The Black Butterfly

by Shirley Reva Vernick

Penny is furious, and who can blame her? She has to spend Christmas break alone at the Black Butterfly, an old inn at the coldest, bleakest edge of America—the coast of Maine. This "vacation" is the brainchild of Penny's flaky mother, who's on the other side of the country hunting ghosts. Penny most definitely does not believe in spirits. Or love. Or family. Until, that is, she discovers two very real apparitions which only she can see…and meets George, the handsome son of the inn's owner…and crashes into some staggering family secrets. If only Ghost Girl didn't want Penny dead. If only George were the tiniest bit open to believing. If only she could tell her mother. Then maybe this could still be a vacation. But it's not. It's a race for her life, her first love, and her sanity.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Ghosts, Fantasy, Supernatural, Ebooks

226 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2014

Reviews

[Marga · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 70%

The story was about Penny. It's Christmas vacation and all she wanted is to spend it with her mother in their own house. Looks easy, right? Apparently it isn't. Penny's mother is a little bit different compared to other moms out there. Her mother, Vivian, wants to see ghosts and document them. She's chasing them everywhere. She's kind a passionate on this thing. Right now, she's on Idaho so she can't be with Penny.

So then she asked Gigi, her bestfriend, for help to send Penny to her another friend, Bubbles. So Penny was left without a choice really. She's going to spend a few weeks in The Black Butterfly Inn. It's located off the coast of Maine.

And so she went..

And then she meets the first boy, Blue:

"Good to meet you." He pulled a screwdriver out of his picked and began fiddling with the latches. "I don't see any problems, but I'll tighten things up just to be sure.""Great, thanks."
"All set," he said after a minute. He turned around twiddling the screwdriver between his fingers. "See you around, I guess." He smiled then and when he did, his eyes shimmered, as if backlit from behind. It threw me off guard and I didn't speak. "Right," he said and let himself out.

Crap. Speechless there, huh?

Then here's the second boy, George.

"Will you tell me about 'The Purple Agony' now?"
He remembered the title of my short story! I felt embarrassed, shy and flattered. If he was interested in my story, did that mean he was interested in me?

Double crap. Great thinking, by the way. If he's asking about your stuffs, he's definitely interested about you.

The plot:

There is almost no plot here. I mean, all there is was a ghost trying to kill Penny because she's talking to Blue. Yup. Ghosts can be jealous. And why Blue? 'Cause he happened to also be a ghost.

I tried, really. Just.. maybe this is just not for me. This is kind of boring and I can't stand annoying MCs, sorry.

I know I should've just finished this one since it's almost at the end but no. There's so many things i have to read that's definitely more interesting than this.

**ARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchanged of a honest review.

[Brooklyn Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very lovely book I definitely would like a sequel for it! I love how the plot played out and there was a perfect amount of romance and ghostly adventure. Highly recommend!

[Kailee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had no plot. Unless you count teenage angst and instalove plot, which I do not. Even the paranormal aspects of this book felt disjointed and pointless. There was no climax at the end, it felt like it faded away into nothing.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly lightweight ghost story that missed being really creepy. Easy one day read.

[Kas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was okay. An easy read, not particularly interesting. MC wasn't the most annoying I've ever read but she also wasn't great. The romance did develop a bit too fast for my liking (literally throughout like, A SINGLE page), and the subplot of a possible romance with Blue never really went anywhere. It was blatantly stated that she kind of had feelings for him but then it just gets brushed off and forgotten? Although I am kind of glad about that because I do not like love triangles and her relationship with him wasn't fleshed out enough for them to develop any sort of real connection imo, although to be fair her relationship with George wasn't either. I would've liked to see more development in her relationships with the other characters and some real progress with her mother. Overall it felt like there wasn't much actual growth or character development besides her now having a new fling which never even turned into anything official. I don't think they ever even exchanged numbers? It was a very unsatisfying ending. Also, you're telling me that this guy who's just found out that ghosts are real and has just met his birth mother's ghost is just gonna banish her in a heartbeat over some girl he met- what- a week ago? Aside from that, the cover I have is of like a butterfly and a pair of eyes so I wasn't even aware that it was meant to be a Christmas-y romance until I read some of these reviews, and I think that helped it tbh. I wish we'd had a bit more foreshadowing and detailing, but it was alright. A simple, light, passive read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A review copy has been provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.*

When you begin reading this book, you'll have to be ready for one heck of a thrill ride.



