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A Savage Ghost
An inherited castle with a ghostly mystery
Lia Savage reluctantly puts her dream of opening a dessert boutique on hold to help her dad remodel a castle he’s inherited in Washington State. Soon, a specter targets her younger sister.
Lia enlists the help of strapping Coop Montgomery, the head gardener and her former crush. As they search together for a way to rid the castle of its ghost, the romance she used to dream about with Coop kindles. But Lia’s gentle giant means to stay in Washington while she’s determined to return to California. She must find the courage to face both the ghost and her future.
With Coop. Or without him.
A clean romance novella in the spirit of the The Canterville Ghost.
Lia Savage reluctantly puts her dream of opening a dessert boutique on hold to help her dad remodel a castle he’s inherited in Washington State. Soon, a specter targets her younger sister.
Lia enlists the help of strapping Coop Montgomery, the head gardener and her former crush. As they search together for a way to rid the castle of its ghost, the romance she used to dream about with Coop kindles. But Lia’s gentle giant means to stay in Washington while she’s determined to return to California. She must find the courage to face both the ghost and her future.
With Coop. Or without him.
A clean romance novella in the spirit of the The Canterville Ghost.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
90 pages, ebook
Published January 24, 2016
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Donna K. Weaver
89 books459 followersUSA Today best-selling and award-winning author - wife-mother-grandmother-Navy brat-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 18, 2020
Yes, I wrote this. But I <3 this fun little story. I wish I could go to visit this castle and stay there for a vacation. And interact with this sweet family.
ETA--a future Safe Harbors book will be set in this location and will bring this story into that world.
ETA--a future Safe Harbors book will be set in this location and will bring this story into that world.
February 15, 2017
It had a cute tale with well developed characters who had personalities and hobbies and all. The setting was unique, a castle set on the border of Washington and Canada, which was cool. We even went on a midnight picnic to see the Aurora Borealis at one point in the story. It felt muggy and calm.
And yet, ghosts! This idea was not too weird and totally believable. Plot elements worked together well, from the draw of the big city to starting a business to planting gardens.
All everything in it had family at the center, from the twins to a death, from young romance to parental love, to sibling rivalry and orneriness to neighborly kindness, from grandfather miserliness to familial trust. It was a great hash of a family (and its extensions) all working together and enjoying themselves. I mean, there was still tension and conflict, but at least the family obviously loved each other.
Oh, and one of the characters was homeschooled, ha!
And yet, ghosts! This idea was not too weird and totally believable. Plot elements worked together well, from the draw of the big city to starting a business to planting gardens.
All everything in it had family at the center, from the twins to a death, from young romance to parental love, to sibling rivalry and orneriness to neighborly kindness, from grandfather miserliness to familial trust. It was a great hash of a family (and its extensions) all working together and enjoying themselves. I mean, there was still tension and conflict, but at least the family obviously loved each other.
Oh, and one of the characters was homeschooled, ha!
May 12, 2016
I just finished listening to Savage Ghost by Donna K. Weaver and really enjoyed parts of it. I love old fashioned ghost stories and clean romance and Savage Ghost has both. This short story centers around native Californian Lia Savage who is helping her parents remodel a haunted castle in Washington State that was recently inherited by her father. Almost immediately after they arrive, Lia observes a ghost that has targeted her younger sister. The rest of the story is figuring out who is the ghost and why is he still attached to the castle. [The ghost in the story is a sad, lonely, and misunderstood soul, much like the ghost was in Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost].
I really loved the premise and plot, but there is not much substance or "meat" to this story. Which begs the question, why is this book listed as a contemporary romance? Without much of a backstory, the target audience might be better aimed at Young Adult. In other words, it feels a bit "light" for a contemporary romance. It's obvious Lia and Coop are both attracted to each other and have great chemistry, but a better and more mature story would have developed both characters more. By way of example, Lia gets assistance solving the ghost "problem" from Coop, a former crush of hers whom she met last summer in California, but it turns out Coop is a long-time resident of the castle along with his parents. How did Coop and his parents come to live at the castle and how did he come to work for Lia's father last summer? I also don't see how an intern for her father's company would have very many dealings or run-ins with the boss's children. In addition how did Lia become so impassioned in baking to the point of wanting nothing more in life than to open her own bakery, which is a huge leap for someone who is still technically a teenager (but at least out of high school). There is also the side issue of a deceased little sister -- we have no idea what happened to her, how long ago she died, and how it affected the family dynamic (That having been said, I really appreciated how this little sister made an appearance at the end of the story).
I listed to the Audible version of the story narrated by Tiffany Williams, who did an excellent job. She provided differing voices for each character, has a smooth voice, and is easy to listen to. I especially enjoyed her Irish accent for the ghost. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I really loved the premise and plot, but there is not much substance or "meat" to this story. Which begs the question, why is this book listed as a contemporary romance? Without much of a backstory, the target audience might be better aimed at Young Adult. In other words, it feels a bit "light" for a contemporary romance. It's obvious Lia and Coop are both attracted to each other and have great chemistry, but a better and more mature story would have developed both characters more. By way of example, Lia gets assistance solving the ghost "problem" from Coop, a former crush of hers whom she met last summer in California, but it turns out Coop is a long-time resident of the castle along with his parents. How did Coop and his parents come to live at the castle and how did he come to work for Lia's father last summer? I also don't see how an intern for her father's company would have very many dealings or run-ins with the boss's children. In addition how did Lia become so impassioned in baking to the point of wanting nothing more in life than to open her own bakery, which is a huge leap for someone who is still technically a teenager (but at least out of high school). There is also the side issue of a deceased little sister -- we have no idea what happened to her, how long ago she died, and how it affected the family dynamic (That having been said, I really appreciated how this little sister made an appearance at the end of the story).
I listed to the Audible version of the story narrated by Tiffany Williams, who did an excellent job. She provided differing voices for each character, has a smooth voice, and is easy to listen to. I especially enjoyed her Irish accent for the ghost. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 8, 2020
Lia and her family moved to the castle in Washington state that her father inherited. This castle was meticulously taken apart and reconstructed piece by piece. When they arrived they are greeted by the caretakers...and a ghost. Coop has worked at the castle as the groundskeeper and crafted the gardens. He is thrilled when the newcomers include Lia, his romance from the previous summer. Lia is not thrilled to be there because all she wants is to return to Cali to open her bakery. Together these two not only start a romance but find a way for the ghost to part. Will they also find a way for them to stay together?
July 28, 2017
A Savage Ghost by Donna K. Weaver is an excellent story. Mystery of what the ghost was looking for and who helped. This is a really a page turner. Just loved the characters they are believable. Must read. Thanks
March 24, 2016
Lia is caught in between things: what she wants and what her family wants. Currently she’s with her family in a castle in Washington State that they’ll be remodeling. It has a great atmosphere, except that it’s haunted and the ghost doesn’t seem nice at all. Coop, the head gardener and Lia’s love interest, encounters ghosts with her and danger hits the household. The characters in this novella are well-written, including the ghostly ones, and it has great tension throughout.
November 2, 2016
Delightful Ghost Story
This story was a sweet romance where both were faced with choices. I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted. As for the ghost, something held him to the earth, and he received help from an unexpected source.
This story was a sweet romance where both were faced with choices. I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted. As for the ghost, something held him to the earth, and he received help from an unexpected source.
July 9, 2016
Lite and Wonderful
This was a lite and wonderful story. It had a good story, kept your attention and ended happy. What could be better. Love this author!
This was a lite and wonderful story. It had a good story, kept your attention and ended happy. What could be better. Love this author!
February 8, 2017
Ghost stories... They get me every time, but when mixed with a super sweet love story? This was a quick, fun read where I enjoyed every moment.
Content warning: Super clean. <3
Content warning: Super clean. <3
September 21, 2017
I cried at the ending! Loved it!
May 31, 2017
Set in northern Washington State, the Savage family recently took over an Irish castle that was moved to the US some years ago. Now Lia Savage has left California to help her family renovate the castle and get it ready for it’s new life as a tourist attraction. However, there is a spirit haunting the premises. Add to that, Lia has set eyes once again on Coop Montgomery, who has grown from the boy she knew to a young man. Romance is in the air.
This story starts off pretty good. The main characters are given some dimension and the setting is interesting. Adding the Irish ghost to the mix adds some mystery since the ghost is hunting for something hidden in the castle.
Lia was my favorite character. She’s very much wants to be a chef and she and her California friend are searching for a place to open their own cafe. However, her family would really like her to stay in Washington. Then we meet Coop and, despite his silly name, he provides yet more reason for her to consider staying in Washington.
The romance was cute and moved along swiftly. I’m not big on romance myself but it worked well for this story. The setting was great. I love the idea of an old Irish castle moved brick by brick over to the states and set down in the Pacific Northwest. Lia and her siblings had fun exploring the castle as well as assisting in fixing it up.
Speaking of Lia’s siblings, they are all twins. I think it was 3 sets of twins, though one of Lia’s sisters had died at some point prior to the beginning of this tale. So I couldn’t help but wonder if Lia’s mother was on some sort of egg enhancing drug therapy. Also we never do learn the particulars of how Lia’s sister dies and that left a little string hanging undone. I really wanted to know and it wouldn’t have been much trouble for the author to give us that.
The story winds up to the big hunt for the lost object the ghost has been longing for. It was fun and exciting though I never felt that Lia, Coop, or the kids were in any real danger. Once the mystery is solved, the story wraps up really quickly and I was left with a few questions about the plot hanging there unanswered. I wanted to know about Lia’s dead sister but I also wanted to know what happened with Lia’s friend in California and how their friendship held up to Lia’s ultimate decision.
