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The Haunting of Hattie Hastings
A hauntingly heartwarming and hilarious tale of love, loss and second chances…Hattie Hastings is living a simple but happy life with husband, Gary, and son, Johnny.
But her world is turned upside down when Gary is killed in a freak accident. How will she carry on without her childhood sweetheart by her side?
Turns out, Gary missed the sign for the afterlife and pops up unannounced at the most inopportune moments.
Gary has a mission — although he’s not quite sure what it is yet — and it involves Hattie.
Meanwhile, Hattie needs to come to terms with his ghostly comings and goings, as well as convince family and friends of his return.
There’s also the small matter of best friend Cat’s ex-husband trying to worm his way back into her life. And Hattie’s beloved mum is battling her own demons…
Packed with humour, teenage angst, dubious dates and bittersweet romance, prepare to laugh and cry at a unique romantic comedy described as ‘brilliant’, ‘hilarious’ and ‘a great feel-good read.’
But her world is turned upside down when Gary is killed in a freak accident. How will she carry on without her childhood sweetheart by her side?
Turns out, Gary missed the sign for the afterlife and pops up unannounced at the most inopportune moments.
Gary has a mission — although he’s not quite sure what it is yet — and it involves Hattie.
Meanwhile, Hattie needs to come to terms with his ghostly comings and goings, as well as convince family and friends of his return.
There’s also the small matter of best friend Cat’s ex-husband trying to worm his way back into her life. And Hattie’s beloved mum is battling her own demons…
Packed with humour, teenage angst, dubious dates and bittersweet romance, prepare to laugh and cry at a unique romantic comedy described as ‘brilliant’, ‘hilarious’ and ‘a great feel-good read.’
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
182 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Davis
11 books107 followersAudrey Davis survived secondary school on the West coast of Scotland. Rubbish at science but not too bad at English, she originally wanted to be an actress but was persuaded that journalism was a safer option. Probably wise. She studied at Napier College in Edinburgh, the only place in Scotland at that time to offer a journalism course.
Her first foray into the hard-nosed newspaper world was as a junior reporter in Dumfriesshire. Duties included interviewing farmers about the prize-winning heifers to reporting on family tragedies. She persuaded her editor to let her launch an entertainment column which meant meeting the odd celebrity – or just the downright odd. From there, she moved to the loftier rank of senior reporter back in her home patch. Slightly more money, fewer farm animals but a higher crime rate. As Taggart would say: 'There's been a murrrrder!'
After a stint in London on a video magazine – yes, she is that old – Audrey moved to Singapore with her fiancé. She tried valiantly to embrace the stinking heat, humidity and lack of jobs, although she did work briefly on a magazine which was banned by the government for 'artistic' use of naked men's bottoms.
Next on her adventures was a land Down Under where her main focus was raising Cost Centre One (aka firstborn) and coming to terms with the imminent arrival of Number Two. Still, she loved the Aussie way of life – BBQs, beaches and bring your own booze to restaurants – so it came as a blow when OH announced a move back to the UK. Not a job between use, the climate a possible deal breaker and an Exorcist-style vomiting infant on the flight home didn't bode well …
Always a survivor, Audrey sought out similar-minded friends (i.e. slightly bonkers), got the children into a good school and thought about taking up writing again. Sadly, thinking about it was as far as she got, unless you count shopping lists. Then, hubby drops another bombshell. Switzerland. As in – it's packing time again. Off to the land of cheese, chocolate, scarily efficient trains and a couple of teeny, tiny issues. Like driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and speaking a foreign language (French). The former was conquered fairly quickly (we'll skip over the wall demolition in week two), the latter remains an ongoing battle of the hopeful against the hopeless. At least she provides amusement for the local workforce.
It wasn't until 2016 that Audrey rediscovered her writing mojo with an on line Writing Fiction course. From there, her first novel – A Clean Sweep – was born, although it took a bit longer than nine months from conception. A short, darker prequel – A Clean Break – followed, and in November 2017 she published the first in a novella trilogy, The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One. Parts Two and Three followed, and were combined into a standalone novel in November 2018. Her third romantic comedy A Wish For Jinnie will be published in June 2020.
Her first foray into the hard-nosed newspaper world was as a junior reporter in Dumfriesshire. Duties included interviewing farmers about the prize-winning heifers to reporting on family tragedies. She persuaded her editor to let her launch an entertainment column which meant meeting the odd celebrity – or just the downright odd. From there, she moved to the loftier rank of senior reporter back in her home patch. Slightly more money, fewer farm animals but a higher crime rate. As Taggart would say: 'There's been a murrrrder!'
After a stint in London on a video magazine – yes, she is that old – Audrey moved to Singapore with her fiancé. She tried valiantly to embrace the stinking heat, humidity and lack of jobs, although she did work briefly on a magazine which was banned by the government for 'artistic' use of naked men's bottoms.
Next on her adventures was a land Down Under where her main focus was raising Cost Centre One (aka firstborn) and coming to terms with the imminent arrival of Number Two. Still, she loved the Aussie way of life – BBQs, beaches and bring your own booze to restaurants – so it came as a blow when OH announced a move back to the UK. Not a job between use, the climate a possible deal breaker and an Exorcist-style vomiting infant on the flight home didn't bode well …
Always a survivor, Audrey sought out similar-minded friends (i.e. slightly bonkers), got the children into a good school and thought about taking up writing again. Sadly, thinking about it was as far as she got, unless you count shopping lists. Then, hubby drops another bombshell. Switzerland. As in – it's packing time again. Off to the land of cheese, chocolate, scarily efficient trains and a couple of teeny, tiny issues. Like driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and speaking a foreign language (French). The former was conquered fairly quickly (we'll skip over the wall demolition in week two), the latter remains an ongoing battle of the hopeful against the hopeless. At least she provides amusement for the local workforce.
It wasn't until 2016 that Audrey rediscovered her writing mojo with an on line Writing Fiction course. From there, her first novel – A Clean Sweep – was born, although it took a bit longer than nine months from conception. A short, darker prequel – A Clean Break – followed, and in November 2017 she published the first in a novella trilogy, The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One. Parts Two and Three followed, and were combined into a standalone novel in November 2018. Her third romantic comedy A Wish For Jinnie will be published in June 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 27, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
A few days after the funeral, they’d returned in a taxi, his mum insisting on carrying his urn in her capacious handbag. Unfortunately, the driver took a speed bump a little too fast and the contents of the urn upturned and mixed with the contents of the aforementioned bag. Thus, Gary’s remains were scooped back into the receptacle along with ancient biscuit crumbs, loose change and a couple of mangled Werther’s Originals.
You just farted! Silent but deadly. Christ, Hats, I might be on the other side but that could fell North Korea. Or serve as their nuclear deterrent.
It’s been a very long time… but they say it’s like riding a bike. Although we might have to go through a few gears to hit our stride.
Stewart looked uncomfortable at her question. Seeing him squirm in his seat was akin to watching a politician being grilled about dodgy expense claims.
Lost her husband? How she hated that phrase. As if she’d misplaced him, like a house key or a phone.
There was nothing wrong with Roger; he was just a million miles from right. Maybe his perfect match was in French Polynesia, patiently weaving a hair garland and dreaming of a man with cartoon character undies.
Don’t think I haven’t noticed you ogling Mike next door when he’s mowing the lawn in those ridiculously tight shorts. Christ, if they were any tighter, his balls would be begging Amnesty International for freedom.
She was make-up free, her skin that enviable porcelain Hattie could only have dreamed of in her youth. Her teens had been plagued by spots, the hideous blighters regrouping during the night.
Can you take a few days off from the salon, or will the wrinkly clientele attack you with pitchforks and vats of serum?
‘Does my bum look big in this?’ Cat stretched around to check out her rear, encased in skin-tight faux leather trousers. ‘Bloody enormous. Like something you’d see wallowing in an African river,’ retorted Hattie…
My Review:
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings was a delightful and witty treat. I enjoyed the unique storyline, endearing and quirky characters, and Ms. Davis’s amusing and clever humor as well as poignant passages which squeezed my heart. Death has always been a difficult and uncomfortable process for me to work through, it was how I knew the medical field was not for me and brought about a swift change in career planning. Hattie has gotten comfortable with the specter that was her late husband, although he has brought his otherworldly “mission” to her for assistance as a go-between in dealing with the living. I don’t know how I would handle Hattie’s conundrum of a deceased husband who has not… departed, yet wasn’t an angel or a zombie. I relished this original and entertaining premise, although I wanted to give Hattie’s friend Cat a whack in the head with my Kindle for her resounding stupidity. I smirked and giggled-snorted over the witty twist used for a child’s orange-faced troll doll named Grump, who was named for the man he resembles in the media. Snort.
Audrey Davis provided a humorous and creative vision of the afterlife, one which I certainly wouldn’t mind finding myself slotted into, even if I needed to fulfill the role of helpful specter before earning my spot within “The Next Realm” with bouncy castles and a bump up in class, comfort, and extra legroom. I reveled in her quirky characters and highly innovative and entertaining storylines. Ms. Davis’ lively wit and comedic stylings kept me smirking and snorting aloud and left my Brit Vocabulary List well padded. I adore Ms. Davis’s imagination, insights, and clever humor. I will be extremely eager for future books to magically appear on her listings and then quickly one-clicked to my beloved Kindle.
A few days after the funeral, they’d returned in a taxi, his mum insisting on carrying his urn in her capacious handbag. Unfortunately, the driver took a speed bump a little too fast and the contents of the urn upturned and mixed with the contents of the aforementioned bag. Thus, Gary’s remains were scooped back into the receptacle along with ancient biscuit crumbs, loose change and a couple of mangled Werther’s Originals.
You just farted! Silent but deadly. Christ, Hats, I might be on the other side but that could fell North Korea. Or serve as their nuclear deterrent.
It’s been a very long time… but they say it’s like riding a bike. Although we might have to go through a few gears to hit our stride.
Stewart looked uncomfortable at her question. Seeing him squirm in his seat was akin to watching a politician being grilled about dodgy expense claims.
Lost her husband? How she hated that phrase. As if she’d misplaced him, like a house key or a phone.
There was nothing wrong with Roger; he was just a million miles from right. Maybe his perfect match was in French Polynesia, patiently weaving a hair garland and dreaming of a man with cartoon character undies.
Don’t think I haven’t noticed you ogling Mike next door when he’s mowing the lawn in those ridiculously tight shorts. Christ, if they were any tighter, his balls would be begging Amnesty International for freedom.
She was make-up free, her skin that enviable porcelain Hattie could only have dreamed of in her youth. Her teens had been plagued by spots, the hideous blighters regrouping during the night.
Can you take a few days off from the salon, or will the wrinkly clientele attack you with pitchforks and vats of serum?
‘Does my bum look big in this?’ Cat stretched around to check out her rear, encased in skin-tight faux leather trousers. ‘Bloody enormous. Like something you’d see wallowing in an African river,’ retorted Hattie…
My Review:
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings was a delightful and witty treat. I enjoyed the unique storyline, endearing and quirky characters, and Ms. Davis’s amusing and clever humor as well as poignant passages which squeezed my heart. Death has always been a difficult and uncomfortable process for me to work through, it was how I knew the medical field was not for me and brought about a swift change in career planning. Hattie has gotten comfortable with the specter that was her late husband, although he has brought his otherworldly “mission” to her for assistance as a go-between in dealing with the living. I don’t know how I would handle Hattie’s conundrum of a deceased husband who has not… departed, yet wasn’t an angel or a zombie. I relished this original and entertaining premise, although I wanted to give Hattie’s friend Cat a whack in the head with my Kindle for her resounding stupidity. I smirked and giggled-snorted over the witty twist used for a child’s orange-faced troll doll named Grump, who was named for the man he resembles in the media. Snort.
Audrey Davis provided a humorous and creative vision of the afterlife, one which I certainly wouldn’t mind finding myself slotted into, even if I needed to fulfill the role of helpful specter before earning my spot within “The Next Realm” with bouncy castles and a bump up in class, comfort, and extra legroom. I reveled in her quirky characters and highly innovative and entertaining storylines. Ms. Davis’ lively wit and comedic stylings kept me smirking and snorting aloud and left my Brit Vocabulary List well padded. I adore Ms. Davis’s imagination, insights, and clever humor. I will be extremely eager for future books to magically appear on her listings and then quickly one-clicked to my beloved Kindle.
Read
July 31, 2023I read THE HAUNTING OF HATTIE HASTINGS as part of a book club. Hattie is a middle-aged British woman whose husband is killed while taking out the trash in the first chapters of the book and comes back as a ghost. This is a multiple-POV book that focuses on the experiences of Hattie and her friend group and family navigating day to day life with a big dose of satire and comedy. I really enjoyed the writing voice and the author’s sense of humor. I would recommend this book to fans of satire and humor who are looking for something zany and light. I especially liked side characters Cat and Johnny.
September 4, 2020
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings by Audrey Davis. Kindle Edition, 275 pages. Published 27 November 2018. 4 Stars.
This was a light, fun read. Catapulted by tragedy and its responding grief, this story is optimistic and swells with romance, friendship, family, humor and new beginnings—all set into progressive motion with messages from the beyond.
This was a light, fun read. Catapulted by tragedy and its responding grief, this story is optimistic and swells with romance, friendship, family, humor and new beginnings—all set into progressive motion with messages from the beyond.
November 27, 2018
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings
Hattie is just your average woman of a certain age, with a husband and grown up son who drive her mad. She could be you or me, except for one thing...her husband is unexpectedly killed in an accident but he’s not ready to go and so decides to haunt Hattie!!!
I absolutely adored every about this book, from the beginning to the end. The characters are warm,endearing and completely relatable; although I’m not sure how many wives are haunted by their late husband! I don’t want to give any spoilers away but this book is everything you would hope it would be and more and I’m genuinely sad it’s finished! Five shiny stars with halos from purplebookstand!
Hattie is just your average woman of a certain age, with a husband and grown up son who drive her mad. She could be you or me, except for one thing...her husband is unexpectedly killed in an accident but he’s not ready to go and so decides to haunt Hattie!!!
I absolutely adored every about this book, from the beginning to the end. The characters are warm,endearing and completely relatable; although I’m not sure how many wives are haunted by their late husband! I don’t want to give any spoilers away but this book is everything you would hope it would be and more and I’m genuinely sad it’s finished! Five shiny stars with halos from purplebookstand!
November 27, 2018
I read this when it came out as three short novellas and I really enjoyed them.
Funny and emotional, the journey of Hattie Hastings draws you in.
Widowed abruptly, Hattie struggles to move on and when she thinks she has, she discovers an ally,a connection to her past that she never expected..
