Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

I loved reading Jen DeLuca’s four romantic comedies set at Renaissance Faires, beginning with Well Met, so I was happy to read her new book.

Set on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Boneyard Key attracts quite a few tourists. Local assume that Cassie, fresh from Orlando, is just another tourist, but she’s hoping to put down roots in the Hawkins House. On her balcony one night Cassie overhears Sophie’s ghost tour, learning that her cottage is said to be haunted by mean old Mrs. Hawkins. Well, really! Cassie absolutely doesn’t believe in ghosts. When her laptop won’t charge and she needs power and wi-fi for a work meeting, she rushes into Haunted Grounds, the local coffee shop, at the last minute. She encounters owner Nick and it is decidedly not a meet-cute scene. The coffee shop and small 2^nd floor apartment are said to be haunted by original owner Elmer, who supposedly communicates with Nick by text. Locals also leave an open beer bottle for the usually quiet Beach Bum ghost while they watch the sunset.

Cassie’s gorgeous sunset posts on her group chat with Orlando friends don’t get many comments; all the chat lately seems to be about baby gear. Then the poetry magnets on Cassie’s fridge start moving around, and she starts thinking there may be something to Boneyard Key’s haunted reputation. She develops a friendship with Nick that has potential to become romantic, though Nick wonders if she’ll stay on the island.

The author previously lived in Florida and her love of the area shows in the descriptions of the island, and even of Publix supermarket subs. I enjoyed this novel, and look forward to a sequel or two. Readalikes include the Lucky Lexie cozy mysteries by Shanna Swendson, beginning with Interview With a Dead Editor, and Be My Ghost and High Spirits by Carol Perry.

Brenda

About the book jacket photo: Little Bear thought it was time he made another appearance on our blog.