I have abandoned this novel, so I can't speak for it entirely. Originally, I had said here that I didn't deserve to rate it because I left it unfinished, but after more thought I realized that having difficulty reading a book also speaks volumes about its quality. And therefore, allows me to rate it, in my opinion. I also want to touch up on what I felt was difficult for me to continue reading it. I feel the beginning of the novel ruined any suspended disbelief right from the first decision the main character made. Any time something bad would happen to the main character, I couldn't help but be miffed because the only reasons she had for even being in this "Dream House" were very poorly constructed.

Every mundane daily task was added in this novel to fill the gaps in the plot. So. Much. Food eating. The food eating on almost every single page was used as a tool to put the character somewhere where things would happen, but c'mon, try out different tools once in a while. I felt almost as if this were a cookbook or a poorly disguised typical foodie mystery.

There was almost no sense of who the main character was, which made it very difficult to feel attached to the character when anything bad happened. All in all, I was not grabbed at all by the writing and therefore finishing the book became daunting, and felt like a chore. Reading shouldn't feel like that. I understand the author has many passions and talents, but this first novel should have been denied based on its content, and not accepted based on the person who wrote it. ( )

I received an ARC of this books from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book, or my review itself.

In Dream House, Bisognin introduces readers to Amethyst, who stumbles onto the house of her dreams while caught in a storm. The owners invite her inside out of the rain, but when she wakes up the next morning, the owners are gone, and she is alone in the house. Or is she? And why does she feel such a strong compulsion to stay?

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, particularly the mystery surrounding the house, and the promise of the paranormal. However, the book was merely okay.

The writing style was fine, but the book seemed to stretch on longer than needed, with repetitive descriptions of the house and its rooms. I also predicted the big twist ending about halfway through the book, and while there were still some minor twists that were surprising, I felt the main reveal was telegraphed pretty obviously throughout the story. This could be because I read so many mysteries, and watch a lot of paranormal TV and movies-this book did feel a bit familiar, like something I had read or seen before.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, but I also wouldn't tell readers not to pick it up. Just go in knowing that it most likely won't be the mysterious, surprising young adult horror novel you were hoping for. ( )

My granddaughter and I read this one together. This was a great introduction to fantasy for a younger reader, or a great addition to the library of a junior reader who has already experienced fantasy and paranormal reads.

I liked the transitions between reality and non-reality, and the way the author paints a picture of the place "in between."

I will be purchasing this selection for our library. ( )