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That Pale Host
“One need not be a chamber to be haunted…”
Charlotte brings her baby girl home from the hospital to the usual sleep deprivation and worries of a new mom, but something else has changed. Nightmares and moving shadows fill her with dread, and something or some one seems to be watching her.
As her daughter grows, so does Charlotte’s fear. Whoever is watching has a message and will do anything to make her understand.
Even tear her family, her faith, and her self apart.
Charlotte brings her baby girl home from the hospital to the usual sleep deprivation and worries of a new mom, but something else has changed. Nightmares and moving shadows fill her with dread, and something or some one seems to be watching her.
As her daughter grows, so does Charlotte’s fear. Whoever is watching has a message and will do anything to make her understand.
Even tear her family, her faith, and her self apart.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
4 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
L.G. McCary
4 books32 followersL.G. McCary is the author of That Pale Host, a women's suspense novel with a supernatural twist. She has a bachelor’s in psychology which means she knows enough to mess with readers’ heads but not enough to diagnose their problems. Her supernatural and science fiction combines character-driven drama with spiritual and theological dilemmas. Her Christian faith and love of apologetics and theology fuels every creative endeavor, from short fiction and novels to art and essays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 23, 2021
I haven't read a story this well done in a long time. As a mom, Charlotte's story gripped my very core. I've felt what she felt regarding the pressures we place on ourselves as parents. McCary captured the everyday battles of motherhood perfectly and used elegant yet understandable prose to do so.
Oh the women's bible study.....I have often feared them due to my own experiences as a younger woman and empathized with Charlotte completely. I can't believe she dealt with them for so long!
Everyone needs a David in their life (I already have one, so I'm blessed!)
The story was gripping, the plot was exquisite. I would give it eleven out of ten if I could.
I'm looking forward to more from L.G. McCary!
Oh the women's bible study.....I have often feared them due to my own experiences as a younger woman and empathized with Charlotte completely. I can't believe she dealt with them for so long!
Everyone needs a David in their life (I already have one, so I'm blessed!)
The story was gripping, the plot was exquisite. I would give it eleven out of ten if I could.
I'm looking forward to more from L.G. McCary!
August 2, 2021
This was one of the hardest reviews I have had to write. I devoured That Pale Host in a day. When I closed the book I was left feeling gobsmacked. I went into this story expecting a ghost story but what I discovered was a haunting tale of depression, abuse, sacrifice, and love. The raw emotions invoked by McCary were tangible. The fear, palpable.
The story was a slow build but I couldn't put the book down once I started. Even though I am not a mother, the MC, Charolotte, resonated with me.
McCary addressed several taboo issues in the Christian world as well. She showed us that evil can lurk in even the most sacred places and within ourselves.
It's hard to review That Pale Host without including spoilers. But trust me, it's well worth the read.
The story was a slow build but I couldn't put the book down once I started. Even though I am not a mother, the MC, Charolotte, resonated with me.
McCary addressed several taboo issues in the Christian world as well. She showed us that evil can lurk in even the most sacred places and within ourselves.
It's hard to review That Pale Host without including spoilers. But trust me, it's well worth the read.
July 29, 2021
If I had to choose three words to describe this story, I would say personal, raw, and important.
Personal because the authors note clearly looks into the fact that this story, while fictitious, has roots inside of the authors life. I think there is nothing more beautiful than an author writing something they know. The pain written in this story, as well as the fear and confusion, was all so tangible. I could not tear myself away from this story.
Raw because McCary knows how to pen emotions. I laughed with the characters, cried with the characters, and internally cursed out other characters with Charlotte. You do not understand how much this book holds until you read it. The range of events and emotions was startling. I need more from McCary. She has such a gift. It's insane.
Important because this touches on topics that many would consider taboo for a 'Christian' book. We see abuse, both in a marriage and in a position of authority. We see people forcing convictions on others. We see a church divided by issues. We see a couple miscommunicating and almost living in hatred with each other. There are discussions in here about God, authority, the parents role in the life of a child, and the way a child should respond to certain things from authorities. I could not get over some of the events in here because they were so realistic and believable, opening up a door into experiences that I hope I never have to deal with.
Oh boy, this is a book I will not be able to stop thinking about.
My Instagram review:
I am having so much trouble trying to figure out how to review this book. That Pale Host is a book unlike anything I have ever read. When it was pitched to me, I had this vision for what it was going to be. It wasn’t anything like I imagined, yet it’s now one of my favourite books.
