Homecoming

The Crane Diaries #1

by Apryl Baker

New Orleans is a city known for its paranormal history—and it’s the place Emma Rose Crane, AKA Mattie Hathaway, has come home to. She hopes she can start over in New Orleans, where her ability to see ghosts isn't so freaky. She’s even starting college, but the whole thing would be a lot easier if she weren’t faced with a family she barely knows, all while dealing with the loss of someone she loved. Can she really escape her past and be semi-normal? Even with her sister Mary and best friend Eric by her side, it's going to be a wild ride once she agrees to help Mary's new friends investigate a "haunted" house. The house’s new occupants are terrified, and the ghost seems to be attacking their little girl, leaving everyone desperate for answers. Emma isn’t sure what to think when she discovers Dr. Lawrence Olivet was also invited to investigate. Will her gifts be enough to save the family that is currently being stalked in their own home? And when some of her own family’s long-kept secrets come to light, will her fresh start be over before it even begins?

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

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2018

About the author

So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book having no idea that it was a spin-off to another series. 🙈
Definitely, there were things I couldn’t understand, but the story was pretty good.
I can’t remember when was the last time I read a book about ghosts, but I can count the books about ghosts that I read, on one hand. So yeah... it was a breath of fresh air.
I have to read the other series tho... before starting book number two in this series. Maybe this way, things will be a little bit more clear. 😁

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book.  I love this series just as much as Ghost Files.  All the same lovable characters are here and some new family members.  I can't wait for Emma and Dan to finally get together.   Great book and I can't wait for more.  I am sooo glad this author decided to write more books.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new chapter of Mattie-now Emma’s life. Well I first have to say I’m so happy this series exists, Mattie aka Emma’s story was just getting started when the Ghost Files ended. Mattie, Mary and even Eric have all moved down to New Orleans and are attending college. All that was missing was dan and even he dropped in a few times. No matter what Mattie cannot forget who she is or what she can do. Things are no different when Mary drags her along to a ghost hunting experience with a crush of hers. Mattie of course finds another ghost who feeds off children, this time a grieving and angry female ghost. I will say the buildup for this ghost was kind of a letdown when it all went down, Emma/Mattie was able to help the disgruntled woman cross over rather easily compared to spirits in the last.
What took me by surprise was Dan officially claiming Mattie as his, awww took long enough. And out of nowhere surprise her brother popped up. There’s so many questions involving him and I really don’t know if he’s trustworthy. Especially since he’s filled in on practically everything Mattie can do. We also find out Doc had another secret-he’s her uncle. Ugh, that guy is a perfect example of why you should always come clean and not wait for the right time to tell someone the truth because there never is a right time smh. Overall the book kind of read like it was trying to work as a reminder or reintroduction of Mattie and her world and paving the path for Mattie to become whoever she wants. She can keep her abilities under wraps or she can expose them and help those in need, the choice is up to her. I’m really looking forward to more of Mattie and her new ‘gang’-[I guess we can call them that since Eli is gone (😰😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😰) and Caleb is still in Charlotte]-getting in to trouble and taking out evil. She has always been either afraid of embarrassed by her gifts but now she has the chance to embrace them and be her true self.

[Tina H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I did enjoy this book but it didn't keep my interest like The Ghost Files. However, I really enjoy the characters and the bond they share. I look forward to more!

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this story never having previously read any of the ghost files books. I honestly didn't even know this book was related to those. What I knew was that I have fallen in love with Apryl Baker's writing so when I learned she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it. I figured it couldn't hurt to at least try because I love how she creates characters that stick with you. She writes people and story lines that you get invested in. That is what I was hoping to find here. And I am so happy that I took a chance.

This book was fantastic. It was everything I have come to know and love from this author but paranormal. I'm not even normally a fan of books about ghosts. But I loved this one. I didn't even mind the clean romance part either. It was that good.

Now while I wait for the next installment of the Crane Diaries to come out, I'm going to go back and check out Ghost Files.

I highly recommend this one to anyone who's into books with strong leading ladies with great friends, family secrets, and a fast paced flow to the book that keeps you hooked.

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

Ghosts and other paranormal yes I had to read this because I love scary ghost stories and other paranormal things. Plus this takes place in New Orleans home to the paranormal. The setting and the pace of the story flowed very smoothly and I was sucked in from the start. You get to see so much right from the beginning that you have to keep reading it to see what happens next.

Emma hopes to start her life over again and ends up in New Orleans. She has no idea that helping her sister out would change her life again. Her sisters friends house is being haunted and the ghost is taking aim at the little sister. So Emma decides to help out and what she gets is so much more than she bargained for.

This is such an awesome paranormal read that it will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. I can't wait for book two because that ending well I need more to see where things are going.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/3/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
New Orleans is a city known for its paranormal history—and it’s the place Emma Rose Crane, AKA Mattie Hathaway, has come home to.

She hopes she can start over in New Orleans, where her ability to see ghosts isn't so freaky. She’s even starting college, but the whole thing would be a lot easier if she weren’t faced with a family she barely knows, all while dealing with the loss of someone she loved.

Can she really escape her past and be semi-normal? Even with her sister Mary and best friend Eric by her side, it's going to be a wild ride once she agrees to help Mary's new friends investigate a "haunted" house.

The house’s new occupants are terrified, and the ghost seems to be attacking their little girl, leaving everyone desperate for answers. Emma isn’t sure what to think when she discovers Dr. Lawrence Olivet was also invited to investigate.

Will her gifts be enough to save the family that is currently being stalked in their own home? And when some of her own family’s long-kept secrets come to light, will her fresh start be over before it even begins?

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it's good to have the gang back lol. I'm glad that the darkness hasn't gone from the books and I liked the story behind the ghost in this one. I liked that we have now met Mattie's brother and I wonder how he'll fit into her life and what backlash that will cause.

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic read that I couldn't put it down. From start to finish, the author pulls you into the midst of the storyline and as you read it you can see the hair on your arms quickly standing up and staying that way until the very end.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before you start this series make sure you read The Ghost Files as this is a spin off from that series. For whatever reason I didn't realize that when I started reading that book. Now the author is good about back tracking and filling in gaps. And I did read book 1 in The Ghost Files, The Ghost Files so I wasn't completely lost. But I am definitely going to go back and read the other books in The Ghost Files before I continue on with this series. I like this world, the ghosts. It's kind of like reading episodes of Ghost Hunters but with actual ghosts. I will for sure continue on in the series.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are ghosts, wraiths, demons, hellhounds, reapers; there just about all the spiritual paranormal that one book can hold.  Homecoming is part of the Ghost Files series and although it can be read as a standalone it would be helpful to read the other books first just for the insight on the backstories that are touched on in this book, also to help keep up with the large amount of characters that are in there.  Since it is a paranormal book I couldn’t keep up with who was dead and a ghost or who was an actual person or a demon etc.  The story itself was entertaining and kept my interest and made me want to go back and read the first books in the series since I hadn’t read them.  I enjoyed reading this book.
 

[Mac Dubista Keso The Bibliobibuli v(=∩_∩=) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm excited to know more about Mattie's adventure! Love the ending! Less drama on this book, points for Ms. Baker! More Silas and Nathaniel moments please! Ohh Eric, you go girl! Haha I want to see how MARY'S CHARACTER will bloom and have her talents show! Yay! More secrets should be reveal in the next book pls! 😊

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, Matt- Emma is a broken record. I get it. The reminder in the beginning of the book is necessary as a refresher but she never fails to keep bringing up the same thing over and over.

1. Orphan who lived a tough life
2. Her rap sheet
3. How so and so is like the family she never had
4. Her feelings for dan (explained not felt)
5. Something about her powers

Like alright already! The story could have been developed a little better. I still don’t even feel the closeness of Mary and matt- Emma. I mean I get what they’ve gone through but again, it was more explained than felt. Not a lot of moments where you feel their connection. Idk maybe that’s just me.

Despite that, I’m invested to see where the story goes so on I trudge!

