The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the biggest romance authors in the industry, but after a brutal breakup, she’s stopped believing in love. When her handsome new editor refuses to extend her deadline, Florence thinks her career is over—until a family tragedy forces her back to the small town she’s avoided for a decade. There, she’s shocked to find a ghost waiting at her family’s funeral home: her editor, as charming and frustrating as ever… and very much dead. As Florence navigates grief, family, and unfinished business, she begins to wonder if love stories might not be over for her after all.
Bookish Thoughts
I’m an absolute sucker for fall reads and anything with a ghostly twist, so the idea of a main character who can actually communicate with ghosts had me hooked right away. Add in a small-town romance wrapped in cozy Halloween vibes, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Read this if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming fall romance with a hint of the supernatural—full of ghost-whisperer energy, small-town charm, and just the right touch of spooky sweetness.
Book Review
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the top romance authors in the industry—but there’s just one problem: she doesn’t believe in love or happy endings anymore. On top of that, Florence has a unique gift—she can see and communicate with ghosts. When a family tragedy forces her back to the small town that once drove her away, she’s confronted with more than just old wounds.
To her shock, she discovers her new (and very handsome) editor has become a ghost, and she’s the only one who can help him make sense of his unfinished business. Between honoring her father’s unconventional funeral wishes, clashing with her siblings, and reconnecting with her roots, Florence begins to realize that maybe—just maybe—love isn’t as dead as she thought.
A ghost whisperer, a funeral home, a cemetery, and a romance all wrapped into one—that’s my idea of the perfect fall Halloween read. I absolutely loved the theme and vibe of this novel. Watching Florence navigate the lifelong teasing about her gift—and eventually learning to embrace it—was such a meaningful part of her story. I especially enjoyed her encounters with different ghosts and the way she handled each situation. On top of that, the support she received from her family was so touching.
One element that really stood out to me was her father’s eccentric funeral wishes. As Florence ran around fulfilling them, I found myself wishing she could have seen his ghost one last time. By the time the actual funeral happened, I was in tears. Florence’s father was such a vital part of her life—and the life of the town—that his send-off felt both emotional and unforgettable.
That said, as much as I love a good ghost story, I did struggle a little with the romance. Florence falling in love with a ghost was hard for me to fully wrap my head around. Still, there were plenty of sweet and tender moments between her and Benji, and I found myself rooting for their relationship. In fact, I often pretended he was human just so I could fully enjoy their story. And I have to admit, I loved how their romance ultimately concluded.
Another highlight for me was the funeral home itself. I adored how it was woven into the family’s daily life, and seeing the siblings each play a role in the business was such a nice touch. The little glimpses of their childhood memories inside the funeral home made the story even more special. I also loved the small-town setting—how the entire community came together to support the Day family and give Florence’s father the perfect send-off. It made me wish I could step right into this town, walk through the funeral home, and be part of the warmth and love that radiated from its people.
“Love is a celebration,’ ” I read, my voice wobbling, “ ‘of life and death. It stays with you. It lingers, my darlings, long after I’m gone. Listen for me when the wind rushes through the trees. I love you.”
Ashley Poston
Shelf To Table
The perfect food pairing for this novel is classic waffles. The Waffle House plays such a fun and memorable role in this novel—it’s Florence Day’s go-to family spot. And honestly, I get it—I adore Waffle House myself and think they make some of the best comfort food around. So, in honor of Florence’s family tradition, I’m sharing a delicious waffle recipe from Megan on AllRecipes that you can whip up at home.
Classic Waffles
A fluffy buttermilk pancake topped with warm maple syrup and a pat of melting butter—perfectly golden, soft on the inside, and bursting with classic comfort. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries for an extra touch of sweetness.
Book Club Bite
Mini chicken and waffles would make the perfect bite-sized treat for a book club discussion of this charming romance. Sweet, savory, and easy to enjoy while chatting, they capture the cozy, feel-good vibe of the story and add a playful twist to a classic comfort food favorite.
“Buying books always made me feel better, even if I never read them.”
Ashley Poston