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Purgatory #1
Slow Dance in Purgatory
The hallways are empty, the school day long over, the din of lockers and youthful laughter have dissolved into silence. It's as if the very walls are waiting. And then through the intercom a song starts to crackle, the soundtrack of a forgotten life. And the band begins to sing - "Lovely Maggie falls for Johnny, a boy no one else can see. Heartthrob Johnny, 50s bad boy, trapped for eternity. Lonely boy and lonely girl, unsolved mystery. Maggie and Johnny, only highschool sweethearts, because Johnny can't ever leave. Do wop, Do wop....." In 1958, a rumble goes down outside the brand new high school in Honeyville, Texas. Chaos ensues, a life is lost, and Johnny Kinross disappears. But in 2010, someone finds him. Orphaned at the age of ten, 17-year-old Maggie O'Bannon finally finds a permanent home with her elderly aunt in a small Texas town. Working part-time as a school janitor, she becomes enmeshed in a fifty-year-old tragedy where nothing is as it seems and the boy of her dreams might vanish when the bell rings. This volatile and mismatched romance is doomed from its start, as Maggie struggles to hold on to yet another person she is destined to lose. Secret love and hushed affection are threatened by outside forces, resulting in a desperate race to keep a secret no one would understand. Deeply romantic, funny and tender, Slow Dance in Purgatory captures the heartache of a love story where a happy ending might be decades too late.
230 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2012
1149 people are currently reading
5054 people want to read
About the author
Amy Harmon
26 books20.5k followersAmy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 672 reviews
June 28, 2015
Slow Dance in Purgatory begins in 1958 with Johnny preparing to fight some boys from school. While things are heating up between the boys a scene happens that leaves no witnesses to testify to how a boy ends up dead and another ends up missing. Johnny is that missing boy who is now stuck in purgatory, which happens to be his highschool were he was killed.
In present day, Maggie is the new girl at the highschool. She begins to “see” Johnny in the hallways and their relationship gets underway when Maggie comes to the school on her off hours to dance in the studio. Johnny is able to manipulate the things connected to the school and plays certain songs to communicate his presence to her.
I enjoyed listening to this book ...it’s one of Ms. Harmon’s first books published back in 2012. The story has the same beautiful writing that Amy Harmon fans are accustomed to. What caught my eye about this book was the cover because it’s GORGEOUS!! The stunning cover and the compelling story makes for another Amy Harmon winner.
SERIES:
Continuing story.
In present day, Maggie is the new girl at the highschool. She begins to “see” Johnny in the hallways and their relationship gets underway when Maggie comes to the school on her off hours to dance in the studio. Johnny is able to manipulate the things connected to the school and plays certain songs to communicate his presence to her.
I enjoyed listening to this book ...it’s one of Ms. Harmon’s first books published back in 2012. The story has the same beautiful writing that Amy Harmon fans are accustomed to. What caught my eye about this book was the cover because it’s GORGEOUS!! The stunning cover and the compelling story makes for another Amy Harmon winner.
SERIES:
Continuing story.
October 30, 2021
5+++++ ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, DREAMY, MAGICAL STARS!!!!
Wow! This book totally blew me away!!
Amy Harmon is a gifted storyteller, and with Slow Dance in Purgatory she weaved her way through a haunting tale and created a cast of characters that felt like they were written especially for me.
The characters were well developed: The old janitor who becomes the embodiment of living history after having been around for so many years. He is wise and gentle, and filled with enough anecdotal knowledge to fill two biographies.
The aunt, whose efforts to live somewhat on the periphery, are in complete contrast to her key role in the events that affect those around her.
Shad and Billy, the beloved targets of cruel and stronger men. And the heroes who would die to protect those weaker than them.
Secondary characters such as police chiefs, principals, foster carers, mechanics, librarians and adolescent peers are also intricately connected, each with a significant and unique role to play. Not one character is an unnecessary indulgence. And each one has been carefully drafted throughout the narrative.
My freaky imagination allowed them all to possess a certain eerie sense of foreboding, so I wasn't entirely sure who to trust, who to enjoy or or who to dismiss. Much like the orpahaned Maggie, I was constantly wary and on guard. Where there was light and warmth, there was also an equal amount of darkness and frozen secrets.
Harmon's use of darkness and light, noise and stillness, proximity and distance, music and movement, signposts major events in the book and is beautifully incorporated into the motivations of key players.
And then there is the romance between Maggie and Johnny. These two souls were destined to meet, separated by decades and realms and yet they find a bond. A way to connect and to save one another. I though Johnny was a fantastic throw back to the heart throbs of the 1950s. I loved everything about him!
I absolutely cannot wait to start reading the sequel... If only to hold onto the magic of these characters for a while longer.
This was my first paranormal romance... and I absolutely loved it!
Wow! This book totally blew me away!!
Amy Harmon is a gifted storyteller, and with Slow Dance in Purgatory she weaved her way through a haunting tale and created a cast of characters that felt like they were written especially for me.
The characters were well developed: The old janitor who becomes the embodiment of living history after having been around for so many years. He is wise and gentle, and filled with enough anecdotal knowledge to fill two biographies.
The aunt, whose efforts to live somewhat on the periphery, are in complete contrast to her key role in the events that affect those around her.
Shad and Billy, the beloved targets of cruel and stronger men. And the heroes who would die to protect those weaker than them.
Secondary characters such as police chiefs, principals, foster carers, mechanics, librarians and adolescent peers are also intricately connected, each with a significant and unique role to play. Not one character is an unnecessary indulgence. And each one has been carefully drafted throughout the narrative.
My freaky imagination allowed them all to possess a certain eerie sense of foreboding, so I wasn't entirely sure who to trust, who to enjoy or or who to dismiss. Much like the orpahaned Maggie, I was constantly wary and on guard. Where there was light and warmth, there was also an equal amount of darkness and frozen secrets.
Harmon's use of darkness and light, noise and stillness, proximity and distance, music and movement, signposts major events in the book and is beautifully incorporated into the motivations of key players.
And then there is the romance between Maggie and Johnny. These two souls were destined to meet, separated by decades and realms and yet they find a bond. A way to connect and to save one another. I though Johnny was a fantastic throw back to the heart throbs of the 1950s. I loved everything about him!
I absolutely cannot wait to start reading the sequel... If only to hold onto the magic of these characters for a while longer.
This was my first paranormal romance... and I absolutely loved it!
September 6, 2022
I usually not a fan of paranormal romance. But for Miss Harmon, I made exception. Slow Dance in Purgatory is not as heavy as her other books (Making Faces, Running Barefoot). The story reminds me of Casper. I think Miss Harmon takes an inspiration from Casper.
This is more NA romance. I enjoy it very much especially the secondary characters. I also like how Johnny and Maggie chemistry. Their relationship is real, sweet, cute. I can not help myself smiling while listening to the audio book. The writing is good and easy to follow. Like I said, not too heavy.
I have not read the blurb of the next book, but I do hope it is a good one.
4 stars
This is more NA romance. I enjoy it very much especially the secondary characters. I also like how Johnny and Maggie chemistry. Their relationship is real, sweet, cute. I can not help myself smiling while listening to the audio book. The writing is good and easy to follow. Like I said, not too heavy.
I have not read the blurb of the next book, but I do hope it is a good one.
4 stars
December 8, 2017
This is a sweet romance between Maggie, a 17-year-old who works afternoons as a janitor in her high school, and Johnny, a James Dean-type who was killed almost 50 years earlier on the grounds of the same high school and has been doomed to endlessly roam those halls.
Slow Dance in Purgatory is definitely not on par with The Bird and the Sword, my first foray into the world of Amy Harmon. That book took my breath away and left me in awe of her talent. But, to be fair, this was her first book.
Now don't get me wrong—I still loved it. 😍💛 I loved the premise of this girl being able to see the spirit of a boy who's been dead for almost 50 years. And I loved that Ms. Harmon allowed the boy to have a physical body and abilities (within the high school building) so that a genuine relationship between the two could develop. I also loved the banter between them, especially when they used colloquialisms that the other didn't understand.
If you're looking for a sweet, innocent, quick, young adult read, I don't think you'd be disappointed with Slow Dance in Purgatory. There is also a sequel, Prom Night in Purgatory, which I've already downloaded and can't wait to read next.
Slow Dance in Purgatory is definitely not on par with The Bird and the Sword, my first foray into the world of Amy Harmon. That book took my breath away and left me in awe of her talent. But, to be fair, this was her first book.
Now don't get me wrong—I still loved it. 😍💛 I loved the premise of this girl being able to see the spirit of a boy who's been dead for almost 50 years. And I loved that Ms. Harmon allowed the boy to have a physical body and abilities (within the high school building) so that a genuine relationship between the two could develop. I also loved the banter between them, especially when they used colloquialisms that the other didn't understand.
If you're looking for a sweet, innocent, quick, young adult read, I don't think you'd be disappointed with Slow Dance in Purgatory. There is also a sequel, Prom Night in Purgatory, which I've already downloaded and can't wait to read next.
February 4, 2014
Wow. That was completely unexpected.
