*I received a free ARC of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: Nothing lasts forever …
Gary’s time on earth seems to be coming to an end. His visits are less frequent and his visibility is fading fast. But he still has a mission to accomplish, which involves Hattie and her ability to pass on a heart-rending message.
Best friend Cat’s ex-husband is determined to prove that he deserves another chance, but do leopards really change their spots?
Times are tough for Hattie’s mother Rachel, but where there’s life, there’s hope …
Meanwhile, is there someone already in Hattie’s life who can help her move on when it’s finally time to say goodbye?
Get your tissues at the ready – both for laughter and tears – with the final instalment of a trilogy that has been hailed ‘brilliant’, ‘hilarious’, and ‘a great feel-good read’.
This novella is the third, and final, in what is not really a series but a larger book split into thirds. I would therefore definitely recommend that you start with parts 1 and 2 before moving on to this installment! Both of the previous two novellas end on a cliffhanger, and Part 3 picks up at the exact point that Part 2 finished.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings has more than one layer. On the surface it is a light-hearted romp, but it is dealing with some very serious subjects (dealing with loss, letting go of a loved one). This had the potential to be disastrously insensitive, but the author has judged her tone perfectly and has instead produced a warm, endearing story that leaves the reader feeling both amused and comforted.
I particularly loved the emotional realism in Hattie and Gary’s relationship as a long-time married couple: that she can desperately love and miss him, and yet still find him intensely irritating when he pops back up! I was reminded a little bit of the film Truly, Madly, Deeply (as was Hattie in Part 1!).
The ending is also particularly satisfying with every loose end wrapped up. There are many deeply touching moments in this finale, and it was very hard to say goodbye to some of the characters, but it also felt right that everyone was moving on to start a new chapter in their lives, or deaths!
I recommend this book (all three of them in fact!), if you’re looking for a quick easy read that will make you giggle and shed a few tears, sometimes at the same time. It will leave you with a hopeful glow and a sense that nothing is ever quite over…life goes on regardless.
‘The thing is… the reason I’m here is… my husband died. In an accident. Except, he came back. I mean, he just appeared one evening. As a ghost’. Great. As openers went that one was an absolute winner. Not.
– Audrey Davis, The Haunting of Hattie Hastings (Part 3)
You can find more from Audrey Davis at her website here, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings (part 3) releases on Amazon today!
And you can also pick up Parts 1 and 2 while you’re there!
Bookshine And Readbows 