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Haunting Ruby #1
Shades of Summer
Love…the only thing more powerful than death.
Seventeen year old Ruby Matthews spent the last year of her life crippled by guilt and grief over the death of longtime friend and boyfriend Seeley “Lee” Lucas. Feeling that a change of scenery might snap her back to reality, Ruby’s father moves the family out of their home in the Philadelphia suburb of Trinity and into small town life in Charlotte’s Grove, Pennsylvania. Life is better here for Ruby—she quickly makes friends with handsome Zach Mason and his twin sister Rachel. Every moment spent with Zach makes life and love seem possible again. But happiness comes with a high price. Things are not what they seem at Rosewood, the Matthews’ historic plantation-style home. Paranormal activity at the mansion intensifies as she draws closer to Zach. Is it Lee coming back to reclaim her heart and maybe even her soul? Or is something more sinister hiding in the shadows? Ruby must delve into her own past and the history of Rosewood to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Seventeen year old Ruby Matthews spent the last year of her life crippled by guilt and grief over the death of longtime friend and boyfriend Seeley “Lee” Lucas. Feeling that a change of scenery might snap her back to reality, Ruby’s father moves the family out of their home in the Philadelphia suburb of Trinity and into small town life in Charlotte’s Grove, Pennsylvania. Life is better here for Ruby—she quickly makes friends with handsome Zach Mason and his twin sister Rachel. Every moment spent with Zach makes life and love seem possible again. But happiness comes with a high price. Things are not what they seem at Rosewood, the Matthews’ historic plantation-style home. Paranormal activity at the mansion intensifies as she draws closer to Zach. Is it Lee coming back to reclaim her heart and maybe even her soul? Or is something more sinister hiding in the shadows? Ruby must delve into her own past and the history of Rosewood to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
470 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2012
6 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Joy Elbel
8 books11 followersJoy Elbel writes primarily in the young adult paranormal romance genre. Her first set of novels consists of four books beginning with Shades of Summer. The Haunting Ruby series is equal parts mystery, danger, and romance topped off with a ghostly dose of witty humor. This is also her readers’ first glance at the town of Charlotte’s Grove—a miniature mecca for all things mysterious. She has written three other books that weave together seamlessly with her original series. Minor characters in her earlier works get their turn in the spotlight in future novels. She is currently re-releasing her past works with a fresh, new look while working on a witchcraft trilogy slated for a 2019 release.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 23, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal).
I love the plot, though the whole story is excessively long. The paranormal encounters is well-written and it’s scary enough for a YA genre. There are just some parts of the book that annoys me particularly Ruby’s non-stop remarks on how perfect Zach is which can be found on almost every page. Consistent remarks like that to make the story longer is just pushing me to boredom. Another is her pessimistic attitude which is over the top even for a teenager. Overall, it’s a really great story with an awesome plot, you just have to learn to overcome these minor flaws. I would recommend this to anyone who wanted to fall in love and be scared at the same time.
I love the plot, though the whole story is excessively long. The paranormal encounters is well-written and it’s scary enough for a YA genre. There are just some parts of the book that annoys me particularly Ruby’s non-stop remarks on how perfect Zach is which can be found on almost every page. Consistent remarks like that to make the story longer is just pushing me to boredom. Another is her pessimistic attitude which is over the top even for a teenager. Overall, it’s a really great story with an awesome plot, you just have to learn to overcome these minor flaws. I would recommend this to anyone who wanted to fall in love and be scared at the same time.
September 13, 2013
I have never really read a paranormal book before/never been a fan of ghost stories, but this book has me wanting to read more!
Review to come!
Review to come!
February 3, 2013
Thank you, Ms. Elbel for providing me a copy in exchange for a review.
Lately, I've been enjoying books where the main character encounters a ghost or a problem involving a ghost in the area. I love them, but my usual author for this is medicore with the topic so sometimes I'm disappointed. I was glad to see that Shades of Summer had what I was looking for and people were giving it positive reviews. What I loved even more was a dead boyfriend. It may sound cruel, but I read a previous trilogy with a dead boyfriend and I absolutely loved the trilogy to pieces that I cried when it was done. Grusome? More like heart warming.
