Melanie Middleton definitely has a lot going on in her life these days. In addition to being psychic, she's a rather successful realtor, a compulsive chart maker, and is now about to be a single mother at 40 years old. The father of her unborn child is none other than well-known writer Jack Trenholme, a handsome devil who she has attempted to cut out of her life although she still loves him with all of the pieces of her shattered heart. In the middle of all of this, the home she inherited is being historically renovated and restored with painstaking and expensive care by her best friend, Sophie.

Along with losing access to her favorite foods in favor of healthy but tasteless offerings that her mother Ginnette, Sophie, and her housekeeper Mrs. Houlihan, force her to eat, Melanie also seems to have lost her ability to see ghosts. She can still hear them, though, and a crying baby is at the top of the list. While she's trying to work out that little mystery, Jack has insinuated himself into her life, determined to be a part of the full pregnancy, birth and father process.

Yes, Melanie has a lot going on these days. Things get even more interesting, however, when she realizes that a rather malevolent ghost might just mean her and her unborn baby harm if she doesn't figure out what, exactly, this ghost wants.

The cast of characters in RETURN TO TRADD STREET are so real that I could actually hear their voices as I read along. As a born and bred Southerner, I can vouch for Karen White in that she nailed everything right down to the sweet tea that Melanie was forced to give up during her pregnancy. In addition, the men in Charleston are so romantic that it might just entice single women everywhere to move there. Of course, there's always going to be one fly in the ointment, but, thankfully, he didn't play a major role.

RETURN TO TRADD STREET isn't exactly a frightening book although it does have a few "jumpy" parts. Instead, it is something much more. It is a true pleasure for the senses. The characters are nice without being abnormal. Love is in the air without being too sticky sweet. The various mysteries included will keep you turning the pages. I found myself laughing out loud at different parts and shared excerpts with my husband who wanted to know why I was so entertained. Even he started asking questions about what was happening in the book after that. Finally, when all is said and done, RETURN TO TRADD STREET will leave you with a wonderful taste of Southern hospitality while also craving more of these delightful characters.

If you love reading books that are done just right, RETURN TO TRADD STREET must be at the top of your list!