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A Willing Spirit: A Ghostly Romance
A young widow haunted by the past
Tessa Bright risks more than her reputation when she hires handsome drifter Micah Fox to help out on her ranch. The half-breed cowboy draws attention not only from the townspeople, but from Tessa’s late husband, Will, who insists on remaining on the ranch as a ghost, trying to care for Tessa from beyond. Will doesn’t approve of Micah and tries to arrange a different match for Tessa, but fate – and Tessa and Micah’s lonely hearts – have another match in mind. First published in 1999, A Willing Spirit won the Texas Gold Award for Best Historical Romance in 2000.
Tessa Bright risks more than her reputation when she hires handsome drifter Micah Fox to help out on her ranch. The half-breed cowboy draws attention not only from the townspeople, but from Tessa’s late husband, Will, who insists on remaining on the ranch as a ghost, trying to care for Tessa from beyond. Will doesn’t approve of Micah and tries to arrange a different match for Tessa, but fate – and Tessa and Micah’s lonely hearts – have another match in mind. First published in 1999, A Willing Spirit won the Texas Gold Award for Best Historical Romance in 2000.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1999
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291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 23, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
November 9, 2010
Although published by the Jove "Haunting Hearts" line, A Willing Spirit is more of a slice-of-life Americana novel than it is a "ghost story". There is a meddlesome ghost pushing the couple together, of course, but mainly the story is about the heroine trying to fit in with her fellow townspeople who treat her unfairly. Both the hero and the heroine are decent people, honestly portrayed, who are easy to like. I was very satisfied when they eventually opened up to each other and put an end to their repetitive cycle of non-communication. Pick up this one only if you're looking for a slower paced, character driven novel.
June 6, 2020
This is an OK book, but it was very slow reading, and the ghost husband plot was just kind of strange. It gets 3 stars from me.
My main issue with the story was that the ghost husband plot was just strange. Then when he picked the new preacher to marry his widow, and the preacher thought God was talking to him -- that was just dumb. It made it very difficult for me to like the preacher or the ghost husband.
Tessa and Micah were mostly likable, but Tessa was kind of dumb when it came to getting along with others, and Micah was so fixated on the bad treatment he received as a half-breed. I get that they both had good reasons for their behavior, but they sometimes brought more misery on themselves with their actions.
One thing that was very weird -- in the kindle version of this book, the entire Chapter 8 was missing. I suspect that it covered some things that would have helped me understand the rest of the book, but I guess I'll never know ...
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
My main issue with the story was that the ghost husband plot was just strange. Then when he picked the new preacher to marry his widow, and the preacher thought God was talking to him -- that was just dumb. It made it very difficult for me to like the preacher or the ghost husband.
Tessa and Micah were mostly likable, but Tessa was kind of dumb when it came to getting along with others, and Micah was so fixated on the bad treatment he received as a half-breed. I get that they both had good reasons for their behavior, but they sometimes brought more misery on themselves with their actions.
One thing that was very weird -- in the kindle version of this book, the entire Chapter 8 was missing. I suspect that it covered some things that would have helped me understand the rest of the book, but I guess I'll never know ...
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
March 9, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable read!
This is the first book by this author that I have read. Although there were a few editing errors, they did not detract from the story.
This is a story about a young woman widowed after only seven years of marriage. She is trying to maintain her ranch, but with a broken arm, she finds that she needs help
Micah Fox, a mixed race American Indian, is mesmerized by Tessa's Gaye to her property--a work of art crafted by her deceased husband who was a blacksmith. Thus he wanders up to Tessa's porch just as she realizes her need for help.
Of course things aren't that simple as Tessa's deceased husband Will is a ghost and his main purpose is to continue caring for his wife.
This is a romance, but it also deals with prejudices and a person's desire to be accepted for who they are, and Wills antics are comedic at times, although well intended.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. Although there were a few editing errors, they did not detract from the story.
This is a story about a young woman widowed after only seven years of marriage. She is trying to maintain her ranch, but with a broken arm, she finds that she needs help
Micah Fox, a mixed race American Indian, is mesmerized by Tessa's Gaye to her property--a work of art crafted by her deceased husband who was a blacksmith. Thus he wanders up to Tessa's porch just as she realizes her need for help.