Gary's presence invokes a lot of laughs but it's also a bittersweet reminder to live every moment wisely.
A book for those who like humour with feelings!
Funny and emotional, the journey of Hattie Hastings draws you in.
Widowed abruptly, Hattie struggles to move on and when she thinks she has, she discovers an ally,a connection to her past that she never expected..
Gary's presence invokes a lot of laughs but it's also a bittersweet reminder to live every moment wisely.
A book for those who like humour with feelings!
January 26, 2019
The tragic loss of her beloved husband, shakes Harriet(Hattie)’s life,
she will now have to deal with a life without him, or will she? As the spirit of her longtime sweetheart, Gary pops up, she is fearing that she’s losing her mind. But, as she realizes this is all too real, she’s forced to convince her brother, and best friend of this fact. Is it possible to grief over a man, who is technically still there?
This book got a lot going on, and everything collides in the earliest pages, kind of shocking you a bit with the speed, but it got me hooked. I love the many familiar references used in this book; The Walking Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks, I’m a fan, and this keeps happening throughout the book. I love how Hattie, and her friend Cat’s relationship is planned out, they argue and discuss everything, just like normal friends would. And with the view of this book, we doesn’t only get to know Hattie, but her brother, and mother; seeing what they are going through adds something to the story.
Great book, with a quick flow of the book, a bit too quick for my taste, and there’s a lot of things happening, very quickly and suddenly. However, I enjoyed reading it. Caring and funny, characters. Who could be realistically stupid at times.
So, if you enjoy romance with a ghostly, and funny twist this book is definitely for you!
Rating.
3,5 out of 5 stars.
she will now have to deal with a life without him, or will she? As the spirit of her longtime sweetheart, Gary pops up, she is fearing that she’s losing her mind. But, as she realizes this is all too real, she’s forced to convince her brother, and best friend of this fact. Is it possible to grief over a man, who is technically still there?
This book got a lot going on, and everything collides in the earliest pages, kind of shocking you a bit with the speed, but it got me hooked. I love the many familiar references used in this book; The Walking Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks, I’m a fan, and this keeps happening throughout the book. I love how Hattie, and her friend Cat’s relationship is planned out, they argue and discuss everything, just like normal friends would. And with the view of this book, we doesn’t only get to know Hattie, but her brother, and mother; seeing what they are going through adds something to the story.
Great book, with a quick flow of the book, a bit too quick for my taste, and there’s a lot of things happening, very quickly and suddenly. However, I enjoyed reading it. Caring and funny, characters. Who could be realistically stupid at times.
So, if you enjoy romance with a ghostly, and funny twist this book is definitely for you!
Rating.
3,5 out of 5 stars.
November 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I originally read it in 3 parts and I am delighted that it has been combined into one book. The story is just up my street - essentially Hattie’s husband died, but he keeps turning up - but initially only Hattie can see and hear him. However he does ring a bell to give her some warning. A fun, witty, clever book.
November 28, 2018
I read this novel when it was released as a series of three novellas. I anticipated each one as I waited for the next to be released, and now they are combined as one novel! You will experience a variety of emotions from laughter to possibly a few tears by the end. Buy this novel, you will not regret it! I can not wait until the paperback is available, I WILL buy it!
December 10, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. It made me laugh & cry. Highly recommend it.
December 1, 2018
Make no mistake, Harriet ‘Hattie’ Hastings adores her husband, Gary and their son, Johnny. But the too-long-unemployed spouse and recent uni-dropout offspring are not making life easy for the hard-working barista who searches in vain for her silver lining.
Fate intervenes with a dark hand leaving Hattie a grieving widow. Before she’s had time to mourn and adjust to Gary’s demise… he’s back!
Of course, Hattie believes her mind’s gone around the bend, but she does come to accept the fact Gary is back in all his ethereal glory, and he’s just as confused about it as she is. But Gary obviously has some unfinished business and he and Hattie will have to figure it out what it is.
Hattie struggles with how to share the news with Johnny, and with the three people closest to her, brother Jack, mom Rachel, and bestie Cat, without getting locked away in a padded room.
The theme of loss runs through The Haunting of Hattie Hastings and touches all the characters, but it is the way they deal with the loss, separately and together, which make this such a lively, winning read. Along with Hattie losing Gary, Rachel lost Hattie and Jack’s dad when they were so young, they don’t remember him. Cat’s marriage failed, but after details come to light, I’m thinking it was a good thing as in ‘less is more!” HA!
The story is told from multiple points of view in such a fluid, non-confusing way, I found myself looking forward to each chapter, anxious to find out how each character progressed past their situations.
But, this is Hattie’s story and she is so well-written! Hattie doesn’t have superpowers, wealth or vast material possessions, stunning beauty, or a yearning to visit another planet. She’s every-woman, rolling with the punches of life, trying to figure it all out—like why her dead husband is haunting her. Hattie is arguably one of the most normal characters I’ve come across. Her humor, wit, and sarcasm are all on point! She’s suffered a heartbreaking loss and it hurts. But, she is not so consumed in self-pity she ignores those she loves. She hopes her son finds direction in life. She wants to know what her mother is keeping from her. Hattie hopes to always be close with her brother, and of course, she prays Cat finds a man worthy of her who will love and cherish her, not rip away her dignity and self-esteem.
This is a very British read. There’s enough tea served to fill Boston Harbor. But mentions of scones, Downton Abbey, and the Queen are mixed right in with mentions of the Ghostbusters and Homer Simpson and pop culture favorites, The Lord of the Rings, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the Cat in the Hat!
But pop culture takes a back seat when Cat receives a double shock.
One was the reappearance of her loathsome ex-husband after nearly ten years.
The other… well, she’s still not sure what to make of it, but she’s filled with shame and regret and knows she owes her best friend an apology.
Gary’s unfinished business is revealed with the arrival of a child to the otherworldly realm. The death of a child is never easy and it even guts Gary, but he understands what he must do in order for he and the child, Marty, to move on… and his mission cannot be completed without Hattie.
Hattie is not on-board with Gary’s plan in the beginning and refuses. She’s also preoccupied with being happy for Johnny’s hesitant steps into responsible adulthood. She reconnects with Gary’s best friend, Barry, trying to understand the full breadth of his grief, as well as who he truly is. Hattie, at last, finds out Rachel’s secret and it leaves her numb. But she is encouraged not only by her mother’s unending strength but also by the man (Ralph) who refuses to leave her side.
This is where Ralph became my favorite character in the story… because not all book-boyfriends are twenty-five looking for a virgin – go, Ralph!
Cheered on by coworker, Beth, Johnny, and Rachel, Hattie meets an admirer for drinks… with disastrous results, thanks in part to Gary. In his defense, Gary acted in Hattie’s best interest because some men are simply selfish, self-centered jerks. Go, Gary!
Hattie is also worried about Cat’s continued involvement with Stewart, the aforementioned loathsome ex-husband.
This part bugged me. After all he put her through, and all the years and effort Cat put into rebuilding her life and herself, it made no sense to me that she’d act like a typical empty-headed romance novel female and allow herself to be so easily lead and manipulated. It blows up in her face when someone who loves her is hurt by her actions, and I’m wishing hot festering boils on her body not because it happened, but because she knew better. Fix it!
Motivated by Gary’s sincerity… and a child’s orange toy that bears a striking resemblance to a certain sitting president, Hattie embarks on a journey to bring closure in the here and now, and the hereafter.
So concerned with all going on around her, Hattie continues to put herself on the back burner, steeling herself for the day when Gary is truly gone.
She focuses on son Johnny, hoping he’s at last on the path to happiness and success.
Rachel, her mother, grows visibly weaker but will the strong, independent mom who raised Hattie and her brother be able to beat the disease ravaging her body?
Barry was a good friend to Hattie’s late husband, but is that romantic interest in Barry’s eyes? Say it isn’t so! Please!
Has Cat lost all her good sense and taken back her wretched, deplorable, low-life ex-husband, Stewart? Hattie saw what she believed to be an intimate moment between them and cannot unsee it or bleach it from her brain.
Hattie is also at odds with her job at Express Yourself. She doesn’t want to be a barista forever but has no clue how to put her life on a different path.
However, before she can figure any of this out, Hattie Hastings must assist her ghostly husband with helping his young charge to move on by delivering a message to the boy’s parents.
Hattie would rather do anything else than visit strangers to tell them she had a message from their dead son given to her by her dead husband.
Can you blame her?
But that’s exactly what Hattie does because that’s who she is.
Hattie hasn’t led a charmed life. Life has taken more than a few swipes at her and gotten in some solid punches. But while Hattie may have been beaten up by life, she was never beaten down. She owns every second of her life with few regrets. If this is what this child needs and what Gary wants her to do, it’s done.
Regret does niggle at her though as she realizes that Gary’s time is growing short. His presence diminishes with each visit and she knows it’s time to lose her husband…again.
This is a warm read of love and acceptance, and a perfect ending to Hattie’s hauntings. The author’s snarky humor adds the right touch to keep Hattie’s story from becoming maudlin and morose. As Gary’s unfinished business comes to fruition, there’s more insight into the man he was/is and it’s not hard to figure out why he was the love of Hattie’s life.
Take Hattie’s journey and don’t miss Cat and the Hat, the fender bender, Johnny’s big news, a girl named Tilly, and a dog named Doris.
And bring tissues. Lots of tissues… because there will be tears!
Enjoy!
Fate intervenes with a dark hand leaving Hattie a grieving widow. Before she’s had time to mourn and adjust to Gary’s demise… he’s back!
Of course, Hattie believes her mind’s gone around the bend, but she does come to accept the fact Gary is back in all his ethereal glory, and he’s just as confused about it as she is. But Gary obviously has some unfinished business and he and Hattie will have to figure it out what it is.
Hattie struggles with how to share the news with Johnny, and with the three people closest to her, brother Jack, mom Rachel, and bestie Cat, without getting locked away in a padded room.
The theme of loss runs through The Haunting of Hattie Hastings and touches all the characters, but it is the way they deal with the loss, separately and together, which make this such a lively, winning read. Along with Hattie losing Gary, Rachel lost Hattie and Jack’s dad when they were so young, they don’t remember him. Cat’s marriage failed, but after details come to light, I’m thinking it was a good thing as in ‘less is more!” HA!
The story is told from multiple points of view in such a fluid, non-confusing way, I found myself looking forward to each chapter, anxious to find out how each character progressed past their situations.
But, this is Hattie’s story and she is so well-written! Hattie doesn’t have superpowers, wealth or vast material possessions, stunning beauty, or a yearning to visit another planet. She’s every-woman, rolling with the punches of life, trying to figure it all out—like why her dead husband is haunting her. Hattie is arguably one of the most normal characters I’ve come across. Her humor, wit, and sarcasm are all on point! She’s suffered a heartbreaking loss and it hurts. But, she is not so consumed in self-pity she ignores those she loves. She hopes her son finds direction in life. She wants to know what her mother is keeping from her. Hattie hopes to always be close with her brother, and of course, she prays Cat finds a man worthy of her who will love and cherish her, not rip away her dignity and self-esteem.
This is a very British read. There’s enough tea served to fill Boston Harbor. But mentions of scones, Downton Abbey, and the Queen are mixed right in with mentions of the Ghostbusters and Homer Simpson and pop culture favorites, The Lord of the Rings, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the Cat in the Hat!
But pop culture takes a back seat when Cat receives a double shock.
One was the reappearance of her loathsome ex-husband after nearly ten years.
The other… well, she’s still not sure what to make of it, but she’s filled with shame and regret and knows she owes her best friend an apology.
Gary’s unfinished business is revealed with the arrival of a child to the otherworldly realm. The death of a child is never easy and it even guts Gary, but he understands what he must do in order for he and the child, Marty, to move on… and his mission cannot be completed without Hattie.
Hattie is not on-board with Gary’s plan in the beginning and refuses. She’s also preoccupied with being happy for Johnny’s hesitant steps into responsible adulthood. She reconnects with Gary’s best friend, Barry, trying to understand the full breadth of his grief, as well as who he truly is. Hattie, at last, finds out Rachel’s secret and it leaves her numb. But she is encouraged not only by her mother’s unending strength but also by the man (Ralph) who refuses to leave her side.
This is where Ralph became my favorite character in the story… because not all book-boyfriends are twenty-five looking for a virgin – go, Ralph!
Cheered on by coworker, Beth, Johnny, and Rachel, Hattie meets an admirer for drinks… with disastrous results, thanks in part to Gary. In his defense, Gary acted in Hattie’s best interest because some men are simply selfish, self-centered jerks. Go, Gary!
Hattie is also worried about Cat’s continued involvement with Stewart, the aforementioned loathsome ex-husband.
This part bugged me. After all he put her through, and all the years and effort Cat put into rebuilding her life and herself, it made no sense to me that she’d act like a typical empty-headed romance novel female and allow herself to be so easily lead and manipulated. It blows up in her face when someone who loves her is hurt by her actions, and I’m wishing hot festering boils on her body not because it happened, but because she knew better. Fix it!
Motivated by Gary’s sincerity… and a child’s orange toy that bears a striking resemblance to a certain sitting president, Hattie embarks on a journey to bring closure in the here and now, and the hereafter.
So concerned with all going on around her, Hattie continues to put herself on the back burner, steeling herself for the day when Gary is truly gone.
She focuses on son Johnny, hoping he’s at last on the path to happiness and success.
Rachel, her mother, grows visibly weaker but will the strong, independent mom who raised Hattie and her brother be able to beat the disease ravaging her body?
Barry was a good friend to Hattie’s late husband, but is that romantic interest in Barry’s eyes? Say it isn’t so! Please!
Has Cat lost all her good sense and taken back her wretched, deplorable, low-life ex-husband, Stewart? Hattie saw what she believed to be an intimate moment between them and cannot unsee it or bleach it from her brain.
Hattie is also at odds with her job at Express Yourself. She doesn’t want to be a barista forever but has no clue how to put her life on a different path.
However, before she can figure any of this out, Hattie Hastings must assist her ghostly husband with helping his young charge to move on by delivering a message to the boy’s parents.
Hattie would rather do anything else than visit strangers to tell them she had a message from their dead son given to her by her dead husband.
Can you blame her?
But that’s exactly what Hattie does because that’s who she is.
Hattie hasn’t led a charmed life. Life has taken more than a few swipes at her and gotten in some solid punches. But while Hattie may have been beaten up by life, she was never beaten down. She owns every second of her life with few regrets. If this is what this child needs and what Gary wants her to do, it’s done.
Regret does niggle at her though as she realizes that Gary’s time is growing short. His presence diminishes with each visit and she knows it’s time to lose her husband…again.
