The Brown House

The Visitor's Series #1

by Christy Sloat

The Brown house isn’t a house you want to mess with. It’s that place where you and your friends go on a dare, but no one is brave enough to go inside, and if they do, they come out screaming. So when Brylee Branson and her family move in, it's not long before the evil things lurking in corners come out to play. Brylee just wants to acclimate to her new school but the ghosts in the house don’t make that easy. You see Brylee has a gift, one that the dead need and if she can’t help them they’ll make her friends pay with their lives.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Ghosts, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Supernatural

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Christy Sloat resides in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters and her Chihuahua, Sophie. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother's loving support. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. She is the Best Selling author of ten novels including; The Visitors Series, The Past Lives Series and Slumber.


Check out her website www.christysloatauthor.weebly.com
Blog http://christysloat.blogspot.com/, Facebook: Christy Sloat Author www.facebook.com/christysloatauthor. Twitter: ChristySloat

Reviews

[Tina(why is GR limiting comments?!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up for a Halloween read and was not disappointed! Really enjoyed the story about the house and the curse. I could easily see this as the next "Twilight" sort of phenomenon with teens. This was Book 1 out of 3 instalments. I can't wait to read Book 2.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a huge fan of the supernatural... Give me a good ghost story and I'm hooked! Did I mention that the story is set in New Jersey? I'm a Jersey girl born and bred so I was exited to see a story that takes place here. When I started reading it, I almost felt like it was a little too YA for me. The main character kept talking about her crush Ethan that she was leaving behind in California. I kept asking myself "Why is this relevant?" Thankfully my question was answered in the form of the plot. Very nicely done! Brylee was a solid character. Thank God she wasn't one of those annoying, whiny teenagers because I would have thrown the book into next week! Ephraim and Lynley were great too and I wonder if I'll get to see more of them in book two...and I mostly mean Ephraim :0).

I'm usually good at predicting the ending while I'm reading. It's almost like a contest with myself to see how much I can guess by the end of the book. I was stumped the entire time. I didn't know how it was going to end and wow was it a whamy! I don't want to say it ends in a cliffhanger but it does. The story ends satisfactorily but you need to continue reading to see what happens. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!

This is one of those books you don't want to read at night...in the dark lol. I swear you will hear shit! I just finished a really creepy scene and set my kindle down on the nightstand where I always leave it. When I woke up, I reached over to continue reading and my kindle was gone! I was looking everywhere for it. On the floor, behind the nightstand and even in the boxes on my bookshelf. It was no where in sight. I lay back down, defeated, and see my kindle sticking out of the blanket at the foot of the bed. It gave me the willies! How did it get there? It is quite possible that I was sleep walking again but that's an eery coincidence LOL.

[Donte McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, pain, comedy, drama, life, and death. The Brown House captures it all. Brylee, Lyn, Kayla, and Ephraim all become close friends that you care for, laugh with, want to cry and want to help succeed. This story takes you on a journey that you don't expect, but deeply enjoy. Twists make the book an engaging read, the characters are well developed, and don't get me started on the creepy occurrences in the Brown House. I'm kind of glad I'm not in Jersey, but for some odd reason I suddenly want to visit just to set foot in the Brown House (or maybe just on the porch).

Seriously though, I actually felt the chills Brylee did while reading, and if I wasn't aware that I was reading, I would think I was dealing with all she dealt with. This book is one I easily lost myself in, and even though I'm not a huge fan of ghosts, I really did enjoy this book. Christy hit the nail on the head with another great story, full of characters I'd love to meet...well some of them more than others :P

Would I recommend this book to others? Heck yeah! It was an awesome book, cover to cover. I was disappointed when I read the last page; it sucks when you reach the end of a great story. But, you know what they say: It's not about the destination, but rather the journey...or something along those lines. Anyway, get this book in Kindle form, in print, shoot, try and buy the original manuscript if you must. It's a story you can't pass up!

[Glory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ну как бы...
Зря автор развела тут неземную любовь и планы о свадьбе. Неоткуда сему взяться. Симпатия, увлечение, влюбленность - запросто. Но чтоб "люблю-умру-за-тебя" - неа, не верю.
И не в возрасте дело (у той же Томас я верила), а в поверхностности отношений. Они весь роман были вторичны, скорее для фона, и вдруг - бамс! Получи фашист гранату.
Пичаль.

В остальном - типичный молодежный не-до-ужастик. Семейка переехавшая в большой и страшный дом. Люди, которые вопят "Бегите, идиоты, вы все сдохнете!". И, соответственно, идиоты, которых не смущают ни хлопающие двери, ни всякие домашние полтергейсты.

Поначалу было страшновато, но потом все размазалось. Призраки оказались прям такими мимимихами, что даже грустно.
Единственное светлое пятно - образ Кайлы. Я все гадала, живая она или нет.

Короче, середнячок на вечер. Может, как-нибудь гляну продолжение. Тут в конце на всех страшное проклятье наложили, спасать надо, ага.

[Stacey Rourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Back in the day" it was Christopher Pike that thrilled teens with his twisted tales of ghosts, hauntings and teenage angst. Well the torch has been past to Mrs. Sloat! One particular basement scene gave me the heebie jeebies in a major way, but moments like that sucked me in and didn't let go until the very end. I'm eagerly anticipating where this series will go from here and am deeply concerned about the yummy Ephrium. This is a must read!

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brown House is a book you defiantly don't judge by the cover. The cover is creepy and some what eye catching but when you open the book and begin to read what is in it you are totally blown away by what happens. Brylee Branson is moving from sunny California to a small town in New Jersey. She is not really excited about moving but her family has made the decision to move and she has no choice but to follow them. Then if things are not complicated enough about the move she finds out that the house she is moving into is haunted. At first Brylee does not believe everyone and the rumors but soon she starts seeing ghosts and hearing noises she is not sure what they are.

But as Brylee makes friends at school she soon confides in her friends and together they make a plan to help the ghosts out. They are not sure what they are getting into but Brylee thinks if the spirits are released they will go away. Not sure what to do with the ghosts and the haunting in her house Brylee must make a decision and fast because not all of the ghosts are friendly and not all of them have her best interest at heart. As her friends Ephraim and Lynley come to help her they realize that everything is not what it seems like. What to do is the age old question? What will they do with ghosts? Will they realize them or leave them to keep haunting the family?

If this is not the worse thing to happen to them they have their regular school stuff to deal with. Homework and dances and boyfriends to get. What is a girl to do? What will happen to them once the dust settles and the secrets surface. Man this is such a must read that you will not be disappointed at all but wanting more. I want to read more and I can't wait to see if and when a sequel is coming out.

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!

I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!

5 stars =)

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brown House by Christy Sloat is a story that will keep you turning pages to the very end. Brylee is a teenager who, with her parents, moves cross country from California to New Jersey. Her father lost his job and has found a new job in New Jersey. After moving into the house, Brylee experiences strange happenings in the house. She meets a girl with blue hair. The only problem is that no one else has seen her. Brylee also has encounters with ghosts in the house and she can see and hear them. She also meets her neighbors, a girl and a boy who become good friends with Brylee and she tells them about her encounters with the house ghosts.

This is a story that will have you mesmerized and turning pages well into the night. The plot and characters are well developed. This book is the first on of a trilogy, so it ends with a cliff hanger.
I highly recommend this book. I received this book as part of a Quirky Blind Date with an author and I always review every book that I read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brylee is in high school, typical cali-girl with blonde hair, looks to match and soon learns she has a special gift for seeing things no one else can, she would soon find out to what extent this gift bears on her and the ones she loves. Her father lost his job so the whole family up and moved to New Jersey for his new job, They moved into the brown house, Haunted brown house , curse, love, death, sacrifice, mystery, even the story Ephraim and Brylee was truly well written and just feel good true love but will it stay that way. This Book has twists, turns, surprises, heart break and more. All the Characters. Lyn , Kayla, and the Brown and Mayhew families. The way Brylee comes face to face with “others” living in the house she just moved into is spooky. I am sorry but if I faced just a part of what Brylee faced in order to solve a mystery of her haunted house. I would be out of there when the ghost eyes appeared in the bath tub , just above the water. While Brylee was in it! So? Do I have you intrigued yet? The locked door, never to be opened, for years and years everyone tried to open the door. One special key hidden away , never to be found. If the door was locked for a reason, forever to be kept inside. Until one day.. One key, a family curse, and a journey you would not expect. The ending was … well to the readers of this review. The Brown House is a MUST READ.

I truly don’t want to give away too much, but Christy Sloat completely knocked one out of the park with her writing, the story line, the whole idea was just amazing. I could not put it down, read it in three days!

It was my pleasure to be taken on a journey I did not expect..

Here are a few links for more information on The Brown House and Christy Sloat:
http://anchorgrouppublishing.com/Our_...
https://www.facebook.com/christysloat...
http://christysloat.blogspot.com/


Our Links:
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Best Wishes,
Melissa

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This is the second book I read by Christy and I loved it! I've been wanting to read this ever since I saw the cover for it. I am in love with that house!! I am a lover of creepy houses and Christy told me her husband used to live there! I almost died. I absolutely love Christy's writing. The way she described the house and its surroundings made me fall in love even more than I already was!! I found myself wanting to crawl into the pages just to experience it all in person. I love stories that take place in small towns and this had it! The main character, Brylee, is likable from the start. I also related to her since she's from California but had to move to New Jersey. She's the most respectful daughter I have ever read about and I admired her character a lot.
Now about the plot, the house is haunted by a cursed family and my heart went out to all of them. It was incredibly sad to read about what they went through. I loved the explanations Christy had for the paranormal phenomena happening in the house. The fact that she incorporated family trees in the beginning was super helpful too since I had the opportunity go back to them whenever I had a question. The way that the book left off was heart-breaking. The situation Brylee's going through is too sad for words. I just hope it all works out because my heart is breaking for her!! I seriously need to know what happens next!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brown House centers on a strong and endearing protagonist that readers will quickly fall in love with. Briley's family up roots her from the warm beaches of California, and hauls her clear across the country to live in a small New Jersey town were everything seems strange and unfamiliar. Worse yet they move her into a creepy house that is centuries old. The dark history of the house does little to ease Briley's reservations. Luckily she encounters a great cast of supporting characters to ease her misery. From the quirky, blue-haired Kayla who isn't what she seems, to the captivating, heartthrob Ephraim. The hair raising events that unfold will leave readers' hearts pounding at every noise that goes bump in the night. The dark aura of the house seems to ooze and drip from the pages permeating the readers' minds only to spring forth when their alone in the dark. But fear not, the story's dark tale of insanity, witchcraft, and possession are perfectly balanced with the deep-passionate love that blooms between Briley and Ephraim. The Brown House is a summer must read. Just be warned to sleep with the light on!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets just say from the moment I turned the first page I was hooked.

I have read The Many Lives of Avery Snow, and then when I read this book it had its very own flavour. Sometimes you can find with books written by the same author that they 'feel' very much the same, just different characters etc....However with this case The Brown House has its very own fingerprint that Christy Sloat puts out there.

You are introduced to a typical teen, moving from a privileged life style into a new town, new house, and a whole new scene. She meets people who she wouldn't have been friends with, experiences her first serious love, and develops a gift that many people would love to have.

Each page dragged me deeper and deeper into the very walls of the house. I was anxious to work out what would happen to the characters,and what was in that room!. The way it all flows, the emotions, the pain of regret really draws you in.

Once I entered the doors of The Brown House, I never escaped......Will you?

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Another hidden gem! This novel has not gotten near enough attention. So pay attention and pick it up!

16 year old Brylee and her family have moved from California to New Jersey where her unemployed father has found work. At first, Brylee is less than excited. The house they have moved into is ancient and somewhat run down after being vacant for many years. To make matters worse, strange things begin happening in the house. Doors open and close on their own. Lights turn off and on randomly. A corner room is locked and unable to be opened by any locksmith. A rocker that rocks in the living room, though noone is in it. Welcome to the Brown House.

Together with new found friends Kayla, Lynley and Ephriam, Brylee begins to unravel the mystery of the Brown house. Who or what is causing all of these strange happenings?

This is such a creepy, spooky read. It's hard to find a good old fashion ghost story, but Christy Sloat has written one fantastically!

[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Sloat has done it again. I am amazed by this woman. The Brown House is an amazing read from start to finish. Brylee has lost everything her home, friends, and the boy that almost was. We meet Brylee on her journey from California to the Jersey Shore. All she has left is her family and her new home. But Brylee isn't weak or one to give up. Join her on her journey of self discovery where she learns about herself, her new house, the neighbors Lynley and Ephraim and while she makes some interesting friends. The Brown House will blow you away!!!!!

[Joanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dialogue seemed childish. Couldn't seem to get through it.

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I go through a book funk. And there is always one book that pulls me from the funk. My funk lasted for over 5 months - taking me that long to read even one book, until I picked up this one. The Brown House by Christy Sloat grabbed my attention as soon as I read only a couple of chapters. Instantly I became invested in the main character, Brylee. The characters are well written and it's easy to become attached to their lives. There are points of the story you can probably figure out early, which is true of most any book, but there are moments that will surprise you as well. The descriptions of ghostly visitors creates a creepy intense imagery in the readers mind. I got chill bumps reading this and at night I left my kindle in the living room because I didn't even want to look at it and think of the ghosts or I wouldn't have been able to sleep! I am the first to admit I'm a wuss when it comes to ghost stories. However, reading them usually doesn't affect me - mostly the images on screen in movies and tv are what stick with me. The writing was so descriptive though that my mind created those images for me and at night I did find myself thinking about them at times. If you love a good ghost story, definitely pick up this book! I loved it so much that I bought book 2 as soon as I finished and I'm already 20% in on my kindle. The Brown House is the first book I've read by this author and I'm a fan of hers now! Looking forward to finishing this series and seeing what other great books she has available as well!

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this I don’t understand why it has such a high rating on Goodreads, but then I realised there’s less than 400 reviews. Even still.

It started off promising but it’s let down massively by two dimensional characters, a weak story, constant typos/grammatical errors and lots of repetitive statements/sentences. The character names are also awful: Brylee, Lynley and Ephraim. At least just go with one weird name that stands out.

There’s also the fact that the main character, Brylee, is always reminding us of how beautiful she this. Here is a particularly cringeworthy example: “He looked at me as if I was something he could conquer. I knew I was a pretty girl, I had been told that I should be a model. I was built like one and my face was flawless. But I was happy being a normal teenager.”

This book is more YA than I was expecting, and I typically enjoy YA books. It was also more romance than the spooky ghost story I thought I was getting. There are definitely some great spooky moments with the ghosts, but it ends pretty quickly once more of the story is revealed. The ending was also massively disappointing. I’ve never read a worse ending. There’s setting up for a sequel and then there’s that.

The only reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1 is because it was easy to read and some parts were decent. It did make me want to know what was going to happen despite it constantly getting worse after a certain point.

[Miranda - Life Between Chapters☕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect if you are in the mood for: YA romance with ghosts, curses, witches and mystery! 👻❤️🧙‍♀️ #moodreader

I was in a bit of a book slump when I discovered The Brown House. This story is a bit scarey without being horror and has just enough intrigue, romance and relatable characters to make it highly entertaining!

I like to read before bed and there were a few scarey moments in this one that kinda freaked me out!

Brylee's dad loses his job and he ups and moves the family from sunny California to cold New Jersey. At first, Brylee stumbles through but eventually she finds her way.

I don't want to give away too much but, there is sweet YA romance in this one although it's mainly a ghostly mystery. Brylee makes friends and together, they try to figure out what the heck is going on.

The ending makes me want to dive right into book 2; The Crimson Key!

All in all, I don't have a ton to say about this one but it was very entertaining, perfectly creepy and I can't wait to see what's in store for Brylee and her friends in book 2!

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is some remarkably good storytelling for this genre. I loved the way it ended and I can’t wait to get into the next book. However, the lack of editing is extremely distracting. For instance, the author regularly uses the grocer’s apostrophe and it’s SO ANNOYING! Whenever she refers to the Browns or the Mayhews why in the world would she use an apostrophe?

The number of errors makes it very difficult to read. That being said, the story is so good I’ve decided to keep going and move into the next book. But I’m hoping the author will see this review at some point and for the love of God make changes!

If it weren’t for that, this book would be five stars for sure.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; I thought the plot was original, and the characters well developed and interesting. It is a first in the series and this instalment sets the scene for what is going to be quite an emotional and intriguing story. I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind Date With a Book.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brylee moves to a new house where her neighbors become fast friends. She even finds a boyfriend but the house she moved into is haunted. Brylee has a gift to see and hear ghosts. Can she help the people in her house move one? This book was good but I think the ending was a bit sad, for me, but now I have to read the next book in the series to see what happens next. If you like ghost books, check this one out! This book has ghosts and a mystery too.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving is hard on anyone, but a kid in high school hates it even more. When Brylee and her family have to move to New Jersey form California she is beyond unhappy. It is cold, has no cool beaches, and to top it all off she is living in a haunted house. No one wants to visit her and weird things are happening to her. Brylee is lucky to make two friends very quickly in the neighbor kids, Lyn and her big studly brother, Ephriam. Soon she confesses her fears to them both and they decide to try and help the spirits of the house move on, but to do that a curse must be broken and a secret found out. Can the kids find a way to free the secrets and spirits of the house and Brown family? Will the curse take their innocents and their lives? How much can a girl take before she breaks?

This was by far one of the most realistic ghost books I have read in a very long time. I could see this happening somewhere out there. I was sucked into this book from the first chapter and couldn't wait to read on in it to see what happened and if the kids could figure things out and make things right again. I flew through the pages like a witch through the air on her broom. I found myself reading late into the night and then being a bit uneasy with my own homes darkness as I realized it was pitch black in my room except for the light of my iPod that I was reading on. This book brought out my own homes mystery sounds it seems. I was so into the book I just got lost in the plot and the characters. The plot had the flow of a rushing river, you just had to continue watching it. There was so much that happened in the plot, but it was in a good way. It was in a way that made you want to read on and on and on in the book to see where things were going. This is a plot that takes a "normal" ghost story to the next level. It was spooky, mysterious, and just plain great edge of your seat fun! The characters were so real and developed I felt like they were high schoolers in my own town. They were amazing and I couldn't wait to see where they went in this book, where their relationships went, and how close they got to figuring out the deep secrets of the Brown family and house. I just couldn't get enough of this story and the characters. I was a bit taken back by the ending of the book, but seeing as how I have the second book in the series too, it wasn't so bad of a thing, as I will just continue on in the next book. However, I hope they don't all end like that....with cliffhangers, or I may start to wonder why the author just couldn't make one huge book or two bigger books. I get the sales aspect and the come back for more aspect, but still too many "what?!" endings can be a bad thing in a series. We shall see, as I am starting the next book now. I would very much recommend this book though to anyone looking for a great ghost mystery! Just be prepared to want to continue on in the series too.

5/5 Stars!!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you found yourself moving to a new town only to have everyone to tell you that the house you are living in is haunted? Well that's just what happens to Brylee Branson. Brylee's father has been out of work for over a year and when he finally lands a job in New Jersey it means that Brylee and her family will have to leave California and move to New Jersey. The Brown House is their new home, but it seems that something or someone doesn't want them there, thing is in the beginning it's only Brylee that has the experiences, but as things escalate even her parents become aware that something otherworldly is occurring. Brylee becomes determined to get to the bottom of what is going on, but what she unleashes is more than she ever imagined!

To say that I loved this book is totally an understatement. I read a lot of haunted house stories but this one really creeped me out. The descriptions of the things that Brylee experienced were spooky and gave me more than a few cold chills. The house itself became a character, with its locked room, and a chilling past that kept long buried souls trapped there. As the author slowly reveals what had happened in the past I had to read even faster to find out if things could be reversed ! There was one scene where Brylee and her friends go to open the locked room that I actually held my breath wondering what they would find inside, but what actually happened was such a shocker that it totally floored me! The storyline was so smoothly written that I found myself totally drawn to the story from the beginning. The character of Brylee fits her role perfectly. She was a popular girl at her old school, but being burned by those friends, she decides she doesn't want to be a part of that crowd when she moves. Her character had a positive self image, something that being popular had nothing to do with. I thought the positive messages of peer pressure and being content in your own skin was totally great. The friendship that developed between her and Lyn was totally believable , and the relationship that develops with Ephraim was oh so great! I was totally shocked and saddened when we learn the truth about Kayla's character! Anyone who enjoys a spooky good read with strong characters, a fast paced, visually stimulating plot that will have your heart pounding and even the hair on the back of your neck standing up just a bit should pick up "The Brown House."

Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW
I received this e-book from the author Christy Sloat as part of Author Indie Month which I was approached about by JoAnne MacLeary. JoAnne's idea was to promote more indie authors and their book in the month of October. I decided to take it a step further and give the whole month of October to Indie authors who self publish or use small publishers.
So the cover of this book, to me immediately suggest something dark and perhaps dangerous is in that house. The cover gives the house a spooky look. (Another reason this is perfect for October, you could make it your Halloween Read!)
I want to readily admit that I approached this book thinking I may not like it as I don't usually read ghostly types of books, they just aren't my thing. However I had promised I would read this one so I cosied down and began reading. By 12% into the book I was seriously hooked. I loved the flow of the book, how it was written really suited me. We are learning everything that happens from Brylee's point of view.
I instantly liked, then went on to love, Brylee, Lynley and of course who wouldn't fall in love with the gorgeous yet gentlemanly Ephraim. The descriptions are brilliant.
When Brylee becomes aware of the ghost she fill a chill in the air, and believe me when you really get into this book you kinda feel the chill with her. Another character I like is Kayla, though I did guess her "secret" quite early on, though that didn't spoil the plot in any way at all. I am purposely not revealing too much about the book s I would love for you all to read it for yourselves and enjoy it as I did.
The book has ghosts, mysteries to solve, curses to try and work out as well as all the normal teenage angst of picking the right dress for the fall dance and getting your friend a date with they guy she has been crushing on for years.
The book really builds up to a fantastic cliff hanger that seriously makes me want book 2 now!
So did I enjoy the book? Surprisingly I loved it! Would I recommend it? Definitely to those who love ghostly tales and those like myself who are not so keen on them, this book will change your opinion! Would I read more by Christy Sloat? I plan to, I love her style of writing, the descriptions and how easy you flow through the book. Would I want to read bk 2 in The Visitor's Series? Oh yes please, please I would love to.

[Tiffany Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, I really enjoyed this novel. From the dark curses, evil witches and angry ghosts to the honest friendship, budding romance and the inherent good in the characters.

Sloat weaves a great story of a girl who's family lose everything and get a chance to start over. The protagonist, Brylee doesn't want to move but she wants to see her family happy and understands the importance of the move. She plays nice and doesn't complain although her parents know she doesn't want to move. So when she finally comes forward about experiencing some paranormal activity in her new home, her mom screams at her thinking that it's some ploy to return to California. Needless to say that the house really is haunted. I love how Sloat presents the paranormal activities to the reader. I feel as if she eases us into the creepy factor of it. From the get-go its creepy but on a minimal scale. Yet towards the end of the novel I was seriously creeped out and testing my hubby's patience. All the lights on and becoming his shadow until the goosebumps faded.

I loved Brylee's strength. She is someone who knows who she is and who she wants to be and she sticks to her guns. She has a lot of spirit and is a character I really came to love. She is strong and honest and very relatable. I loved her inner struggle in remembering who she was and remaining who she wants to be. I loved the honest friendship portrayed in this novel, the budding romance and how realistic the marriage of her parents is. In speaking of marriage, from the very beginning Sloat tugged at my heart strings. She has one of the most beautiful dedications I have ever read in a novel . "For Joe. You have showed me that this is where I want to spend my life. Forever in your arms and by your side. Family is forever." The romance in this novel is just as sweet and beautiful as this dedication.

The Brown House is a great novel with lots of intrigue and suspense. Sloat revels the story to the reader a little at a time. It mostly leaves you in a state of suspense until the entire story is revealed. She does this in a great way. This book demands your attention: it's a novel that will keep you reading and thinking about it when you're not. Again, it is a great read and one I truly enjoyed.

*I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before we even go there I have a confession to make.. I am a wussy a super huge super sensitive wussy.. I DO NOT like ghosts and ghost stories.. Oddly enough though UFOS scare me more than ghost.. thanks grandma and unsolved mysteries!

The worst thing EVER (at least for now) is moving from SoCal to Jersey.. But what can you do when your dad looses his job.. the bank takes your house and your uncle gets your dad a job on the east coast.. i guess you could runaway but thats not the this story.. Nope in this story Brylee just deals with it.. They move into the super creepy brown house.. But when its cheap and available you deal.. Plus she gets the run of the second floor.. On the first night Brylee notices eerie things and they dont stop.. music turning on.. door slamming.. apparitions.. When people find out she lives in the brown house they politely back away.. Despite that she made a few friends REALLY good friends.. Lynley and her shockingly handsome brother Ephraim.. sidenote dont you just love that the love interests has a uncommon name. im so tired or Ethans.. Marcs.. Todds.. and my least favorite guy name EVER Greg.. YUCKs! anyways.. Shes also befriended a blue haired trouble maker Kayla.. Separately and together they begin to solve the mystery of the curse.. In the process Brylee and Ephriam start dating and falling in love Awwww...


So many times while reading i had to pull myself away mainly because the real world kept gettin in the way.. Despite being a wuss i did super well with the ghosts.. i did almost wet myself once but i blame my full bladder, a sneeze, my 4 children, and okay i blame the book a little for being so friggen good i had to hold it.. i defenitely cant wait to find out more about Brylee and Ephraims future..

[Alicia Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start with getting the formalities out of the way. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

I finished The Brown House a few days ago but it has taken me that long to get my thoughts together so I could do a review. Christy pulled me so deep into the story & then left me hanging at the end that I couldn't form more than 3 letter words! The first night I read 50% of the book! I just couldn't put it down! I've always been one that has been on the edge about ghost, but I've always been a fan of paranormal & horror books so when I came across The Brown House I knew I had to read it.

Christy has a way with words that drag you and then leave you yearning for more and yelling at her through your book to give you more. Luckily The Crimson Key[[ASIN:0989175340 The Crimson Key (The Visitor's Series) (Volume 2)]], the second book in The Visitors Series, is already out so you won't have to wait to find out what happens next.

