LDS Women's Book Review: Review of "Haunts Haven" By Joan Sowards

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Review of "Haunts Haven" By Joan Sowards

Posted by Why Not? Because I Said So!

"Haunts Haven" includes on it's front cover, "An LDS Ghost Story". You wonder how the LDS and Ghost story can mix? Well, Joan Sowards does it in a very clever and surprising way. I missed the twist that came in the middle, though I should have seen it coming. I am getting ahead of myself here.

Let me give you a brief overview of the story of "Haunts Haven"...

"When Callie Wilford inherits a century-old inn in southern Arizona, locals tell her of a ghost who "guards" the inn. But Callie doesn't believe in ghosts, and she plans to turn the inn into a bed and breakfast. Then things start to happen - strange, spooky things - and she begins to wonder if there is some truth to the ghost stories. If that weren't bad enough, Callie discovers a mysterious grave in the cellar. As she confronts the inn's tragic secrets, she also faces her lonely past and learns to embrace her heritage. But it takes a handsome cowboy and a charming rancher to prove that Callie's long-guarded heart can love again."

This is the first published novel for Joan Sowards and I was very impressed by her wonderful storytelling. I loved the very bright and somewhat colorful characters found in this book. The book seemed to have a nice flow to it, so it is an easy read. I really liked the main character, Callie, who was written so "real" you could relate to her.

I also really liked how Joan was able to weave several smaller stories, into the big story, without it being confusing. I also mentioned earlier about a twist. It is a great twist that simply surprised me and delighted me at the same time. I will not say more because I do not want to give anything away.

I know, if you want to read a different kind of love story filled with mystery and suspense, you will enjoy "Haunts Haven". I look forward to reading more of what Joan writes.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com and now at Deseret Book.

I want to thank Amy Orton at Walnut Springs Press for the complimentary copy of this book. This one is a keeper and will be read again and again.