The Passenger
Looking for your next great read? Joie Lesin’s The Passenger is now live on all major online bookstores. Order your copy today.
She's a 1940s ghost whisperer. He's the son of a ghost. ​
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Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home. Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?
The Passenger, a 1940s ghost story set in the California wine country, tells a tale of family connections, life-changing choices, and love—lost and found.
Praise & Reviews
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"A stunning blend of heartache and hope, masterfully weaving love, loss, and healing into an unforgettable journey. The rich storytelling and authentic growth in the characters make it a must-read for those who cherish soulful, heartfelt tales."
– Reader Views
"The Passenger delivers a unique blend of historical romance and the supernatural that feels fresh and engaging. It’s a book for anyone who loves romance novels with a twist, especially those who appreciate a slow-burn relationship mixed with themes of grief, love, and second chances. If you enjoy novels rich in atmosphere and character development, this is one to pick up. Lesin’s exploration of love and loss will resonate with readers who believe in the healing power of connection."
– Literary Titan
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​"The Passenger is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance, especially those who enjoy historical settings and emotionally charged narratives. Mixing the 1940s atmosphere with the supernatural creates a compelling backdrop for this story about love, redemption, and acceptance."
– Independent Book Review
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"From the first page of this brilliantly written historical ghost story, we were entranced. The author’s skill at describing setting—from the foxholes of wartime Europe to the trolleys of Boston, then on to California’s vast wine country, the reader is absorbed. "
– Wild Women Reviews
"The Passenger is an endearing romantic tale with beautiful scenery, family secrets, and intriguing characters. Joie Lesin's eloquent writing uses immersive imagery, suspense, and drama."
– Readers' Favorite
"If you’re looking for an emotional paranormal fantasy you won’t be able to put down, pick up The Passenger. Highly recommend!"
– N. N. Light's Book Heaven
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"A captivating romantic story wrapped in real-world history and shades of the paranormal."
– Kirkus Reviews
"The Passenger is a beautifully written historical romance that weaves a story of love, loss, and self-discovery. Joie Lesin’s prose borders on poetic, with immersive imagery, intriguing family secrets, and slow-burn romance that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Combining historical romance with speculative elements, The Passenger is a captivating, unputdownable, and satisfying read—right to the last page."
– AA DaSilva, Author of Periphery
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​"Elizabeth had a secret to hide, and stunning but sultry Gio had a chip on his shoulder. Together, they sizzled. I enjoyed their haunting romance from start to finish – and highly recommend The Passenger to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story!​"
– Karen Hulene Bartell, Author of Fox Tale
"Set right after WWII, The Passenger by Joie Lesin, is a captivating novel about a young woman, Elizabeth, with a unique gift, or perhaps curse. She can see, hear, and speak with dead people. She can also help them. Some people would be horrified by this ability, and Elizabeth had rejected it for many years. However, when her husband dies during the war, she decides to let the spirits in once again so that she can be with her husband one last time. This sets the stage for this story about her journey to help Paolo, an old, sad man who has passed and wants to be with his family one more time.
The story is an adventure, a mystery, and a love story. It is filled with compelling, believable characters - even the dead ones! I liked Elizabeth. I liked her strength, her fearlessness, and her kindness in offering to help Paolo gain the peace he needs to move on."
– Vera S Williams, Author of WASPs: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII and WACs: Women’s Army Corps
"...In The Passenger, Joie Lesin weaves an intricate and emotional tale of loss and love, tragedy and hope. I enjoyed this book immensely! I turned the last page with a satisfied sigh.
– Joy Nash, USA Today Best-Selling Author of The Grail King and Immortals: The Awakening
"Paolo and Adriana's story is heartbreaking, but out of that tragedy comes the possibility of new love between Gio and Elizabeth. I recommend The Passenger to anyone looking for a touching romance with a splash of paranormal mixed in."
– The Long and Short Reviews
"...readers are treated to vivid description of the land, the grapes and the people who worked the land in a time that was much more simple."
– The Romance Studio
"The 1940's is portrayed so vividly that the time and place become characters of their own. I could see the clothing, hear the music and feel the scratchy car upholstery. It is a ghost story, a story of love and loss that bridges the gap between the living and the dead."
– Romance Reader at Heart
Armchair Interviews says: Bringing love from the “other side” makes for a good story.​