When Bryee & her parents move from California to New Jersey it's not long before they all start to notice strange things happening around the house and begin hearing all the rumors around town about their house. They all try to dismiss it but it's not that easy for Brylee as the ghost of the house began to speak to her and she is actually able to see them. Some of the ghost are not happy that she is there while others seek her help. Unfortunately, when Brylee does not obey one of the directions she was given by one of the ghost she will have to pay for it by watching her best friend and boyfriend suffer, unless she can figure out this age old curse and finally put to an end to it once and for all.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Actually I won this book, but close enough haha. I LOVED this book, all of it! This novel was the perfect horror, thriller, romance paranormal, young adult book that I have ever read. Now, personally I don't read a lot of ghost books , because unlike vampires and such, I definitely believe that ghosts are real. There was so much built up suspense in this book that I almost couldn't handle it. I wanted to know what was beind that door so bad it was killing me. When we finally find out what is behind the door a whole new can of worms is opened. Plus I love that during all the craziness, the author doesn't let the reader forget that the characters are in high school. They still go about their daily activities.
The characters are all amazing.our main character is abrylee, the "hot girl" from Cali who had to transfer to New Jersey. She is definitely a brave heroine, hence living in a haunted house and seeing ghosts. Erphraim is the bad boy turned good and Brylee's love interest. Lyn is Brylee's new best friend and also happens to be Erphraim's sister. Her and Brylee mesh well together. There are also a bunch of other great charcters who make the book awesome, but partly because they are all ghosts.
I think that everyone should read this book! I would recommended it for anyone who likes paranormal, horror, thriller or YA, and its not "that" scary. The ending left me wanting more. There better be more books because I want to find out what is going to happen!!!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loooove ghost stories. This was an ambitious story overall that in the end fell flat. I found the dialogue to be kinda strange, the characters one-dimensional and peculiar, their relationships implausable, and there were just too many bizarre happenings in the lives of the characters that made the book as a whole (not just the ghostly parts) completely unbelievable.
The romance. Didn't take place until the very end and was awkward and weird. The main character. Brynlee. It was drilled in that she was model gorgeous BUT really, really nice...yet I saw zero evidence of that. In fact, I found her kinda mouthy and unintelligent. It was annoying that her pretty (but nice though) was so remarked on - I would have preferred her to just be a gorgeous bitch and not discuss it further.
The entire first 3/4 of the book was written well (though still the dialogue weirdness) and I was enjoying it okay enough. But the end did me in. The weird hit me all too fast and it just got - well, roll-your-eyeballs dumb. Sorry. This is how I feel. Still rounding up my 2.5 to a 3 - unsure why but I am. I guess because it's a rarity for me to give an unfavorable review and I rather do not like to do it. Rare, because I do NOT continue on in a book over 30% if I hate it; then feel I didn't read enough to rate it accurately. This book, I actually liked enough to continue on. So, it wasn't HORRID. But it certainly isn't worth the current ratings of over 4.4 that it has on goodreads. In my opinion.

[Carly Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hea y'all Anne here with my review for The Brown House by Christy Sloat, this was an amazingly creepy read. I enjoy a good ghost story and this one was great! Right from the beginning you're taken into the characters world which has been thrown to the wind and tossed aside. Brylee is having her life up rooted and moved to New Jersey, now what could a girl from Cali have to do once she's forced to an ugly house in the back woods of New Jersey? Well she starts to make friends, the blue haired girl who is causing trouble and the little nerdy red head from next door. But what she never thought she'd find was the story and horror that lived within the walls of her new house. The history of the story Christy told was detailed and complex and couldn't have fit better into the story to scare the crap out of you. Brylee is curious and afraid and in the midst of all this her life continues to spin out of control around her, she has made a discovery about herself that leaves her lost and alone. In comes the quiet and dangerously handsome Ephraim, he swoops in and takes up the crumbled pieces and helps Brylee make sense of not only them but also her life. With the back story playing out beautifully through the whole book you are left with one hell of a cliff hanger at the end that will leave your mouth hanging open and your ears perked listening for a strange noise. 5 out of 5 stars for The Brown House by Christy Sloat bravo can't wait for book 2!!!!!