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The Crystal Inn: A Southern Haunting
A spooky YA novella. The perfect light read set in Western North Carolina.
There was nothing quite like my time spent working at The Crystal Inn in Glowing Rock…
The ornateness and history of the Mansion was enchanting - but the beguiling forces that were seemingly intertwined with the air of the estate were a force to be reckoned with.
When I drive under the weeping willow trees that line the narrow road of the village, their pendulous branches wrapped in a misty fog invoke memories of secrets hidden behind heavy locked doors, flickering lights, & the eyes of Civil War soldiers staring back at me from the black and white photos hung on the scarlet lobby walls of the dimly lit lobby.
I pass by the old sign to the Inn, which is now covered by a large brown tarp and a small “no trespassing” sign sits in the grass next to it. And I think, “Who would have ever thought something like this would happen in Glowing Rock? And really, would anyone believe my story anyway?”
There was nothing quite like my time spent working at The Crystal Inn in Glowing Rock…
The ornateness and history of the Mansion was enchanting - but the beguiling forces that were seemingly intertwined with the air of the estate were a force to be reckoned with.
When I drive under the weeping willow trees that line the narrow road of the village, their pendulous branches wrapped in a misty fog invoke memories of secrets hidden behind heavy locked doors, flickering lights, & the eyes of Civil War soldiers staring back at me from the black and white photos hung on the scarlet lobby walls of the dimly lit lobby.
I pass by the old sign to the Inn, which is now covered by a large brown tarp and a small “no trespassing” sign sits in the grass next to it. And I think, “Who would have ever thought something like this would happen in Glowing Rock? And really, would anyone believe my story anyway?”
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2022
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Donner
2 books1 followerJennifer Donner is the author of The Crystal Inn: A Southern Haunting and other works of speculative fiction set in the haunted corners of the American South. Her writing blends elements of folklore, mystery, and quiet magic—stories where the living and the dead often share the same cup of coffee. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she’s currently at work on new projects exploring haunted neighborhoods, strange utopias, and the ways love lingers beyond this life. When she isn’t writing, Jennifer curates The Food Phantom, a vegan travel and café blog celebrating spooky-cozy places and plant-based treats.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 13, 2023
A Wholesome Haunt!
There’s something wholesome about this spooky story. I can’t explain what it is, it’s just “there”. You’ll understand when you read it. Maybe it’s the way the author describes the town and its people—that small-town atmosphere with good food and friendly faces—, or maybe it’s the clean writing style, or her exquisite descriptions of the seasons—the crisp air and the snowfall blanketing the property of the Inn, or the imagery of an overgrown, unkept yard. Whatever it was, I liked it! It was a quick read, it took me about 2 1/2 hours to finish, which is just what I needed for my day off. The main character was relatable, and I felt like I was walking in her shoes experiencing everything she experienced first-hand. I was also intrigued by the history of the Crystal Inn and I would love to read more about the Inn and Sophia and how she came to be there. I have so many questions about her! Dear Ms. Donner, Please write a sequel soon!!!!
If you like a little bit of spook with your pastries and tea, pick this book up and give it a read!
There’s something wholesome about this spooky story. I can’t explain what it is, it’s just “there”. You’ll understand when you read it. Maybe it’s the way the author describes the town and its people—that small-town atmosphere with good food and friendly faces—, or maybe it’s the clean writing style, or her exquisite descriptions of the seasons—the crisp air and the snowfall blanketing the property of the Inn, or the imagery of an overgrown, unkept yard. Whatever it was, I liked it! It was a quick read, it took me about 2 1/2 hours to finish, which is just what I needed for my day off. The main character was relatable, and I felt like I was walking in her shoes experiencing everything she experienced first-hand. I was also intrigued by the history of the Crystal Inn and I would love to read more about the Inn and Sophia and how she came to be there. I have so many questions about her! Dear Ms. Donner, Please write a sequel soon!!!!
If you like a little bit of spook with your pastries and tea, pick this book up and give it a read!
October 27, 2022
I really enjoyed the way Jennifer Donner wrote this horror novel, it does what I was hoping for from the description. The plot worked so well and I was invested in what was going on. The characters worked and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
Loved what an intriguing and easy to read book this is! It kept me interested and looking forward to reading it! Creepy vibes and perfect timing to read it this time of the year!
I look forward to more books from the new author!!
I look forward to more books from the new author!!
December 3, 2022
Almost didn't bother finishing, but it was short
This was like reading someone's creative writing exercise or an outline that never really got developed. There's some potential for a good story with more work put in.
This was like reading someone's creative writing exercise or an outline that never really got developed. There's some potential for a good story with more work put in.
August 1, 2024
I loved the story and it was fresh and so nice. I like the main character she goes an gets a job at a creepy mansion it’s her first job and people say it’s haunted. It was very spooky reading it and was such a page turner I hope to see more books by this author in the future.
September 15, 2022
Horrible. Don’t bother.
September 18, 2022
This book was horrible! It did not make any since.
September 20, 2022
Quick novella about a young woman and how her health & life changes quickly after she takes a job at a local haunted inn. A bit predictable toward the end, but a decent freshman effort by Donner.
October 1, 2022
This is my book I wrote it and think it’s wonderful. You’re welcome.
October 24, 2022
This was a pretty fun book. It was fun to read with Halloween coming up, and I liked it for the most part.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2023
A really fast read. Very interesting concept for telling the story.
November 5, 2025
Unfortunate ending to what I thought was a rather enjoyable story. As a reader, I would have really liked the plot to be wrapped up a little neater.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews