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Building Celebration House
Carrie Hansen spent her life caring for cardiac patients. Little did she know she would become a patient herself. After recovering from her own heart surgery, she learns she has a special talent: the ability to see and talk with the dead.
Now, with her new heart failing her, she leaves the bustle of Seattle behind and returns to Lexington, Missouri, the small town where she spent her childhood. Here, she sets out to restore an abandoned antebellum mansion and open it as a venue for celebrations.
Carrie’s work is cut out for her. The 150-year-old Greek revival house is in need of serious repair. Her sister, Melanie, tries to bully Carrie into returning to Seattle, predicting “her little project” is doomed to fail. Finally, Carrie’s health gives out on her, requiring emergency surgery.
But she will not give up. Carrie’s unique gift allows her to build relationships with the mansion’s ghostly occupants, especially Maj. Tom Gentry, the handsome Civil War soldier who died 100 years before Carrie was born.
Will Carrie finish restoring the celebration house or will it finish her? And how can she plan a future with a man who has only a past?
Now, with her new heart failing her, she leaves the bustle of Seattle behind and returns to Lexington, Missouri, the small town where she spent her childhood. Here, she sets out to restore an abandoned antebellum mansion and open it as a venue for celebrations.
Carrie’s work is cut out for her. The 150-year-old Greek revival house is in need of serious repair. Her sister, Melanie, tries to bully Carrie into returning to Seattle, predicting “her little project” is doomed to fail. Finally, Carrie’s health gives out on her, requiring emergency surgery.
But she will not give up. Carrie’s unique gift allows her to build relationships with the mansion’s ghostly occupants, especially Maj. Tom Gentry, the handsome Civil War soldier who died 100 years before Carrie was born.
Will Carrie finish restoring the celebration house or will it finish her? And how can she plan a future with a man who has only a past?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
795 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Annette Drake
15 books143 followersAnnette Drake is a multi-genre author whose work is character-driven and celebrates the law of unintended consequences.
She has published six books.
Annette makes her home in Washington state. A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she loves ferry rides, basset hounds and bakeries. She does not camp.
She has published six books.
Annette makes her home in Washington state. A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she loves ferry rides, basset hounds and bakeries. She does not camp.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 17, 2019
Enjoyed this. It's the first of a trilogy.
A girl with a heart problem buys one of the old Antebellum houses and does it up for events and weddings and such. She inherits a family of ghosts too that only she can see and converse with.
This was a light read. Carrie's interaction with the ghosts was sweet. The ending is sad and expected and the last chapter will tug at your heart strings.
A girl with a heart problem buys one of the old Antebellum houses and does it up for events and weddings and such. She inherits a family of ghosts too that only she can see and converse with.
This was a light read. Carrie's interaction with the ghosts was sweet. The ending is sad and expected and the last chapter will tug at your heart strings.
July 25, 2017
I enjoyed the story, but this was a slow read with not a whole lot happening. I liked the characters and felt it was very original that some of them were ghosts. Overall, this was a nice and sweet book, but definitely not one of my favorites...
July 31, 2017
Not an accurate treatment of slavery here. Bit disgusting, in that respect. I learned what a Jenny Lind trunk is, yay for me.
Top Creep-tastic Quotes:
"There's room for you here, Carrie, after you die."
"I'll tell you this, though, I want to touch you. Like a man touches his wife. So much."
Top Creep-tastic Quotes:
"There's room for you here, Carrie, after you die."
"I'll tell you this, though, I want to touch you. Like a man touches his wife. So much."
May 9, 2017
This was a nicely written story of a young woman, Carrie, who decides to transplant herself to her grandmother's home town in Lexington, Mo and restore a mid 1800's antebellum home. There is a twist in that she shares the house with its civil war owners. She's the only one who can see them, but they are definitely a part of the story. She also has found that she is truly interested in the ghost of a soldier who has stayed on at the home.
There were times when this felt more like a love affair with the house versus with the young soldier and I think there could have been a little more development of their relationship. I also think Carrie did a lot with a failing heart and sometimes it didn't feel realistic (but less gloomy). Closer to the end there was a little more development of her lack of energy and health concerns. There were numerous places where I skimmed versus read as a I like a faster paced book.
This is a nice clean book which fans of sweet stories would like. Book 2 tells the story of one of Carrie's friends, Beth and Book 3 tells the story of Carrie's sister.
There were times when this felt more like a love affair with the house versus with the young soldier and I think there could have been a little more development of their relationship. I also think Carrie did a lot with a failing heart and sometimes it didn't feel realistic (but less gloomy). Closer to the end there was a little more development of her lack of energy and health concerns. There were numerous places where I skimmed versus read as a I like a faster paced book.
This is a nice clean book which fans of sweet stories would like. Book 2 tells the story of one of Carrie's friends, Beth and Book 3 tells the story of Carrie's sister.
March 13, 2017
Building Celebration House by Annette Drake I read this book in one setting. It was that good. I love reading about ghosts it is my favorite type of book. This was actually in my opinion a sweet book. I really enjoyed each and every character in the book. I loved Annette Drake's writing style. This book had a wonderful story line, it was well thought out and made me not put it down till the last page. There are only a few colorful words, no f-bombs and no sex scenes.
The book is about Carrie Hansen. Carrie is a cardiac nurse. She has had a rough road over the last few years. She finds out and is given a heart transplant. Her husband leaves her for his younger secretary during her battle with her heart problem. Her beloved father passes away. Now she finds out her transplanted heart is no good. Carrie doctor wants to put her back on the transplant list, but Carrie decides she does not want to go through another surgery and recovery time.
Carrie likes to look online a realtor sites in her spare time. One night she finds a listing for a house listing right down the road from her deceased Grandmothers house. Carrie remembers lots of good times at her Grand Mothers home as a child and decides she wants this house. The house is dilapidated and will need lots of work. Carrie decides to jump on it before her health gets to bad.
On her first visit to the house Carrie sees a woman on the porch and knows immediately she is a ghost. During Carries illness her heart had stopped once and she woke up with the ability to see ghosts. Once she goes to the house more she realizes there are actually 5 resident ghosts. The man who built the house, his wife, their maid and her son, and a soldier. Carrie talks to all the ghosts and let them know she is going to restore the house and open it as a Celebration house, where people can celebrate the happiest moments in their lives, weddings, birthdays, baby showers and more. She lets the ghosts know she is more then happy to share the house with them but they must behave round her guests.
I think my favorite parts of the book were how the ghosts and Carrie get along. How they actually get to know each other. So much so Carrie even allows the ghosts to pick the wallpaper paint, light fixtures and more. I would love to tell you more about this book but then it would spoil it for you. Grab is get comfortable and dive right in.
The book is about Carrie Hansen. Carrie is a cardiac nurse. She has had a rough road over the last few years. She finds out and is given a heart transplant. Her husband leaves her for his younger secretary during her battle with her heart problem. Her beloved father passes away. Now she finds out her transplanted heart is no good. Carrie doctor wants to put her back on the transplant list, but Carrie decides she does not want to go through another surgery and recovery time.
Carrie likes to look online a realtor sites in her spare time. One night she finds a listing for a house listing right down the road from her deceased Grandmothers house. Carrie remembers lots of good times at her Grand Mothers home as a child and decides she wants this house. The house is dilapidated and will need lots of work. Carrie decides to jump on it before her health gets to bad.
On her first visit to the house Carrie sees a woman on the porch and knows immediately she is a ghost. During Carries illness her heart had stopped once and she woke up with the ability to see ghosts. Once she goes to the house more she realizes there are actually 5 resident ghosts. The man who built the house, his wife, their maid and her son, and a soldier. Carrie talks to all the ghosts and let them know she is going to restore the house and open it as a Celebration house, where people can celebrate the happiest moments in their lives, weddings, birthdays, baby showers and more. She lets the ghosts know she is more then happy to share the house with them but they must behave round her guests.
I think my favorite parts of the book were how the ghosts and Carrie get along. How they actually get to know each other. So much so Carrie even allows the ghosts to pick the wallpaper paint, light fixtures and more. I would love to tell you more about this book but then it would spoil it for you. Grab is get comfortable and dive right in.
January 20, 2019
I think my review of this novel's direct ancestor in its original form still stands... I've read this twice and enjoyed as much or more the second time. (Full disclosure: I read this in a pre-publication phase.)
July 23, 2017
It is a great book to read
May 31, 2017
The writing is very average, but the story was cute. MC is a young woman with a terminal heart condition who is restoring a mansion in the south. The mansion is occupied by ghosts who used to live there and only the young woman can see them. Her interactions with them are entertaining. If you're looking for a quick, light, somewhat romantic, entertaining read give it a try.
April 18, 2018
To start off the book description was more than a little bit misleading. First off: the main character is dying, and we learn that in the prologue. This may not apply to everyone, but for me it completely changed my expectations.
Second, this book was a lot less of a romance than I was led to believe. The majority of the story is dedicated to Carrie fixing up the house, not her relationship (if you can call it that) with Tom the ghost. There actually was not too much development to their romance, and I actually started to wonder if I skipped a chapter where they connect (I didn't, I checked). Carrie actually spent more time with the guy who built the house, who was given way more personality than anyone else in the book.
I think the biggest issue I had was the portrayal of Carrie's sister and mother. They weren't given any character arcs, and the sister, Melanie, was just kind of there so Carrie could complain about her. Her only purpose was to make Carrie look perfect, because she rejected vanity, or whatever. I got the feeling that Melanie was just supposed to embody everything the author hated about city people. It made me a little uncomfortable.
But I found the history mildly interesting and I'm not furious. It was a good way to conquer boredom for a week.
Second, this book was a lot less of a romance than I was led to believe. The majority of the story is dedicated to Carrie fixing up the house, not her relationship (if you can call it that) with Tom the ghost. There actually was not too much development to their romance, and I actually started to wonder if I skipped a chapter where they connect (I didn't, I checked). Carrie actually spent more time with the guy who built the house, who was given way more personality than anyone else in the book.
I think the biggest issue I had was the portrayal of Carrie's sister and mother. They weren't given any character arcs, and the sister, Melanie, was just kind of there so Carrie could complain about her. Her only purpose was to make Carrie look perfect, because she rejected vanity, or whatever. I got the feeling that Melanie was just supposed to embody everything the author hated about city people. It made me a little uncomfortable.
But I found the history mildly interesting and I'm not furious. It was a good way to conquer boredom for a week.
July 3, 2018
Unfinished thoughts
The entirety of the story was interesting but we were never told that Carrie could see ghosts; she's just suddenly talking to them. Also, it feels only partially thought out and choppy. Almost as if there were things we were supposed to know, but were never told. Also. It just felt as though she wasn't sure how to elaborate on things. It wasn't well fleshed out.
The entirety of the story was interesting but we were never told that Carrie could see ghosts; she's just suddenly talking to them. Also, it feels only partially thought out and choppy. Almost as if there were things we were supposed to know, but were never told. Also. It just felt as though she wasn't sure how to elaborate on things. It wasn't well fleshed out.
March 29, 2017
This is a wonderful and sweet story about ghosts, going for a simpler life. A great read and making changes.
January 16, 2019
I really liked this story. I found the story to be poignant; moving, touching, just plain sad, and tender. But there are many scenes that bring smiles and quiet chuckles.
Carrie is a young woman who had worked in the cardiac ICU unit for almost ten years then she becomes a patient because of her failing heart. She had a heart transplant, but now that one is failing. Carrie turns down her cardiologist’s suggestion to get on the list for another heart. She doesn’t want to spend more time in hospitals and having surgery. Carrie had been married until her husband “found his once-in-a-lifetime love” after she became ill with heart trouble.
Her grandmother had lived in Lexington, Missouri, and her father would take the family on summer vacations there. Carrie has a dream. She returns to Lexington and buys the Stratton House. She wants to restore the Stratton House as a place where people can gather to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, anything that will give them fond memories
Carrie has several challenges in her quest. Although it will take a lot of work and money to restore the three-thousand-square-foot house, time is her biggest concern because she knows she is dying. And, there are the current two-legged residents. There are five residents that people whisper about but haven’t seen: Colonel Stratton (who built the house), his wife Victoria, Mrs. Stratton’s maid Violet, Violet’s son Henry, and the young Major Thomas (Tom) Gentry.
Carrie has an older sister, Melanie. As Melanie put it, she is the city mouse and Carrie is the country mouse. Melanie wants her sister to move back home to be with her and their mother. Although they are opposite in nature they do care about each other. There is not a lot of interaction between them in the story because Mel stays in the city. A close friend, Beth, is Dr. Lionel’s nurse but they have become close. Because of concerns of Carrie’s health Beth goes to stay with her. Beth is friend, companion, and her nurse.
And we have Major Thomas (Tom) Gentry. He was killed during the Battle of the Hemp Bales. He had graduated from West Point and later volunteered for Colonel Mulligan’s command. He died near the Stratton house and has stayed there.
Even though there are plenty of young men in town none had really interested Carrie, but she does feel a draw to Tom, and the feeling is mutual. But one is a ghost. Then again, it is almost like lovers meeting across time.
This is just general background of the major characters but the others fill out the events and happenings of the story. Don’t miss the part about the teenagers daring each other to drink on the Stratton House porch. The meeting of Beth and Josh may be the beginning of something. There is an old trunk with treasures (not the jewels and gems kind) to explore. There are some interesting history points related.
When did Carrie see Dr. Eric George?
When did Carrie first realize she could talk to ghosts?
For financial reasons Colonel Stratton had moved north. How did he tempt his wife to join him?
The Stratton House went through a few owners after the General died. Who was the first to lose the house in a poker game?
What was the Battle of the Hemp Bales?
Carrie is a young woman who had worked in the cardiac ICU unit for almost ten years then she becomes a patient because of her failing heart. She had a heart transplant, but now that one is failing. Carrie turns down her cardiologist’s suggestion to get on the list for another heart. She doesn’t want to spend more time in hospitals and having surgery. Carrie had been married until her husband “found his once-in-a-lifetime love” after she became ill with heart trouble.
Her grandmother had lived in Lexington, Missouri, and her father would take the family on summer vacations there. Carrie has a dream. She returns to Lexington and buys the Stratton House. She wants to restore the Stratton House as a place where people can gather to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, anything that will give them fond memories
Carrie has several challenges in her quest. Although it will take a lot of work and money to restore the three-thousand-square-foot house, time is her biggest concern because she knows she is dying. And, there are the current two-legged residents. There are five residents that people whisper about but haven’t seen: Colonel Stratton (who built the house), his wife Victoria, Mrs. Stratton’s maid Violet, Violet’s son Henry, and the young Major Thomas (Tom) Gentry.
Carrie has an older sister, Melanie. As Melanie put it, she is the city mouse and Carrie is the country mouse. Melanie wants her sister to move back home to be with her and their mother. Although they are opposite in nature they do care about each other. There is not a lot of interaction between them in the story because Mel stays in the city. A close friend, Beth, is Dr. Lionel’s nurse but they have become close. Because of concerns of Carrie’s health Beth goes to stay with her. Beth is friend, companion, and her nurse.
And we have Major Thomas (Tom) Gentry. He was killed during the Battle of the Hemp Bales. He had graduated from West Point and later volunteered for Colonel Mulligan’s command. He died near the Stratton house and has stayed there.
Even though there are plenty of young men in town none had really interested Carrie, but she does feel a draw to Tom, and the feeling is mutual. But one is a ghost. Then again, it is almost like lovers meeting across time.
