The Dead Romantics - Ashley Poston
Genre - Supernatural & Contemporary Romance

I like to think that Florence Day of Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics and I could be friends. She experiences a number of changes in the novel, but I enjoy her throughout. Listen, if you are a cynic about things of a romantic nature - challenge yourself and give this one a shot anyway. Florence agrees with you. In spite of being a successful ghostwriter for romantic phenomenon author Ann Nichols, finds that she has run out of happy endings. After her long term boyfriend unapologetically steals the precious stories of her child and distorts them in a novel, Florence finds that her tolerance for all things romance is gone. She finds herself unable to complete her final contracted novel in spite of a mandate to do so from her new editor Benji Andor. Her Dad dies unexpectedly, so she returns home to the family funeral home for the first time in a very long time. Some battles with her family, detailed funeral plans to fulfill, and the unexpected ghost of Benji Andor challenge Florence in ways she never thought possible.

I come and go with romance. And I suppose a love affair with a ghost could really send me screaming in another direction, but boy did I enjoy this one. Florence is a delight. I found her to be funny. I can be annoyed by self deprecation and self pity, but Poston explores Florence’s struggle in an unflinching yet amusing way. She strikes a lovely balance. Part of this is the exploration of her relationship with her family. The conflict is real, but the family love and support remain strong. The supernatural aspect is very naturally included. Of course a little girl who grows up in a funeral home has a sensitivity to unhappy ghosts. Of course. Could it be weird for her to fall in love with a ghost? Maybe. But again, Poston makes it work. She continued to surprise me long after I thought I had the book “all figured out.”

I love that Florence learns the lessons that the universe is offering her. Like me, she takes her time - I often find it easier to rest in my sadness than reach for change. Perhaps a solid visit from a ghost might inspire me? Or, most likely I should keep reading and learning and finding new friends like Florence.