[Gina Clabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rounded this book to 5 stars because 4.7 stars was close enough. I would like to start off saying you need to read Apryl Baker's Ghost Files series (5Books) because this is a continuing series of Mattie Hathaway AKA Emma Rose life as she has moved to New Orleans to start anew. I did not read book 5 because the stories were so good I did not want it to end and now I can read it and move on to the Crane Diaries series. You will not understand the story of Mattie Hathaway in the Crane Diaries if you don't read the Ghost Files series. I won't say much as I did not realize this Homecoming book was a continue of the Ghost Files. I don't read the back of books when a book I'm interested in so not to get spoiled and I don't watch reviews on booktubers or Goodreads because I feel it spoils me for the book I'm excited about, Apryl Baker is an Author I fell in love with on her writing which is easy to read, actioned packed, family and friends who you will fall in love with throughout these series. Mattie has had a rough life through foster cares and as she sees ghost and tries not to get close to them, she always seem to get in a pickle when the ghosts and family members decide to kill her all the time. Her families are demons/ angels and her friends that she only trust keep her safe no matter what and she does the same for them.. I have these on kindle but want to have the physical books too so I bought the first Crane series and glad I did, the cover art is stunning and I love the chapter endings of the cutest Grim Reaper that reminds me of the Grim Reaper on Ninteno 64 Conker's Bad Fur Day when Conker dies and this little Grim Reaper comes out I love it.. The font in this book is huge and I really liked that because it made it read so fast and helped with old eyes. I relate to these stories because I know what it was like for Mattie to grow up in foster care because I went through 7 different ones before being adopted so does it trigger me to read about it, at first it did but I have put all that evil behind me so it was easy to sit back and enjoy a action packed butt kicking, crazy girl who I loved to see find happiness.. I don't won't to spoil but Emma Rose finds a soul eating ghost trying to steal babies souls because she is angry and Emma and her ghost hunting friends have to find a way to stop this ghost trust me when I say even though there is great detail in how they move this ghost along it is also to me beautiful how she does it. Probably my favorite thing that I love the most is Emma Rose does not cuss and she does not let anyone around her cuss either and that is why I love Mattie Hathaway/Emma Rose and that she is part Demon/ Angel, she is a good person who wants ghost to move on peacefully but runs into some mean ones.. Recommend to all who love Ghost/ Action/ Family/Friends/Love and just a great series go pick up the Ghost Files & Crane Diaries give Apryl Baker the recognition she so deserves. Gooooo. Go Now you won't be disappointed promise. Gina Clabo..

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that owned me from first page to last

My first book by this author, this series is a sequel to the Ghost Files series. While I thought this book worked pretty well as a standalone (the author does a great job of dropping in facts without being overwhelming), it does mention events that are spoilers for the first series. So for the best experience, or if you're a stickler about spoilers and/or for reading books in order, I'd recommend reading the Ghost Files books first.

It was literally a dark and stormy night when I read this, a perfect night for a ghost story, and in spite of the fact that I was new to these characters, I was immediately pulled into the book. The world building is spectacular, even without the full background of the previous series. This author has a smooth writing style that does a great job of setting the scene and evoking emotions. The book reminded me a great deal of the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (pretty much my all-time favorite urban fantasy series), both in style and with how similar Emma/Mattie is to Mercy--two intelligent, kick a$$ heroines who aren't truly human. Emma just has to deal with ghosts, reapers and Fallen Angels instead of werewolves, Fae and vampires. 😀

With a fascinating world, a wonderful cast of characters, a plot that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat, plus humor, love, fear, pain and a touch of romance, this was a story that owned me from first page to last. I'm definitely going to be keeping my eyes open for more in this series. Ghosts stories aren't usually high on my paranormal TBR list (I usually prefer shifters or mythology inspired stories) but this one just made me reorder my priorities as I'll be going back to read the Ghost Files books--I'm thinking I should save them for closer to Halloween, but like any great Halloween treat, it's going to test my willpower to wait. 5+ stars

B2B Kelly

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming by Apryl Baker is the first book in the The Crane Diares Series. I did not know when I chose to read this book that the story actually starts in a previous series called Ghost Files . So at times I was a little lost. The book does give a little insight into the past story but I do think this book would be better read if i had read other books from The Ghost Files.



Homecoming is a very intense book. Mattie Hathaway now goes by Emma Rose Crane. She grew up in the foster system. Now sh is living in New Orleans where she feels her gifts of seeing ghosts and being a reaper will not set her as far apart being as New Orleans is the most haunted town, and pretty much everyone believes in ghosts, spirits, and hauntings.



