The second book in the series, The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds, takes place about a month after Danielle and Lily have settled into Marlow House. We find them preparing for the grand opening of Danielle’s new bed and breakfast. In this book we meet Danielle’s remaining family member: her cousin Cheryl, who shows up uninvited to Marlow House’s grand opening.

Many readers are understandably not fond of Cheryl.  But cut the girl some slack—she’s having a rough time, and it is about to get rougher.

One thing I found intriguing about the reaction to this book are the number of readers who felt Danielle was too nice to Cheryl—insisting they would have tossed Cheryl out the door minutes after her arrival.

Not only would that end the story prematurely, and totally mess up my story line—I think it would be highly unrealistic, especially considering Danielle’s personal history and character traits.

In spite of Cheryl’s annoying ways, she and Danielle were basically raised like sisters.  And like sisters, they have their issues—but they are still family, and for Danielle, Cheryl is all the family she has left.

When writing a book, I try to imagine how each character would actually react in real life—not how we wish they would act.

Other notable points in this story—Danielle is no longer the only one who knows about Walt, and that budding romance with Joe—it is not looking promising for the couple.

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