Shades of Summer starts off with Ruby, the main character, moving to a new and smaller town, but her final goodbye is to her boyfriend-Lee-who died in a car accident. A bit typical, but I don't have problems with clichés. In fact, I love them as long as they work with the story and writing. This new town looks like the perfect place to heal and Ruby needs it after her rough year following Lee's death.
The people are certainly welcoming in this new town, and it proves to be a place to call home. But there's a bizarre story to the town and its founding. The story's not taboo or newsworthy, but when something seems too normal you know there's got to be more, right? Ruby tries to solve this problem because a spirit seems to be haunting her new home when she desperately needs normal.
I really loved the plot and the writing is amazing. Everything seems to flow and there's a perfect balance between description and action. I tend to like fast-paced books that don't linger on description or character issues. I like my books to have something going on rather than the characters trying to right their wrongs. So, Ms. Elbel was able to balance her story gloriously with a mystery and a main character trying to come into terms that her boyfriend is dead. Maybe it's the fact that there's a dead boyfriend that caused me to pay attention.
When it comes to books that I truly want to enjoy, I need to find a balance between plot and characters. I have no issue with the plot, I liked it even though at times it did seem a little predictable. My issues were the characters, specifically Ruby and Zach.
I love Ruby, she's a broken girl who never fit in and her only friend was her dead boyfriend. She has some issues and this new town is supposed to help her heal, but she healed a bit too quickly in my opinion. One minute she's struggling with her boyfriend's death and her lack of friends, and then she's totally lovesick and doing what a typical teenage girl would do. In the beginning, Ruby didn't seem like the girl to wear make-up and dress all girly, but halfway through I find her worrying about her clothes and makeup. She was mature in the beginning and then her maturity slowly deteriorated. I understand that Ruby needs to live again, but a new boyfriend shouldn't be able to erase the insecurities of the past.
Zach was a great guy. I really have no qualms with him other than how he interacted with Ruby. He's had a tough life and he's trying to do what he wants rather than let others decides for him. Great, a good thing to look for in a guy. However, as soon as Zach met Ruby it seems that he became a sappy lovesick fool. Same with Ruby. They fell in love way too quickly and it was nauseating at times when they were together. They were way too sappy that I wanted to puke at times, I've never seen a couple act like them.
So, my main issue is their relationship because it is a good thing but it comes off as too perfect and romantic. I don't think guys are that sappy, devoted, or insecure. Zach was insecure about his relationship with Ruby, at least he's not conceited, but he's too insecure. Same goes with Ruby. But after countless times where they reassured each other that their relationship was serious they still have the nerve to doubt each other! They're not insecure around each other so they need to stop acting like it.
I did enjoy Shades of Summer and I will want to read the sequel, but the ending seemed so perfect that I don't know how a second book will add on to it. Another problem I find with these types of books is that they're only stand-alones. Even if they're in a series it feels like a stand-alone. My question for you, Ms. Elbel, is how are you going to add on to the first book if the ending is already pitch perfect?
Lately, I've been enjoying books where the main character encounters a ghost or a problem involving a ghost in the area. I love them, but my usual author for this is medicore with the topic so sometimes I'm disappointed. I was glad to see that Shades of Summer had what I was looking for and people were giving it positive reviews. What I loved even more was a dead boyfriend. It may sound cruel, but I read a previous trilogy with a dead boyfriend and I absolutely loved the trilogy to pieces that I cried when it was done. Grusome? More like heart warming.
Shades of Summer starts off with Ruby, the main character, moving to a new and smaller town, but her final goodbye is to her boyfriend-Lee-who died in a car accident. A bit typical, but I don't have problems with clichés. In fact, I love them as long as they work with the story and writing. This new town looks like the perfect place to heal and Ruby needs it after her rough year following Lee's death.
The people are certainly welcoming in this new town, and it proves to be a place to call home. But there's a bizarre story to the town and its founding. The story's not taboo or newsworthy, but when something seems too normal you know there's got to be more, right? Ruby tries to solve this problem because a spirit seems to be haunting her new home when she desperately needs normal.
