Book Review: Shadow Haven

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Shadow Haven     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Emily LaForge
Class/Genre:   Romance
Pocket, Apr 2005, $6.99, 384 pp.

The spirits told sculptor Gabriella Deveaux not to marry Charles Colquitt, but she did anyway. She left her beloved Louisiana Shadow Haven plantation to live in New York. However, though her eight years of marriage was horrible she stayed with Charles because of her love for their daughter six years old Michaela. Now that Charles has died in a plane crash in Montana, Gabriella accompanied by her reluctant daughter returns to Shadow Haven though his parents plan to contest custody as they feel she is unhinged. Charles’ friend lawyer Jarrod Landry tells her that her wealthy in-laws will sue for custody based on her claiming she talks with the dead.

Gabriella and Michaela visit the estate’s enchanted garden where the angel statue created by Gabriella of her beloved grandnana lives, but no communication from the beyond occurs. A spirit warns a sleeping Gabriella that evil that is not t what it seems is coming. Meanwhile Gabriella realizes that her daughter sees and speaks with her late grandnana who wants her to visit psychic Mary Francis hiding in the swamps. Jarrod keeps visiting and soon loves the Deveaux females; he vows to keep them safe, but the danger to the older one comes from beyond the grave.

Gabriella is an absorbing strong lead female protagonist supported by a bewitching secondary mystical cast to include her daughter, her spouse, two witches, and grandnana’s spirit. The paranormal story line feels somewhat gothic, but the key to the suspense thriller is that the mystical elements seem real while adding depth and interest. Though a final twist is never fully explained only a theory conjectured, the romance enhances a delightful tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner