Book Review: Better Homes and Hauntings

Author: Molly Harper

Publication Date: June 24, 2014

Publisher: Pocket Books

Author of the beloved Half Moon Hollow series of vampire romances (Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs), Molly Harper has created a standalone paranormal romance in which a dilapidated haunted house could bring star-crossed lovers together—if it doesn’t kill them first!

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Every time he looked up at the huge structure, a What have I gotten myself into/I want my mommy expression fell across his boyishly handsome face.

“Because he explained it to me in a rational, polite fashion,” she said. “And he signs my checks. Also, I like him better than you.

“Please don’t say ‘spirit.’” Nina groaned as Cindy led her through the towering oak doors.

Molly Harper is a phenomenal paranormal author, and she has done it again with this standalone novel. Deacon Whitney is a very rich man made famous by his social networking site, but he has also inherited the family estate, Crane’s Nest. This mansion sits on a private island away from civilization and has the reputation of being haunted by Deacon’s Great-Great Grandmother, Catherine Whitney. Deacon has decided to restore the mansion and in doing so he hires a stunning team made up of the best architect, landscaper, and clean-up service he could find. Together this team of people, along with Deacon’s cousin, Dotty, strives to uncover the mystery behind Catherine’s death.

Molly’s books are completely addictive and if you have not picked one of them up yet, then you need to get on Amazon or Books a Million right now and find one or more that suit your tastes. I don’t read a lot of paranormal fiction, but Molly Harper’s books have always been some of my favorites. The paranormal element in this book was definitely well-written and added both mystery and drama to the story and in the character’s lives. I love reading about haunted mansions and Deacon’s family estate is the perfect scenario for a spooky ghost story!

As the house starts to look and feel better the characters slowly uncover the mystery and betrayal behind Catherine Whitney’s death. I loved the pacing of this story. There was just enough detail for readers, but not too much that readers won’t be hanging on the end of their seats. Deacon and Nina’s chemistry is completely noticeable and so sweet. Deacon, even though he is a filthy rich man, is not at all arrogant and I really loved how well his and Nina’s personalities coincide. Overall, this was an amazing break from reality!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Pocket Books in exchange for my honest review***