This is just general background of the major characters but the others fill out the events and happenings of the story. Don’t miss the part about the teenagers daring each other to drink on the Stratton House porch. The meeting of Beth and Josh may be the beginning of something. There is an old trunk with treasures (not the jewels and gems kind) to explore. There are some interesting history points related.
When did Carrie see Dr. Eric George?
When did Carrie first realize she could talk to ghosts?
For financial reasons Colonel Stratton had moved north. How did he tempt his wife to join him?
The Stratton House went through a few owners after the General died. Who was the first to lose the house in a poker game?
What was the Battle of the Hemp Bales?
March 13, 2017
I read this book in one setting. It was that good. I love reading about ghosts it is my favorite type of book. This was actually in my opinion a sweet book. I really enjoyed each and every character in the book. I loved Annette Drake's writing style. This book had a wonderful story line, it was well thought out and made me not put it down till the last page. There are only a few colorful words, no f-bombs and no sex scenes.
The book is about Carrie Hansen. Carrie is a cardiac nurse. She has had a rough road over the last few years. She finds out and is given a heart transplant. Her husband leaves her for his younger secretary during her battle with her heart problem. Her beloved father passes away. Now she finds out her transplanted heart is no good. Carrie doctor wants to put her back on the transplant list, but Carrie decides she does not want to go through another surgery and recovery time.
Carrie likes to look online a realtor sites in her spare time. One night she finds a listing for a house listing right down the road from her deceased Grandmothers house. Carrie remembers lots of good times at her Grand Mothers home as a child and decides she wants this house. The house is dilapidated and will need lots of work. Carrie decides to jump on it before her health gets to bad.
On her first visit to the house Carrie sees a woman on the porch and knows immediately she is a ghost. During Carries illness her heart had stopped once and she woke up with the ability to see ghosts. Once she goes to the house more she realizes there are actually 5 resident ghosts. The man who built the house, his wife, their maid and her son, and a soldier. Carrie talks to all the ghosts and let them know she is going to restore the house and open it as a Celebration house, where people can celebrate the happiest moments in their lives, weddings, birthdays, baby showers and more. She lets the ghosts know she is more then happy to share the house with them but they must behave round her guests.
I think my favorite parts of the book were how the ghosts and Carrie get along. How they actually get to know each other. So much so Carrie even allows the ghosts to pick the wallpaper paint, light fixtures and more. I would love to tell you more about this book but then it would spoil it for you. Grab is get comfortable and dive right in.
The book is about Carrie Hansen. Carrie is a cardiac nurse. She has had a rough road over the last few years. She finds out and is given a heart transplant. Her husband leaves her for his younger secretary during her battle with her heart problem. Her beloved father passes away. Now she finds out her transplanted heart is no good. Carrie doctor wants to put her back on the transplant list, but Carrie decides she does not want to go through another surgery and recovery time.
Carrie likes to look online a realtor sites in her spare time. One night she finds a listing for a house listing right down the road from her deceased Grandmothers house. Carrie remembers lots of good times at her Grand Mothers home as a child and decides she wants this house. The house is dilapidated and will need lots of work. Carrie decides to jump on it before her health gets to bad.
On her first visit to the house Carrie sees a woman on the porch and knows immediately she is a ghost. During Carries illness her heart had stopped once and she woke up with the ability to see ghosts. Once she goes to the house more she realizes there are actually 5 resident ghosts. The man who built the house, his wife, their maid and her son, and a soldier. Carrie talks to all the ghosts and let them know she is going to restore the house and open it as a Celebration house, where people can celebrate the happiest moments in their lives, weddings, birthdays, baby showers and more. She lets the ghosts know she is more then happy to share the house with them but they must behave round her guests.
I think my favorite parts of the book were how the ghosts and Carrie get along. How they actually get to know each other. So much so Carrie even allows the ghosts to pick the wallpaper paint, light fixtures and more. I would love to tell you more about this book but then it would spoil it for you. Grab is get comfortable and dive right in.
May 22, 2017
Are you real?
This is a different kind of love story. Carrie is a young, unmarried nurse, who has had a heart transplant, which is failing, and as a temporary measure, they have inserted a pacemaker. She feels strongly that she will not live long and she has about $100,000 to spend before she dies. She is from Seattle and she decides she will take on a project that she will enjoy until she passes. She goes into the countryside of Missouri and finds an antebellum mansion over one hundred years old, and rather than rebuild it, she decides to restore it to as close as it originally was. She finds a good carpenter, who can find the special carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers to restore this old mansion.
Shortly after she is there, she meets a cranky old man, who claims to be the owner of this mansion and doesn’t want anyone fooling with it. She soon realizes that she is talking to a ghost, and meets his wife and servants, who are all ghosts and originally lived there. Carrie convinces him that she wants to bring it back to what it was, and throughout the rest of the story, Carrie is the only one who can see the ghosts, plus Civil War soldiers, one of whom is in love with Carrie, and she with him, but there seems to be no way to make physical contact when this young man isn’t solid.
This plot is different from any other ghost story I have read, and it is not a long story, but I found it very entertaining and emotionally satisfying. However, suspect it would appeal more to women than men.
This is a different kind of love story. Carrie is a young, unmarried nurse, who has had a heart transplant, which is failing, and as a temporary measure, they have inserted a pacemaker. She feels strongly that she will not live long and she has about $100,000 to spend before she dies. She is from Seattle and she decides she will take on a project that she will enjoy until she passes. She goes into the countryside of Missouri and finds an antebellum mansion over one hundred years old, and rather than rebuild it, she decides to restore it to as close as it originally was. She finds a good carpenter, who can find the special carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers to restore this old mansion.
Shortly after she is there, she meets a cranky old man, who claims to be the owner of this mansion and doesn’t want anyone fooling with it. She soon realizes that she is talking to a ghost, and meets his wife and servants, who are all ghosts and originally lived there. Carrie convinces him that she wants to bring it back to what it was, and throughout the rest of the story, Carrie is the only one who can see the ghosts, plus Civil War soldiers, one of whom is in love with Carrie, and she with him, but there seems to be no way to make physical contact when this young man isn’t solid.
This plot is different from any other ghost story I have read, and it is not a long story, but I found it very entertaining and emotionally satisfying. However, suspect it would appeal more to women than men.
April 14, 2019
Stratton house becomes celebration house
Spoiler ahead
Carrie, diagnosed with heart failure after her body doesn’t accept a transplant, decides how she wants to spend her remaining time and the inheritance from her grandmother. She buys Stratton house and has to negotiate with the original owner who continues to haunt the house along with his wife and several other spectors. Carrie struggles physically with the tasks involved with restoring the house, although she has a contractor and a team of helpers.
Her cardiologist’s nurse Beth, experiences a personal devastating incident and comes to both help Carrie and recover. The renovations are completed in time for the first few events. While the reader hopes that something miraculous will happen, Carrie dies and leaves Beth to run celebration house.
While Carrie’s death is sad, the book was a refreshing change from impossibly beautiful women and handsome men, who have impossibly happily ever after lives, which made it really interesting to read. I look forward to seeing how Beth manages celebration house in future volumes.
Spoiler ahead
Carrie, diagnosed with heart failure after her body doesn’t accept a transplant, decides how she wants to spend her remaining time and the inheritance from her grandmother. She buys Stratton house and has to negotiate with the original owner who continues to haunt the house along with his wife and several other spectors. Carrie struggles physically with the tasks involved with restoring the house, although she has a contractor and a team of helpers.
Her cardiologist’s nurse Beth, experiences a personal devastating incident and comes to both help Carrie and recover. The renovations are completed in time for the first few events. While the reader hopes that something miraculous will happen, Carrie dies and leaves Beth to run celebration house.
