I'll tell you right now that I absolutely adore this series. This is fifth book in the series, so please don't start with this one, but start at the beginning with The House on Tradd Street. You'll be a bit lost, and darn it, come into the story after all the really good stuff happens between Melanie and Jack. **Warning: spoiler alert**
Melanie is returning to work as a realtor specializing in historic homes in her hometown of Charleston, SC. Work continues on her home, as do the odd paranormal events that come with her home. Jack is working on a book, and having twin babies means they need a nanny. Melanie's latest client has inherited a historic home on South Battery Street, and Jayne is eager to sell it. Very eager to sell it. It's obvious Jayne is very uneasy around the house, and will do anything to avoid stepping foot in it. Lucky for Melanie, Jayne is a nanny looking for a job while the house is looked at by a team of historical renovation experts, restored, and all of the valuable antiques are evaluated and sold. Jayne is a perfect fit for Melanie's household, and her twins Sarah and JJ (both adorable 10 month olds) take to her instantly.
Meanwhile, lots of recent rainfall has caused part of Melanie's back yard to sink in, exposing a cistern that requires archaeologists from the local college to excavate it, as it's clearly from the early days of Charleston and may be of historical significance. Only bad thing about it is that something dark and evil has been released and has taken root in Melanie's home. Also, touring Jayne's home has given Melanie a sense that not only are there spirits around, but one isn't very nice. Reluctant to embrace her gifts, but frustrated that during her pregnancy they seemed to be blocked, Melanie knows she's being called on to solve another mystery haunting historical Charleston. But, in doing so, both her and Jack uncover a whole lot more that has repercussions for Melanie and her family.
I dived right into this novel, and was happy to read the continuation of Melanie and Jack's story. Here they are happily married, and new parents. Melanie still suffers from moments of "I can't believe this guy is my husband!" and fresh off of a difficult pregnancy, she doesn't feel her most attractive. Being a first time mom in her early 40's has given her great joy, but also a bit of a confidence issue. This is a big part of the story, and while I understand completely, there were times I wanted to shake her! Just goes to show that marriages always need work, and communication is so important between partners. I liked the paranormal plot a lot, but I figured it all out pretty quickly so there weren't any surprises. Still very enjoyable. I give it a 6/10; it's available in hardcover, e-book, and audio. If you're a fan of the South, and like a bit of paranormal, family drama, history, and romance, pick up this series. Can't wait for the next one!
Now, onto my February reads. I've got a plateful, for sure.
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| Moms and drama at a school in small town England |
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| John Wilkes Booth. Should be interesting |
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| Epistolary novel set during the Civil War |
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| Sequel to the Lace Reader. I'm giving her another chance |
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| Publisher review. Thriller. |
And I'm going to try and squeeze in a romantic read...after all it is the month of love!
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