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The House at the End of the Street
Natalie Hargrove, a previously accomplished artist, and Caitlin Cassidy should never have met. After all, Caitlin was only a twelve-year-old girl when Natalie was already dead and gone. But they did meet, and it was that dramatic encounter in the house at the end of the street that changed their lives forever. The moment was so powerful, so important, that it drew Caitlin, now a renowned novelist, back to her hometown twenty years later to seek out Natalie’s ghost. Taking up refuge in the dark, broken house, Caitlin believes that getting back to her roots and to the bottom of her experience with the ghost will somehow help heal the wounds her life has brought her.
Against the backdrop of a Victorian mansion, a story unlike any other unfolds between Caitlin and Natalie, and leaves them with one lingering question: even if love is enough to bridge the gap between life and death, is it enough to keep a ghost from passing on?
Against the backdrop of a Victorian mansion, a story unlike any other unfolds between Caitlin and Natalie, and leaves them with one lingering question: even if love is enough to bridge the gap between life and death, is it enough to keep a ghost from passing on?
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie E. Kusiak
5 books146 followersStephanie Kusiak grew up in an idyllic neighborhood in Orange County, California. She spent her formative years watching after her brothers, rescuing stray animals and learning all she could about the supernatural from her grandmother over Sunday brunches. As a writer, she realistically captures the humanizing elements in life and focuses on the characters that live in her worlds. She is known on the internet for her steamy erotica and her poignant emotional twists. Her interests include, playing the piano, karaoke singing, online gaming and perusing local farmers’ markets. She currently works in the financial sector and resides in Aliso Viejo, California with her wife and their tortoiseshell cat, Sydney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 22, 2021
3.50 Stars. Good but not the wow I was hoping for. My last Halloween book was horror, so I decided to go in the opposite direction and to read a much lighter ghost/human romance. This is a book that was really popular over 5 years ago, and many of my friends on here loved it. It was just a case of too many books not enough time or I would have read it already since I love seeing how different authors tackle the human/ghost romance trope. Maybe my expectations were a little too high, but I found this book to be in the ‘nice’ category but not the ‘great’ category.
I have to wonder if time played a factor of why this didn’t blow me away. While 2016 doesn’t seem that long ago, sapphic fiction (lesfic, f/f, wlw romance, or whatever you want to call it) has really changed in that short amount of time. There are books I loved in ’16 that just don’t hold up when I read them now. Sapphic fiction has exploded in that short time and is even all over mainstream now. There are so many authors writing such good stories that it takes more to wow me than it used to. So I truly have to wonder if this book would have impacted me more had I read it back when my friends told me to read it.
The nice thing about this book is it is what I call lighter paranormal. I mean yes, the story stars a ghost, but this is a romance and there are no other paranormal elements around. This is the kind of book for people that want a Halloween read but don’t want to journey too far into the paranormal pond. You always have to suspend disbelief for ghost/human romances, but part of the fun is to see how different authors handle it. One of my favorite ways is what Mildred Gail Digby came up with in the book Stay. With this book it wasn’t my favorite way to handle it, but overall I thought it was pretty good. While I won’t go into it, but the last 1/3 of the book was by far my favorite and why I rounded my finale rating up and not down.
Kusiak has a very unique writing style. Sometimes I really loved it, and found it quite moving, but I had some issues with the dialogue. The characters would say certain things to each other, but they would say it in a roundabout way, instead of saying it outright, and sometimes it was so indirectly said that I just didn’t understand it. There were at least 3 or 4 times something was said that I didn’t get so I just kept reading. It gave me and odd feeling and I sometimes felt like I was missing things. I forgot to mention but this review is for the 2016 version so I’m not sure if there were any changes to anything for the 2019 one.
My last issue was with the romance. Again, I’ve read many ghost/human romances so that part was not an issue, what bothered me was the lack of chemistry. It seemed like they were destined to love each other so they did, but I wanted the sparks and all the sappiness you would expect from any kind of romance. There were no sex scenes, which I don’t find unusual in a ghost/human storyline, but I still needed to feel some real intimacy between them.
TLDR: A good but not great sapphic, ghost/human romance. This story has wonderful reviews so I’m a bit of an outlier not loving this so your mileage may vary. This would be a decent choice for people who are looking for a Halloween read but don’t want anything scary. While it didn’t always work for me, Kusiak has a pretty writing style that I think people would enjoy. This was a good take on a human/ghost romance, but I do wish the romance had been more intimate. This review is for the 2016 version of this book.
I have to wonder if time played a factor of why this didn’t blow me away. While 2016 doesn’t seem that long ago, sapphic fiction (lesfic, f/f, wlw romance, or whatever you want to call it) has really changed in that short amount of time. There are books I loved in ’16 that just don’t hold up when I read them now. Sapphic fiction has exploded in that short time and is even all over mainstream now. There are so many authors writing such good stories that it takes more to wow me than it used to. So I truly have to wonder if this book would have impacted me more had I read it back when my friends told me to read it.
The nice thing about this book is it is what I call lighter paranormal. I mean yes, the story stars a ghost, but this is a romance and there are no other paranormal elements around. This is the kind of book for people that want a Halloween read but don’t want to journey too far into the paranormal pond. You always have to suspend disbelief for ghost/human romances, but part of the fun is to see how different authors handle it. One of my favorite ways is what Mildred Gail Digby came up with in the book Stay. With this book it wasn’t my favorite way to handle it, but overall I thought it was pretty good. While I won’t go into it, but the last 1/3 of the book was by far my favorite and why I rounded my finale rating up and not down.
Kusiak has a very unique writing style. Sometimes I really loved it, and found it quite moving, but I had some issues with the dialogue. The characters would say certain things to each other, but they would say it in a roundabout way, instead of saying it outright, and sometimes it was so indirectly said that I just didn’t understand it. There were at least 3 or 4 times something was said that I didn’t get so I just kept reading. It gave me and odd feeling and I sometimes felt like I was missing things. I forgot to mention but this review is for the 2016 version so I’m not sure if there were any changes to anything for the 2019 one.
My last issue was with the romance. Again, I’ve read many ghost/human romances so that part was not an issue, what bothered me was the lack of chemistry. It seemed like they were destined to love each other so they did, but I wanted the sparks and all the sappiness you would expect from any kind of romance. There were no sex scenes, which I don’t find unusual in a ghost/human storyline, but I still needed to feel some real intimacy between them.
TLDR: A good but not great sapphic, ghost/human romance. This story has wonderful reviews so I’m a bit of an outlier not loving this so your mileage may vary. This would be a decent choice for people who are looking for a Halloween read but don’t want anything scary. While it didn’t always work for me, Kusiak has a pretty writing style that I think people would enjoy. This was a good take on a human/ghost romance, but I do wish the romance had been more intimate. This review is for the 2016 version of this book.
July 16, 2017
The House at the End of the Street is a quite unique story with a surprisingly sweet romance taking into account that one part of the romantic pair has been dead for forty-seven years. Stephanie Kusiak reveals all parts of this strange pairing very slowly, but at the same time very successfully.
This is a character-driven romance with well cut proportions of secrecy, drama, passion, angst, love, life, death, art... and more. In addition to the unique story, the author's choice of words is unique in places too, and in my eyes, that contributes to the singularity/uniqueness of the narrative.
I really like it all together and I recommend it to those who are open to a somewhat different romance.
4.5 stars
July 24, 2016
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
This is a character-driven romance with well cut proportions of secrecy, drama, passion, angst, love, life, death, art... and more. In addition to the unique story, the author's choice of words is unique in places too, and in my eyes, that contributes to the singularity/uniqueness of the narrative.
I really like it all together and I recommend it to those who are open to a somewhat different romance.
4.5 stars
July 24, 2016
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 17, 2016
If I were to make a list of the most impossible loves in lesfic, the main characters here, Natalie and Caitlyn would probably top it. For what barrier can possibly be more unbreachable than the absolute certainty and permanence of death? Yet, Natalie and Caitlyn are not ill-fated lovers. In fact, they've never even met...in life.
Natalie was once a accomplished artist. But at 31, a domestic accident cut short her young and productive life. Since then, the house she died in has sat unoccupied for two decades because it's said to be 'haunted'. One day a 12-year old girl named Caitlyn walks into the house on a dare. And in one spectacular moment, their lives are changed forever.
Twenty years later, newly divorced Caitlyn has returned to the abandoned house as the new owner. Disenchanted with a life filled with fake friends and a failed love, she has chosen to hide away from the world and hopefully restart her stalled writing career by going back to her childhood place of comfort and escape, where she first saw the impossibly blue eyes that have haunted her since. Was it all just her imagination? Even if it wasn't, might the ghost have 'moved on' after all this time?
I love the unique premise of inter-dimensional love. The book takes great lengths to make it happen, and it works, for the most part. I'd rather let the reader discover for themselves how it's done as it's part of the appeal of the story.
The author really excels when delving into the emotional makeup of her characters. This was what made her first book Loved and Lost such a heart-rending read. From the get go, the first few chapters of The House at the End of the Street featuring Caitlyn's point of view paints a vivid and emotionally raw picture of her damaged soul and her need to find herself, as summed up by this poignant plea for the ghost “Please still be here. I need something to believe in.”. When the POV shifts to Natalie, her character is similarly revealing. In addition, we get an in-depth and up close look at thelife existence, of a ghost. The way she moves, how she changes her looks, how she stages her 'appearances' and how she's managed over the years to not...die of boredom. :) Her reminiscences are darkly funny and depressing at the same time. I mostly bought the way the ghostly world operates in this book. It's not perfect but it's logical and plausible. Even the physics of her appearances and abilities have a logical method to them, however improbable that is in real life. The storyline is also well-paced and never boring, peppered as it is with many surprises as Natalie tests and discovers the limits to her abilities and the distances she can go, as the two ladies navigate their unusual domestic situation and experience their first big fight, and especially when they realize all of a sudden that Natalie's time to go may have finally arrived, just when they are falling in love.
The book is not without flaws. Starting chapter four onwards until about 80%, I kept noticing some little things. An awkward word choice here, some muddled imagery elsewhere, which would take me out of the zone for an instant and would require a bit of mental regroup to get back into. (e.g ..and a few more. While I was reading the book, having to even think twice about these phrases interfered with the smooth flow of the story, and my enjoyment of what should have been a fascinating and completely absorbing tale. But of course, the engrossing plot and the depth of the characterization dwarf these little imperfections. In fact, while I was doing this review and had to refer back to the book for those quotes, I found myself re-reading whole chapters, completely engrossed in the story. And also finding some treasures along the way. Like this observation: "Life has a way of getting in the way of living it" or " I’ve been shut up in this house, living on the edges of people’s conversations for a long time." Needless to say, this book needs to be savored rather than speed-read. Or you'll miss the beautiful (but occasionally awkward) writing.
There are a couple of negatives about the book. How big they are depends on what kind of reader one is.
(1) Even though Caitlyn's character is very well-drawn, when Natalie steps into the picture, she kind of takes over the emotional focus of the book. I never found out how Caitlyn's feelings for Natalie turned from obsession and fascination to love. On the other hand, Natalie's growing feelings for Caitlyn were very well developed throughout the book. The slow burn romance was all about Nat's coming to terms with and acceptance of Caitlyn's presence, her care and love and realizing that she loved Caitlyn back enough to want to stay.
(2) The worldbuilding is very good, but not perfect. Also the ending is something only hopeless romantics would accept without question. I'm afraid I'm firmly in the hopeless romantics camp though, because I totally cheered for the ending.
4.5 stars
ARC from Netgalley and Sapphire Publishing
Natalie was once a accomplished artist. But at 31, a domestic accident cut short her young and productive life. Since then, the house she died in has sat unoccupied for two decades because it's said to be 'haunted'. One day a 12-year old girl named Caitlyn walks into the house on a dare. And in one spectacular moment, their lives are changed forever.
Twenty years later, newly divorced Caitlyn has returned to the abandoned house as the new owner. Disenchanted with a life filled with fake friends and a failed love, she has chosen to hide away from the world and hopefully restart her stalled writing career by going back to her childhood place of comfort and escape, where she first saw the impossibly blue eyes that have haunted her since. Was it all just her imagination? Even if it wasn't, might the ghost have 'moved on' after all this time?
I love the unique premise of inter-dimensional love. The book takes great lengths to make it happen, and it works, for the most part. I'd rather let the reader discover for themselves how it's done as it's part of the appeal of the story.
The author really excels when delving into the emotional makeup of her characters. This was what made her first book Loved and Lost such a heart-rending read. From the get go, the first few chapters of The House at the End of the Street featuring Caitlyn's point of view paints a vivid and emotionally raw picture of her damaged soul and her need to find herself, as summed up by this poignant plea for the ghost “Please still be here. I need something to believe in.”. When the POV shifts to Natalie, her character is similarly revealing. In addition, we get an in-depth and up close look at the
The book is not without flaws. Starting chapter four onwards until about 80%, I kept noticing some little things. An awkward word choice here, some muddled imagery elsewhere, which would take me out of the zone for an instant and would require a bit of mental regroup to get back into. (e.g ..and a few more. While I was reading the book, having to even think twice about these phrases interfered with the smooth flow of the story, and my enjoyment of what should have been a fascinating and completely absorbing tale. But of course, the engrossing plot and the depth of the characterization dwarf these little imperfections. In fact, while I was doing this review and had to refer back to the book for those quotes, I found myself re-reading whole chapters, completely engrossed in the story. And also finding some treasures along the way. Like this observation: "Life has a way of getting in the way of living it" or " I’ve been shut up in this house, living on the edges of people’s conversations for a long time." Needless to say, this book needs to be savored rather than speed-read. Or you'll miss the beautiful (but occasionally awkward) writing.
There are a couple of negatives about the book. How big they are depends on what kind of reader one is.
(1) Even though Caitlyn's character is very well-drawn, when Natalie steps into the picture, she kind of takes over the emotional focus of the book. I never found out how Caitlyn's feelings for Natalie turned from obsession and fascination to love. On the other hand, Natalie's growing feelings for Caitlyn were very well developed throughout the book. The slow burn romance was all about Nat's coming to terms with and acceptance of Caitlyn's presence, her care and love and realizing that she loved Caitlyn back enough to want to stay.
(2) The worldbuilding is very good, but not perfect. Also the ending is something only hopeless romantics would accept without question. I'm afraid I'm firmly in the hopeless romantics camp though, because I totally cheered for the ending.
4.5 stars
ARC from Netgalley and Sapphire Publishing
June 5, 2016
Ghosts, I have never encountered one. I am not sure I really want to. I have quite the chicken heart and having a ghostly encounter, to be honest, gives me the heebie jeebies. With this being said I would usually pass on a ghost story, but the fact that it was written by Stephanie E. Kusiak made me override this immediately. Her book Loved and Lost is one of my all-time favorites, and therefore her books are on my automatic read list.
Caitlin Cassidy is a newly divorced author that has decided to lick her wounds the only way she knows how, she heads home. Packing up and leaving Los Angeles was harder than she ever imagined it would be. Her marriage is over. A life she was 100% committed t, but could not make work. In her devastation she decides to buy an old abandoned home and restore it to its former glory. The thing about the home is there is a ghost that lives there. Caitlin knows this because the ghost saved her life when she was a little girl, and that moment has stayed with her forever.
Natalie Hargrove is the ghost that remains in Caitlin’s house. Once an accomplished painter, Natalie had it all. A great family, a beautiful lover, amazing friends, but she lived in a time where she couldn’t be open and honest about who she was and who she loved. Upon telling the truth to her loved ones it all came crashing down. Natalie turned to the bottle in her despair and she fell to her death falling down her grand staircase. Natalie should have never met Caitlin but she did, and now they are roommates.
I will tell you this book made me cry. I am not really much of a crier, I try to repress those feelings most of the time, but this book brought out the waterworks. While this book is on the short side, it does not lack for emotion. There are times parts of the story are rushed or glossed over, but what you do have is simple and beautiful. The interactions between Natalie and Caitlin are power packed, and with heavy emotion. The two women and their journey was incredible, not like any other story I had read before. I was enthralled, completely captivated by Natalie and Caitlin. This is an amazing story of lost souls and love.
My Blog: theromanticreaderblog.com
Caitlin Cassidy is a newly divorced author that has decided to lick her wounds the only way she knows how, she heads home. Packing up and leaving Los Angeles was harder than she ever imagined it would be. Her marriage is over. A life she was 100% committed t, but could not make work. In her devastation she decides to buy an old abandoned home and restore it to its former glory. The thing about the home is there is a ghost that lives there. Caitlin knows this because the ghost saved her life when she was a little girl, and that moment has stayed with her forever.
Natalie Hargrove is the ghost that remains in Caitlin’s house. Once an accomplished painter, Natalie had it all. A great family, a beautiful lover, amazing friends, but she lived in a time where she couldn’t be open and honest about who she was and who she loved. Upon telling the truth to her loved ones it all came crashing down. Natalie turned to the bottle in her despair and she fell to her death falling down her grand staircase. Natalie should have never met Caitlin but she did, and now they are roommates.
I will tell you this book made me cry. I am not really much of a crier, I try to repress those feelings most of the time, but this book brought out the waterworks. While this book is on the short side, it does not lack for emotion. There are times parts of the story are rushed or glossed over, but what you do have is simple and beautiful. The interactions between Natalie and Caitlin are power packed, and with heavy emotion. The two women and their journey was incredible, not like any other story I had read before. I was enthralled, completely captivated by Natalie and Caitlin. This is an amazing story of lost souls and love.
My Blog: theromanticreaderblog.com
October 4, 2018
Many thanks to Corrie for lending me this read.
My reaction to the book ended up being very ho-hum. Ultimately, it's a sweet toned, slow burn romance between a living person and a ghost. And, as the story goes, there's a certain level of ratcheting suspense on how their love story will be resolved. If you're wondering how a ghost and a human can have intimate relations...well, don't think too hard. We get an answer but we also don't get any steamy scenes here.
The book had a different slant on how a ghost is able to interact with the human world. I thought that was interesting. The descriptions were lush and the house was a character itself. I also liked how a certain person was cast as a villain early in the story but was allowed to mature and become a likable person. And the prose of the read is nicely written.
The biggest downfall for me was that I found most of the narrative to be told instead of shown. We spend a lot of time inside the heads of our leads getting their observations and feelings instead of getting to know the characters and their dynamics through their interactions. The story was missing some intimacy and spark because of that.
I walk away from the book thinking it's an okay read but I'm not blown away. 3.5 stars.
My reaction to the book ended up being very ho-hum. Ultimately, it's a sweet toned, slow burn romance between a living person and a ghost. And, as the story goes, there's a certain level of ratcheting suspense on how their love story will be resolved. If you're wondering how a ghost and a human can have intimate relations...well, don't think too hard. We get an answer but we also don't get any steamy scenes here.
The book had a different slant on how a ghost is able to interact with the human world. I thought that was interesting. The descriptions were lush and the house was a character itself. I also liked how a certain person was cast as a villain early in the story but was allowed to mature and become a likable person. And the prose of the read is nicely written.
The biggest downfall for me was that I found most of the narrative to be told instead of shown. We spend a lot of time inside the heads of our leads getting their observations and feelings instead of getting to know the characters and their dynamics through their interactions. The story was missing some intimacy and spark because of that.
I walk away from the book thinking it's an okay read but I'm not blown away. 3.5 stars.
July 12, 2018
Amazing. ..
One of the best books I've read this year. Don't normally read paranormal books, but I'm so glad I did buy this one. Both MC are likeable from the first time there introduced to you in the story. The story it's self is very captivating! You will find yourself hooked.. proper little turn pager!
One of the best books I've read this year. Don't normally read paranormal books, but I'm so glad I did buy this one. Both MC are likeable from the first time there introduced to you in the story. The story it's self is very captivating! You will find yourself hooked.. proper little turn pager!
September 13, 2018
I think Stephanie Kusiak did a remarkable job writing a romantic story between a woman and a ghost because let’s face it, that is not an easy sell. How can a living, breathing woman ever find her HEA with a non-corporeal entity? Surely such a physical one-way street can’t possibly make a good romance, ever. And yet, The House at the End of the Street offers us all that and more.
Caitlin’s life changed when the ghost from the house at the end of the street saved her from being crushed by a chandelier. That impossible feat forged a connection that pulled the writer back to the house 20 years later when she is at a very low point in her life.
Kusiak gives us a super slow burn and a very nice series of events between woman and ghost that builds up to a creciendo that will take your breath away… and make you search for the nearest light switch. Very sweet paranormal romance done a bit differently. I recommend!
f/f
Themes: can love conquer death? unfinished portrait, be aware of cracks in the wall, Caitlin must have one hell of an electric bill with all those lights blazing everywhere, I’m kinda glad there was no sex in the champagne room because Natalie is a ghost, besides… wouldn’t that be some kind of weird-ass type necrophilia thing? Sorda kinda?
4.2 stars
Caitlin’s life changed when the ghost from the house at the end of the street saved her from being crushed by a chandelier. That impossible feat forged a connection that pulled the writer back to the house 20 years later when she is at a very low point in her life.
Kusiak gives us a super slow burn and a very nice series of events between woman and ghost that builds up to a creciendo that will take your breath away… and make you search for the nearest light switch. Very sweet paranormal romance done a bit differently. I recommend!
f/f
Themes: can love conquer death? unfinished portrait, be aware of cracks in the wall, Caitlin must have one hell of an electric bill with all those lights blazing everywhere, I’m kinda glad there was no sex in the champagne room because Natalie is a ghost, besides… wouldn’t that be some kind of weird-ass type necrophilia thing? Sorda kinda?
4.2 stars
September 14, 2018
It's been a while since I've read a book that had me immediately captivated after only reading the prologue but this one managed to do just that.
12 year old Caitlin Cassidy's life is forever changed when she comes face to face with Natalie Hargrove. There's just one little problem, Natalie died 20 years ago. As time goes by and years turn into decades Caitlin finds herself returning to the little town of Claymore and specifically to the house at the end of the street, since she is now the new owner.
Newly divorced and disillusioned by love she hopes that by taking up residence in the house she can reconnect with her former self that she seemed to have lost over the years. It isn't long however before Caitlin realizes that she is not alone in the house and that Natalie is still very much a presence there after all these years.
What follows is a truly unlikely friendship that slowly morphs into a love that seems to defy the laws of life & death. But now that Caitlin and Natalie have found each other, can they hold on to each other and for how long?
This book definitely isn't your typical romance novel but it's very much worth the read. The author does a fantastic job making you feel the agonizing loneliness Natalie has been feeling for so many years. It's superbly written with plenty of moments that will tug on your heartstrings.
Full 4* rating for this unique take on life, love and loss.
12 year old Caitlin Cassidy's life is forever changed when she comes face to face with Natalie Hargrove. There's just one little problem, Natalie died 20 years ago. As time goes by and years turn into decades Caitlin finds herself returning to the little town of Claymore and specifically to the house at the end of the street, since she is now the new owner.
Newly divorced and disillusioned by love she hopes that by taking up residence in the house she can reconnect with her former self that she seemed to have lost over the years. It isn't long however before Caitlin realizes that she is not alone in the house and that Natalie is still very much a presence there after all these years.
What follows is a truly unlikely friendship that slowly morphs into a love that seems to defy the laws of life & death. But now that Caitlin and Natalie have found each other, can they hold on to each other and for how long?
This book definitely isn't your typical romance novel but it's very much worth the read. The author does a fantastic job making you feel the agonizing loneliness Natalie has been feeling for so many years. It's superbly written with plenty of moments that will tug on your heartstrings.
Full 4* rating for this unique take on life, love and loss.
June 30, 2016
I chose to read this book for a couple of reasons. I enjoyed Kusiak's Loved and Lost and was interested in reading an original work without the fan fiction origins. I was also drawn in by the premise of the novel, that a relationship could develop between a woman and the ghost of one trapped in the house for the past forty years. Paranormal is not a favorite genre of mine so my lack of understanding the suspension of disbelief aspect may have jaded my view of this novel.
Caitlin, reeling from a difficult divorce buys the house she hopes is still occupied by its former owner, the very dead Natalie. Natalie or rather the ghost of Natalie has been wandering around her now derelict home since her untimely death. She is one sad, angry and lonely ghost.
The relationship between these two and the method used to allow their interaction was both interesting and mind bending. I was able (for the most part) to suspend belief and accept a lot of the rules of ghost/mortal interaction thanks to Kusiak and her way with words. Her writing is well suited to the dreamy surrealistic settings in this novel.
Caitlin, explaining why she would leave LA and buy Natalie’s house;
I was willing to give up all my friends, everything I knew as a little kid, for the rumor of you. Loc. 1717
Other quotable quotes include;
Love was an incessant instigator of bravery. Loc. 2136
Because that was how life was. It was unfair in its swiftness, but beautiful in its moments. Cruel in its keeping of second chances, and yet perfection in its small, magnificent repetitions. Loc. 2662
For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. The first half of the novel features Caitlin and her story with Natalie lurking about the edges observing the changes taking place in her home. As the story progresses, Natalie’s life is explored and she becomes more real to the reader. Her back-story is mentioned but I missed the reason why she was trapped in this dimension while others were allowed to move on after death. Hurt by love, hides in her studio didn’t seem to be a good enough reason for her exile. The focus on Natalie in the second half comes at the expense of character growth for Caitlin. Instead of supporting the woman (ghost) of her dreams and letting her move on when the opportunity arises, Caitlin struggles to come to terms with this inevitability. It was interesting watching this shift in perspective.
I may have struggled with some of the paranormal rules of engagement but did get caught up in this unusual romance.
3.5 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley
Caitlin, reeling from a difficult divorce buys the house she hopes is still occupied by its former owner, the very dead Natalie. Natalie or rather the ghost of Natalie has been wandering around her now derelict home since her untimely death. She is one sad, angry and lonely ghost.
The relationship between these two and the method used to allow their interaction was both interesting and mind bending. I was able (for the most part) to suspend belief and accept a lot of the rules of ghost/mortal interaction thanks to Kusiak and her way with words. Her writing is well suited to the dreamy surrealistic settings in this novel.
Caitlin, explaining why she would leave LA and buy Natalie’s house;
I was willing to give up all my friends, everything I knew as a little kid, for the rumor of you. Loc. 1717
Other quotable quotes include;
Love was an incessant instigator of bravery. Loc. 2136
Because that was how life was. It was unfair in its swiftness, but beautiful in its moments. Cruel in its keeping of second chances, and yet perfection in its small, magnificent repetitions. Loc. 2662
For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. The first half of the novel features Caitlin and her story with Natalie lurking about the edges observing the changes taking place in her home. As the story progresses, Natalie’s life is explored and she becomes more real to the reader. Her back-story is mentioned but I missed the reason why she was trapped in this dimension while others were allowed to move on after death. Hurt by love, hides in her studio didn’t seem to be a good enough reason for her exile. The focus on Natalie in the second half comes at the expense of character growth for Caitlin. Instead of supporting the woman (ghost) of her dreams and letting her move on when the opportunity arises, Caitlin struggles to come to terms with this inevitability. It was interesting watching this shift in perspective.
I may have struggled with some of the paranormal rules of engagement but did get caught up in this unusual romance.
3.5 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley
September 26, 2019
This is going to be a lame non-review because I am embarrassed to say, my mind was completely elsewhere during the entire month I tried reading this book. I recently met someone, surrendiptously, who captured my heart and soul.. she gave me this book to read because I liked paranormal and otherworldly stories, and this was a love story between a ghost (Natalie, an artist) who died in a house many decades ago and a writer (Caitlin) who now lives in the same house.
Normally, it'd take me only a day or two to read a book, but in the past several weeks, I found myself reading the same book, the same pages, and the same paragraphs over and over again because my mind was distracted. It couldn't process any of the words I was reading. The words flowed right through my mind and I didn't remember anything. I got confused as to how Natalie the ghost was communicating with Caitlin... Or how Caitlin was able to touch or see Natalie. Then the romance happened and I didn't remember when or how it started. There was also no sex scenes to grab my attention (how do you have sex with a ghost anyway?). Then towards the end, I thought it was going to be a tragic ending like another one of Kusiak's book which I utterly loved (and hated bc of the ending that gutted me). I was just dragging my feet and not wanting to finish it because I detest tragic endings. Thankfully this story did have an HEA! Yay! But I didn't understand how...
My apologies to Kusiak for the lame review because she's a phenomenal writer and one of my favorite authors, but I just wasn't in the right mindset to be reading this or any book. My mind has been in a different plane or existence. This has been the longest it has ever taken me to read a book. The words just weren't sticking... well, except for a few things uttered by Caitlin which pretty much summed up the entire book for me, of what happens when one falls in love with a ghost.
"My words aren't enough. I'll carry you with me in every heartbeat, forever."
"I love you with all my heart and soul, and you have it. You have everything in me."
The love between Natalie and Caitlin was the type that persists beyond life and death... It was a soul-deep kind of love, the kind of love that transcends.
Hand on heart. This made my heart skip a beat because that's what I have been feeling the entire month as well about the woman I just met...a ghost, a part of my soul I have known for many many lifetimes.
Big sigh. I guess I won't be reading or reviewing many books for a while.
Normally, it'd take me only a day or two to read a book, but in the past several weeks, I found myself reading the same book, the same pages, and the same paragraphs over and over again because my mind was distracted. It couldn't process any of the words I was reading. The words flowed right through my mind and I didn't remember anything. I got confused as to how Natalie the ghost was communicating with Caitlin... Or how Caitlin was able to touch or see Natalie. Then the romance happened and I didn't remember when or how it started. There was also no sex scenes to grab my attention (how do you have sex with a ghost anyway?). Then towards the end, I thought it was going to be a tragic ending like another one of Kusiak's book which I utterly loved (and hated bc of the ending that gutted me). I was just dragging my feet and not wanting to finish it because I detest tragic endings. Thankfully this story did have an HEA! Yay! But I didn't understand how...
My apologies to Kusiak for the lame review because she's a phenomenal writer and one of my favorite authors, but I just wasn't in the right mindset to be reading this or any book. My mind has been in a different plane or existence. This has been the longest it has ever taken me to read a book. The words just weren't sticking... well, except for a few things uttered by Caitlin which pretty much summed up the entire book for me, of what happens when one falls in love with a ghost.
"My words aren't enough. I'll carry you with me in every heartbeat, forever."
"I love you with all my heart and soul, and you have it. You have everything in me."
The love between Natalie and Caitlin was the type that persists beyond life and death... It was a soul-deep kind of love, the kind of love that transcends.
Hand on heart. This made my heart skip a beat because that's what I have been feeling the entire month as well about the woman I just met...a ghost, a part of my soul I have known for many many lifetimes.
Big sigh. I guess I won't be reading or reviewing many books for a while.
December 24, 2016
Arc received from the publisher via net galley for an honest review.
I feel like my 13 year old daughter when I say ....I don't get it. I finished this a couple of days ago and had to let it settle a bit and ponder some. The book had some strengths....I enjoy the author's style of writing. It's very nice prose without being overly verbose. I even highlighted a few passages as I found them quite beautiful....something I don't usually do. The plot...a romance between a real living person and a ghost...was interesting. I enjoy a good dose of paranormal here and there. I have no problem letting my brain go there.
However, I just couldn't quite get it. I had trouble connecting the dots. The character development left a little to be desired and The relationship didn't make sense to me.
I feel like my 13 year old daughter when I say ....I don't get it. I finished this a couple of days ago and had to let it settle a bit and ponder some. The book had some strengths....I enjoy the author's style of writing. It's very nice prose without being overly verbose. I even highlighted a few passages as I found them quite beautiful....something I don't usually do. The plot...a romance between a real living person and a ghost...was interesting. I enjoy a good dose of paranormal here and there. I have no problem letting my brain go there.
However, I just couldn't quite get it. I had trouble connecting the dots. The character development left a little to be desired and The relationship didn't make sense to me.
August 3, 2016
It seems as though just about everyone has claimed insight into the nature of serendipity, destiny and happenstance. In fact, a quote comes to mind by Emery Allen, “Do you think the universe fights for souls to be together? Some things are too strange and strong to be coincidences.” That’s one of the overarching storylines carried forth by The House at the End of the Street. What I thought was supposed to be a haunting love story, turned out to be something different, and not at all what I was expecting. It was about resurrection, trusting one's instincts and the power that one person can have in turning our whole life (death?) around.
Stephanie Kusiak is a very skilled writer and her dedication to precise, emotional, elegant writing is always very impressive. She’s a legacy author. When she writes from the heart, and lets the reader glimpse her inner workings, it is a transformative experience.
Her first novel, Loved and Lost was such a heart-shredding rodeo ride. In The House at the End of the Street, I felt her go to the same depth as I’d become accustomed...then put the brakes on. Don’t get me wrong, I think most that didn’t care for the ending of L&L will love the HEA of this one. It was A LOT of fun and a super original and engaging read. Compared to everything else I’ve read this year, this was friggin great and I gladly blew off whatever else I had planned (work, sleep, eating) to read it pronto! But niggling in the back of my mind, I did wonder if she bared so much in L&L that she, like her protagonist Caitlin (Cait without the “K”) was hesitant to go all-in (though Cait so, so succumbed). I wondered if she “saved a little bit of” herself- just in case-or more likely, thought writing a fairy tale was a pretty cool idea. Maybe she didn’t feel her audience liked mainlining angst as much as I clearly do. My hopes for the next one are that she shows no mercy and makes us all reel!
I will read everything she writes; she’s beyond hella good. Enjoy!
Stephanie Kusiak is a very skilled writer and her dedication to precise, emotional, elegant writing is always very impressive. She’s a legacy author. When she writes from the heart, and lets the reader glimpse her inner workings, it is a transformative experience.
Her first novel, Loved and Lost was such a heart-shredding rodeo ride. In The House at the End of the Street, I felt her go to the same depth as I’d become accustomed...then put the brakes on. Don’t get me wrong, I think most that didn’t care for the ending of L&L will love the HEA of this one. It was A LOT of fun and a super original and engaging read. Compared to everything else I’ve read this year, this was friggin great and I gladly blew off whatever else I had planned (work, sleep, eating) to read it pronto! But niggling in the back of my mind, I did wonder if she bared so much in L&L that she, like her protagonist Caitlin (Cait without the “K”) was hesitant to go all-in (though Cait so, so succumbed). I wondered if she “saved a little bit of” herself- just in case-or more likely, thought writing a fairy tale was a pretty cool idea. Maybe she didn’t feel her audience liked mainlining angst as much as I clearly do. My hopes for the next one are that she shows no mercy and makes us all reel!
I will read everything she writes; she’s beyond hella good. Enjoy!
March 6, 2021
I'm a fan of paranormal/ghost stories and this book breathed new life to the genre. It was a truly captivating and unique story.
August 10, 2016
Absolutely incredible!
Everything comes crashing down around Caitlin and she decided to go back to her hometown and start a new life. She has bought a crumbling old mansion. A mansion with quite a history that was of great importance to her in her youth. A house that changed everything, that changed two lives forever. When Caitlin enters the house, she could feel her presence and longs to know more about the life she led, eager to learn more about this gorgeous ghost. Within these haunted walls begins a love story so powerful, it will touch you even after the story has ended. The connection between the characters is so special, touching and heartwarming. The chemistry and the emotions the two experience is really spot on. Bumping into the ghost adds a tension to Caitlin's life and each encounter makes me feel a flutter in my chest. What happens in this wonderful created page-turner will keep you reading way past your bedtime, unwilling to put it down. It kept me riveted from start to finish. I was very happy in the end and couldn't have asked for a better book. A perfect romance that tells an exciting unique love story.
Everything comes crashing down around Caitlin and she decided to go back to her hometown and start a new life. She has bought a crumbling old mansion. A mansion with quite a history that was of great importance to her in her youth. A house that changed everything, that changed two lives forever. When Caitlin enters the house, she could feel her presence and longs to know more about the life she led, eager to learn more about this gorgeous ghost. Within these haunted walls begins a love story so powerful, it will touch you even after the story has ended. The connection between the characters is so special, touching and heartwarming. The chemistry and the emotions the two experience is really spot on. Bumping into the ghost adds a tension to Caitlin's life and each encounter makes me feel a flutter in my chest. What happens in this wonderful created page-turner will keep you reading way past your bedtime, unwilling to put it down. It kept me riveted from start to finish. I was very happy in the end and couldn't have asked for a better book. A perfect romance that tells an exciting unique love story.
