The Haunted Librarian by Auralee WallaceMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amelia Bates has three rules when dealing with ghosts, which basically amounts to ignoring anything and everything about them. But the old library on Prince Edward Island, where she's finally fulfilling her life-long dream of being a librarian, is filled with ghosts. And not just any ghosts she can ignore, but ones who are actively trying to get her attention. And of course, the head librarian just has to be the most dreamy - yet unattainable - guy, doesn't he?
I don't normally go for ghost stories, but this one sounded like not so much horror but more rom-com, ala Caspian the Friendly Ghost. It does have its darker moments - Amelia has to figure out the three resident ghosts' pasts in order to help them move on, and not all of that is pretty. The story as a whole, however, is light-hearted and cosy. Amelia has to confront her fears and her awkwardness, the ghosts have to face their pasts, and somewhere along the lines, they actually become friends.
Whilst love is a major theme - and weaves itself through the book- the actual romance side of it is super slow burn and no spice. I think this is partly because Amelia spends most of the book going "BUT HE DOESN'T LIKE ME" in the face of all the evidence. The main theme is self-acceptance with a huge dose of found family - not just for Amelia, but for all of them.
I brought this along with me during a weekend trip to Bangkok, and I have to say that The Haunted Librarian is a perfect light read over vacation. It's funny and light hearted, and though there are ghosts and malevolent happenings, there's nothing too dark to scare you while you're in unfamiliar places.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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The Haunted Librarian releases on Oct 6! Get it here (affiliate link).
