Crown Hill: A Novel of Love, Live and The Afterlife

by Christina M. Abt

Historical Fiction Novel.
We think of a house as a place that we build and shape to reflect who we are, a place where we experience significant life moments and events.
But what if the reverse were true?
What if a house could shape those who enter to reflect its own being?
Affect the way those within its walls experience significant life moments and events?
Cross over Crown Hill’s welcoming threshold. Enter into this home’s caring essence.

Hear its voice as it reveals the stories of love, life and the afterlife that define its one hundred and fifty years of Love, Life and The Afterlife.

Genres: Fiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

Christina M. Abt is a story teller whose work has been features in newspapers, national magazines, national anthologies, on NRP Affiliate, WBFO Radio and in the five books she has authored, the newest of which is the soon-to-be-published, "Money or Love, Internet Dating From the Far Side of 40."

In Money or Love you will meet Pete Wilson and Julia Regent.

Pete is a 53-year old PR/Marketing Guru who has been abruptly down-sized from his high-paying job. He is also a divorced father stuck in a rumpled bachelor lifestyle yet dedicated to ensuring his college-aged daughter forever sees him as, “Super Dad.” He is frustrated, dejected, and desperately determined to get back to work.

Julia is a 52-year old widow who has been rescued from the depth of her sorrows by the caring friendship of three womenfriends, also widows. Five years after her husband’s passing Julia is at a crossroads. Should she sell her home? Should she start making changes to her family’s defining traditions? Does she dare acknowledge that she is lonely and would once again like a man in her life?

Pete and Julia meet at the intersection of online dating. One for money. One for love. This humorous and touching story of their relationship evolves in a timeline between Halloween and Valentine’s Day, evidencing the challenges of internet dating from the far side of 40 and the rewards of finding love at any age.


Christina's first book, "Chicken Wing Wisdom- Western New York Stories of Family, Life and Food shared Around the Table" is a regional best-seller that showcases Western New York women and the ways their connection with food has impacted their lives, their communities and even the world. The tales in Chicken Wing Wisdom cover a range of topics, from the creation and cooking of food, to teaching and counseling on the subject.

"Crown Hill, A Novel of Love, Life and The Afterlife" is Christina's first novel. It is a romantic story of historical fiction based on three generations of people who lived in a remarkable 150-year old home and shared the common experiences of love, life and the afterlife. The characters include a suspected murderer, an abused wife, an accomplished lawyer-turned spirtualist, an internationally renowned author and a newly-divorced woman beginning again....their stories all told by the one who knows them best.....Crown Hill (yep....the house!)

"Heart and Soul, The Best Years of My Op-Ed Life" is the best of the best of Christina's 15-year career writing newspaper columns and broadcasting listener commentaries for Buffalo's NPR Affiliate/WBFO Radio. Topics run the gamut from family, home, love and marriage, holidays, women and community to name a few. Readers will smile, laugh and even cry when reading this collection of essays, which Christina crafted with inspiration from her idol, Erma Bombeck, and from her own heart and soul.

"Beauty and Grace," is based on real life stories of women who were institutionalized in asylums throughout the early 20th Century, often against their wills and repeatedly for their entire lives. “Beauty and Grace’s” haunting exploration of the unjust confinement and medical treatment of woman in the 20th Century is beautifully interwoven through the touching relationship that develops between Teagan and Grace ---two women from different worlds and different eras, brought together within the haunting confines of Midland’s Wood Haven asylum
.
Christina is an often- invited guest speaker and enjoys engaging with readers and writers of all ages and interests.
For more information you can contact Christina through her website www.christinaabt.com

Reviews

[Buffalo Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Book Nerd (yes, with a capital “b” and a capital “n”). I have always loved to read, and a new book is a source of joy to me. Crown Hill was a great read, and I will definitely read it again. That’s high praise from me. I’m a re-reader, but I’ll re-read a particular book only if it meets certain criteria.
***I enjoy the book from the moment I pick it up. This was definitely true of Crown Hill. Author Christina Abt draws the reader in from the very first page. Her character development is very strong, and the storyline has excellent flow.
***I don’t want the book to end. Everyone who loves to read is familiar with this: if the story is good, it pulls the reader along, and the reader can’t wait to find out what happens next – but at the same time, the reader wishes the book would never end. That’s how it was with Crown Hill; I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, but I didn’t want the story to end.
***I miss the book when I’m finished reading it. When I finished Crown Hill, I wanted to go right back to the first page and start over. I didn’t because I wanted it to be fresh when I go back to it, but I’ll be going back soon.
Christina Abt has a tremendous gift. She’s a great writer, but she’s also a great storyteller. Those two skills don’t always go hand-in-hand, but I’m so glad she is talented in both regards. The result is a treat to read.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2014 Christmas - from Bettyann.

This book is about Eden, my home town - and is somewhat true to the town. It concerns a haunted house, which is based in the Crowe house where I pulled taffy and played touch football for CYC back in high school.

The history given concerning the house claims to housed a couple - the wife committed suicide or did the abusive husband murder her? She haunted the house in an effort to leave this world and pass to the other side. Mary & Owen Southwick are the couple. Edward Randall who next bought the house is real as is Emily French, a neighbor, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes author), who allegedly came to the house at the request of his acquaintance, Edward Randall, and who tried to coax the apparition to appear. Their part of the story was based on their real lives and experiences at Crown Hill.

The house is spiritual and has a big part speaking to the ghost, "Mary", and trying to help her move beyond earth while making the inhabitants still enjoy the "love" of the house. It's interesting the way it is written.

A little bit of a love story is thrown in and lots of small town atmosphere is involved.

A good read - especially if you're familiar with Eden. (No mention of Kazoos???)

[Pete Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is not generally my cup of tea, but "Crown Hill" had me hooked from the beginning. The innovative and unconventional approach of having the house itself participate in the narration is as delightful as it is intriguing.

Additionally, this story becomes even more captivating with the inclusion of the real life characters, Ed Randall and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes novels, who traveled to the small town outside of Buffalo to perform seances in the actual Crown Hill.

Add to the mix the characters that Christina Abt so skillfully weaves into the plot line and you have a compelling read that pulled me through the book in a matter of days. The mystery set in motion in the first pages of the book is such an exciting ride, as it carries us through the story.

If you love a good story, this book is for you. If you love good characters, this book is for you. If you love tales of times gone by, this book is for you.

Enjoy.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real joy of reading is finding a book that captures your imagination, paints vivid pictures of the characters and locales and stays in your mind as you attend to those "have to do" chores that rudely interrupt your reading time. "Crown Hill" by Christina Abt is one of those novels with a story based on historical fact set in the town of Eden in Western New York. I was fortunate to meet Christina yesterday morning and hear how her home and it's history provided the inspiration for this novel....as the cover says "a novel of love, life and the afterlife." As a bookseller, I've been exposed to many self-published novels by aspiring writers that occasionally prove disappointing. I happy to say this is not one of those books. This is a compulsive page turner with a surprising imaginative literary structure that provides a very satisfying conclusion. I think you can safely say that I really loved this book!

[Liza Nahas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'm now sad because I'm going to miss my friends-Mary, Meg, Crown Hill, & everyone else (except maybe Owen). I love when an author describes a place so well you can clearly picture it in your mind & feel like you've been there and Christina Abt has certainly accomplished that. I liked the historical detail with a twist of paranormal. I would read a sequel if there ever was one . . .

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I actually reread certain parts because I LOVED the characters! It's an amazing story based on a real house and real people! We all need a Crown Hill and a Mary! Many will turn away from this book due to the "spiritualism". I guarantee, if you do, you're missing a really, really good one!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm OK with books where the past lives of people are present in a home.. and even when they appear to characters in the story.. I had a hard time with the house itself doing the talking to the spirit who needed to be set free... and the present day romantic interest was pretty predictable.. not one of the best books I have read this year..

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Diva sister Christina did a marvelous job weaving together this story of her house. It's a little bit history, mystery, and spirit world, with good old fashioned storytelling, too. There's lots of good jumping off points for discussion, making this a natural for book clubs. Read it and enjoy!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful reading. You wont want to put it down. Love can be cruel. Life can be confusing. And the afterlife can be powerful. All together
love, life and the afterlife can present a cruel, confusing and powerful story that will hold your attention till the very end. Try it...You'll love it.

[Nichole19xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book! It had my attention from page one. I hated to put it down, everyone practically pull it out of my hands to get me to do anything else! I would rate it more stars if I could. It was an amazing story/book. Definitely one I would reread over and over.

[Marion Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Read it and reread it. It is a story filled with sorrow, mystery, love and characters who lived and visited Crown Hill as well as fictional characters who enhance the story. Order take out for dinner since you won't want to put Crown Hill down.

[Victoria Wienke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with a local draw for anyone in Western New York. The characters come alive in this book as you start the journey and become so intrigued by the story that you can't stop reading. Thoroughly enjoyable, easy reading.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprising book that I loved. I am still unsure of all that I read and maybe that is the idea. Do I believe in spirits? Still a question mark, but I'm more inclined to say "Yes" than I was before reading Crown Hill. Was I thoroughly drawn in by the story? Absolutely!

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Many deep,interesting, real characters. A must read!

[Greg Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Riveting " I couldn't put it down !

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on real people, a real house and some interesting ghosts. This author has done her research very well.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is set in a real house that my mother used to live in. The descriptions of the house are great and stirred many personal memories. However, the language was overly sappy and melodramatic.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally know the author of this book but will not let that affect my review of this book. The book deals with the spirit of a woman who resides in a house. The story involves the people who live in the house over the years and how they deal with the spirit. It’s nicely written and very entertaining! I would love more people to read and enjoy this book like I did.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite for me. I had a difficult time with the flowery language between the house and the spirit. However, the concept was very interesting. If you're into unique ghost stories, this is probably for you!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads' Giveaway!

Crown Hill is the story of the 150 year old house with a sordid history and even darker present. A shadow fell on Crown Hill near it's beginning that has continued to follow the beloved house through owner to owner making it obvious they got more than they bargained for in their home. Crown Hill offers comfort, joy and beauty wrapping its warm embrace around all that enter but the love of a home may not be enough to surmount the darkness around it. The story starts with the Southwick's that began it all and ends with Meg Flynn who may actually be the answer they have been waiting for.

While the story of a house that makes the home was unique and interesting in theory the reality was the voice of the beautiful Victorian breaking up the continuity of the book and was not executed as well as the living characters were. The character of Crown Hill while it began as a warm and welcoming embrace turned into a clingy and overbearing mother that made liking it difficult. Then there is Mary, I loved Mary's character in the first chapter she was strong and likeable but in death she turned into a desperate and selfish sprit. Regardless of how her actions effected Meg she continued to pursue her relentlessly for her own gain. Thankfully this all took place in the little bits at the ends of each chapter.
I loved the main plot and all the living characters, present and past. My biggest regret is how abruptly it all ended, I would have liked a chapter of Meg and Brady dealing with what they saw and all that transpired when Mary moved on, because regardless of how much they (Meg) suspected it to be true no one was prepared to see not only Mary's ghostly form but Owens dark and evil one as well as the blinding brilliance that was Rose.

Overall I loved this book because of the rich history, paranormal story and most of all the beautifully written characters. The fact that Abt took the story, history and real life people of her own home made it all the more believable and enthralling.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those books that describe the setting so well that it almost becomes a character in the story? Well, this book takes that idea to a whole new level.
Welcome to Crown Hill, a place of with many lives and loves to share. The inhabitants of this how can’t know how the house will shape them before the end. A story about a house, ghosts and real life people, this story will take you beyond the natural into the supernatural and you will love every minute of it.
Historical fiction is not usually something that I’m drawn to, but I was really intrigued by the premise of this book so I gave it a go. Wow. I was hooked from the first chapter. I thought that the way the story was told and weaved together with real people gave it a quality that you don’t get in many works of fiction. Plus, this book is about a haunted house. And it manages to be romantic and a little freaky all at once, which is quite the feat.
I think all around, this is just a really well-crafted story. I thought that the character development was excellent as well as the setting. It’s just told so richly that you can’t help but fall in love with the places and the people contained within these pages. I’m going to go ahead and give this a 5 star rating because I was just really taken in by this diamond in the rough. Great story with great characters.

Reviewed by Sara Squared for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for Review*

[Ms. Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...

An excellent read! Very exciting, unique, and a huge page-turner. The only negative thing I have to say is that I wish it wasn't so dramatic and often cheesy. I felt like the author could've toned that down a LOT. Otherwise, a very good read.

[Anne Moorehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hard time getting into this book and didn't really connect with characters until the last quarter of the book. I did enjoy it in the end and finding out after that it's a real house and some of the people really lived there made me look back on it fondly.

[Jeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written haunting love story. Not a typical love story at all, but one between a house and the people who occupy it. If you just want to appreciate love and especially life before smart phones, and a beautiful story, read this book.

[Lbball27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

to be added later

[Darlene Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read - held my interest.

[Barbara Flynn mclaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Growing up in Eden and still making my home here, Crown Hill is a heartwarming story that makes Eden, what it is today.