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The Obituary Society #2
The Stranger's Obituary
Welcome to Auburn, where fresh baked cookies hold the key to your future, and a melody carries the secrets of your past.
Mina Fairchild keeps to herself, and that’s the way she likes it. Her secluded life protects the secrets she hides, as well as a certain peculiarity that even people in the colorful town of Auburn, Nebraska find strange.
But when her movie-star sister Bernadette shows up on her sofa, Mina’s cozy bungalow is overrun with paparazzi. One dark eyed reporter seems to see straight into Mina’s soul and her world begins to crumble. It’s bad enough when he noses around her secrets, but then he starts digging for information about her mother, and Mina can’t let that happen.
Bernadette fled her Hollywood life after her boyfriend’s affair caused her to do things that sent the tabloids flying off the racks. Now she’s facing the sister she hasn’t spoken to in eight years, and an ex-fiancé, to whom she owes more than an explanation. While she’s not sure she can tell them the truth, she’s determined to make things right, even if that means America’s Sweetheart waits tables in a small-town diner.
Trouble is, this prodigal return has unraveled more than the sisters realize. When a body is discovered, and a strange woman comes to Bernadette pleading for help, Auburn encounters a decades old mystery that causes Mina to question the very people she’s been protecting, and threatens the few people she’s close to.
Mina Fairchild keeps to herself, and that’s the way she likes it. Her secluded life protects the secrets she hides, as well as a certain peculiarity that even people in the colorful town of Auburn, Nebraska find strange.
But when her movie-star sister Bernadette shows up on her sofa, Mina’s cozy bungalow is overrun with paparazzi. One dark eyed reporter seems to see straight into Mina’s soul and her world begins to crumble. It’s bad enough when he noses around her secrets, but then he starts digging for information about her mother, and Mina can’t let that happen.
Bernadette fled her Hollywood life after her boyfriend’s affair caused her to do things that sent the tabloids flying off the racks. Now she’s facing the sister she hasn’t spoken to in eight years, and an ex-fiancé, to whom she owes more than an explanation. While she’s not sure she can tell them the truth, she’s determined to make things right, even if that means America’s Sweetheart waits tables in a small-town diner.
Trouble is, this prodigal return has unraveled more than the sisters realize. When a body is discovered, and a strange woman comes to Bernadette pleading for help, Auburn encounters a decades old mystery that causes Mina to question the very people she’s been protecting, and threatens the few people she’s close to.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2015
297 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 25, 2017
Jessica L. Randall is a new author to me. This is the 2nd book in a series of 3, but I understand they're separate stories with a few characters that show up in each book.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the story which takes place in the small town of Auburn, Nebraska. Mina Fairchild writes a travel blog but her readers don't know that she hardly ever leaves her house. Her sister, Bernadette (Bernie), who left after high school to become a movie star, is back to hide out from the press after she did some not-so-nice-things to some of her movie star boyfriend's possessions after she caught him cheating on her. The problem is--the paparazzi followed her to Auburn. Mina is afraid that one determined reporter will unearth her peculiar ability and the secrets she hides.
Charlotte has returned to Auburn to hide from the paparazzi, but she also needs to reconnect with her sister, who she hasn't spoken to in 8 years, and somehow make it up to her ex-fiance (Doug) for how she ran out on him without an explanation. Add in some strange things happening and a dead body from about 20 years ago and Mina may not be able to keep her secrets hidden much longer.
I liked how the book was mostly about the characters and there was some mystery too. It has a slight paranormal aspect involving Mina, Charlotte and their deceased mother, who also had an "ability" which was different than Mina's. Even though Mina has agoraphobia she's a strong person and won't be pushed around. I liked how Charlotte realizes at the end that she needs to find her true self. The title of the book didn't make much sense to me until more than half way through. This is a clean romance.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the story which takes place in the small town of Auburn, Nebraska. Mina Fairchild writes a travel blog but her readers don't know that she hardly ever leaves her house. Her sister, Bernadette (Bernie), who left after high school to become a movie star, is back to hide out from the press after she did some not-so-nice-things to some of her movie star boyfriend's possessions after she caught him cheating on her. The problem is--the paparazzi followed her to Auburn. Mina is afraid that one determined reporter will unearth her peculiar ability and the secrets she hides.
Charlotte has returned to Auburn to hide from the paparazzi, but she also needs to reconnect with her sister, who she hasn't spoken to in 8 years, and somehow make it up to her ex-fiance (Doug) for how she ran out on him without an explanation. Add in some strange things happening and a dead body from about 20 years ago and Mina may not be able to keep her secrets hidden much longer.
I liked how the book was mostly about the characters and there was some mystery too. It has a slight paranormal aspect involving Mina, Charlotte and their deceased mother, who also had an "ability" which was different than Mina's. Even though Mina has agoraphobia she's a strong person and won't be pushed around. I liked how Charlotte realizes at the end that she needs to find her true self. The title of the book didn't make much sense to me until more than half way through. This is a clean romance.
August 10, 2015
It was an okay book . Had a bit of what they call mystic or paranormal touch to it , which I dont usually read. Actually it as the title that made me decide to read it. I do genealogy so the word obituary always catches my interest. About a family, one stayed indoors mostly, one was a star in Hollywood . When Bernie (the star )came back home it all started to come to a head. Lots of secrets in this town. Angry spirits dont want to let go just yet. But happy endings for everyone.
September 24, 2015
Different, Interesting, Fun
I liked the very human main character, Nina, and all the inhabitants of the small town: all quirky, warm, believable. Add in a healthy dose of the supernatural, and a good murder mystery and my interest was guaranteed. I'm ordering her other books!
I liked the very human main character, Nina, and all the inhabitants of the small town: all quirky, warm, believable. Add in a healthy dose of the supernatural, and a good murder mystery and my interest was guaranteed. I'm ordering her other books!
November 28, 2015
This book starts out just like any book with a stay-at-home big sister with a movie star little sister. Mina takes it to the extreme and is agoraphobic. Her sister arriving one night threw everything into a tizzy. Bernadette is your typical starlet, thinking everything revolves around her even though she just wants to be left alone for awhile. She’s trying to cope with her boyfriend’s cheating and her own reaction to finding out. Running home seemed to be her only option. The usual players pop up. Bernadette’s old love, a rival for his affections who hates Bernadette and her sister, and that one odd paparazzi guy who wants to be more. Toss in a body and you have the makings of a book that follows a set path, one that’s been well-trod before. However, once you know the main players, the author veers off to the left and takes the reader on a crazy journey into a world where the paranormal is normal. Where the future could be held in a fresh baked cookie, and the memories of the past are carried in a melody.
Bernadette could have been a tad bit more flashy, but we find out that she’s lost herself. She had always taken on the roles that people had assigned to her and she’d never taken time to find out who she was. Having known true agoraphobics, I’d have to say Jessica Randall nailed Mina pretty good. It is amusing that Mina is a travel blogger and makes her living that way, especially since she hasn’t stepped foot out of Auburn, Nebraska since their mother moved them there years ago.
The book was well-written. I got this copy a long time ago, so I don’t know if any updates or changes have been made to it. The most disturbing thing about it was the initial formatting errors. Being in contact with authors on a regular basis, I know that formatting is not easy. However, this did not detract much from the story. I only noticed the formatting right at the very beginning. By now, it could very well be fixed. There were a few errors here and there, but not so many that it detracted from the story. All in all, it was quite well done and I enjoyed reading it. I read it in a single day, as a matter of fact. It was an easy and fun read. I also didn’t know it is technically the second in a series. It easily stands on its own, unlike many series books. I’d recommend it if you wanted something quick and fun to read.
Bernadette could have been a tad bit more flashy, but we find out that she’s lost herself. She had always taken on the roles that people had assigned to her and she’d never taken time to find out who she was. Having known true agoraphobics, I’d have to say Jessica Randall nailed Mina pretty good. It is amusing that Mina is a travel blogger and makes her living that way, especially since she hasn’t stepped foot out of Auburn, Nebraska since their mother moved them there years ago.
The book was well-written. I got this copy a long time ago, so I don’t know if any updates or changes have been made to it. The most disturbing thing about it was the initial formatting errors. Being in contact with authors on a regular basis, I know that formatting is not easy. However, this did not detract much from the story. I only noticed the formatting right at the very beginning. By now, it could very well be fixed. There were a few errors here and there, but not so many that it detracted from the story. All in all, it was quite well done and I enjoyed reading it. I read it in a single day, as a matter of fact. It was an easy and fun read. I also didn’t know it is technically the second in a series. It easily stands on its own, unlike many series books. I’d recommend it if you wanted something quick and fun to read.
September 15, 2015
So, I think I may like this book more than the first due to the air of mystery around the Fairchild sisters. However, I do feel some of the characters could have used a little bit more development. I liked Mina and Bernie but there was just something missing. I cannot really pinpoint it. I may have to read it again just to see why. The Obituary Society ladies are in full form and I wish they would have had more time in the book.
February 18, 2018
TERRIFIC READ
I enjoyed book 2 of “The Obituary Society” triligy even more than I did book 1. The characters, for the most part, were enjoyable and delightful. (I HATED Susan!) The plotline flowed nicely to its conclusion, and the loose ends were tied up and explained. It was nice to see many of the characters from bk 1 still alive and kicking.
I’m going on to read book 3 now.
I enjoyed book 2 of “The Obituary Society” triligy even more than I did book 1. The characters, for the most part, were enjoyable and delightful. (I HATED Susan!) The plotline flowed nicely to its conclusion, and the loose ends were tied up and explained. It was nice to see many of the characters from bk 1 still alive and kicking.
I’m going on to read book 3 now.
January 20, 2019
A mother's love surmounts even death
Awesome. Same place but even though the minor characters are the same this is about two sisters. One is also a hermit, only taking walks in the dark, and the other is a film star. Their reunion causes events that could shatter the whole community as well as their lives. Great plot that uses the paranormal as a tool to enhance the story rather than being the story.
When she wakes up it's to the clamour of voices outside. Why? Then her eyes fall onto evidence that her sister is once again back home. She hasn't left her home town since her mother brought her here years ago and now runs a travel blog. Her sister is escaping from the clutches of a controlling, aggressive male star that feels he can do anything he likes including cheating on her. Her arrival stirs up not only the locals but also her ex-fiance and the ghost of a woman seeking her child. When bones are discovered outside the diner her former fiance owns her spirit gets free. What happens when the reclusive sister is pushed to the limits by a journalist? What happens when the Mean girl of her youth tries to stir up trouble for the diner's owner because he rejected her? Then to really mix it up what happens when the controlling male star arrives and threatens the diner and the people closest to her if she doesn't toe the line?
Awesome. Same place but even though the minor characters are the same this is about two sisters. One is also a hermit, only taking walks in the dark, and the other is a film star. Their reunion causes events that could shatter the whole community as well as their lives. Great plot that uses the paranormal as a tool to enhance the story rather than being the story.
When she wakes up it's to the clamour of voices outside. Why? Then her eyes fall onto evidence that her sister is once again back home. She hasn't left her home town since her mother brought her here years ago and now runs a travel blog. Her sister is escaping from the clutches of a controlling, aggressive male star that feels he can do anything he likes including cheating on her. Her arrival stirs up not only the locals but also her ex-fiance and the ghost of a woman seeking her child. When bones are discovered outside the diner her former fiance owns her spirit gets free. What happens when the reclusive sister is pushed to the limits by a journalist? What happens when the Mean girl of her youth tries to stir up trouble for the diner's owner because he rejected her? Then to really mix it up what happens when the controlling male star arrives and threatens the diner and the people closest to her if she doesn't toe the line?
November 7, 2022
I’m hanging on by a thread in this series. I guess I’m much more used to a larger infusion of magic in a Supernatural Suspense novel. In my opinion that’s what makes these small town novels amazing is the charming injection of magic in the stories. What is really missing to me in this second installment was the magic. It’s like a thin veil of magic as opposed to a theme and genre. In this second book we meet two sisters, that live on two incredibly different paths of life. One a homebody blogger and the other a Hollywood superstar. But when Bernadette the superstar moves back to Aurora after a movie star breakup everything changes for Mina. Mina lives a life of quiet and focus and isn’t ready for the chaos that her sister brings with her. Their family Frank who is the police sheriff also joins the mix. I like that a few of our beloved character from the first book, The Obituary Society make a return and appearance in this second novel. I really didn’t fall in love with this book, but since I already have purchased the series I’ll be finishing it. For my big readers I would take a pass on this story. If you like a quick easy mind numbers this is good for you. I could see this book being a great read for a plane.
August 5, 2021
This is billed as a "paranormal" novel, and it has woo-woos galore to live up to that billing. We first meet Mina as she's looking out her window at all the reporters clogging her front yard. That's because her sister Bernadette has just blown in from Hollywood and brought the paparazzi with her. Mina is almost a recluse in their home so, to her, this feels like a monumental betrayal. The residents of Auburn, Nebraska, that we met in the previous book are all here, swirling around Mina and Bernadette. Slowly we find out more and more, and the woo-woo things begin to happen. We find out that Mina had paranormal talent and her mother had her own brand. Somehow, Bernie missed out on acquiring her own woo-woo, but maybe a Hollywood star doesn't need one. This one builds to quite a climax that had me feeling like I was running a race and breathing hard. I loved it, and I think you will too.
February 28, 2018
The Stranger's Obituary is the second book in the Obituary Series. After reading the first part, The Obituary Society, which I quite liked, I went for this one. This book revolves around two new characters in the series. One of them is a Hollywood actress who came back to Auburn, Nebraska after a fallout with her boyfriend. Another is her sister who is living in the town ever since their mom brought them to this town. She never leaves her house until its something very urgent. It takes you on the journey of various aspects of life, sibling bond, what real love feels like, why people do what they do and lastly forgiveness. A lot of past stories comes out in the open and also an unwelcomed stranger is roaming around the town. You can read this book as an individual book even if you haven't read the first part, as the dots are connected very well in this one too. But it would be a better idea if you read it in continuity to the first one.
December 12, 2017
This is book 2 is a 3 part series. However, all 3 can be read alone. I really enjoyed book 1. I felt this book was lacking a little. Some of the same characters were in this one but their personalities were a little different in this one. This is a new author for me and I liked her writing style just not necessarily this particular story. I wish there would have been a little more conflict between certain characters. Book one had me flipping pages quickly, book two was a little predictable.
February 9, 2018
Well titled book
Having read book 1 in this series, it was fun to see more of and get to know Doug, and also to learn that the problem in book 1 got resolved. I am not usually drawn to books with paranormal happenings, but I found Mina's gift believable. (Not the cookie connection, however!) I did not read this book as a romance, but rather an explanation of Mina's and Bernie's lives. I like happy endings, so was satisfied.
Having read book 1 in this series, it was fun to see more of and get to know Doug, and also to learn that the problem in book 1 got resolved. I am not usually drawn to books with paranormal happenings, but I found Mina's gift believable. (Not the cookie connection, however!) I did not read this book as a romance, but rather an explanation of Mina's and Bernie's lives. I like happy endings, so was satisfied.
April 23, 2019
I stumbled upon this author by accident and I'm happy that I did. I loved the first book in this series, the Obituary Society, and loved this one even more. It includes all of the small town characters that I love with a bit of mystery/romance. I can't wait to start the third and final book in this series. If you're looking for a fun light afternoon book to read...go no further...this is the one. Would anyone like to join me for a burger at Doug's Diner?
