Amy Garvey, Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit

Amy Garvey

Zebra, Oct 2009, $6.99

ISBN: 9781420108194

Scoop Magazine reporter Sam Landry does not want to travel to Martha's Vineyard to interview former teacher novelist Charlotte "Charlie" Prescott about the ghost she mentioned to her next door neighbor Lillian. Charlie recently inherited her late aunt's house to include the ghost. However her biggest problem is her attraction to Sam as she keeps thinking he must be a good kisser in the romantic comedic manner of a 1940s ghost story.

Sam scorns the existence of ghosts until he sees nothing drinking eggnog. He is also confused as to how mistletoe seems to be everywhere he and Charlie go in the house; mind you not that he is complaining as he enjoys the ritual with Charlie. Accompanied by Lillian, they try to learn the identity of the ghost and why the free wheeling spirit seems to want to matchmake Sam and Charlie; not that either is complaining.

This is a fast-paced somewhat lighthearted paranormal romance that readers will enjoy although the ending feels too hasty and sudden. Sam and Charlie make a nice couple while the research into the ghost brings out information on the controlling side of the spirit. Amy Garvey provides a fun thriller in spite of the curt climax.

Harriet Klausner