I really loved the plot and the writing is amazing. Everything seems to flow and there's a perfect balance between description and action. I tend to like fast-paced books that don't linger on description or character issues. I like my books to have something going on rather than the characters trying to right their wrongs. So, Ms. Elbel was able to balance her story gloriously with a mystery and a main character trying to come into terms that her boyfriend is dead. Maybe it's the fact that there's a dead boyfriend that caused me to pay attention.
When it comes to books that I truly want to enjoy, I need to find a balance between plot and characters. I have no issue with the plot, I liked it even though at times it did seem a little predictable. My issues were the characters, specifically Ruby and Zach.
I love Ruby, she's a broken girl who never fit in and her only friend was her dead boyfriend. She has some issues and this new town is supposed to help her heal, but she healed a bit too quickly in my opinion. One minute she's struggling with her boyfriend's death and her lack of friends, and then she's totally lovesick and doing what a typical teenage girl would do. In the beginning, Ruby didn't seem like the girl to wear make-up and dress all girly, but halfway through I find her worrying about her clothes and makeup. She was mature in the beginning and then her maturity slowly deteriorated. I understand that Ruby needs to live again, but a new boyfriend shouldn't be able to erase the insecurities of the past.
Zach was a great guy. I really have no qualms with him other than how he interacted with Ruby. He's had a tough life and he's trying to do what he wants rather than let others decides for him. Great, a good thing to look for in a guy. However, as soon as Zach met Ruby it seems that he became a sappy lovesick fool. Same with Ruby. They fell in love way too quickly and it was nauseating at times when they were together. They were way too sappy that I wanted to puke at times, I've never seen a couple act like them.
So, my main issue is their relationship because it is a good thing but it comes off as too perfect and romantic. I don't think guys are that sappy, devoted, or insecure. Zach was insecure about his relationship with Ruby, at least he's not conceited, but he's too insecure. Same goes with Ruby. But after countless times where they reassured each other that their relationship was serious they still have the nerve to doubt each other! They're not insecure around each other so they need to stop acting like it.
I did enjoy Shades of Summer and I will want to read the sequel, but the ending seemed so perfect that I don't know how a second book will add on to it. Another problem I find with these types of books is that they're only stand-alones. Even if they're in a series it feels like a stand-alone. My question for you, Ms. Elbel, is how are you going to add on to the first book if the ending is already pitch perfect?
December 5, 2012
Review originally posted to my blog, A Bookish Co-Op
It's no secret I love a good ghost story. It's just something about the paranormal that grabs at my attention and says hey look at me! Read me! Looove me!
So of course, when I was approached about reviewing this book I jumped at it. And I'm very glad I did.
This book sucked me in from the beginning. I loved it. I laughed and face-palmed several times. I think it's great when a story can evoke a physical response from its reader. It also put me to sleep, in a good way. It was one of those times where you're reading and before you know it it's 5am and you're like "oh crap!" because if you don't go to sleep soon you'll get caught (in this case by my husband who will give me "the eyes" that make me feel guilty for choosing reading over required sleep), and then you're brain just kinda clicks off. Yeah...
One of my favorite things about this book was the character Rachel. I would love to have a best friend like her. She is like this perky, nerdy cheerleader person who would pull these references out of left field that made me what to reach through the page and give her a fist-bump. Also, the house that Ruby moves into is pretty epic. Definitely a place I would love to see in real life. It reminded a little of Beast's castle from Beauty and the Beast except, well plantation style.
I love connections made within stories, whether it be dates or common names/name meanings or similar order of events. I like how things can all be tied back and connected to something. And that's what we get here. History meet present. Now be friends and mingle! Love it! It's like a game almost, picking out all the connections and trying to guess what's going to happen and what ghost is who. It probably has a lot to do with why I like ghost stories in the first place. History.
My main complaint however, is with Zach and Ruby's relationship. It became too ... intense, too fast for my taste. I'm not talking physically intense, but emotionally. Ok... I'm all for love at first sight. It's a great thing to believe in and can make for a great story. And I loved watching Ruby fumble over herself whenever she ran into Zach. It made her so personable. And just adored seeing how confident Zach was about his feelings for Ruby even when he just laid eyes on her. He knew what he wanted and it was great how you could just see it even when Ruby didn't believe it and she's the one telling the story. That being said, when the two did become an item it evolved into something way intense, like bypass awkward first kiss and hello I would die for you, you complete me. Their love also felt a little insecure for how strong it was. The last third of the book they were constantly repeating their devotion to each other. I got to the point where I wanted to take them by the hands and say, "You love each other. I get it. Big circle of soul completion going on. Can we focus on gtfo-ing the ghost so you two can have big smoochies?"
Over all, an enjoyable read and if you like ghosts and romance you should check it out. I know I'm pretty curious about the sequel now after a little teaser at the end of the book.
It's no secret I love a good ghost story. It's just something about the paranormal that grabs at my attention and says hey look at me! Read me! Looove me!
So of course, when I was approached about reviewing this book I jumped at it. And I'm very glad I did.
This book sucked me in from the beginning. I loved it. I laughed and face-palmed several times. I think it's great when a story can evoke a physical response from its reader. It also put me to sleep, in a good way. It was one of those times where you're reading and before you know it it's 5am and you're like "oh crap!" because if you don't go to sleep soon you'll get caught (in this case by my husband who will give me "the eyes" that make me feel guilty for choosing reading over required sleep), and then you're brain just kinda clicks off. Yeah...
One of my favorite things about this book was the character Rachel. I would love to have a best friend like her. She is like this perky, nerdy cheerleader person who would pull these references out of left field that made me what to reach through the page and give her a fist-bump. Also, the house that Ruby moves into is pretty epic. Definitely a place I would love to see in real life. It reminded a little of Beast's castle from Beauty and the Beast except, well plantation style.
I love connections made within stories, whether it be dates or common names/name meanings or similar order of events. I like how things can all be tied back and connected to something. And that's what we get here. History meet present. Now be friends and mingle! Love it! It's like a game almost, picking out all the connections and trying to guess what's going to happen and what ghost is who. It probably has a lot to do with why I like ghost stories in the first place. History.
My main complaint however, is with Zach and Ruby's relationship. It became too ... intense, too fast for my taste. I'm not talking physically intense, but emotionally. Ok... I'm all for love at first sight. It's a great thing to believe in and can make for a great story. And I loved watching Ruby fumble over herself whenever she ran into Zach. It made her so personable. And just adored seeing how confident Zach was about his feelings for Ruby even when he just laid eyes on her. He knew what he wanted and it was great how you could just see it even when Ruby didn't believe it and she's the one telling the story. That being said, when the two did become an item it evolved into something way intense, like bypass awkward first kiss and hello I would die for you, you complete me. Their love also felt a little insecure for how strong it was. The last third of the book they were constantly repeating their devotion to each other. I got to the point where I wanted to take them by the hands and say, "You love each other. I get it. Big circle of soul completion going on. Can we focus on gtfo-ing the ghost so you two can have big smoochies?"
Over all, an enjoyable read and if you like ghosts and romance you should check it out. I know I'm pretty curious about the sequel now after a little teaser at the end of the book.
February 16, 2013
I was so excited to read this book, the overview sounded amazing and I love a good paranormal romance book. Often the overviews of books make it sound amazing and then you read the book and are disappointed. This book definitely did not disappoint, in fact it was one of the best paranormal romance books that I have read.
Ruby is the main character in this book and I immediately fell in love with her. She is recovering from a life changing tragedy when she is forced to move to a new town and start over. She is socially awkward and very shy. She reminded me so much of me in high school. Never sure what to say and always worried about not being accepted. I think that many people can relate to her character. Luckily she ends up meeting some amazing twins, Zach and Rachel, who immediately become her best friends and bring her out of her shell.
Ruby quickly falls for Zach. Who wouldn't fall for someone so amazingly good looking and sweet. Unfortunately she tries to keep her past a secret and as secrets do they cause problems in her relationship with Zach. Ruby has no idea how dangerous her secrets will become. Throw in a haunting that threatens her life and you have one amazing story.
