Almost There and Almost Not

By Linda Urban

A girl meets a ghostly ancestor and finds unexpected friendship and belonging.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings

224 pages

$17.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

California Poppy, left with her quirky Great-Aunt Monica, uncovers a ghostly family secret. Tasked with researching her ancestor, she discovers Eleanor, a ghost prone to dramatic dust clouds. As California navigates this spectral chaos, she finds solace in an unexpected pet and heartfelt letters. Just as she begins to feel at home, her world shifts again. Can newfound friendships help her find her place?

From the publisher

From acclaimed author Linda Urban comes the funny, bittersweet story of a girl and her ghosts–and the welcoming home they find where they least expect it. California Poppy has been dropped off, yet again, with an unsuspecting relative. This time it’s her eccentric Great-Aunt Monica, a woman she’s never even met. Aunt Monica has no idea what to do with an eleven-year-old, so she puts California to work researching their ancestor, the once-famous etiquette expert Eleanor Fontaine. California soon discovers that Great-Great-Great Aunt Eleanor is…not exactly alive and well, but a ghost–and a super sensitive one at that. The grand dame bursts into clouds of dust whenever she loses her composure, which happens quite often. Still, an unexpected four-legged friend and some old-fashioned letter writing make this decidedly strange situation one that California can handle. Just as California’s starting to feel like she’s found a place for herself, life turns upside-down yet again. Thankfully, this time she has some friends almost by her side…

At a glance