Dark Beginnings (Haunted America #1)

Author: Alley McCall

4.5 out of 5 stars

Hildy Mckay grew up with her mother and grandmother in a small town in Alabama. Wanting to spread her wings, Hildy chose to go to college in Tennessee. She’s excited to make a new start, but nervous about anyone founding out her secret: all of the women in the Mckay family can see and speak to the dead. For a group project, they decide to research an old, abandoned, and seemingly haunted, hospital. Will Hildy be forced to reveal her secret to her new friends, and what will their reactions be if she does?

The ghost part of the plot was pretty basic. The story really focused more on Hildy’s new friendships, and her potential relationship with Charlie. This didn’t bother me since it’s the first in the series and is more about introducing the characters and showing how they started.

I liked Hildy; she’s very relatable with her nervousness about meeting new people and her fears about telling her friends about her ability. I also liked the other characters, who had diverse personalities. Charlie is quiet and laid back. Cooper is more fun-loving. Oliver is bookish and serious, and Lizzy is extroverted and likes fashion.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella and would read more in the series. It needs a few minor tweaks, like some things could have been explained more thoroughly. It works great as the first in the series, so I’m rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Price through Amazon Kindle: $0

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNG2VTW

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