The characters in this story are so genuine and sweet that you can't help but fall in love with them. The author does a great job at introducing their stories and you feel like you really understand them and you get drawn in to their lives. The love between Zach and Ruby is so amazing that you can't help but root for everything to work out so they can be together. I love that the romance is portrayed in a way that is simple and clean, instead of the usual overtly sexual, teen soap opera way. It was very refreshing and actually lent to the overall feeling that Zach and Ruby are truly meant to be together.
Anyone that is a fan of the Twilight series should take the time to read this book. The haunting is intense and you get caught up in the mystery of it all. Not to mention how amazing the relationship of Zach and Ruby is. Love truly does conquer all in this book. I can't wait for book two so I can find out what happens to Ruby and Zach!
Ruby is the main character in this book and I immediately fell in love with her. She is recovering from a life changing tragedy when she is forced to move to a new town and start over. She is socially awkward and very shy. She reminded me so much of me in high school. Never sure what to say and always worried about not being accepted. I think that many people can relate to her character. Luckily she ends up meeting some amazing twins, Zach and Rachel, who immediately become her best friends and bring her out of her shell.
Ruby quickly falls for Zach. Who wouldn't fall for someone so amazingly good looking and sweet. Unfortunately she tries to keep her past a secret and as secrets do they cause problems in her relationship with Zach. Ruby has no idea how dangerous her secrets will become. Throw in a haunting that threatens her life and you have one amazing story.
The characters in this story are so genuine and sweet that you can't help but fall in love with them. The author does a great job at introducing their stories and you feel like you really understand them and you get drawn in to their lives. The love between Zach and Ruby is so amazing that you can't help but root for everything to work out so they can be together. I love that the romance is portrayed in a way that is simple and clean, instead of the usual overtly sexual, teen soap opera way. It was very refreshing and actually lent to the overall feeling that Zach and Ruby are truly meant to be together.
Anyone that is a fan of the Twilight series should take the time to read this book. The haunting is intense and you get caught up in the mystery of it all. Not to mention how amazing the relationship of Zach and Ruby is. Love truly does conquer all in this book. I can't wait for book two so I can find out what happens to Ruby and Zach!
August 29, 2014
first off I won this book in a goodreads give away and boy am I glad I won. this was an amazing read start to finish. you are drawn in with the main character Ruby's grief over her boyfriend Lee's death. you can't help but feel for the girl. But from the minute she steps foot into her new town you can feel the hope for her. now about Zach... I'm pretty sure he is every girls dream man and every patents dream boyfriend for their teenage daughter. he's got chivalry, bravery, respect and basically every other positive attribute on the check list. and he's head over heels for ruby right out of the gate. I'm glad to see it wasn't just a teen romance novel with a few bumps in the night. it was full of suspense and anxiety with touches of hormonal anxiety and sweetness. I'm fully convinced that Lee was really looking out for Ruby and had a really hard time thinking he was ever out to get her. however I didn't see the bad ghost being who it was either.... I'm excited to read the next book. I only have 2 negative things to say about this book. #1, we get how amazing Zach is. I didn't need to be further convinced after about a fourth of the way through the book. #2, these books are only available on kindle or to buy on amazon.com. sad day as I'm a nook/Barnes & Noble girl, so now I have to wait a week for the next to be delivered. :-0! (unless the author just wants to shoot me the next three as well... then I will take back the last negative comment) :-) A girl can wish!
August 19, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review LOP.
What can I say about this book? It was hauntingly beautiful. I felt like I was feeling the love they were feeling in the story. I have never read a horror romance before, in fact I am not sure that there are horror romances. On one hand I don't want to read the other books in the series simply because of how wonderful this book ended. There were no loose ends, there was no confusion and the characters got a happy ending. Isn't that what most people want out of a book. After reading brief summaries of the other books already published in the series, it seems like I should stop here. However, "curiousity killed the cat," and I am almost positive that I will read the others. However, for now I am able to treat this book as a stand alone and enjoy its ending. I don't think I have ever been on such an emotional roller coaster from a book. I was scared when they were scared, admittedly sometimes terrified because I was so involved with the characters. I was not bored, I was not confused, I was not disappointed. Nothing about this story felt rushed. I am amazed at how much I loved this story because I do not like ghost stories. Tell me a story about anything but ghosts, yet I loved this. I am really glad I was introduced to this book.
