In Book I of The Stonebridge Ghost Tales, Christian Jones Arnook and his mother travel from Alaska to Indiana to meet a wealthy great-grandfather he never knew existed. A ten-year-old boy overflowing with curiosity, Christian checks out the house and the surrounding area. Spooky events at every turn lead him to one startling conclusion: the estate is haunted and all strange activity seems to start at the old stone bridge. — READ AN EXCERPT
THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE [©2014] Book I of The Stonebridge Ghost Tales written by Roberta Hoffer and illustrated by Madison Gaines | Juvenile Fantasy (Rated G for ages 8-12 and up) 62 pages (17,000 words) Illustrated | Available in print and ebook from the DFP Books label of Dragonfly Publishing
Earthshine 2017 Book Awards Winner for Tween Supernatural
The Stonebridge Ghost Tales juvenile fantasy series was named the 2015 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Award Winner for Best Chapter Book Series
2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards 1st Place Winner for Best Chapter Book
The Stonebridge Ghost Tales series: THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE (1) • THE GHOST OF THE FROZEN NORTH (2) • THE GHOSTS OF STONY MANOR (3)
REVIEWS
“THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE by Roberta Hoffer is the debut children’s story by this published author of adult novels, and it is a grand debut indeed. Young Christian Jones Arnook and his mother, Allison, are the only two remaining members of their family, summoned via private jet from their Alaskan home to meet a mysterious Mr. Jones in Indiana. They are surprised to find that Mr. Jones is Allison’s grandfather, and Christian’s great-grandfather, a wealthy man whose very existence was unknown to them. They were further surprised to find that he lived in a grand mansion, with a house full of servants. But the biggest surprise of all was when they discovered the mansion was haunted (and guarded) by the ghost of a Union soldier who just happened to be Christian’s great-great-great-grandfather. The wealthy Mr. Jeremiah Ebenezer Jones was soon to celebrate his 100th birthday, and had spared no expense in locating his only heirs: Allison and Christian. THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE is a story that will enthrall young readers, while treating them to a bit of historically accurate Civil War flavor. Although the story features a ghost, it is not at all scary. Indeed, the ghost is a noble and upstanding character who plays a pivotal role in the tale. The story is very well written, and has earned a coveted stamp of approval from Hoffer’s eleven-year-old grandson. In many respects, the story is reminiscent of a classic fairy tale, with its young hero being treated to a flight in a private jet, discovering a wealthy unknown relative, inheriting a fortune, and getting to meet a real ‘live’ ghost. What preteen wouldn’t love to fantasize about such things? In truth, what adult wouldn’t want to share the fantasy? THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE is a wonderful story all by itself. As the first episode of a series, it is delightful.” ~ reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers’ Favorite [FIVE STARS]
“Ten year old Christian Jones Arnook lives in Alaska with his mother. When a letter arrives asking them to come to Indiana to meet his great-grandfather he can’t help but be excited because up to this point he has never been out of Alaska. When he gets to his great grandfather’s estate the first thing he thinks is that it is spooky, and after he starts to explore he quickly realizes that there is more going on than meets the eye. When he learns of a family secret that reaches back to the Civil War will he be frightened or will he embrace all that his great-grandfather is willing to share with him? One things for certain this trip will certainly change Christian’s life forever! THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE by Roberta Hoffer is an easy to read chapter book that will certainly appeal to younger readers but I must say I was hooked as well. Ms. Hoffer’s storytelling ability has a way of entwining you into the lives of her characters, providing plenty of background information about them as the story unfolds. She allowed me to understand Christian and his mother’s losses without bogging down the story, instead it was in a get to know you style that allowed added depth to the characters! I really enjoyed the family feel of this story, and the easy relationship that Christian has with his mother. Of course young readers are going to want excitement and the author provides plenty! From the gargoyles standing at the entrance to the estate, to the mysterious soldier that only Christian saw in the photo, the author builds up enough suspense to grab the imagination as to what might be going on. I loved the splash of historical detail the author included in the story. A good read that is filled with adventure,mystery, a paranormal element that is a bit spooky without being overly so, and a wholesome family feel that really allowed me to connect with the characters. If you have a reluctant reader in your family this book just might be the spark to ignite them to read! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!” ~ reviewed by Brenda Casto for WV Stitcher [FIVE STARS]
“THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE is an excellent book for preteen ages boys or girls. It focuses on a preteen boy that lives in Alaska with his mother and grandfather and encounters a ghost. I would recommend this book for grade school children. It is extremely well written. I liked it as an adult!!!” ~ reviewed by Amy Reynolds [FIVE STARS]
“THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE is well written and very interesting all the way through. It is about a young boy and his mother who live in Alaska. They receive a letter of invitation from an unknown family member to come to visit. The visit turns out to be an unexpected adventure for the boy who encounters a ghost.” ~ reviewed by Grandma’s Reading Corner [FIVE STARS]
“THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE by Roberta Hoffer is about ten-year old Christian Jones Arnook. Shortly after his mother receives a letter from someone who claims to be her long-lost grandfather, Christian finds himself leaving Alaska for the very first time on a private jet headed for Indiana. Arriving at the airport, he and his mother are ushered into a limousine, and they start to wonder just how rich is this relative? Who was this mysterious man and what did he want from Christian and his mother? When they finally arrived at the grandfather’s home, it was not a house — it was an estate, complete with gargoyles and a butler! The grandfather was very kind and welcoming and had even built a ski run for Christian! But, there was something out of place about the house. The book was the perfect length. In the beginning of the book, the author built up a lot of suspense and intrigue so I didn’t want to stop reading! The author gave the reader detailed images without being too wordy or boring. This book falls into the category of fantasy but, with the important exception of the part about the ghost, it was very believable and I could really relate to the main character. The ghost element wasn’t very creepy, but I liked it. I would recommend THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE by Roberta Hoffer to people who like suspense and intrigue. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.” ~ reviewed by Marten Weldon (age 9) for Reader Views
“THE GHOST OF STONEBRIDGE LANE, a chapter book for children, was fascinating. Young Christian’s view on life is a simple one of a child’s, so the story flowed well. I could feel his fascination and intrigue as a child would experience it. When his curiosity peaked, so did mine. Watching him take in the experience of meeting his wealthy great-grandfather and the paranormal things going on around him was great. Everything was explained at a level that any young reader would understand and not get lost in the story. I too wanted to find out the mystery of the stone bridge. The book was the perfect length to get the story out and a good introduction to The Stonebridge Ghost Tales series.” ~ reviewed by Sara Marion
SALES LINKS
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PAPERBACK [EAN 978-1-936381-76-0 | ISBN 1-936381-76-1] 6×9 library trim (62 pages) illustrated | Average Price: $8.99
HARDBACK [EAN 978-1-936381-75-3 | ISBN 1-936381-75-3] 6×9 library casebound (62 pages) illustrated | Average Price: $17.99
EBOOK [EAN 978-1-936381-77-7 | ISBN 1-936381-77-X] Available in standard EPUB and Kindle MOBI (17,000 words) illustrated | Average Price: $3.99
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