The Haunted Heart 

                                    by Penelope Gerhardt                                          

            Competition Leads to mayhem

Chole needed to win this year’s best Halloween Decorations. Thinking about her disappointments, no scholarship for college, couldn’t even made the minor leagues in sports and had only been a mediocre student in college, she needed to win the town’s contest, again. Winning last three years running, made her feel better about herself. However, this year should be facing the stiffest competition ever.

Max an art teacher, had moved in across the street.  Halloween being his favorite time of year the Halloween Decoration contest was right up his alley.  While Chole had grabbed his attention the minute he saw her, he was up to a little friendly competition. Only friendly and competition rarely go together.

They might pick at each other, challenge themselves when coming up with scary creative decorations; they couldn’t deny the strong attraction they had for each other. Until Chole, a tour guide for an old, haunted mansion in town, went just a little to far, awakening a vengeful spirit.

 

Competition isn’t my favorite trope in any story. Chole has her valid reasons, it’s her way of coping with past disappointments. As things get totally out of hand Max and Chole will have to come together to repair the damage Chole set in motion.  At one point I felt Chole had become a bit to vindictive, but she did turn around. Max was a bit more laid back and communication between to two might have made to story a little more enjoyable for me at the time. Max has a past we don’t learn yet but there is something likable about him, especially his dogged determination to win Chole over.

The ending escalated, pulling the story to a spirited ending and I had to laugh. I did end up enjoying the story and wanting to see more of the characters that played secondary parts, as well as learning more about Max and Chole. I recommend this story for those who enjoy the Halloween season and don’t mind a little STRONG competition, romance and a ghostly interference.