Truth be told, when I read the sample after downloading it onto my kindle, I wasn't all that interested.
It didn't do anything for me at the time so I had no intentions of picking it up, though I'd just finished a book and was looking through my samples for something/anything to read ..and I just so happened to come across Slow Dance in Purgatory.
I loved being apart of this little amazing romance adventure. Watching them try to overcome their fears and struggle with the intense passion they had for one another, was complete mush to my heart.
After being put through the foster care system since she was 10 - Maggie finally finds a permanent home, residing with her great aunt in a small Texas town.
She starts working part-time at her local high school, when her life suddenly turns up-side down and she finds herself falling in love with Johnny. He's smart, handsome and kind. So what's the problem you ask? He's a ghost. He's been travelling these walls for 50 years, unable to escape.
"Being with you always feels like flying," Maggie whispered.
"And being with you brings me back to Earth."
Maggie has lost the people she cared most about in this world, and now she's falling for a 'sorta dead' someone.
and Johnny has been wandering the high school walls for so long without notice from another soul for TOO long.
Now he has HER and she has HIM, but how can this work when it cant survive past this purgatory.
Truth be told, when I read the sample after downloading it onto my kindle, I wasn't all that interested.
It didn't do anything for me at the time so I had no intentions of picking it up, though I'd just finished a book and was looking through my samples for something/anything to read ..and I just so happened to come across Slow Dance in Purgatory.
I loved being apart of this little amazing romance adventure. Watching them try to overcome their fears and struggle with the intense passion they had for one another, was complete mush to my heart.
After being put through the foster care system since she was 10 - Maggie finally finds a permanent home, residing with her great aunt in a small Texas town.
She starts working part-time at her local high school, when her life suddenly turns up-side down and she finds herself falling in love with Johnny. He's smart, handsome and kind. So what's the problem you ask? He's a ghost. He's been travelling these walls for 50 years, unable to escape.
"Being with you always feels like flying," Maggie whispered.
"And being with you brings me back to Earth."
Maggie has lost the people she cared most about in this world, and now she's falling for a 'sorta dead' someone.
and Johnny has been wandering the high school walls for so long without notice from another soul for TOO long.
Now he has HER and she has HIM, but how can this work when it cant survive past this purgatory.
October 26, 2020
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐estrellas danzantes desde el purgatorio!
Slow dance in purgatory de Amy Harmon
Mí humilde opinión:
Huérfana desde los diez años, de 17 años de edad, Maggie finalmente
encuentra un hogar permanente con su anciana tía en un pequeño pueblo de Texas.
Trabajando a medio tiempo en el instituto local, se enreda en un misterio sin resolver de cincuenta años de antigüedad, donde nada es lo que parece.
¿Quién es el chico que nadie más puede ver? Y, ¿qué haces cuando te enamoras de un fantasma?
Este volátil e incompatible romance está condenado desde su inicio, cuando Maggie lucha por aferrarse a otra vida destinada a ser arrebatada de ella.
Amor secreto y afectos silenciosos están constantemente amenazados por fuerzas externas que da como resultado una carrera terrorífica para mantenerse con vida.
Slow dance in purgatory es un libro del género juvenil paranormal de fantasmas sobre un amor imposible de dos adolescentes de diferentes épocas en el tiempo.
Me gustó la idea de esta historia, el chico de los 50 que tuvo una muerte trágica y 53 años después sigue rondando el lugar donde murió en la escuela y conoce a una chica que es la única que puede verlo.
Pensé que era algo genial porque me encanta el romanticismo de la época de los 50, rock, autos brillantes y rápidos, los vestidos acampanados y los chicos con el peinado con gel etc pero mientras avanzaba en la lectura noté ciertas cositas...
La historia está bien tejida y escrita por la autora, pero le faltó profundidad, me resultó simple.
Pensamiento aparte...
¿Sentí una vibra de Crepúsculo en este libro? Pues, extraño pero sí! Muchas cosas que suceden son similares pero obviamente sin el vampiro en este caso hay un fantasma. No se puede pasarlas por alto, son muy obvias.
Los personajes eran agradables pero un poco débiles, me hubiera gustado ver una conexión más fuerte entre los protagonistas, más complejidad.
Se enamoran muy rápido, no estoy en contra del insta-love, pero necesité más desarrollo emocional entre ellos para que me resulten entrañable.
No sé si soy yo pero no encontré a Jhonny y Maggie actuando acordé a su edad, Maggie pareció de 15 por ejemplo.
El comienzo del libro fue lento pero el misterio me mantuvo lo suficientemente enganchada para continuar leyendo aunque el final fue poco satisfactorio, cortante. Tengo que pasar a un segundo libro para conocer cómo acabará todo!
