Official Review: Ghosted by Baye Hartshorne

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 23 Mar 2020, 12:27

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ghosted" by Baye Hartshorne.]

2 out of 4 stars

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I rate Ghosted: The Treason House by Baye Hartshorne as 2 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed the story, but found it not well edited. The first two typos I found within the first three pages. I was also a little disappointed at how the story ended so abruptly. That being said, the story is good and with another round of edits would be a book I easily recommend for purchase.

The story begins with the main character and her stream of thoughts as she trudges through the rain on her way to her Grandmother’s house, having been stood up at the ferry landing. Through her eyes and her thoughts we quickly begin to picture the setting and the characters to come. Through her thoughts we soon know her background history and what she is looking forward to in the next period of her life. There is one ghost in particular, Hillier Knight, who befriends Julia. Numerous other ghosts make their appearance: a rowdy pirate, a gentleman, children dead of a fever, a war criminal, others connected to the mansion, and an angry second wife. Julia has just discovered that she is able to hear, communicate with, feel and see ghosts. Not only is her “normal” world turned upside down as she sets up a new life after being laid off from her job, but now she is surrounded by spectres who may or may not be friendly. When she meets her half siblings she learns that this ability is actually a family trait. Soon after this she learns to use this special ability to reclaim her career. Everything is improving in Julia’s life until the sudden end of the book.

The characters quickly come alive. Julia or Julie, the main character, provides the main point of view for the book. Through her perceptions and interactions we meet Gram and Uncle Dex. Uncle Dex is completely a jerk, an adult living with his mom, spoiled, obsessed with pigeons, and a pervert. Gram seems a sweet lady, making the best of her family and enjoying life but blinded to Dex’s shortcomings. Through Julia we learn about her sister and her mother, dear family friends and old co-workers. We also see scenes through the point of view of Knight, the gentleman ghost from the mansion. Mostly through Knight we learn about the characters of the other ghosts of the mansion, though we feel and see most of their actions through Julia.

The greatest strength of the book is how the points of view of Julia and Knight merge together to paint a full picture. Through their conversations, thoughts and what they observe, the reader has a grasp of the full story. There is not constant, exciting action, but the actions of the characters are completely believable. Generally, the purpose of the book is to follow the characters, human and ghost, through weeks of their “lives”. It follows the sweet romance between Julia and Knight. The characters are strong, the plot is ok, but the ending is a little too easy. However, it does set up for another book, to continue the interactions between these characters. I would recommend this as a light read for someone who can deal with the many typos. The romance is pretty mild, and as long as ghosts don’t bother anyone’s religious views, the book is not overtly religious. The language is very appropriate also. With another round of edits, I would be happy to recommend this book to many people.

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Ghosted
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Cynthia_Oluchi · Post by **Cynthia_Oluchi** » 26 Mar 2020, 15:04

This ghost story sends goosebumps all over my spine. I try to imagine myself in Julia's shoes. Really, this kind of book scares me a lot!

praise+anyi · Post by **praise+anyi** » 26 Mar 2020, 15:30

The first paragraph of your honest review turned off every yearn for this book even though the cover attracted me. Thanks for saving me the stress. I can't deal with the typos.

Ogoskino · Post by **Ogoskino** » 26 Mar 2020, 15:37

I would go with the recommendations of this review and pass on this book. Thanks for the honest review.

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:36

praise+anyi wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 15:30 The first paragraph of your honest review turned off every yearn for this book even though the cover attracted me. Thanks for saving me the stress. I can't deal with the typos.

I know what you mean. There is huge potential for this story, after another edit!

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:37

Ogoskino wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 15:37 I would go with the recommendations of this review and pass on this book. Thanks for the honest review.

I feel badly for giving it a low score, but honestly the potential is hidden under the need for edits.

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:39

Cynthia_Oluchi wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 15:04 This ghost story sends goosebumps all over my spine. I try to imagine myself in Julia's shoes. Really, this kind of book scares me a lot!

She really is a calm character. I think many women would not be nearly as calm as she while being bothered by her perverted uncle. And many people interacting with a ghost would be scared nearly to death themselves!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 26 Mar 2020, 22:29

I have a fondness for ghost stories and an even stronger fondness for those who can connect with them. This book seems to fit the bill on both of these points. I've been thinking about reviewing this one, perhaps now I will! Thanks for the recommendation and the review!

Salma_asa · Post by **Salma_asa** » 27 Mar 2020, 01:46

You wrote an wonderful review! I enjoyed reading it. I may read this book as well!

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 29 Mar 2020, 06:08

Kelyn wrote: ↑26 Mar 2020, 22:29 I have a fondness for ghost stories and an even stronger fondness for those who can connect with them. This book seems to fit the bill on both of these points. I've been thinking about reviewing this one, perhaps now I will! Thanks for the recommendation and the review!

I enjoyed the interactions of the ghosts...review it, it’s a quick read!

vermontelf · Post by **vermontelf** » 29 Mar 2020, 06:09

Salma_asa wrote: ↑27 Mar 2020, 01:46 You wrote an wonderful review! I enjoyed reading it. I may read this book as well!

Thank you! It’s a quick read, and it was fun. Enjoy!

Salma_asa · Post by **Salma_asa** » 29 Mar 2020, 08:25

vermontelf wrote: ↑29 Mar 2020, 06:09
Salma_asa wrote: ↑27 Mar 2020, 01:46 You wrote an wonderful review! I enjoyed reading it. I may read this book as well!
Thank you! It’s a quick read, and it was fun. Enjoy!

You are welcome!

bookloverqq · Post by **bookloverqq** » 31 Mar 2020, 03:43

Thanks for review!so it's another ghost stories.i skip it.!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 09 Apr 2020, 04:44

Thanks for the excellent review! I read this book also and I agree with your overall description of it. The storyline is good, but the number of errors really took away from the read. I got frustrated with the lack of editing. The ending actually surprised me, so I will have to read the sequel to find out what happens with Julia's and Knight's relationship! I couldn't stand "Uncle Dex!" I agree with you, he is definitely a pervert!