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Ghostly #1
Ghostly Encounter
Ghostly Encounter (Ghostly Series - Book One), a young adult paranormal romance
Seventeen-year-old Mia Randall longs for someone to take her mind off her heartrending breakup with her first real boyfriend. When she meets Benjamin, he does exactly that.
There’s only one problem. He’s a ghost.
Private Benjamin Alexander Richards, a Confederate soldier, is captivated by Mia the moment he lays eyes on her. He declares that Mia is his soul mate, despite the fact that she was born nearly a century and a half after he died.
But that's not their only obstacle. A much more menacing ghost lurks nearby. One summer evening by the light of a full moon, a ghostly encounter entangles Mia's life with Benjamin's in a way that she never imagined.
Seventeen-year-old Mia Randall longs for someone to take her mind off her heartrending breakup with her first real boyfriend. When she meets Benjamin, he does exactly that.
There’s only one problem. He’s a ghost.
Private Benjamin Alexander Richards, a Confederate soldier, is captivated by Mia the moment he lays eyes on her. He declares that Mia is his soul mate, despite the fact that she was born nearly a century and a half after he died.
But that's not their only obstacle. A much more menacing ghost lurks nearby. One summer evening by the light of a full moon, a ghostly encounter entangles Mia's life with Benjamin's in a way that she never imagined.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
About the author
Suzannah Daniels
17 books318 followersSuzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words for as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing.
She has an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, but her passion is writing.
She is the author of multiple romances, including the Whiskey Nights Series (new adult contemporary), the Dangerous Trilogy (young adult contemporary), and the Vampire's Bane Series (young adult paranormal).
Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband. Her son and daughter live nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix named Achilles, a Basset Hound named Annabelle, a Shih Tzu named MooMoo, and a mixed breed named Oliver.
She loves to hear from her readers. Her email address is SuzannahDaniels@epbfi.com.
She has an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, but her passion is writing.
She is the author of multiple romances, including the Whiskey Nights Series (new adult contemporary), the Dangerous Trilogy (young adult contemporary), and the Vampire's Bane Series (young adult paranormal).
Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband. Her son and daughter live nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix named Achilles, a Basset Hound named Annabelle, a Shih Tzu named MooMoo, and a mixed breed named Oliver.
She loves to hear from her readers. Her email address is SuzannahDaniels@epbfi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 1, 2012
I must admit, I didn't expect much getting into this book. It was offered to me for free in exchange of an honest review, thanks to Lovers of Paranormal group. So an honest review is what I'll give! =)
I. COMPLETELY. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. And I'm not saying this just to be nice. I appreciate the author's generosity to give away copies of her book. But I am completely honest in my review here. I really really REALLY did love this book. I read it so fast. 2 days and I was done. And with my life being an epic mess right now, and spending way too much time in front of the Olympics... 2 days is SUPER fast for me. I guess I'll stop rambling now and get into my actual review! :P
First off, I'd like to say that this story was BEAUTIFULLY written. Suzannah's writing skills really impressed me. The words she chose, the way she built her story, everything was just stunningly written. However, one of the only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it's a little bit slow at the beginning. It took me a while to get into the actual story. I kept going, because my curiosity got the best of me. And I wasn't really bothered that it was slow-paced, because the writing was just so beautiful.
But oh my. I was in for a ride. I never expected what happened in this book. I was pleasantly surprised at how things turned out and really was mesmerized by the story. I'm trying to be careful with the words I choose, because I really don't want to give away too much, but I truly loved how this book became a bit historical. I actually loved learning a little more about the Civil War. I really liked that the author incorporated some real events into this fiction book. It just made it that more interesting to me.
As for Mia and Benjamin's relationship, I was pretty satisfied with how it went all down. I must say, I HATE when the relationships in books are being thrown at us, I hate how things always seem to be going so fast, I hate how every couples out there think they are 'soul mate' after 2 days of dating. I hate how things are always being rushed in PNR books. I hate it because this is NOT how it's suppose to be. I like seeing the relationship GROW in front of my eyes, like any relationship grows in real life. And this is what I got with Ghostly Encounter. Their relationship grew slowly. Deeply, but slowly. It wasn't lovey-dover the entire way through, and I appreciated that. A lot. So kuddos to you Suzannah, this was a BIG plus for me! =)
Actual rating of the book: 4.5*
Now, can someone please tell me when book #2 will be out?!