Pese a los puntos flojos...
Maggie y Jhonny tienen historias de vida interesantes y me los pude imaginar totalmente.
Más a él que a ella porque hubiera querido conocer un poco su vids antes de que la acogiera su tía en su casa.
No son una pareja memorable para mi pero su historia de amor resultó linda y tenía el deseo de que tengan su final feliz.
Tengo que mencionar los elementos de fantasmas que fueron bien utilizados por la autora.
Al menos me dio una explicación de cómo Jhonny usaba sus habilidades como abrir puertas, mover cosas o arreglar los vidrios de las gafas a Maggie. Fue muy convincente para mí y no me quedé preguntando cómo lo hacía.
Las viejas canciones de los 50 para acompañar los capítulos fueron un plus, me encanta la música en los libros. Le dieron la atmósfera perfecta.
En definitiva, fue una lectura agradable, dulce y conmovedora con algunos giros que no esperé.
September 18, 2019
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.
I finally made time to read the only two remaining Amy Harmon books I had yet to check off my TBR list. I had been hanging on to this duet for quite some time because I wasn’t ready to be to the end of that list! However, I’ve been able to read 4 of Amy’s books this year alone and it’s been a complete joy. Each one has been utterly unlike the last! What a treat to know such a versatile author! She continually has me adding genres to my blog’s categories that I’ve never needed before. This time the word Paranormal came into play and I had no idea I would love the idea of it as much as I did.
This book had some intense Twilight vibes for me. Are you hearing my sigh of contentment? It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that took me back to that place and it was a nostalgic ride. I’m extremely thankful this story encompassed two books because I simply couldn’t get enough of Johnny and Maggie. I was fully absorbed in the story, feeling like I was bobbing around somewhere between the 1950s and 2010s, mixed with all of the good feelings of being a teenager.
Amy has such an incredible way of conveying emotions and writing feelings I’ve never had the words to express before. I love feeling connected to her characters in a way only she can manage as a writer. She weaves many layers together and makes a dreamy experience. I had never read a Paranormal Romance before and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Though, I think this might not be a fair representation of the genre because I enjoy anything Amy Harmon writes.
I also appreciated the chapter titles throughout the story – old song titles from the 50s that fit the events in the chapter to come! They reminded me of sitting in a Whataburger in Tyler, Texas that had a 1950s theme, with Oldies blasting through the speakers. I genuinely grew to love music from this time period and it was fun to recognize many of the songs I enjoyed as a preteen!
With the suspenseful ending, I couldn’t wait another minute to start reading the second book!
I finally made time to read the only two remaining Amy Harmon books I had yet to check off my TBR list. I had been hanging on to this duet for quite some time because I wasn’t ready to be to the end of that list! However, I’ve been able to read 4 of Amy’s books this year alone and it’s been a complete joy. Each one has been utterly unlike the last! What a treat to know such a versatile author! She continually has me adding genres to my blog’s categories that I’ve never needed before. This time the word Paranormal came into play and I had no idea I would love the idea of it as much as I did.
This book had some intense Twilight vibes for me. Are you hearing my sigh of contentment? It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that took me back to that place and it was a nostalgic ride. I’m extremely thankful this story encompassed two books because I simply couldn’t get enough of Johnny and Maggie. I was fully absorbed in the story, feeling like I was bobbing around somewhere between the 1950s and 2010s, mixed with all of the good feelings of being a teenager.
Amy has such an incredible way of conveying emotions and writing feelings I’ve never had the words to express before. I love feeling connected to her characters in a way only she can manage as a writer. She weaves many layers together and makes a dreamy experience. I had never read a Paranormal Romance before and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Though, I think this might not be a fair representation of the genre because I enjoy anything Amy Harmon writes.
I also appreciated the chapter titles throughout the story – old song titles from the 50s that fit the events in the chapter to come! They reminded me of sitting in a Whataburger in Tyler, Texas that had a 1950s theme, with Oldies blasting through the speakers. I genuinely grew to love music from this time period and it was fun to recognize many of the songs I enjoyed as a preteen!
With the suspenseful ending, I couldn’t wait another minute to start reading the second book!
November 3, 2013
It was recommended me by my GR friend Dee , & I am so glad for that ...
This is my first book of this author , but after reading this one , I am gonna try reading more of her work, the writing style flows effortlessly & is paced perfectly ...
Its such a sweet , romantic story , I never believed I would fall for a ghost , it all seems so unnatural , yet when you read it , nothing seems more beautiful than that...
The pain & the longings that both the characters felt , made my heart weep ... & even than , both of them manage to find their own paradise in the purgatory ...
Maggie has already lost everyone & the one guy she falls for is not alive ...
Johnny is stuck here & never before did he had anyone to talk to ... until she comes .. now he doesn't want to leave , but you should be careful for what you wish for ...
The story is so addictive & moreover the twists & turns make it even more compelling , I just had to read the sequel , before reviewing this one .... & the sequel is so much more than I anticipated ....
This is my first book of this author , but after reading this one , I am gonna try reading more of her work, the writing style flows effortlessly & is paced perfectly ...
Its such a sweet , romantic story , I never believed I would fall for a ghost , it all seems so unnatural , yet when you read it , nothing seems more beautiful than that...
The pain & the longings that both the characters felt , made my heart weep ... & even than , both of them manage to find their own paradise in the purgatory ...
Maggie has already lost everyone & the one guy she falls for is not alive ...
Johnny is stuck here & never before did he had anyone to talk to ... until she comes .. now he doesn't want to leave , but you should be careful for what you wish for ...
The story is so addictive & moreover the twists & turns make it even more compelling , I just had to read the sequel , before reviewing this one .... & the sequel is so much more than I anticipated ....
February 17, 2016
I really, really hate to give a bad review to one of Amy Harmon's books, especially since every other review is a five star one. Maybe it's the fact that this was one of her first books, but I didn't lie the writing style as much. The first chapter was great and it had the vivid imagery that I love. But then when Harmon moved from the past to the present day, it just kind of lost that spark for me. The writing style and dialogue was a bit immature. And yes, I know that the main characters are young, but something about the cheesy dialogue didn't ring true and bugged me.
Maggie was kind of annoying. She is the only one who can actually see Johnny and maybe it's the fact that she was thrown from foster home to foster home as a kid, but she fell for him way too fast. Then she basically started dating a ghost. I didn't get it either. The chemistry wasn't there and I just didn't understand how she could fall in love with someone that no one else could see.
The story was kind of slow, but I kept reading because I wanted to see how everything would play out. But even with all that, I was prepared to give it three stars. Then there was that ENDING! WTH?!? I know I shouldn't complain about the realism for a ghost story, but I'm going to anyway. That ending was insanely bonkers and it just made me mad. So Amy Harmon must have really wanted that happy ending because she created this whole plot point that COULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. It was just crazy and insane and ridiculous. I have zero interest in reading the sequel, mainly because I know I will be rolling my eyes throughout the entire thing.
Maggie was kind of annoying. She is the only one who can actually see Johnny and maybe it's the fact that she was thrown from foster home to foster home as a kid, but she fell for him way too fast. Then she basically started dating a ghost. I didn't get it either. The chemistry wasn't there and I just didn't understand how she could fall in love with someone that no one else could see.
The story was kind of slow, but I kept reading because I wanted to see how everything would play out. But even with all that, I was prepared to give it three stars. Then there was that ENDING! WTH?!? I know I shouldn't complain about the realism for a ghost story, but I'm going to anyway. That ending was insanely bonkers and it just made me mad. So Amy Harmon must have really wanted that happy ending because she created this whole plot point that COULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. It was just crazy and insane and ridiculous. I have zero interest in reading the sequel, mainly because I know I will be rolling my eyes throughout the entire thing.
April 16, 2016
Amy Harmon does it again. A perfectly unique and special book. This year, one of my challenges to myself was to pick a few authors that I love and read every book they’ve written. Amy is one of the authors I picked and once I read the next book in this series (which I’m starting asap) she will be checked off my list so yay for that!
Slow Dance in Purgatory is different than most books I read. It’s YA, paranormal and beautifully written. I loved the story. Maggie and Johnny’s situation was so unique and I have no idea how the next book is going to go, but I’m starting it right away so I can find out!
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration. Would recommend this one (listening or reading) to anyone looking for something a little different than their everyday romance ;)
March 29, 2017
Я была очень скептически настроена на протяжение первых 30%... очень слащаво и банально. но дальше ...ах, написано просто красиво. Такая необычная история, такие добрые и милые герои. Я в восторге!
December 19, 2018
3.5⭐️
At first I was like meh but within 4 chapters I was invested.
Jhonny left his brother to die many years ago and jhonny was never found.
Years later maggie is working at the school where Jhonny and his brother went to school when she starts hearing oldies music. She thought it was the janitor but he informs her that she met Jhonny. The ghost that roams the school, or so they assume.
Gave me shivers.
Maggie developed a friendship of sorts with Jhonny seeing him and hearing from him. It was sweet and strange.
