THE PASSENGER by Joie Lesin

Fiction, Historical Paranormal Romance

4****

Blurb: Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home. Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

Thoughts: This was a sweet romance with a lot of conflict, beautiful settings, and interesting characters. Set in 1945, mostly in the California wine country north of San Francisco, but also in Boston. Elizabeth is a young widow who can talk with spirits. When an old man she befriends dies in her arms, his ghost begs her to help him. She figures an easy crossover. Unfortunately, that’s not what fate has in store for her. She has to travel to California to meet his family and tell them about Paola. But his son Gio isn’t willing to listen. Elizabeth makes friends with Gio’s family, but getting through to the stubborn man may take a lot. But even with their problems, the two are still drawn to each other physically and emotionally. But fate does make their lives difficult. However, this is a romance, so we know it’s going to work out, but there’s a lot for them to go through first.

The only reason this didn’t get five stars was an idea that this might be a series. If it is, okay. Good. If it’s not, I’d be disappointed because I want to see what happens to the woman along the road, and Anna, Elizabeth’s sister. And maybe the daughter later on. But overall, a very good read.

Definitely recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”