I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A successful software engineer takes a leave of absence from his company to return a sword stolen from a Japanese captain by his grandfather during WWII, and in the process cure the unhappiness in his own life in author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
The Synopsis

Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades – and how unhappy he is. He doesn’t make friends easily, dislikes social media, and was bloodied in a divorce. He finds no common purpose in a country defined by political vitriol, distrust, and inequality. Taking a leave of absence from his company, he travels to Japan with a samurai sword that his grandfather stole from a Japanese captain in World War Two. Adrian is determined to find its rightful heir. Doing the morally correct thing, he hopes, will make him feel better about his life.
The Review
This was such a moving and captivating blend of Japanese culture meeting folklore and supernatural romance storytelling. The dynamics of the mythos of Japanese culture elevated both the setting and character development tremendously, allowing the reader to feel transported to the country and walk through life with the protagonist hand in hand. The complexities of the human condition found solid ground in this otherwise mythical and spiritual story, delving into Japanese mythology and belief systems greatly to tackle themes of life, death, the beauty in recognizing the lack of perfection while still pursuing it, and the nature of selflessness.
This profound message and tone the author struck up with the character development that drove this story forward were equally balanced with the supernatural elements of the story, showcasing the physical and mental toll that the protagonist endures as he faces the wrath of a vengeful spirit while also bonding emotionally with another spirit or kami in Japanese culture. The engaging nature of the mythos is perfectly underscored by the complex relationships the protagonist deals with in his life, from his boss hanging his job over his head to his father and the complex ties to his grandfather’s legacy, and the shared bond he forms with the spirit he encounters.
The Verdict
Breathtaking, emotionally-driven, and thought-provoking, author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts” is a must-read folklore and supernatural romance novel. The passion and heart for which the author wrote this story shine through every page and the way the book’s narrative causes the reader to enter a moment of self-reflection highlights the beauty and complexity of the Japanese culture, making this a must-read novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author

Michael R. French graduated from Stanford University where he was an English major, focusing on creative writing, and studied under Wallace Stegner. He received a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He later served in the United States Army before marrying Patricia Goodkind, an educator and entrepreneur, and starting a family.
In addition to publishing over twenty titles, including award-winning young adult fiction, adult fiction, biographies and self-help books, he has written or co-written a half-dozen screenplays, including Intersection, which has won awards in over twenty film festivals. He has also had a long business career in real estate, living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His passions include travel, collecting rare books, and hanging with friends and family. He describes his worst traits as impatience and saying “no” too quickly; his best are curiosity, taking risks, and learning from failure.
French’s work, which includes several best-sellers, has been warmly reviewed in the New York Times and been honored with a number of literary prizes.
Find Michael online at:
Author website: http://www.michaelrfrench.com/
Blog site: http://www.michaelrfrench.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFrenchAuthor/?fref=nf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrfrenchbooks/
Ghost with Two Hearts is now available to purchase in print and as an e-book at Amazon.com. Add it to your GoodReads reading listing as well.
Blog Tour Dates
March 13th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts”. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
March 14th @ A Storybook World
Hear from Michael R. French about “What Drives an Author” as he delights readers at A Storybook World. Find out more about his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” and learn more about this talented author!
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
March 15th @ Madeline Sharples
“Helping or Hurting” is today’s essay title at Madeline’s blog as readers of Choices hear from Michael R. French about his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
March 17th @ Author Anthony Avina
Author Anthony Avina reviews fellow author Michael R. French’s latest work “Ghost with Two Hearts”. Find out how this novel measures up today!
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
March 18th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto
Crystal Otto reviews “Ghost with Two Hearts” by Michael R, French. Crystal has read many of French’s books – find out how his latest novel measures up!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
March 19th @ Fiona Ingram
Is there a “Place for Older Authors” ? Find out by stopping at Fiona Ingram’s blog and reading the essay by Michael R. French today! This is a great chance to learn more about this successful author and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” !
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com
March 23rd @ Book Santa Fe with Carmen Otto
Hear from a teenager as she reviews “Ghost with Two Hearts” by Michael R. French. How many stars will she give? Will this be the novel she refers to her friends? Find out today!
http://www.booksantafe.info/booksantafeblog
March 30th @ The Mommies Reviews
Texas girl, Glenda offers her review of Michael R. French’s latest novel, “Ghost with Two Hearts”! Stop by Glenda’s blog to learn more today!
https://www.themommiesreviews.com
April 14th @ Pages and Paws
Michael R. French shares his essay “The Tail or the Dog” for readers at Pages and Paws. Stop by to find out more about Michael and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
April 20th @ Knotty Needle Creative
Judy from the Knotty Needle offers her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michael R. French. Find out what Judy has to say about “Ghost with Two Hearts” today!
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
April 21st @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews “Ghost with Two Hearts” by Michael R. French. Read what she shares with readers at her World of My Imagination blog.
https://worldofmyimagination.com
April 28th @ Wildwood Reads
Megan offers her review of Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts” for readers at Wild Wood Reads; don’t miss her valuable insight of Michael’s latest novel!
May 2nd @ Jill Sheets
Jill sheets interviews Michael R. French. Find out more about this talented author and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” by stopping by Jill’s blog today!