Im not one for paranormal but this was pretty good, I dont know why I suspected anything less from the fabulous Amy Harmon.
At first I was like meh but within 4 chapters I was invested.
Jhonny left his brother to die many years ago and jhonny was never found.
Years later maggie is working at the school where Jhonny and his brother went to school when she starts hearing oldies music. She thought it was the janitor but he informs her that she met Jhonny. The ghost that roams the school, or so they assume.
Gave me shivers.
Maggie developed a friendship of sorts with Jhonny seeing him and hearing from him. It was sweet and strange.
Im not one for paranormal but this was pretty good, I dont know why I suspected anything less from the fabulous Amy Harmon.
September 3, 2023
Aww this book was so sweet! And unique! Maggie has drifted from foster to foster after her parents died, and now at the ripe old age of 17, she’s finally with her Aunt Irene. Uncle Roger always refused to let her move in, but after he died, Irene brought her home. Now Maggie is going to her old high school, and while she doesn’t fit in, she has joined the dance team. Dancing is her greatest passion, and it’s how she meets Johnny. The mysterious boy with the dated clothes, and 50s hairstyle isn’t what he seems…or maybe he is.
Johnny has been stuck in the high school for 52 years. On that fateful night, Johnny’s brother died, Johnny was wounded and disappeared, and Roger was the only witness to all of it. Maggie soon realizes she’s the only one who can see Johnny, and falls madly in love with him. And he with her. But he also knows that she doesn’t have a future with him, so he pushes her away. There is a sequel to this, which I will probably read soon. It’s all fairly YA, but their love was really sweet and sad. I liked this one, really entertaining!
Johnny has been stuck in the high school for 52 years. On that fateful night, Johnny’s brother died, Johnny was wounded and disappeared, and Roger was the only witness to all of it. Maggie soon realizes she’s the only one who can see Johnny, and falls madly in love with him. And he with her. But he also knows that she doesn’t have a future with him, so he pushes her away. There is a sequel to this, which I will probably read soon. It’s all fairly YA, but their love was really sweet and sad. I liked this one, really entertaining!
September 29, 2020
I love Amy Harmon so I was curious about this book. She is such a great writer so I wanted to see what she did with what I had heard was a ghost story.
The story starts with a high school girl Maggie who is living with her grand aunt after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home. At her school, Maggie sees a ghost named Johnny, whom she later learns has been missing since 1958. Maggie strikes up a friendship with Johnny the Ghost and their feelings later grow.
I don't want to give the story away but the author took her time laying the groundwork for a cute romance. They are both good kids and the story about what happened to Johnny and his brother was sad. I do find romances with ghosts a bit problematic but if you are willing to suspend belief and enjoy, you will like this one.
The story starts with a high school girl Maggie who is living with her grand aunt after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home. At her school, Maggie sees a ghost named Johnny, whom she later learns has been missing since 1958. Maggie strikes up a friendship with Johnny the Ghost and their feelings later grow.
I don't want to give the story away but the author took her time laying the groundwork for a cute romance. They are both good kids and the story about what happened to Johnny and his brother was sad. I do find romances with ghosts a bit problematic but if you are willing to suspend belief and enjoy, you will like this one.
September 16, 2017
I have loved so many of Amy Harmon's books! Her characters are always so deep!!! This book was reminiscent of something like, a super sweet version of ~ Back to the Future meets Ghost!!! Really engaging short read that ends in a definite cliffhanger! 3.5 Stars for a unique plot. An obvious early work of hers as she has grown and expanded her writing with so much more depth than this older duet - but still enjoyable.
April 12, 2018
Blown away!
In my quest to read all things Amy Harmon, I decided to start from the beginning. I’m blown away. I don’t know how she does it, but I hope she never stops. Love is a Amy Harmon book.
In my quest to read all things Amy Harmon, I decided to start from the beginning. I’m blown away. I don’t know how she does it, but I hope she never stops. Love is a Amy Harmon book.
August 7, 2015
Thanks again to my BFF Jenny for this recommendation!! It was excellent, on to the next one in the series.
April 8, 2017
This was such a nice read <3 Curious to see how the events play out in the second book after that ending
June 14, 2020
THE DETAILS⇣
⇢ 4¼✰STARS✰
⇢ NON-SPOILER REVIEW OF BOTH BOOKS IN SERIES
⤏ TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE
⤏ CONTEMPORARY MIXED WITH SUPERNATURAL
⤏ CURRENT CENTURY VERSUS THE 50'S
⤏ YOUNG ADULT
⤏ LENGTH OF AUDIO - #1-7 HOURS, 27 MINUTES
⤏ LENGTH OF AUDIO - #2-8 HOURS, 18 MINUTES
⤏ I LISTENED ON LIBBY THROUGH MY LIBRARY
MY THOUGHTS⇣
I really liked this two-book series. It's part modern-day mixed with the '50s and also part supernatural mixed with science fiction. Amy Harmon can write some stories with swoon-worthy romances...and all of them different from one another. I haven't disliked a book by this author yet...and I doubt that I will.
