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Divine Vintage #3
The Ghostly Diva
Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders is enticed by the opportunity to sift through vintage treasures from a recently deceased actress.
When a snowstorm strands her with the woman’s surly son and the much-too-real ghost, she’s drawn into their unresolved emotional tug-of-war.
Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is eager to wrap up his mother’s affairs and escape the one-horse town where she grew up. Unloading old clothes takes an unwanted turn when the appealing historian discovers a path to identify the “famous” father his mom protected to her death.
With Justine’s beloved museum job in jeopardy, she can’t afford the distractions of a rude / broken / fascinating man or his meddling, ghostly mother.
Yet she can’t resist helping to solve the mystery of his paternity, even as an employment prospect beckons her to shake up her life and move to the big city.
When a snowstorm strands her with the woman’s surly son and the much-too-real ghost, she’s drawn into their unresolved emotional tug-of-war.
Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is eager to wrap up his mother’s affairs and escape the one-horse town where she grew up. Unloading old clothes takes an unwanted turn when the appealing historian discovers a path to identify the “famous” father his mom protected to her death.
With Justine’s beloved museum job in jeopardy, she can’t afford the distractions of a rude / broken / fascinating man or his meddling, ghostly mother.
Yet she can’t resist helping to solve the mystery of his paternity, even as an employment prospect beckons her to shake up her life and move to the big city.
- GenresRomance
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Sandra L. Young
3 books117 followersSandra L. Young's love of vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage, followed by Divinely Dramatic in February 2024 and The Ghostly Diva in May '24. She’s gathered an impressive collection spanning the late 1800s to 1980s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in community theater. She also sports it out on the town for special occasions. To round out her love of the arts, Sandra sings with a trio, a praise band, and at karaoke nights. She draws from these experiences in her writing, as well as her work focus in communications and nonprofit management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 30, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5
I enjoyed this book so much! It was so entertaining and unputdownable! This is the 3rd and final book in the author's Divine Vintage trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone.
Justine Saunders is an assistant director at the local museum, and she's been asked to look at some vintage clothing belonging to an actress. The actress was local and has recently passed away. Her son Jackson Maddox, a screenwriter, is in town trying to settle her affairs. He wants to get things handled as quickly as possible so he can get back to Hollywood and put his mother's small hometown behind him. But when a snowstorm hits trapping Justine and Jackson together, things start to heat up. It's the last place Justine wants to be, stuck with a grumpy man and his mother's ghost. Jackson's mother has kept her promise of keeping his famous father a secret. Is her ghost still hanging around because it's now time for the truth? As Justine digs through the vintage clothing, she finds some clues that may help Jackson find the identity of his father. But is he ready?
This was such a well written, fun, lighthearted mystery. It was totally bingeable! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down! The mystery was intriguing, and the romance was sweet. I loved the small town setting and the characters. I also loved Justine's interactions with Jackson's mom's ghost. It was definitely humorous at times. This book was so good, and I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was so entertaining and unputdownable! This is the 3rd and final book in the author's Divine Vintage trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone.
Justine Saunders is an assistant director at the local museum, and she's been asked to look at some vintage clothing belonging to an actress. The actress was local and has recently passed away. Her son Jackson Maddox, a screenwriter, is in town trying to settle her affairs. He wants to get things handled as quickly as possible so he can get back to Hollywood and put his mother's small hometown behind him. But when a snowstorm hits trapping Justine and Jackson together, things start to heat up. It's the last place Justine wants to be, stuck with a grumpy man and his mother's ghost. Jackson's mother has kept her promise of keeping his famous father a secret. Is her ghost still hanging around because it's now time for the truth? As Justine digs through the vintage clothing, she finds some clues that may help Jackson find the identity of his father. But is he ready?
This was such a well written, fun, lighthearted mystery. It was totally bingeable! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down! The mystery was intriguing, and the romance was sweet. I loved the small town setting and the characters. I also loved Justine's interactions with Jackson's mom's ghost. It was definitely humorous at times. This book was so good, and I highly recommend it.
May 6, 2024
THE GHOSTLY DIVA is one of those truly special books filled with hometown charm and a touch of whimsy. I really enjoyed DIVINELY DRAMATIC, the second novel in Sandra L. Young's Divine Vintage trilogy, so I was excited to read the others in the series. Each of these three novels stands alone beautifully--you can read them one at a time, or out of order, and not get confused, because Young effectively and elegantly grounds readers in her cast of characters and the setting without belaboring the action with lots of backstory.
Along with the tension and sparking chemistry between Justine and Jackson (who have a great enemies-to-lovers arc), I especially enjoyed Liza's flashbacks, where the reader gets a glimpse of her unresolved issues with her surly son, and her motivation for haunting Justine, who is a bit of a medium in that she can see and speak with the dead. While this is a lighthearted, low-stress read, there was a marked poignancy to Liza's story that drew me in and made me care deeply about Jackson by extension. This is a ghostly diva with a mother's heart.
I also love the Midwestern setting, which reminds me so much of my own hometown. The characters are charming and familiar, and the light paranormal elements and Young's obvious love and appreciation for vintage fashion and community betterment make for an entertaining comfort read. Such a fantastic story!
Along with the tension and sparking chemistry between Justine and Jackson (who have a great enemies-to-lovers arc), I especially enjoyed Liza's flashbacks, where the reader gets a glimpse of her unresolved issues with her surly son, and her motivation for haunting Justine, who is a bit of a medium in that she can see and speak with the dead. While this is a lighthearted, low-stress read, there was a marked poignancy to Liza's story that drew me in and made me care deeply about Jackson by extension. This is a ghostly diva with a mother's heart.
