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Everliving
Daphne Lindstrom, the beautiful young wife of Red Gap's most prominent citizen, vanished mysteriously not long after her unhappy marriage.
More than a century later, botany student Ben Platt finds himself laid up in the former redwood logging town, now reborn as a tourist destination, thanks to a novel based on Daphne's story. But theories on her fate are not the only things to survive.
For generations Daphne has haunted the men of one family, driving them to obsession and disaster. When she appears to Ben, he must decide whether to answer her call for help, and at what cost.
More than a century later, botany student Ben Platt finds himself laid up in the former redwood logging town, now reborn as a tourist destination, thanks to a novel based on Daphne's story. But theories on her fate are not the only things to survive.
For generations Daphne has haunted the men of one family, driving them to obsession and disaster. When she appears to Ben, he must decide whether to answer her call for help, and at what cost.
369 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
19 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books269 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 25, 2012
At first I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into, considering I usually don't read ghost stories. However this one was thoroughly enjoyable. I expected it to be scary, but was pleased to find out that it wasn't. It is certainly one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. I love that the story was based around Redwoods. (I love trees, very much like the characters in the book.) In my opinion this was more of a love story than a ghost story. The main character Ben has always been in love with trees, especially Redwoods, and this love for trees has given him the ability to communicate with a beautiful ghost, Daphne. The special bond that they share with the trees sparks their romance. I love how the author is able to juggle the romance between Ben and Daphne, as well as the mystery of Daphne's death way back in 1895. This is truly an incredible read, and I would reccommend it to anyone who enjoys a great mystery and romance combo. Just make sure you carve out a nice block of time to read it, because you will not want to put it down!
March 7, 2012
I won this book in a drawing sponsored by good reads. When I first began the book I thought it to be slow, but not all books need to be a quick read so I stuck with it. The interest began to bloom in this uniquely derived "ghost" story. The beauty of the writing created interests in nature and back stories of many well developed characters. The author (Dudley) has intrigued me enough to look through her other books and discover more about how she writes. I felt that she was very well researched in her topics and that it was not contrived. I would recommend this book, and spoke about it frequently during the process of reading, how it twisted, how it was an uncommon turn of events, and an atypical ghost story with a little love story in there. I gave it 4 stars; definitely a good read. Thank you for the opportunity to discover a new author.
February 1, 2012
I thought the storyline for the first 1/2 to 2/3rds fo this book was really good. It fell off for me the last 1/3rd though and it rapidly lost my interest. Also, the first part was def. mystery. I was trying to figure out what happened to Daphne...why was she a ghost? Why was she sticking around? The last part just seemed pure fantasy to me. Not disappointed I read it..would have liked it to be all mystery though.
March 15, 2012
I know, I can't believe I read this either. I only got about 2/3 of the way through it before vomiting on my Kindle. Some books are free for a reason...!
May 27, 2019
I really liked this book, and I can't understand why it's gotten such bad reviews. I've given Something Wicked this Way Comes 2 stars, and this four. I found the writing good, with a steady flow and some really nice turns of phrase, very few errors, and though I was a bit wary coming to the halfway mark, wondering where she could possibly go with the story without dragging it out, I was pleasantly surprised by how it was handled. All in all a really good book and an interesting and different storyline.
March 15, 2015
Tree ghost. How could I not be drawn to this.
This is a story about an old grove of CA Redwoods and the girl who fought to save them over 100 years ago. Daphne Lindstrom was wild for her time and spent all her time in the forest and loved the trees. Then one day she disappeared.
In the present, the town of Red Gap has become a tourist attraction to see the one remaining tree Grand Daddy and hope for a sighting of the ghost of Daphne that is said to haunt the grove as popularized by best selling novel.
Ben is a grad student studying trees. He has a falling out with his partner and leaves the project he has been working on, but hits a dear and wrecks his car. He ends up free climbing a doug fir. But he falls. He is found and cared for in the bed and breakfast where the famed Daphne lived. Thus Ben gets dragged into the drama of ghost stories and those who want to keep the secrets.
The story goes that Daphne haunts an the men of a particular family and drives them to madness or suicide. And now it seems that she is also reaching out to Ben.
I really enjoyed the forest tree part of this and the ghost story was equally appealing. It has it's schmaltzy parts though. The love story part was a bit too much. But I still enjoyed the story as it was at heart about the love affair with a tree.
This is a story about an old grove of CA Redwoods and the girl who fought to save them over 100 years ago. Daphne Lindstrom was wild for her time and spent all her time in the forest and loved the trees. Then one day she disappeared.
In the present, the town of Red Gap has become a tourist attraction to see the one remaining tree Grand Daddy and hope for a sighting of the ghost of Daphne that is said to haunt the grove as popularized by best selling novel.
Ben is a grad student studying trees. He has a falling out with his partner and leaves the project he has been working on, but hits a dear and wrecks his car. He ends up free climbing a doug fir. But he falls. He is found and cared for in the bed and breakfast where the famed Daphne lived. Thus Ben gets dragged into the drama of ghost stories and those who want to keep the secrets.
The story goes that Daphne haunts an the men of a particular family and drives them to madness or suicide. And now it seems that she is also reaching out to Ben.
I really enjoyed the forest tree part of this and the ghost story was equally appealing. It has it's schmaltzy parts though. The love story part was a bit too much. But I still enjoyed the story as it was at heart about the love affair with a tree.
March 11, 2012
I wish I could give this four-and-a-half stars, because there were only minor things that niggled at me, and only at the end. I'm the kind of girl who likes all loose ends neatly tied up, and there were a couple left dangling. Those loose ends, however, have made me think about this book quite a bit since I finished reading, so all-in-all, not a huge issue.
I loved that Ms. Dudley did not write this preaching from either side's podium: it neither came firmly down on logging's side nor on environmentalism's side. She simply lets the reader color the story with his or her own opinions and beliefs. The story is rich with detail, botanical knowledge, and atmosphere. The setting is so expertly crafted, I felt as though I'd been plunked right down into this small forest town at the onset of a misty autumn. Benjamin Platt was an engaging protagonist, with a dry, quiet wit and self-effacing demeanor. The mystery of Daphne Lindstrom's fate provided the backbone of this story without being obnoxious about it. I guessed correctly before the big reveal - but only just a page or two before. And the ending - whoa, didn't see it coming.
This is a definite must-read for fans of paranormal with romantic elements. I will be reading this again, and I can't give a higher compliment than that.
I loved that Ms. Dudley did not write this preaching from either side's podium: it neither came firmly down on logging's side nor on environmentalism's side. She simply lets the reader color the story with his or her own opinions and beliefs. The story is rich with detail, botanical knowledge, and atmosphere. The setting is so expertly crafted, I felt as though I'd been plunked right down into this small forest town at the onset of a misty autumn. Benjamin Platt was an engaging protagonist, with a dry, quiet wit and self-effacing demeanor. The mystery of Daphne Lindstrom's fate provided the backbone of this story without being obnoxious about it. I guessed correctly before the big reveal - but only just a page or two before. And the ending - whoa, didn't see it coming.
This is a definite must-read for fans of paranormal with romantic elements. I will be reading this again, and I can't give a higher compliment than that.
March 15, 2012
Not a bad story overall. I did feel that the romance that came out of it seemed really contrived. There wasn't enough explanation as to WHY Ben would fall for the woman he did. I mean, yeah it did say why but it was a shallow why. I really wanted something more from it. But all in all, really not a bad story. I enjoyed all of the characters and learning about this quirky little logging town. In fact, I would have preferred to learn just a bit more about the town and its various denizens but I suspect that would have detracted too much from the focus of LET'S FIND BEN A SOULMATE.
Someone else here mentioned a few loose ends that were never tied up and I have to agree, those grated on me. Not because all loose ends have to be tied up. Sometimes you finish a story with a few "what ifs" and it's all good. But these were some obvious loose ends that you didn't even get a "what if" from. Just sort of...left you hanging. Like, why even bring these things up if you don't intend to either provide answers or lead us towards coming to our own conclusions?
Someone else here mentioned a few loose ends that were never tied up and I have to agree, those grated on me. Not because all loose ends have to be tied up. Sometimes you finish a story with a few "what ifs" and it's all good. But these were some obvious loose ends that you didn't even get a "what if" from. Just sort of...left you hanging. Like, why even bring these things up if you don't intend to either provide answers or lead us towards coming to our own conclusions?
February 22, 2012
Is this when people say the read has been like a rollercoaster ride?
I'm still torn deciding whether it's a good or a bad thing.
Personally I thought the plot and the direction was very nice. Nice, romantic, ethereal, paranormal. It's some of the actual happenings and conversations that put a damper into things.
I'd like to summarize the story out... but the plot is so unique (to my knowledge) that doing so will just give the story away... Let's just say... be careful of what pacts you make.
The whole Gladys thing was unnecessary, IMHO. I mean, half way to figuring out her story, she totally drops out of the picture.
The ending was pretty interesting. Well, at least we know that the supposed plan did work out. Some sort of happily ever after then.
I had to give an extra point to this book as my favourite Christina Rosetti is mentioned :D
I'm still torn deciding whether it's a good or a bad thing.
Personally I thought the plot and the direction was very nice. Nice, romantic, ethereal, paranormal. It's some of the actual happenings and conversations that put a damper into things.
I'd like to summarize the story out... but the plot is so unique (to my knowledge) that doing so will just give the story away... Let's just say... be careful of what pacts you make.
The whole Gladys thing was unnecessary, IMHO. I mean, half way to figuring out her story, she totally drops out of the picture.
The ending was pretty interesting. Well, at least we know that the supposed plan did work out. Some sort of happily ever after then.
I had to give an extra point to this book as my favourite Christina Rosetti is mentioned :D
July 18, 2011
I enjoyed the story but the paranormal logistics were a little out there for me. I was glad to finally find out how Daphne died- the suspense was entertaining. The history also kept my attention. There was one part of the story which I thought could have been expanded on- since Gladys has episodes where spirits took control of her body, I was wondering if she had actually killed the little girl that she found as a child when she was possessed, therefore not being able to remember it, and then that was how she knew where to find the body.... Just a random theory on my part. The book as a whole did keep my attention and I enjoyed the plot and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2012
i know 2 stars for what is essentially a well-written book, seems low but i can explain!
1. 2 stars, according to goodreads mean "ok". "ok" is not bad. "ok" is exactly how i felt after reading this book.
2. i got this book via the first reads program which i think is great but doesn't necessarily describe the books that well. had i known what kind of book this would be, i doubt i would've entered my name for it.
i do not enjoy romance novel. i don't especially like ghost stories. unfortunately, this was both.
i think the author did an excellent job with atmosphere & is clearly a decent writer, but this just isn't my sort of book.
1. 2 stars, according to goodreads mean "ok". "ok" is not bad. "ok" is exactly how i felt after reading this book.
2. i got this book via the first reads program which i think is great but doesn't necessarily describe the books that well. had i known what kind of book this would be, i doubt i would've entered my name for it.
i do not enjoy romance novel. i don't especially like ghost stories. unfortunately, this was both.
i think the author did an excellent job with atmosphere & is clearly a decent writer, but this just isn't my sort of book.
April 23, 2012
I usually all about haunted romances, with fun/zanny town characters. This, technically, fits the bill. However, something felt a bit off, and it felt like it could have gone in many different directions at any point in the story.
April 20, 2013
Very interesting book. I realized that it took me a while to fish this book. However, I do appreciate all the research that Christina Dudley put into this book. I love reading the accurate information about the redwood trees and reading about the landscape of California. However, beyond that the story platue at towards the middle end of the book. I also felt like it ended a bit fast. This was the similar format of the other two books that I have read from this author. She quickly ended Ben's life, and moved on with other people's perspective. How Ben died, and why he died. Not much about his life dead with his beloved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2012
I received this through the First Reads program.
This was an enjoyable read. I immediately liked Ben, possibly because I felt sorry for him, but I also thought his voice was realistic. The various townspeople blended together a bit for me, but I liked how the ghost story was introduced and carried out in a plausible way (as these things go). There are interesting details about redwoods, and it made me want to visit the Pacific Northwest. It could have been a bit shorter (less of Ben's angst, I think), but it kept my interest throughout.
This was an enjoyable read. I immediately liked Ben, possibly because I felt sorry for him, but I also thought his voice was realistic. The various townspeople blended together a bit for me, but I liked how the ghost story was introduced and carried out in a plausible way (as these things go). There are interesting details about redwoods, and it made me want to visit the Pacific Northwest. It could have been a bit shorter (less of Ben's angst, I think), but it kept my interest throughout.
May 22, 2012
A ghost story about a botanist who falls in love with a ghostly woman protecting a giant redwood. Yeah, seems a little odd, right?
I didn't anticipate loving this book as much as I did. But I really, truly enjoyed the story. It was a unique and educational spin on a ghost story, that also educated you immensely on the coastal redwoods.
The love story felt a bit contrived, but honestly it held my full attention from start to finish, so I'm letting that bit go.
Well written, engaging, and fun.
I didn't anticipate loving this book as much as I did. But I really, truly enjoyed the story. It was a unique and educational spin on a ghost story, that also educated you immensely on the coastal redwoods.
The love story felt a bit contrived, but honestly it held my full attention from start to finish, so I'm letting that bit go.
Well written, engaging, and fun.
July 18, 2012
I liked this book, but didn't love it. Ghost stories are not my "thing."
However, I've read other books by Dudley and LOVED them, so I am confident in saying that the reason that I didn't LOVE this one is because of the ghost story line.
I went through a love-hate range of emotions in regards to Ben, the main non-ghost character. At times I adored him for his simpleness, his kindness, his gentleness... and other times I felt like he was a whiny 16-year old boy.
I have a girlfriend that loves ghost stories... I'm going to pass this book along to her. I know that she is going to enjoy it!
However, I've read other books by Dudley and LOVED them, so I am confident in saying that the reason that I didn't LOVE this one is because of the ghost story line.
I went through a love-hate range of emotions in regards to Ben, the main non-ghost character. At times I adored him for his simpleness, his kindness, his gentleness... and other times I felt like he was a whiny 16-year old boy.
I have a girlfriend that loves ghost stories... I'm going to pass this book along to her. I know that she is going to enjoy it!
May 21, 2012
I received this book as the result of a First Reads Giveaway from Goodreads, and was pleasantly surprised. I don't really know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it wasn't what I got. Everliving is an addicting story about a guy and and a ghost, but it's not like any ghost story I've ever read. I was drawn in, even though I was dubious about liking it when I first picked it up.
February 17, 2012
Part of this book were great.., other parts just dragged on....
I have real issues with the end of the book though. There were an extra two chapters at the end, one completely out of style of the rest of the novel which was jarring and really unnessecary.
The other issue I have is that parts of the story are told to the main character by another, the writing it horrible in these sections. The dialogue is stifled and so out of character with the rest of the book.
I have real issues with the end of the book though. There were an extra two chapters at the end, one completely out of style of the rest of the novel which was jarring and really unnessecary.
The other issue I have is that parts of the story are told to the main character by another, the writing it horrible in these sections. The dialogue is stifled and so out of character with the rest of the book.
June 10, 2014
Interesting read. Such a different premise in this book: Does the town of Red Gap have a ghost who connects with residents and tourists? Is Daphne's life interwoven with the forest and redwoods? Townspeople and visitors question their own sanity looking for answers. I found some of the book fascinating; some of it contrived. I also felt very compelled to keep reading, even when I shook my head with the next turn of the page and events in the book.
April 12, 2012
I'm not finishing this crap. The first half of the book was actually really enjoyable and it pulled me in, but once it all started becoming nothing but whiny drivel from the main character over how ridiculously obsessed/"in love" with this ghost he is, that's when you lost me. I hardly ever decide not to finish a book, but I just couldn't put up with this nonsense anymore.
Want to read
January 7, 2012 Free today 1/7/12
August 11, 2011
It took me awhile to get into this one - mostly because I didn't clearly hear the book's "voice" until midway through... But once I heard that voice, I couldn't put it down. An enjoyable summer read.
January 25, 2012
really enjoying this well-written book.
LOVED IT!!!
LOVED IT!!!
Want to read
January 16, 2012*Recommended by GoodReads
February 18, 2012
I'm glad to have won this book in the Goodreads Giveaway
it was ok it just took me some time to get into the story but it was a really great book !!
it was ok it just took me some time to get into the story but it was a really great book !!
March 3, 2012
This seemed to take more time than I usually like to spend on a novel!! Took a lot of time to get into the story. I was much more interested as the story went along.
March 3, 2012
I almost gave up on this book twice, but went on when some detail piqued my interest. Still, not my favorite book. I guess I don't like ghost stories. I got this book free on my Kindle.
June 8, 2012
i could not finish this book it is soooooo boring
July 24, 2012
This was a very interesting book, I was not sure at first if I would like it or not but it was a wonderfully written book that sucked me in quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews