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The Southern Ghosts #1
No Grits No Glory
Brianna fled to Savannah to escape the voices of the dead. Just when she thought she’d left all paranormal things behind, she discovers her house is haunted. Not just haunted, but haunted by Southern ghosts. These persistent beings not only hide her white shoes after Labor Day, but they leave grits-caked dishes in the sink, and swear to wreak havoc on her life – - unless she helps them.
Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in.
Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue that will risk their careers, their homes–but especially their lives.
Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in.
Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue that will risk their careers, their homes–but especially their lives.
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
43 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 8, 2014
Brianna talks to dead people…actually she just hears them talk, so she tries to move away to Savannah to make a new start. What Brianna didn’t realize was, in Savannah, she doesn’t just hear dead people she sees them too and they are about to take a very active role in changing her life.
Steven left behind his family to make a name for himself. When he returns home, he finds Brianna living in his family home and that his family was killed in a tragic accident. Steven won’t stop until he uncovers who killed his family, he doesn’t believe it was an accident like everyone claims. Brianna just might be the ticket to uncover the secrets behind their deaths because his family is currently haunting the their old home.
Southern ghosts with attitude highlight this epigrammatic plot, captivating me and pulling me right into this wonderful paranormal murder mystery. As this my first time reading Elaine Calloway writing, I found it extremely entertaining and downright delightful. The story has a the perfect balance of humor, mystery and suspense with a budding romance to boot.
Don’t miss this gem, No Girts No Glory.
I received this copy of No Grits No Glory from Publicist in exchange for a honest review.
Series: The Southern Ghosts Series
Sequence in Series: 1
Page Count: 430 pages
Publication Date: September 18, 2014
Rating: 5 Stars
ISBN-10: 1502401967
ISBN-13: 978-1502401960
Author Website: www.elainecalloway.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/No-Grits-Glory-Southern-Ghosts/dp/1502401967/
B&N: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-grits-no-glory-elaine-calloway/1120377639
Steven left behind his family to make a name for himself. When he returns home, he finds Brianna living in his family home and that his family was killed in a tragic accident. Steven won’t stop until he uncovers who killed his family, he doesn’t believe it was an accident like everyone claims. Brianna just might be the ticket to uncover the secrets behind their deaths because his family is currently haunting the their old home.
Southern ghosts with attitude highlight this epigrammatic plot, captivating me and pulling me right into this wonderful paranormal murder mystery. As this my first time reading Elaine Calloway writing, I found it extremely entertaining and downright delightful. The story has a the perfect balance of humor, mystery and suspense with a budding romance to boot.
Don’t miss this gem, No Girts No Glory.
I received this copy of No Grits No Glory from Publicist in exchange for a honest review.
Series: The Southern Ghosts Series
Sequence in Series: 1
Page Count: 430 pages
Publication Date: September 18, 2014
Rating: 5 Stars
ISBN-10: 1502401967
ISBN-13: 978-1502401960
Author Website: www.elainecalloway.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/No-Grits-Glory-Southern-Ghosts/dp/1502401967/
B&N: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-grits-no-glory-elaine-calloway/1120377639
September 23, 2016
Brianna McNeil hears voices, but she's not crazy. The dead speak to her. She's finally come to terms with this and just when she thought everything was 'normal' , she can now see the dead ..or rather, their ghosts.
She's just moved into a beautiful old house in Savannah and finds that the house already has tenants ... a family of Southern ghosts.
And what a family they are! Her white shoes are hidden ... because as you know, it's not proper to wear white shoes after Labor Day. The woman loves cooking grits, but generally leaves the pots for Brianna to clean. They want her help ... they need her to find their killer and bring them to justice.
Steven has been trying to reach his sister for weeks. He left home years ago and never came back, but he did try to stay in touch with her. What he finds is Brianna living in his home and learns his entire family died in a fire.
Brianna and Steven team up to avenge his family ... but he doesn't know all of Brianna's secrets ... yet. The murderer is close and they are threatened with their very lives.
Let me say that I seldom read ghost stories ... but having lived in the south for several years when I was younger, I was intrigued by the title of this book. Every Southern girl learns to make grits early in life. Brianna is a transplanted Yankee and has to learn the way of the genteel.
Steven's family (ghosts) are an absolute riot. I found myself chuckling out loud. The author has her characters portrayed perfectly. Brianna is a gutsy lady with a sense of humor. Steven is full of guilt ... his last fight with his family, their deaths, losing contact with his sister, and the death of a previous girlfriend. Brianna will help him through.