Of course things aren't that simple as Tessa's deceased husband Will is a ghost and his main purpose is to continue caring for his wife.
This is a romance, but it also deals with prejudices and a person's desire to be accepted for who they are, and Wills antics are comedic at times, although well intended.
September 7, 2018
Loved this book! It had everything. Tessa Bright is a young widow with a broken arm needing someone to help her on her ranch. Micah Fox is a drifter needing money and sees Tessa's elaborate metal worked gate and stops. He is a half-breed and cautious about working for the young widow.
She hires him to work till her arm heals. Will Bright is the ghost of Tessa's husband. He loved her so much he couldn't leave her alone. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected people and their problems. Romance is all around as is racial hatred for Native Americans in that time period.
Loved this book just really enjoyed the heck out of reading it want to read more by this author.
She hires him to work till her arm heals. Will Bright is the ghost of Tessa's husband. He loved her so much he couldn't leave her alone. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected people and their problems. Romance is all around as is racial hatred for Native Americans in that time period.
Loved this book just really enjoyed the heck out of reading it want to read more by this author.
September 22, 2017
Based in the time period of the American Frontier this is a story of love and determination. A young widow hires a half breed drifter to work her ranch. At ease with the Indians who live just beyond her ranch agrees to build a chapel on her property for a preacher who wants to bring the word of God to the Indians. This is a book with a double edge sword. It is a story of love, a mission and the determination of a ghost to get it all done.
September 26, 2017
Frightening good read; clearly an interesting plot
Sorry for the puns, but this story was a good read. I enjoyed the imagination the author used to bring the character, "Will" to life....sort of.
Sorry for the puns, but this story was a good read. I enjoyed the imagination the author used to bring the character, "Will" to life....sort of.
May 22, 2018
So disappointed
I was interested in the story but could not read the kindle book. The fonts kept changing. The page editing was strange and sentences were not continued on the next page too many times.
I was interested in the story but could not read the kindle book. The fonts kept changing. The page editing was strange and sentences were not continued on the next page too many times.
March 13, 2019
Chase 'em until you get caught!
I enjoyed the playfulness at the beginning and the development of relationships between the characters was a lot of fun. There are typos at the end of this or it could have been a five star.
I enjoyed the playfulness at the beginning and the development of relationships between the characters was a lot of fun. There are typos at the end of this or it could have been a five star.
February 13, 2017
Beautiful story of unusual love.
i love this book. The people in the story we so enchanting that i felt like i was there. Native American stories are my favorite. Great author.
i love this book. The people in the story we so enchanting that i felt like i was there. Native American stories are my favorite. Great author.
March 2, 2017
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the storyline and premise of the book was great! The storyline kept me engaged from the very beginning, the characters were wonderful and the writing was great. The best part for me was when Tessa said that Will was Choctaw! I too am Choctaw!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the storyline and premise of the book was great! The storyline kept me engaged from the very beginning, the characters were wonderful and the writing was great. The best part for me was when Tessa said that Will was Choctaw! I too am Choctaw!
February 18, 2017
Slow start, I almost stopped reading it but am so glad I stayed with it. It turned out to be a very good story and well-written.
August 18, 2016
Sterling’s ghostly romance is a unique story line that is a cute humorous romantic tale. The plot line is two-fold—a basic quest plot and a forbidden love plot. I liked this book as the author has concocted an original plot line in that her protagonist is Will Bright, a ghost. Wil is the deceased husband of the female protagonist, Tessa Bright, who is managing their ranch singlehandedly and doing it quite well.
As a result of an unfortunate accident, Will dies but he cannot leave his young wife stranded. So, he sets out on a quest, playing matchmaker in search of a prospective husband. Through his search we are introduced to a cast of supporting characters. However, things get complicated when Fate brings a half-breed Indian, Micah Fox, into the play. Micah becomes a wrinkle in action to build tension and amusement. Sterling’s positive use of dialog contributes to the humorous antics.
Additionally, Sterling designed strong and enduring characters making each one believable. Each character possesses good traits and a few flaws. The chemistry between characters is evident thereby allowing the reader to feel as though they personally know them. I like the way Sterling presented each character’s backstory to help the reader fully appreciate each character’s role. Sterling’s descriptive language triggers laughter as they agonize with the obstacles life throws their way. To learn more about Will, Tessa, and Micah you will have to read this book. It is a good read and riveting.
As a result of an unfortunate accident, Will dies but he cannot leave his young wife stranded. So, he sets out on a quest, playing matchmaker in search of a prospective husband. Through his search we are introduced to a cast of supporting characters. However, things get complicated when Fate brings a half-breed Indian, Micah Fox, into the play. Micah becomes a wrinkle in action to build tension and amusement. Sterling’s positive use of dialog contributes to the humorous antics.
Additionally, Sterling designed strong and enduring characters making each one believable. Each character possesses good traits and a few flaws. The chemistry between characters is evident thereby allowing the reader to feel as though they personally know them. I like the way Sterling presented each character’s backstory to help the reader fully appreciate each character’s role. Sterling’s descriptive language triggers laughter as they agonize with the obstacles life throws their way. To learn more about Will, Tessa, and Micah you will have to read this book. It is a good read and riveting.
September 2, 2016
If you could come back as a ghost and help your loved one to move on in his or her life, would you? As I began reading this ghostly tale of intrigue and romance it fascinated me and I couldn't put it down. A WILLING SPIRIT: A GHOSTLY ROMANCE started in Texas in 1855.
Will Bright was married to Tessa Bright, but suddenly he had left her behind with no one to comfort her or help her with her many chores that needed done. Tessa had broken her arm and it was in a heavy cast. So that left her pretty much helpless when it came to work that needed both hands to be done. With no physical way to help Tessa with the chores, Will thought he was seeing to her every need by just being there, but he wasn't getting things done that needed the attention, and he couldn't help her loneliness. Well, one day a stranger came walking by carrying a saddle. He was willing to work and help Tessa out in order to maybe make enough money to bye a horse. Once Will found out this stranger was an Indian, he didn't like him at all and wanted him to be on his merry way, but Tessa offered him a job. Could this lead to a romance or will it be the fuel to feed the fire that could cause more hurt for Tessa?
Tessa was trying to please her husband, but she also wanted to have a say in this for herself to see if she could run the ranch on her own. Was Will, in his own sweet way, trying too hard to help Tessa? Was he really thinking of Tessa's feelings? And through or because of Will's meddling, could this cause even bigger problems? I loved it! A great read.
Will Bright was married to Tessa Bright, but suddenly he had left her behind with no one to comfort her or help her with her many chores that needed done. Tessa had broken her arm and it was in a heavy cast. So that left her pretty much helpless when it came to work that needed both hands to be done. With no physical way to help Tessa with the chores, Will thought he was seeing to her every need by just being there, but he wasn't getting things done that needed the attention, and he couldn't help her loneliness. Well, one day a stranger came walking by carrying a saddle. He was willing to work and help Tessa out in order to maybe make enough money to bye a horse. Once Will found out this stranger was an Indian, he didn't like him at all and wanted him to be on his merry way, but Tessa offered him a job. Could this lead to a romance or will it be the fuel to feed the fire that could cause more hurt for Tessa?
Tessa was trying to please her husband, but she also wanted to have a say in this for herself to see if she could run the ranch on her own. Was Will, in his own sweet way, trying too hard to help Tessa? Was he really thinking of Tessa's feelings? And through or because of Will's meddling, could this cause even bigger problems? I loved it! A great read.
July 17, 2016
Think it's fluff? It's not!
So...I like ghosts! And I have much respect for those called by many names, such as First Nations, First Peoples, Native Americans. I expected a pleasant read about people sorting their way through to a solid life, a solid relationship. What I did not expect was how skillfully the author placed gentle threads of solid truths about how we treat each other, how we can get in our own way, and the worth of living true to our personal values into the narrative. These are smoothly brought together at the end, so that I felt an actual zing from head to toe. Made me jump! And the ghost? He's awesome! Not perfect, highly loyal, rather grouchy at times, but even he grows through the story because he genuinely cares for others. Four stars for reminding us all what really matters.