I. COMPLETELY. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. And I'm not saying this just to be nice. I appreciate the author's generosity to give away copies of her book. But I am completely honest in my review here. I really really REALLY did love this book. I read it so fast. 2 days and I was done. And with my life being an epic mess right now, and spending way too much time in front of the Olympics... 2 days is SUPER fast for me. I guess I'll stop rambling now and get into my actual review! :P
First off, I'd like to say that this story was BEAUTIFULLY written. Suzannah's writing skills really impressed me. The words she chose, the way she built her story, everything was just stunningly written. However, one of the only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it's a little bit slow at the beginning. It took me a while to get into the actual story. I kept going, because my curiosity got the best of me. And I wasn't really bothered that it was slow-paced, because the writing was just so beautiful.
But oh my. I was in for a ride. I never expected what happened in this book. I was pleasantly surprised at how things turned out and really was mesmerized by the story. I'm trying to be careful with the words I choose, because I really don't want to give away too much, but I truly loved how this book became a bit historical. I actually loved learning a little more about the Civil War. I really liked that the author incorporated some real events into this fiction book. It just made it that more interesting to me.
As for Mia and Benjamin's relationship, I was pretty satisfied with how it went all down. I must say, I HATE when the relationships in books are being thrown at us, I hate how things always seem to be going so fast, I hate how every couples out there think they are 'soul mate' after 2 days of dating. I hate how things are always being rushed in PNR books. I hate it because this is NOT how it's suppose to be. I like seeing the relationship GROW in front of my eyes, like any relationship grows in real life. And this is what I got with Ghostly Encounter. Their relationship grew slowly. Deeply, but slowly. It wasn't lovey-dover the entire way through, and I appreciated that. A lot. So kuddos to you Suzannah, this was a BIG plus for me! =)
Actual rating of the book: 4.5*
Now, can someone please tell me when book #2 will be out?!
August 2, 2012
I really loved this book and I managed to finish it in one sitting because I couldn’t make myself put it down even when it meant getting on five hours sleep. The way Daniels built her story always kept me on the brink of my seat in anticipation of what was going to come next. Daniels writing is stunning and every chapter was beautifully written, the story was slow at first but I can’t say it bothered me because the writing was brilliant.
This was my first ghost story so I wasn’t really sure what to expect but this book far surpassed my expectations, I loved that Daniels incorporated history into the story and I loved learning about the civil war and the conditions in which the soldiers lived. It was great to be thrown back to a time that is so unfamiliar to us now and it was great to see how easy it was for Mia to fit into Benjamin’s world.
I loved Mia’s character, I instantly liked her and formed a connection to her character. She starts the book feeling completely miserable because she’s still deeply in love with her ex-boyfriend; her first love, which almost any young girl can relate too and it was the little touches that made her situation believable; the fact that she still has his pictures, she wholeheartedly believes that it is her fault they broke up. It’s her insecurities that make her character believable and it was a welcome relief after reading about so many characters that claim to be insecure, when in fact their actions say otherwise.
Benjamin is a real southern gentleman and his character charmed me from the get go. Daniels wrote him beautifully and I found him believable, he was charming and polite as I expected someone from the 19th century to be. He spent years searching for something that could change his fate and he had no idea he would find it in the 21st century, even so he understands that sometimes you can’t change your fate, you just have to cherish the time you have left.
At its base this is a love story and it is beautiful and haunting to say the least. It explores the concept of soul mates, the effects the war had on relationships and how love can surpass any amount of time. I loved that their relationship was completely innocent, this book wasn’t about a build-up to sex, it was simply about two people getting to know each other and falling in love.
I loved Mia and Benjamin’s relationship because it wasn’t thrown in my face from the onset. Their relationship developed naturally and it was great to see the relationship grow, as they tend to do in real life. I was nearly in tears at the ending because this story is truly heart-breaking and although I had some idea of what was going to happen, I wasn’t prepared for it. I only hope that the next in the series brings happier times. This is a love story that’s full of happiness, tinged with sadness and full of hope.
This was my first ghost story so I wasn’t really sure what to expect but this book far surpassed my expectations, I loved that Daniels incorporated history into the story and I loved learning about the civil war and the conditions in which the soldiers lived. It was great to be thrown back to a time that is so unfamiliar to us now and it was great to see how easy it was for Mia to fit into Benjamin’s world.
I loved Mia’s character, I instantly liked her and formed a connection to her character. She starts the book feeling completely miserable because she’s still deeply in love with her ex-boyfriend; her first love, which almost any young girl can relate too and it was the little touches that made her situation believable; the fact that she still has his pictures, she wholeheartedly believes that it is her fault they broke up. It’s her insecurities that make her character believable and it was a welcome relief after reading about so many characters that claim to be insecure, when in fact their actions say otherwise.
Benjamin is a real southern gentleman and his character charmed me from the get go. Daniels wrote him beautifully and I found him believable, he was charming and polite as I expected someone from the 19th century to be. He spent years searching for something that could change his fate and he had no idea he would find it in the 21st century, even so he understands that sometimes you can’t change your fate, you just have to cherish the time you have left.
At its base this is a love story and it is beautiful and haunting to say the least. It explores the concept of soul mates, the effects the war had on relationships and how love can surpass any amount of time. I loved that their relationship was completely innocent, this book wasn’t about a build-up to sex, it was simply about two people getting to know each other and falling in love.
I loved Mia and Benjamin’s relationship because it wasn’t thrown in my face from the onset. Their relationship developed naturally and it was great to see the relationship grow, as they tend to do in real life. I was nearly in tears at the ending because this story is truly heart-breaking and although I had some idea of what was going to happen, I wasn’t prepared for it. I only hope that the next in the series brings happier times. This is a love story that’s full of happiness, tinged with sadness and full of hope.
August 24, 2012
You can find more of my reviews at Forever 17 Books.
3.5 stars!
I adore ghost stories. There is something about them that grabs my attention and won't let go. A girl and a ghost falling in love sounds heartbreaking and immediately like something I would want to find out more about because really, how can this end well? Ghostly Encounter was so much more than I could have ever expected!
Mia is the typical teenage girl dealing with a bad breakup and trying to move on and enjoy the summer with friends. I found her to be extremely likable and relatable. In the beginning she was miserable but I admired her determination to get through this hard time she was having. When she discovers the ghost of a young Civil War soldier in the park, I was hooked. Ben is the epitome of the sweet southern gentleman and I think the author did a wonderful job capturing the voice of a boy from his time. He is infatuated with Mia, but ever remains the charming and polite gentleman. They bond over their mutual loss of a parent at a young age and both thrive on their immediate connection to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their love blossom through the obvious challenges that they were faced with.
But oh, this is so much more than just a ghost love story! The author managed to hit me with a curveball that I honestly didn't see coming! It is extremely hard to say much more about the plot because I cannot give away what little twists the author hits us with, but I thought the author incorporated these wonderfully into the storyline. It was very apparent that this novel was well researched and I appreciated that authenticity it provided. There were a few times, though, that I did feel a couple of little aspects were too convenient? And I did find some explanations a little confusing, but on a whole, this novel was well paced and easily kept my attention from beginning to end, where I was left wanting more!
3.5 stars!
I adore ghost stories. There is something about them that grabs my attention and won't let go. A girl and a ghost falling in love sounds heartbreaking and immediately like something I would want to find out more about because really, how can this end well? Ghostly Encounter was so much more than I could have ever expected!
Mia is the typical teenage girl dealing with a bad breakup and trying to move on and enjoy the summer with friends. I found her to be extremely likable and relatable. In the beginning she was miserable but I admired her determination to get through this hard time she was having. When she discovers the ghost of a young Civil War soldier in the park, I was hooked. Ben is the epitome of the sweet southern gentleman and I think the author did a wonderful job capturing the voice of a boy from his time. He is infatuated with Mia, but ever remains the charming and polite gentleman. They bond over their mutual loss of a parent at a young age and both thrive on their immediate connection to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their love blossom through the obvious challenges that they were faced with.