This is a very light mystery, in that you know the who and why and how very early on. But it's an interesting adventure for all involved.
If you enjoy paranormal mystery and romance ... do yourself a favor and read this one.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
She's just moved into a beautiful old house in Savannah and finds that the house already has tenants ... a family of Southern ghosts.
And what a family they are! Her white shoes are hidden ... because as you know, it's not proper to wear white shoes after Labor Day. The woman loves cooking grits, but generally leaves the pots for Brianna to clean. They want her help ... they need her to find their killer and bring them to justice.
Steven has been trying to reach his sister for weeks. He left home years ago and never came back, but he did try to stay in touch with her. What he finds is Brianna living in his home and learns his entire family died in a fire.
Brianna and Steven team up to avenge his family ... but he doesn't know all of Brianna's secrets ... yet. The murderer is close and they are threatened with their very lives.
Let me say that I seldom read ghost stories ... but having lived in the south for several years when I was younger, I was intrigued by the title of this book. Every Southern girl learns to make grits early in life. Brianna is a transplanted Yankee and has to learn the way of the genteel.
Steven's family (ghosts) are an absolute riot. I found myself chuckling out loud. The author has her characters portrayed perfectly. Brianna is a gutsy lady with a sense of humor. Steven is full of guilt ... his last fight with his family, their deaths, losing contact with his sister, and the death of a previous girlfriend. Brianna will help him through.
This is a very light mystery, in that you know the who and why and how very early on. But it's an interesting adventure for all involved.
If you enjoy paranormal mystery and romance ... do yourself a favor and read this one.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
December 15, 2015
3 1/2 stars. When Briana relocates from Boston to Savannah, she hopes she will be leaving the ghostly voices behind. But once she moves into her historic rental, she learns to her dismay that she can now see and hear ghosts. And this family of ghosts can't move on until the man who killed them is brought to justice. Luckily, the only survivor of the ghostly family is a hunk. Now they will work together to bring the killer down.
I really liked this book. It was a bit of fluff but it had a nice little romance going and the Irish twist was nice. Also, she owned a sheltie. I also love the Savannah setting. The whole idea of ghosts having jobs to do after death is entertaining. I will definitely give the second book a try.
I really liked this book. It was a bit of fluff but it had a nice little romance going and the Irish twist was nice. Also, she owned a sheltie. I also love the Savannah setting. The whole idea of ghosts having jobs to do after death is entertaining. I will definitely give the second book a try.
September 7, 2015
Great, but rather spooky tale containing haunted houses, big bad murderous bosses, characters working in a funeral home and being psychic enough to see and speak to dead folk, and a love interest too. Spooky indeed, and it did unease me enough to think that just maybe there were dead people in my flat too. Makes you think about that just a little. Great title from a new author - will be checking out other titles in this series soon. I do recommend for the 'chill' factor alone.
March 14, 2022
This was a great book—funny, sweet, romantic and suspenseful. I loved the storyline, which combined a nice mystery/thriller feel with fun paranormal elements, and I loved the characters and the way they all came together and played off each other. I also adored the setting. The story is set in Savannah, Georgia and the author did such an excellent job of describing the city and all the nuances of the Savannah vibe. It made me want to take another trip there ASAP!
What I really liked the most though was the fiery female lead, Brianna McNeil. I so deeply resonated with this character because she’s a person who has always had trouble fitting into the mainstream because of her intuitive gifts. I don’t actually talk to the dead, but I am very intuitive and I’m always searching for well-written intuitive main characters (harder to find than you may think), and an accurate depiction of the struggle that intuitive people go through living in a very non-intuitive world. This author really nailed it with Brianna, quickly ensuring her place as my new favorite fictional character.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal fantasy, urban fantasy, spicy romance with a Southern flavor, and mystery/suspense thriller. It’s an excellent read.
What I really liked the most though was the fiery female lead, Brianna McNeil. I so deeply resonated with this character because she’s a person who has always had trouble fitting into the mainstream because of her intuitive gifts. I don’t actually talk to the dead, but I am very intuitive and I’m always searching for well-written intuitive main characters (harder to find than you may think), and an accurate depiction of the struggle that intuitive people go through living in a very non-intuitive world. This author really nailed it with Brianna, quickly ensuring her place as my new favorite fictional character.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal fantasy, urban fantasy, spicy romance with a Southern flavor, and mystery/suspense thriller. It’s an excellent read.
August 15, 2016
No Grits No Glory kicks off a new series about people that can communicate with the dead – whether they want to or not.
Brianna was one of those that did not. At the funeral for her brother she made a promise over his casket that ended up gifting her (or cursing depending on your view) with the ability to hear and see the dead. She thought by moving to Savannah Georgia, a place her brother loved, that she would be leaving her gift behind. Well turns out the South has plenty of ghosts and just so happens the house she is renting is full of them.
Steven had a falling out with his father many years ago and left for LA to become a musician. One of his biggest regrets was leaving his little sister behind. No matter where he was he called her a couple time a year. When he is unable to reach her for a period of time he returns home to Savannah only to find Brianna now living in his childhood home and that both his parents and sister died in a fire. Do you see where this is going? Yes the ghost living in the house Brianna is renting are Steven's family. They were murdered and want Brianna to help them bring their murderer to justice.
Along with Steven and Brianna trying to get evidence on the man that killed Steven's family there is also a side story of her brother Declan's new job in the afterlife. He is assigned to helping those that have just died onto the next part of their journey. He also wants nothing more than to see his sister one more time but that is against the rules but hey what are rules for if not to be broken – even in the afterlife.
Brianna was one of those that did not. At the funeral for her brother she made a promise over his casket that ended up gifting her (or cursing depending on your view) with the ability to hear and see the dead. She thought by moving to Savannah Georgia, a place her brother loved, that she would be leaving her gift behind. Well turns out the South has plenty of ghosts and just so happens the house she is renting is full of them.
Steven had a falling out with his father many years ago and left for LA to become a musician. One of his biggest regrets was leaving his little sister behind. No matter where he was he called her a couple time a year. When he is unable to reach her for a period of time he returns home to Savannah only to find Brianna now living in his childhood home and that both his parents and sister died in a fire. Do you see where this is going? Yes the ghost living in the house Brianna is renting are Steven's family. They were murdered and want Brianna to help them bring their murderer to justice.
Along with Steven and Brianna trying to get evidence on the man that killed Steven's family there is also a side story of her brother Declan's new job in the afterlife. He is assigned to helping those that have just died onto the next part of their journey. He also wants nothing more than to see his sister one more time but that is against the rules but hey what are rules for if not to be broken – even in the afterlife.
Read
November 3, 2015I was given this book by the author as a prize in a competition. This is an honest review.
I REALLY enjoyed this book! I don't want to spoil the story for new readers, but this ticked every box for me. Ghosts, evil killer, sensitive handsome male, gutsy female with a passion for life and death...and working in a funeral home. Oh, the ending! I'm not ashamed to say that I cried. You must have a heart of stone if you didn't!
This is my first read by Elaine Calloway and it won't be my last. Well written, and the reader is completely immersed in the story and characters from page one. I also loved the quotes at the start of each chapter.
Excellent, beautiful, haunting and atmospheric.
I REALLY enjoyed this book! I don't want to spoil the story for new readers, but this ticked every box for me. Ghosts, evil killer, sensitive handsome male, gutsy female with a passion for life and death...and working in a funeral home. Oh, the ending! I'm not ashamed to say that I cried. You must have a heart of stone if you didn't!
This is my first read by Elaine Calloway and it won't be my last. Well written, and the reader is completely immersed in the story and characters from page one. I also loved the quotes at the start of each chapter.
Excellent, beautiful, haunting and atmospheric.
September 19, 2014
* NO spoilers *
I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of NO GRITS NO GLORY to read. Absolutely loved this new book, the first in Elaine Calloway's new Southern Ghosts series.
The setting of Savannah becomes such a colorful part of this story, as do the various musicians, musical venues and even the bits at the funeral home.
I couldn't help rooting for Brianna, a woman trying to outrun her "spooky gift." She has just the right amount of spunk and courage to make her a worthy heroine!
And the romantic hero Steven manages to be macho without overshadowing Brianna.
I highly recommend this book and am already looking forward to the next one!
I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of NO GRITS NO GLORY to read. Absolutely loved this new book, the first in Elaine Calloway's new Southern Ghosts series.
The setting of Savannah becomes such a colorful part of this story, as do the various musicians, musical venues and even the bits at the funeral home.
I couldn't help rooting for Brianna, a woman trying to outrun her "spooky gift." She has just the right amount of spunk and courage to make her a worthy heroine!
And the romantic hero Steven manages to be macho without overshadowing Brianna.
I highly recommend this book and am already looking forward to the next one!
Want to read
November 9, 2014Okay, if I was a medium attepting to escape ghostly voices, Savannah would probably be the last town I'd "flee" to. Be that as it may, this book looks mighty interesting and has been added to my To Read list in huge bold font.
November 16, 2014
I am an Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. I give this book 5 Fangs.
I really like this novel by Elaine Calloway – the first in her new series Southern Ghosts.
First, the Savannah setting is perfect for a good ghost story. I spent a few months of my misspent youth wandering the streets of Savannah and this took me back!
Ms. Calloway brings us the story of Brianna, a cosmetologist for the dead. Raised in a funeral home she started seeing and talking to the dead around the age of 4. After, her brother dies in an attempt to be closer to him she moves to Savannah a city that he loved and told her stories about. When she moves into her house, she starts seeing the family that was killed there. She is a strong vibrant women trying to find her place and keep her promise to her dead brother, to make a difference.
Enter her love interest Steven, the son of the deceased family. He ran away from home as soon as he graduated high school to follow his dream of being a musician. After, a good run in California, he comes home to see his sister and finds out they have been dead for 4 years.
The mystery begins, why have so many people died and what does Brianna’s landlord have to do with it?
If you enjoy a flat out good ghost story, fantasy, or a romance with a great mystery intertwined, this one is wonderful!
I really like this novel by Elaine Calloway – the first in her new series Southern Ghosts.
First, the Savannah setting is perfect for a good ghost story. I spent a few months of my misspent youth wandering the streets of Savannah and this took me back!
Ms. Calloway brings us the story of Brianna, a cosmetologist for the dead. Raised in a funeral home she started seeing and talking to the dead around the age of 4. After, her brother dies in an attempt to be closer to him she moves to Savannah a city that he loved and told her stories about. When she moves into her house, she starts seeing the family that was killed there. She is a strong vibrant women trying to find her place and keep her promise to her dead brother, to make a difference.
Enter her love interest Steven, the son of the deceased family. He ran away from home as soon as he graduated high school to follow his dream of being a musician. After, a good run in California, he comes home to see his sister and finds out they have been dead for 4 years.
The mystery begins, why have so many people died and what does Brianna’s landlord have to do with it?
If you enjoy a flat out good ghost story, fantasy, or a romance with a great mystery intertwined, this one is wonderful!
November 13, 2016
I'm not exactly sure why I loved this book. Maybe it's the setting in one of my favorite cities, maybe it's the fact that she captured the ambience of the South, or maybe it's her quietly brave heroine, (which is something many of us relate to.) Or maybe it's just plain good writing because I read it all in one sitting, and I've downloaded two more of this author's books! In all seriousness, I found it to be one of the best of its kind--the reluctant ghost whisperer type, I'd call it. The heroine is likeable and just forges onward, and her love interest is also just quietly there for her much of the time. The ghosts are an interesting bunch, the setup of the Other Side is intriguing, and the murder mystery is, well, different. From the beginning, we kind of know who dunnit, but we need to prove it, and from there we get our conflict. The author does a great job of outlining a particularly cold kind of killer, and you will be rooting for him to be caught, the same as I was. So grab this book on a cold winter night, put on a warm robe, make some hot chocolate and settle in to read all night!
November 24, 2014
I don’t usually go this far, but I’m just going to say it. This is, hands down, the best book I have read this year. The characters were perfectly crafted and the setting, Savannah, could not have been a better choice. Being one of my favorite places in the world, the accurate descriptions made me feel like I was there.
The main character, Brianna, was fantastic. A cosmetologist for the dearly departed, she was raised in a funeral home and became very comfortable with death (and talking to them) at an early age. The love interest was introduced wonderfully and was pulled into the story with ease.
This story is a great combination of humor, mystery, love and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the southern humor in the writing. It was a quick read, which I like for these types of stories.
This was the first book I’ve read from Calloway and I plan to read more. Plus, I’m stoked this is the first in a planned series! I’d give it ten stars but they will only let me go up to five, so there it is. Love, love, loved it.
The main character, Brianna, was fantastic. A cosmetologist for the dearly departed, she was raised in a funeral home and became very comfortable with death (and talking to them) at an early age. The love interest was introduced wonderfully and was pulled into the story with ease.
This story is a great combination of humor, mystery, love and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the southern humor in the writing. It was a quick read, which I like for these types of stories.
This was the first book I’ve read from Calloway and I plan to read more. Plus, I’m stoked this is the first in a planned series! I’d give it ten stars but they will only let me go up to five, so there it is. Love, love, loved it.
February 25, 2015
What better way to pass a snowy and cold Iowa day away than to read a great ghost story? That’s what I did today. I read one of the most beautiful ghost stories I’ve ever read. No Grits No Glory is by Elaine Calloway, a new to me author. It’s the first book in her Southern Ghost Stories series.
Who wouldn’t like to have even a few more minutes with those we love who have passed on before us? Brianna has the gift to help the dearly departed cross over, but isn’t thrilled with her gift. When she moves to Savannah and meets the handsome Steven, and his dead family, that’s what she knows she has to do. Her own older brother was killed when she was 10 and she would give the world to see and talk to him just one more time.
Will she get the chance? Will she be able to help Steven make amends with his family? Who will get in the way to stop them and what will happen? Those are the questions you will find the answers to and many more.
One of the best ghost books I’ve read. I can’t wait for the next one.
Who wouldn’t like to have even a few more minutes with those we love who have passed on before us? Brianna has the gift to help the dearly departed cross over, but isn’t thrilled with her gift. When she moves to Savannah and meets the handsome Steven, and his dead family, that’s what she knows she has to do. Her own older brother was killed when she was 10 and she would give the world to see and talk to him just one more time.
Will she get the chance? Will she be able to help Steven make amends with his family? Who will get in the way to stop them and what will happen? Those are the questions you will find the answers to and many more.
One of the best ghost books I’ve read. I can’t wait for the next one.
September 24, 2015
(request submitted by author for an honest critique)
When I first started reading this story, I kept hearing in my head "I See Dead People". Man, I really want to watch The Sixth Sense again. That movie, like this book, was awesome!
Virginia was, by far, my favorite ghost. Gotta love a woman (ghost) who sings off key just to irritate someone. That's gonna be me one day (if ghosts are real and I become one).
However, the best parts of the book came towards the end.
Two tear jerking reunions. I mean, I didn't actual cry, but for softies out there ---- grab a tissue. Very sweet!!
I must mention why I gave this story 4❤ instead of 5. Unless I missed it, I don't think Elaine explained how Begley knew Brianna broke into his office. Did he have cameras setup? If she explained it and I missed it, please let me know.
www.superkambrook.com
When I first started reading this story, I kept hearing in my head "I See Dead People". Man, I really want to watch The Sixth Sense again. That movie, like this book, was awesome!
Virginia was, by far, my favorite ghost. Gotta love a woman (ghost) who sings off key just to irritate someone. That's gonna be me one day (if ghosts are real and I become one).
However, the best parts of the book came towards the end.
Two tear jerking reunions. I mean, I didn't actual cry, but for softies out there ---- grab a tissue. Very sweet!!
I must mention why I gave this story 4❤ instead of 5. Unless I missed it, I don't think Elaine explained how Begley knew Brianna broke into his office. Did he have cameras setup? If she explained it and I missed it, please let me know.
www.superkambrook.com
October 31, 2016
I love grits even though I am not from the South. I wouldn't even mind Virginia making them for me - IF she didn't sing all night!!! It was interesting to read a book that explained some of the rules from the other side. I just wish they had been able to give Brianna a little more help rather than expecting her to do all of the work. Well, Virginia did start to help with the housework towards the end, didn't she? This was more of a how to book because we knew from the beginning who the bad guy was. All Brianna had to do was steal bodies, break into offices, reunite families, etc. I did enjoy this book and highly recommend it.
January 8, 2016
This is an entertaining story set in Savannah, Georgia. It is filled with ghosts and crime and corrupt business men.
Brianna moved to Savannah to feel closer to her brother, Declan, who had passed away. She is confronted with a bevy of ghosts, threats to her life, and a boy who makes her butterflies have butterflies.
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down.
Brianna moved to Savannah to feel closer to her brother, Declan, who had passed away. She is confronted with a bevy of ghosts, threats to her life, and a boy who makes her butterflies have butterflies.
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down.
May 24, 2016
First time reading this author. Great story and character development. Brianna can hear spirits. When she relocates to Savannah and getting a necklace from a gypsy she can now also see these ghosts from the past. Her and her new friend Stephen team together to rid the town of the evil Mr. Begley.
October 14, 2014
Really liked this Savannah tale. The Southern ghosts were hilarious and yet poignant in places. I liked the relationship of Steven and Brianna, as well as both of them trying to reach their siblings.
Definitely a great read, can't wait for Book 2!
Definitely a great read, can't wait for Book 2!
December 29, 2014
This was the first book in a new series and the first one I've read by this author. It has a mystery, a romance and the paranormal. All the things that I like in a book. I love the setting of Savannah, Georgia as well.
February 15, 2015
Fantastic location
This was the Absolutely perfect location for this book to take place. I felt like I was there walking Streets of old Savannah.
This was the Absolutely perfect location for this book to take place. I felt like I was there walking Streets of old Savannah.
June 23, 2015
A good, solid four stars for this one - enjoyed the (ghost) story and the characters. Will definitely read more by this author.
December 24, 2015
A wonderful book about supernatural Savannah, Ga. I was not familiar with this genre but once I started reading the story and descriptions of the places, I can't wait to read the other books.
July 31, 2016
I couldn't put it down!!
What an amazing read! The characters and story kept me so intrigued to see what would happen next that I read it from cover to cover in one night!
What an amazing read! The characters and story kept me so intrigued to see what would happen next that I read it from cover to cover in one night!
September 2, 2018
This was in interesting read. Brianna is a young lady who can see and talk to ghosts. Declan is her deceased brother. Declan loved the Savannah area so Brianna moves there to see if she can find Declan's ghost. She rents a house that belongs to Steven's family. Steven's family was murdered in the house. Soon Brianna can see and talk to them. Steven goes to the house having no idea that his family has been murdered and is surprised to see Brianna living there. As the story unfold, Brianna and Steven get close but there Brianna is terrified to tell Steven of her "gift." As they figure out who killed his family, all of their lives are in danger. A good read with interesting twists and turns and a GREAT ENDING!!!
June 13, 2018
Not sure how I feel about this one. Started off slow I stayed with it until it caught my full attention. Both Steven and Brianna have some issues to deal with and it seems that the usual interaction of don't ask don't tell applies about a lot of things. Brianna communicates with ghosts and is afraid to tell Steven. Steven left home many years ago and comes back to find Brianna living in his family home due to the death of his parents and sister. By the end of the book I was wondering if there will be another and how the relationship between Steven and Brianna progresses.
January 5, 2019
Satisfying
A very well written mystery with ghosts and a woman who can talk to the dead. A cute dog and romance help the story as well.
A very well written mystery with ghosts and a woman who can talk to the dead. A cute dog and romance help the story as well.
December 11, 2023
This was a pretty good book, I hope the next one in the series is as well. I enjoyed the main character, she has plenty of spunk.
April 7, 2015
*3.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 4/7/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Brianna comes from a long line of stubborn Irishmen who take their drinking and superstitions seriously, but when her brother, Declan, passes away while she is a teenager, Brianna begins to understand that the world is not populated only by the living. Ghosts walk among us and Brianna can hear their voices calling to her beyond the grave. As you can imagine a teenager hearing voices doesn't go over real well and Brianna is subjected to time in a psych ward. She learns to suppress her gift and focus on projecting a picture of normality. Deep down she knows the promise she made to Declan near his gravesite on the day of his funeral is to blame for her ghostly troubles. She promised her older brother she would make a difference, but she never could have imagined it would involve helping the restless dead find peace.
After getting too many odd looks and whispers about her mental health in Boston, Brianna decides to move to Savannah, Georgia. The city is steeped in deep tradition and history; it also is the one place Declan was happy in his adult life. Brianna hopes by moving to the city that her brother loved that she will feel closer to him some how, but she gets more than she bargained for when she realizes that her beloved home in Savannah's historic district contains inhabitants of a ghostly variety. She must work with a handsome stranger, Steven, to put these ghosts to rest once and for all.
I adore a well crafted ghost story and this one fits the bill on many fronts. Sadly, I did find many of the twists to be predictable, but overall I still enjoyed the story. I also found the romance in this one to had predictable elements, but I decided since I liked the characters I could overlook that flaw.
The thing I loved most about this one was the setting. Savannah is such a unique and spooky place. As you walk the streets, you can feel the history ooze into your pores. Not every aspect of Savannah history is pleasant. If ghosts were going to exist, they'd certainly choose to inhabit this city. I've been freaked out on every ghost tour I've taken there. It's not hard to believe that the line between the living and the dead is a little thinner in the coastal town. If you've never visited Savannah, I highly recommend it. I'm hankering for a trip to see the sites mentioned in this novel; it's been awhile since I have spent time among the squares and Spanish moss. The city is magical and mysterious. It was the perfect setting for this tale. I also enjoyed the culture that was infused into the plot.
There is a lot of potential lurking in this one. I was frustrated that the writing felt simplistic in certain moments, but overall the magic of the setting and the characters won me over. I'd highly recommend this one to those who love a good ghost story with some southern flair. There also was a layer of humor I wasn't expecting that helped to offset some of the creepier moments. So grab a tall glass of sweet tea, a bowl of cheese grits, and cuddle up with Brianna's story.
One Last Gripe: Aside from the predictable moments, I was frustrated that Brianna worked in a funeral home. This seemed cliche - the girl who can speak to the dead does the make up for the dearly departed. This irksome component could be because I have recently been reading Tonya Kappes' Ghostly Southern Mysteries and Emma Lee works in a funeral home as well.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: Brianna's ghostly encounters
First Sentence: Brianna McNeil spent years talking to the dead, sharing secrets with those who passed through her family's mortuary.
Favorite Character: Brianna
Least Favorite Character: Begley
Review Posted on Reading Lark 4/7/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Brianna comes from a long line of stubborn Irishmen who take their drinking and superstitions seriously, but when her brother, Declan, passes away while she is a teenager, Brianna begins to understand that the world is not populated only by the living. Ghosts walk among us and Brianna can hear their voices calling to her beyond the grave. As you can imagine a teenager hearing voices doesn't go over real well and Brianna is subjected to time in a psych ward. She learns to suppress her gift and focus on projecting a picture of normality. Deep down she knows the promise she made to Declan near his gravesite on the day of his funeral is to blame for her ghostly troubles. She promised her older brother she would make a difference, but she never could have imagined it would involve helping the restless dead find peace.
After getting too many odd looks and whispers about her mental health in Boston, Brianna decides to move to Savannah, Georgia. The city is steeped in deep tradition and history; it also is the one place Declan was happy in his adult life. Brianna hopes by moving to the city that her brother loved that she will feel closer to him some how, but she gets more than she bargained for when she realizes that her beloved home in Savannah's historic district contains inhabitants of a ghostly variety. She must work with a handsome stranger, Steven, to put these ghosts to rest once and for all.
I adore a well crafted ghost story and this one fits the bill on many fronts. Sadly, I did find many of the twists to be predictable, but overall I still enjoyed the story. I also found the romance in this one to had predictable elements, but I decided since I liked the characters I could overlook that flaw.
The thing I loved most about this one was the setting. Savannah is such a unique and spooky place. As you walk the streets, you can feel the history ooze into your pores. Not every aspect of Savannah history is pleasant. If ghosts were going to exist, they'd certainly choose to inhabit this city. I've been freaked out on every ghost tour I've taken there. It's not hard to believe that the line between the living and the dead is a little thinner in the coastal town. If you've never visited Savannah, I highly recommend it. I'm hankering for a trip to see the sites mentioned in this novel; it's been awhile since I have spent time among the squares and Spanish moss. The city is magical and mysterious. It was the perfect setting for this tale. I also enjoyed the culture that was infused into the plot.
There is a lot of potential lurking in this one. I was frustrated that the writing felt simplistic in certain moments, but overall the magic of the setting and the characters won me over. I'd highly recommend this one to those who love a good ghost story with some southern flair. There also was a layer of humor I wasn't expecting that helped to offset some of the creepier moments. So grab a tall glass of sweet tea, a bowl of cheese grits, and cuddle up with Brianna's story.
One Last Gripe: Aside from the predictable moments, I was frustrated that Brianna worked in a funeral home. This seemed cliche - the girl who can speak to the dead does the make up for the dearly departed. This irksome component could be because I have recently been reading Tonya Kappes' Ghostly Southern Mysteries and Emma Lee works in a funeral home as well.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: Brianna's ghostly encounters
First Sentence: Brianna McNeil spent years talking to the dead, sharing secrets with those who passed through her family's mortuary.
Favorite Character: Brianna
Least Favorite Character: Begley
December 15, 2014
No Grits No Glory is a great beginning to Elaine Calloway's new paranormal romance series, Southern Ghosts.
The great title captured my interest but the authors ability to combine mystery, romance, and the paranormal kept me reading.
Brianna is determined to make a life for herself in the city that her brother loved, Savannah, GA. She's found a wonderful house, secured a job as the cosmetologist at the local funeral home, and is all set to begin her new life when she begins to realize that her newly rented house is "occupied".
I really enjoyed getting to know Brianna. She's a nice blend of contradictions that allows for character growth as the story continues. I loved seeing her grow and connect with all the characters in the story.
The synopsis mentions that "Brianna flees to the South to escape the voices of the dead." and honestly that's the only part of the story that didn't really work for me. I couldn't understand why someone would move to Savannah if they were trying to escape the voices of the dead (Savannah's known for its ghosts) or why they would work as a cosmetologist for dead people. The author does provide reasons for the decisions but it was still one of those things that weakened my enjoyment of the story...but only a little.
The mystery surrounding the family of ghost that seek Brianna's help provides action and suspense. There are a couple of very touching scenes with the ghosts that left me a little teary eyed.
The romance is well done. It didn't feel rushed or unnatural and I enjoyed that Steve's character is a musician and we get to experience part of Savannah from his perspective.
I enjoyed reading No Grits No Glory and I'm looking forward to book 2 in Elaine Calloway's Southern Ghosts series.
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon !
The great title captured my interest but the authors ability to combine mystery, romance, and the paranormal kept me reading.
Brianna is determined to make a life for herself in the city that her brother loved, Savannah, GA. She's found a wonderful house, secured a job as the cosmetologist at the local funeral home, and is all set to begin her new life when she begins to realize that her newly rented house is "occupied".
I really enjoyed getting to know Brianna. She's a nice blend of contradictions that allows for character growth as the story continues. I loved seeing her grow and connect with all the characters in the story.
The synopsis mentions that "Brianna flees to the South to escape the voices of the dead." and honestly that's the only part of the story that didn't really work for me. I couldn't understand why someone would move to Savannah if they were trying to escape the voices of the dead (Savannah's known for its ghosts) or why they would work as a cosmetologist for dead people. The author does provide reasons for the decisions but it was still one of those things that weakened my enjoyment of the story...but only a little.
The mystery surrounding the family of ghost that seek Brianna's help provides action and suspense. There are a couple of very touching scenes with the ghosts that left me a little teary eyed.
The romance is well done. It didn't feel rushed or unnatural and I enjoyed that Steve's character is a musician and we get to experience part of Savannah from his perspective.
I enjoyed reading No Grits No Glory and I'm looking forward to book 2 in Elaine Calloway's Southern Ghosts series.
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon !
February 2, 2017
So enjoyable!
Setting: Savannah, GA
Genre: Paranormal romance
Brianna moved to Savannah from Boston to get away from her past, in which she'd been committed at one time because she could communicate with the dead. She chose Savannah because her late brother Declan had loved the city.
Brianna works as a cosmetologist in a funeral home, as she had done at her family's funeral parlor. She loves her job and sees it as honoring the dead. She's lives in an old Victorian house in a rent-to-own agreement in one of the older districts, within walking distance of her work. One day Steven Grayson, the son of the late former owners shows up. He didn't know that his parents and sister had died in a house fire. They are attracted to one another, but it's complicated by her crooked landlord, the secret she's keeping about her ability to see and talk to the dead, and the fact that his family is haunting the house.
Brianna's brother's ghost is present, but not allowed to communicate with her in any way. There are other local ghosts, besides Steven's family, including some who are allowed to pass messages from Declan to Brianna.
This is a well written tale with excellent grammar and usage, though there were some dropped words. There were also some word choices that were just wrong in context. It dragged a bit in the middle, but not so badly that I put it down. It picked up toward the end with some dangerous action.
If you like lite paranormal romance, this book is for you. In fact, the series is for you.
Setting: Savannah, GA
Genre: Paranormal romance
Brianna moved to Savannah from Boston to get away from her past, in which she'd been committed at one time because she could communicate with the dead. She chose Savannah because her late brother Declan had loved the city.
Brianna works as a cosmetologist in a funeral home, as she had done at her family's funeral parlor. She loves her job and sees it as honoring the dead. She's lives in an old Victorian house in a rent-to-own agreement in one of the older districts, within walking distance of her work. One day Steven Grayson, the son of the late former owners shows up. He didn't know that his parents and sister had died in a house fire. They are attracted to one another, but it's complicated by her crooked landlord, the secret she's keeping about her ability to see and talk to the dead, and the fact that his family is haunting the house.
Brianna's brother's ghost is present, but not allowed to communicate with her in any way. There are other local ghosts, besides Steven's family, including some who are allowed to pass messages from Declan to Brianna.
This is a well written tale with excellent grammar and usage, though there were some dropped words. There were also some word choices that were just wrong in context. It dragged a bit in the middle, but not so badly that I put it down. It picked up toward the end with some dangerous action.
If you like lite paranormal romance, this book is for you. In fact, the series is for you.
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