Haunts Haven

by Joan Sowards

When Callie Wilford inherits a century-old inn in southern Arizona, locals tell her of a ghost who “guards” the inn. But Callie doesn’t believe in ghosts, and she plans to turn the inn into a bed and breakfast. Then things start to happen—strange, spooky things— and she begins to wonder if there is some truth to the ghost stories. If that weren’t bad enough, Callie discovers a mysterious grave in the cellar. As she confronts the inn’s tragic secrets, she also faces her lonely past and learns to embrace her heritage. But it takes a handsome cowboy and a harming rancher to prove that Callie’s long-guarded heart can love again.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Young Adult

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book for Christmas and read it in a day. The ghost element was interesting and I loved the idea of a beautiful old hotel being brought back to life. This charming book is a great lite "escape" fantasy, although it is skewed heavily toward an LDS audience.

[Sherrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I wonder why my book group chooses books that are so dumb. This one was just silly. It is her first attempt at writing and I hope she improves. Really, a girl who falls in love with a ghost?

[Donna Hatch]

I'm hearing so much about this book that I can't wait to read it. It sounds fantastic.

[Markanddorias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. I figured out the ending pretty quickly but it was still a good book.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the premise of a ghost haunting an old hotel. The author did a good job describing the hotel, and the problems involved in getting back into running condition.

Here are the problems I had with the book:

I did not like that the main character repeatedly spent lots of time talking of her 'love' for the cowboy. "Oh, why do I have to be in love with him." He has made it clear on more than one occasion that he is not interested at all. I feel like even after she knows his secret, she is ridiculous for continually pining. It was excusable the first couple of times, but then it just got annoying when she lamented that he didn't love her back.

I also didn't like the sub-plot of the restaurant owner, the best friend, and the best friend's dad. I feel like that was thrown in unnecessarily, and it was very very forced.

Also, some parts of dialogue (especially involving the main character and her roommate) are very cringe-worthy, and leave you rolling your eyes.

Really though, I'm just pointing out the things that personally annoyed me. Overall, the author did a nice job, and should be commended for writing this story.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a fair read. There were just too many emotions/non-emotions that didn't make sense to me, and back stories that could have made up their own stories--whys?

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal reading. If you like this kind of book you should give Joan's book a try. You will not be disappointed.

Callie Wilford doesn't believe in ghosts, but as soon as the former school teacher arrives in the tiny town of Cassady Springs--home of two feuding families and a cafe owner with a startling story--residents start telling her tales of a ghost who "guards" her century-old, deserted inn. Unfortunately, it is soon apparent that there is more truth than fiction to the stories. While she has the courage to unearth tragic secrets to claim her heritage, it takes a handsome cowboy--and a lonely rancher--to prove that her own long-guarded heart may be able to love again.

You can see more about the book and the author at:
http://joansowards. blogspot. com
http://www.amazon. com/Haunts- Haven-Joan- Sowards/dp/ 1935217313/ ref=sr_1_ 1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255417156&sr=8-1

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What really grabbed me was the book’s subtitle: "Haunts Haven: An LDS Ghost Story". How many LDS ghost stories are running around on the shelves of LDS bookstores? Until now, I’d have been forced to say “None!” Now, happily, I can at least say, “One!” And Joan pulls it off in a way entirely plausible to an LDS audience. If you’re looking for an LDS novel with an unusual twist, you will want to check out Haunts Haven.

Read my full review at http://jdp-news.blogspot.com/2010/01/...

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callie inherits an old hacienda style saloon(?) in a small town in southern Arizona. She decides to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Her problems include scorpions, dust, repairs, etc but the biggest problem is that it is haunted. Almost everyone in town has their own story of seeing the ghost but Callie can't figure out why she hasn't seen it even though there are things that make her aware that one exists.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

O.k. DO NOT read this book really late at night and think you are going to put it down and also that you won't get goosebumps. Just be warned. I thought Joan Sowards did a great job on her book and she surprised me with her ending and resolution to a certain mystery that I won't spoil for anyone. Great book to pick up when you have time to finish it all the way through.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Joan Sowards wrote this book and it's really good. It's an LDS ghost story with an adult as the main character (who knew adults could have adventures too?)I love that the main character meets and falls for the ghost and doesn't realize it.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this first novel from Joan Sowards. It was so worth my time spent reading it,;even though I read it very fast. Fantastic twist in the middle! I will blog a lot more about this book this week. Let's just say, this is a book I will read again. Nice job Joan!

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a huge fan of LDS fiction, so when I find one I like, I am always pleasantly surprised. I thought this was an enjoyable ghost story/romance that didn't hit me over the head with the religious parts. It was a great way to escape and be entertained for a few hours.

[Valerie Steimle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first chapter of this delightful story and I didn't want to stop. It's a good book for just escaping the daily grind and is a clean romance to boot. A very good book to read!!!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Both my daughter and I liked it a lot.

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I would enjoy an LDS ghost story, but it was enjoyable. Nothing super thrilling; but an enjoyable, quick read.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on Saturday and I finished it Late Saturday Night/ Early Sunday Morning. I REALLY enjoyed this book! Hopefully she writes another one like this!!!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for this fun ghost story.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An LDS ghost story? Delightful story that interested me from the beginning. Fun characters and a mystery with twists. Quick clean read with fun and romance sprinkled throughout. Loved the ending...

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book,fun to read, and different!

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book after meeting the author at a writing conference and I definitely was not disappointed. It was enjoyable and had a happy ending, which I am always looking for.

[Tina Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ghost story romance? I loved it!!!

[Kim McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but super predictable. I enjoyed reading it and finding out the ghost story. I'd like to read more by this author.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another captivating, clean read that will keep you turning the pages till the end.

[Margaret Larsen Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tantalizing Ghost Story set in the Southwest.
Loved it.

[Betsy Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully written. Predictable, but a fun ghost story. Kept me up reading late.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story! I couldn't put it down!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked it :)