I also love the Midwestern setting, which reminds me so much of my own hometown. The characters are charming and familiar, and the light paranormal elements and Young's obvious love and appreciation for vintage fashion and community betterment make for an entertaining comfort read. Such a fantastic story!
May 7, 2024
What a joy to read The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young by Out today (May 1)!
Third in her Divine Vintage series, this book is just as engaging and fun as the other two. Justine, our main character works in a small town museum facing budget cuts. When handsome Jackson, son of a recently deceased, local celebrity, asks Justine to help him go through his mother's vintage items, she agrees but finds him rude and intriguing. And of course sparks fly.
Justine is visited by the ghost of his mother, who proceeds to become a bit of a nosy matchmaker! Throw in a little mystery, where nobody knows who the father is of Jackson and you get a delightful, cozy, romantic mystery.
This can be read as a standalone book. Excellent writing, a fun storyline in characters you can really get into. I highly recommend this book in the series to anyone looking for a fun romance/mystery/paranormal read!
Third in her Divine Vintage series, this book is just as engaging and fun as the other two. Justine, our main character works in a small town museum facing budget cuts. When handsome Jackson, son of a recently deceased, local celebrity, asks Justine to help him go through his mother's vintage items, she agrees but finds him rude and intriguing. And of course sparks fly.
Justine is visited by the ghost of his mother, who proceeds to become a bit of a nosy matchmaker! Throw in a little mystery, where nobody knows who the father is of Jackson and you get a delightful, cozy, romantic mystery.
This can be read as a standalone book. Excellent writing, a fun storyline in characters you can really get into. I highly recommend this book in the series to anyone looking for a fun romance/mystery/paranormal read!
May 21, 2024
"The Ghostly Diva" by Sandra L. Young is the third book in the Divine Vintage series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I encourage you to read the others in the series as they are also great! The story revolves around Justine Saunders, an assistant Museum Director in the small town of La Porte, Indiana. Justine loves her job but is concerned about the county pulling funding from the museum, leaving its future uncertain.
Jackson Maddox is a screenwriter from LA. His mother, actress Liza Maddox, a hometown girl made good, has recently passed away, leaving Jackson to come back to La Porte and deal with the estate that belonged to his grandmother and mother. When he calls the museum to see if they are interested in any of her clothes and personal effects, Justine jumps at the chance to curate a display for the museum about Liza.
A snowstorm causes them to be trapped in the old house overnight, much to the dismay of Justine, who finds Jackson to be rude and dismissive of her and her hometown, even if he is very attractive. The appearance of Liza as a ghost is just the icing on the cake of a long and wearying day!
Justine gets caught up in the family secrets and does her best to help Liza and Jackson find closure and move on, all the while fighting the attraction she feels for Jackson as she knows he will be gone soon.
I think this is the best book of the trilogy. It is well-written, with great characters and development. I liked that the characters from the first books make an appearance too.
Jackson Maddox is a screenwriter from LA. His mother, actress Liza Maddox, a hometown girl made good, has recently passed away, leaving Jackson to come back to La Porte and deal with the estate that belonged to his grandmother and mother. When he calls the museum to see if they are interested in any of her clothes and personal effects, Justine jumps at the chance to curate a display for the museum about Liza.
A snowstorm causes them to be trapped in the old house overnight, much to the dismay of Justine, who finds Jackson to be rude and dismissive of her and her hometown, even if he is very attractive. The appearance of Liza as a ghost is just the icing on the cake of a long and wearying day!
Justine gets caught up in the family secrets and does her best to help Liza and Jackson find closure and move on, all the while fighting the attraction she feels for Jackson as she knows he will be gone soon.
I think this is the best book of the trilogy. It is well-written, with great characters and development. I liked that the characters from the first books make an appearance too.
May 2, 2024
The Ghostly Diva is the third tale in the Divine Vintage series. Each book in this series can be read as standalones but if you are looking for something a fun with a paranormal twist then start at the beginning with Divine Vintage the authors debut novel.
This fast-paced ghostly romantic tale peals back the layers to find the truth of one man’s parentage that was taken to the grave. But it is from beyond this grave that this ghost has other ideas.
Jackson has always wondered where he came from, but it was never revealed to him now it was beyond his reach of finding out or is it?
Justine loves to forage for treasures and being vintage is even better but when she comes across a grouchy impatient stranger and an interfering ghost intrudes things start to get interesting.
There is a little bit of everything to keep the reader fully engaged and intrigued. Vintage treasures, a ghostly encounter, an interfering ghost, a grouchy but sexy stranger and a snowstorm make this one tale that should not be missed.
This fast-paced ghostly romantic tale peals back the layers to find the truth of one man’s parentage that was taken to the grave. But it is from beyond this grave that this ghost has other ideas.
Jackson has always wondered where he came from, but it was never revealed to him now it was beyond his reach of finding out or is it?
Justine loves to forage for treasures and being vintage is even better but when she comes across a grouchy impatient stranger and an interfering ghost intrudes things start to get interesting.
There is a little bit of everything to keep the reader fully engaged and intrigued. Vintage treasures, a ghostly encounter, an interfering ghost, a grouchy but sexy stranger and a snowstorm make this one tale that should not be missed.
May 6, 2024
This book is a brilliant addition to the series and I found it to be fun and entertaining right from the start. The book is definitely all about the characters and their connection. I found it so easy to relate to them both. They were engaging and I loved watching their connection develop.
The book is a really well written story and really fits in with the rest of the series well. The author builds up the story as the book goes on and I found myself invested in the outcome. I really enjoyed everything about the book and I it definitely made me want to read more from this author in the future.
The book is a really well written story and really fits in with the rest of the series well. The author builds up the story as the book goes on and I found myself invested in the outcome. I really enjoyed everything about the book and I it definitely made me want to read more from this author in the future.
May 6, 2024
Vintage fashion, antiques, family drama, Hollywood, a bit of romance and a visiting ghost are all included in this wonderful book, The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage). This is one book of a three part series by Sandra L. Young. Just like the Divine Vintage book in this series, The Ghostly Diva proves that the author has a true passion for vintage fashion.
In this book, you meet Justine, the lead character who works in a small town museum as an Assistance Museum Director. Due to county budget concerns, Justine starts to feel anxious about the possibility of being let go from her job. While she loves her job, she feels as if she could look for something better. She is contemplating on moving to the big city of Chicago if her curator interviews go well with one of their local museums. Since she is unattached with no significant other or children to tend to, she thinks shaking up her life and venturing outside of her comfort zone may be just what she needs. She stayed in her home town to appease her parents but feels that she should begin to live for herself and her own wants, needs and/or desires.
Her office receives an interesting phone call from a local late celebrity’s son who is in town to wrap up his mother’s personal belongings before selling the house. His mother, who had a brief life on the screen while living in California, left behind many antiques and vintage fashion that the museum may be interested in preserving. This immediately peaks Justine’s interest so she reluctantly agrees to visit the home to help the son and hopefully collect a number of items that may assist the museum with their need for more traffic and interest in their museum.
As the reader, you get to enjoy the meeting and growing interest between Justine and the son, Jackson Maddox, as they try to tackle the complexity of a strained relationship between son and his late mother, an unknown biological father, an overwhelming amount of tasks to wrap up Liza Maddox’ estate, the struggle to let things go and perhaps a budding attraction. The impact of the drama and trauma of not knowing your biological father is witnessed from the beginning for Jackson’s character so his story arc is interesting. Plus the decisions that both Justine and Jackson make out of frustration, emotional immaturity, indecisiveness and sometimes what seems to be romantic stupidity makes for laughable situations that are relatable if you have ever made the wrong decision, especially at times when you know what the right decision should be.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, the growth of the main characters and the author’s fondness for all things vintage. The book has a great pace and doesn’t rush into things or focus too much on anything that slows things down. I definitely recommend this title.
In this book, you meet Justine, the lead character who works in a small town museum as an Assistance Museum Director. Due to county budget concerns, Justine starts to feel anxious about the possibility of being let go from her job. While she loves her job, she feels as if she could look for something better. She is contemplating on moving to the big city of Chicago if her curator interviews go well with one of their local museums. Since she is unattached with no significant other or children to tend to, she thinks shaking up her life and venturing outside of her comfort zone may be just what she needs. She stayed in her home town to appease her parents but feels that she should begin to live for herself and her own wants, needs and/or desires.
Her office receives an interesting phone call from a local late celebrity’s son who is in town to wrap up his mother’s personal belongings before selling the house. His mother, who had a brief life on the screen while living in California, left behind many antiques and vintage fashion that the museum may be interested in preserving. This immediately peaks Justine’s interest so she reluctantly agrees to visit the home to help the son and hopefully collect a number of items that may assist the museum with their need for more traffic and interest in their museum.
As the reader, you get to enjoy the meeting and growing interest between Justine and the son, Jackson Maddox, as they try to tackle the complexity of a strained relationship between son and his late mother, an unknown biological father, an overwhelming amount of tasks to wrap up Liza Maddox’ estate, the struggle to let things go and perhaps a budding attraction. The impact of the drama and trauma of not knowing your biological father is witnessed from the beginning for Jackson’s character so his story arc is interesting. Plus the decisions that both Justine and Jackson make out of frustration, emotional immaturity, indecisiveness and sometimes what seems to be romantic stupidity makes for laughable situations that are relatable if you have ever made the wrong decision, especially at times when you know what the right decision should be.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, the growth of the main characters and the author’s fondness for all things vintage. The book has a great pace and doesn’t rush into things or focus too much on anything that slows things down. I definitely recommend this title.
May 15, 2024
Another enjoyable and engaging romance with a paranormal feel to it in the ‘Divine Vintage’ series. It can be read as a standalone story, however having read and enjoyed the previous books I recommend reading the series. Justine Saunders is an Assistant Museum Director and she’s excited to have the opportunity to look through the vintage treasures of a recently deceased actress. Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is keen to finish sorting out his late mother’s affairs so he can escape the ‘one-horse’ town in which she grew up in. It’s when Jackson decides to ‘unload’ the old clothes to a historian at the museum that him and Justine meet.
They soon get stranded together by a snowstorm and Justine is not impressed by the surly Jackson, but she also has the very real ghost of his mother to deal with as well. Justine is able to help solve the mystery of Jackson’s paternity as she discovers a way of identifying his “famous” father, whom his mom protected to her death. Meanwhile Justine’s job at the museum is in jeopardy but she then has the opportunity to move to the big city. I was hooked throughout and was kept happily turning the pages. I liked how Justine and Jackson’s relationship developed as the story went on. The characters and setting came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story.
They soon get stranded together by a snowstorm and Justine is not impressed by the surly Jackson, but she also has the very real ghost of his mother to deal with as well. Justine is able to help solve the mystery of Jackson’s paternity as she discovers a way of identifying his “famous” father, whom his mom protected to her death. Meanwhile Justine’s job at the museum is in jeopardy but she then has the opportunity to move to the big city. I was hooked throughout and was kept happily turning the pages. I liked how Justine and Jackson’s relationship developed as the story went on. The characters and setting came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story.
May 20, 2024
The Ghostly Diva is a fun paranormal romance. Bring us back to a world where a character communicates with those who have passed on. The key is having something belonging to that person who has passed on.
We are back into the vintage clothing scene with Justine leading the way. She’s been tasked to go out to the house of a client to see what they can donate to the local museum to showcase. The client is the grumpy son of a woman who left town for hollywood. She was never a big time actress but to a small town Liza’s small screen credits could be just what it needs.
Jackson never expected to meet a woman who was stirring something inside of him. He was meant to have her come out and get out of there. He has no plans of keeping her around. He wants to be around her but he also knows that it’s not in his best interest.
Will Jackson and Justine give into fate?
Will Liza have a strong influence on Justine leading her son in the right direction?
What happens when they uncover Liza’s secret?
Those questions and so many more come up as one navigates their story. The author wrote two brilliantly conflicting stubborn characters. That keeps the reader from putting the book down. I don’t know about you, but I can say I look forward to more stories from this author.
We are back into the vintage clothing scene with Justine leading the way. She’s been tasked to go out to the house of a client to see what they can donate to the local museum to showcase. The client is the grumpy son of a woman who left town for hollywood. She was never a big time actress but to a small town Liza’s small screen credits could be just what it needs.
Jackson never expected to meet a woman who was stirring something inside of him. He was meant to have her come out and get out of there. He has no plans of keeping her around. He wants to be around her but he also knows that it’s not in his best interest.
Will Jackson and Justine give into fate?
Will Liza have a strong influence on Justine leading her son in the right direction?
What happens when they uncover Liza’s secret?
Those questions and so many more come up as one navigates their story. The author wrote two brilliantly conflicting stubborn characters. That keeps the reader from putting the book down. I don’t know about you, but I can say I look forward to more stories from this author.
May 13, 2024
The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series )
By Sandra L. Young
4 Stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a ghost but it’s not scary. I would class it as a romantic mystery. Justine is an assistant director at a museum of a small town. Jackson Maddox’s mother grew up there and became a somewhat known actress. When she passed away, he thought the town would appreciate having her belongings donated to the museum. Justine goes to his house to sort through her stuff and gets snowed in. After seeing the ghost of his mother, she gets unwittingly pulled into solving the mystery of who his father is. His mother kept it a secret right up to her death.
I found the story to be entertaining and engaging. This is a slow burn, opposites attract kind of story. The mystery pulls the two main characters into an unlikely friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. Living across the country from each other, will the relationship work out? Having enjoyed the book, I will be looking for more by this author.
By Sandra L. Young
4 Stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a ghost but it’s not scary. I would class it as a romantic mystery. Justine is an assistant director at a museum of a small town. Jackson Maddox’s mother grew up there and became a somewhat known actress. When she passed away, he thought the town would appreciate having her belongings donated to the museum. Justine goes to his house to sort through her stuff and gets snowed in. After seeing the ghost of his mother, she gets unwittingly pulled into solving the mystery of who his father is. His mother kept it a secret right up to her death.
I found the story to be entertaining and engaging. This is a slow burn, opposites attract kind of story. The mystery pulls the two main characters into an unlikely friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. Living across the country from each other, will the relationship work out? Having enjoyed the book, I will be looking for more by this author.
May 5, 2024
The Ghostly Diva is the third book in the Divine Vintage series. In this installment, Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders is tapped to help screenwriter Jackson Maddox offload the vintage clothing of his semi-famous actress mother, Liza Maddox. Jackson is handsome but surly and initially gives Justine a run for her money. As the two find themselves in an unexpected situation, the ice thaws and Jackson starts showing Justine a better side of himself. Justine finds herself drawn in closer to Jackson as she helps him solve the mystery of his paternity. As difficult as Jackson tried to be, I found myself with a lot of empathy for him. Justine was the perfect balance for him and helped to navigate his complex feelings regarding his paternity. These two were very sweet together. I enjoyed the way they balanced each other out. The mystery was intriguing but satisfying. This book was a great ending to this series.
I look forward to whatever direction Ms. Young may take us next.
I look forward to whatever direction Ms. Young may take us next.
May 14, 2024
The third and final book in the Vintage series and I couldn’t be more excited! Sandra’s love of all things vintage, fashion and history come together so well for this trilogy.
Assistant museum director, Justine is excited when a local actresses son contacts her about his Moms old clothing. He’s wanting to donate it to her museum. Jackson, Liza’s son is still upset over their relationship and just wants to hurry up and get things taken care of so he can get back to his life in California. But as we all know, Sandra has ghosts in her stories (which I LOVE) and his Mom starts “visiting” Justine…
Heartache, love, mystery are all part of this story and it was an amazing wrap up to the series. I loved the plot and the character development. Justine and Jackson are two very different people but, love and a little help from a Mom apparition combine to forge a really strong and hot relationship. I loved it and that’s why I’m giving it five stars! It was an enjoyable read and I can only hope that in Sandra’s future books, she’ll keep the paranormal.
Assistant museum director, Justine is excited when a local actresses son contacts her about his Moms old clothing. He’s wanting to donate it to her museum. Jackson, Liza’s son is still upset over their relationship and just wants to hurry up and get things taken care of so he can get back to his life in California. But as we all know, Sandra has ghosts in her stories (which I LOVE) and his Mom starts “visiting” Justine…
Heartache, love, mystery are all part of this story and it was an amazing wrap up to the series. I loved the plot and the character development. Justine and Jackson are two very different people but, love and a little help from a Mom apparition combine to forge a really strong and hot relationship. I loved it and that’s why I’m giving it five stars! It was an enjoyable read and I can only hope that in Sandra’s future books, she’ll keep the paranormal.
