The Presence: A Ghost Story

Catherine moves to Pasadena to stay with her grandmother while her parents travel abroad. She encounters a mysterious spirit named Noah at a local church - a 17-year-old boy who died over a century ago and claims to seek his soulmate. The story alternates between Catherine and Noah's perspectives, revealing their individual histories and motivations. Catherine grapples with guilt over her friend Kirsty's death, while Noah offers an impossible chance to communicate with the deceased. A parallel storyline develops as Catherine forms a connection with Collin, the minister's son, providing moments of normalcy amid supernatural events. The narrative builds tension as Catherine must decide whom to trust and how to confront both earthly and otherworldly challenges. The Presence explores themes of grief, loneliness, and the distinction between genuine human connection and dangerous obsession. The gothic atmosphere serves as a backdrop for questions about moving forward after loss.

Readers found this young adult ghost story adequately spooky but predictable. The atmospheric descriptions of the New England church and its history earned positive mentions, with several reviews noting the vivid winter setting. Readers appreciated: - Quick, straightforward pacing - Historical elements woven into the plot - Clean content appropriate for middle school readers - Effective buildup of tension Common criticisms: - Characters lack depth - Plot twists feel obvious - Romance subplot feels forced - Too short at 195 pages Multiple reviews mention the ending falls flat and resolves too neatly. Several readers noted similarities to other YA ghost stories, making it feel formulaic. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (90+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parent reviews) "Perfect for readers who want spooky but not terrifying," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review stated: "The historical background was more interesting than the actual ghost story."

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🏛️ The story takes place at All Saints Church in Pasadena, which is a real historic Episcopal church founded in 1883 and known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. 👻 Eve Bunting has written over 250 books across multiple genres, but this ghost story reflects her childhood in Ireland, where supernatural tales and folklore are deeply embedded in the culture. ⭐ The concept of "death stairs" featured in the book is based on various folkloric traditions where certain staircases are believed to be gathering places for spirits, particularly in old churches and castles. 🎭 The name "Noah" for the ghost character carries symbolic significance, as it means "rest" or "comfort" in Hebrew - reflecting his initially comforting but ultimately dangerous presence in Catherine's life. 📅 Setting the story during Christmas deliberately plays on the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories during the holiday season, a practice popularized by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."