The main conflict in this book is postpartum depression and the effects of a traumatic birth. I really enjoyed the inside perspective on that. It’s not something that I am very knowledgeable on, so I am happy to take any opportunities I can to learn a little more. But this book goes much deeper than that. It studies the structure of a church, looking at the roles of authority and the ways that churches often fail. It looks at marriages and the importance of two people understanding and sympathizing with each other. All of this is weaved perfectly between the story of a mother and her struggles. The book was heartbreaking and raw. I consider it a must-read for any Christian reader, but still a highly recommended read for people who aren’t even involved in Christianity. It holds so much inside of it. I am so excited for this book to release on October 5th. Be sure to preorder or request it at your library!
Personal because the authors note clearly looks into the fact that this story, while fictitious, has roots inside of the authors life. I think there is nothing more beautiful than an author writing something they know. The pain written in this story, as well as the fear and confusion, was all so tangible. I could not tear myself away from this story.
Raw because McCary knows how to pen emotions. I laughed with the characters, cried with the characters, and internally cursed out other characters with Charlotte. You do not understand how much this book holds until you read it. The range of events and emotions was startling. I need more from McCary. She has such a gift. It's insane.
Important because this touches on topics that many would consider taboo for a 'Christian' book. We see abuse, both in a marriage and in a position of authority. We see people forcing convictions on others. We see a church divided by issues. We see a couple miscommunicating and almost living in hatred with each other. There are discussions in here about God, authority, the parents role in the life of a child, and the way a child should respond to certain things from authorities. I could not get over some of the events in here because they were so realistic and believable, opening up a door into experiences that I hope I never have to deal with.
Oh boy, this is a book I will not be able to stop thinking about.
My Instagram review:
I am having so much trouble trying to figure out how to review this book. That Pale Host is a book unlike anything I have ever read. When it was pitched to me, I had this vision for what it was going to be. It wasn’t anything like I imagined, yet it’s now one of my favourite books.
The main conflict in this book is postpartum depression and the effects of a traumatic birth. I really enjoyed the inside perspective on that. It’s not something that I am very knowledgeable on, so I am happy to take any opportunities I can to learn a little more. But this book goes much deeper than that. It studies the structure of a church, looking at the roles of authority and the ways that churches often fail. It looks at marriages and the importance of two people understanding and sympathizing with each other. All of this is weaved perfectly between the story of a mother and her struggles. The book was heartbreaking and raw. I consider it a must-read for any Christian reader, but still a highly recommended read for people who aren’t even involved in Christianity. It holds so much inside of it. I am so excited for this book to release on October 5th. Be sure to preorder or request it at your library!
November 8, 2021
Read That Pale Host if you like...
... spooky thrillers
... books with an emphasis on mental health
... complicated family dynamics
... stunning endings!!
Though I've never dealt with postpartum depression, I was able to empathize with Charlotte and her journey. This is a wonderful story to read if you prefer spooky-not-scary stories, like me!
Note: Thanks to Monster Ivy Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review!
... spooky thrillers
... books with an emphasis on mental health
... complicated family dynamics
... stunning endings!!
Though I've never dealt with postpartum depression, I was able to empathize with Charlotte and her journey. This is a wonderful story to read if you prefer spooky-not-scary stories, like me!
Note: Thanks to Monster Ivy Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review!
September 13, 2021
I usually take at least several days to read a book but I devoured this one in less than 24 hours (I did have to stop and sleep at some point!) The characters are so believable I almost felt like I knew them. The author allowed her main character to have emotions that were both deep and genuine. It is possible to identify with and feel her pain. The twist was brilliant and brought everything into focus in the end. Now I'm anxiously awaiting her next book!
October 3, 2021
I totally had this book pegged as a spooky story. This is not that type of story. Yet, it is still "haunting" in other ways. This is probably one of the books that I have read in a way that really touches on faith. It is not "preachy" but it will have you thanking God. The underlying subjects featured in this story can be sad taboo topics but all ones that are very important to discuss.
Although, because I was expecting a spooky story. I kept waiting for the chills. The way that Charlotte and David interacted with Rylie was interesting. I felt like Charlotte was trying but at times David was harsh to brush aside Charlotte's concerns. Also, there was a bit of good cop and bad cop going on between these two and Rylie. Overall, I did like this book and look forward to seeing what this author comes out with next.
Although, because I was expecting a spooky story. I kept waiting for the chills. The way that Charlotte and David interacted with Rylie was interesting. I felt like Charlotte was trying but at times David was harsh to brush aside Charlotte's concerns. Also, there was a bit of good cop and bad cop going on between these two and Rylie. Overall, I did like this book and look forward to seeing what this author comes out with next.
November 26, 2021
Oh goodness, this book was so flippin' good. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it also exceeded my expectations and was pretty difficult to put down. Not gonna' lie, this book makes me a bit nervous about the prospect of eventually having kids. But the characters were very well-defined, the character relationships felt very real, and when the story hits its high notes, it really hits his high notes. I would have liked to see a bit more of an explanation for the closing twist about one of the story's main characters and some choices he made, but everything else here was simply fantastic. A well-done example of stellar Christian fiction.