May 15, 2024
Sandra L. Young’s The Ghostly Diva follows museum curator Justine, plodding along in her home town with the odd visit from a ghost, and Jackson, grumpy and mysterious screenwriter from LA whose mother has recently passed and so he’s come to the small town of LaPorte to go through her things and sell her childhood home. Jackson enlists in Justine’a help to go through his mother things, but soon realises he needs her help for much more than that. My favourite character was Justine because she’s quite relatable, the feeling quite lost and stuck in her home town. I recommend this book because it’s a cute love story and the added details of the ghost story, along with the flashbacks and the mystery, make it really interesting. ‘After dipping into real passion, mundane wouldn’t suffice in her life anymore.’ This was so relatable. ‘The hot, demanding kiss threatened to deprive her of oxygen. But what a way to expire.’ This was so beautifully written.
May 9, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Ghostly Diva is the 3rd and final book of the Divine Vintage and while I am sad this series is completed....I really enjoyed this series and the final book. This story gave me all the feels of spark, chemistry, enemies to lovers (which I love), drama and ghosts. While each book could be read as a standalone, I truly recommend reading this series from the beginning. This is a wonderful and fun series and I am looking forward to what the author may have in store in the future.
Justine Saunders is all about finding the best treasures in vintage clothing. When the phone rings and an opportunity arises to look at vintage clothing items from a deceased actress...she jumps at the opportunity. All Jackson Maddox wants to do is just unload all the unwanted clothing and his burly attitude is a bit standoffish with Justine. But as there are pieces to the puzzle, there is more to Jackson....he wants to know where he is from truly. Justine is discovering secrets and tries to help Jackson with his family issues...and a ghostly mom. Will there also be love in the air while trying to solve a mystery...
Definitely read and find out. This is truly a great story.
The Ghostly Diva is the 3rd and final book of the Divine Vintage and while I am sad this series is completed....I really enjoyed this series and the final book. This story gave me all the feels of spark, chemistry, enemies to lovers (which I love), drama and ghosts. While each book could be read as a standalone, I truly recommend reading this series from the beginning. This is a wonderful and fun series and I am looking forward to what the author may have in store in the future.
Justine Saunders is all about finding the best treasures in vintage clothing. When the phone rings and an opportunity arises to look at vintage clothing items from a deceased actress...she jumps at the opportunity. All Jackson Maddox wants to do is just unload all the unwanted clothing and his burly attitude is a bit standoffish with Justine. But as there are pieces to the puzzle, there is more to Jackson....he wants to know where he is from truly. Justine is discovering secrets and tries to help Jackson with his family issues...and a ghostly mom. Will there also be love in the air while trying to solve a mystery...
Definitely read and find out. This is truly a great story.
May 30, 2024
So far I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. I really enjoy this author's writing style. In this story Justine Saunders and Jackson Maddox are our main leads and of course seem like night and day. Jackson is looking forward to wrapping up the last of his mother's affairs and getting out of dodge. Justine is itching to get her hands on the vintage clothes from a recently deceased actress that was well known. While getting the clothing unloaded and going through it Ms. Saunders finds a path to find the man who fathered Jackson. Who was he and why did his mother protect the man's identity until her death?
May 15, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and this one is no different. While each book can be read as a standalone, why miss anything good? Go read them all!
This is lighthearted humor with a mystery. Enemies to lovers and ghosts are also in this book. I love all the references to vintage fashion, as this is something that I'm finding myself becoming more interested in. You'll follow Justine's path of discovery and deal with Jackson's anger issues. Can these two put differences aside and forge a path ahead together?
Great story and series! Cozy up and enjoy!
This is lighthearted humor with a mystery. Enemies to lovers and ghosts are also in this book. I love all the references to vintage fashion, as this is something that I'm finding myself becoming more interested in. You'll follow Justine's path of discovery and deal with Jackson's anger issues. Can these two put differences aside and forge a path ahead together?
Great story and series! Cozy up and enjoy!
May 5, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series. Each book could be read as a stand-alone, rather than part of a series. The main characters in this book must fight their own instincts in order to make healthy choices for themselves, whether they wind up together or not. Themes include big city life versus small town life, as well as strained relationships between generations. I enjoyed being a vicarious part of the healing and personal growth that took place throughout the story.
May 18, 2024
Ms Young you did it again!! This fabulous book filled with wonderful characters, an intriguing storyline, ghostly fun and beautiful sounding fashion will keep you hooked from start to finish I promise you! This author writes so beautifully that you can see absolutely everything she describes. I absolutely love that! I am a fan and always will be!
April 29, 2024
I was charmed and enchanted by The Ghostly Diva! Justine and Jackson are an unlikely couple—she is a small town girl working in a museum, while he is a successful screenwriter in Los Angeles. Their paths cross when Jackson enlists Justine’s help in sorting through his mother’s vintage clothes. So many things happen following their first encounter: they get snowed in together, they uncover secrets of his and his mother’s past, there are serious sparks…oh and, by the way, his dead mother makes her presence known to Justine! There is so much to unravel, so many unexpected twists and turns as their stories come together, and all of it occurs with heart, sincerity, and humor.
May 23, 2024
Another successful book by Sandra L Young. As the third book in the series, this was yet another great book. I loved the story of Justine and her connection to Liza for the museum event. I enjoyed the interaction between Justine and Jackson. I liked when the story went back to Liza’s experiences through her POV and all the layers around Liza and Jackson. Family dynamics, romance, hometown celebrity, and more. Lots of great things from this story!
May 1, 2024
Wonderful addition to the Divine Vintage series
With Divine Diva, Sandra L. Young wraps up her Divine Vintage series in stellar fashion. Justine Saunders, Assistant Director of a small-town museum plus Jackson Maddox, Hollywood screenwriter are a delightful addition to Sandra’s cast of couples: Tess and Trey in Book 1 and Marcy and Mike in Book 2. Sandra has a knack for combining smart, intelligent women with their passions for vintage fashion and theater woven together with enemies to friends storylines and a touch of the ghostly. Well-done yet again Sandra!