I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
The Narration: Tiffany Williams was a delight to listen to. She had distinct voices for each character, which was not always an easy feat with the twins in this book. While her Irish accent for the ghost was a little rough, it was still enjoyable.
This story starts off pretty good. The main characters are given some dimension and the setting is interesting. Adding the Irish ghost to the mix adds some mystery since the ghost is hunting for something hidden in the castle.
Lia was my favorite character. She’s very much wants to be a chef and she and her California friend are searching for a place to open their own cafe. However, her family would really like her to stay in Washington. Then we meet Coop and, despite his silly name, he provides yet more reason for her to consider staying in Washington.
The romance was cute and moved along swiftly. I’m not big on romance myself but it worked well for this story. The setting was great. I love the idea of an old Irish castle moved brick by brick over to the states and set down in the Pacific Northwest. Lia and her siblings had fun exploring the castle as well as assisting in fixing it up.
Speaking of Lia’s siblings, they are all twins. I think it was 3 sets of twins, though one of Lia’s sisters had died at some point prior to the beginning of this tale. So I couldn’t help but wonder if Lia’s mother was on some sort of egg enhancing drug therapy. Also we never do learn the particulars of how Lia’s sister dies and that left a little string hanging undone. I really wanted to know and it wouldn’t have been much trouble for the author to give us that.
The story winds up to the big hunt for the lost object the ghost has been longing for. It was fun and exciting though I never felt that Lia, Coop, or the kids were in any real danger. Once the mystery is solved, the story wraps up really quickly and I was left with a few questions about the plot hanging there unanswered. I wanted to know about Lia’s dead sister but I also wanted to know what happened with Lia’s friend in California and how their friendship held up to Lia’s ultimate decision.
I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
The Narration: Tiffany Williams was a delight to listen to. She had distinct voices for each character, which was not always an easy feat with the twins in this book. While her Irish accent for the ghost was a little rough, it was still enjoyable.
November 1, 2020
Well, this isn’t a Halloween story but it was the perfect season to listen to this. It was a cute contemporary story with a couple of ghosts. I have read several of this authors stories and have listened to this narrator several times. I enjoy this narrator and the author is great too. I think a story a bit longer would have been perfect but it was still good.
January 16, 2018
A haunted castle, the family that inherited it, the caretakers and a sad ghost. It turns out they all need each other, especially the caretakers son and daughter of the new family. They will spend time together figuring out the ghost mystery, fall in love and hopefully figure out their future.
March 8, 2017
A Savage Ghost was okay. The characters' personalities blended with one another; they weren't defined nor fleshed out enough to pull the reader in and care about them. Except for Hugh, the ghost. Ironic that the dead person seemed more alive than the living.
So the ghost's POV is written in third person italics, Lia's is first person, Coop/Coops (? Seriously , you can't keep up with your own characters? So they aren't very real to you, either?) is in third person. Although the first person POV nearly reads as a third person. Unemotional and detached.
It's an okay book, but amateurishly written by a novice.
So the ghost's POV is written in third person italics, Lia's is first person, Coop/Coops (? Seriously , you can't keep up with your own characters? So they aren't very real to you, either?) is in third person. Although the first person POV nearly reads as a third person. Unemotional and detached.
It's an okay book, but amateurishly written by a novice.
April 21, 2016
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. When Tiffany started the book in an Irish Brogue, I wasn't sure I'd be able to understand the book, but my fears were quickly stilled. Tiffany does a great job, and the Irish Brogue is used only when the scene is through the ghost's point of view. Since I'm familiar with Donna Weaver's writing, I didn't think I needed to worry about any graphic violence. I was right. This is an enjoyable read with a sweet romance between a couple of young adults who are trying to solve the mystery of the ghost at Savage Castle. This is a fun, quick read that I'd feel comfortable handing to my daughters.
June 3, 2016
This was a good story.Dad inherits a castle that was moved to California from Ireland and it came with a ghost.Lia,who wants to open a dessert store,goes along and finds her former crush is the groundskeeper.The ghost absconds with Lias little sister and the mystery begins.Why did he d it?Will they get her back?
Tiffany Williams does a nice job narrating.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
Tiffany Williams does a nice job narrating.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
November 4, 2016
Quick and sweet
A savage ghost was a quick read and really sweet but i felt like there were some missing links in the story which is why i gave it a four star rating. I would still recommend to a friend though
A savage ghost was a quick read and really sweet but i felt like there were some missing links in the story which is why i gave it a four star rating. I would still recommend to a friend though
October 29, 2016
This was a fun story, and very well-written. It immediately pulled me in. I loved the characters and the storyline. I would love to read more stories about these characters
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
December 27, 2016
This was a fun read, full of ghosts, mysteries & a cute guy and a pastry making girl.
Moral Note: Clean
Moral Note: Clean
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews