Ghosts of America 5,6, & 7 by: Nona Lautner

Title(s): Ghosts of America 5,6,&7 Author: Nina Lautner (Kindle Editions)

I chose to review these together since they are all pretty much the same format and I read them back-to-back.  I enjoyed each of these books. As soon as I finished one, I ordered another. The books consist of true accounts of paranormal experiences from everyday people who send their stories to the Ghosts of America website.
 For the most part, these stories are entertaining and interesting. Of course, there are the occaisional stories that fall flat due to the writing style of the contributor. (I just LOVE (NOT) the ones that say "and there was even more, but I will save that for another time...") Another time??? Hello?? If it is a part of the story, tell it now! Fortunately, these minor irritations are few and far between. For the most part, these stories are sincere and well- told. A must for the lover of true paranormal.

 

Ghosts of America- Deep South by: Nina Lautner

Title: Ghosts of America - Deep South Author: Nina Lautner Publisher: Amazon Digital Services Pages: 193

As a fan of true paranormal stories and a lover of any stories that take place in the south, I had to try this book. I was not disappointed! The stories range from intriguing to downright scary. I recommend this book to anyone who loves true ghost stories. 

The Oleander Sisters by: Elaine Hussey

Title: The Oleander Sisters Author: Elaine Hussey Publisher: Harlequin Mira Publication date: 2014 Pages: 338

In August, 1969, Biloxi Mississippi prepares itself for disaster as Hurricane Camille lurks on the horizon. As Beth (Sis) Blake and her family prepare themselves for Camille's approach, a disaster of another kind poses even more threat. Beth's sister, Emily, is engaged to marry a man that everyone else despises. Where Emily sees a new start for herself and her illegitimate son, her family sees evil lurking behind a too-slick smile.
Sis has been self-appointed caretaker and guardian for her younger siblings, Emily and Jim, since their parents died in a car crash when Sis was fourteen. Raised by their grandmother, Sweet Mama, and her best friend Beulah, the three Blakes grew up in a pink Victorian by the sea and in Sweet Mama's Bakery/ Cafe. Sis has put aside her own dreams in order to make sure Emily and Jim achieve theirs. Now it is 1969 and, as Emily embarks on her own wedding, Sis sees her own chances at love slowly fading away. Will the return of a childhood friend bring fresh hope?
As Camille lurks on the horizon, Sis' life is turned upside down. Jim returns from Vietnam and is no longer the brother she once knew. Emily is hiding more than fresh bruises, and, scariest of all, Sis discovers human bones buried beneath the roses in Sweet Mama's yard!
When tragedy strikes and Emily's life hangs in the balance, the Blakes pull together against Larry, against Camille, and against long-buried family secrets.

I enjoyed this book. I was immediately drawn into the story with Sis' horrifying discovery underneath the roses. Although the outcome is fairly predictable, the story is still enjoyable and the characters are likable. I loved the strong women in the story and the strong devotion to family. Both of these are true southern characteristics. The story was both suspenseful and heartwarming. A great beach or vacation read, I recommend this story to lovers of southern fiction.

Read this story if....
*you love southern fiction
* you love stories of family
*you love stories about strong women