But oh, this is so much more than just a ghost love story! The author managed to hit me with a curveball that I honestly didn't see coming! It is extremely hard to say much more about the plot because I cannot give away what little twists the author hits us with, but I thought the author incorporated these wonderfully into the storyline. It was very apparent that this novel was well researched and I appreciated that authenticity it provided. There were a few times, though, that I did feel a couple of little aspects were too convenient? And I did find some explanations a little confusing, but on a whole, this novel was well paced and easily kept my attention from beginning to end, where I was left wanting more!
"Perhaps in body I am not quite as real as you," he said, then looked alive, making him once again seem real, even though she knew that if she tried to touch him, she could not. "But my thoughts and emotions are as real as yours. My soul, Mia Randall, is as real as yours."
July 30, 2012
Smooth and well-written, “Ghostly Encounter” presents an intriguing premise: Can a living individual be soul mates with the ghostly spirit of a person long-dead? If so, can the two ever “unite”? While the reader is pondering these matters, author Suzannah Daniels puts another unexpected spin on the question, with terrifying gatekeeper apparitions and time travel! And then she weaves present into past, doubly, with the addition of our protagonist Mia’s seemingly uninterested former boyfriend, Matt.
Mia Randall has never known her father, who died during her infancy, but she has always been very close and interdependent with her mother, who struggles to provide as a waitress. Mia just wants to keep good grades, do University, then find a well-paying career to help support her mother, in return for all her mother has done. Right at the end of the school term, on-again off-again boyfriend Matt dropped Mia, and immediately another good-looking boy, Josh, steps in to take his place, but Mia knows Josh can only be a friend and no more. At Chickamauga National Battlefield she meets a man who makes her heart flutter, believing him to be a Reenactor participating in the Battlefield Reenactment. But Benjamin is far more than someone playing at history-Benjamin lived-and died-during the Civil War, and now he has found the woman he considers his soul mate, the one who might allow him to somehow change his past-and his future.
I can highly recommend this book for high school age YA readers and older. The author’s approach to history is very educational, and readers will definitely warm up quickly to the characters.
Mia Randall has never known her father, who died during her infancy, but she has always been very close and interdependent with her mother, who struggles to provide as a waitress. Mia just wants to keep good grades, do University, then find a well-paying career to help support her mother, in return for all her mother has done. Right at the end of the school term, on-again off-again boyfriend Matt dropped Mia, and immediately another good-looking boy, Josh, steps in to take his place, but Mia knows Josh can only be a friend and no more. At Chickamauga National Battlefield she meets a man who makes her heart flutter, believing him to be a Reenactor participating in the Battlefield Reenactment. But Benjamin is far more than someone playing at history-Benjamin lived-and died-during the Civil War, and now he has found the woman he considers his soul mate, the one who might allow him to somehow change his past-and his future.
I can highly recommend this book for high school age YA readers and older. The author’s approach to history is very educational, and readers will definitely warm up quickly to the characters.
October 15, 2013
This was something different for me to read. But i loved it! the Story line was good. Mia had a broken heart from her break up with her boyfriend. She needed to move on and by meeting Benjamin she was able to. A connection to him that made her want to see him all the time something people would say they were soulmates. Sounds like just another love story,but its no he is dead a ghost and even that doesnt stop her from wanting to be with him to sit and talk to him. Things happen in this story that i wasnt expecting and i freaking loved it! i do not want to spoil this for anyone but this was a different kind of book for me to read and i fell in love with the characters. Suzannah Daniels is very talented i love her books i cannot wait for book 2 this book left me with a book hang over and im dying to get my hands on the next one. There is so much i would love to say about this book but it would ruin it for anyone who hasnt had a chance to read.
July 19, 2013
I'm a very picky reader....But I loved this book. It totally deserves five stars. It's in my top five favourites.
