If you like reading a love story, this is the book for you. If you like learning heartbreaking secrets, this is the book for you. I you like reading at all, this is the book for you. Don't walk, run to the "Buy now with 1-click button". This is a MUST READ!

HAWTHORNE by SARAH BALLANCE is a masterfully written short story that packs one hell of a punch. My heart went out to Emma Grace having to deal with the fear of returning to the place she had run from ten years before, and to Noah who had never stopped loving her. I knew from the beginning these two characters belonged together and couldn't wait to see that come to fruition.

There was such a huge twist at the end of this book that it left me stunned and speechless, literally staring at my Kindle with my hands clutching my head. Mark my words. RUN, don't walk to pick this book up. YOU HAVE JUST GOT TO READ IT!

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my TBR for some time now. I have finally gotten around to reading it and I am happy that I did. For a story that’s short, it sure packs a lot of punch. To say I was shocked by the outcome would be an understatement. It was sheer brilliance on the part of the author.

The first few paragraphs were sufficient to peak my interest. It definitely kept me turning the pages. I was keen to figure out what were the secrets of Hawthorne. The characters are equally intriguing. The manner in which they were portrayed made me eager to find out more about them. For a story that’s so short, the characters were well developed.

I had my suspicions about Emma Grace’s return to Hawthorne after a ten year absence. However, as I kept reading my suspicions were allayed by the many twists and turns the author placed in the story. As such when the truth was revealed my jaw literally dropped.

Hawthorne is a hauntingly and beautifully written story. The love between Emma Grace and Noah was sweet. Theirs is a love that transcends time.


I found this story to be a sweet, romantic and enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Sarah Ballance
Published by: Astraea Press
Age Recommend: 16+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Hawthorne" by Sarah Ballance was a good short story that draws you in from the very first read to the end. It is a very quick read so get ready! Ms. Ballance writing is very amazing and being so powerful it will move you to tears. The story has some paranormal romance and mystery that has a lots of unexpected twists that will surprise you with a great ending.

The characters will be remembered long after you have finished her readings ....simply amazing.... Emma Grace Hawthorne, Noah Garrett, Margaret Gray Hawthorne,Doyle, Randy Franklin, Abigail, Henry, Gil, Wade, and Alma. I found the plot of the story,the characters, the setting description and the the mystery were simply wonderful.

I will say the ending was not saw coming! Wow! I would definitely recommend "Hawthorne" as a excellent read.


Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...

[Renee Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will draw you in and make your heart melt at the incredible tenderness and beauty of a love so deep, not even death can destroy it. Even though this book is a quick read, Ms. Ballance packs so much life and fervor into her chapters that one can hardly believe it's a novella.

Her writing style and voice are quite possibly one of the best. The caliber of her writing will take your breath away. Sarah Ballance never ceases to amaze me.

I would recommend all her books. I've read three of hers now and have not been disappointed. If fact, I've been elated every time upon reading her work. She is that good.

This ghostly story is packed full of heart, suspense, and an intensity so strong you feel as though you're balanced on the rails of the Hawthorne manor right along with the heroine. Do not hesitate to pick up this book! You'll regret it if you do.

[Susan Updegraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from Sarah Ballance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I was skeptical at first and wondered if 25 pages could really tell a whole story well, I was even more surprised at just how much story it did tell. Sarah's writing is very much like many of the great writers of day's gone by. A strong classical flavor of Author's like Charles Dicken's, Great Expectations, Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights & Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. 3 of my very favorites. My only disappointment with Hawthorne is that it ended. I would have loved this story just as much if it started with the ending and went back and retold the beginning. Either way I will definitely read more from Sarah Ballance, and hope to add her to my list of Favorite Authors. Excited to see what her next book has to offer.

[Vanessa Booke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story one because it's set in Louisiana and two because it deals with an old, haunted southern manor. Once again, Sarah Ballance delivers a beautiful story and the writing, of course is superb! The ending caught me by off guard I have to admit, in a good way. I was so drawn into the story and the descriptions that I was genuinely surprised by the ending. I found myself re-reading parts of the story for hints or clues. Overall, this was a fantastic novella! I highly recommend reading this story, a great one for Halloween! If nothing else you have the opportunity to donate to a great cause which is the Japan relief. In turn you will be helping Tsunami victims with your donation.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to believe a story like this can be told in sixty pages... actually I think it's pretty believable. I was disappointed by Hawthorne, the synopsis and reviews led me to believe that it would leave me on the edge of my seat. I thought this was suppose to be a ghost story. It honestly felt like I was watching a Lifetime movie. I found myself skimming what little pages their are. I feel terrible for giving a review like this because it seems like Sarah Ballance is a wonderful writer, mother and person. I give this two stars because the ending was actually surprising and it was pretty much the only part of the story I enjoyed. This would possibly make a good movie if more thought and detail were put into the story.

[Terri M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m going to cut right to the chase, I was not a fan of Hawthorne by Sarah Ballance. Right from the first scene something did not sit right with me. Everything seemed slightly off, out of focus and didn’t seem to quite fit together. The way the scenes jumped around the Hawthorne property made my head spin. I started to question what was going on and what was happening. There may have been too much going on; too many backstories that needed to come together to make the ending really work and create the desired suspense. In the end, Hawthorne by Sarah Ballance received a thumbs down.

Recommendation: Hopefully this doesn’t give too much away, Supernatural has an excellent episode that plays on the similar themes as Hawthorne. Watch Episode 16 in Season 2 titled “Roadkill.”

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this short story on Amazon when the Kindle edition was free, so I just downloaded it on a whim. I finally read it today on my Kindle - it's a quick read, so it didn't take too much time from my other books. This is a short story about ghosts, old mansions and romance. I can't say I've ever really read a ghost story before, but I liked this one! This book didn't suck me in immediately, but once I was about halfway through, I was hooked. And the ending?! All I can say is "wow." I wasn't expecting that at all. It really makes me want to go back and reread the story since I'm sure I'll pick up on a few other things now! It also really makes me want to visit (or live in!) an old house like the one described so beautifully in this book.

Pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and heart-breaking! Noah and Emma Grace's story is one of young love that is pure and true. I found myself sighing in a few parts because I really felt for Noah and Emma Grace. My heart went out to the young couple.

Hawthorne Manor itself seems alive. I was surprised and intrigued by the mystery that the house presented. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed I felt as if I was walking through the house with the characters and feeling what they were.

The story line is the best part of the book for sure...truly surprising, sweet, and ::sigh:: gave me all the feels. LOL This will definitely go on my daughter's "bookshelf" in a few years as well :)

So do yourself a favor and read Hawthorne so you can get teary-eyed like I did!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will be featured on From the TBR Pile on 2/8/2012.

Hawthorne is a really quick read, but there is a lot packed into it. It's chilling story about lost loves and uncovering deep dark secrets. I don't really want to discuss the plot too much because that would really ruin it for you. Suffice it to say that I was very surprised at the ending and never saw it coming. This is a must read that you don't want to miss. Normally, I think that novellas should be longer. I always want to read more about the characters. In this case, I think it was just the perfect length. I definitely recommend this one and look forward to reading more by Ms. Ballance in the future.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, with a shocking end

Short and sweet, with a shocking end

This is a quick, suspense filled story. The protagonists, and only real characters, are nicely developed, with strong, loving interactions.
The story takes place in the southern U.S., primarily in an old house that was home to multiple generations of a single family. It is centered around two things: the death of a grandmother, and her missing will. In the course of the story, we become very familiar with the young man, and young woman, but not, it turns out, as familiar as we think. There is murder most foul, ghosts, and love in this story with a totally unpredictable ending.