This is a warm read of love and acceptance, and a perfect ending to Hattie’s hauntings. The author’s snarky humor adds the right touch to keep Hattie’s story from becoming maudlin and morose. As Gary’s unfinished business comes to fruition, there’s more insight into the man he was/is and it’s not hard to figure out why he was the love of Hattie’s life.
Take Hattie’s journey and don’t miss Cat and the Hat, the fender bender, Johnny’s big news, a girl named Tilly, and a dog named Doris.
And bring tissues. Lots of tissues… because there will be tears!
Enjoy!
October 16, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book but I was hooked from the start. Hattie is married to Gary. He’s the life and soul of the party and when a freak accident widows her, the shock is not as great as when he reappears as a ghost. Gary may be dead, but it’s clear he still has work to do in life, even if he’s not sure what it is he should be doing.
Meanwhile Hattie is trying to convince her best friend Cat that she’s not going mad, stop Cat leaping back into bed with her slimy ex-husband, persuade her adult son he needs to get a life, and find out what health issue her mother is hiding. The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is packed with humour and I particularly loved all the bad dad jokes that Cat’s new boyfriend spouts at every opportunity. The story is a rollercoaster of emotion, and there were many moments when I had a lump in my throat.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is a wonderful book. It’s not your usual romance book but has love on every page. I thought it was absolutely brilliant and hope you do too!
Meanwhile Hattie is trying to convince her best friend Cat that she’s not going mad, stop Cat leaping back into bed with her slimy ex-husband, persuade her adult son he needs to get a life, and find out what health issue her mother is hiding. The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is packed with humour and I particularly loved all the bad dad jokes that Cat’s new boyfriend spouts at every opportunity. The story is a rollercoaster of emotion, and there were many moments when I had a lump in my throat.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is a wonderful book. It’s not your usual romance book but has love on every page. I thought it was absolutely brilliant and hope you do too!
March 28, 2023
Amazing story
Reading this story and it's full of laughs some of the characters making me angry , it's filled with love and tears. I absolutely loved it.. I will recommend it to my family and friends. I usually read murder and mystery but I enjoyed the change.
Reading this story and it's full of laughs some of the characters making me angry , it's filled with love and tears. I absolutely loved it.. I will recommend it to my family and friends. I usually read murder and mystery but I enjoyed the change.
November 7, 2023
I liked the originality of this story but I found Cat's romantic choices difficult to sympathise with, and I thought Hattie was looking for a new man way too soon for a bereaved wife.
December 14, 2018
Ghosts, giggles and grief
Yay! Three for the price of one!
I so enjoyed this author's look on life - "being dead wasn't a bundle of laughs". So funny and at the same time thought provoking.
Full of gags and clever one-liners that had me laughing out loud. But a serious side too: "a journey to the unknown" . The idea a dearly loved yet departed husband should return in ghostly form to watch over his grieving wife is genius. Open to all sorts of hilarious situations that are also poignant.
A rich cast of believable characters in a barely believable scenario.
We cry about death but Audrey makes us laugh too. Death is both funny and serious.
I chuckled throughout this zany story, sympathized with the convincing characters and look forward to further books from this clever author.
If you have friends in need of a pick -me-up gift, then this is the one.
Yay! Three for the price of one!
I so enjoyed this author's look on life - "being dead wasn't a bundle of laughs". So funny and at the same time thought provoking.
Full of gags and clever one-liners that had me laughing out loud. But a serious side too: "a journey to the unknown" . The idea a dearly loved yet departed husband should return in ghostly form to watch over his grieving wife is genius. Open to all sorts of hilarious situations that are also poignant.
A rich cast of believable characters in a barely believable scenario.
We cry about death but Audrey makes us laugh too. Death is both funny and serious.
I chuckled throughout this zany story, sympathized with the convincing characters and look forward to further books from this clever author.
If you have friends in need of a pick -me-up gift, then this is the one.
June 24, 2019
This book was a lovely, quick and easy read which made me constantly want to know what was happening next. Hattie is a fantastic main character because she is very real and relatable to the reader.
This book has a brilliant plot, fun and emotional all at once. The writer engages you from the very beginning and grips your attention as a reader. This is my first read by Audrey Davis but it certainly will not be the last.
This book has combined romance, humour and the supernatural all in one book. It has been the perfect book to curl up with to escape reality.
This is one of those books, where five stars doesn’t show how truly wonderful the book is. I would definitely recommend this book to be added to everyone’s TBR list, I don’t think anyone could hate this book.
This book has a brilliant plot, fun and emotional all at once. The writer engages you from the very beginning and grips your attention as a reader. This is my first read by Audrey Davis but it certainly will not be the last.
This book has combined romance, humour and the supernatural all in one book. It has been the perfect book to curl up with to escape reality.
This is one of those books, where five stars doesn’t show how truly wonderful the book is. I would definitely recommend this book to be added to everyone’s TBR list, I don’t think anyone could hate this book.
November 27, 2018
I kind of expected the story of Hattie Hastings to be good but it was even better:-)
The writing is fresh, gripping and even if the story in itself is not realistic, it kind of makes me want to believe that this can really happen. It's funny, emotional and such a page turner.
I always wanted to know what's next and also wanted to shake Cat for being to stupid.... :-)
To sum it up it is a brilliant story line, funny, emotional and sad in places but utterly heart warming and a fantastic style of writing!! I liked each and every character and felt like I am one of Hattie's friends. I would read more by Audrey Davis. Definitely!!
The writing is fresh, gripping and even if the story in itself is not realistic, it kind of makes me want to believe that this can really happen. It's funny, emotional and such a page turner.
I always wanted to know what's next and also wanted to shake Cat for being to stupid.... :-)
To sum it up it is a brilliant story line, funny, emotional and sad in places but utterly heart warming and a fantastic style of writing!! I liked each and every character and felt like I am one of Hattie's friends. I would read more by Audrey Davis. Definitely!!
May 27, 2019
This book was a lovely, quick read with great journeys for the characters. Hattie is such a wonderful main character because she's just like you and me; trying to do her best in a world rocked by tragedy. Her husband Gary is suddenly taken from her...but wait! He returns as a ghost?! Watching Hattie traverse the line between believing she is crazy and being happy that she still can communicate with her husband is engrossing. There are great secondary characters. Shout out to Cat and Jamie, as well as Johnny, Hattie's sweet but aimless son. A nice book to read on a sunny weekend afternoon.
November 27, 2018
What do you do when you find yourself widowed? Hattie is in this position, she decides eventually that she should maybe get back to life, a possible change of job. Once this decision is made, what do you do when the spirit of your partner begins to appear? This book sent me on a roller coaster ride, I truly felt for Hattie, I loved her sense of humour and her tenacity. I would happily recommend this book to anyone, a must read!
November 27, 2018
I read this when it was published as a series of novellas and loved each one of them, impatiently awaiting each episode. I laughed, cried and totally fell in love with Hattie and was so sad when I read the last word in the series. If you want to read a book with tears, laughter and humour I urge you to read this fantastic book.
November 27, 2018
Loved it. This original book was a trilogy of stories now released in one book. We all want a second chance to see our loved ones again when they pass over and this story if filled with love, heartbreak and laughter. I was genuinely sad when this story came to an end.
April 12, 2019
Hattie's world ended with an unexpected bang!
She just never expected her husband to hang around!
A witty story line with flashes of love and humour. A definite feel good read!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
She just never expected her husband to hang around!
A witty story line with flashes of love and humour. A definite feel good read!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
January 18, 2023
This was such a lovely story. How a husband returns from the grave to make sure his wife is ok, and they help a little boy in the process.
A heartwarming tale with some really funny moments too. It made me laugh and cry.
A heartwarming tale with some really funny moments too. It made me laugh and cry.
May 4, 2020
This hallmark-esque novella was a nice light read. If you are the sort of person who enjoys happy, tidy endings, this book is definitely for you.
What I liked
I really liked the character, Cat. I liked her journey from being in an abusive relationship where her husband was controlling and critical of everything she did, thus keeping her small, to eventually becoming independent, finding a healthy relationship, and expanding her business.
I liked the concept of a slow grieving process that Hattie was lucky enough to get. I didn't feel a lot of sadness for her because Gary was still involved in her life for a number of months before actually moving on. I thought it was nice that she got a long transition period and it wasn't so abrupt and sudden. For me, when someone close to me dies, I think about what they would do and say in certain situations, but Hattie actually got the help from her spouse to put her life back together and move on. What an ideal situation!
There were some really funny and relatable lines, like "Hattie drained her drink and sighed. Very heavily, like a worn-out old couch when someone sat on it."
I liked how the end message was that women should be standing on their own two feet and not relying on a man as a caretaker -- whether emotionally or otherwise. Women should be developing their sense of self, and that's a message I agree with.
What I didn't like
I was expecting a lot more drama. Although there was a lot going on, I felt like the plot was a little flat. I kept waiting for a big climax of something to happen -- some danger, something mysterious.
I thought there was a HUGE cognitive disconnect in this book. On one hand, you have this lovely character, Cat, who escapes an abusive person that emotionally bullies her by making remarks about her weight, body, diet, and exercise habits. Cat's arc is that she escapes and starts to build her self worth. But the author describes people that don't fit traditional beauty norms (especially women) in a derogatory way throughout the entire book. For example, "Flatter than Kiera Knightly's chest," "That wrinkly belly flab hanging out everywhere," "She always maintained a slender figure despite having a wicked sweet tooth," "Now she was facing a challenge that would defeat lesser mortals [referring to people who die from cancer]", "How he knew that Hattie was indeed a looker and not a wizened old hag." Just to name a few. She also demonizes carbs, which are necessary for survival. So, I was confused about the messaging of that narrative. I got, "Don't be hypercritical of someone's body, but also fat is bad so just don't be critical to their faces."
It didn't seem like Gary's mission was really his mission. His mission seemed to be to offload it onto Hattie. Which was very confusing to me. I would have understood if it were something that Gary actually had to do himself, such as figuring out who killed him, or he needed to physically find someone for Hattie. But, Hattie meeting Laurence was completely random and really didn't have anything to do with him besides some last fading away afterthought words of approval. So, his unfinished business was just to make Hattie work more?
Although everyone's conflicts came to pleasant resolutions, it sort of felt like a few things were kind of just thrown in at the end to make everything come together. It wasn't until 93% through the book that we meet Laurance, for instance.
I know these complaints seem nit-picky and shallow, but I just didn't find it very thought-provoking. It was, indeed, a light, romantic comedy as promised.
What I wish the author had done differently.
There were a lot of pop culture references and British slang that I didn't really understand (because I'm American). I did understand the meaning because of the context clues but also didn't really relate to a lot of the humor.
The funny thing was that the author felt to explain very common knowledge, like who Jane Austen and Houdini are, and what a cowbell is, but didn't explain other things like who Bill Connolly is or what a "glow-in-the-dark nose" is.
Twists and surprises
I had made a prediction towards the beginning of the book that Barry was the one that had actually accidentally killed Gary. It looked like it was all set up for that to be the case. The biggest plot twist for me was that nothing like that happened at all and Barry wasn't actually important to the storyline.
Who is this a good book for?
Anyone who loves Hallmark Movies would really enjoy this book. British people might relate to this type of humor more.
Similar books
I would compare it to a Hallmark movie.
What I liked
I really liked the character, Cat. I liked her journey from being in an abusive relationship where her husband was controlling and critical of everything she did, thus keeping her small, to eventually becoming independent, finding a healthy relationship, and expanding her business.
I liked the concept of a slow grieving process that Hattie was lucky enough to get. I didn't feel a lot of sadness for her because Gary was still involved in her life for a number of months before actually moving on. I thought it was nice that she got a long transition period and it wasn't so abrupt and sudden. For me, when someone close to me dies, I think about what they would do and say in certain situations, but Hattie actually got the help from her spouse to put her life back together and move on. What an ideal situation!
There were some really funny and relatable lines, like "Hattie drained her drink and sighed. Very heavily, like a worn-out old couch when someone sat on it."
I liked how the end message was that women should be standing on their own two feet and not relying on a man as a caretaker -- whether emotionally or otherwise. Women should be developing their sense of self, and that's a message I agree with.
What I didn't like
I was expecting a lot more drama. Although there was a lot going on, I felt like the plot was a little flat. I kept waiting for a big climax of something to happen -- some danger, something mysterious.
I thought there was a HUGE cognitive disconnect in this book. On one hand, you have this lovely character, Cat, who escapes an abusive person that emotionally bullies her by making remarks about her weight, body, diet, and exercise habits. Cat's arc is that she escapes and starts to build her self worth. But the author describes people that don't fit traditional beauty norms (especially women) in a derogatory way throughout the entire book. For example, "Flatter than Kiera Knightly's chest," "That wrinkly belly flab hanging out everywhere," "She always maintained a slender figure despite having a wicked sweet tooth," "Now she was facing a challenge that would defeat lesser mortals [referring to people who die from cancer]", "How he knew that Hattie was indeed a looker and not a wizened old hag." Just to name a few. She also demonizes carbs, which are necessary for survival. So, I was confused about the messaging of that narrative. I got, "Don't be hypercritical of someone's body, but also fat is bad so just don't be critical to their faces."
It didn't seem like Gary's mission was really his mission. His mission seemed to be to offload it onto Hattie. Which was very confusing to me. I would have understood if it were something that Gary actually had to do himself, such as figuring out who killed him, or he needed to physically find someone for Hattie. But, Hattie meeting Laurence was completely random and really didn't have anything to do with him besides some last fading away afterthought words of approval. So, his unfinished business was just to make Hattie work more?
Although everyone's conflicts came to pleasant resolutions, it sort of felt like a few things were kind of just thrown in at the end to make everything come together. It wasn't until 93% through the book that we meet Laurance, for instance.
I know these complaints seem nit-picky and shallow, but I just didn't find it very thought-provoking. It was, indeed, a light, romantic comedy as promised.
What I wish the author had done differently.
There were a lot of pop culture references and British slang that I didn't really understand (because I'm American). I did understand the meaning because of the context clues but also didn't really relate to a lot of the humor.
The funny thing was that the author felt to explain very common knowledge, like who Jane Austen and Houdini are, and what a cowbell is, but didn't explain other things like who Bill Connolly is or what a "glow-in-the-dark nose" is.
Twists and surprises
I had made a prediction towards the beginning of the book that Barry was the one that had actually accidentally killed Gary. It looked like it was all set up for that to be the case. The biggest plot twist for me was that nothing like that happened at all and Barry wasn't actually important to the storyline.
Who is this a good book for?
Anyone who loves Hallmark Movies would really enjoy this book. British people might relate to this type of humor more.
Similar books
I would compare it to a Hallmark movie.
July 3, 2020
Hattie Hating is a happy average woman, married to Gary who is currently unemployed or better say on a break, they have their son Johnny who has recently quit his university, claiming it has strangling his creativity.
On a night, Hattie comes home, walks to the kitchen, and sees a huge mess created by Johnny, talking to herself she tries to clean the remaining of the disaster her son made in there. Gary walks in and offer to help and take out the bin and ask her to go to bed. Hattie is brushing her teeth and looking at her tired face in the mirror thinking her life could be worst. She loves her husband and her son. Her mum, her brother and Cat, her best friend are all there for her to rely on so life is good, she is thinking. Then suddenly she hears a very loud noise and next thing she knew; she was at the hospital weeping over her dead husband. this is when her life is changed forever.
That night Gary was killed in an accident outside their house, but he doesn’t want to go, and he comes back to haunt Hattie. He seems to show up at the worst and most inappropriate times to haunt her.it is as if before Hattie can cope with his death , he is back and she doesn’t know how to let Johnny, her family and Cat know about it.
This is Audrey Davis’s book one of the series. Reading this book, I was constantly alternating between tears of sadness and joy. I enjoyed Hattie and Cat’s friendship very much. I liked that the story was told by different narrators (Cat, Hattie, and others). A multifaceted story with a good paced to engage the reader.
This story made me laugh and cry, the characters were very well developed, and I was able to connect with them all through the book. I recommend it to those who enjoy reading about a very normal woman and all her humor and sarcasm.
Many thanks to Emily @aquintillionwords for the ARC
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Amazon
On a night, Hattie comes home, walks to the kitchen, and sees a huge mess created by Johnny, talking to herself she tries to clean the remaining of the disaster her son made in there. Gary walks in and offer to help and take out the bin and ask her to go to bed. Hattie is brushing her teeth and looking at her tired face in the mirror thinking her life could be worst. She loves her husband and her son. Her mum, her brother and Cat, her best friend are all there for her to rely on so life is good, she is thinking. Then suddenly she hears a very loud noise and next thing she knew; she was at the hospital weeping over her dead husband. this is when her life is changed forever.
That night Gary was killed in an accident outside their house, but he doesn’t want to go, and he comes back to haunt Hattie. He seems to show up at the worst and most inappropriate times to haunt her.it is as if before Hattie can cope with his death , he is back and she doesn’t know how to let Johnny, her family and Cat know about it.
This is Audrey Davis’s book one of the series. Reading this book, I was constantly alternating between tears of sadness and joy. I enjoyed Hattie and Cat’s friendship very much. I liked that the story was told by different narrators (Cat, Hattie, and others). A multifaceted story with a good paced to engage the reader.
This story made me laugh and cry, the characters were very well developed, and I was able to connect with them all through the book. I recommend it to those who enjoy reading about a very normal woman and all her humor and sarcasm.
Many thanks to Emily @aquintillionwords for the ARC
Blog
Amazon
July 14, 2020
“‘Til death do us part” has just taken on new meaning for Hattie Hastings. Following the sudden and sad death of her husband, Gary, Hattie is left making ends meet and supporting her adult son, Johnny. She isn’t, however, lacking in support during this difficult time - Hattie’s best friend, Cat, and Hattie’s family are there to console her. That is... until Gary returns as a ghost.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is a charming romantic comedy that hits on the importance of family and friendship, believing in the unknown, and self confidence. Davis’ smooth writing style and quick wit make for a fun-filled read.
First and foremost, I loved how this story wasn’t exclusively about Hattie dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death. Of course, Davis spends ample time with her main character as Hattie overcomes grief, bewilderment, and embracing the future, but readers also experience several other degrees of influence - particularly Cat and Johnny. Those little glimpses into everyone else’s lives and the way they grow as characters created a well-rounded and uplifting story.
The way Davis shapes the Afterlife was a fun addition to Gary’s own transition. Not quite heaven, readers see him in a place where he learns that his influence on Earth isn’t quite over yet. Even as a specter, Gary finds that he’s able to shape his loved ones lives, and the lives of those a ghostly friend has left on Earth. The humor and compassion that Davis give Gary, despite his situation, created a wonderful character that you didn’t quite want to believe was gone.
The only thing I struggled with while reading The Haunting of Hattie Hastings was the English phrases and references - and by no means is this a mark against the author! I had to read a bit slower, taking time to look up terms and phrases I wasn’t entirely familiar with, just so that i wouldn’t lose the meaning of a scene or discussion between characters. Regardless, the writing was easy and upbeat, and overall a good time.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings is a charming romantic comedy that hits on the importance of family and friendship, believing in the unknown, and self confidence. Davis’ smooth writing style and quick wit make for a fun-filled read.
First and foremost, I loved how this story wasn’t exclusively about Hattie dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death. Of course, Davis spends ample time with her main character as Hattie overcomes grief, bewilderment, and embracing the future, but readers also experience several other degrees of influence - particularly Cat and Johnny. Those little glimpses into everyone else’s lives and the way they grow as characters created a well-rounded and uplifting story.
The way Davis shapes the Afterlife was a fun addition to Gary’s own transition. Not quite heaven, readers see him in a place where he learns that his influence on Earth isn’t quite over yet. Even as a specter, Gary finds that he’s able to shape his loved ones lives, and the lives of those a ghostly friend has left on Earth. The humor and compassion that Davis give Gary, despite his situation, created a wonderful character that you didn’t quite want to believe was gone.
The only thing I struggled with while reading The Haunting of Hattie Hastings was the English phrases and references - and by no means is this a mark against the author! I had to read a bit slower, taking time to look up terms and phrases I wasn’t entirely familiar with, just so that i wouldn’t lose the meaning of a scene or discussion between characters. Regardless, the writing was easy and upbeat, and overall a good time.
unread-dnf
October 16, 2025I think this will be a DNF for me ... borrowed with KU, text only, and just to be upfront, it have so little eye time, that I'm pretty picky with books I am reading myself (much more leeway with audio). This just felt ... juvenile? Silly? I mean, I know it is about a ghost, but still, it was just coming across over the top. I realize I didn't give it that much of a chance, just 18%, through ch9.
3rd person - more than one POV ... Hattie, Cat, Johnny, Jack. No headers or anything, just figure out the POV from the text/characters. Some proFanity (x9)
The top review, gave it 5* and shared a bunch of quotes ... and read through those and if that is what tickles your funny bone, then give this a go ... (copied a few below)
*You just farted! Silent but deadly. Christ, Hats, I might be on the other side but that could fell North Korea. Or serve as their nuclear deterrent.
*Stewart looked uncomfortable at her question. Seeing him squirm in his seat was akin to watching a politician being grilled about dodgy expense claims.
*Don’t think I haven’t noticed you ogling Mike next door when he’s mowing the lawn in those ridiculously tight shorts. Christ, if they were any tighter, his balls would be begging Amnesty International for freedom.
Maybe I've just been reading too many "sophisticated" books of late? And listening to one book during the day and switching to this for a little reading before bed just felt jarring and it wasn't clicking for me. That being said, I DO read/like Nick Spalding books, and they are usually pretty over the top silly!
3rd person - more than one POV ... Hattie, Cat, Johnny, Jack. No headers or anything, just figure out the POV from the text/characters. Some proFanity (x9)
The top review, gave it 5* and shared a bunch of quotes ... and read through those and if that is what tickles your funny bone, then give this a go ... (copied a few below)
*You just farted! Silent but deadly. Christ, Hats, I might be on the other side but that could fell North Korea. Or serve as their nuclear deterrent.
*Stewart looked uncomfortable at her question. Seeing him squirm in his seat was akin to watching a politician being grilled about dodgy expense claims.
*Don’t think I haven’t noticed you ogling Mike next door when he’s mowing the lawn in those ridiculously tight shorts. Christ, if they were any tighter, his balls would be begging Amnesty International for freedom.
Maybe I've just been reading too many "sophisticated" books of late? And listening to one book during the day and switching to this for a little reading before bed just felt jarring and it wasn't clicking for me. That being said, I DO read/like Nick Spalding books, and they are usually pretty over the top silly!
April 3, 2020
"The Haunting of Hattie Hastings" by Audrey Davis was a quirky and unusual book, but I enjoyed it. It was sweet, funny, and low on angst despite the subject matter, and all of the characters were likeable and showed evidence of real growth over the course of the story. The writing style and tone reminded me a bit of a Sophie Kinsella novel, and I think this story is likely to appeal to readers of those books.
What I liked most about this book was that main characters Hattie and Gary had such a "real" relationship, and Hattie never tried to romanticize his faults after he was gone. Their conversations seemed just like the ones that take place every day between so many married couples, with Hattie even telling Gary to go away when he was being annoying or if she needed time alone to decompress after a long day. They may not have been a perfect couple, but their love for each other was clear in the way they behaved towards each other, even after Gary was gone.
I also enjoyed the secondary plots involving Hattie's mother, Rachel, and best friend, Cat. I found their situations to be very realistic and relatable, and it was easy for me to wish for things to work out for each of them in the end.
Overall, I would recommend "The Haunting of Hattie Hastings" and look forward to reading future books by Ms. Davis as well.
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
What I liked most about this book was that main characters Hattie and Gary had such a "real" relationship, and Hattie never tried to romanticize his faults after he was gone. Their conversations seemed just like the ones that take place every day between so many married couples, with Hattie even telling Gary to go away when he was being annoying or if she needed time alone to decompress after a long day. They may not have been a perfect couple, but their love for each other was clear in the way they behaved towards each other, even after Gary was gone.
I also enjoyed the secondary plots involving Hattie's mother, Rachel, and best friend, Cat. I found their situations to be very realistic and relatable, and it was easy for me to wish for things to work out for each of them in the end.
Overall, I would recommend "The Haunting of Hattie Hastings" and look forward to reading future books by Ms. Davis as well.
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 3, 2020
This book was fun and quirky romance. Hattie loses her husband without warning. He was her first and only love and while he drove her crazy at times, Hattie was still in love with him after years of marriage. Somehow, Gary finds a way back to her from the afterlife. At first terrified of Gary's spectral form, Hattie comes to anticipate and even yearn for his visits.
Filled with quirky characters like the extroverted and fun-loving Gary, a teacher who loves nothing more than a good pun, a feisty salon owner as well as a few really bad first dates, the story is at times amusing and at times a bit of a tear-jerker. Central to the story is the love of Hattie and Gary. Several subplots swirl around these central characters, with some characters crossing the divide between the living and the dead and others firmly planted in the here and now. The theme running throughout all of these intertwined stories is love - familial love, romantic love, platonic love, the list goes on. All of the stories are written with wit and humor as well as sensitivity.
With a unique view of the afterlife and enough British colloquialisms to please the Anglophiles, this was a fun, clean and thought-provoking romance read.
Four stars. This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
Filled with quirky characters like the extroverted and fun-loving Gary, a teacher who loves nothing more than a good pun, a feisty salon owner as well as a few really bad first dates, the story is at times amusing and at times a bit of a tear-jerker. Central to the story is the love of Hattie and Gary. Several subplots swirl around these central characters, with some characters crossing the divide between the living and the dead and others firmly planted in the here and now. The theme running throughout all of these intertwined stories is love - familial love, romantic love, platonic love, the list goes on. All of the stories are written with wit and humor as well as sensitivity.
With a unique view of the afterlife and enough British colloquialisms to please the Anglophiles, this was a fun, clean and thought-provoking romance read.
Four stars. This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
May 18, 2020
I have just discovered another favourite author! The hilarious Haunting of Hattie Hasting combines romance, humour and the supernatural perfectly. The author has presented a unique twist on familiar genres and the result is ingenious.
Hattie’s late husband Gary haunts her and this book this book haunted me with its brilliance. This laugh out loud novel also has a sensitive message about losing a loved one. Having lost someone close, I could connect with the presence of Gary and want to believe this explanation of the after-life: it is a comforting message wrapped in humour.
This stunning writing draws you in with humour, poignancy and charming characters. A perfect balance of tension and humour also hooks the reader into the scene. I willed Gary to appear in various scenes and wondered what he would do next.
The pace of the narrative never disappoints. I adore a book that makes me guess then throws in a few surprises. Such fun to meet the heart-warming cast of characters who care about each other and involve the reader in their ups and downs. I did not want to say goodbye to these charming, entertaining characters and hope they will be back.
Hattie’s late husband Gary haunts her and this book this book haunted me with its brilliance. This laugh out loud novel also has a sensitive message about losing a loved one. Having lost someone close, I could connect with the presence of Gary and want to believe this explanation of the after-life: it is a comforting message wrapped in humour.
This stunning writing draws you in with humour, poignancy and charming characters. A perfect balance of tension and humour also hooks the reader into the scene. I willed Gary to appear in various scenes and wondered what he would do next.
The pace of the narrative never disappoints. I adore a book that makes me guess then throws in a few surprises. Such fun to meet the heart-warming cast of characters who care about each other and involve the reader in their ups and downs. I did not want to say goodbye to these charming, entertaining characters and hope they will be back.
December 9, 2021
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings
AUDREY DAVIS
Review by Author Roy Murry
If you believe in ghosts and life after death or don't, you will enjoy this story of Hattie and her dead husband, Gary. As friends call her, Hats gives a hilarious account of Gary popping in and out of her earth's work-a-day life.
Gary is sent to earth to resolve some problems but is unclear about what they are. Cat, 'Hats and Gary's' friend, gets the privilege of seeing and hearing the ghost of Gary, also.
You may or may not get the drift, but this is a relationship theme novel. Of course, as a reader, you will want to get to the end with all intriguing associations tied up in a pretty package. But in this tale, they are all not.
This haunting is not horrific but a pleasantly written, fun journey about a ghostly interloper. I am delighted to have found this book.
It's a good read.
AUDREY DAVIS
Review by Author Roy Murry
If you believe in ghosts and life after death or don't, you will enjoy this story of Hattie and her dead husband, Gary. As friends call her, Hats gives a hilarious account of Gary popping in and out of her earth's work-a-day life.
Gary is sent to earth to resolve some problems but is unclear about what they are. Cat, 'Hats and Gary's' friend, gets the privilege of seeing and hearing the ghost of Gary, also.
You may or may not get the drift, but this is a relationship theme novel. Of course, as a reader, you will want to get to the end with all intriguing associations tied up in a pretty package. But in this tale, they are all not.
This haunting is not horrific but a pleasantly written, fun journey about a ghostly interloper. I am delighted to have found this book.
It's a good read.
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