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The Possession Chronicles #5
Hostile Charms
Enchanted romance or cursed love?
Seeing his ex-wife, Lucy Melling, happily remarried, Frederick Davenport longs to move on from his failed first love. However, he has no interest in the catty women in town who feed off gossip and the misery of others. Then Melissa Stone enters his life.
Assigned to ensure Lucy finishes her latest romance novel, Melissa moves into her house as a long-term guest. Little does she know, she's arriving just as an unholy darkness begins to haunt the unsuspecting family.
Despite her growing attraction to Frederick, Melissa feels obligated to the Melling household as they battle against an evil entity determined to destroy them all. Can their blossoming love withstand otherworldly odds? Or will fear keep them both from true happiness?
Look for the Chateau Rouge/Possession Chronicles short "Revelry's Requiem" included as a bonus in the 2022 edition.
Seeing his ex-wife, Lucy Melling, happily remarried, Frederick Davenport longs to move on from his failed first love. However, he has no interest in the catty women in town who feed off gossip and the misery of others. Then Melissa Stone enters his life.
Assigned to ensure Lucy finishes her latest romance novel, Melissa moves into her house as a long-term guest. Little does she know, she's arriving just as an unholy darkness begins to haunt the unsuspecting family.
Despite her growing attraction to Frederick, Melissa feels obligated to the Melling household as they battle against an evil entity determined to destroy them all. Can their blossoming love withstand otherworldly odds? Or will fear keep them both from true happiness?
Look for the Chateau Rouge/Possession Chronicles short "Revelry's Requiem" included as a bonus in the 2022 edition.
- GenresGothic
579 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2020
About the author
Carrie Dalby
30 books104 followersCarrie Dalby has lived in Mobile, Alabama, since 1996, but called locations in both San Diego and Santa Cruz counties home while growing up in California. Serving two terms as president of Mobile Writers’ Guild, five years as the Mobile area Local Liaison for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and helping coordinate the Mobile Literary Festival are just a few of the writing-related volunteer positions she’s held. When Carrie isn’t reading, writing, researching, or browsing bookstores, libraries, estate sales, thrift stores, museums, or archives, she can often be found volunteering with the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association or attending concerts.
Carrie writes for both teens and adults.
As of 2025, The Possession Chronicles, The Malevolent Trilogy, and Washington Square Secrets are her Southern Gothic series for adults. She has also published several shorts that can be found in different anthologies as well as her short story collection MASKED FLAWS AND OTHER STORIES.
FORTITUDE is listed as a “Best Historical Book for Kids” by Grateful American Foundation for its historical accuracy and reader engagement for those in grades fifth through tenth.
For more information, social media links, newsletter sign-up, and more, visit her website: carriedalby dot com
Carrie writes for both teens and adults.
As of 2025, The Possession Chronicles, The Malevolent Trilogy, and Washington Square Secrets are her Southern Gothic series for adults. She has also published several shorts that can be found in different anthologies as well as her short story collection MASKED FLAWS AND OTHER STORIES.
FORTITUDE is listed as a “Best Historical Book for Kids” by Grateful American Foundation for its historical accuracy and reader engagement for those in grades fifth through tenth.
For more information, social media links, newsletter sign-up, and more, visit her website: carriedalby dot com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 9, 2020
This is my favorite book in the Possession Chronicles...but then, I have a little crush on Freddie anyway and I was happy reading about him moving on from that dreadful Lucy Easton!
There are some colorful characters here and I enjoyed being entertained by the Davenport daughters and their sweet kitty, Doff.
The series is set where I live, Mobile, AL, and the Eastern Shore. I did not grow up here but have come to love it since I moved here just after college. A lot of Mobile history is in these pages that I appreciate being woven into the story. The author does an outstanding job with her research of the area and events during the time the story takes place.
"What will the public think of luxury travel after this? You have an important job now, Ms. Stone. Travel could become feared if a great ship like the Titanic can be brought to its grave on her maiden voyage. More people will take to the roads in their automobiles rather than risk crossing oceans. We need to focus on continental travel. America-sea to shining sea. Pieces like your view of Mobile, a pleasant, friendly city."
Melissa Stone is a new character in this book. She is a writer in New York and is assigned to head south to assist another writer, Lucy Melling, get her novel finished. Lucy is a bit too distracted by her captivating and new husband, Alexander, and can't seem to get the job done. Because of this, Melissa doesn't get the opportunity to go on the maiden voyage of that famous ship, The Titanic. Of course, we all know that turns out to be a good thing for Ms. Stone! She will feel grateful for that later! Still evil lurks in too many places. At times she won't even feel safe in sunny Alabama!
Melissa arrives in the Port City to meet the Mellings, Davenports, Eastons and so many others from previous books. With her red hair, she is striking and soon catches the attention of now, bachelor, Freddie Davenport, Lucy's ex and father of her children. An immediate attraction, will they find true love? Can Freddie move on from spoiled Lucy? How does Melissa fit into this family saga? Will New York call her back once Lucy's novel is finished? Or will she fall in love with the southern charm and beauty of lower Alabama?
I recommend you read this for yourself to find out. If you like historical fiction, southern locations, family sagas....give this series a try. A lot of memorable characters and a charming setting you will want to travel to yourself. Enjoy!
There are some colorful characters here and I enjoyed being entertained by the Davenport daughters and their sweet kitty, Doff.
The series is set where I live, Mobile, AL, and the Eastern Shore. I did not grow up here but have come to love it since I moved here just after college. A lot of Mobile history is in these pages that I appreciate being woven into the story. The author does an outstanding job with her research of the area and events during the time the story takes place.
"What will the public think of luxury travel after this? You have an important job now, Ms. Stone. Travel could become feared if a great ship like the Titanic can be brought to its grave on her maiden voyage. More people will take to the roads in their automobiles rather than risk crossing oceans. We need to focus on continental travel. America-sea to shining sea. Pieces like your view of Mobile, a pleasant, friendly city."
Melissa Stone is a new character in this book. She is a writer in New York and is assigned to head south to assist another writer, Lucy Melling, get her novel finished. Lucy is a bit too distracted by her captivating and new husband, Alexander, and can't seem to get the job done. Because of this, Melissa doesn't get the opportunity to go on the maiden voyage of that famous ship, The Titanic. Of course, we all know that turns out to be a good thing for Ms. Stone! She will feel grateful for that later! Still evil lurks in too many places. At times she won't even feel safe in sunny Alabama!
Melissa arrives in the Port City to meet the Mellings, Davenports, Eastons and so many others from previous books. With her red hair, she is striking and soon catches the attention of now, bachelor, Freddie Davenport, Lucy's ex and father of her children. An immediate attraction, will they find true love? Can Freddie move on from spoiled Lucy? How does Melissa fit into this family saga? Will New York call her back once Lucy's novel is finished? Or will she fall in love with the southern charm and beauty of lower Alabama?
I recommend you read this for yourself to find out. If you like historical fiction, southern locations, family sagas....give this series a try. A lot of memorable characters and a charming setting you will want to travel to yourself. Enjoy!
October 5, 2020
Another amazing book
This book is for anyone who likes gothic, romance, mystery and a little paranormal. She keeps you wanting more and so anxious for the next one to come out.
This book is for anyone who likes gothic, romance, mystery and a little paranormal. She keeps you wanting more and so anxious for the next one to come out.
December 27, 2021
I still detest a certain character, but I give credit to the author for making me feel so strongly. On the other hand, the addition of a new character introduced some delightful and witty banter that I thoroughly enjoyed. I love feeling like I'm back in Mobile with the excellent descriptions and atmosphere.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews