The long awaited sequel to For Sale: Old Manor House (free ghosts included) tells what happens to the newbie countess, Caitlin McLeod Edmunds, when life tosses a serious glitch into her plans for a 'happy ever after' ending.
With bank accounts and credit cards frozen by her furious husband, the Earl of Eastwythe, she is forced to look for anything that might support her tiny troop of runaways that includes her toddler, Colin and long time friend, Margaret. Desperation has them answering an advert in the London Times, asking for live-in staff at Moorcrest Manor, the most haunted manor house in all of England and the family seat of the Earl of Dunwellen, who is reportedly in league with Satan.
Equipped with her previous ghost hunting skills and believing in her spirit protectors, Caitlin talks Margaret into giving it a try.
I began my actual writing career as a journalist and then a TV scriptwriter, but loved putting words together to form images/thoughts/feelings almost as soon as I could grasp a pencil. There are six things important to me...well, most important to me: To love unconditionally, to always keep a sense of 'wonder', to always be kind, to find joy in simple things, to never take myself too seriously, and to make sure I don't leave this earth with a list of "if only I hads" trailing behind me. I've taken many 'leaps of faith' in my time and, so far, have landed on my feet or, in one case, on a dilapitated houseboat with my dog, and a lot of enthusiasm. I named her 'Sanctuary Annie' and hoped for the best. I knew nothing about boats, couldn't swim and wondered how long she would stay afloat. In the middle of the night, when my dog jumped up to join me on the antique Victorian bed I had moved on board, I would check to see if he was wet, knowing, if so, we were both in big trouble. But Sanctuary Annie hung in there, even surviving a hurricane, when others around her were not so fortunate. Living in the small marina, with the sea as my back yard, I found a profound sense of peace..and the love of my life....my Jim, captain of 'Wings', a beautiful racing sloop that flies across the water, when the wind fills her sails. I often think how much I would have missed out on, if I hadn't taken that leap of faith and followed my heart. Life is meant to be lived and I intend to keep on doing just that.
The continued story is definitely interesting with the main character Caitlin hiding out. The ghosts and the Earl are a mystery that she has to work through. Well woven story -some minor edits needed though my copy is from quite some time ago and may have been fixed. Definitely worth reading!
As always, Merbeth's stories are fully satisfying. A mix of fantasy, humor and spookiness, this story has the elements I thoroughly enjoy getting lost in. Caitlin is delightful and what I wish I could be - successfully - stubborn, fearless (mostly) and unconditionally loving. Her friends and family hang on for dear life but with no intention of letting go or letting her down. The master of the house, while absolutely imposing, has those brief moments that create a multidimensional character who I wasn't sure I should be completely afraid of but most certainly would not think of trusting to his "kinder" moments.
I have loved every one of her books that I've read thus far and look forward to more in the future.
Caitlin McLeod Edmunds flees her home with her son and Margret believing Thane is going to take her son away from her. They end up at the Moorcrest Manor under disguise and hiding in a known haunted castle. The Earl of Dunwellen, has his secrets that he would prefer were kept to himself. But, Caitlin can't help but snoop and get involved in the Earl's business. Thane is beside himself trying to find his wife and son. He is angry not only with Caitlin but with himself. As his mother continues to plot to break up is marriage. Pamela is still trying to get Thane for herself, even at the expense of Thane's son. Caitlin and Thane has much to learn if their marriage is to survive.
Love this book! I have been a hardcore reader since I was little (quite some time ago) and it suprises me that a self published author has made it into my insta-buy book pile. I absolutely love her books. The ravynne sisters and Caitlin's books are such fun spooky rides chock full of ghosts and creepy places. Highly Highly recommend.
I thought Book ONE was great but Book TWO was even better. I think this is the fastest I have ever read a book because I could not put it down. There were so many twists and turns that just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. I recommend this book if you like this type of reading. It was fantastic.
I read this book immediately following the first Merabeth James book I purchased - "For Sale, Haunted House (Free Ghosts Included") - it was an interesting continuation of the first book, but I'm on ghost overload. Think I'll read another genre for a bit.