One Determined Ghost is the second installment of the Under Thunder Mountain series by Kathleen Fenaughty. It's Halloween season, and MaryAnn Walker is still adjusting to life during the pandemic, living with Dr. Eugene Bradley since she left Arizona. When her beloved cat, Thunder, leads her to a box with a mysterious ruby, MaryAnn begins to sense the presence of her recently deceased friend, Mama Lilla. With her friend Leslie Anderson and Earth Angel Gabriel, MaryAnn sets off on a journey of self-discovery, culminating with reuniting a lost daughter with her mother with the help of Mama Lilla. Moreover, Eugene battles with his insecurities, trying to find a way to connect with MaryAnn again. Will the twin flames be able to share their mutual feelings and end up together?

If you're a fan of romance, mystery, and a healthy dose of the paranormal, One Determined Ghost is just what you're looking for. Although a sequel, Kathleen Fenaughty's novel works perfectly as a standalone. Readers will find themselves immersed in an almost surreal adventure tale that slowly unfolds its mysteries chapter by chapter. Fenaughty takes a while to set up the characters and the plot, as the narrative primarily focuses on the character interactions and what each of the main protagonists is going through. MaryAnn and Eugene play the perfect foil for each other, and their distinct personalities cause friction and drama that feel genuine and realistic. Additionally, as someone living with cats, I found Thunder adorable. Overall, I very much enjoyed the book and will gladly recommend it to lovers of romance and the fantastical.

One Determined Ghost by Kathleen Fenaughty is an exceptional and captivating story that masterfully blends the supernatural with the everyday, and keeps readers spellbound from start to finish. The story introduces us to MaryAnn Walker, a relatable and compelling protagonist whose experiences with magic and mysterious occurrences draw readers into her world. Set against the backdrop of a Halloween night with a black moon, the story immediately establishes an eerie and mystical atmosphere, hinting at powerful forces and the presence of Mama Lilla, a deceased friend. MaryAnn's ability to hear Mama Lilla's voice and her encounters with various supernatural events, including the appearance of a mysterious building, keep readers intrigued and eager to uncover the unfolding mysteries.

The story expertly explores themes of belief, miracles, and the unknown, inviting readers to question the boundaries of reality and the existence of supernatural phenomena. MaryAnn's journey is not only a physical one but also a deeply spiritual and emotional one, making her a relatable and endearing character. One Determined Ghost showcases Kathleen Fenaughty’s talent for creating vivid scenes and engaging dialogue. The story is filled with rich character development, intricate plot threads, and a careful balance of the ordinary and the extraordinary. The presence of Mama Lilla adds a layer of mystique, making her a character readers will want to learn more about. It beautifully ties together the themes of love and magic that run through the plot, leaving readers with a warm and satisfying feeling. The author's storytelling prowess and ability to craft a narrative resonate with readers on both an emotional and mystical level.