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Stone's Ghost
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridge that was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from England with the famed bridge. When a chance encounter with a female ghost leads to unexpected friendship, Matt and the ghost are forced to rely on each other as they confront the pasts that haunt them.
- GenresGhostsFantasyParanormal
222 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2013
22 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bowersock
86 books132 followersMelissa Bowersock is an eclectic, award-winning author who writes in a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres: paranormal, biography, western, action, romance, fantasy, spiritual, and satire. She has been both traditionally and independently published and is the author of the popular Lacey Fitzpatrick and Sam Firecloud Mystery Series. She has a tattoo on the inside of her left wrist that says IMAGINE. In her next life, she plans to be an astronaut. She also writes under the pen name Amber Flame. You can visit her website, www.newmoonrising.net. Follow her blog at http://mjb-wordlovers.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 12, 2013
This was just the sort of paranormal/fantasy book I really enjoy. You don’t have to suspend disbelief too far.
Matt’s a pretty normal, well-adjusted guy, with a successful business, and he has a pretty normal relationship with a normal, nice girl. All very contemporary, very twenty-first century…ordinary, even.
His encounter one evening with Janie, the victim of sad and tragic circumstances in the early 1900s, is life-changing. It’s not often you meet the ghost of a nineteen-year-old, who is wise and disarmingly insightful. Events in his own life take an unexpected turn, and somehow, meeting this extraordinary young woman…ghost…helps him make sense of his own resentments of his childhood and the path he needs to take before losing the very thing he values most.
Melissa has a wonderfully easy-to-read, free-flow style. You suddenly realise you’ve devoured half the book in a very short time, though, of course, a compelling story has a good deal to do with it! But what I really liked was that aura of mystique around Janie. Was she a ghost…or was she Matt’s conscience, telling him things he didn't want to hear, but knew he should heed?
A very enjoyable, untaxing novel where normal and paranormal amble side by side in perfect harmony.
Matt’s a pretty normal, well-adjusted guy, with a successful business, and he has a pretty normal relationship with a normal, nice girl. All very contemporary, very twenty-first century…ordinary, even.
His encounter one evening with Janie, the victim of sad and tragic circumstances in the early 1900s, is life-changing. It’s not often you meet the ghost of a nineteen-year-old, who is wise and disarmingly insightful. Events in his own life take an unexpected turn, and somehow, meeting this extraordinary young woman…ghost…helps him make sense of his own resentments of his childhood and the path he needs to take before losing the very thing he values most.
Melissa has a wonderfully easy-to-read, free-flow style. You suddenly realise you’ve devoured half the book in a very short time, though, of course, a compelling story has a good deal to do with it! But what I really liked was that aura of mystique around Janie. Was she a ghost…or was she Matt’s conscience, telling him things he didn't want to hear, but knew he should heed?
A very enjoyable, untaxing novel where normal and paranormal amble side by side in perfect harmony.
November 11, 2013
This is an interesting character study that just happens to include a ghost. Matthew Stone is coasting through life almost in a sleep walk. He is so deep in denial that he doesn't even realize how far gone he is. When life circumstances and a ghost force him to look at his life more honestly, he loses his sense of balance.
I liked how Ms. Bowersock explored Matthew's selfish, self-centered tendencies and then allowed us to see enough of his childhood to understand why he was this way. He was a nice enough guy who didn't realize how anti-social he had become until he is faced with losing the woman that he loves. I had a hard time liking or sympathizing with his character.
Janie, our ghost, was an interesting character who has a spiritual aspect without bringing in religious views. Janie seems to be the only one who can get Matthew to consider breaking down the walls to allow introspection of his life. I felt more empathy for her than I did Matthew. The fact that I felt more empathy for all of the female characters than any of the male characters probably says more about me than the book itself.
Every character was well developed and the story is told through Matthew’s eyes so we get a male-centric perspective of all of his relationships; from his mother, to his absentee father, to his girlfriend, and his employees, which was interesting. The dialogue was well written and believable. I found this to be a thought provoking read.
FYI: There was a small amount of adult language. Any sex was behind closed doors.
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed no editing issues at all.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** November 5, 2013
I liked how Ms. Bowersock explored Matthew's selfish, self-centered tendencies and then allowed us to see enough of his childhood to understand why he was this way. He was a nice enough guy who didn't realize how anti-social he had become until he is faced with losing the woman that he loves. I had a hard time liking or sympathizing with his character.
Janie, our ghost, was an interesting character who has a spiritual aspect without bringing in religious views. Janie seems to be the only one who can get Matthew to consider breaking down the walls to allow introspection of his life. I felt more empathy for her than I did Matthew. The fact that I felt more empathy for all of the female characters than any of the male characters probably says more about me than the book itself.
Every character was well developed and the story is told through Matthew’s eyes so we get a male-centric perspective of all of his relationships; from his mother, to his absentee father, to his girlfriend, and his employees, which was interesting. The dialogue was well written and believable. I found this to be a thought provoking read.
FYI: There was a small amount of adult language. Any sex was behind closed doors.
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed no editing issues at all.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** November 5, 2013
November 8, 2013
I know, I know -- Halloween was last week. But November, too, tends to lend itself to dark and mysterious goings-on. So I offer you a ghost story that's less scary than introspective.
You may remember when the city of Lake Havasu, Arizona, bought the old London Bridge from the city of London, England (the one that crosses the Thames today is a new span), and rebuilt it over the Colorado River as a tourist attraction. The main character of Stone's Ghost, Matthew Stone, lives in Lake Havasu. His livelihood is due in part to the bridge -- he owns a jet ski rental place and is, by all accounts, a great guy to work for. He's dating a wonderful woman and is kind to his mother, who lives nearby.
And then one night, crossing the bridge, he nearly runs down someone. He returns to apologize, and discovers that she's a ghost. Matt doesn't believe in ghosts, but he finds himself drawn to Janie. Bit by bit, he pulls her story out of her, and the more he learns about her, the more he is able to come to grips with some of the kinks in his own thinking. But will he be able to sort out his own head in time to keep from losing the best parts of his own life?
This isn't a horror novel, despite the "ghost" in the title. The reader can never quite decide whether Janie is real, or whether she's the manifestation of things Matt has kept himself from thinking through. And that's okay, because it's Matt's transformation that really matters.
Stone's Ghost is well-written and well-edited, and written in an engaging style. I heartily recommend it.
***
Originally posted at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...
You may remember when the city of Lake Havasu, Arizona, bought the old London Bridge from the city of London, England (the one that crosses the Thames today is a new span), and rebuilt it over the Colorado River as a tourist attraction. The main character of Stone's Ghost, Matthew Stone, lives in Lake Havasu. His livelihood is due in part to the bridge -- he owns a jet ski rental place and is, by all accounts, a great guy to work for. He's dating a wonderful woman and is kind to his mother, who lives nearby.
And then one night, crossing the bridge, he nearly runs down someone. He returns to apologize, and discovers that she's a ghost. Matt doesn't believe in ghosts, but he finds himself drawn to Janie. Bit by bit, he pulls her story out of her, and the more he learns about her, the more he is able to come to grips with some of the kinks in his own thinking. But will he be able to sort out his own head in time to keep from losing the best parts of his own life?
This isn't a horror novel, despite the "ghost" in the title. The reader can never quite decide whether Janie is real, or whether she's the manifestation of things Matt has kept himself from thinking through. And that's okay, because it's Matt's transformation that really matters.
Stone's Ghost is well-written and well-edited, and written in an engaging style. I heartily recommend it.
***
Originally posted at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...
September 23, 2013
Let me begin by saying this- This is a 5 star read! It mixes the paranormal, a bit of romance, and reality all in one easy to read book. It takes a man from disbelief to conversations with the thing he didnt believe in. The main character has a wonderful life-a reputable business, a great girlfriend, a lively mother, and more. He comes in contact with what he doesnt understand and makes a lasting friend.
If you enjoy paranormal reads you will love this novel! It doesnt play on a long complicated story about how the main character doesnt believe, it isnt scarey, and it features a love story without all the "mushy", unrealistic characteristics that you might find in a love/romance book.
Ms. Bowersock truly has a gift and is able to reach out to readers with a truly easy and enjoyable read. Thank you for this *****5 STAR***** written gift!
***On a side note-thank you for your generous book donation to our non profits Literary Library. This book will be a treasured gift for years to come and will help benefit those who are lower income and do not have the resources to purchase books. Thank you for your kindness and support!***
Wee Care Community Outreach Inc
3985 Shelton Dr
Resaca, GA 30735
If you enjoy paranormal reads you will love this novel! It doesnt play on a long complicated story about how the main character doesnt believe, it isnt scarey, and it features a love story without all the "mushy", unrealistic characteristics that you might find in a love/romance book.
Ms. Bowersock truly has a gift and is able to reach out to readers with a truly easy and enjoyable read. Thank you for this *****5 STAR***** written gift!
***On a side note-thank you for your generous book donation to our non profits Literary Library. This book will be a treasured gift for years to come and will help benefit those who are lower income and do not have the resources to purchase books. Thank you for your kindness and support!***
Wee Care Community Outreach Inc
3985 Shelton Dr
Resaca, GA 30735
October 17, 2013
When I think of ghost stories, I tend to think of those that shock and frighten, making me want to run for the nearest door or handy cushion to hide behind. I don’t tend to think of them as something to be savoured and enjoyed and therefore I do find myself avoiding them. I’m so glad I didn’t do my usual trick with Melissa’s book of avoiding it because I thought I’d find it stressful.
Considering the genre, it’s a very gentle read that explores the way in which our lives are often hampered by past events and experiences. Melissa does this from the perspective of two ‘voice’s’. The first is Matt, the main protagonist, whose encounter with ‘the other side’ helps him to realise what is important to him. The second is Janie who is finally released from her binding to the earth by laying her own past to one side as she helps Matt deal with his problems.
Altogether Stone’s Ghost is a very enjoyable read and one I’m so glad I didn’t avoid. I shall be looking forward to reading more from Melissa in the future.
Considering the genre, it’s a very gentle read that explores the way in which our lives are often hampered by past events and experiences. Melissa does this from the perspective of two ‘voice’s’. The first is Matt, the main protagonist, whose encounter with ‘the other side’ helps him to realise what is important to him. The second is Janie who is finally released from her binding to the earth by laying her own past to one side as she helps Matt deal with his problems.
Altogether Stone’s Ghost is a very enjoyable read and one I’m so glad I didn’t avoid. I shall be looking forward to reading more from Melissa in the future.
July 17, 2013
Melissa Bowersock's style of writing is light and breezy, which makes her story-telling easy to read and relate to, even when dealing with serious issues. Most people expect a ghost story to be creepy or scary, but "Stone's Ghost" is neither. The reader is introduced to the characters---including the apparition---in a way that draws the reader in and makes the reader want to know what will happen next. This tale is entertaining and suspenseful, following a logical, realistic sequence of events that illustrate the author's ability to connect the past and the present using current language that reflects the modernism and technology of our time. "Stone's Ghost" was a pleasure to read - and help edit - and is another treasure to add to the collection!
December 8, 2013
I love reading about the famous bridge in Arizona. Also I love ghost stories. The adding of the two together was wonderful. Thank you for wonderful read. I can't wait to read more of your books.
June 9, 2014
"Stone's Ghost" by Melissa Bowersock is an extremely interesting and very original ghost story that made me want to drive out to see the London Bridge and see Janie, the ghost. I know this is a fictional story, but the characters were so real and engaging that I felt that they were alive and well in Arizona.
Matthew, the protagonist, along with his girlfriend, Carrie are the typical couple in today's world. Both are likable, but flawed in many ways. They love each other, yet are not ready to completely commit to one another. There are family issues as well. Matthew's mother lives nearby and Matthew can't seem to let go of the anger he still has for his absent father, decades after his father abandoned the family.
Enter Janie, the ghost that Matthew sees while walking over the London Bridge (which was taken from London and brought over to Lake Havasu, Arizona as a tourist attraction). Matthew develops a strong friendship with Janie and is eager to learn and understand how she died and why her spirit is still attached to the bridge.
As the story progresses, Matthew's anger and commitment issues are brought to the surface. Carrie is unsure that they should remain together and Janie is moving on to another realm. Matthew is profoundly affected by the loss of both of these women.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It flowed well, the characters were believable and it kept me interested to the very end. A sequel would be a nice addition to this ...
This is the first book I have read by this author and will most certainly read more.
Matthew, the protagonist, along with his girlfriend, Carrie are the typical couple in today's world. Both are likable, but flawed in many ways. They love each other, yet are not ready to completely commit to one another. There are family issues as well. Matthew's mother lives nearby and Matthew can't seem to let go of the anger he still has for his absent father, decades after his father abandoned the family.
Enter Janie, the ghost that Matthew sees while walking over the London Bridge (which was taken from London and brought over to Lake Havasu, Arizona as a tourist attraction). Matthew develops a strong friendship with Janie and is eager to learn and understand how she died and why her spirit is still attached to the bridge.
As the story progresses, Matthew's anger and commitment issues are brought to the surface. Carrie is unsure that they should remain together and Janie is moving on to another realm. Matthew is profoundly affected by the loss of both of these women.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It flowed well, the characters were believable and it kept me interested to the very end. A sequel would be a nice addition to this ...
This is the first book I have read by this author and will most certainly read more.
April 23, 2015
I enjoyed reading about a place I do not know and I think the author captured well the modern relationships of men and women; there is no cut and dried path set for marriage and family and even in times when women of all ages can be independent, we can sympathise with the pressures of being an only son of a single mother. But the story had few surprises as it was obvious what was going to happen to the young couple and I guessed early on the ghost's tragedy.
September 29, 2014
The book was very different than I thought it would be.
The writing is ok and the story is very basic.
I wanted to read it because I live in the city in which the book is based.
It is more of a life lesson than a ghost story and wraps up pretty quickly.
However, it leaves the reader with a lot of unanswered questions.
The writing is ok and the story is very basic.
I wanted to read it because I live in the city in which the book is based.
It is more of a life lesson than a ghost story and wraps up pretty quickly.
However, it leaves the reader with a lot of unanswered questions.
September 30, 2014
A believable ghost story. I loved the Lake Havasu, AZ setting and the details of life in a tourist town and the operation of a Sea-Doo rental shop and the transported London Bridge. Bowersock’s normal guy guy gets involved with a ghost. A refreshing take on the ghost haunting theme.
July 12, 2014
Are you kidding?
October 20, 2019
A good read
Stone’s Ghost is very well written and engages the reader all throughout. It’s not your typical ghost story; it’s more than that, deeper. I am glad I discovered it.
Stone’s Ghost is very well written and engages the reader all throughout. It’s not your typical ghost story; it’s more than that, deeper. I am glad I discovered it.
November 7, 2015
Can a ghost named Janie help Matt break down the psychological barriers he’s erected to protect himself from his painful childhood? Or will he lose Carrie, the woman he loves, due to his fear of intimacy?
I enjoyed Melissa Bowersock’s heartwarming story, her characters, and the setting for her novel—Lake Havasu City, home to London Bridge. If you’re looking for a light paranormal romance with emotional punch, you’ll like this book as much as I did. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
I enjoyed Melissa Bowersock’s heartwarming story, her characters, and the setting for her novel—Lake Havasu City, home to London Bridge. If you’re looking for a light paranormal romance with emotional punch, you’ll like this book as much as I did. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
August 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I Visited the London Bridge in Lake Havasu last winter
I really enjoyed this book. I visited the London Bridge in lake have assumed last winter . So it was good to actually know where the story took place .
I really enjoyed this book. I visited the London Bridge in lake have assumed last winter . So it was good to actually know where the story took place .
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews