Jan 142010
“Haunts Haven” includes on it’s front cover, “An LDS Ghost Story”. You wonder how the LDS and Ghost story can mix? Well, Joan Sowards does it in a very clever and surprising way. I missed the twist that came in the middle, though I should have seen it coming. I am getting ahead of myself here.
Let me give you a brief overview of the story of “Haunts Haven”…
“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 charming rancher to prove that Callie’s long-guarded heart can love again.”
This is the first published novel for Joan Sowards and I was very impressed by her wonderful storytelling. I loved the very bright and somewhat colorful characters found in this book. The book seemed to have a nice flow to it, so it is an easy read. I really liked the main character, Callie, who was written so “real” you could relate to her.
I also really liked how Joan was able to weave several smaller stories, into the big story, without it being confusing. I also mentioned earlier about a twist. It is a great twist that simply surprised me and delighted me at the same time. I will not say more because I do not want to give anything away.
I know, if you want to read a different kind of love story filled with mystery and suspense, you will enjoy “Haunts Haven”. I look forward to reading more of what Joan writes.
You can purchase this book at Amazon.com and now at Deseret Book.
I want to thank Amy Orton at Walnut Springs Press for the complimentary copy of this book. This one is a keeper and will be read again and again.
3 Responses to “Haunts Haven by Joan Sowards”
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Thank you Sheila for the great review on Haunts Haven, and especially for calling it a keeper!
You are so welcome Joan. I really did like this story a lot. I really should have caught the twist coming, but it was such a fun surprise. Nice writing there!! :)
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book!