Mia is my favourite character. She's kind, sweet and accepting of the ghost. And I like the ghost character too. You feel so bad for him because he's had to suffer for a century but then he meets her and its so sweet because she's like a godsend to him. And at first she's kinda freaked out but she quickly accepts him.
The book choked me up at the end which makes me want to read the second one so much more.
Thank you Suzannah Daniels for a great book that I'll always love.
Mia is my favourite character. She's kind, sweet and accepting of the ghost. And I like the ghost character too. You feel so bad for him because he's had to suffer for a century but then he meets her and its so sweet because she's like a godsend to him. And at first she's kinda freaked out but she quickly accepts him.
The book choked me up at the end which makes me want to read the second one so much more.
Thank you Suzannah Daniels for a great book that I'll always love.
September 16, 2014
2 stars.
I can't believe I was able to finish this book!,
I thought the idea of this book was good, but to be quite honest I found the story itself odd.
The further I got into the book, the more I realized that it wasn't going to deliver. I felt that it was way too odd and absurd for what the main story actually was. It seemed the story was just drawn out for no reason at all. No offense～
So, all I can say is, sorry because the writing, story, plot, and character was terrible. I really couldn't get into this book.
I can't believe I was able to finish this book!,
I thought the idea of this book was good, but to be quite honest I found the story itself odd.
The further I got into the book, the more I realized that it wasn't going to deliver. I felt that it was way too odd and absurd for what the main story actually was. It seemed the story was just drawn out for no reason at all. No offense～
So, all I can say is, sorry because the writing, story, plot, and character was terrible. I really couldn't get into this book.
September 13, 2012
I honestly liked this book.
The story starts out with the main character, Mia Randall meeting
Benjamin Alexandra Richards, and then soon afterwards, discovers his secret,
gradually they start falling in love. Midway through the story, an event
causes Mia to experience what life was like for Benjamin.
An okay story and well worth the read, ends on a cliff hanger.
The story starts out with the main character, Mia Randall meeting
Benjamin Alexandra Richards, and then soon afterwards, discovers his secret,
gradually they start falling in love. Midway through the story, an event
causes Mia to experience what life was like for Benjamin.
An okay story and well worth the read, ends on a cliff hanger.
Read
July 11, 2012This is the first book in my Ghostly series. I grew up right on the GA/TN line, and this book is set in the area between East Ridge (Chattanooga), TN and Fort Oglethorpe, GA. I hope you love Mia and Benjamin as much as I do!
August 6, 2012
Ghostly encounters is book one of the story of Mia Randall, a seventeen year old, who is dealing with a painful break up with her high school boyfriend. One fated night Mia meets Benjamin, a boy that she is instantly drawn to. The problem? He’s a ghost. Benjamin is a Confederate soldier from the civil war. Every time Benjamin returns to his own time he relives his death again until he meets Mia, and through a series of events she is transported back to the 19th century, where
she changes the course of his afterlife.
The book didn’t grab me immediately but when Mia meets Benjamin, around the third chapter, the story really takes off. The author has a great ability to describe surroundings really sets the scene well when Mia and Benjamin time travel back to the mid 1800’s.
Ghostly Encounters has some fun elements like time travel, romance, ghosts, and monsters. I think it would be an enjoyable for teens and fans of Young Adult literature. The characters are very likable and relatable. Mia was especially well spoken and compassionate (I can only pray my girls turn out as well!).
I really like that the story was very clean and the furthest the author goes with their physical relationship is kissing. It was great to see that the story was still well told without an emphasis on the physical aspect of their relationship. I would be able to recommend it to any teen without hesitation.
This is Suzannah Daniels second book and I am definitely going to check out her first novel, Vikings Embrace.
she changes the course of his afterlife.
The book didn’t grab me immediately but when Mia meets Benjamin, around the third chapter, the story really takes off. The author has a great ability to describe surroundings really sets the scene well when Mia and Benjamin time travel back to the mid 1800’s.
Ghostly Encounters has some fun elements like time travel, romance, ghosts, and monsters. I think it would be an enjoyable for teens and fans of Young Adult literature. The characters are very likable and relatable. Mia was especially well spoken and compassionate (I can only pray my girls turn out as well!).
I really like that the story was very clean and the furthest the author goes with their physical relationship is kissing. It was great to see that the story was still well told without an emphasis on the physical aspect of their relationship. I would be able to recommend it to any teen without hesitation.
This is Suzannah Daniels second book and I am definitely going to check out her first novel, Vikings Embrace.
July 30, 2012
This book was a freebie from the Lovers of Paranormal Group.
The beginning of the story was slow and steady. The main character, Mia, had an immediate likability factor that made you interested in finding out what was going to happen to her. Who was this ghost? Why was he coming to see her? And what future could she possibly have with a ghost?? All these thoughts were going through my mind...and then, the twist.
I will not spoil it for anyone, but this to me is when the story came alive. This is when I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. Not very much action, but entertaining.
In the end, it's a love story. A sweet and innocent love story. A story about love, death, and the boundaries of time. The concept of soul mates and the pain of loss in war.
Very clean and appropriate for young readers.
I like to read at a more mature level (even for YA Novels), so it was too tame for my personal taste to give it higher than my 3 star rating. But, if I didn't like it, it would've gotten a worse rating.
I wouldn't mind reading an adult novel by the same author.
The beginning of the story was slow and steady. The main character, Mia, had an immediate likability factor that made you interested in finding out what was going to happen to her. Who was this ghost? Why was he coming to see her? And what future could she possibly have with a ghost?? All these thoughts were going through my mind...and then, the twist.
I will not spoil it for anyone, but this to me is when the story came alive. This is when I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. Not very much action, but entertaining.
In the end, it's a love story. A sweet and innocent love story. A story about love, death, and the boundaries of time. The concept of soul mates and the pain of loss in war.
Very clean and appropriate for young readers.
I like to read at a more mature level (even for YA Novels), so it was too tame for my personal taste to give it higher than my 3 star rating. But, if I didn't like it, it would've gotten a worse rating.
I wouldn't mind reading an adult novel by the same author.
December 24, 2012
This book was really good! At the beginning, I thought that Mia was a bit too depressed but as I got into the book, I was completely enchanted by the storyline. It really reminded me of another book that I read before this one but the "green-eyed monster" is really creative. I have never read anything like this before. At first, I thought that this would be a cliched story, but I was wrong. The characters are strong and this story seems really realistic. I can imagine every scene that happens with the great description provided in the story. I really can't wait for book two because I have absolutely no complaints for this story. Overall, it was awesome and I really can't wait for the second one to come out quickly!
October 28, 2014
This is so beautifully written.
It makes me want to have a Benjamin, an ever so polite-gentleman.
I sobbed so much by the end of the book and I do hope the second book will bring Benjamin back in a way or make Mia overcome Ben's lost. Not only Mia, but us, readers too.
It was a precious trip back through time filled with romance, pure romance.
Ah! Now I need another book while my heart mends again and wait for the sequel.
Thank You Suzannah for this beautiful story.
It makes me want to have a Benjamin, an ever so polite-gentleman.
I sobbed so much by the end of the book and I do hope the second book will bring Benjamin back in a way or make Mia overcome Ben's lost. Not only Mia, but us, readers too.
It was a precious trip back through time filled with romance, pure romance.
Ah! Now I need another book while my heart mends again and wait for the sequel.
Thank You Suzannah for this beautiful story.
December 7, 2015
I loved his book. Mia is a 17 year old who's searching for someone to take her mind off her recent break up. That's when she meets Benjamin. Only one problem he's a ghost. Follow Mia on her journey with Benjamin.
I received a ARC for my honest review
I received a ARC for my honest review
July 11, 2012
I may be a bit biased, as I am the cover artist. However, Suzannah Daniels is a phenomenal author and person.
November 6, 2013
I struggled getting into this story but it got better as it went on. I think this is a perfect teenage story ( I'm a little older). The story was well written and went quickly.
May 27, 2015
OMG I so fell in love with Benjamin and Mia. I can't wait for book 2 to come out I cried at the ending!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews