Book Review: The Passenger by Joie Lesin

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

A tantalizing slow-burn paranormal romance

It’s not all fun and games when you’re able to see ghosts. For Elizabeth Reilly, it becomes a call to action. When Paolo’s spirit seeks her help, she must embark on a cross-country journey from New England to California to reunite him with his estranged son, Gio. 

But Gio is still angry at his father for abandoning him as a child. Elizabeth disrupts his life in the vineyard in so many unexpected ways, not the least of which being their attraction to and growing love of each other.

The Passenger explores the theme of accepting one’s burdens—for Elizabeth, her empathic gift. Initially, she resists her role as a ghost whisperer. It makes her a social outcast. However, her journey with Gio and Paolo forces her to embrace her abilities, recognizing them as a part of who she is. Elizabeth must also overcome her fear of love after losing her last husband to WWII. With Gio in the picture, it gives Elizabeth a chance to start anew and be fearless while opening her heart again.

Meanwhile, Gio must battle his ever-lasting anger toward Paolo. His journey is about healing wounds, and it couldn’t be achieved without this romance. Paolo plays a great role, also, not only driving the plot forward but acting as a pedestal for Gio’s and Elizabeth’s character growth. His unresolved guilt and his desire to make things right before he moves on allows the two main characters to face their own internal conflicts.

Lesin’s writing style balances a romantic tone with the curiously paranormal. Some chapters are filled with sweet romantic moments while others come with some genuine frights. Like I need from my romances, the dialogue is sharp between Elizabeth and Gio and builds great tension. Their dialogue serves as a tool in revealing their inner struggles and misunderstandings, and this only deepens their connection. It’s refreshing to venture through the story and witness this blossoming relationship.

The all-important elements of the supernatural are enjoyable in The Passenger. World War II left a trail of grief and loss in its wake, as countless families were torn apart by the devastation. Many desperate people longed for some kind of connection with their loved ones who had perished, even if it meant reaching out to the spirit world. Lesin weaves the supernatural into this history in a deeply moving way. By adding spiritual connections in a time marked by death, Lesin gives the story an emotional depth that will resonate with those yearning for closure after loss.

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. Be prepared to read this book with a tissue box. You might need it.

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