Reviewed by Cheryl K
TITLE: Ghost of Christmas Present
SERIES: Haunted Souls #17
AUTHOR: Pandora Pine
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 172 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 20, 2023
BLURB:
With only a week until Christmas, Detective Jude Byrne is wrapping up final preparations for his family’s celebration. He’s made a list and checked it twice, bought presents, planned the neighborhood cookie exchange, and hung mistletoe. Jude’s got a handle on everything, that is, until his son asks if his grandfather is coming to celebrate with them—a man Jude hasn’t seen in six years.
Meanwhile, psychic Copeland Forbes is busier than ever, helping grieving family members reunite with loved ones who won’t be with them this season. When Jude mentions inviting his grandfather to spend the holidays with them, Cope thinks it’s a great idea, but doesn’t hold out much hope Eagle will make an appearance.
When Running Eagle shows up on their doorstep, Jude must face his past and decide how his present will play out. Thanks to long talks and spending time with family and friends, Eagle realizes Jude has found the one thing he never could give him. A home.
Can Jude and Eagle lay the ghosts of the past to rest or will the last tattered remains of their bond break forever?
REVIEW:
Let’s get the formalities out of the way. This is not a standalone. If your familiar with this series, you know you must read them in order, intermixed with the cold case psychic series. It’s especially critical in this story. I have to say I honestly just love these stories. I admit Christmas stories are not usually my thing… But this book is not some sickeningly sweet holiday romance. This book brings to life the spirit of the season. Love, forgiveness, and chosen family. I’m always impressed with how Pandora never fails to impress me with her ability to be so creative and weave wonderful stories and not be repetitive. The worldbuilding continues to be top notch, even without a mystery to solve. The character development gets better and better. With the addition of this new story, we really get to see the human element shine. Pandora has really focused on the interpersonal relationships between all the characters in this story. From Jude, Cope and Eagle to how the kids interact with each other and the adults in their lives.
“You look amazing!” It hadn’t been easy working two cowgirls into the Christmas pageant, but he’d decided they’d be the ladies dancing in the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” “Do you remember the words to the song?”
“Yes! Dad’s sick of hearing me sing it.” Everly rolled her eyes. “I told him he was crushing my dreams. He sent me to my room.”
There are so many parts of this book that I wish I could share here, but spoilers, as they just brought me so many feels. They run the gamut from love, happiness, grief to sadness. This story was a wonderful amalgamation of the living and the ghost characters we’ve met from the start of this series. From Cope bringing happiness and closure to families needing his help, Jude and Eagle trying to reconnect to Bertha enlisting the Ghost troops for a heartwarming scene. You will not be disappointed with this new addition to the Haunted Souls series.
I fervently recommend this book. Don’t forget to RUN off to your favorite eBook purchasing site and grab up this book – pronto, you won’t be disappointed. I am excitedly awaiting the next release, which is hinted at in the storyline of this book.
RATING: 
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