June 2, 2021
Jessica Randall is one great story teller. I am really enjoying this series. This is the second in the series but you could easily read this book by itself without being lost. The author's writing style brings the characters to life but also makes you feel like you know them. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 4, 2022
Strangers Obit
Another Auburn, Nebraska romance with paranormal tones thrown in for good measure. I absolutely love this author's style of writing. I can vividly see the scenes in my mind. If there's anything to gripe about, it would be that I'd like it to be even more detailed.
Another Auburn, Nebraska romance with paranormal tones thrown in for good measure. I absolutely love this author's style of writing. I can vividly see the scenes in my mind. If there's anything to gripe about, it would be that I'd like it to be even more detailed.
July 22, 2017
Character driven
Enjoyable read. Nice characters. More character motivated than driven by paranormal elements. Solid 3*
Had read at least parts of it previously. Suspect it was all but notes lost
Enjoyable read. Nice characters. More character motivated than driven by paranormal elements. Solid 3*
Had read at least parts of it previously. Suspect it was all but notes lost
February 17, 2018
Will not read a sequel.
This book left too many things unfinished, too many features left out, too many ideas halfway begun, and a whole town's story just plain up in the air. It is convoluted, starts many ideas and does not finish any of them in a satisfying manner. Too bad.
This book left too many things unfinished, too many features left out, too many ideas halfway begun, and a whole town's story just plain up in the air. It is convoluted, starts many ideas and does not finish any of them in a satisfying manner. Too bad.
November 5, 2018
I purchased these as a set and really wished I hadn't. I was hoping against hope that the books would improve as they went along. They didn't. I did like several of the characters but not as much as I did in book one. The author's work gets murky sometimes and really needs work to carry the story through.
May 24, 2019
Interesting
Over all, this was a compelling story. At times I felt like parts of it were edited out too much, and so disjointed. The skeleton was there, but parts of flesh seemed to be missing. I would still recommend it.
Over all, this was a compelling story. At times I felt like parts of it were edited out too much, and so disjointed. The skeleton was there, but parts of flesh seemed to be missing. I would still recommend it.
February 8, 2022
I like that this series has a tasteful dose of the paranormal. Quirky and heartwarming set in a small Nebraska town where the veil between dimensions is thinner. You’ll smile, quiver, and cheer on the ladies of the society. Tastefully written with plenty of “meat on the bone” ! Enjoy !
March 26, 2018
Had high hopes following the first book - assumed this would be better - but the story was far to convoluted
March 27, 2018
An okay read. I skimmed a lot.
August 8, 2018
A very cute book, a good mystery, great characters and happy ending. What more could you want in a good read?
November 8, 2018
The first one in the series had a touch of supernatural in it. This 2nd book of the series is definately a supernatural title.
January 12, 2020
It was okay. I wished Ada and the Society was in it more. Mina and Bernie were okay. Plot was okay. Quick read. I hope Book 3 is better.
June 29, 2020
Just as the Obituary Society held my attention from the very first page, so has this second installment. I can’t wait to read the next one!
March 31, 2022
Loved it!!
I really want to move to Auburn, Nebraska!! I love all of the quirky folks and things that are a part of this town. Very good book!!
I really want to move to Auburn, Nebraska!! I love all of the quirky folks and things that are a part of this town. Very good book!!
May 11, 2024
Wow
Wow! Surprise how uneasy ghosts are with those who live. This book has lots of unexpected events that transpire through out the sequence of events.
Wow! Surprise how uneasy ghosts are with those who live. This book has lots of unexpected events that transpire through out the sequence of events.
June 19, 2025
Love the quirky town of Auburn Nebraska and all it inhabitants. This is the second book in the series. Looking forward to reading book 3.
April 21, 2025
This book started out like I was in the middle of the book. I had to go back and see if I was missing something. However, it started making sense and then I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews