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The Sensitive: a novel

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Charming, but unassuming.

This house has a story to tell her.

After her mother's death, Emma Reilly seeks a fresh start in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Shortly after moving into her author aunt's second home, she is tormented by the same chilling nightmare each time she closes her eyes. Once she runs into quirky stranger Willow, she is forced to acknowledge a haunting part of herself that she has denied for years. Will Emma be able to adjust to her new life while the dark history of her home unravels? Can she truly start over in the picturesque coastal town, or will tragedy follow her in this gripping paranormal drama? BEFORE YOU The following contains scenes and words that some readers may find disturbing and/or may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18, including the use of explicit language with detailed descriptions and/or mention of rape, sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, homicide, and alcohol use.

395 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2023

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Renee Richardson

7 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica (Read book. Repeat).
809 reviews23 followers
November 5, 2023
You can find this review and all my others over at Read Book. Repeat

I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Emma Reilly is looking for a fresh start, well, everyone keeps telling her she needs one anyway. Heading to Newport, Rhode Island, after the passing of her mother, she moves into a house owned by her Aunt and Uncle. It's a charming old house with a lot of character, and a deep past. However, it's not the fresh start that Emma was hoping for. Each night she is awoken from the same nightmare, every time she closes her eyes, she has to live the nightmare of someone who came before her. When she runs into the quirky Willow, she is forced to face a part of herself that she had been trying to ignore her whole life. Finding no other choice but to embrace that part of her in order to solve the mystery the house has presented her with, Emma must keep an open mind and a sharp eye for there are some mysteries that the house has held onto for years, and it's not quite ready to give them up. Will Emma be able to survive the truth that comes out as she unravels the dark past haunting her new house? And can she truly start over in the picturesque coastal town, or will the darkness follow her?

I had planned to have this review out a few weeks ago, but I didn't realise that I'd overbooked myself severely in October. I did eventually make it through this read and I am so glad that I did. I'm absolutely hanging for book two!

This story starts as we meet Emma who is relocating to Newport to be closer to her family after the passing of her mother. Every night she has the same nightmare of running through the forest, being chased by someone. She knows that it's not her dream, and that it belongs to someone else, but she doesn't understand why she's being shown it. I'll admit, the beginning of the story moved fairly slowly and because my attention span has been severely affected over the past 12 to 18 months, it took me probably longer than I'd like to get into the story. But once I found a rhythm with it, I was absolutely hooked, I'd say that this happened around the 30% odd mark. We didn't so much get an info dump, but we did get information filtered through to us, generally through flash backs, which worked quite well. Though at times I did find that I had a little bit of trouble when we had switched timelines into the past, and it would take me a sentence or two before I realised the timeline had switched. I did eventually get the hang of it and no longer had the issue of taking a moment to discern a timeline switch, once this happened, I found the story flowed nicely and that it didn't kick me out of the story line anymore. Once we had met the person that was behind the nightmares, I found the story really grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. I was so enthralled by the mystery, and it kept me reading well past my bedtime. I will say here, make sure that you check the TW for this book as I was not expecting some of the subject matter to be as dark as what it was. I didn't have an issue with that at all, and I had read the TW beforehand, but I was still surprised by the sensitive subject matter that this story contains, so please, make sure you check those TW before picking this book up. I felt that this worked for the story so well, and none of the TW content was used simply for shock factor. It all had a purpose and added so much dimension to the story itself.

The characters were an interesting bunch, and I did thoroughly enjoy them. Emma did bug me on occasion, but to me that's not a bad thing, it just shows Richardson's ability at writing a believable character. For me, if a character can endear themselves to me and make me feel true emotions, regardless of what those emotions are, that shows how good of a writer the author really is. I found Emma to be incredibly stubborn, and pigheaded at times, this was what annoyed me. I understand that she had been through a lot before she moved to Newport, and I would hate to have gone through what she did, but her flat-out denial could be annoying at times. She had been experiencing things since she was a child, but she refused to listen to someone who was offering guidance and company on the crazy journey that she was about to undertake. I know that fear can make people act in strange ways and so can grief, and no one truly knows how they'd react in the same situation. So, Emma's stubbornness is definitely not a deal breaker, just a thing that irked me a little bit throughout the story, and again, that's not a bad thing, to me, it really does show Richardson's ability in her craft. I absolutely adored Joel and I hope that things get back on track in later instalments. Willow, she was a quirky, loving, out there and sometimes annoying character, and the story would not have been the same without her. All of these main characters were so perfectly flawed, and they really added an extra dimension to this story, they endeared themselves to me uber quickly and I found myself furiously flipping pages because I just needed to know that they would be okay. I found the character of Emma's aunt, to be an interesting one, and I hope we get to learn more about her as the story progresses. Seeing as her genre of choice is hauntings, I was surprised that Emma didn't want to go to her aunt for help or even information, just another thing that Emma refused to do which I didn't understand hahaha, but that's okay. I'm sure there's a reason and I look forward to learning what that is.

I don't want to go into too much detail because I feel like this story is better experienced without knowing too much about it. All I will say is that this was a super enjoyable read that gripped me completely by about 30% in. If you find that it's a little bit slow in the beginning while it's finding its feet, stick with it because it is definitely worth it. It does kind of end on a cliffy, but the story in this book has closure so it's not a terrible cliffy to be left on. I am hanging for book two because I need to know what Emma plans to do and what's going to happen next. I'm looking forward to some more character development and relationship development in future instalments and keen to see where this story will go. Richardson has a wonderful ability in her craft already, and that only promises to develop more and more as her career progresses. I look forward to following her closely and seeing what she does next.
Profile Image for Spooky Little Book Nerd.
150 reviews49 followers
September 12, 2023
Emma moves into her aunt’s vacation rental in Rhode Island. She’s grieving the loss of her mother and just needs a fresh start. Shortly after moving into the house, she starts having the same nightmare every night. When she meets a stranger named Willow, she learns about another side of herself that she had been ignoring her whole life. Emma is trying to adjust to her new life while exploring the house’s dark history.

I don’t know how Renee Richardson did it, but she managed to create a haunting and spooky atmosphere while also keeping it cozy. The town and house were the perfect settings for a ghost story.

I got so attached to the characters. I wasn’t sure I liked Emma in the beginning. She grew so much throughout the story and I ended up loving her by the end. She’s actually strong, resilient, and protective of those she cares about.

Willow was my favorite. She was awkward, quirky, and witty. Some of the things she said made me laugh out loud. My favorite quote from her was “You need to go change. You look like you missed the ‘women and children first’ memo on the Titanic.” 😂

There were so many other fun characters and I loved reading all their banter. They each had their own unique tone that really added to the story. The friendship and bond between Emma, Joel, and Willow was so special.

There were plenty of surprises and twists along the way that kept me guessing. It was sad, infuriating, interesting, and heart-warming all at the same time. I hope there’s a sequel because I need to read more from these characters!
Profile Image for Heaven Lee.
69 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2023
This book, was the absolute BEST way to start spooky season. For the first time in a very long time, I was reading something that I could not put down... and finished within 24 hours of starting! I fell so in love with each and every one of these characters.. aside from a certain very rude ghost, and then preceded to have my heart ripped out... again and again. It's beautifully written, it's thrilling, terrifying, and heartbreaking while simultaneously heartwarming lol literal perfection & I really hope there's a sequel!
Profile Image for Adam Cagley.
Author 4 books7 followers
September 22, 2023
A poignant meditation on grief, love and moving forward full of heart and humor with enough haunts to keep you sufficiently on edge throughout. The characters pop right off the page and quickly become very welcomed friends you can’t help but attach yourself to. Fans of Hester Fox or even Shirley Jackson will definitely want to keep an eye on Renee Richardson. A modern gothic classic in the making! Can’t wait for the movie!
Profile Image for Melissa Pate.
21 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2023
A great debut novel from Renee Richardson. This book is spooky yet cozy in all the right ways. An easy but interesting read about ghosts and moving on, both in the here and now and in the afterlife.
Profile Image for zzjennreads19.
150 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2023
Wow! I was blown away by Renee’s debut novel, The Sensitive. I devoured it in just a few days!! I loved the dynamics and bond between the three MCs. The character growth was amazing as was the world building and the story line. Y’all are gonna love this one! The author is definitely going to go places! I can’t wait to read more from Renee.
21 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2023


This was a good book to read to start off the spooky season! I enjoyed the relationships and development between the three main characters and loved how quickly I was drawn to them and the story. I loved the perspectives that were told by each character and felt invested in each one from the moment they were introduced in the book.

I definitely recommend this one, but there some triggers so please check those first.
Profile Image for whatcha_reading_darling.
234 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2023
Thank you author Renee Richardson for the physical copy of this book in exchange for a review! Release date : 10/13/23

This book follows Emma who moves to Newport, Rhode Island after her mothers death. Emma quickly becomes friends with Willow and Joel who help Emma along her newly acknowledged gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts. Little does Emma know that her new house has just that.
I loved so many of these characters (Lynnette, Thomps and Willow 🩶) and their story along the way! Renee did an excellent job on this debut novel and knows how to express the power of friendship.

Please do not take the trigger warnings lightly.
BEFORE YOU READ : The following contains scenes and words that some readers may find disturbing and/or may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18, including the use of explicit language with detailed descriptions and/or mention of rape, sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, homicide, and alcohol use.
Profile Image for Amber Lynn.
28 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2023
I am incredibly honored to have been able to arc read this fantastic debut novel. It’s a slow build with a strong story. The connection I felt to Emma was so strong. It surprised me around every turn. It broke my heart and then pieced it back together. It was so so so good. Not your typical ghost story. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for hannahlovesliteracy.
66 reviews50 followers
October 19, 2023
The Sensitive by Renee Richardson (ARC) Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma needs a fresh start after her mom passed away and decided to move into her aunts vacation rental. After moving in, she starts to learn about both herself and the dark history surrounding her.

This book is great for spooky season! I enjoyed how the author was able to give the characters personality. The plot kept me engaged and there was even a few twists throughout! The vibe of the book was spooky which is something I appreciate! 👻

Available now ‼️ You can even read the first couple chapters for free 😊

http://reneerichardsonbooks.com/?fbcl...
Profile Image for lilly.
67 reviews
October 4, 2023
this is the most gripping book i have read all year! it's not often that a book sucks me in the way "the sensitive" did. every moment of the story was so deliberately thought-out and clever, and every character we met helped to shape the emotional landscape of the book. as a native of newport, RI (who has since been transplanted elsewhere), there were several moments that i had to set the book down for a moment to let the nostalgia and memory of my hometown wash over me in a wave of emotion. renee did a phenomenal job of depicting the cozy, rich, intricate past and present of newport, and crafted her characters in a way that made them feel like new friends (and foes). every twist and turn of the plot had me turning the page with more and more fervor! i cannot wait to see more from renee, her protagonist emma, and all of our new friends!
1 review
November 5, 2023
I read alot of thriller, crime and horror, and I prefer a select few authors' writing styles. While reading The Sensitive, I was drawn in pretty quick. Within the first two chapters, I wanted to know all about the characters. Halfway through the story, I knew I couldn't walk away from this book, as I have done with others (I still don't know how they end, and frankly don't care). The Sensitive brought me to a feeling of apprehension, tears, rage, tears again, and an overall sense of sadness, purpose and wonder at what will happen next.
Renee Richardson is now added to my authors list and I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Anitra.
5 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2023
I have a serious book hangover after finishing this one! Richardson does such an amazing job of character development through dialogue that when you finish the book, it leaves you missing the characters and wondering what they are up to right now. I sincerely hope she publishes a continuation to the story asap so I can spend more time with them.
This is the perfect spooky season read. It is rare to find a story that is suspenseful, chilling, sad, yet comfy-feeling and heartwarming at the same time, but this book manages to do it. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kirsten | Bookish.kir.
696 reviews334 followers
October 12, 2023
𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚟 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚛, 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚋𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍. 𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚣𝚢 𝚟𝚒𝚋𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊, 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙹𝚘𝚎𝚕. 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚕𝚢.

𝙸 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚃𝙱𝚁𝚜!
Profile Image for Sally Randolph.
3 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2024
I always love a good ghost story! I’m left ready for book 2-excited to hear it is coming this September!!
Profile Image for Shelby Barnes.
233 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2023
Emma is out at lunch with Willow, a strange woman she just met, who treats her to her favorite comfort meal growing up - only, Emma never told her what that meal was. Emma is weirded out and prepared to leave, until Willow reveals she knows her secret. They are both Sensitives, with the power to see or feel presence from the afterlife. Emma is living in a house haunted by a young girl and an evil presence. Emma, Willow, and their other friend Joel work together to expel the evil living in the home, the one that is trying to hurt and torment Emma. Will they be successful?

I haven’t read a lot of paranormal horror prior to this, but I was officially spooked! Some nights I had to pause my chapter until the morning 😂 I enjoyed seeing where the story would go and how they would determine how to make Emma’s home a safe place to live. There was a lot I didn’t expect, despite my few theories, and I love that.

Thank you Renee for this advanced readers copy!
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