Inheriting a boarding house in the heart of Outback Australia, Danielle Roberts is initially wary, suspecting a possible scam. However, a solicitor’s assurances convince her of the house’s legitimacy, though she intends only a brief stay, anchored by her profession as a renowned pastry chef and café owner in Redcliffe. Upon arrival, she’s surprised by a reunion with Brett Bainbridge, a former love whose sudden departure once left her heart in tatters.

Flashback to 1872: Eloise le Gerseul, drawn by the allure of gold, travels from Jersey to Charters Towers with her family. Fate brings her and the prosperous gold miner, William Hatton, together. But after a sorrowful event – her father’s untimely death – she finds herself wedded to William, only to face a bewildering twist. His abrupt disappearance, followed by an eerie silence, suggests a haunting reality: Eloise may no longer walk among the living.

The Cook, the Ghost, and her Sister by Ellen Read is a delicately woven supernatural romance spanning the 19th and 21st centuries. With a deft touch on history and botany, the novel employs third-person narration, offering an immersive reading experience. Themes of envy, deceit, complex family ties, and the triumphant power of love shine through.

As Danielle grapples with the ancestral ties that connect her to this house, she is also torn by resurgent feelings for Brett, leading her to question the world around her. I particularly appreciated the narrative shifts to Eloise’s perspective, enriched by period-appropriate diction that vividly paints the Victorian era. Still, I felt the dialogue could benefit from added depth, and some readers might find the plot familiar.

The Cook, the Ghost, and her Sister is an evocative read, blending mysticism, botanical symbolism, and romance. While thoroughly enjoyable, I yearned for a deeper exploration of the characters, allowing their unique personalities to shine even brighter. Nonetheless, the novel’s ethereal elements and romantic undertones contribute to its captivating charm.

Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0CFD9XFZN