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Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Saturday, August 20, 2011
Hau
Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Goodreads Summary

Violet has not had the easiest life.  Her mother is a fake "spiritual medium", she has no father, and she is constantly shuffled back and forth from place to place.  Her only respite is Colin, a childhood friend who has the potential to become something more.  The story finds Violet, Colin, and her mother at a wealthy elderly woman's home...her mother is planning to scam the older woman.  The plan actually takes off and Violet and her mother are "take care of" for quite a few years before the older women die. 

The book consists of Violet's scheming mother plotting to scam more and more people, expecting Violet to help her.  Colin continues to protect Violet as best he can from her mother.  There are plenty of odd, spiritual events leading up to a climax with Violet in trouble. 

Violet is an easy-going, likable character.  She has infinite patience and is a dutiful daughter despite her mother's apparent dislike of her.  Colin is handsome, protective, and caring; he has liked Violet for a long time and makes no secret of it.  Violet's mother is the despicable character in the story, she is selfish and greedy.  The reader will quickly grow attached to Violet and Colin. 

The plot is fast-paced and intriguing, the author clearly did her research on the subject of mediums.  The reader will be taken into a different time where people were far more superstitious, the perfect setting for this book.  The ending is exciting and perfect for this novel-the reader learns some very sad things about Violet's abandonment by her father....this book is recommended to young adults/teens who enjoy spiritualism in fictitious novels.

4 Stars

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