ALSO: as of the writing of this review, this book is only going to be available until the end of this month (November 2021) due to the publisher closing its doors and the jury is out for when it will be available again. So if you're interested in this book (and you should be), go get it now!
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Very Good).
ALSO: as of the writing of this review, this book is only going to be available until the end of this month (November 2021) due to the publisher closing its doors and the jury is out for when it will be available again. So if you're interested in this book (and you should be), go get it now!
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Very Good).
July 19, 2021
Thank you to Monster Ivy and L.G. McCary for allowing me to read this book early.
I am not a Christian, so parts were lost to me, but I am a mother who suffered needlessly with PPD and PPA for two years after my daughter was born. And like the author, didn't seek help until thoughts of self harm began to take over. This book spoke to me. I felt for Charlotte, I understood her and where she was coming from.
The ghost story in the book was clever and I quite liked that detail and how it all worked together in the end. I did figure out who the ghost was rather early, but wasn't sure what her plan was!
Thank you for this wonderful book.
I am not a Christian, so parts were lost to me, but I am a mother who suffered needlessly with PPD and PPA for two years after my daughter was born. And like the author, didn't seek help until thoughts of self harm began to take over. This book spoke to me. I felt for Charlotte, I understood her and where she was coming from.
The ghost story in the book was clever and I quite liked that detail and how it all worked together in the end. I did figure out who the ghost was rather early, but wasn't sure what her plan was!
Thank you for this wonderful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
That Pale Host GRABS you by the throat from the first paragraph and doesn't let go. The rawness and depth of this book are just phenomenal. In a fine line between fantasy, reality, and faith, That Pale Host is a brilliant read. Anyone who has ever struggled with parenting, self-doubt, faith in general, this is the book for you. The writing is smooth and gripping. I highly recommend.
September 30, 2021
McCary is such a gifted writer--I was sucked in right from the first page. I would call this a slow burn thriller, but in the best possible way. After the initial hook, the conflicts at Charlotte's church seem to take precedence and you wonder why. I think that's a big reason why most reviewers are saying they've never read a book like this--it ties Christian living in a church setting to an unidentified terror in Charlotte's life. The combination is remarkable. McCary writes with elegant prose and the plot clips along at a nice pace.
There was one point when I was doing the dishes between reading chapters when I felt like I WAS Charlotte and I started brooding like her and wondered when David would be walking in haha. Also, this is the most realistic novel I've ever read in terms of the difficulties we face while parenting. It's SO relatable. I think a lot of us parents feel like we're alone, even freakish, when our child acts out and we don't have the ability to stop it. McCary nails those feelings to a T.
If you love suspense, exploring the depth of relationships in marriage and family, and yearn to find a way to see God in the picture in a beautiful, understated way, this book is for you. I loved it. It's brilliant and unique.
There was one point when I was doing the dishes between reading chapters when I felt like I WAS Charlotte and I started brooding like her and wondered when David would be walking in haha. Also, this is the most realistic novel I've ever read in terms of the difficulties we face while parenting. It's SO relatable. I think a lot of us parents feel like we're alone, even freakish, when our child acts out and we don't have the ability to stop it. McCary nails those feelings to a T.
If you love suspense, exploring the depth of relationships in marriage and family, and yearn to find a way to see God in the picture in a beautiful, understated way, this book is for you. I loved it. It's brilliant and unique.
September 15, 2021
I love this book because it's everything I wanted it to be entertainment-wise, and top of that, it picked my heart up, smashed it, kissed it better, tore it up, and ultimately left it better.
It's full of essential messages, questions, and a magnificent portrayal of *one* experience that feels so real, it could be anyone's.
The care McCary took on every single line shows a thoughtfulness that makes the reader pay so close attention, even though it could be simply a fun, twisty tale on the surface.
I, personally, need people to read this book to help open minds to struggles most often not talked about.
Thank you, L.G., for your work, faith, and heart.
It's full of essential messages, questions, and a magnificent portrayal of *one* experience that feels so real, it could be anyone's.
The care McCary took on every single line shows a thoughtfulness that makes the reader pay so close attention, even though it could be simply a fun, twisty tale on the surface.
I, personally, need people to read this book to help open minds to struggles most often not talked about.
Thank you, L.G., for your work, faith, and heart.