She is with her honorary sister Mary and best friend Eric and all is going well until Mary meets Wade leader of Ghost Chasers. Mary asks Emma to go with her on her first outing with Wade since she doesn't want to be alone while meeting the rest of the Ghost Chasers crew. Once at the house Emma realizes that the place is really haunted, and also another character from the previous series is also invited, Dr. Lawrence Olivet. She also meets more members from her blood family



Can Emma's powers save the family living in the home? Who does she trust in her real family? Like I said this book would be better if you had of read the Ghost Files series but it is a standalone and is really very good. I will be looking for the Ghost Files books to catch myself up, and am also looking for book 2 in this series.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apryl Baker brings us back to the world of The Ghost Files and the Ghost Girl, Mattie Hathaway. These days, Mattie goes by Emma Rose Crane, her real name. It's a fresh name for a fresh start in New Orleans. She's no longer a foster kid but has a real family. Her dad and grandparents adore her and she has her "sister" Mary, and "brother" Eric by her side, and best of all nobody knows her as that creepy Ghost Girl anymore... what could possibly go wrong? Cue "The Scooby Gang" a group of young "ghost hunters" with a YouTube channel, lots of enthusiasm, but not a whole lot of common sense. Emma finds that the Scooby Gang is in way over their heads with the current haunting that they are investigating that involves a toddler that lives in the home and a dangerous soul eating entity that has claimed the baby as it's meal. Emma must enlist the help of some old and new friends to banish the entity before it can harm anyone else!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested an ARC of this book I didn’t know that it was part of a previous series nor had I read anything from Apryl Baker before this.

The second I started it I was pulled right into the world of these characters and I was hooked. This book got me into such a Fall mood and it kinda reminded me of the show The Ghost Whisperer (which I LOVED as a teenager) that I found myself finishing it in one sitting. I just loved how the main character Mattie/Emma was able to pull so many people into her life who wanted to protect her and after reading this book I definitely want to go back to read the previous series The Ghost Files.

If you love spooky ghosts but still want to be able to sleep at night, this is so the book for you! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more on these characters so thanks to the author for allowing me to review this book!

[Energy Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read any work by Baker before this book, and while other reviewers are mentioning the return of Emma/Mattie, I didn't find that I was lost in this book, which was a big plus. While there certainly is an entire world before I came in, Baker does a great job of catching us up without making us feel that we should be lost.
There is an entity that is after a baby, and Mattie teams up with "The Scooby Gang", a group of wannabe ghost hunters, to help save the baby. I enjoyed reading everyone's backstories and getting to know the whole crew. Filled with action from beginning to end, Homecoming has me wanting to go back and learn about the crew from the beginning of their stories. Baker has done a great job of blending paranormal with action and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading more of her.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Rose Crane aka Mattie Hathaway is in New Orleans starting her new life. Emma and Mary, along with Eric are in college and just trying to adjust to everything. No one here knows about Emma's past or gift, and she tends to keep it that way. But when Mary has a crush on a guy who chases ghost and ends up finding a true haunted house; Emma is forced to use her gift. No one can stop this ghost except for Emma.
Add in a new brother and uncle Emma has alot to deal with. She needs to learn to do everything on her own, unless she wants to ask for help. Somethings never change for Emma Rose Mattie Hathaway Crane.
I loved this spinoff! I was sad when I thought the Ghost Files were completely done. I loved having the old characters along with new ones in this book. Apryl Baker did a great job.

[Sarah Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

The ghost files are hands down the best series I’ve read in a long time. When I heard that ghost files was no more I was truly upset but when I found out that Apryl was continuing with mattie’s story in the crane diaries it really made my day!

I really recommend that you read the ghost files before this series as you may feel a little confused with some things that are mentioned and it will help you to get the feel of Emma aka Mattie more and what she has been through.

I loved this book, didn’t take me very long to get through it either. I really miss the Malones though and really hope they make an appearance in other books.

This story was well written and so glad that Emma helped the soul eater to move on. These are hands down my favourite books and ones I will read over and over.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This low rating is given specifically relating to the age group this book is listed for. When I got the book, it was listed as being for "middle school" age. I also saw it listed as "children's scary story." I started reading it in the Amazon sample offered and I was intrigued -- even though I'm an "older" woman. I then got the book and as I continued to read, the story became intense and what I would consider way too scary for a 10-12 year old child. If the book was simply listed as "horror" without the young age designation, I would have no complaint. But, I don't think any child of that tender age should read such disturbing descriptions, like an evil very scary ghost sucking the breath from a baby girl as she sleeps in her crib. This is not appropriate reading material for a child. Otherwise, the story is imaginative and in my opinion, written for an upper teen and beyond.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Apryl Baker novel and I was not disappointed. This has everything: ghosts, demons, wraiths and romance! This is another story in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I was not confused at all, but would love to go back and read the other books.