With Divine Diva, Sandra L. Young wraps up her Divine Vintage series in stellar fashion. Justine Saunders, Assistant Director of a small-town museum plus Jackson Maddox, Hollywood screenwriter are a delightful addition to Sandra’s cast of couples: Tess and Trey in Book 1 and Marcy and Mike in Book 2. Sandra has a knack for combining smart, intelligent women with their passions for vintage fashion and theater woven together with enemies to friends storylines and a touch of the ghostly. Well-done yet again Sandra!
June 8, 2024
Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders receives a call about a donation that could be a treasure trove of vintage clothing. The caller is Screenwriter Jackson Maddox and first impressions over the phone are little to be desired. Justine will grin and bear it though to be able to glimpse at the outfits and help save her career. A snowstorm, a ghost and a man who is determined to get out of town quick leads to a path neither of them saw coming.
This was a fun one, had a bit of a mystery to it when it came to Jackson's unknown father. I thought this was a book that was a book that I could easily visualize. Great chemistry between Jackson and Justine.
This was a fun one, had a bit of a mystery to it when it came to Jackson's unknown father. I thought this was a book that was a book that I could easily visualize. Great chemistry between Jackson and Justine.
April 17, 2024
I save love for people, but I really, really, really liked this book. Would have been 4 stars except for the next to the last chapter-could have done without the pre-marital sex.
The ghost was fun! An easy and enjoyable read.
The ghost was fun! An easy and enjoyable read.
May 29, 2024
Justine Saunders is a woman who has a passion for history and especially vintage fashion, she is the Assistant Museum Director for the small town museum she works at, but it is not a job whose future is set in stone, also, it just happens to be somewhere which also contains ghostly apparitions. Jackson Maddox is a young man with a mercurial personality who has had to return to the birthplace of his mother, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere to sort through her house and belongings, much to his annoyance.
One day, the museum receives a call from the son of a famous starlet from the area to help him clear out some of her clothing as a donation to the museum and the surly voice demands that it is carried out sooner rather than later and this is where Justine pulls the short straw and heads over to the house in question. However, when she arrives, the picture in her imagination does not match with the handsome man she sees before her, but she keeps her cool when the antagonistic man pushes her buttons while keeping her off balance, especially when she finds a box of letters.
When the appraisal draws to a close, Justine finds that she is snowed in and has to spend the night with Jackson, something neither of them are keen on, but after something to eat and a part bottle of whiskey, they decide to delve into the letters she found earlier and it turns out that they are a mystery Jackson is not sure he wants to solve, the mystery of his father, the one person he never knew the identity of. Meanwhile, much to Justine's surprise, the lady in question, Jackson's mothers ghost decides to throw in her two cents and simultaneously scares the life out of Justine.
Will Justine and Jackson be able to unravel the mystery of his father's identity, stave off her ghostly friend and the spanners she throws in, all while deciding whether to pursue another job opportunity in the big city and trying to deny the sparks between the two? This is a romance with a historical and spirited twist, which will keep you hooked as this emotional game of tug of war plays out.
One day, the museum receives a call from the son of a famous starlet from the area to help him clear out some of her clothing as a donation to the museum and the surly voice demands that it is carried out sooner rather than later and this is where Justine pulls the short straw and heads over to the house in question. However, when she arrives, the picture in her imagination does not match with the handsome man she sees before her, but she keeps her cool when the antagonistic man pushes her buttons while keeping her off balance, especially when she finds a box of letters.
When the appraisal draws to a close, Justine finds that she is snowed in and has to spend the night with Jackson, something neither of them are keen on, but after something to eat and a part bottle of whiskey, they decide to delve into the letters she found earlier and it turns out that they are a mystery Jackson is not sure he wants to solve, the mystery of his father, the one person he never knew the identity of. Meanwhile, much to Justine's surprise, the lady in question, Jackson's mothers ghost decides to throw in her two cents and simultaneously scares the life out of Justine.
Will Justine and Jackson be able to unravel the mystery of his father's identity, stave off her ghostly friend and the spanners she throws in, all while deciding whether to pursue another job opportunity in the big city and trying to deny the sparks between the two? This is a romance with a historical and spirited twist, which will keep you hooked as this emotional game of tug of war plays out.
June 4, 2024
The Ghostly Diva is the third and final book in the Divine Vintage series. It’s just as well-written and charming as the first two books.
Justine is the Assistant Museum Director in her small town. She loves her town and job and has a great relationship with her boss. However, with budget cuts coming and not knowing if her job is safe, she is contemplating leaving for a job in Chicago. She feels she needs a change and wants to walk a more exciting professional path.
She soon had an opportunity to work with a famous screenwriter, Jackson Maddox, who possibly went through his late mother’s personal effects to be used in the museum. She jumps at the chance to go through the actress’s treasures, but Jackson’s company leaves much to be desired. He is rude and surly. She expects the job to be pretty easy. However, she discovers the opposite is true. Not only is Jackson somewhat hard to deal with, but she is now seeing the ghost of his dead mother. One night, getting snowed in with Jackson leads to a tenuous friendship between them, not to mention their crackling chemistry that is bubbling underneath the service. She also vows to help him solve the mystery of his paternity.
Young's writing shines in The Ghostly Diva, particularly in carefully crafting the relationship between Justine and Jackson. The characters evolve organically throughout the story, with Jackson’s mother playing a significant role in their journey. Her influence adds depth and direction to both the narrative and the characters.
Discovering Sandra Young's work was a delight. Her skillful fusion of romance, mystery, and the paranormal in 'The Ghostly Diva' creates a unique and captivating narrative that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.
Justine is the Assistant Museum Director in her small town. She loves her town and job and has a great relationship with her boss. However, with budget cuts coming and not knowing if her job is safe, she is contemplating leaving for a job in Chicago. She feels she needs a change and wants to walk a more exciting professional path.
She soon had an opportunity to work with a famous screenwriter, Jackson Maddox, who possibly went through his late mother’s personal effects to be used in the museum. She jumps at the chance to go through the actress’s treasures, but Jackson’s company leaves much to be desired. He is rude and surly. She expects the job to be pretty easy. However, she discovers the opposite is true. Not only is Jackson somewhat hard to deal with, but she is now seeing the ghost of his dead mother. One night, getting snowed in with Jackson leads to a tenuous friendship between them, not to mention their crackling chemistry that is bubbling underneath the service. She also vows to help him solve the mystery of his paternity.
Young's writing shines in The Ghostly Diva, particularly in carefully crafting the relationship between Justine and Jackson. The characters evolve organically throughout the story, with Jackson’s mother playing a significant role in their journey. Her influence adds depth and direction to both the narrative and the characters.
Discovering Sandra Young's work was a delight. Her skillful fusion of romance, mystery, and the paranormal in 'The Ghostly Diva' creates a unique and captivating narrative that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.
May 2, 2024
Though The Ghostly Diva is the third book in Sandy Young’s “Divine Vintage” trilogy, this entertaining paranormal romance/mystery can easily be read as a standalone.
Justine, a thirty-something assistant museum director in a small Indiana town, wonders if she’s fallen into a rut. She has never lived anywhere else, except for the time she left for her history degree. Her job lets her indulge her love of history and vintage clothing, but her position is in jeopardy because the museum may be facing budget cuts. Faced with an uncertain future, she applies for a job at a larger museum in Chicago, thinking that life in a big city could expand her horizons.
Meanwhile, Jackson, a handsome Hollywood screenwriter, appears. His mother was Liza Maddox, a former actress who grew up in the town but now has died. He offers to donate Liza’s clothing to the museum, and Justine goes to check out the items. When the two of them are snowed in overnight, she learns more about his family than she expected…and experiences the first of what becomes a series of visits by Liza’s ghost.
Jackson, who’s never known his father’s identity, tries to follow clues from his mother’s letters. Justine plunges into organizing a fundraising event for the museum to showcase Liza’s clothing. She ignores her growing attraction to Jackson; meanwhile her mother tries to match her up with a former high school admirer. And Justine takes some actions that will complicate things further.
This is a fast-moving, well-paced novel that will keep you turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next and how things will turn out. Have fun!
Justine, a thirty-something assistant museum director in a small Indiana town, wonders if she’s fallen into a rut. She has never lived anywhere else, except for the time she left for her history degree. Her job lets her indulge her love of history and vintage clothing, but her position is in jeopardy because the museum may be facing budget cuts. Faced with an uncertain future, she applies for a job at a larger museum in Chicago, thinking that life in a big city could expand her horizons.
Meanwhile, Jackson, a handsome Hollywood screenwriter, appears. His mother was Liza Maddox, a former actress who grew up in the town but now has died. He offers to donate Liza’s clothing to the museum, and Justine goes to check out the items. When the two of them are snowed in overnight, she learns more about his family than she expected…and experiences the first of what becomes a series of visits by Liza’s ghost.
Jackson, who’s never known his father’s identity, tries to follow clues from his mother’s letters. Justine plunges into organizing a fundraising event for the museum to showcase Liza’s clothing. She ignores her growing attraction to Jackson; meanwhile her mother tries to match her up with a former high school admirer. And Justine takes some actions that will complicate things further.
This is a fast-moving, well-paced novel that will keep you turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next and how things will turn out. Have fun!
May 21, 2024
The Ghostly Diva is the 3rd and final book of the ‘Divine Vintage Series’ but can be read as a stand alone. I have read all three and in my opinion, this one is my favourite.
Justine is invited to the estate of the late Liza Maddox, a small town actress, by her son named Jackson. She specializes in vintage fashion and cannot turn down the opportunity to find some unique antiques. When a snow storm hits, blocking Justine from leaving the estate, she finds herself trapped with the rude Jackson Maddox. Justine tries her hardest not to think too much of this. She came here on business and can keep this overnight stay professional. Fate has a different plan.
After finding some letters Liza wrote hinting at Jackson’s parentage, he lets his walls down with the help of alcohol in front of Justine showing her a side of him no one else has seen. Things start to get heated between the duo but Justine shuts it down quickly.
Liza is making her appearance known to Justine. She wants her to help her son get closure so Justine makes it her personal mission to find out who Jackson’s father might be. She may just be a small town girl living in a lonely world (haha) but she wants to change that and herself for the better.
Meanwhile Jackson just wants to get the estate dealt with and move on but he has weird memories attached to the house and is having difficult processing. It doesn’t help that his mind keeps wandering to thoughts of Justine.
I really liked this book. Small town girl meets big city boy. Justine is shy and caring while Jackson is angsty and rude. You would think they would not be good for each other but I found myself rooting for them the whole time.
Justine is invited to the estate of the late Liza Maddox, a small town actress, by her son named Jackson. She specializes in vintage fashion and cannot turn down the opportunity to find some unique antiques. When a snow storm hits, blocking Justine from leaving the estate, she finds herself trapped with the rude Jackson Maddox. Justine tries her hardest not to think too much of this. She came here on business and can keep this overnight stay professional. Fate has a different plan.
After finding some letters Liza wrote hinting at Jackson’s parentage, he lets his walls down with the help of alcohol in front of Justine showing her a side of him no one else has seen. Things start to get heated between the duo but Justine shuts it down quickly.
Liza is making her appearance known to Justine. She wants her to help her son get closure so Justine makes it her personal mission to find out who Jackson’s father might be. She may just be a small town girl living in a lonely world (haha) but she wants to change that and herself for the better.
Meanwhile Jackson just wants to get the estate dealt with and move on but he has weird memories attached to the house and is having difficult processing. It doesn’t help that his mind keeps wandering to thoughts of Justine.
I really liked this book. Small town girl meets big city boy. Justine is shy and caring while Jackson is angsty and rude. You would think they would not be good for each other but I found myself rooting for them the whole time.
May 1, 2024
About the Book: Assistant museum director Justine Saunders is enticed by the opportunity to sift through vintage treasures donated by the estate of a recently deceased Hollywood actress. When a snowstorm strands her with the actress’ surly son and her much too real ghost, Justine is drawn into an unresolved tug of war between mother and son.
Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is eager to wrap up his mother’s affairs and escape the one-horse town where his mother was raised. Unloading old clothes takes an unwanted turn when the appearing historian discovers a path to identify the “famous” father his mother protected to her death.
With Justine’s beloved museum job in jeopardy, she can’t afford the distractions of a rude and broken but fascinating man—or his ghostly mother. Even as an enticing employment prospect beckons her to shake up her life by moving to the big city, she can’t resist helping to solve the mystery of Jackson’s paternity.
Our Review: In keeping with the underlying theme of vintage clothing and the histories the items bring, author Sandra L. Young brings her Divine Vintage series to a close with this unique take on the life of a B-list Hollywood actress and the effects on her only child. As always, a ghost plays a big role in this story—do the delight of readers and fans of this fun, interesting series.
On a scale of 1-5. Ghostly Diva merits a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is eager to wrap up his mother’s affairs and escape the one-horse town where his mother was raised. Unloading old clothes takes an unwanted turn when the appearing historian discovers a path to identify the “famous” father his mother protected to her death.
With Justine’s beloved museum job in jeopardy, she can’t afford the distractions of a rude and broken but fascinating man—or his ghostly mother. Even as an enticing employment prospect beckons her to shake up her life by moving to the big city, she can’t resist helping to solve the mystery of Jackson’s paternity.
Our Review: In keeping with the underlying theme of vintage clothing and the histories the items bring, author Sandra L. Young brings her Divine Vintage series to a close with this unique take on the life of a B-list Hollywood actress and the effects on her only child. As always, a ghost plays a big role in this story—do the delight of readers and fans of this fun, interesting series.
On a scale of 1-5. Ghostly Diva merits a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
May 29, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the Divine Vintage series.
This was another enjoyable read by this author. This story is a wonderful mix of paranormal, romance, mystery, family secrets and forced proximity.
Justine has a big decision to make with regards to the job she loves. With funding being cut she looks for employment elsewhere and is surprised when she is invited for an interview but if she gets this job it would mean leaving her small town, the job she knows and loves and starting somewhere new.
With all this emotional turmoil happening the last thing she needs is a handsome grumpy guy and the ghost of his mother walking into her life but that's exactly what she gets.
When Jackson's mother dies he contact the museum to see if they would like any of her clothes. As a star of the screen he thought there maybe something they would like.
When Justine turns up at the house he is surprised and can't help but be a little captivated by her passion for fashion from the past. As they look through the clothes of his mother and grandmother they also find a box of letters and when they realised they are snowed in together this is when they decide to solve the mystery of Jackson's Family secret.
Who was Jackson's father? With them being forced into each others company will they realise that they actually enjoy it? And what part will Jackson's mum's ghost play in the uncovering of the secret and the blossoming connection between the couple?
This was another enjoyable read by this author. This story is a wonderful mix of paranormal, romance, mystery, family secrets and forced proximity.
Justine has a big decision to make with regards to the job she loves. With funding being cut she looks for employment elsewhere and is surprised when she is invited for an interview but if she gets this job it would mean leaving her small town, the job she knows and loves and starting somewhere new.
With all this emotional turmoil happening the last thing she needs is a handsome grumpy guy and the ghost of his mother walking into her life but that's exactly what she gets.
When Jackson's mother dies he contact the museum to see if they would like any of her clothes. As a star of the screen he thought there maybe something they would like.
When Justine turns up at the house he is surprised and can't help but be a little captivated by her passion for fashion from the past. As they look through the clothes of his mother and grandmother they also find a box of letters and when they realised they are snowed in together this is when they decide to solve the mystery of Jackson's Family secret.
Who was Jackson's father? With them being forced into each others company will they realise that they actually enjoy it? And what part will Jackson's mum's ghost play in the uncovering of the secret and the blossoming connection between the couple?
May 30, 2024
I have really enjoyed all of Sandra L. Young's "Divine Vintage" books in this series, they all just keep getting better and better as the series goes on. I am a huge fan of vintage clothing, and so having such beautiful pieces of clothing described with so much gusto, that I can picture every garment in my mind. What a fun romance that we get to watch unfold between Justine and Jackson, while she helps him "unload" his mom's hoard of vintage clothing. This book has everything from ghostly apparitions to a mystery needing to be solved as to who Jackson's father is, right down to what Jackson's mom's unfinished business is so that she may pass over to the other side. This story draws you in right from the start as you learn of Justine's worries as to whether she will still have a job each day she goes to her place of business which she has loved most of her life, in a small town that she has grown up in. There is so much going on in this story, it was so inspirational for me to read as I followed along with all of the woes our main characters experience. It held my attention and pulled me into being invested in the outcome of the tale, hoping we got our happily ever after. If you have not read any of the other books in this series, I highly recommend you go back, although they can be great standalone reads as well, you won't want to miss out on some fun adventures and stunning vintage clothing each with a tale of their own to tell.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024
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