January 11, 2018
4,5
Excellent book, have all the aspects of a romance mix with the paranormal features.
Lovely characters and great chemistry.
I recommend this book to everyone, even the ones that don't like paranormal stuff like me.
Excellent book, have all the aspects of a romance mix with the paranormal features.
Lovely characters and great chemistry.
I recommend this book to everyone, even the ones that don't like paranormal stuff like me.
July 11, 2016
Natalie Hargrove is a brilliant painter who lives in the house at the end of the street. After a disaster of a day, she falls down the stairs and dies. Normally that would be the end of it, but Natalie’s ghost remains in the house long after her death. Haunting the house, the only intruders are adventurous kids from the local town, whose visits are very brief.
One such kid is Caitlin Cassidy, a twelve year old trying to proof how tough she is to get the school bullies off her back. When the bullies unwittingly bring down the chandelier, Caitlin is only saved by the quick intervention by the ghost of Natalie. So begins Caitlin’s fascination with the ghost and the house at the end of the street.
Twenty years later, as a successful author in her own right, Caitlin buys the property and moves in. The ghost of Natalie is still around, and so begins the romance.
This was an unexpectedly sweet book. The main character, Caitlin, is well written and has a strength of purpose which is refreshing. However, that strength is tempered by an obvious respect for the ghost with whom she shares the house. Natalie remains a bit of an enigma, largely for storytelling purposes, but she also isn’t as well written and it’s harder to get to know her, as the other half of the romantic story.
Kusiak creates a logical way for it all to happen, and gives us the possibility that Natalie can have physical form, and even the possibility that she can stay for a while. It is a clever way of giving the romantics among us hope, and yet never quite letting that solidify into certainty. I liked the paranormal aspects of it, and there was logic in the way that developed, which worked really effectively.
There was a lot of romance in the book, and it was a slow boil as the characters gradually learned to trust one another. There was no sex to speak of, and even the implied relationship gave me the impression that the author didn’t really know how to write about physical attraction. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book.
It was a very sweet romance. I recommend this book for a quiet afternoon in a comfy chair.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
One such kid is Caitlin Cassidy, a twelve year old trying to proof how tough she is to get the school bullies off her back. When the bullies unwittingly bring down the chandelier, Caitlin is only saved by the quick intervention by the ghost of Natalie. So begins Caitlin’s fascination with the ghost and the house at the end of the street.
Twenty years later, as a successful author in her own right, Caitlin buys the property and moves in. The ghost of Natalie is still around, and so begins the romance.
This was an unexpectedly sweet book. The main character, Caitlin, is well written and has a strength of purpose which is refreshing. However, that strength is tempered by an obvious respect for the ghost with whom she shares the house. Natalie remains a bit of an enigma, largely for storytelling purposes, but she also isn’t as well written and it’s harder to get to know her, as the other half of the romantic story.
Kusiak creates a logical way for it all to happen, and gives us the possibility that Natalie can have physical form, and even the possibility that she can stay for a while. It is a clever way of giving the romantics among us hope, and yet never quite letting that solidify into certainty. I liked the paranormal aspects of it, and there was logic in the way that developed, which worked really effectively.
There was a lot of romance in the book, and it was a slow boil as the characters gradually learned to trust one another. There was no sex to speak of, and even the implied relationship gave me the impression that the author didn’t really know how to write about physical attraction. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book.
It was a very sweet romance. I recommend this book for a quiet afternoon in a comfy chair.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
The very idea of life after death, the spirit world and whether or not ghosts exist fascinates me, so I was excited to receive a copy of this story for review purposes.
Despite reading the blurb first, I still really had no idea what to expect. The writing and characterization is beautifully done. There were times while reading the story I envisioned the popular movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. However the story is far from the same.
If you have a problem with suspending belief, or even opening up your mind to the possibility of being able to interact with a ghost, this is not the story for you. Especially as a large part of this story is told through the ‘eyes’ of Natalie. I finger quoted the word eyes as a number of times the literal use of the word tossed me out of the story. I quote one example … her eyes were sitting on Caitlin.
Getting to know both characters was a great ride. I couldn’t wait to find out why Natalie was trapped between worlds, or how she met her demise. And the reveal of such broke my heart. I liked that the story wasn’t predictable.
The ending came as a huge surprise and confused the heck out of me. Again, I think peoples’ belief systems will dictate what they make of it.
Kudos to the author for writing a book so far out of the norm, and possibly a hard sell. Despite my misgivings about the ending, it’s extremely well written and engaging.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review
Despite reading the blurb first, I still really had no idea what to expect. The writing and characterization is beautifully done. There were times while reading the story I envisioned the popular movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. However the story is far from the same.
If you have a problem with suspending belief, or even opening up your mind to the possibility of being able to interact with a ghost, this is not the story for you. Especially as a large part of this story is told through the ‘eyes’ of Natalie. I finger quoted the word eyes as a number of times the literal use of the word tossed me out of the story. I quote one example … her eyes were sitting on Caitlin.
Getting to know both characters was a great ride. I couldn’t wait to find out why Natalie was trapped between worlds, or how she met her demise. And the reveal of such broke my heart. I liked that the story wasn’t predictable.
The ending came as a huge surprise and confused the heck out of me. Again, I think peoples’ belief systems will dictate what they make of it.
Kudos to the author for writing a book so far out of the norm, and possibly a hard sell. Despite my misgivings about the ending, it’s extremely well written and engaging.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2016
I loved how different this book was. The summary blurb lets you know it'll be some sort of ghost story, but it's really so much more than that. The romance, angst, and longing are described in such a way you really empathize with all the characters. There's a mystery here and some interesting twists. Overall a very enjoyable romance. Lots of feels.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
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November 10, 2019Love from beyond the grave
I love a good ghostly romance story like this one. It’s sweet romantic and emotional the only slight niggle I have is perhaps the little boy Maddox could have had a little bit more of a role
.Still loved it though
I love a good ghostly romance story like this one. It’s sweet romantic and emotional the only slight niggle I have is perhaps the little boy Maddox could have had a little bit more of a role
.Still loved it though
July 30, 2021
3 stars
Good things:
I generally hate ghosts because they freak me out. This one didn't. It was nice to read a sweet ghost story, where the ghost is neither a psycho nor a killer. It was also very unique in this way.
Things I struggled with:
The author's writing style. I just didn't click with it. I had trouble focusing on it even though I was interested in the plot.
I also have a lot of questions regarding the ghost mechanics, but I could deal with that, even the characters themselves had no clue how it worked.
So yeah. If you like this author I can only recommend it. Otherwise it's more average. Still relatively good, but nothing really memorable
Good things:
I generally hate ghosts because they freak me out. This one didn't. It was nice to read a sweet ghost story, where the ghost is neither a psycho nor a killer. It was also very unique in this way.
Things I struggled with:
The author's writing style. I just didn't click with it. I had trouble focusing on it even though I was interested in the plot.
I also have a lot of questions regarding the ghost mechanics, but I could deal with that, even the characters themselves had no clue how it worked.
So yeah. If you like this author I can only recommend it. Otherwise it's more average. Still relatively good, but nothing really memorable
May 26, 2016
There are just a handful of books that I read over the course of a year where I find myself so completely engrossed in the story that I both dread turning the page, as it's bringing me one step closer to finishing, and at the same time cannot seem to put it down. This is one of those books for me. I wanted to just live in the words on the page. The characters, the situation, everything just melded together and worked so perfectly in a simple story about love, death, and lost souls. There were still things I wished had been better explained, namely the "rules" around Natalie's ghostiness; at one point there's a mention of an electrical storm but it's just as quickly glossed over and brushed aside. It's a minor quibble in an otherwise delicious novel. Very highly recommended, especially during a rainy day.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
October 31, 2016
I am a huge fan of the authors Loved and Lost novel so when I saw this new release I knew I had to read it. Stephanie Kusiack is one of those writers that keeps you flipping from one page to the next, not stopping until you have finally reached the end and by then you just can't stand to read the last page because you just need more. I expected to have this experience all over again when I purchased this book but that didn't stop me because I tend to be a masochist when it comes to a good book. When I checked the page count I was surprised to see that it was so low, considering that her other novel was rather lengthy, but I figured that she just cut out some of the extra-extra padding that she loves to put in as descriptions but I was wrong.
There was a lot of wonderful description and I loved the characters. I felt that the author did a fantastic job of developing the characters individually and the premise of the story was quite unique but there was a slight problem.
I would have loved to give this author another 5 star review but the thing is that there was no development of a relationship between the characters. I felt that I knew them fairly well and if it had ended with them becoming very good friends it would have made sense. The author spent a lot of time describing their thoughts about their pasts and and their individual feelings but I felt like she missed out a whole chunk in between and they went from slowly building a relationship of friendship to suddenly being head over heels in love with each other.
While this was a well written book and I can't fault it on it storyline or grammar or anything else that might cause me to dislike a book, I just think that the author should stick to what she is best at which is really long novels or short stories but I cannot say that I agree with this in between thing because it just feels...
There was a lot of wonderful description and I loved the characters. I felt that the author did a fantastic job of developing the characters individually and the premise of the story was quite unique but there was a slight problem.
I would have loved to give this author another 5 star review but the thing is that there was no development of a relationship between the characters. I felt that I knew them fairly well and if it had ended with them becoming very good friends it would have made sense. The author spent a lot of time describing their thoughts about their pasts and and their individual feelings but I felt like she missed out a whole chunk in between and they went from slowly building a relationship of friendship to suddenly being head over heels in love with each other.
While this was a well written book and I can't fault it on it storyline or grammar or anything else that might cause me to dislike a book, I just think that the author should stick to what she is best at which is really long novels or short stories but I cannot say that I agree with this in between thing because it just feels...
September 25, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. What I loved most about this was the absolute uniqueness inside the story line. I have never read a book with this premise before, and the difference made the book all the more compelling. I highly recommend this, the romance is slow building but makes everything that occurs that much more wonderful. Pick this up and enjoy a story about a recently divorced writer and the ghost that saved her life as a child.
October 29, 2016
This is a good paranormal romance. Although their interaction together is very limited so you have to get used to it.
Well, it's already given because the story is from a ghost and a living. It's not like, Cate can talk to Nat anytime.
Can you really fall in love with a ghost? And have your happy ending?
Now, I'm curious. Hmmmm.
Well, it's already given because the story is from a ghost and a living. It's not like, Cate can talk to Nat anytime.
Can you really fall in love with a ghost? And have your happy ending?
Now, I'm curious. Hmmmm.
May 27, 2016
A very simple story about a ghost stuck on the living world and a girl who spent her whole life waiting to see her again.
I feel like this book was lacking in some parts, especially in characterization. The backgrounds from the two women is never really explained and I kept waiting to know what had happened in their lives or something about them.
Nothing caught my attention for enough time, but if you want a cheesy and simple F/F story maybe you'll like it.
I feel like this book was lacking in some parts, especially in characterization. The backgrounds from the two women is never really explained and I kept waiting to know what had happened in their lives or something about them.
Nothing caught my attention for enough time, but if you want a cheesy and simple F/F story maybe you'll like it.
August 23, 2016
Nice story
I enjoyed reading about these characters and watching how they changed as they got to know each other . It is also interesting to see how Cate's and Tommy's life was changed by their experience as a child.
I enjoyed reading about these characters and watching how they changed as they got to know each other . It is also interesting to see how Cate's and Tommy's life was changed by their experience as a child.
November 28, 2016
Very strange love story. A lot of things that happen don't make any sense.
January 31, 2018
3.5 ..good but not really my thing I guess
July 23, 2021
I saw this book on Amazon with $596 for a paper version. I think whoever put the price must be drunk, missing the period before the 5.
*drop mic*
*drop mic*
October 24, 2021
A good read. I just wanted some ghostly love and that's exactly what I got!
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