Review: Found myself emotionally invested in this tale!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2013
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn*Beware of possible Spoilers*Carrie Hansen is able to see and speak with the dead. She is back in her hometown in Missouri to purchase a home.She has big dreams for the Antebellum house built in 1845. Carrie wants to restore as opposed to renovating.The residents ghosts at Stratton House are a bit peeved that someone has purchased their home. They set out to get rid of Carrie but she is not having it. She stands up to them; She explains her motives. Once they know she is not out to change their home, they are more willing to help her restore it.Each one of the ghosts has a unique personality. They are actually quite funny. If they don't like a visitor, they let them know. The ghosts are quite territorial but in a humorous way. Colonel Stratton and his wife are my two favorite characters/ghosts aside from Carrie.It is a labor of love for Carrie. She is determined to finish the restoration despite her failing health. I was disappointed that Carrie's family is not more supportive of her dream. That said, Carrie throws herself into restoring Stratton House. The house became a character within the story. I lost myself in the descriptions of the house. I do not know much about restoring historic homes, but I was fascinated. I took the journey with Carrie; I was proud when the house was complete.Once completed, Carrie begins to hold weddings, class reunions there. She is thrilled that her dream has finally come to fruition.Celebration House is a great short story. By the end of the book, I felt emotionally invested in Carrie as well as her dreams. I am so glad it ended with Carrie being able to dance with Tom.I think Celebration House appeals across the board. Women, young adults and men will find a quick and fascinating read.This review and more at openbooksociety dot com