Monday, October 06, 2008

Haunted Memories by Melanie Atkins

Olivia Bartlett is not looking forward to going back to the house she grew up in. Memories are haunting her about her stepfather Walter. Hearing about his death has only made them overwhelm her again. Showing up at the house was the first step to regaining her life but she didn’t plan to run into her child hood friend Tucker. All she wants to do is locate a letter from her real father but someone does not want her to find something in this house. But what?

Ms. Atkins knows how to keep you on your toes. The creepy characters that she creates are definitely ones that will frighten you. They have their own agenda and will do whatever they have to so that can happen. The sizzling emotions between Tucker and Olivia seemed so real. Yet reality was kept in that Olivia was hesitant to get involved with another man. Her stepfather had kept her scared.

Olivia just wants to move on with her life. She keeps having dreams about her dead stepfather. She even starts to think that she sees him. Feeling like she is losing her mind is not helping her case nor getting anything accomplished. Tucker is there to hold her and comfort her if she will let him. Maybe she will finally be able to let go of the demons of her past.

This is not a book I would recommend reading it at night. I did and that was not my brightest moment. It is a scary book but I loved watching Olivia learn slowly how to become strong. It was not going to be an easy journey for her or Tucker. The town had a lot of secrets that it wanted to stay that way. I was very pleased with this book and I hope to read some more of hers soon!

Melanie Atkins/Scary/ Memories/320 pages/5 out of 5

I found a paper back copy of this book. I did some quick research and this book is out now through Cobble Stone Press in e-book form. It is definitely worth your time reading. My other favorite Blood Rite, which was my introduction to Ms. Atkins has not found a home yet but I would highly recommend any of her works.