Slow Dance in Purgatory felt more like a ghost story...with dual timelines. Prom Night in Purgatory had more of a time-travel/science fiction feel to it. You could just read/listen to Book #1 and call it good but the story morphed into so much more in book #2...it really delved into the time-travel theme. Her way of explaining the time-traveling/ghosting/space-time continuum or "the science of it all" felt just right for me...explained well enough without being bogged down with too much scientific-ness...just right for a romance story.
Narration by Emily Woo Zeller was actually pretty well performed...I don't always like her, it depends on the character she's reading for, I guess. It could have used a male narrator for the male POV, though.
BREAKDOWN⇣
Narration Rating⇢ 4/5
Plot⇢ 4.2/5
Characters⇢ 4.2/5
The Feels⇢ 4.2/5
Pacing⇢ 4.5/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme, Tone or Intensity⇢ 4.3/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style/Ease of Listening)⇢ 4.3/5
Romance/Chemistry⇢ 4.2/5
Ending⇢ 4.2/5
⇢ 4¼✰STARS✰
⇢ NON-SPOILER REVIEW OF BOTH BOOKS IN SERIES
⤏ TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE
⤏ CONTEMPORARY MIXED WITH SUPERNATURAL
⤏ CURRENT CENTURY VERSUS THE 50'S
⤏ YOUNG ADULT
⤏ LENGTH OF AUDIO - #1-7 HOURS, 27 MINUTES
⤏ LENGTH OF AUDIO - #2-8 HOURS, 18 MINUTES
⤏ I LISTENED ON LIBBY THROUGH MY LIBRARY
MY THOUGHTS⇣
I really liked this two-book series. It's part modern-day mixed with the '50s and also part supernatural mixed with science fiction. Amy Harmon can write some stories with swoon-worthy romances...and all of them different from one another. I haven't disliked a book by this author yet...and I doubt that I will.
Slow Dance in Purgatory felt more like a ghost story...with dual timelines. Prom Night in Purgatory had more of a time-travel/science fiction feel to it. You could just read/listen to Book #1 and call it good but the story morphed into so much more in book #2...it really delved into the time-travel theme. Her way of explaining the time-traveling/ghosting/space-time continuum or "the science of it all" felt just right for me...explained well enough without being bogged down with too much scientific-ness...just right for a romance story.
Narration by Emily Woo Zeller was actually pretty well performed...I don't always like her, it depends on the character she's reading for, I guess. It could have used a male narrator for the male POV, though.
BREAKDOWN⇣
Narration Rating⇢ 4/5
Plot⇢ 4.2/5
Characters⇢ 4.2/5
The Feels⇢ 4.2/5
Pacing⇢ 4.5/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme, Tone or Intensity⇢ 4.3/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style/Ease of Listening)⇢ 4.3/5
Romance/Chemistry⇢ 4.2/5
Ending⇢ 4.2/5
December 8, 2017
3.5 stars.
This book was a surprise. I'm not a believer in ghosts or purgatory, but this story was still very engaging. I don't like YA most days since teenage angst annoys the heck out of me, but this managed to dodge that bullet. This was a relatively clean read. There were a couple of expletives, but no intimate scenes. I do wish that the MCs got to know each other a little more on page, but that's a minor quibble. The storytelling was just great and I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this story.
This book was a surprise. I'm not a believer in ghosts or purgatory, but this story was still very engaging. I don't like YA most days since teenage angst annoys the heck out of me, but this managed to dodge that bullet. This was a relatively clean read. There were a couple of expletives, but no intimate scenes. I do wish that the MCs got to know each other a little more on page, but that's a minor quibble. The storytelling was just great and I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this story.
October 14, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Really love this story! Its so unique!
Really love this story! Its so unique!
May 16, 2023
Absolutely loved! Rtc
August 5, 2015
5/5 stars
When I realised that Slow Dance in Purgatory was written by Amy Harmon, I easily downloaded the book onto my kindle without hesitation. There's a number of things that draw me to her writing, her style of description that's neither too brief nor far too descriptive it deters away from the storyline, and the big one which is her use of imagination. She somehow manages to come up with these brilliant storylines that I would only dream of coming up with and not being able to write about.
A Slow Dance in Purgatory a story which involves a young girl, Maggie, who in present day in 2011, meets a ghost, Johnny who after a tragic and fatal accident in 1958 becomes stuck at the high school that Maggie now part time works there. For some reason or another, they are able to connect and see and talk to one another.. What follows is a journey of discovery, sadness, loss, hope and love.
From the first chapter I was instantly gripped with what happened to Johnny and how he came to be what he is now. I wanted to know more. I needed to know.
I loved following Maggie and Johhny. I so wanted them to find a way to be with one another properly. So to find out there was a second book that followed on with their story left me hungry for more. I downloaded the second straight away after finishing this first.
Amy Harmon, another great 5 star story.
When I realised that Slow Dance in Purgatory was written by Amy Harmon, I easily downloaded the book onto my kindle without hesitation. There's a number of things that draw me to her writing, her style of description that's neither too brief nor far too descriptive it deters away from the storyline, and the big one which is her use of imagination. She somehow manages to come up with these brilliant storylines that I would only dream of coming up with and not being able to write about.
A Slow Dance in Purgatory a story which involves a young girl, Maggie, who in present day in 2011, meets a ghost, Johnny who after a tragic and fatal accident in 1958 becomes stuck at the high school that Maggie now part time works there. For some reason or another, they are able to connect and see and talk to one another.. What follows is a journey of discovery, sadness, loss, hope and love.
From the first chapter I was instantly gripped with what happened to Johnny and how he came to be what he is now. I wanted to know more. I needed to know.
I loved following Maggie and Johhny. I so wanted them to find a way to be with one another properly. So to find out there was a second book that followed on with their story left me hungry for more. I downloaded the second straight away after finishing this first.
Amy Harmon, another great 5 star story.
April 5, 2013
So many emotions flitted through me while I was reading a Slow Dance in Purgatory by Amy Harmon, I couldn't possibly name them all. This is a unique story filled with likeable characters, except for the ones meant to be disliked ;)
The story captured my interest from the beginning. I loved Maggie. I loved that she had insecurities and that she was loyal and fierce in her love. Shad was a hoot...and Johnny?
Johnny was bad-boy mixed with hero, mixed with heartthrob. He was a compelling character. I normally don't connect as well with stories told in third person, but this was not the case here.
I totally connected and wasn't sure what would happen until the end, which kind of left me hanging, but I'm just fine with that because the sequel is already available.
The ending made me tear up. It was just what I wanted, however unlikely. This is a great book, one I will most likely read again in the future.
Amy Harmon's style is casual and easy to sink into. If you're looking for a love story for the ages, this is your book.
The story captured my interest from the beginning. I loved Maggie. I loved that she had insecurities and that she was loyal and fierce in her love. Shad was a hoot...and Johnny?
Johnny was bad-boy mixed with hero, mixed with heartthrob. He was a compelling character. I normally don't connect as well with stories told in third person, but this was not the case here.
I totally connected and wasn't sure what would happen until the end, which kind of left me hanging, but I'm just fine with that because the sequel is already available.
The ending made me tear up. It was just what I wanted, however unlikely. This is a great book, one I will most likely read again in the future.
Amy Harmon's style is casual and easy to sink into. If you're looking for a love story for the ages, this is your book.
August 8, 2016
Fun story with a ghostly element. I enjoyed watching these two fall in love and wondered how the author was going to resolve the issue that apparently one of them had died 50 years ago. The hero was sweet and I think a lot of thought had been put into how and why he had ended up in purgatory. His character showed the effects of his long isolation in a believable way. The heroine was also easy to care for.
This book ended on a cliffhanger and luckily the second book was already available!
This book ended on a cliffhanger and luckily the second book was already available!
March 31, 2014
Studly Johnny Kinross, why oh why didn't you haunt the halls of MY high school back in the day? :) Seriously, this is one amazing paranormal romance that sucked me right into the world of the story. I read the entire book within 24 hours it was so good. The romance between Maggie and Johnny is achingly beautiful and captivating.
December 24, 2018
I had no idea I wanted to read a book like this, but I do apparently. Amy Harmon continues to surprise me with her amazing ability to give flawless stories while captivating my attention. Can’t wait to finish this duet.
November 20, 2018
It was okay. It had some great scenes and some okay scenes. Not my favorite by Amy Harmon. I love a good cliffy, but this one was okay. Not sure I will spend a credit in Audible for book 2.
April 12, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved this! I wanted it to be longer but a wonderful read. The next book continues the story, so keep reading.
I loved this! I wanted it to be longer but a wonderful read. The next book continues the story, so keep reading.
April 14, 2021
Wonderful, magical, LOVED it!
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