While Carrie’s death is sad, the book was a refreshing change from impossibly beautiful women and handsome men, who have impossibly happily ever after lives, which made it really interesting to read. I look forward to seeing how Beth manages celebration house in future volumes.
October 12, 2019
Very basically written book with a story that had potential, but some of the "reveals" seemed so haphazard. The fact that Carrie can see and talk to ghosts doesn't get explained until well into the story which I found totally bizarre. I did like that we see her in both worlds. It would have been nice to establish the friendship with her and Beth a bit earlier as it didn't seem very believable that she would just come out there to stay. The relationship with the sister could also have been explored a bit further. There was a sample of the second book in the trilogy at the end of this one, and I doubt I'll be picking it up.
January 26, 2019
It's an easy book to read. It's about a Carrie who had a heart transplant which is now failing.
She has a dream to restore a property in the same street where her grandmother lived and died that has recently come on the market. It has been empty for 90 years as local residents say it is haunted.
This doesn't deter Carrie who has bought the property with the inheritance money her late father left her. She is determined to restore the property and make a celebration house, allowing access to everyone who's wants to celebrate something special.
She has a dream to restore a property in the same street where her grandmother lived and died that has recently come on the market. It has been empty for 90 years as local residents say it is haunted.
This doesn't deter Carrie who has bought the property with the inheritance money her late father left her. She is determined to restore the property and make a celebration house, allowing access to everyone who's wants to celebrate something special.
April 13, 2019
Good but....
Somewhat disappointing ..very good story and very well done. I felt that I knew what might happen with
Carrie I c ant say much more for fear of giving away the story. I enjoyed the book tremendously (adjectives anyone?) And would give it 4 1/2 stars. My problem is the first book was almost a giveaway and the next is. $4.00 not much but when you buy as many as I do it adds up so I might go straight to number 3. I realize this is not fair to the author but it is a fact of life.
Somewhat disappointing ..very good story and very well done. I felt that I knew what might happen with
Carrie I c ant say much more for fear of giving away the story. I enjoyed the book tremendously (adjectives anyone?) And would give it 4 1/2 stars. My problem is the first book was almost a giveaway and the next is. $4.00 not much but when you buy as many as I do it adds up so I might go straight to number 3. I realize this is not fair to the author but it is a fact of life.
April 16, 2018
A heartening read
Carrie knows she is dying and, when she finds the perfect property adds - build "Celebration House" - to her bucket list. This is a heartening read telling you about her determination to achieve her goal before she dies. Who would have thought friendly ghosts could provide so much help and encouragement, and Tom especially. This almost believable story was a pleasure to read and even the inevitable ending did not leave me feeling sad.
Carrie knows she is dying and, when she finds the perfect property adds - build "Celebration House" - to her bucket list. This is a heartening read telling you about her determination to achieve her goal before she dies. Who would have thought friendly ghosts could provide so much help and encouragement, and Tom especially. This almost believable story was a pleasure to read and even the inevitable ending did not leave me feeling sad.
January 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much . It was very easy reading about the original owners of Celebration House and all the ghosts "living " there while Carrie restores the mansion . Celebration House is everything that Carrie envisioned it to be even though she knew that her life would be ending shortly . Let see what Beth has in store for Celebration House
June 14, 2021
The premise of the story is cute, and enjoyed it. The execution is just a little bit clunky. There is a lot of extraneous details that distract from the forward progress of the plot. Every little piece of food on a plate or what is being set on the table for tea isn't necessary unless it is being used somewhere in the plot. The author could use some lessons in Chekhov's Gun. Otherwise, this was a really adorable story.
August 20, 2022
This was a very different read as the main character could see ghosts in her house and she had conversations with them.
Carrie Hanson has spent her life caring for cardiac patients, but then becomes one herself. After receiving a new heart, she moves from Seattle to rural Missouri and buys an old house to redo so she can turn the house into a beautiful place for weddi8ngs, reunions, corporate meetings and showers. Then she realizes she is living with the past residents.
Carrie Hanson has spent her life caring for cardiac patients, but then becomes one herself. After receiving a new heart, she moves from Seattle to rural Missouri and buys an old house to redo so she can turn the house into a beautiful place for weddi8ngs, reunions, corporate meetings and showers. Then she realizes she is living with the past residents.
May 14, 2017
Health and ghosts
Being able to buy an old house with lots of Civil War history in MO, Carrie is hoping to restore it to it's former glory. How strange that she can see and hear the folks who lived there when others can not! An interesting story. Guess I will read the rest of the 'Celebration House Trilogy' and hope that they will be as entertaining.
Being able to buy an old house with lots of Civil War history in MO, Carrie is hoping to restore it to it's former glory. How strange that she can see and hear the folks who lived there when others can not! An interesting story. Guess I will read the rest of the 'Celebration House Trilogy' and hope that they will be as entertaining.
May 17, 2017
This was a delightful read. I came to enjoy Carries interaction with the Strattons and Tom. I only wish the dialogue was more developed. Such as when Carrie was speaking with the pregnant bride on the rainy day, it would have been nice to know what the girl had said. The historical elements were very interesting to learn about as well
June 3, 2017
3.5/5.0
The author is well-versed in medical knowledge and does a wonderful job in describing the procedures and feelings a cardiac patient would go through during their treatment without making it feel like a textbook.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The author is well-versed in medical knowledge and does a wonderful job in describing the procedures and feelings a cardiac patient would go through during their treatment without making it feel like a textbook.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 28, 2017
Great summer read!
This was a free book on my daily Bookbub email so I thought I'd give it a try! What a great find! Ms. Drake is a wonderful writer - she was able to mesh the other world with present day so well, I almost forgot who were the ghosts and who weren't! The touch of romance added in topped off a great summer read! I can't wait to read the 2nd book!
This was a free book on my daily Bookbub email so I thought I'd give it a try! What a great find! Ms. Drake is a wonderful writer - she was able to mesh the other world with present day so well, I almost forgot who were the ghosts and who weren't! The touch of romance added in topped off a great summer read! I can't wait to read the 2nd book!
April 8, 2018
Highly recommend.
Loved this book from start to finish. Wanted to read this since I am from Missouri and have been to Lexington many times. Liked the historical aspects mentioned in the story as well as the fact that the main character could see, hear, and talk to the ghosts that were still in the house.
Loved this book from start to finish. Wanted to read this since I am from Missouri and have been to Lexington many times. Liked the historical aspects mentioned in the story as well as the fact that the main character could see, hear, and talk to the ghosts that were still in the house.
April 11, 2018
Adored this book
Certainly not the average run of the mill book and thank heavens its not. It was absolutely delightful. Annette Drake not only opens the door to a glimpse of history and life at that time but to friendships and love. She has a truly amazing imagination and skill. I couldn't stop reading and eagerly await to begin the next book. Thank you Annette. More please
Certainly not the average run of the mill book and thank heavens its not. It was absolutely delightful. Annette Drake not only opens the door to a glimpse of history and life at that time but to friendships and love. She has a truly amazing imagination and skill. I couldn't stop reading and eagerly await to begin the next book. Thank you Annette. More please
April 11, 2018
Good Premise
This book is a fun read. When Carrie buys a falling-down mansion, she knows she may not live long enough to turn it into the Celebration House she envisions but with the help of the former owners she intends to try. Who cares if they have been dead for over a hundred years? While I enjoyed the book it could have used some serious editing.
This book is a fun read. When Carrie buys a falling-down mansion, she knows she may not live long enough to turn it into the Celebration House she envisions but with the help of the former owners she intends to try. Who cares if they have been dead for over a hundred years? While I enjoyed the book it could have used some serious editing.
April 12, 2018
3 1/2 stars. The story was nice and engaging, but the medical references were quite jarring and well, wrong at times to a medical student! The characters were lovely, the story was quaint and cute. I'm just confused as to why there was so much effort put into the storyline of the son never being found...and he never gets found, haha?!
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