Assessment:
Plot: Set during a visit to a spooky Canadian inn, Kaitlyn's troubles with both spirits and suicidal thoughts will hold readers' interest. The pace stays strong through the details of Abigail's 19th century backstory and her young lover's work in the Underground Railroad.
Prose/Style: The contemporary voice is clean and clear with many memorable and pleasing descriptions, and works well for the story. However, there are only a few moments of standout phrasing.
Originality: A nicely unique combination of elements is featured here: a ghost story, an emotionally troubled modern woman, the romantic 1800s story of Abigail being “shown” to Katy, and a touch of Civil War history.
Character Development: The author makes excellent distinctions between personalities. The ghost stands out well as an individual from her own 1850s era, and her Irish accent and understanding of her fate is charming. Katy as a lawyer isn't fully believable, though; she seems too off-balance and slightly immature for that type of work.
Date Submitted: July 12, 2019
