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For Elise
The aspiring author bought the "haunted" house to stoke his morbid imagination.
Unfortunately, the house is having none of it.
A different kind of ghost story.
a novelette, roughly 12,500 words
Unfortunately, the house is having none of it.
A different kind of ghost story.
a novelette, roughly 12,500 words
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2015
About the author
Hayden Wand
8 books164 followersHayden Wand spends much of her time writing in a room filled with bookshelves and unfinished craft projects. A lover of history, literature, and folklore, she lives with her family in South Carolina.
You can find her novella “The Wulver’s Rose” in Rooglewood Press’s FIVE ENCHANTED ROSES anthology, and she is also the author of two more fairy tale retellings: WITH BLOSSOMS GOLD, a Rapunzel retelling set during the Renaissance, and JANUARY SNOW, a retelling of Snow White set during the Roaring 20's.
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You can find her novella “The Wulver’s Rose” in Rooglewood Press’s FIVE ENCHANTED ROSES anthology, and she is also the author of two more fairy tale retellings: WITH BLOSSOMS GOLD, a Rapunzel retelling set during the Renaissance, and JANUARY SNOW, a retelling of Snow White set during the Roaring 20's.
*not accepting friend requests at this time*
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 15, 2017
Read my original review at: http://merikthorne.blogspot.com/2017/....
4.5 stars
When the narrator of For Elise buys a supposedly haunted mansion, he is disappointed to find it, well, lacking... at least in the sense of inspiration for his novel. But the tides turn when an invisible, Frank-Sinatra-loving grammar Nazi finds a red editor's pen and takes to revising and commenting on his work.
I adore Hayden Wand's books, and For Elise was certainly no exception! With a rich, classic prose, Hayden delivers a fun and light-hearted novella on relationships of all sorts. The characters were positively delightful, each with their own little quirks. Though I was unsure where the plot was headed, at first, the characters soon took me by the hand and pulled me into a mysterious, boundless world of friendship, love, romance, and redemption. Go and read For Elise -- you won't regret it!
You may want to know: There is some reference to drinking (and, possibly, getting drunk).
4.5 stars
When the narrator of For Elise buys a supposedly haunted mansion, he is disappointed to find it, well, lacking... at least in the sense of inspiration for his novel. But the tides turn when an invisible, Frank-Sinatra-loving grammar Nazi finds a red editor's pen and takes to revising and commenting on his work.
I adore Hayden Wand's books, and For Elise was certainly no exception! With a rich, classic prose, Hayden delivers a fun and light-hearted novella on relationships of all sorts. The characters were positively delightful, each with their own little quirks. Though I was unsure where the plot was headed, at first, the characters soon took me by the hand and pulled me into a mysterious, boundless world of friendship, love, romance, and redemption. Go and read For Elise -- you won't regret it!
You may want to know: There is some reference to drinking (and, possibly, getting drunk).
November 24, 2018
Oh, wow! What did I just read? This has to be one of the most unique books I've read in a long time! I wish it was a full-length novel! I can't say too much because of spoilers, but this was just amazing! The writing style Wand uses to portray the main character is so much fun and made this logophile's heart happy. Both Elise and the MC (I don't think he was ever named?) were so adorable with their little quirks and witty banter. The twist at the ending was unexpected and, quite frankly, scared me half to death. But the ending definitely redeemed it.
Overall, this is an adorable short story that I highly recommend! Well done, Hayden Wand!
Overall, this is an adorable short story that I highly recommend! Well done, Hayden Wand!
October 15, 2022
Absolutely adorable and whimsically wholesome. I adore the cover so much I wish I could get it in paperback. ❤️
Definitely a perfect read for us dramatic authors, Wodehousian fans, and anyone looking to rediscover joy in life.
CW: This is a ghost story so there is a tragic but not graphic backstory.
Definitely a perfect read for us dramatic authors, Wodehousian fans, and anyone looking to rediscover joy in life.
CW: This is a ghost story so there is a tragic but not graphic backstory.
Read
September 22, 2015Well, yes, I've obviously read it.
May 29, 2016
Such a cute, fun read! I had a huge smile on my face all the way through. I loved the blend of an Edgar-Allan-Poe-ish narrator voice with a contemporary setting, and the humour was wonderful - not forced or overdone, but took full advantage of all the comedic potential in the story.
