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Adventures in Ghostsitting #0
Having a Ball!
Danner Tenley’s stroll through a thrift store nets her a fortune-telling ball that reminds her of her youth. It’s all fun and games until it starts using her name and giving her very direct messages. But that’s nothing compared to the completely rude gnome with a perma-smile who pops out of her wall to tell her how to use the ball. On top of that, a troll has threatened to take over Danner’s life if he doesn’t get a certain book.
Toby Nelson, Danner’s friend and landlord, doesn’t know what he’s being roped into, but if she needs help, he’ll be there for her. Meeting a gnome is quite the experience, and fighting a troll is something he’s not looking forward to; falling in love with his best friend isn’t even on his radar.
In a race against time, Danner has only a bad-tempered gnome and her hunky landlord to help her. How bad can it be?
Toby Nelson, Danner’s friend and landlord, doesn’t know what he’s being roped into, but if she needs help, he’ll be there for her. Meeting a gnome is quite the experience, and fighting a troll is something he’s not looking forward to; falling in love with his best friend isn’t even on his radar.
In a race against time, Danner has only a bad-tempered gnome and her hunky landlord to help her. How bad can it be?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 25, 2020
Most of us go home at night, eat a little dinner, read, catch something on the television, and then fall asleep so we can do it all over again the next day. Rinse and repeat for most of our lives.
That is what Danner wants more than anything. To live the quiet life indulging in her secret art works and fantasy life which centers around her landlord. Her only bit of intrigue stems from her business working on people’s taxes and her occasional outings where she goes to her regular club. At least, that peace and quiet is what she thinks she wants.
When a grumpy gnome decides that Danner is officially his new master, everything falls apart in the time it takes the pizza guy to deliver the pizza her unwelcome houseguest is perpetually demanding. Matters only get worse when a magic eight-ball loves nothing more than to provide only the most obtuse answers.
“Having a Ball, Adventures in Ghostsitting,” is best described as a silly, sassy, fun book. There is plenty of room in our literary lives to enjoy something that deliberately takes us to a place where we are not thinking about the troubles of the day, but are increasingly obsessed with the havoc driven train wreck of a life Danner has.
Well written, well-paced, and full of characters who are likable, Having a Ball, by Misty Simon, is well worth the trip in my opinion. My highest praise of any book is that it did what it needed to do, entertained me. After all, isn’t that what good literature is supposed to do?
My only issue with the book, and this was indeed minor, is that there was too much lust driven inner dialogue with Danner. I don’t mind some of it, but it was a little thick in some parts. However, at no point did it make me want to put the book down.
Some have pointed out that there is not really a ghost in the book at all. While that is true, I wouldn't get too wrapped around the axle with that point. It is a fun read even without a ghost.
I can recommend you read “Having a Ball, Adventures in Ghostsitting” if you are looking for a great read that adds some of that missing funny silliness in your life.
That is what Danner wants more than anything. To live the quiet life indulging in her secret art works and fantasy life which centers around her landlord. Her only bit of intrigue stems from her business working on people’s taxes and her occasional outings where she goes to her regular club. At least, that peace and quiet is what she thinks she wants.
When a grumpy gnome decides that Danner is officially his new master, everything falls apart in the time it takes the pizza guy to deliver the pizza her unwelcome houseguest is perpetually demanding. Matters only get worse when a magic eight-ball loves nothing more than to provide only the most obtuse answers.
“Having a Ball, Adventures in Ghostsitting,” is best described as a silly, sassy, fun book. There is plenty of room in our literary lives to enjoy something that deliberately takes us to a place where we are not thinking about the troubles of the day, but are increasingly obsessed with the havoc driven train wreck of a life Danner has.
Well written, well-paced, and full of characters who are likable, Having a Ball, by Misty Simon, is well worth the trip in my opinion. My highest praise of any book is that it did what it needed to do, entertained me. After all, isn’t that what good literature is supposed to do?
My only issue with the book, and this was indeed minor, is that there was too much lust driven inner dialogue with Danner. I don’t mind some of it, but it was a little thick in some parts. However, at no point did it make me want to put the book down.
Some have pointed out that there is not really a ghost in the book at all. While that is true, I wouldn't get too wrapped around the axle with that point. It is a fun read even without a ghost.
I can recommend you read “Having a Ball, Adventures in Ghostsitting” if you are looking for a great read that adds some of that missing funny silliness in your life.
March 12, 2018
I guess this book was to be expected because the blurb does indicate that it is a romantic fiction, with a good dose of the paranormal (or, in this case, fantasy). Danner is fascinated by a fortune-telling ball, so much so that she buys it in a thrift store. However, this is not any ordinary fortune-telling ball. This one knows her, or so it addresses her by name, giving her definite directions, when answering her questions. If this is not enough to make you wonder what is going on, an extremely rude gnome pops out a door in her wall Danner never even knew existed, to give her instructions on how to use the ball. The gnome also wants a book, threatening Danner if he does not get it. Meanwhile, hunky Toby Nelson, Danner’s landlord and friend, wants to help Danner, even if it involves fighting this gnome or becoming romantically involved with her.
The book is a quick read and is somewhat amusing. However, I found it a bit much for my taste. The ball appearing to know Danner was a creative move, but the addition of this little creature gnome, who came across as some sort of autocrat, pushed me over the edge. I had some difficulty accepting it all, and some difficulty getting through the book. It was just too much for me to take. The author does write well, and her character development as well as setting descriptions were good. Not sure if I will read more in the series, however, as the jury is still out on that. Still, if you are familiar with the series or enjoy a good, humorous, different sort of plot and book, this book will probably appeal to you. It can make for a good break from some of the seriousness that is out there. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
The book is a quick read and is somewhat amusing. However, I found it a bit much for my taste. The ball appearing to know Danner was a creative move, but the addition of this little creature gnome, who came across as some sort of autocrat, pushed me over the edge. I had some difficulty accepting it all, and some difficulty getting through the book. It was just too much for me to take. The author does write well, and her character development as well as setting descriptions were good. Not sure if I will read more in the series, however, as the jury is still out on that. Still, if you are familiar with the series or enjoy a good, humorous, different sort of plot and book, this book will probably appeal to you. It can make for a good break from some of the seriousness that is out there. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
July 21, 2018
Ebook/ARC/paranormal romance: this is book four in a series that I have not read the rest. I really don't know how to describe this book because it is not a cozy murder mystery, nor romance. Danner (horrible character name) is a female whose characteristics I really like. She is single, wants no strings, lives alone, and desire to be an artist. Her mother is an acclaimed artist and Danner is spending tons of money on supplies only to find that she's would probably be better painting a room. I like this because my mother was an acclaimed painter & artist and I am more suited for other art mediums.
The first half of the book is slow and I didn't understand Danner's world. She never talks to ghosts and only mentions seeing her cousin's yard ghosts. This book is about a gnome she stumbles across in her apartment. That is where things got cloudy for me because she doesn't want anyone else to see the gnome. Why? Get the thing out of the house and into the yard. I thought there should be a quick one page summary of her abilities.
Then there is Toby, her landlord. He is supposed to be foxy, but all I picture is Toby from "The Office". It took a while for me to get that out of my head. Danner lusts after him, but just wants a roll, which is fine except he's her landlord. Also, there is something suspect about him because when Danner finally had to fess up to get his help, Toby has no problems with the talking gnome. I am going out on a limb here, but I think Toby and his handsome looks may be one of the fae.
Was it a good book? It was okay and readable. I did want to see how it ended with the troll and the book. I did get this e-book from NetGalley in lieu of an honest review.
The first half of the book is slow and I didn't understand Danner's world. She never talks to ghosts and only mentions seeing her cousin's yard ghosts. This book is about a gnome she stumbles across in her apartment. That is where things got cloudy for me because she doesn't want anyone else to see the gnome. Why? Get the thing out of the house and into the yard. I thought there should be a quick one page summary of her abilities.
Then there is Toby, her landlord. He is supposed to be foxy, but all I picture is Toby from "The Office". It took a while for me to get that out of my head. Danner lusts after him, but just wants a roll, which is fine except he's her landlord. Also, there is something suspect about him because when Danner finally had to fess up to get his help, Toby has no problems with the talking gnome. I am going out on a limb here, but I think Toby and his handsome looks may be one of the fae.
Was it a good book? It was okay and readable. I did want to see how it ended with the troll and the book. I did get this e-book from NetGalley in lieu of an honest review.
May 10, 2024
“Having A Ball” is a fun and frothy read which I got through in a single sitting.
Accountant Danner Tanley buys a cheap magic 8 ball at a thrift store and gets the surprise of her life when it actually works - some of the time!
It's a day for odd things to happen because she's also acquired a rude gnome who is stone by day and only comes alive at night.
The gnome, Arrol, and the 8 ball are connected in some way, though neither will initially say how or why.
Throw in Tanner's desire to find her inner artist and a boyfriend, plus the very strange things that are happening around her, and you've got the making of an interesting read.
The pacing is off, particularly at the start, and the ending is quite rushed but the author, Misty Simon, has a great imagination and uses it to great effect.
3 Stars.
Accountant Danner Tanley buys a cheap magic 8 ball at a thrift store and gets the surprise of her life when it actually works - some of the time!
It's a day for odd things to happen because she's also acquired a rude gnome who is stone by day and only comes alive at night.
The gnome, Arrol, and the 8 ball are connected in some way, though neither will initially say how or why.
Throw in Tanner's desire to find her inner artist and a boyfriend, plus the very strange things that are happening around her, and you've got the making of an interesting read.
The pacing is off, particularly at the start, and the ending is quite rushed but the author, Misty Simon, has a great imagination and uses it to great effect.
3 Stars.
May 17, 2019
Book 4 of a series? Totally reads as a stand alone though a family member who deals with ghosts is mentioned and may have been a characters in one of the 3 previous books.
Not really a mystery or paranormal romance, it's kind of like a chick lit book about a woman who sees paranormal creatures. Also, not enough world building (perhaps it was in the first three books) or explanation. Transitions are abrupt. There was also an instant romantic relationship between former friends that was really unbelievable (no romantic scenes (or sex)).
If it were expanded and had more detail it could have been a 3.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Not really a mystery or paranormal romance, it's kind of like a chick lit book about a woman who sees paranormal creatures. Also, not enough world building (perhaps it was in the first three books) or explanation. Transitions are abrupt. There was also an instant romantic relationship between former friends that was really unbelievable (no romantic scenes (or sex)).
If it were expanded and had more detail it could have been a 3.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2018
Having a Ball is a total blast! This is the first book by this author that I’ve read but I promise it won’t be the last. This is a cozy mystery with paranormal elements. The heroine, Danner (don’t call me Dan) Tenley, lives way too much in her head but it’s a fun place and I enjoyed peeking in on her thoughts. If you enjoy Angie Fox or Leighann Dobbs you are sure to enjoy this.
July 9, 2018
This was an incredibly different story. It was very, very slow until the last few chapters then it sped up a smidge. Hands down Arrol was my favorite part of the whole book, he was snarky, irreverent and grumpy, kinda my spirit animal! Other than Arrol the whole book was pretty ho hum, nothing wrong with it, but on the bland side. Thank you for the opportunity to review this work.
June 22, 2022
Not my favorite from this author. Liking the other books in this series so far, so this was kind of a let down. It also seemed kind if out of place with the others in this series. Took far too long before the book started picking up and romance kicked in.
February 21, 2018
It is a great read! An interesting & unique story, it really makes me wonder what happens next to the characters. I'm definitely going to find the previous books in the series to read.
April 30, 2018
Slow start but picks up
Although overall I enjoyed this supernatural cozy, I thought that the pacing was off. Nothing much happened for the first half or more of the book, except for a lot of character description and complaining. The character descriptions had no real payoff and were largely irrelevant to the story. Suddenly the story picked up and moved along at a good pace and was interesting. I think that there are better supernatural cozies out there, including Witches Gone Wicked by Sarina Dorie, Strange Sight by Syd Moore and the Case of the Deadly Doppelganger by Lucy Banks and the Inspector Hobbes series by Wilkie Martin.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
Although overall I enjoyed this supernatural cozy, I thought that the pacing was off. Nothing much happened for the first half or more of the book, except for a lot of character description and complaining. The character descriptions had no real payoff and were largely irrelevant to the story. Suddenly the story picked up and moved along at a good pace and was interesting. I think that there are better supernatural cozies out there, including Witches Gone Wicked by Sarina Dorie, Strange Sight by Syd Moore and the Case of the Deadly Doppelganger by Lucy Banks and the Inspector Hobbes series by Wilkie Martin.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews