Hattie Hastings is being haunted--but not unpleasantly--by her late husband, Gary. At the end of Part 1, her best friend, Cat, had just learned that Hattie is not delusional in her belief that Gay's ghost is a part of her life. Cat has also, meanwhile, met a much nicer guy than the jerk she used to be married to. The new guy is Jamie, a teacher and budding comedian.

With Gary three months dead, and his continued presence not evident to anyone but Hattie and Cat, guys are starting to notice her again. Gary has opinions, though not the opinion that she shouldn't be getting attention from guys. Son Johnny has gotten a job he likes, and brother Jack and his partner Ben have their own first encounter with ghostly Gary...

More seriously, Hattie and Jack's mother, Rachel, is clearly having health issues that, equally clearly, she's not willing to discuss.

In all of this, what could possibly go wrong?

Maybe all of it.

Did I mention the fact that on the Other Side, Gary has met a dead child who wants Gary to ask Hattie to take his parents a message?

Much excitement is in store, and, as this is Part 2, and the ending is in Part 3, another cliffhanger.

These are great people to hang out with. The story is light, and leavened with humor without treating its issues lightly.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily. ( )

Again, this is part three, and you really want to read parts one and two first.

Hattie, Gary, and Cat are still working out what Gary's return means, but it's clear, also, that Gary's time as a visiting ghost is coming to an end. Hattie and Gary have managed to complete the errand the child ghost, Marty, asked of Gary, but there's still another, unfinished task, and even Gary's so-called spirit guide, Clarence, can't tell him what it is.

Cat is, of course, making a mess of her life, getting involved with her ex-husband, Stewart, again. Hattie has dated a couple of men, both of them complete losers, and she's worried that Gary's old friend, Barry, is getting the wrong idea from her friendliness.

And of course, Hattie's mom, Rachel, has pancreatic cancer.

The unexpected bright spot in this is that Gary and Hattie's son, Johnny, has met a genuinely nice girl, and is doing well in his job.

There's a lot here for Gary and Hattie to get sorted out, before Gary fades out completely.

These are really likable people, and if you've read the two previous installments, by this time you really care what happens to them. There is excitement, there is tension, and there is a feel-good ending ahead.

Read!

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily. ( )