Although this book has a total Christmasy cover and is taken place during the Christmas holidays, I really feel that anybody can read this book during any time of the year. It's just that good, even though I didn't expect it to be.

The summary sounded really cheesy, but something about it just intrigued me to request to read this book. So when seeing this book, remember that summaries could sound really uninteresting, but the book itself might change your life forever and cause you to fangirl and all 'that. Don't second guess bad summaries. :')

Once beginning this book, I felt as if I wasn't in this world anymore. I was in Penny's world, watching her battle challenges and fall in love in less than a seven day period. 40 pages in, so much was happening and I was already clenching my iPad for more. This is the type of book that could possibly make you stay up late in the night to finish it, which I had to force myself not to, because



and I ended up finishing this in a two-day period. When I got back to it, a very steep and fast roller coaster ride began and I was left captivated with this book for another two hours until I finished reading it.

Format and How Was Written: I loved this because the chapters were really L O O O N N N N G G G G. Chapters, in my eyes, are like scenes or ideas. Every chapter goes through a whole new idea and scene. I absolutely hate it when books have super short chapters that are like two pages long and don't even have to end because nothing's happening in them. The Black Butterfly's chapters were long and sweet. Every chapter something new happened and it suspended us at the end of each and it makes you so intrigued that you won't be able to even grab a sip of tea in between because you're like out of this world. Before you begin reading, make sure you say goodbye to your phone, friends and family for a few hours.

Summary: I should've stated what this book was about before, but oh well, what could you do. *shrugs* Penny is an outsider at her school in Idaho. All she's waiting for is something different and fun to happen in her life, and once she gets a chance to fly to Maine to spend her Christmas holiday at the inn her mother recommended, The Black Butterfly, she gets mixed feelings. The first time she sees the mysterious inn, all she wants is to go home, but sooner or later, she'll realize that it's the place where she'll get her first kiss, encounter two ghosts, a near-death experience, make new friends, and finds the truth about the inn and her mother.

Plot: YESYESYESYES. Like I mentioned above, this plot was amazing. I was never bored, and I found everything so unique and different than other contemporary-supernatural books. I felt that this book had just about every type of genre in it- excluding dystopia and science-fiction. Everything blended in so perfectly with each other, and if you're a lover of mild supernatural books, then go pick this one up.

Characters: Penny- Penny was an alright character. She was likeable and all, but I found her personality to be kind of odd. She's probably the only flaw in this book. This girl seriously was being treated like a princess at the inn, and she still didn't know what she wanted. A boy who gave her "electrical sparks all over her body" was probably the best choice for her, but she also wanted a ghost boyfriend who can leave her any day. WHAT THE HECK? That's total nonsense. He didn't even love her and she still thinks about him all the time when she's supposed to be thinking about the boy who loved her from the beginning and always told her the truth- George.

George- This guy gave me serious problems.




Why can't I have him? :'( Penny didn't deserve him! Okay, but seriously, I loved George as a character. I felt that he was the only normal person in the inn, everyone else looked bizarre, but in a funny way. This guy will flip your heart around over and over again.

Side Characters- Bubbles, Rita, Blue and the rest of the crew (HAHA that rhymes) seriously were all fantastic characters. They made me laugh so many times (not even kidding) and they're probably the best set of side characters that I've read about in a long time.

Romance: Can I just scream now? No? Oh, alright, but one day I will if you don't like this romance, because it was just beautiful. Falling in love in a less than a week period is just unique and beautiful and never happens in books, NEVER. If somebody doesn't believe in love at first sight, then this book'll help you realize that it could happen. :') I'll never forget about the beautiful bond that George and Penny created.

Overall: I'd seriously read this book over and over again. I definitely recommend it 100% to every single YA lover. Love contemporary books with a twist? Then definitely pick this one up. You won't be surprised.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Butterfly is a young adult/paranormal book. It is late December and high school student Penny, is being "shipped off" to the coast of Maine to the Black Butterfly Inn run by her mom's friend, Bubbles. Her mother is at the Shotgun Murder Mansion hunting for ghosts in Coyote, Idaho and hoping to catch a ghost on film. At the inn, Penny meets Bubbles and her son, George; Rita, the cook; and Vincent Aylesworth, an employee of the inn. She learns a few things about her mother's past and meets a couple of ghosts. This year instead of the Christmas she's used to with her mom and a fake white tree, Penny gets one with an enormous Christmas tree and sparkly ornaments. Penny is actually enjoying herself in Maine and after a week, she falls in love with George. I enjoyed this book and the main character--Penny.

[Brigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny, a junior in high school, was expecting to spend Christmastime with her mother, but instead gets sent away to a hotel in Maine called the Black Butterfly. Penny’s mother is a ghost hunter, and is very self-absorbed and uninterested in Penny’s needs (which unfortunately remains static at the end of the novel). Complicating the matters is that fact that ghosts are real and living in the hotel and talking to Penny. This book reminded me of Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour; both Penny and Mila are young adults going to an unfamiliar house full of ghosts. Penny is much more of a bookworm than Mila was in Watch Over Me, and very observant and funny. This is another one of those books that works great as a standalone, but I would absolutely read a sequel to this book just to see what happens next to Penny and George.

[lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great book, it had such a great inclusion of mystery, intimacy, romance, and thriller! penny’s mom is a ghost hunter basically, but she can’t see ghosts- only sense them. little does penny know she can see ghosts, talk to them, hear them, etc. she meets 2 ghosts at a haunted inn because her mom is not able to be home for christmas. so her mom sends her to an old friends’ inn, where she stays for christmas break. one of the ghosts is named blue, the other is starla. she also meets george, who she didn’t know was soon to be the love of her life, where they fall in love with each other. there is a great mix of intimacy and suspense. i highly recommend this book!!! #10/10 😋😋😋

[Alvafairchild13 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the hallmark movie version of a ya book
Girl meets boy they love each other
Every room is impeccably decorated and ornate poor neglected mc is getting everything she ever wanted and is beloved for no reason every plot is finished in a page very simply and am i the only one who was concerned about the oh she's left her body and freezing I'll throw her in a warm tub that'll fix it like you would die? Don't give this to teens? Its freaking dangerous? Very unsatisfying romance he likes me we do stuff the coworkers do stuff but hide it cause owner is judgey

[Molly Polak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Butterfly gives the reader an adventurous plot to follow throughout the book that continues to keep the reader engaged and intrigued the entire time. I am a reader that struggles to find books that keep me entertained but this book did the job. The Black Butterfly also gives off a sort of romantic vibe with Penny and George being complete opposites and having major dislikes of each other, but still having some chemistry.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the twist about the ghosts at the end and how their stories wrapped up in the end but I didn't understand why the sinister plot was woven in. I thought the two characters fell in love way too quick and the seeing the ghosts portion of the story was a bit silly / very convenient to end the book in the last chapter.

[Chelsea Vincenzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me, mainly because it was poorly written. I feel like the author didn't trust the audience enough to pick up cues of normal emotion and felt the need to tell us everything. It was a slow book.

[Gracie George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I really loved the progress and hardship. I'm someone who's into romance books but not the main idea of romance. This book was perfect for that, because it had an amazing mix of paranormal activities and romance in it.

[Erica Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This might be the worst book I have ever read.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Penny's mother decides that spending Christmas chasing after ghosts is more important than spending the holiday at home in Boston with her daughter, Penny isn't just upset, she's downright livid.

Penny is sick and tired of always taking a backseat to her mother's (crazy) dreams. Maybe spending some time apart would do them both some good.

Even though Penny is being sent to a small, snow-y island off the coast of Maine, to stay with a person she doesn't know and one that her mother claims is a friend even though she hasn't talked to her for almost seventeen years. Begrudingly, she goes, fully intending to work on her creative writing paper and reading as many murder mysteries as possible.

But when she arrives at the Black Butterfly Inn she finds more than she bargains for. Behind it's closed doors, Penny discovers a family she could call her own. She discovers that she isn't as unlovable as she thought she was. She discovers Blue and Starla, two ghosts who have been lingering around the Inn for quite some time.

Upon meeting Blue is instantly taken with Penny. Always reveling in the fact that Penny can, not just see, but also talk to Blue, he fills her in on the Inn's history and shows her how to dream travel. And then there's Starla, a young girl who doesn't look much older than Penny herself. Even though she barely knows her, Starla seems hellbent on getting rid of Penny any way she can.

Will Penny survive? Or is she fated to be stuck at the Black Butterfly In for the rest of her (after)life?

The Black Butterfly, written by author Shirley Reva Vernick, is a contemporary read that offers readers a (very) slight paranormal twist … but not much else.

Vernick's writing was simple but engaging. Even though there were aspects that I didn't necessarily like or enjoy, The Black Butterfly, kept me - not only engaged but also intrigued - from start to finish. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen during the course of the book. And it's because of Vernick's writing style.

In terms of what I enjoyed and didn't enjoy, I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with The Black Butterfly. I really enjoyed the pacing as a whole. Pacing is a very important to me as a reader - so much so that if isn't spot on, the whole book is ruined for me. Vernick's pacing was spot on.Besides the pacing, I really enjoyed the setting. As a small, secluded island off the coast of Maine the setting felt like a character itself, often lending an air of mystery.

Speaking of characters - I didn't love them. I wanted to, but they fell flat for me. One dimensional, I found all the characters that graced the pages of The Black Butterfly, were not relatable. There wasn't one that I rooted for. There wasn't one I connected to, personally. And because of this, it just brought the book down for me as a whole.

Penny was whiney, often complaining about one thing or another. George, though I liked him, I felt his presence was thrown in to be used as a romantic ploy.

Even though The Black Butterfly wasn't billed as a romance I found the romantic aspect of this book to be contrived and rush. It was as if Penny and George were in love upon meeting - which I just want to point out was okay for Penny but not for her mother.

But all these things I could have overlooked at one point or another. What I couldn't overlook was the paranormal twist - or lack thereof. Going into The Black Butterfly I thought this book would be a bit more haunting, a bit more bone chilling, a bit more scary. What I found though were mediocre ghosts who did very little scaring. Again, I felt as if their presence was just a plot ploy.

Again, I definitely didn't love this book. But there was something about it - something I can't quite put my finger on - that kept me reading. I wanted more as a reader. I wanted what I expected of it.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original review can be found here http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher Cinco Puntos Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is May 6 2014.

This was a cute story geared towards the YA audience that was a quick and easy read. In the dominating paranormal market this story kept it simple and it literally was a ghost story. I don't know what it is but there is something that always captures my attention with a ghost story. Perhaps it is because there do not seem to be too many out there at least that I am aware of?

While this story could have delved deeper in to the stories of the ghosts it still had enough depth to keep the reader interested. The story of Blue was interesting and tragic in the same sense and he was instantly a likeable "ghost". I feel the story could have explored a little more his attraction to Penny and perhaps taken a love triangle angle however for the purpose of this story his presence made sense. There was also the "bad" ghost that was out to harm Penny and perhaps her story was the most interesting. Without giving any spoilers her presence was the most relevant to the storyline with an interesting twist.

For fans of teen romance the story of Penny and George was likeable. The young and first love of two strangers thrown together. George was a likable character whose way of looking after Penny was sweet and enough to make a teen reader stay interested.

My only criticism of this story is that I felt the storylines could have been developed a little further and the story a little longer. The story of Penny's mother was only touched on and I felt there were many interesting aspects of her story that could have added another layer. Also the plot involving the ghosts wrapped up a little to neatly for my liking. It could have been dragged out a little longer. Perhaps there is an opening for a sequel? Who knows?

Overall this was a cute story geared to the YA audience. I most likely would not recommend it to my age group however I would not hesitate to recommend it to a younger audience. This was a pleasant read

[Once · Rating 3 out of 5]

OUT's Review

Lost in Thought is a very interesting book to read. The characters were amazing and the theme of the book was great. When I was reading the book it was a page turner. You didn't get bored by the book where your mind starts wandering and you put the book down and you start trying to find things to do around the house like cleaning or doing laundry.

The book is about a young girl Lainy that isn't a normal teenager. Her mom is always somewhere chasing paranormal things. She thinks she sees ghost and wants to go and research these places that people have said that they have seen things. Well her mother gets this job to go away to do some research but Lainey can't go with her. Well her mother leaves her with a lady that her mother hasn't spoken to or seen in forever. Well she ends up at this beautiful bed and breakfast and meets a boy her age. But what she encounters doesn't happen to many kids. She can speak and see dead people. During this book she is trying to help these ghost get back to the other side instead of being stuck in this world. But she can't tell anybody about what she sees and what she knows. Especially her mother where she would want to come and do a big research on the bed and breakfast.

This type of book you don't have to worry about not understanding the book. If you like reading books about ghost and other paranormal things then you will really love this book. I liked it from the beginning because I am into paranormal things and romance all wrapped up into one book. I never read anything ever by this author but I would read another one by her.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Butterfly by Shirley Reva Vernick - Really enjoyed this novel. What happens when you have no control in your life? When you’re mother’s passion brings you from one home to another throughout the years? Would you be able to make friends and connect with people? Penny grew up feeling disconnected and frustrated with her life situation. When Penny’s mom’s obsession sends her on a mission on the other side of the U.S., Penny is sent to an inn run by her mom’s old friend for the Christmas holiday. This inn is packed with mystery, ghosts, and some romance. Quite an interesting adventure to read with lovely character development. What would push you over the emotional edge? I sat wondering how much I could handle when it came to threats on my life, sanity?

There were a few special moments I wanted to note:
First line of the book: “One thing you might as well know about me: I’m a collector…. I collect something that’s legal and takes up a lot less space: quotes.” I adored how powerful quotes were naturally mingled throughout The Black Butterfly. Reminded me of how John Green sprinkled famous last lines quotes into his wonderful book Looking for Alaska. I’ve also enjoyed famous quotes in Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I also appreciated how important writing and reading is to Penny throughout the book, lovely to see how she is able to sit down and get lost in books. One warning I have: do not read this book when you’re hungry. There are numerous delicious treats and cooking scenes throughout the book that make your mouth water!

[Wisterious Woman · Rating 1 out of 5]

It started out sounding like a fun Middle Schooler read with a bit of a ghost story twist. But it lacked plot and was a big mishmash of elements that didn't make it work for me. I couldn't tell who the target audience was. I gave up on it eventually because I just didn't care how it would end.

If Penny was really a city girl used to fending for herself and eating boxed mac and cheese, it didn't make sense that she was instantly enamored with the gourmet food that was served at the Inn. That part of the book seemed to be written for an adult audience. She never sounded bored out of her mind or snotty considering she has been sent to an isolated island with no say in the matter.

The romance element didn't work for me. I just kept thinking 'jail bait' when she gets involved with the young man that lives at the Inn. I thought the sexual foundling with someone she barely knows didn't fit with the story. There doesn't seem to be much adult supervision in Penny's life. Her mom's old friend that owns the Inn is an alcoholic and isn't around very much. The story is just not believable and there are too many mysteries caused by the lack of story line.

The book could have done with a good editor.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny has been disappointed by her mother many times before. But when she decides to chase after ghosts in Idaho, she arranges for Penny to spend the Christmas holidays with an old friend that she hasn't seen in years. Hanging out with strangers in an inn in Maine isn't what she had in mind, and while things start off in a rocky fashion, she eventually connects with a couple of ghosts there as well as the innkeeper's son George. The romance blossoms as one of the ghosts tries to kill Penny. Fans of the supernatural may enjoy this one quite a lot, but the relationship blossoms too quickly for my taste, and I was simply annoyed at the thoughtlessness of Penny's mother whose plans seem to change according to her whim. The passages in which Penny is self-reflective and ponders her own mistakes and fears are particularly well done, but the book ended rather abruptly after all the build-up. I'm assuming there will be some sort of follow-up since there is no way that Starla, Penny's mother, would let her remain at the inn.

[Normalene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Black Butterfly Inn, located on a small island in Maine, is where 17-year-old Penny gets to spend the holidays since her mom is stuck in Idaho at a conference of ghost hunters. Her mom's friend Bubbles, who Penny has never heard of owns the inn and Penny will be staying there. She meets Bubbles son, George not much older than her, learns that she likes to cook, meets some ghosts and falls in love - but will she end up with the real boy or the ghost boy - that is the question. This is a gentle teen read although the ghosts do get feisty on occasion and Penny has all the problems of an ordinary teen, not counting that she can see and interact with ghosts - a talent her mom would kill to have. I finished it in about 3 hours as it is a really fast read.

[Mel Raschke]

This fast and elegantly written story of a girl in her late teens trying to make her way in an uncertain world. Mother sends her off to old friend's inn on an island off the Maine coast while she chases ghosts and a new paramour on the other side of the country. Penny, the daughter, bumps her way through the first days at the inn and learns about the island's history and the fire at the original inn that took lives that still seem to cling to the place. There's a growing connection, too, between Penny and the son of the inn's owner, though neither wants to admit to it at first. He's older and a culinary arts student who shares more than just his cooking talents with Penny.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss and Cinco Puntos Press for access to this title.

3.5 stars. This was a fun read, with a touch of gothic horror, and a good mix of romance and family relationship issues. It's more on the lighter, fluffier side, although there is a bit of a dark edge now and again. It will be interesting to see where this goes from here, and I will be watching for the next installment.

A good read for those who enjoy a small chill in their ghost stories.

[Yoselis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't what I expected. It was an okay read. The main character is a bit too immature for my taste though I do love her love for quotes. The ghost part was okay but the problem solving happened a little too quickly. The middle went by slow and then the wrapping up took only a few pages. It was slightly predictable. The writing was basic without much of a style. I don't necessarily recommend this read.

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Meghan
Cover Story: Kitschy Cool
BFF Charm: Auntie Mame
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Sass Lite
Bonus Factors: Maine, Sookie
Relationship Status: Repeat Summer Fling

Read the full book report here.

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Butterfly isn’t a horror book–the paranormal side was very light (I’m a big scaredy cat and I wasn’t scared of it, maybe because I didn’t get to experience it myself) so I’d recommend this to those who want a light read. I found it to be unique.

Full review on my book blog: https://bibliophilesoprano.wordpress....

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

First the good; I like a young adult ghost story and this one got extra points for cooking scenes. Plus it got me out of a reading slump.

While it held my attention, it was seriously flawed. Weird pacing, plot thrown together seemingly haphazardly with details sort of sticking out in all directions

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0-3.5 I can't decide on a rating. Lots of good things going on here-- ghosts,and first love, and an interesting mix of characters. Some of the story dragged a bit for me, but I liked the heroine enough to keep turning the pages.

[henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly, I really liked this book.
it had a mix of mystery and romance and all the other stuff.
but i think that was also a bit of a problem.
sometimes, there was too much of something so it lacked something else.
but either way, I enjoyed reading this.
thank you 'U'