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Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and the author of The Passenger. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including ghosts. She loves to write a good ghost story—especially when it includes a touch of romance.
Originally from Massachusetts, at six years old, Joie moved to her mother’s birthplace, Minnesota. By eight, Joie lost her New England accent, however, it's gradually returning as the years go by. She grew up in Minneapolis but now resides in St. Paul with her husband and their blended family—which includes a rambunctious grand-corgi.
Joie misses the ocean, but she often finds herself walking by one of Minnesota’s many lakes and travels to one of the coasts as often as she can. In fact, she considers California her home away from home. When she’s not writing, reading, or walking, you can find her listening to music. She absolutely loves music—especially live—and songs have sparked most of her story ideas.
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Joie Lesin's The Passenger is a captivating tale set in the 1940s. The protagonist is Elizabeth Reilly, a young widow who can communicate with the dead. She meets a kindly senior man, Paolo Clemente, and witnesses his death. His ghost desperately needs Elizabeth's help to move on in peace. Paolo seeks closure and wants her to reach out to his cousin, Marco, in California and inform him of Paolo's death. Elizabeth and Paolo soon discover that his allegedly deceased wife, Adriana, and son, Gio, are still alive. Gio struggles to overcome Paolo's abandonment of his family many years ago. Gio and Elizabeth experience a strong mutual attraction to each other, but Gio is uncertain if he can trust her. He learns about Elizabeth's connection to his father and is skeptical. He doesn't believe in her supernatural powers. Elizabeth and Gio still have to tell Adriana the truth. How will Adriana react? Above all, will Elizabeth and Gio acknowledge their love? Is there a second chance in store for them both?
The Passenger is an endearing romantic tale with beautiful scenery, family secrets, and intriguing characters. Joie Lesin's eloquent writing uses immersive imagery, suspense, and drama. This captivating book is sure to keep readers turning the pages. The tale delves into themes of love, loss, self-discovery, establishing trust, forgiveness, closure, and second chances. I admire Lesin's ability to connect multiple character arcs perfectly. Elizabeth's journey isn't simply about helping Paolo's spirit to rest in peace—it is also an opportunity to offer Paolo and his family support and closure. Seeing his family work through their emotional traumas even helps Elizabeth to confront her sense of loss. Their ability to face their traumas and embrace their reality creates a cathartic experience for these enigmatic characters. Lesin flawlessly captures Elizabeth's and Gio's vulnerable moments—this builds intensity in their love story. I recommend this beautifully crafted story to readers looking for a poignant tale with a dash of supernatural elements added to it.
