Audrey Davis

Gary Hastings is, in a small way, demonstrating what a sweet guy he is, and why after more than twenty years Hattie still loves him, when he's hit by a car and killed.

It's a devastating loss emotionally, and there are endless practical details to be dealt with too, and on top of that, their son, Johnny, is still not getting his act together and getting a job after dropping out of university.

It's all right on the edge of being too much to handle.

Then, one evening, Gary pops back in.

He's not quite corporeal, but he can still enjoy his favorite whisky. And he is, after the initial shock, a pleasure and a comfort for Hattie to see and talk to again. Unfortunately, Gary can't control his comings and goings.

This is part one of three parts, and be warned that it's a cliffhanger. (Part two is already available, and part three, the conclusion, will be published at the end of July 2018. In this first part, we get to know Hattie, Gary, their friends and family. This includes Hattie's oldest and closest friend, Cat, and her new boyfriend, along with Hattie's brother and mother. These are all likable people, and if Hattie's efforts to get their help in understanding what's happening with Gary don't always go well, it's not because they don't care or aren't trying to do what's best for her. It's just that, so far at least, no one can see Gary except Hattie.

It's a fun, engaging introduction.

Let me repeat that this is a cliffhanger. Part two is available; the conclusion will be available later this month.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.… (mer)

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.… (mer)

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.… (mer)

Right from the beginning this book had me smiling. I found it to be a real feel-good story. Emily is the main character. She's in her fifties, widowed, with a grown-up daughter, Tabitha. Life is fine but I'd say she's fairly unfulfilled. Until Joe turns up to give her chimney a good sweep (no, that's not just a euphemism!).

I loved Joe, I can't imagine anyone thinking otherwise. He's hunky and kind and just what Emily needs in her life, but he's a good 20 years younger than her so she has to wrestle with herself over whether her attraction to him is a good thing or not.

This isn't just Emily's story though. This is an ensemble piece, with Tabitha taking one of the lead roles alongside Emily's sister, Celeste, and her friend, Susan. All have similar unfulfilling lives to Emily and along the course of this book we see them all grow and find what they need to make them happy.

I liked almost all the characters and particularly the way they all helped each other and rallied round when needed. There's a really strong sense of friendship running throughout this story, and some genuinely likeable characters who I'd quite like to meet again (sequel perhaps?).

This is one of those books where, if it wasn't careful, it might have got a bit too twee. But I think what sets this one aside from other similar novels is the humour with which Audrey Davis writes about the situations her characters find themselves in. I have to admit to guffawing when Emily remembers that her late husband, Jim, was more Oral B than oral sex. See what I mean? That alone is such a clever line and really appealed to my sense of humour.

As I said, this is a feel-good, heart-warming sort of book. I got to the last page with a sense of satisfaction, enjoyment and a feeling of having spent time reading something that made me laugh, smile and feel quite sad at times. A Clean Sweep is a really sweet, charming read.… (mer)