Bittersweet Summer (Haunting Hearts)

Rachel Wilson has created a wonderfully funny ghost in BITTERSWEET SUMMER. The book opens with Tobias Rakes returning to New York in 1895 with an injured leg from the Indian War in the Dakotas. He is worn out both emotionally and physically. He left the town at age 17, with his father having disowned him for a youthful indiscretion. Genevieve Crowfoot owns the fun-down castle that Rakes buys and restores. The two families have been involved in a long-running feud and the town is horrified that a Rakes would be living in the Crowfoot homestead. No one was more indignant than the resident ghost, Granny Crowfoot. Granny is furious and does her best to intimidate first Genevieve and then Tobias into leaving the house. Neither of them is threatened by Granny and Genevieve talks back to Granny every time she pulls a trick on Tobias. Tobias and Genevieve quickly fall in love, but their idyll is threatened by a determined villain who is trying to kill Tobias. The story is by turns funny, sexy, and poignant, with a truly likable hero and heroine. The ending to this story is one that truly leaves a smile on the reader's face. This one will go on my keeper shelf.

In 1895 New York, Tobias Rakes returns home after spending the last few years fighting Indians in the Dakotas. He is not the immature youth who left to join the military after his father disowned him. Instead, he returns home to nurse an injured foot and an emotionally battered mind. Rakes uses his inheritance from his grandmother to buy run down Crowfoot Castle, planning to restore the place to its former glory. This surprises many folks since the two families have been feuding for years. Even more shocking is that he hires Genevieve Crowfoot to serve as his housekeeper. The castle's ghost Granny Crowfoot tries to run Tobias off, but in spite of her efforts, he and Genevieve fall in love. However, an unknown assailant wants to do more than just run Tobias out of the castle, he wants to kill him. If the duo survives the attacker and the disdain of their families, a long-term relationship could blossom. BITTERSWEET SUMMER is a jocular blending of supernatural elements within an angst-laden historical romance. The witty lead characters are an enchanting duo, but it is the lively ghost who steals the show. With elements of intrigue enhancing the fast-paced, genuine feeling story line, readers will find it impossible not to finish this novel in one setting. Rachel Wilson demonstrates her flair for writing a clever tale with this superb tale.Harriet Klausner