I felt there was some room for improvement in a couple of areas, but the humour, originality, and sheer fun of this story swept me away. I also appreciated the solution to the narrator's ghost problem, and the pro-happy-ending theme.
I'll be very interested to see what Hayden Wand writes next.
I felt there was some room for improvement in a couple of areas, but the humour, originality, and sheer fun of this story swept me away. I also appreciated the solution to the narrator's ghost problem, and the pro-happy-ending theme.
I'll be very interested to see what Hayden Wand writes next.
January 5, 2018
This has got to be the most adorable ghost story ever. From the epigraph to the drollery of the narration to the protagonist's relationship with Elise, it hits all of its notes just right (and I loved the theme about the place of joy and happy endings in fiction). A delightful short read!
June 29, 2016
Oh my goodness! What a cute little story! It's like a peppermint--short-lasting, but sugary and fresh, leaving you with a cozy feeling long after...
In the first few pages, our hero is headed in an alarming and dangerous direction in his pursuit for ghostly genius. But what he seeks is not exactly what he finds...
For such a short story, the characters are beautifully realized, pearls of wisdom are perfectly scattered, and the ending is happily met.
Now, for those who don't approve of ghostly encounters, no matter how adorable, this story may not seem to suit you, but nevertheless anyone who enjoys a darling mesh of the modern and old-fashioned, the sad and the sweet, should definitely give this is a start. And once you start you shouldn't end until the "finis."
In the first few pages, our hero is headed in an alarming and dangerous direction in his pursuit for ghostly genius. But what he seeks is not exactly what he finds...
For such a short story, the characters are beautifully realized, pearls of wisdom are perfectly scattered, and the ending is happily met.
Now, for those who don't approve of ghostly encounters, no matter how adorable, this story may not seem to suit you, but nevertheless anyone who enjoys a darling mesh of the modern and old-fashioned, the sad and the sweet, should definitely give this is a start. And once you start you shouldn't end until the "finis."
Read
January 30, 2026So darling and sweet with a flare of the gothic and I loved it 😭
November 27, 2016
For Elise
by Hayden Wand
When the narrator's great aunt passed away, she left him a large sum of money, simply to keep her more bothersome relatives from obtaining it. Coming into the money, the narrator quit his fast food job and bought a Queen Anne Victorian house upon learning it was haunted. The great house seems to be the perfect place to launch his writing career given the folklore attached to it. He expects tattered white dresses, rattling chains and eerie moans, yet instead he finds that his ghost has a taste for Frank Sinatra and editing with a red pen that is mightier than any sword. He is surprised when he finds a teenage girl has been haunting him. Recovering from his shock, he goes to the local library in hopes of finding out why Elise has been in his house for so many years.
This novelette is delightfully quirky. It'd be the perfect thing to read as you are waiting for guests to arrive for your Halloween party this year. It's humorous and touching at the same time. I love the witty style Hayden writes in as the narrator seems to be joking at his own expense. And the setting.... I love Victorian houses, and reading a book that is based around one was a treat for me. Plus all the little details, like the narrator using an old fashioned typewriter for his first drafts, and Elise, having passed in the 1940s, still dressed in the fashion of her youth. It's all-together charming.
All in all, For Elise is just the thing to read on crisp fall day. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous ghost story with an air of mystery.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.
by Hayden Wand
When the narrator's great aunt passed away, she left him a large sum of money, simply to keep her more bothersome relatives from obtaining it. Coming into the money, the narrator quit his fast food job and bought a Queen Anne Victorian house upon learning it was haunted. The great house seems to be the perfect place to launch his writing career given the folklore attached to it. He expects tattered white dresses, rattling chains and eerie moans, yet instead he finds that his ghost has a taste for Frank Sinatra and editing with a red pen that is mightier than any sword. He is surprised when he finds a teenage girl has been haunting him. Recovering from his shock, he goes to the local library in hopes of finding out why Elise has been in his house for so many years.
This novelette is delightfully quirky. It'd be the perfect thing to read as you are waiting for guests to arrive for your Halloween party this year. It's humorous and touching at the same time. I love the witty style Hayden writes in as the narrator seems to be joking at his own expense. And the setting.... I love Victorian houses, and reading a book that is based around one was a treat for me. Plus all the little details, like the narrator using an old fashioned typewriter for his first drafts, and Elise, having passed in the 1940s, still dressed in the fashion of her youth. It's all-together charming.