Content: One star off for brief and unnecessarily explicit physical intimacy. Those scenes would have been far more lovely without those details. The author shows us the characters' emotions, and relationship depth quite well—we do not need these scenes to see the intimacy between them. Explicit intimacy has become a cliché, an overused trope, and those bits unfortunately discolour the otherwise fine quality writing.
So...I like ghosts! And I have much respect for those called by many names, such as First Nations, First Peoples, Native Americans. I expected a pleasant read about people sorting their way through to a solid life, a solid relationship. What I did not expect was how skillfully the author placed gentle threads of solid truths about how we treat each other, how we can get in our own way, and the worth of living true to our personal values into the narrative. These are smoothly brought together at the end, so that I felt an actual zing from head to toe. Made me jump! And the ghost? He's awesome! Not perfect, highly loyal, rather grouchy at times, but even he grows through the story because he genuinely cares for others. Four stars for reminding us all what really matters.
Content: One star off for brief and unnecessarily explicit physical intimacy. Those scenes would have been far more lovely without those details. The author shows us the characters' emotions, and relationship depth quite well—we do not need these scenes to see the intimacy between them. Explicit intimacy has become a cliché, an overused trope, and those bits unfortunately discolour the otherwise fine quality writing.
July 31, 2016
A Willing Spirit
A very different kind of love story, that includes, Will, Tessa's, first husband that passed away and Micah, the new man in her life. Of course Micah, is not good enough for Tessa, according to Will. Will believes he can choose a better one for Tessa, that can take better care of her. And not cause her the grief and headaches that Micah, will. It's been a while since Will, passed on. Tessa is very lonely as she never made a lot of friends with the town's residents. She and Will stayed off to them selves. Tessa has broken her arm and needs to hire someone to help her until her arm heals. Just so happens a half breed Indian, Micah comes by her ranch carrying his saddle and Tessa, offers him a job. Will, believes she has made a mistake. And so this sweet little love story begins. Hope you enjoy.
A very different kind of love story, that includes, Will, Tessa's, first husband that passed away and Micah, the new man in her life. Of course Micah, is not good enough for Tessa, according to Will. Will believes he can choose a better one for Tessa, that can take better care of her. And not cause her the grief and headaches that Micah, will. It's been a while since Will, passed on. Tessa is very lonely as she never made a lot of friends with the town's residents. She and Will stayed off to them selves. Tessa has broken her arm and needs to hire someone to help her until her arm heals. Just so happens a half breed Indian, Micah comes by her ranch carrying his saddle and Tessa, offers him a job. Will, believes she has made a mistake. And so this sweet little love story begins. Hope you enjoy.
July 27, 2016
Wonderful read!
I have always been a fan of books on ghosts, but have never read a romance that had a ghost in it. "A Willing Spirit" was a wonderful change of pace. The characters were interesting each in a different way and you can just imagine the various places the story takes place in. There are many feelings that you will have throughout the book, from romance of course but humor and even anger at things that are said or done by some of the characters. I recommend you read this book if you want a different and unique romance to read. I am on my way to checking out more of Cynthia Sterlings books, especially "Great Caesars Ghost" which you will get a preview of at the end of "A Willing Spirit" and the bit you get to preview is so good it makes the book a must read!
I have always been a fan of books on ghosts, but have never read a romance that had a ghost in it. "A Willing Spirit" was a wonderful change of pace. The characters were interesting each in a different way and you can just imagine the various places the story takes place in. There are many feelings that you will have throughout the book, from romance of course but humor and even anger at things that are said or done by some of the characters. I recommend you read this book if you want a different and unique romance to read. I am on my way to checking out more of Cynthia Sterlings books, especially "Great Caesars Ghost" which you will get a preview of at the end of "A Willing Spirit" and the bit you get to preview is so good it makes the book a must read!
August 22, 2016
This was an interesting read, although I wouldn't label it as a ghostly romance. To be perfectly honest, the ghost in the story was almost superfluous, although it did help attribute to the twist I wasn't expecting at the end at ALL, which was awesome.
My biggest issue was how wishy-washy both the main characters were...actually it felt like *every* character was wishy-washy. And the bad guy gets no comeuppance, which I always find annoying.
I recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read and something a little different.
My biggest issue was how wishy-washy both the main characters were...actually it felt like *every* character was wishy-washy. And the bad guy gets no comeuppance, which I always find annoying.
I recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read and something a little different.
July 19, 2016
Warm tale of life, love and community in the old west with a lively spirit!
This book took a common old west history subject of life on a ranch For a hard working widow in the 19th century and added enough fresh twists to make it unique. Racial discrimination, women's rights and blending communities was as present then as it is in modern times. The addition of a meddling, but loving ghost to mix things up made this a fun read.
This book took a common old west history subject of life on a ranch For a hard working widow in the 19th century and added enough fresh twists to make it unique. Racial discrimination, women's rights and blending communities was as present then as it is in modern times. The addition of a meddling, but loving ghost to mix things up made this a fun read.
March 16, 2016
Amazing
I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings displayed throughout the story. The love shared with Tessa and Will was wonderful and would never die even with him as a spirit. But the love her and Micha had was the type of love that comes chrome deep in your heart and soul. Great Reading
I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings displayed throughout the story. The love shared with Tessa and Will was wonderful and would never die even with him as a spirit. But the love her and Micha had was the type of love that comes chrome deep in your heart and soul. Great Reading
July 17, 2016
Micah is half Indian and he finds his way to the farm of the widow Tessa. She had broken an arm and she asked Micah to work for her until she was out of the cast. She had never been accepted in this town but that seemed to be changing. But how would folks react to Micah? To cause further problems the ghost of her dead husband is hanging around looking out for her. A delightful book.
July 31, 2016
I loved the story of Tessa and MIcah and the ghostly dead husband who did not want them together. He kept trying to find someone for Tessa but didn't want it to be Micah. Yes, he was interfering all the time. The ending is really good and a surprise. I loved the way the author made the characters come to life.
September 1, 2016
A willing Spirit
I really enjoyed this book, in some spots it was funny, in other places it was very sad and heart wrenching. I just couldn't put it down, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I could feel everything that the Hero and the Heroine were going through. This was a wonderful story, one that shouldn't be missed.
I really enjoyed this book, in some spots it was funny, in other places it was very sad and heart wrenching. I just couldn't put it down, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I could feel everything that the Hero and the Heroine were going through. This was a wonderful story, one that shouldn't be missed.
October 16, 2016
I thought when I started reading this book that I was getting into a horror story as I had this book placed in the horror genre on my kindle. However, it turned out to be a historical paranormal romance instead. it wasn't bad and had interesting charcaters as well as storyline but it just was not what I thought I was going to be reading as was looking to read horror novels all month.
July 23, 2016
Help from beyond
I enjoyed this book very much. It was whimsical, spiritual and hilarious in some places. A romance which had to learn to survive in spite of setbacks and prejudice. It was a little repetitive so that was the reason for the 4 stars.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was whimsical, spiritual and hilarious in some places. A romance which had to learn to survive in spite of setbacks and prejudice. It was a little repetitive so that was the reason for the 4 stars.
July 31, 2016
This was a really fun read. I enjoyed the native characters & really fell in love w/ the main characters. Steamy scenes were tame but appropriate for the book. Great new author I'll add to my list of keepers.
August 22, 2016
A little spicy
Very good book one of those you don't want to put down till finished. Though there are many minor characters they don't overwhelm the story but add depth. The main Characters are well described and very interesting
Very good book one of those you don't want to put down till finished. Though there are many minor characters they don't overwhelm the story but add depth. The main Characters are well described and very interesting
February 24, 2016
Love Story
This was a wonderful romance story.I was truly surprised at the ending.It shows that ghost are not always scary,but can be caring.
This was a wonderful romance story.I was truly surprised at the ending.It shows that ghost are not always scary,but can be caring.
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March 28, 2016A love story
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this author made everything so real. I will look for more of her books. I highly recommend this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this author made everything so real. I will look for more of her books. I highly recommend this author.
July 18, 2016
What a wonderful book. I laughed, I cried. I felt I was one of the characters.
The story line was so real I felt caught up in the storyline. Didn't put the book down until the end!
The story line was so real I felt caught up in the storyline. Didn't put the book down until the end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews