Also, while there are two cats, (Minnie and Sally), who make an appearance in the book, they are not core characters. Normally I wouldn't agree to review a book on this blog where a cat (or cats), aren't the main characters, but in this case, I made an exception because the subject matter greatly interested me. I am GLAD that I made an exception because I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
As luck would have it, the times I had to change the date of the review turned out to be beneficial, because this delightful and and engrossing mystery that has a clear message that with planning and faith and by taking action, what you hope to attain in your life CAN come to fruition, turned out to be perfectly suited for ringing in the New Year. It also was perfectly suited for ME, and may prove to be the kick in the butt that I need to make some much-needed changes in 2016!
ABOUT TAKING LEAPS AND FINDING GHOSTS by Janet DeLee:
Dreams aren’t just for the
young, and baby boomer Ginny Lawther
is happy to prove that she can
still brave a leap of faith…she just
needs a little prodding from
like-minded individuals. Step one: place
an ad in the local newspaper
inviting other dreamers to form an
Ideal Life Club. Step two: see
if anyone shows up.
When Ginny meets four hopeful strangers at the first club meeting,
When Ginny meets four hopeful strangers at the first club meeting,
she thinks they’re off to a
great start. Now it's only a matter of time
before the sixty-something
widow Hilda, turns her crafting into a
full-time career; the
twenty-something Jerry becomes a professional
musician; and the
thirty-something housewife Lydia publishes her
cookbook. That is, until the
rugged divorcée, Lee, sets a goal to solve
his ghost problem—and upends
all their lives!
Suddenly the support group isn’t just trying to navigate the ups and
Suddenly the support group isn’t just trying to navigate the ups and
downs of pursuing their
dreams; they’re also wrestling with a strange
cast of spirits who keep
interrupting their endeavors. What do these
apparitions want? And why have
they latched on to the Ideal Lifers?
Taking Leaps and Finding Ghosts is a part of a new genre, (Ghost Mysteries), that I normally would never think I would enjoy reading, but I found it to be a thoroughly engrossing read. Just as can be found in traditional mysteries there are "clues and red herrings", but unlike traditional mysteries, the perpetrator in Taking Leaps and Finding Ghosts is NOT a murderer, but instead is a GHOST!
I found the idea of the "Ideal Lifers" club to be innovative and brilliant, so much so that I am thinking of applying what I have learned from reading this book to my OWN life and I would LOVE to be a member of a group such as this!
Each of the members of the "Ideal Lifers" club are believable and easy to relate to. I loved that they were all at different stages of their lives, which makes this book perfect for those who are young (20s) and those who are more "seasoned", like me!
"Hair-raising, hilarious, inspiring and always surprising, Taking Leaps and Finding Ghosts by Janet DeLee follows the visionary quintet as they struggle to maintain their resolve, support one another, and solve the mystery behind these strange specters before they derail the group's efforts.
But can their hopes and dreams possibly survive all the unexpected challenges they will face?"
You will have to read it to find out!
You will have to read it to find out!
Available on Amazon
About The Author:
"Janet DeLee is a self-appointed, self-actualization guinea pig who firmly believes in leaps of faith and is committed to creating an ideal life for herself.
The Texas author, who lives in the Dallas area, was inspired to write ghost stories after experiencing unsettling events during stays at several bed-and-breakfasts, as well as an old New Orleans hotel.
In addition to having a hint of mystery, DeLee’s novels also tend to follow characters struggling to pursue their dreams."
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Leaps-Finding-Ghosts-Novel/dp/1511656220/
DeLee's first book titled, "Creating an Ideal Life"
http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Ideal-Life-Janet-DeLee/dp/1452570183/
 |
| Author Janet DeLee |
About The Author:
"Janet DeLee is a self-appointed, self-actualization guinea pig who firmly believes in leaps of faith and is committed to creating an ideal life for herself.
The Texas author, who lives in the Dallas area, was inspired to write ghost stories after experiencing unsettling events during stays at several bed-and-breakfasts, as well as an old New Orleans hotel.
In addition to having a hint of mystery, DeLee’s novels also tend to follow characters struggling to pursue their dreams."
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Leaps-Finding-Ghosts-Novel/dp/1511656220/
DeLee's first book titled, "Creating an Ideal Life"
http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Ideal-Life-Janet-DeLee/dp/1452570183/
Author Janet DeLee is generously offering a give-away to my readers!!! ONE winner located anywhere in the world will win a kindle copy of Taking Leaps and Finding Ghosts and ONE winner located in the U.S. will win a signed paper-back copy (An approximate $14 value)! Entering is easy! Simply enter on the rafflecopter below! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Taking Leaps and Finding Ghosts by Janet DeLee in exchange for my always honest review.
Wonderful review, Caren! Sounds like a very interesting read, cool idea about the Ideal Lifers.
ReplyDeletethank you!! It is, and not a scary read either (or I wouldn't have enjoyed it). I would love to be a member of a club like that!
DeleteSounds interesting...but no one here likes ghosts...MOL!!
ReplyDeleteAnd we have not got time to read either, maybe when meowmy &pawppy retire.....we won't hold our breath!
That sounds like a good book, Caren and Cody. There's something spooky about it ;) We'll take a chance for this one :)
ReplyDeletePawkisses for a..spooky week :) <3
Great review as always - - sounds like a really interesting book!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Pam and Sam
It sounds like a really enagaging read. Just the thing on these chilly winter days.
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds like an excellent read. Thank you for the great review, Caren and Cody! Purrs, and Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteSue B
Ooh! I'm a ghost-hunter kind of person too, Caren! Spent a chunk of my recent holiday vacay watching several of my favorite Haunted this and that shows!
ReplyDeleteYou need to read this book! Hope you entered!
DeleteThat does sound pretty good and we're fans of spooky cool too!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great review. My mum likes ghost stories and mysteries. We won't be entering though because she hasn't got a Kindle. She is a sit by the fire turning the pages of a traditional book type of reader.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am with you about not liking a Kindle........I have a surprise for you.........I will mail you my copy xoxoxo
DeleteSounds like an interesting and unique read.
ReplyDeleteI see ghosts sometimes and it freaks The Staff! MOL Sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat review - it does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteGreat review ! That sounds like a good book. Purrs
ReplyDeleteMommy and me...we'll try!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great book our mommy would love to read! She hardly read any books last year but she's hoping to change that this year so our paws are crossed!
ReplyDeleteIdeal Lifers ... what a neat premise for a story! This sounds like a book we'd enjoy reading. Thanks for your review, Caren!
ReplyDeleteI love this premise and someone needs to start a club like that. Maybe you?
ReplyDeleteGlsd you enjoyed da book. Have a gweat day.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
That is the perfect theme to kick off the New Year! Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds right up my alley. I love books about ghosts, witchcraft, etc., as long as they are not too scary, and have a human interest story that goes along with them. Some of Nora Roberts' trilogies that involved that were my favorites.
ReplyDelete