I love our main character, Emma and her backstory. She is a really well rounded character and I fell in love with her instantly. Apryl Baker has created a cast of characters that a truly unique and a lot of fun to read about.

I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of paranormal romance. This is a story that grabs you from the beginning and holds your attention all the way through.

*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOOOOOOOOO GLAD this series continued.
If you love the original Ghost File series then you HAVE to continue this one

This is one of my favorite series I had read and I am glad that it has a chance at becoming a movie/tv show.

This book takes place when Emma/Mattie is in college now and goes on a case at a haunted house.
I loved the whole book and especially the end when Dan comes back!!!!!

Emma discovers Doc is really her uncle( her real moms brother), she meets Nathaniel who says is her brother and doesnt want to harm her. Her friends Eric and Mary go to school with her. At the end Dan comes and says that he doesnt want to be away from her anymore that he needs her and one day he will marry her.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy smoke sh*t, I love this book.
No, scratch that. I love the while f*cking series.

Emma Rose Mathilda Hathaway Crane, where can I begin to describe her. She is the firecracker. I love how determine, stubborn, and sassy she is. She is not afraid to show the world what she’s made of.
I need a little Mattie with me on the way out.

And Oh-My-Gawd. Dan and Mattie? F*ck me. They would make the perfect couple. A match made in heaven! (...or hell lol)

I would like to thank Apryl Baker for this amazing, mind-blowing, heart aching, and thrilling Ghost File Series. I f*cking love every moment I spent on this book. Holy sh*t. This book will be the first and last thing on my mind for the next coming weeks.

[Randall Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be completely honest. I was a little reluctant going into this book. Don’t get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed the ghost files series, but I thought that the story had ran its course. I believed that Mattie’s story had been told. So I dove into my ARC copy of this book with hopeful optimism and prayed it wouldn’t turn out like a bad movie sequel. Needless to say, as you can tell by my 5 star rating, I believe Apryl Baker knocked it out of the park. I couldn’t put it down. The new story line is fantastic and leaves you hungry for the next book in the series. It’s a must read for any fans of the ghost files series.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting beginning for the highly anticipated spin off to The Ghost Files series. Emma Rose, aka Mattie, is back and living in New Orleans in the hopes of making a fresh start. Of course it’s not so simple for Emma Rose to make a fresh start when she sees ghosts everywhere and of course, in the book she finds herself in the middle of a ghost hunt which is what she does best. I really enjoyed this book and got to follow Mattie’s story again which is one of the main things I loved about The Ghost Files series. I’m so glad that Officer Dan is back as he has always been my favourite character. If you’re a fan of The Ghost Files, you’ll love this book too.

[Brandy Mulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the ghost files series, so I felt a little left out on some of the connections between the characters. I read the first couple of chapters and realized they had a history, so I stopped and read ghost files book 1 real quick, and felt a much better connection to the characters. I feel like a sprinkle of background here and there may have helped this one out since there is so much history there. I am interested in finding out what happens next. Who knew ghosts could be so dangerous? Plus a brother who might try to kill you? yep it's got interesting things going on. There is no adult content.

[Hauntedbybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I'm going to mention that this book can be read as a standalone but it's actually part of the Ghost Files series. I do think it would have been better to have read the Ghost Files first because it does talk about things that have happened in previous books. That being said I still really enjoyed this book Also the author does fill you in on some of what happened to the characters in previous books. I love the writing! The characters are so well written! This was a great read, especially for the fall time. If your looking for a spooky book with plenty of paranormal then this book is for you!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings; but definitely read book 1 first

I neither loved nor disliked this book. To be fair I didn't read the first book and I'm sure that would have helped me appreciate this one much much more. I liked the main character, but there were so many secondary characters I have to admit I got a little lost in the middle. I liked the uniqueness of the the main characters abilities and background. This is not your typical "haunted house" storyline...at all. Would I recommend it to you? Yeah I think so, but I wish I had read the first one before I read this one, because it drags a lot over you won't understand otherwise. Will I read more in thus series? Maybe