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Ghost #1
Ghost of A Chance
When Natalie Scott decides to rent a seaside colonial cottage for six months after the death of her mother, she just wants peace and quiet.
Instead she gets a barrel-load of trouble; first from Karl Messer, who won't let her rent the cottage unless she goes out with him; then from her brother, Trevor, who won’t let her take his guard dog. But worst of all is the resident ghost, Sean O’Shea, who falls in love with her. And finally from her ex-boyfriend, Rick Dalton, who marches back into her life wanting to take up where they left off.
What’s a girl to do? Should Natalie run for cover, or stay to sort these four men out once and for all?
Word Length; Approximately 59,000 words.
The sequel, Sean O'Shea's story, GIVING UP THE GHOST is also available on Kindle.
Instead she gets a barrel-load of trouble; first from Karl Messer, who won't let her rent the cottage unless she goes out with him; then from her brother, Trevor, who won’t let her take his guard dog. But worst of all is the resident ghost, Sean O’Shea, who falls in love with her. And finally from her ex-boyfriend, Rick Dalton, who marches back into her life wanting to take up where they left off.
What’s a girl to do? Should Natalie run for cover, or stay to sort these four men out once and for all?
Word Length; Approximately 59,000 words.
The sequel, Sean O'Shea's story, GIVING UP THE GHOST is also available on Kindle.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
92 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Emma Daniels
50 books20 followersEmma Daniels lives in Sydney Australia, but also lived in Germany as a child. She is married with two children. She has been writing romantic novels for most of her life, and the results are clear - more than 15 books to her name. She is also a jewellary artist. Her favourite mediums are chain maille, bead sewing and artistic wire work.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 1, 2012
2.5 stars
I read this book as part of a Shelfari group read.
After their mother died, Natalie shared the family house with her brother, Trevor. They began to get on each other's nerves, so Natalie applies to rent a beach house so they can have a break from each other.
She gets the house and then finds out it is haunted. So far, so good.
But then the story went downhill for me. The ghost hardly ever shows up and when he does, he's (mostly) dismissed.
I didn't think the protagonist, Natalie, displayed much wisdom in her choices. For instance,
Once I realized there wasn't really a ghost story going on, I still gave it a chance, because I liked Natalie. However the stupid things Natalie was doing, combined with some truly cliched dialogue (I'm going to show you heaven, oh please!), made me cringe. The last part of the story sort of took a hairpin turn then wrapped up within a few pages. It was weird.
I think the author has the talent to create good characters, but I do feel that the dialogue really needs a lot of work. The character of Natalie didn't act in the ways that I would expect a modern, intelligent woman to act. Altogether- I think the story was decent but I probably won't be reading anything else by this author.
I read this book as part of a Shelfari group read.
After their mother died, Natalie shared the family house with her brother, Trevor. They began to get on each other's nerves, so Natalie applies to rent a beach house so they can have a break from each other.
She gets the house and then finds out it is haunted. So far, so good.
But then the story went downhill for me. The ghost hardly ever shows up and when he does, he's (mostly) dismissed.
I didn't think the protagonist, Natalie, displayed much wisdom in her choices. For instance,
Once I realized there wasn't really a ghost story going on, I still gave it a chance, because I liked Natalie. However the stupid things Natalie was doing, combined with some truly cliched dialogue (I'm going to show you heaven, oh please!), made me cringe. The last part of the story sort of took a hairpin turn then wrapped up within a few pages. It was weird.
I think the author has the talent to create good characters, but I do feel that the dialogue really needs a lot of work. The character of Natalie didn't act in the ways that I would expect a modern, intelligent woman to act. Altogether- I think the story was decent but I probably won't be reading anything else by this author.
May 13, 2013
I have no clue as to what the ghost of Sean O'Shea has to do with the story of Natalie Scott and Karl Messer. I thought somewhere in this story it would be explained but nope, he just fades away. Natalie Scott is a child care worker, who wants to rent a seaside cottage but can only have the lease if she goes out with the Karl Messer. Of course Natalie and Karl have their night out, her photo all over the front page of the newspaper. Of course, every woman wants Karl and of course Natalie gets her man... loses her man... returns to Sidney and gets her man back. This is more a romance story than a ghost story. A story of two people who one found love and lost it and another who has never found love until they meet. This is a story for every teen age girl who dreams of her Prince to sweep her off her feet.
March 22, 2019
This was more of a romance than a paranormal romance, but there was a minor paranormal aspect to the novel. Overall, it was a relatively straight-forward contemporary romance. There were several typos/editing errors throughout the kindle version of this book that I read. The paranormal aspect did not add anything to this novel, but it could be a set-up for the second book in this series. The book would make for an okay beach read if you want something light and easy to read..
September 27, 2018
Rose
Emma Daniels has used anguish and humor in this tale of love almost gone wrong. Who knew that a man who seemed so arrogant could turn out so different when faced with someone he never dreamed existed. Read this story to find out about the difference unusual circumstances can make.
Emma Daniels has used anguish and humor in this tale of love almost gone wrong. Who knew that a man who seemed so arrogant could turn out so different when faced with someone he never dreamed existed. Read this story to find out about the difference unusual circumstances can make.
August 30, 2024
Barely a ghost in there. Main character thinks "she can change him" and does. Lots of other just annoying things like not taking no for an answer and forcing her to re-live trauma but she thanks him for it in the end. So not great. Really shows it was written in 2009.
Going through my really old e-books that I got on sale or something. Going to destash.
Going through my really old e-books that I got on sale or something. Going to destash.
June 27, 2018
Cute story and well written . Not totally the ghost story / mystery I expected . Glad it was a Kindle freebie .
February 5, 2019
Ok
I thought the series was great, but I hate reading parts, I would have preferred you just said the next series is... Don't like being left hanging.
I thought the series was great, but I hate reading parts, I would have preferred you just said the next series is... Don't like being left hanging.
August 21, 2011
I'm pretty sure I got this as a free giveaway, referred here on Goodreads to Smashwords, but I can't find it now on Smashwords and my memory isn't what it used to be, so I'm not certain.
More than once, I almost gave up on finishing this book. I really wanted to like it. I did finish it but I didn't like it.
More than once, I wanted to slap Natalie and that was the strongest emotion I could conjure up for any of the characters. I felt the characters were weak, the story was weak and the writing was weak. By the time Natalie's ex-boyfriend shows up on the doorstep of her rented cottage, I already felt she was a wimp and the ensuing scenes with Rick and Karl cemented it. It was a weak setup for a breakup scene with Karl and only made Natalie seem more like a ship without a sail. Life just seems to happen to Natalie when she's not making other plans - and she doesn't seem to have many other plans. I just don't find that compelling, interesting or likable in a character.
There was a lot of superfluous nothing going on in this book and the primary one was the inclusion of the ghost. He wasn't interesting and he didn't add to the story. I'm still not sure what he was doing there, unless he was tossed in because ghosts in romance are popular and the author was playing to that audience. The number of words spent on things that didn't add to the story could have been better used developing the characters so the reader felt more invested in what was happening to them.
All in all, I'm sorry to say I was glad to finish this book, but not for the right reasons, and delete it from my e-book reader.
More than once, I almost gave up on finishing this book. I really wanted to like it. I did finish it but I didn't like it.
More than once, I wanted to slap Natalie and that was the strongest emotion I could conjure up for any of the characters. I felt the characters were weak, the story was weak and the writing was weak. By the time Natalie's ex-boyfriend shows up on the doorstep of her rented cottage, I already felt she was a wimp and the ensuing scenes with Rick and Karl cemented it. It was a weak setup for a breakup scene with Karl and only made Natalie seem more like a ship without a sail. Life just seems to happen to Natalie when she's not making other plans - and she doesn't seem to have many other plans. I just don't find that compelling, interesting or likable in a character.
There was a lot of superfluous nothing going on in this book and the primary one was the inclusion of the ghost. He wasn't interesting and he didn't add to the story. I'm still not sure what he was doing there, unless he was tossed in because ghosts in romance are popular and the author was playing to that audience. The number of words spent on things that didn't add to the story could have been better used developing the characters so the reader felt more invested in what was happening to them.
All in all, I'm sorry to say I was glad to finish this book, but not for the right reasons, and delete it from my e-book reader.
April 1, 2015
The title of the book didn't tie in well with what was essentially a 'Beauty and the Beast' plot set in modern Australia. It felt as if one story was planned for, which was Natalie moving to the beach cottage and helping the ghost, only the characters rebelled and made their own storyline. I was ready to fall in love with the cottage but hungered for more details about it such as colours, view, garden, layout, period detailing furniture etc. I found the Karl character to be inconsistent to the point of annoyance. Why if he is scared of having an abnormal child would he risk having unprotected sex for example? If he loves Natalie so much, why does he refuse to listen to her explanation? If Karl was bringing in so.many local jobs wouldn't he be more popular in the town? I was so annoyed with the way Natalie just took the dismissal from her job laying down; the eviction from her dream home; the way she let her ex boyfriend get away with his abysmal disrespectful behaviour with no consequences; the lack of boundaries she had with her brother who again had no consequences for screwing up her life! She behaved like a total doormat!
I had a sneak peek at the sequel which gets back to the ghost with a new girl. It looks promising but the way Karl is talking to doormat Natalie is shocking. He is mentally abusive and she is putting up with it. Shocking in this day and age! That isn't love.
I had a sneak peek at the sequel which gets back to the ghost with a new girl. It looks promising but the way Karl is talking to doormat Natalie is shocking. He is mentally abusive and she is putting up with it. Shocking in this day and age! That isn't love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2013
The two problems I had with it were 1. The ghost 2. The fight/quick makeup.
What was the point of the ghost? And the ghost falling in love with her was completely odd. Is Natalie so good looking everyone alive and dead falls in love with her? But in the book she's always a "plain jane" and rarely wears makeup. Also, suddenly the ghost can touch her? but it's never explained and then he's gone from the book.
2. I was about 70% through the book when the conflict finally came. So of course since it arrived so late it's going to be a very quick makeup at the end. He think's she engaged so he breaks it off. She tries to talk to him he keeps ignoring her, she moves on, and 3 weeks later she's visiting his daughter and he shows up(duh), and suddenly they're happy and getting engaged/married/pregnant all within a year?
What was the point of the ghost? And the ghost falling in love with her was completely odd. Is Natalie so good looking everyone alive and dead falls in love with her? But in the book she's always a "plain jane" and rarely wears makeup. Also, suddenly the ghost can touch her? but it's never explained and then he's gone from the book.
2. I was about 70% through the book when the conflict finally came. So of course since it arrived so late it's going to be a very quick makeup at the end. He think's she engaged so he breaks it off. She tries to talk to him he keeps ignoring her, she moves on, and 3 weeks later she's visiting his daughter and he shows up(duh), and suddenly they're happy and getting engaged/married/pregnant all within a year?
September 17, 2014
I don't know where to start with this book. It was a good read, but I don't know why there's a ghost in it, or what he's got to do with anything throughout the story. He made maybe 3 or 4 appearances, for no apparent reason.
Ghost Of A Chance could have been a lot better. It felt rushed and I have to admit, I struggled to keep reading it. The relationship between Natalie and Karl was rushed, after one weekend she was in love with him. Their fight, break up and reunion, start off well with heartache, supposed betrayal, and subsequent retaliation. Then after a few weeks, without hearing much about anything their reunion happens, but it's so rushed. It's like the author was bored by this point and just wanted to finish writing.
Again, not really a ghost story. He didn't fit, made hardly any appearances and made absolutely no contribution to the actual story.
Ghost Of A Chance could have been a lot better. It felt rushed and I have to admit, I struggled to keep reading it. The relationship between Natalie and Karl was rushed, after one weekend she was in love with him. Their fight, break up and reunion, start off well with heartache, supposed betrayal, and subsequent retaliation. Then after a few weeks, without hearing much about anything their reunion happens, but it's so rushed. It's like the author was bored by this point and just wanted to finish writing.
Again, not really a ghost story. He didn't fit, made hardly any appearances and made absolutely no contribution to the actual story.
April 30, 2015
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 8, 2013
The story was entertaining, but the ghost had absolutely nothing to do with the story. I cant imagine why the author even put a ghost character in, let alone titled the book after him. The main characters were ok, but I didn't feel any significant attachment to them. Definitely needs editing, too. Not a total waste of my time, but not one I will be recommending either.
April 17, 2011
Not sure where the ghost really comes in to play, but I loved the story line. The characters used were not the beautiful and wealthy only, but a few down to earth people that either have a disability or work in a blue collar position.
I recommend Emma Daniels as a good read.
I recommend Emma Daniels as a good read.
June 22, 2012
A smashwords freebie - you get what you pay for. Meh, yawn.
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Want to read
July 2, 2012Can be downloaded for free from smashwords with the code SSWIN (summer sale offer) till July 31, 2012.
September 17, 2012
The book wasn't really a paranormal romance, yes there was a ghost but not what I am use too. It was a good little read. Enjoyed it.
November 14, 2012
3.5srars
December 31, 2012
Enjoyed the book. Still not sure what exactly the part of the ghost was about. It was a fast paced book but the build up in relationships wasn't what I expected it to be.
June 1, 2013
nice!
August 2, 2014
Very good
Very good
entertaining fun well done would keep to read again
has imagination good time reading it and saving it to read again
Very good
entertaining fun well done would keep to read again
has imagination good time reading it and saving it to read again
May 19, 2015
free ebook. was hopeful for a haunted house story but ended up being more romance. not what I was looking for.
August 12, 2015
I like it. Sweet story.
August 19, 2011
Nothing like I thought it would be but a enjoyable read.
Read
November 17, 2016Good but not exceptional.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews