Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, October 18, 2010

In Franklin's House, A Review of a novel by Beverly Lauderdale

Yesterday, author Beverly Lauderdale contacted me to tell about an internet blog post that included my review of her book, In Franklin's House. I loved her novel which features many of the paranormal elements that always intrigue me. The surprise for both of us regarding the blog post was that it was on an accident attorney's site located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Lauderdale must be the connecting element. No matter, it's always good to have publicity for our books!

Here is my review of Beverly Lauderdale's book:

In Franklin's House by Beverly Lauderdale is a poignant story filled with rich descriptions that depict the anguish of a wife whose husband cheated on her with the wife of his business partner. Because of his indiscretions, the family is uprooted, moving from Iowa to California. However, the couple's only child, Molly, refuses to move with them, choosing instead to complete her senior year in high school in her hometown.

From the moment of her arrival in the old house they purchased in California, Kate begins to make discoveries. She finds a necklace and a diary that once belonged to Amy Elliott, an owner of the home in the early 1900s. When Kate puts on the ceramic necklace, to her disbelief, a man appears and tells her that by wearing the jewelry she will summon him. Not frightened by the ghost, Kate develops a friendship with him, even agreeing to help him get his poetry published. At the town library, she learns what she can about Franklin who built the house for his wife, Amy, and who died soon after in a tragic horse riding accident. Kate develops an unlikely friendship with Lorraine, a part-time librarian and hippy who enjoys cheap red wine and sailing.

Whether or not the reader believes in ghosts, In Franklin's House is a hard book to put down, and it's difficult to let go of the compelling characters. I look forward to reading more of Lauderdale's work.

5 comments:

KK Brees said...

I love tales with a ghost. Looking forward to reading this one! Nice to find other people have found your books.

WS Gager said...

Great review. It gives you the meat of the plot but just enough to leave you wanting more. Will add it to my list.
Happy Halloween! Wendy
W.S. Gager
www.wsgager.com

Helen Ginger said...

Compelling characters are the key to many successful books. In thrillers, it might be the action, but I love characters.

Marian Allen said...

What appeals to me in this book is the characters, and the fact that the MC isn't afraid of the ghost. It sounds like a book I'll be sorry to finish!

Marian Allen

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks for commenting. This is an excellent, well-written book that I believe you'll enjoy reading!