All in all, For Elise is just the thing to read on crisp fall day. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous ghost story with an air of mystery.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.
February 5, 2016
I have to say, when I opened the preview on Amazon, I had no intention of buying For Elise -- I was simply curious.
Well, having finished the book less than 24 hours later, I can safely say I LOVED it. I don't think I've ever read such a delightful ghost story.
Firstly, the cover. I liked it from the start, but it's even more charming to me after having read the story :)
Then there's the characters. Elise is wonderful; I especially loved how she stayed true to character, even with all the changes that she went through. The interaction between Elise and her author friend makes for delightful reading.
The ghost aspect, I thought, was handled in an especially clever way, and I was happy to be able to form such a clear picture of Elise from her depiction.
But the end is really what left me smiling in such a grand way. You see, I tend to gauge the amount of space left for a happy ending, and I was pretty close to despair, and then, a wonderful, tingly surprise came along in the last chapter.
For Elise was a delight, through and through.
Well, having finished the book less than 24 hours later, I can safely say I LOVED it. I don't think I've ever read such a delightful ghost story.
Firstly, the cover. I liked it from the start, but it's even more charming to me after having read the story :)
Then there's the characters. Elise is wonderful; I especially loved how she stayed true to character, even with all the changes that she went through. The interaction between Elise and her author friend makes for delightful reading.
The ghost aspect, I thought, was handled in an especially clever way, and I was happy to be able to form such a clear picture of Elise from her depiction.
But the end is really what left me smiling in such a grand way. You see, I tend to gauge the amount of space left for a happy ending, and I was pretty close to despair, and then, a wonderful, tingly surprise came along in the last chapter.
For Elise was a delight, through and through.
July 1, 2016
Took about half an hour to read.
I enjoyed it, but the length of the book was a bit disappointing, I felt like I didn't exactly know the characters as well as I would have liked. Other wise it was a sweet book and a quick fun read
I enjoyed it, but the length of the book was a bit disappointing, I felt like I didn't exactly know the characters as well as I would have liked. Other wise it was a sweet book and a quick fun read
June 2, 2016
A sweet and imaginative little ghost story with a happy ending.
December 20, 2020
This was a sweet little novella! I have been meaning to read this book for a really long time now, and what better time than at the end of the year? It would be the perfect falltime read with a mug of tea or cider and a big fluffy blanket though: the spooky but cozy mystery vibes would be IMMACULATE.
My favorite part of the book was the prose: it was so graceful and classic feeling, and not at all clunky like some indie books are. The characters were really fun, and although it was just a novella, their characters and personality traits can clearly be seen. The storyline kind of meandered throughout the book, but that was fine because it is kind of a cozy mystery style book.
I really enjoyed the little bits of wisdom scattered throughout the book, and the overall theme of appreciating and acknowledging joyful moments, while allowing them to contrast with sad and tragic moments.
Overall it was such a fun little book, and one that I enjoyed thoroughly!
My favorite part of the book was the prose: it was so graceful and classic feeling, and not at all clunky like some indie books are. The characters were really fun, and although it was just a novella, their characters and personality traits can clearly be seen. The storyline kind of meandered throughout the book, but that was fine because it is kind of a cozy mystery style book.
I really enjoyed the little bits of wisdom scattered throughout the book, and the overall theme of appreciating and acknowledging joyful moments, while allowing them to contrast with sad and tragic moments.
Overall it was such a fun little book, and one that I enjoyed thoroughly!
February 15, 2018
Wonderful!!!!
After many failures, searching for a new author, I found this gem. Made me laugh and fry. What more can you ask for? Can't wait to try another Hayden Wand creation.
After many failures, searching for a new author, I found this gem. Made me laugh and fry. What more can you ask for? Can't wait to try another Hayden Wand creation.
January 29, 2020
Incredible!!
The only thing I did not like about this story, it ended way to soon. I can't wait to start one of your other books.
The only thing I did not like about this story, it ended way to soon. I can't wait to start one of your other books.
March 24, 2020
Delightful afternoon read- I was so excited when I saw this novella is free on Amazon for a couple of days... I loved it!!
March 25, 2020
A perfectly paced short story that warmed my heart.
February 19, 2018
This really is a different type of ghost story. I prefer more “bite” but I think many would really enjoy this story about a man and his ghost.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews