Ashes to Ashes begins with an interesting premise. Callie lost her mother when she was six. Since then, she has had a less than open relationship with her father, but enjoys a loving best friend, Carson, and a boyfriend, Nick, that she is in love with. Her father buys her a new car which she wrecks in an attempt to find a thrill that is missing in her life. In the wreck, she dies and goes to a place called the Prism where the dead go to help their loved ones deal with the death by "haunting" them. Many of the ghosts in the Prism want to use Callie's energy to find a way to take possession of the bodies of the living to come back to life. Thatcher, Callie's spirit guide, tries to protect her from those who would use her for nefarious reasons.
I found this book frustrating. So many topics are raised in this book, but almost none are addressed, even by the end of the book. Apparently there is a sequel, but that isn't clear until the last page of the book, leaving the reader frustrated by the lack of progress the book makes. ( )

This was much better than I thought! The premise seemed kind of tired, but I found myself immersed quickly. It's a story about letting go and finding peace after death, both from the side of the living and from those who have passed on. It's a thoughtful premise, but along with it are some genuinely creepy stakes as poltergeists try to learn how to possess living bodies permanently.

I was also really pleased that there was a good explanation for why Callie was "different" as a ghost- too often in these paranormal books the main character is special or has different powers for no reason, or with a thin explanation tacked on. The mystery behind why Callie's energy is stronger and why she can do certain things that other ghosts can't IS explained, an the ending is a great twist that guarantees a sequel. ( )

I wasn't expecting to enjoy Ashes to Ashes as much as I did, so I am very glad I was sent a review copy. I read some of Melissa's other books, but they seemed so different, and I felt like I was done with ghost stories, but this had a spin that I enjoyed.
I enjoyed Callie, and wanted to know why she was special, having all of the energy, clear memories and emotions when she first crossed into the Prism, and I was curious about the mysterious Thatcher. There is also another group that does not want to move on to Solace, the version of heaven per Thatcher in this book.
The grief and emotions jump off the page, and while it seems it would be a completely down book, there are plenty of lighter moments and even flashbacks to get some romance and bestie time.
What I also appreciate is the message--you don't know if you will have another day, another chance to speak to the people you love, and she was looking back wishing that her and her father would have been closer, and that once we die, there is no way to fix that, so focus on what is important.
One thing that bothered me was some repetition of the rules and facts about Prism where different people says different things about what is okay or not, what you're supposed to do or not. And then there are details that I felt should have been given a tad earlier to avoid said repetition. If we had more info, the why, how, etc then it wouldn't be like, oh here's the rule again, and no reason behind it.
I figured out the twist before I got there as well as a few other details that maybe should have been more mysterious, but it didn't take away my enjoyment, and this is a series that I will continue with. Besides my affirmed suspicions about the end, they did a good job wrapping things up and stopped at a point that definitely made me wonder where exactly the series will go next, and wanting more.

Bottom Line: Good, fast read even if a bit predictable. ( )

Wanting something different, I picked up this book. I adored other books written by this author and wanted to see what this book could offer. Everyone, it was AWESOME!!

Plot: The plot begins with the author giving a good and quick back round on the main character Callie. As the reader, we see how she lives her day to day life and the events that lead up to it ending. I like that even in the first few chapters their are subtle hints of foreshadowing and emotions that I picked up on. And right away, I was hooked. I finish this book late into the evening and wanted more.

Love/Friendship: This is the main heart of the story since it focuses on a love that is cut short. As the reader, we see the great friendship that Callie had with her best friend. Their moments of small talk, advice and things they did together really shows how good their friendship was. On the other hand, the boyfriend is well…don’t want to say too much but I get it.

Ending: Initially, I was going to give this book a 4. Then I read the last chapter. I have not had a good shock in a book that swept the rug out from under me so yes. After my jaw-dropped and my mind reeled, it became a 5. That ending sealed the deal.

Ashes To Ashes combines great elements with an amazing plot, bringing the reader to an epic story. The deeper the reader goes into the story, the more real it becomes. Ashes To Ashes give strength for a sequel, should there be one and I, for one, would love to read it. A huge success that took my by surprise, Ashes To Ashes is an success. ( )