What can I say about this book? It was hauntingly beautiful. I felt like I was feeling the love they were feeling in the story. I have never read a horror romance before, in fact I am not sure that there are horror romances. On one hand I don't want to read the other books in the series simply because of how wonderful this book ended. There were no loose ends, there was no confusion and the characters got a happy ending. Isn't that what most people want out of a book. After reading brief summaries of the other books already published in the series, it seems like I should stop here. However, "curiousity killed the cat," and I am almost positive that I will read the others. However, for now I am able to treat this book as a stand alone and enjoy its ending. I don't think I have ever been on such an emotional roller coaster from a book. I was scared when they were scared, admittedly sometimes terrified because I was so involved with the characters. I was not bored, I was not confused, I was not disappointed. Nothing about this story felt rushed. I am amazed at how much I loved this story because I do not like ghost stories. Tell me a story about anything but ghosts, yet I loved this. I am really glad I was introduced to this book.
February 2, 2013
I don't have a lot of time to read books, so when I DO read, it has to be good. This book is by a first time author, and truthfully I loved it. I have only good things to say about it. I also have read the 2nd in her series, and any unanswered questions seem to be answered or continued, which I love when books do that, like its one long great movie I dont want to pause. The characters are real. The writing is smart, and delivers funny lines. There is romance, and def points that make the reader feel frustrated, laugh out loud or smile & squirm. If you enjoy storylines of a "push away, pull close" guy/girl relationship, the kind that make you wait and wait and you say "JUST KISS ALREADY!!!" Then you will enjoy this book. It is spooky. It is mysterious. The descriptions of scenes and homes and people for that matter, are brilliant.The romance is fun. Ruby is a girls girl, comes across defensive and sad at times, but her history clears that up. Zach is Mr.Perfect to a point. Her family is real, Zachs family is real. I could even see what the inside of their school looked and felt like. Just one of those stories you can relate to SOMEONE in. Just one of those stories you read in one night cause you refuse to put it down. :)
October 30, 2014
I really enjoyed the first half or more of this book...then i started to get bored. Things were just dragging out very slowly, i think the book could have been just as successful with about 80 less pages or so.So through the entire book there's this question of whoooo the heck is haunting this young girl?? Is it the dead boyfriend? Is it other spirits?I personally knew what was up (not gonna give up any spoilers)....so finally finally finallyyyyy, the ending comes...umm...thats IT?? I have to sa i was pretty dissappointed in the ending bc this whole story was building up to some great explosive story at the end ya know??A big reveal finally, of whats really been going on in this mansion....aaaaand no. Such a small, rather plain explanation. I just think if i was writing a story about this grand old historic mansion i would have come up with a much better story at the end. But the rest of the book was good, i enjoyed the story. It was a nice young adult story, all in all. There are more books in this series. I decided against continueing to read the series. Not just because it just sounds a little dull, but because it is very young adult and i personally mostly read paranormal romance and urban fantasy, a lot heavier stories than this one.
August 13, 2013
Shades of Summer (Haunting Rudy, #1) by Joy Elbel
In my heart felt words this book would be called, heart break in every form...
How much pain can one young girl take in her life time?
Seventeen year old Rudy Matthews has seen it all lose of a mother, sister and her boyfriend Lee. Once she move to Charlotte's Grove her life take a haunting that almost kills her, but who is it? Lee or someone new?
This story has it all mystery, drama, love, ghost and it will bring you to tears.
My emotions was up and down thru out this book, I didn't know if I was going be scared or cry. This story is a great read if you are lovers of ghost stories...
This coffee drinker loved it!!!
Gave it 5 stars
This book was given to me for my honest review (LoP)
jackee322001.tumblr.com
In my heart felt words this book would be called, heart break in every form...
How much pain can one young girl take in her life time?
Seventeen year old Rudy Matthews has seen it all lose of a mother, sister and her boyfriend Lee. Once she move to Charlotte's Grove her life take a haunting that almost kills her, but who is it? Lee or someone new?
This story has it all mystery, drama, love, ghost and it will bring you to tears.
My emotions was up and down thru out this book, I didn't know if I was going be scared or cry. This story is a great read if you are lovers of ghost stories...
This coffee drinker loved it!!!
Gave it 5 stars
This book was given to me for my honest review (LoP)
jackee322001.tumblr.com
August 13, 2013
I was given this books in exchange for an honest review (LoP). I would like to start by saying I really loved this book I just wish we had gotten more pieces of scarlette's life a little sooner. I did start to get annoyed about how much Ruby and everyone talked about how perfect Zachary was. Zachary was great just didn't need to read it every other page. I also didn't understand the chapter from Zach's point of view at the end of the book. I already understood how much he loved Ruby and would die for her. I did enjoy the book very much I thought all the characters were well established and the plot flowed beautifull. I will def recommend this book to my friends. Thanks for sharing your story
August 14, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for honest review (LoP). Ruby's boyfriend Lee has passed away. The first couple chapters were slow and all Ruby talk about was her dead boyfriend Lee. I understand what it feel like to lose a love one. It's not easy being happy after a traumatic situation. Ruby's father decide to move and help her get over the issue. She meet's a mysterious boy Zach and his twin sister Rachel. Zach helps Ruby move on and they fall in love. Lee is in Zach soul and he wants Ruby back.
September 15, 2013
This story is about a girl that is forced to move away after enduring great hardship. Kind of a stereotype, I know, but bare with me. She quickly becomes friends with this super cute guy and all is going well..... Actually I take that back. There is some seriously weird things going on... Paranormally speaking of course. The plot twist are great and the concept is well grasped, but I'll admit it starts off on the slow side. People who need to get right into the action might get bored, although I completely recommend this book.
August 28, 2013
I have to say this book is wonderful. I love ghost books and this one blew me away. Ruby is my favorite this poor girl has been through so much she made this book for me. Once I started reading I just could not put it down ive been trying to get on line just so I could write my review of this amazing book. If you're looking for a wonderful ghost love story this is it. I really cant wait to read more books by Joy Elbel I am a huge fan.
September 16, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review -- thanks!
This was an enjoyable, classic haunted-house tale. The protagonist was initially unlikable to me (self-absorbed and a bit whiny) but I think this was intentional -- it left room for her to grow as the story progresses. She and the surrounding main characters were believable and interesting. Not a book for lovers of hard-core horror, but just scary enough for a good read before bedtime!
This was an enjoyable, classic haunted-house tale. The protagonist was initially unlikable to me (self-absorbed and a bit whiny) but I think this was intentional -- it left room for her to grow as the story progresses. She and the surrounding main characters were believable and interesting. Not a book for lovers of hard-core horror, but just scary enough for a good read before bedtime!
August 31, 2014
I was a lucky First Reads winner and let me say I am so glad I won this book! I was sucked into this book in the first chapter. I think it is perfect for a paranormal YA audience. I liked how the author, Joy, saved the history of Scarlett for the end of the book. It definitely was a cliffhanger and I couldn't put the book down after I got started reading it. I can't wait to read more of her books!!
February 18, 2015
IMO 3.5 stars!! Well written but I felt it could have been edited down about 30 pages or so. I definitely think it is a teen read and will appeal strongly to 13 - 18 y.o's. Sweetly romantic, plenty of suspense and G rated content.
April 18, 2013
Truly enjoyed this one...didn't think I would. I originally figured it would be just another paranormal romance. It is very good! I am looking forward to reading the next installments.
February 21, 2016
This is an awesome book! I am so glad to know the author and she is an awesome person, and an even awesomer author!
November 27, 2013
I won this book through First Reads & wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy it - My very first paranormal book. I totally enjoyed it - Finished it the same day I started.
February 16, 2014
Pretty good ya paranormal. It's written in a 17 year old female p.o.v. At times, there was great humor and wit. I enjoyed it overall.
June 22, 2016
Very exciting first book. Left me wanting to know more about this girl.
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