August 26, 2021
A domestic supernatural thriller that harkens back to The Yellow Wallpaper and I suspect (though I can’t say for sure because I haven’t read it yet) Shirley Jackson’s Bird’s Nest, as well. This book was not completely what I was expecting, but in the end I was totally okay with that! A young mom is plagued with progressively terrifying visions that give her debilitating anxiety through the years, and she tries to find out what they mean. While it wasn’t as creepy as I was hoping, I still felt myself glued to the story and the characters, the ins and outs of their domestic lives. All the while, there is this ominous undertone and question of Charlotte’s ghost. And the ending does not disappoint!!! By the last page I was in tears (which almost never happens to me!). The book touches on issues of mental health and domestic abuse and even looks at how Christians can sometimes do a disservice to people in pain. Also, props for highlighting postpartum mental health issues, which are sadly STILL overlooked today. I devoured this book in a few days and would definitely recommend!
TW: anxiety, domestic abuse, PTSD
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
TW: anxiety, domestic abuse, PTSD
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
McCary's debut is hauntingly thoughtful. More than just a psychological thriller, That Pale Host grapples with mental health, abuse, and the overwhelming power of love and faith. I started it expecting a ghost story, but what I read was achingly moving: a deep look at depression, anxiety, perseverance, faith, and the depths a mother will go to for the love of her child.
September 30, 2021
I came across That Pale Host on Goodreads and the synopsis gripped me immediately. A woman comes home from the hospital and begin seeing creepy shadows around her house? Yes please! I emailed the publisher, Monster Ivy, and they were kind enough to send me an ebook, which I devoured. Although this book wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was everything I wanted and didn't know it.
"Somehow I think it is inevitable. She's remaking me. She will force me to become Her no matter what."
It's hard to say much about this one without giving anything away, but I'll try anyway. As soon as Charlotte becomes pregnant with her daughter, Riley, she begins seeing shadows and figures in her house. As Riley grows up (and the author does a seamless job of taking the family from birth to the teen years) the shadows and figures increase to the point of Charlotte doubting her sanity. When the shadows first appeared I was definitely creeped out. As they increased, I became less scared and more curious. What the heck were these shadows and why was Charlotte seeing them? I had to know and couldn't put this book down. I do have to say that this book is very faith-based. All the characters here are religious and church and prayer are a focal point. I am not religious in the least and had no issues with the content or characters. If anything, the faith woven throughout made them seem more real. All in all this was a really interesting read that I would recommend. It kept me guessing until the very end and I appreciated the points it brought up about motherhood.
"Somehow I think it is inevitable. She's remaking me. She will force me to become Her no matter what."
It's hard to say much about this one without giving anything away, but I'll try anyway. As soon as Charlotte becomes pregnant with her daughter, Riley, she begins seeing shadows and figures in her house. As Riley grows up (and the author does a seamless job of taking the family from birth to the teen years) the shadows and figures increase to the point of Charlotte doubting her sanity. When the shadows first appeared I was definitely creeped out. As they increased, I became less scared and more curious. What the heck were these shadows and why was Charlotte seeing them? I had to know and couldn't put this book down. I do have to say that this book is very faith-based. All the characters here are religious and church and prayer are a focal point. I am not religious in the least and had no issues with the content or characters. If anything, the faith woven throughout made them seem more real. All in all this was a really interesting read that I would recommend. It kept me guessing until the very end and I appreciated the points it brought up about motherhood.
September 29, 2021
The ghosts in this book were not what I expected and I loved it! I love books that trip me up and plots that go in directions I don't expect.
First thing I want to say if you aren't a fan of horror or scare easily, you'll be ok reading this book. I'm not a big fan of scary either.
I would call this book a chilling thriller. There were a few moments that gave me goosebumps, but nothing that outright scared me.
Honestly the scariest part of this book is how crippling anxiety and depression can be.
L.G. McCary does a great job of bringing light to these conditions and effectively portrays how they can affect a person's life.
As a former anxiety victim (overcome through the grace and strength of Christ) I related to Charlotte's fears and worries.
I also like McCary's real and gritty portrayal of the church, even if it made me sad. It's an unfortunate fact that even if we are Christians, we are still humans and we make mistakes. McCary handles the idea of mistakes and forgiveness so well in this book.
The whole book is about grace and forgiveness for ourselves and for others.
What I like:
- the supernatural element
- the portrayal of real issues that we face
- the message of grace and forgiveness
- the ramped up action of the ending
What I didn't like
- I got a little lost in the day to day mundane, so it was a little slow
That Pale Host is a ride through one woman's battle against fear and I highly recommend going on that ride.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First thing I want to say if you aren't a fan of horror or scare easily, you'll be ok reading this book. I'm not a big fan of scary either.
I would call this book a chilling thriller. There were a few moments that gave me goosebumps, but nothing that outright scared me.
Honestly the scariest part of this book is how crippling anxiety and depression can be.
L.G. McCary does a great job of bringing light to these conditions and effectively portrays how they can affect a person's life.
As a former anxiety victim (overcome through the grace and strength of Christ) I related to Charlotte's fears and worries.
I also like McCary's real and gritty portrayal of the church, even if it made me sad. It's an unfortunate fact that even if we are Christians, we are still humans and we make mistakes. McCary handles the idea of mistakes and forgiveness so well in this book.
The whole book is about grace and forgiveness for ourselves and for others.
What I like:
- the supernatural element
- the portrayal of real issues that we face
- the message of grace and forgiveness
- the ramped up action of the ending
What I didn't like
- I got a little lost in the day to day mundane, so it was a little slow
That Pale Host is a ride through one woman's battle against fear and I highly recommend going on that ride.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2021
A psychological thriller, this story is incredibly relatable. Raw, haunting, tackling tough issues with grace and truth.
For the first time in six years of being a mom of three, I feel SEEN. And that's ironic and wonderful, considering this book is about the unseen, the ghost, that invisible spectre of fear. We all face it, one form or another. Maybe you'll read this book for insight to help understand another's experience. Either way, wow, I read it fast.
But how often is it that a book that so vividly portrayed a string of traumatic, depressing experiences left me at the end feeling uplifted? It didn't glorify or over-spiritualize trauma, or make a judgement on mental health. You won't read this book and feel shame. I believe reading stories like this can help people feel validated. While everyone's experiences are different, hearing someone else's can be a stepping stone or comfort on our own healing journey. Even a fictional character can bridge that gap, when the author gives the reader space to experience something through fiction. If the author leaves the message of grace and hope at the end...well that's the best ending of all.
The only way to describe the feeling as I re-read the last page was as if I could just sigh comfortably. When was the last time you just sat still and sighed freely, letting the breath that had been building out of your chest gently without it hurting? Pick up this book, friend. Read the story and feel seen and at last, sigh comfortably.
.
A note here though: I have experienced severe postpartum depression and am now at a point beyond it that reading a story like this doesn't trigger me personally. That may not be the situation for everyone and as is the case for any book or story, take your time to read reviews and realize that there may be times in life where a certain story is okay for you, or it may not be. And that can change at any time. Let's not judge each other for either decision.
{Playlist}
As She Passes (Levi Patel)
Levitate (Jacob's Piano)
Hymn (Brooke Fraser)
You Say (The Piano Guys)
Where The Light Shines Through (Switchfoot)
For the first time in six years of being a mom of three, I feel SEEN. And that's ironic and wonderful, considering this book is about the unseen, the ghost, that invisible spectre of fear. We all face it, one form or another. Maybe you'll read this book for insight to help understand another's experience. Either way, wow, I read it fast.
But how often is it that a book that so vividly portrayed a string of traumatic, depressing experiences left me at the end feeling uplifted? It didn't glorify or over-spiritualize trauma, or make a judgement on mental health. You won't read this book and feel shame. I believe reading stories like this can help people feel validated. While everyone's experiences are different, hearing someone else's can be a stepping stone or comfort on our own healing journey. Even a fictional character can bridge that gap, when the author gives the reader space to experience something through fiction. If the author leaves the message of grace and hope at the end...well that's the best ending of all.
The only way to describe the feeling as I re-read the last page was as if I could just sigh comfortably. When was the last time you just sat still and sighed freely, letting the breath that had been building out of your chest gently without it hurting? Pick up this book, friend. Read the story and feel seen and at last, sigh comfortably.
.
A note here though: I have experienced severe postpartum depression and am now at a point beyond it that reading a story like this doesn't trigger me personally. That may not be the situation for everyone and as is the case for any book or story, take your time to read reviews and realize that there may be times in life where a certain story is okay for you, or it may not be. And that can change at any time. Let's not judge each other for either decision.
{Playlist}
As She Passes (Levi Patel)
Levitate (Jacob's Piano)
Hymn (Brooke Fraser)
You Say (The Piano Guys)
Where The Light Shines Through (Switchfoot)
September 5, 2021
The book is a powerful exploration of memory, mental health, trauma, marriage, parenting and how communities of faith play a role in all of those. The story is a slow burn with tension building page after page and chapter after chapter. The final chapters will take your breath away as L.G. pulls all the story threads together.
Don’t miss this one.
Don’t miss this one.
October 6, 2021
Oh my word. I don't typically read thrillers, so I don't know what I was expecting, but That Pale Host was so much more than I could have imagined.
After having her baby, Charlotte is haunted. She keeps seeing an apparition at random times in her life. Page after page, chapter after chapter, years elapsed within the story and I still had no clue as to what was going on. In all that time, we learn more about Charlotte, her husband, David, her daughter, Rylie, and their church "friends". McCary skillfully brought these characters to life, and I began to feel as if I knew these people. So, when Rylie is ostracized by the other kids in her Christian school, when a teacher singles her out and mistreats her, and when the church gossip continually spoke about things she shouldn't, I felt Charlotte's righteous anger.
Then comes the big reveal and we learn just what this apparition was all this time and I was mind blown. But, you'll have to read it for yourself to learn just what it is. No spoilers here...
What I loved most about this story was the crafty way in which L. G. McCary illustrates issues within the church. Nothing involving humans is perfect, even among Christians. There are gossipers, judges, mask-wearers, wolves in sheep's clothing... It's important that we see the problems among us and address them in love rather than ignore them so they don't take a dark turn. Granted, in That Pale Host things take a darker turn than they normally would in real life, but sadly, what happens is not entirely outside the realm of possibility.
If you enjoy well-crafted stories that reveal the insidiousness lurking in hearts, even among Christians, compiling questions that keep you turning the pages, and a payoff that will blow your mind, read That Pale Host.
After having her baby, Charlotte is haunted. She keeps seeing an apparition at random times in her life. Page after page, chapter after chapter, years elapsed within the story and I still had no clue as to what was going on. In all that time, we learn more about Charlotte, her husband, David, her daughter, Rylie, and their church "friends". McCary skillfully brought these characters to life, and I began to feel as if I knew these people. So, when Rylie is ostracized by the other kids in her Christian school, when a teacher singles her out and mistreats her, and when the church gossip continually spoke about things she shouldn't, I felt Charlotte's righteous anger.
Then comes the big reveal and we learn just what this apparition was all this time and I was mind blown. But, you'll have to read it for yourself to learn just what it is. No spoilers here...
What I loved most about this story was the crafty way in which L. G. McCary illustrates issues within the church. Nothing involving humans is perfect, even among Christians. There are gossipers, judges, mask-wearers, wolves in sheep's clothing... It's important that we see the problems among us and address them in love rather than ignore them so they don't take a dark turn. Granted, in That Pale Host things take a darker turn than they normally would in real life, but sadly, what happens is not entirely outside the realm of possibility.
If you enjoy well-crafted stories that reveal the insidiousness lurking in hearts, even among Christians, compiling questions that keep you turning the pages, and a payoff that will blow your mind, read That Pale Host.
November 30, 2021
I cannot recommend this book enough. The world needed a Christian fiction novel that doesn't shy away from the human condition. That isn't afraid to get deep and raw and show us sin.
I took all month to read the first half, but only because life has been crazy. But I really wanted to finish it today, so I sat down and reading half in one sitting was not at all difficult. This book grabs you and doesn't let you go until you....well...just never.
I'm beyond floored by the quality of this book and the author's skill. I'd have to sit down and really think about it, but this book is easily in my top 20, maybe 10 books of the year.
Parts of the end I sort of guessed, but I'm also an editor and can't seem to shut off my brain from trying to dig and figure things out before I'm supposed to know. I was still blown away even though I'd guessed parts of it. Her prose is stunning.
Highly, highly recommend!
(If you don't like paranormal books, though, this probably isn't for you. And postpartum depression trigger warning.)
I took all month to read the first half, but only because life has been crazy. But I really wanted to finish it today, so I sat down and reading half in one sitting was not at all difficult. This book grabs you and doesn't let you go until you....well...just never.
I'm beyond floored by the quality of this book and the author's skill. I'd have to sit down and really think about it, but this book is easily in my top 20, maybe 10 books of the year.
Parts of the end I sort of guessed, but I'm also an editor and can't seem to shut off my brain from trying to dig and figure things out before I'm supposed to know. I was still blown away even though I'd guessed parts of it. Her prose is stunning.
Highly, highly recommend!
(If you don't like paranormal books, though, this probably isn't for you. And postpartum depression trigger warning.)
November 3, 2021
This book was unlike any book I have read before. It shows the life of a Christian woman dealing with anxiety. The author goes into detail in all aspects of Charlie’s life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It goes into all the details of Christian life as well. I was able to relate so well to Charlie.
January 7, 2022
Beautiful story about the struggle of mental health while relying on the grace of God. This story focuses on the importance of relationships and the fragility of loneliness. Incredibly well written and emotional. It pulled me into the Charlie's world and held me there until the very last line. Highly recommended!
January 28, 2022
A solid book with emotional depth and a breadth of themes. It tackles a lot of heavy stuff but leaves room for humor and light. Challenging and encouraging.
October 22, 2021
TW: postpartum depression/anxiety
It took me only a few days to read That Pale Host, though I never wanted to put it down and could’ve read it in one sitting if I had the opportunity!
As a recently postpartum mama (2 babies under 2), I really connected with Charlotte’s struggles as a new mom in the beginning. As time went on, I could see myself in her as she watched her daughter Rylie grow up.
I have been blessed to not struggle with postpartum depression like many, many women unfortunately do. But my anxiety did enhance when my children were born, so this book was at times hard for me to handle. Definitely triggered my anxiety at times. But that didn’t take away from the story for me. I did have to wait a week or so to write this review because of this.
I really loved how the author exposes the Christian church as being filled with less than perfect people. We are all human and sinners. Towards the end of the book, I was reminded of a saying I grew up with: “Even the devil goes to church.” Just because someone claims to be full of God’s love doesn’t always make it true.
Overall, I really enjoyed McCary’s characters and world. Enthralling, anxiety-inducing, mystery-filled! Great read for those who love good Christian thrillers.
It took me only a few days to read That Pale Host, though I never wanted to put it down and could’ve read it in one sitting if I had the opportunity!
As a recently postpartum mama (2 babies under 2), I really connected with Charlotte’s struggles as a new mom in the beginning. As time went on, I could see myself in her as she watched her daughter Rylie grow up.
I have been blessed to not struggle with postpartum depression like many, many women unfortunately do. But my anxiety did enhance when my children were born, so this book was at times hard for me to handle. Definitely triggered my anxiety at times. But that didn’t take away from the story for me. I did have to wait a week or so to write this review because of this.
I really loved how the author exposes the Christian church as being filled with less than perfect people. We are all human and sinners. Towards the end of the book, I was reminded of a saying I grew up with: “Even the devil goes to church.” Just because someone claims to be full of God’s love doesn’t always make it true.
Overall, I really enjoyed McCary’s characters and world. Enthralling, anxiety-inducing, mystery-filled! Great read for those who love good Christian thrillers.
February 12, 2022
So incredibly well written. While I’ve never experienced postpartum depression, I’ve dealt with depression my whole life. This book perfectly captivates what it’s like to have mental illnesses, and often being forced to live “multiple” lives due to the stigma mental illnesses often have. This book is a great reminder that you often never know what someone is struggling with, and to always be kind. Great read!
January 26, 2023
Everyone who knows someone with birth trauma needs to read this
As someone who had an extremely traumatic birth experience with my son, this book made me feel seen, heard, understood, and loved. The author described PPA and PPD to a T and those overwhelming feelings of guilt. Very interesting twist at the end, and very compelling read. I finished it in a day!
As someone who had an extremely traumatic birth experience with my son, this book made me feel seen, heard, understood, and loved. The author described PPA and PPD to a T and those overwhelming feelings of guilt. Very interesting twist at the end, and very compelling read. I finished it in a day!
October 5, 2021
For a novel, this is such a difficult book to categorize into any singular genre, because its story is so much bigger than any one genre can hold.
It's a very clean adult book (which is a win for me!) with elements of being a slice of life, a Christian women's story, a romance, all with an underlying theme of psychological thriller throughout its pages.
Laura expertly weaves together faith, church life, postpartum depression, mental illness, and an epically thrilling conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat!
And this honestly is a book I'd recommend to anyone. It's just that good, that raw, that powerful.
Now, for my content disclosure:
There's no cussing, and only a couple of harsh terms are used near the end. This is also a very faith-centered book that doesn't shy away from the struggles of bullying, gossip, and the dangers of giving too much power and influence to any one member without accountability. There are a few traumatic scenes, related to traumatic birth and the scars it leaves behind. There is a supernatural element, but I'll go ahead and give a slight spoiler to reassure readers of faith: this is no ghost story. Sex is also implied, but only between married couples and always off screen. For this reason, I put this book in a PG-13 category, but just for the heavier thematic topics.
Overall, I have to say: Go read this book!!! It's gooooood! Now, shoo, away with you to your favorite bookseller!
It's a very clean adult book (which is a win for me!) with elements of being a slice of life, a Christian women's story, a romance, all with an underlying theme of psychological thriller throughout its pages.
Laura expertly weaves together faith, church life, postpartum depression, mental illness, and an epically thrilling conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat!
And this honestly is a book I'd recommend to anyone. It's just that good, that raw, that powerful.
Now, for my content disclosure:
There's no cussing, and only a couple of harsh terms are used near the end. This is also a very faith-centered book that doesn't shy away from the struggles of bullying, gossip, and the dangers of giving too much power and influence to any one member without accountability. There are a few traumatic scenes, related to traumatic birth and the scars it leaves behind. There is a supernatural element, but I'll go ahead and give a slight spoiler to reassure readers of faith: this is no ghost story. Sex is also implied, but only between married couples and always off screen. For this reason, I put this book in a PG-13 category, but just for the heavier thematic topics.
Overall, I have to say: Go read this book!!! It's gooooood! Now, shoo, away with you to your favorite bookseller!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
Ultimately, I liked how this turned out. I wasn't sure if it was going to be creepy, but I didn't find it so. I think the author did a really good job telling this story. I love the Emily Dickinson poem at the beginning and how much more I understood it at the end. ("One need not be a chamber to be haunted") How awful to live with this kind of fear! Hopefully I can be more sensitive to the needs of others for having read this. Those with anxiety, those living through domestic abuse. Also got a look at drama within the church, especially fueled by gossip. May I be careful with my words, to build up, not to tear down!
Read
November 9, 2021Compelling. Genre-bending. High stakes. A true mom hero. GET IT NOW.
When I'm trying to decide whether to buy a book, I'm checking reviews to try to figure out the following: Can this writer tell a good story? (Especially - will this story end in a cliffhanger and drive me nuts because I didn't find out what happened?) Is their characterization good enough that I will care about the main character? Does it have something about it that makes me excited to read it? In ALL of these the author of That Pale Host delivers.
The story is really engaging right from the beginning. It deceptively seems like it's more of a slice of life or character-driven tale at the beginning, but there is a narrative thread right from the start making you want to continue flipping pages. By the end just cancel everything, because you won't be able to handle interruptions at all, you'll have to see how everything wraps up. There's NO cliffhanger - it's a satisfying ending that leaves you imagining their lives afterwards but seeing the story fully competed.
But the characterization grips you too. I love how you root for and identify with the main character, but she's not a person who is annoyingly perfect. Sometimes you want to yell at her or shake her. But you always understand her. Because she is you. Maybe not true for everyone, but what really keeps this character on my heart is that I have been her in so many ways. I'm trying not to spoil some of the plot points because they're such a pleasure and a genuine surprise to see these subjects dealt with so well, especially in Christian fiction, but if you've ever been through challenges like Charlotte, you know exactly what she's going through. And you find a new understanding for yourself in finding compassion for her. The secondary characters are just as fleshed out. Even the ones that have smaller parts feel fully realized.
Finally, the X factor that really excites me to share this book with other people: the mom gets to truly be the hero in the story. So many times books about moms are just complaining about kids, or focus on another story where the aspect of their being a mother doesn't really matter either way to the plot. It's so rare, SO RARE, to have a story where the mom is the hero because of her 'momness.' Especially at the climax/resolution of the story, being a mom is tied into every aspect. That's all I can say without spoiling but it feels so good to have the mom being a mom be central to the story in a positive, compelling way.
Just get this book!
When I'm trying to decide whether to buy a book, I'm checking reviews to try to figure out the following: Can this writer tell a good story? (Especially - will this story end in a cliffhanger and drive me nuts because I didn't find out what happened?) Is their characterization good enough that I will care about the main character? Does it have something about it that makes me excited to read it? In ALL of these the author of That Pale Host delivers.
The story is really engaging right from the beginning. It deceptively seems like it's more of a slice of life or character-driven tale at the beginning, but there is a narrative thread right from the start making you want to continue flipping pages. By the end just cancel everything, because you won't be able to handle interruptions at all, you'll have to see how everything wraps up. There's NO cliffhanger - it's a satisfying ending that leaves you imagining their lives afterwards but seeing the story fully competed.
But the characterization grips you too. I love how you root for and identify with the main character, but she's not a person who is annoyingly perfect. Sometimes you want to yell at her or shake her. But you always understand her. Because she is you. Maybe not true for everyone, but what really keeps this character on my heart is that I have been her in so many ways. I'm trying not to spoil some of the plot points because they're such a pleasure and a genuine surprise to see these subjects dealt with so well, especially in Christian fiction, but if you've ever been through challenges like Charlotte, you know exactly what she's going through. And you find a new understanding for yourself in finding compassion for her. The secondary characters are just as fleshed out. Even the ones that have smaller parts feel fully realized.
Finally, the X factor that really excites me to share this book with other people: the mom gets to truly be the hero in the story. So many times books about moms are just complaining about kids, or focus on another story where the aspect of their being a mother doesn't really matter either way to the plot. It's so rare, SO RARE, to have a story where the mom is the hero because of her 'momness.' Especially at the climax/resolution of the story, being a mom is tied into every aspect. That's all I can say without spoiling but it feels so good to have the mom being a mom be central to the story in a positive, compelling way.
Just get this book!
January 23, 2022
This book was so good! It was relatable, yet suspenseful and kept me turning page after page, especially towards the end. I couldn’t put it down!
October 26, 2022
That Pale Host is a raw and intimate look into trauma, anxiety, and depression. It shows the resilience of familial bonds in the midst of the heaviness of everyday life. All tempered with an unnerving peek into the paranormal, and the even more unnerving effects of self-isolation, this book will grab you by the feels and won't let go. Charlotte's story is one of heartbreak, fear, and healing, things that many of us can relate to. Excellent read! I look forward to seeing more from L. G. McCary.
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