Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Annie Hartnett. 4.5 stars rounded up!
Emma Starling was born with The Charm - an ability to naturally heal people. She went off to California to attend medical school but lost her way and her ability. She returns home to small town Everett, New Hampshire, because her father is dying of a brain disease. Clive Starling has been hallucinating small animals as well as the ghost of a famous NH naturalist, who is giving him advice on his last days. Clive also is the only one taking an active interest in finding Emma's estranged best friend who has gone missing.
I loved all the quirky characters in this story, including those inhabitants of the town's cemetery who give commentary to the tale. While tackling difficult subjects like addiction, infidelity, and caring for aging parents, we are treated to a hilarious story of wild animals in the house, antics of elementary school children, and given the gift of love, hope, and second chances. Be sure to read the author's note at the end and don't miss this book!
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