Grave Things Like Love Book Review

Because sometimes love can be quite deadly.

Song Vibe Check

1. "Tell me" By: Johnny Jewel & Saoirse Ronan

2. "Disturbia" By: Rihanna

3. "Ghost" By: Alan Walker & Au/Ra

NOTE: Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC of this book!

I remember when I read Sara Bennett Wealer's first book, Now and When. It was in the height of COVID and the story of being able to change parts of your life and watch how two people who were academic rivals turn into lovers was truly was one of my favorites and I still remember Truman (even if at points, I wanted to slap him!) Now, as I head into Grave Things like Love with a smile because I know it's bound to be good.

And it definitely does hit some spots. It's more of a spooky read perfect for this month, and if anyone watched HBO's Six Feet Under, which, yes, is a bit of an older show from the 2000's, I get huge vibes from this show (I myself haven't started season 3, but it is GREAT for the morbid humor!).

Short Summary: Lainey, the resident "Funeral girl" deals with the ins and outs of life and death while dealing with high school, two boys that drive her crazy and a ghost that's haunting her house. Nothing weird here, just the usual, right?

Longer Summary? Elaine's parents run a funeral house that's been in the family since the 1800's and while she is used to being called the "funeral girl", is it possible to be seen more as just a title? When new boy in town, Xander arrives, the sparks between them are nearly immediate. But, there's also Miles. Miles, her best friend, the guy that knows her better than anyone and it should be easy to just bury your heart in a grave. But, when there's a ghost that appears to roam her house after doing a seance, is it better to listen to the voices of the past, or to live life in the present?

After all, you only live once.

I enjoyed this one (not just because a funeral home is quite the setting for high school romances to play out, but because the morbid humor makes this all the better) and while the ghost is part of the book, it is not hugely relying on the paranormal. A lot of this book is focused on the love triangle as Elaine goes through her very demanding life.

I understand Elaine, and I like this a lot because I could relate to her a lot more than I did with Wealer's first book Skyler, who did have some annoying things that drove me crazy. Her parents who want her to help with everything, dealing with the chaos of life and with trying to not fit into the stereotypes, it was all beautifully written and while I am not a huge reader of ghost stories, this one was well done.

Overall: 5/5 stars