Format: Kindle EditionChange
Price:$3.99
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on May 11, 2013
The year is 1958 and Johnny Kinross is 19 years old. He arrives at the newly built high school for a rumble. Johnny is there to defend his younger brother against snide comments made by the mayor's son, Roger. The night ends tragically and Johnny finds himself trapped in limbo, invisible to others and unable to leave the school.
Flash forward to 2010...Margaret "Maggie" O'Bannon has had her share of tragedy. After the death of her parents, she was bounced around the foster care system until finally coming to live with her great-aunt. Maggie is special - she has the ability to see ghosts. Normally the ghosts don't interact with her - she just sees them carrying out a moment from their lives before disappearing - but when Maggie sees Johnny, he is able to see, hear, and touch her. As Johnny and Maggie spend more time together, they find themselves falling for each other. But their relationship seems doomed from the start...how can they be together when Johnny is a ghost?
I really liked this book. Johnny is just the right mix of a James Dean bad boy and a knight in shining armor. Maggie is an average girl with a tough backstory. I liked that she wasn't drop dead gorgeous and that she hadn't been broken by her past. It made her a relatable character and made me want to root for her. I was hooked into this story from page one and loved the fact that it kept flashing back to the 1950s. It is such a romanticized era in American history. It certainly had its faults, but it was a much simpler time with some fantastic music, which is why I think so many people love it. The story was well written and I enjoyed Amy's writing style. It is definitely a sweet, sigh inducing story that is well worth the read.
Flash forward to 2010...Margaret "Maggie" O'Bannon has had her share of tragedy. After the death of her parents, she was bounced around the foster care system until finally coming to live with her great-aunt. Maggie is special - she has the ability to see ghosts. Normally the ghosts don't interact with her - she just sees them carrying out a moment from their lives before disappearing - but when Maggie sees Johnny, he is able to see, hear, and touch her. As Johnny and Maggie spend more time together, they find themselves falling for each other. But their relationship seems doomed from the start...how can they be together when Johnny is a ghost?
I really liked this book. Johnny is just the right mix of a James Dean bad boy and a knight in shining armor. Maggie is an average girl with a tough backstory. I liked that she wasn't drop dead gorgeous and that she hadn't been broken by her past. It made her a relatable character and made me want to root for her. I was hooked into this story from page one and loved the fact that it kept flashing back to the 1950s. It is such a romanticized era in American history. It certainly had its faults, but it was a much simpler time with some fantastic music, which is why I think so many people love it. The story was well written and I enjoyed Amy's writing style. It is definitely a sweet, sigh inducing story that is well worth the read.
on November 21, 2014
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good YA paranormal romance. But I certainly found one here. The best way for me to describe this book is pure and simple romance. It’s about first love and being accepted for who you are. It’s about finding that person who makes you feel whole. It’s about battling insurmountable odds. And it proves that love knows no boundaries.
Maggie is an orphan who, after many years of foster homes, finally ends up with her elderly aunt. She’s been through a lot but it’s made her strong. She loves her family and friends fiercely and is loyal to a fault. Johnny also loves and protects his family. He’s handsome and swoony and all the girls like him. Or, at least they did when he was alive. Yes, that’s right, he died 50 years ago and now he’s a ghost. Ok, I know what you’re thinking…that this is too strange. But hear me out, trust me, it works. Maggie is one of the few people who can see him and, even though he scares her at first, she soon discovers the inner Johnny…the wonderful, caring boy who’s stuck in purgatory. And whether or not you believe in ghosts, you can’t deny their chemistry. These two feel like the perfect match from the very beginning.
As you can imagine, their love is unusual and it’s not brimming with hope for the future…after all, one of them is already dead. But reading about their desire to hold on to each other (and his selfless desire to protect her) made me sigh more than once!! Beware, there is a cliffhanger at the end. But, no worries there because I’m sure you’ll want to read the second book…which, lucky for us, is already available. So, suspend your judgement and check it out. I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with Maggie, Johnny and their story! I know I did!
Maggie is an orphan who, after many years of foster homes, finally ends up with her elderly aunt. She’s been through a lot but it’s made her strong. She loves her family and friends fiercely and is loyal to a fault. Johnny also loves and protects his family. He’s handsome and swoony and all the girls like him. Or, at least they did when he was alive. Yes, that’s right, he died 50 years ago and now he’s a ghost. Ok, I know what you’re thinking…that this is too strange. But hear me out, trust me, it works. Maggie is one of the few people who can see him and, even though he scares her at first, she soon discovers the inner Johnny…the wonderful, caring boy who’s stuck in purgatory. And whether or not you believe in ghosts, you can’t deny their chemistry. These two feel like the perfect match from the very beginning.
As you can imagine, their love is unusual and it’s not brimming with hope for the future…after all, one of them is already dead. But reading about their desire to hold on to each other (and his selfless desire to protect her) made me sigh more than once!! Beware, there is a cliffhanger at the end. But, no worries there because I’m sure you’ll want to read the second book…which, lucky for us, is already available. So, suspend your judgement and check it out. I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with Maggie, Johnny and their story! I know I did!
on April 1, 2013
OK, I have to confess that I love 50's music, and Amy's use of many of my favorites as chapter titles strongly predisposed me in favor of this book. I found myself wishing that ABC Family or some other cable network would film this so we could actually see and hear Maggie and Johnny dancing in the school. Apropos to nothing, Slow Dance rather reminded me of the old Disney Channel movie, Susie Q, although Amy took Slow Dance into new and different directions
Even without the music, though, the book did not disappoint. The characters are likeable, the drama is sustaining, and many of the little touches, such as Irene's car, are delightful. Well, Maggie is a bit of a drama queen, but, considering her difficult personal story, that might be forgiveable. Gus and Irene, as the supportive adults, make a strong impression, while Roger, though long dead, manages to function as a rather chilling villain. Shad is a bundle of insecurities, but makes up for it with a fierce loyalty.
This is a good read, and I intend to read the sequel. enjoy!
Even without the music, though, the book did not disappoint. The characters are likeable, the drama is sustaining, and many of the little touches, such as Irene's car, are delightful. Well, Maggie is a bit of a drama queen, but, considering her difficult personal story, that might be forgiveable. Gus and Irene, as the supportive adults, make a strong impression, while Roger, though long dead, manages to function as a rather chilling villain. Shad is a bundle of insecurities, but makes up for it with a fierce loyalty.
This is a good read, and I intend to read the sequel. enjoy!
on February 29, 2016
Amazing. Breath taking. Would give more stars if I could. I had read all of her previous books and saved this last because the synopsis did t really catch me. Wow. It was way more than anything I expected.
Personally. I feel this is appropriate for YA. Kissing and longing but no sex scenes and no even fade to black to imagine. Was very PG but still incredibly engaging for an adult. Multiple side stories and personalities both you get and much much older. Was just so incredible.
Personally. I feel this is appropriate for YA. Kissing and longing but no sex scenes and no even fade to black to imagine. Was very PG but still incredibly engaging for an adult. Multiple side stories and personalities both you get and much much older. Was just so incredible.
on June 27, 2014
This story flowed with a life of its own. The author created rules in a world that was shifting and changing; outside of the definition of physics. It seemed difficult to believe, yet I believed--sold to the idea because Amy Harmon made the characters and setting so so real. I felt for Johnny and the confines of his existence. I loved Maggie and her strength. She was so sweet and good, yet was solid in what she wanted and pursued it with focus. Aunt Irene, Gus, Shad, and even Roger and Dolly just came alive--living on the pages and interweaving in each other's life to create a plot that was pretty cool. Buy this book! Right away, guys!
Thanks for a great story, Amy Harmon! Because of this book, I have bought all your other kindle books and am proceeding to read them now!
Thanks for a great story, Amy Harmon! Because of this book, I have bought all your other kindle books and am proceeding to read them now!
on May 24, 2012
I did not know what to expect when starting Slow Dance in Purgatory. It was a recommendation, but I had not even read a review or the synopsis. Just bought it and started reading. I was captivated from page one all the way through to the end. Now I am attempting to be patient until book 2 comes out. Completely thrilled to hear there may even be a book 3. The book is on that I could let my children read without worrying if it was too adult in content, at the same time it is a fantastic read for adults. The pace was perfect. I found myself not wanting to ever put the book down because I had a need to know what was going to happen next. Very Intriguing content. Very well written. Definitely deserving of a 5 star rating! Keep them Coming Amy - you have a new fan!
on December 10, 2012
Great paranormal romance. Maggie, an orphan who has come to live with her great aunt in Texas, falls in love with Johnny. The problem is, she's the only one who can see him. Johnny's a teenage ghost that has been stuck in purgatory for 50 years. With her psychic gift, Maggie can see and talk to him, and falls for him completely, even though she knows her love is hopeless and can only destroy her.
The author did a great job developing the characters and describing the setting (especially in the 1950's). I loved how she started each chapter with a song from the 50's to set the mood. Great story that kept me spellbound. I can't wait to read the next book.
The author did a great job developing the characters and describing the setting (especially in the 1950's). I loved how she started each chapter with a song from the 50's to set the mood. Great story that kept me spellbound. I can't wait to read the next book.
on May 17, 2016
This author is one that I will always bet on. She develops characters brilliantly and tells their story so naturally and beautifully that they stay with you, written on your heart, as a piece of you. This book was no exception. I didn't know if I would like it when I read the blurb but I did. I do. I wish Prom Night in Purgatory was on Audible so I could listen to it on my commute and then read The Bird and the Sword at home. You never have to question if you want to read Amy Harmon. Just do it.
on August 22, 2014
I loved this idea and couldn't stop reading until the end, which surprised me because there was a Book 2! I was happy though, because I loved the story in Book 1 and had no idea there was more to the book! This was a fun surprise but even better was the fact that I got this book on sale and would have paid full price because I loved it so much, Maggie and Johnny are adorable and I felt like crying whenever they weren't together. Recommend for a quick and fun read!
