Halloran Farm—a lonely plot of land and an abandoned Victorian farmhouse. Nearly a century ago it was the site of a gruesome murder which, to this day, resonates within its decaying walls. COMPASSION. REDEMPTION. IF SHE CAN FIND ONE, SHE CAN DELIVER THE OTHER. Tilly Bright is a girl with an extraordinary gift, one which she never wanted and which she has spent a lifetime trying to suppress. At twelve years old Tilly vowed she would never again set foot in her grandmother’s farmhouse. Never again would she allow her sensitive mind to be attacked and manipulated by the vengeful, hate-filled spirit that inhabits it. He is called The Shadow. Nothing remains of his humanity except for the rage that consumes him over his long-ago death. Upon her grandmother’s passing, however, Tilly has no choice—she must go back. Halloran Farm is now hers, as is a significant inheritance which is meant to help her restore the crumbling Victorian to its former beauty. It is what Gram wanted. And Tilly is no longer a frightened child unable to cope with a gift she does not understand. To fulfill Gram’s wishes, she will have to find within herself the strength to confront The Shadow. When she does, she will have to reconsider everything she thought she knew about her gift, about the dead, and about The Shadow himself. Even the most hateful spirits deserve compassion. For through it, they may find their way to redemption.
Veronica Bale has written several novellas, short stories, and news articles as a freelance writer. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, young son and two spoiled cats. When she's not writing she's an avid hockey mom, a running enthusiast, or she's reading. Visit Veronica online at www.veronicabale.com for what she's currently up to.
Just when you think you have read all the permutations and the combinations of ghost stories, Veronica Bale comes up with a totally different ghostly romance story. This is the second book I am reading by this author and am glad that her stories are of the genre that I devour madly. Ghosts, romance, Victorian mansions, all these are subjects that I would always go in search of in between all that mystery thrillers that boggle the mind.
Halloran Farm comes alive with the writing by the author. I loved how she manages to twist and tweak the reader’s perception regarding the ghost that Tilly encounters first when she is small and then how things change, and Tilly becomes comfortable with having him around. The romance between Tilly and Ciaran was layered and I didn’t really see that ending coming. Quite surprising, and well, it is fiction and sometimes even imagination can play havoc in your mind.
Tilly’s psychic abilities and her easygoing and warm relationship with her cousin Matt and the tension in the family add to the drama of the story that unfolds but would have surely loved Gram being around more.
I've never read a book like this. It captured my imagination and my believability and took me on a journey. It's a ghost story, told with ingenuity and creativity. It transcends what I would consider the paranormal genre. It's a story of people. Multidimensional, complex people. One who is dead but seems alive. And one with extra sensory abilities who is alive and not sure who to trust. The characters are rich and well developed and the ghost stepped out of history, his speech and culture and emotions and past events still clinging to him. I found it all completely believable. I couldn't wait to see where it went. I don't read paranormal. I've read a couple Dean Koontz and a couple Stephen King. In addition to entertaining, Shadow kept me engaged, and kept me thinking. I loved the ending.
I enjoyed this book very much. It did a great job of holding my interest. The Shadow tells the story of a woman's lifelong relationship with the angry spirit that resides in her grandmother's house. When Tilly grows up and inherits the house, she has mixed feelings about dealing with the spirit that tormented her for years. But she decides to face it head-on, along with the huge task of renovating the long-empty farmhouse. She moves in and over time, she finds that standing up to the spirit changes him. Completely! I especially loved Tilly's relationship with her cousin Matt, who shares her gift, but to a lesser degree. I don't want to give anything away, but if you think you have an idea how this story is going to end, I promise you...you don't.
Ms. Bale has done it again. She could make me believe in ghosts/spirits after reading the world she brought to life in Shadow. The amount of care she takes building her scenes draws the reader in and holds them entranced. If you haven't had the opportunity to read one of Ms. Bale's books I highly recommend you pick one up. Tilly and Ciaran's story was wonderfully written and at points had me in tears before delivering one of the most satisfying HEA I've read in a long time. Congrats Veronica on another outstanding release.
What a great book! Easy to read and I especially enjoyed Tilly and Ciaran's story. Although Tilly has experienced torment from both other people and The Shadow, she shows strength at times.The secondary characters flesh out the storyline as well with some satisfactory conclusions (Don't want to spoil the story!) From a personal point of view, I would have like to see some more information from Gram as to why and how Ciaran will end up. A few grammar/spelling issues which could have been fixed up with a good proofread.
I liked this one. Usually ghost romance ends very differently. I don't want to spoil the ending so I won't say but this one quickly became a favorite. I love Victorian houses and the more spooky the better. I like to think of people that used to live in them and what there stories would have been. So, if your like me with hundreds of spooky Victorian houses saved to your pinterest board and a love of ghosts and romance this book will not disappoint.
I've been really into the suspenseful, edge of your feet ghost stories lately, and really appreciated the different take and perspective of this book. I found myself pondering some of the intricate and complex ideas of how we perceive things that the author developed as key factors in this story. I looooved the ending and wished there just a little more to the conclusion to be fully satiated.
The storyline is so original and beautifully mystical. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the originality! Its so nice to read something that captures your imagination and isn't a variation on the other 10 novels on the shelf. I have now read 2 of Veronica Bales' books and am going to make sure I read everything she has out!
Low heat, a lot of heart, nobody in here is perfect, and you get a full story. I didn't see any errors. I was pulled in and stayed. Well worth the read and I will look for more from this author.
This was so good! The story developed in a plausible manner and held my interest every paragraph of the way. There was a satisfying HEA. I loved that the author was inspired by a real house and property. That house, once someone’s home and memories, lives on in this story.
Over all good book , wish it blended better like how did that miracle happen? What was Liam thoughts ... I enjoyed it just wish there was some more details and I do recommend it
My first reading a book by Veronica Bale and will not be my last! I loved the story line as well as the characters This is a type of book that u wished didn't have to end n could go on for a few more chapters
Definitely a story like I’ve not read before. I could have never imagined how a haunting could turn to romance. This is a captivating tale from start to finish. Characters are easily identifiable, plot easy to follow, but the twist is something you will never expect.
Ms Bale does an incredible job of melding a ghost with a living heroine to weave a great story. It’s the 3rd book of hers I’ve read, and have enjoyed each thoroughly. There is no formula to her books, except for a satisfying ending for the reader.
They are often short stories or novellas, but I find them charming. This one has a big surprise that comes as Ciarron’s transition. A fun little book, even though the Uncle makes me spitting mad!
I've read lots of ghost stories. So many different scenarios. This is a first. Very cool. But I'll not be spillin the beans. Read on fellow adventurers if you want to know what happens. I'll be reading more from this author. Enjoy.
I enjoyed the story very much. It was quite different than I expected. I liked the different ways she looked at what happened and tried to decide how to present it.