When a book alternates between the past and the present, I usually like the story taking place in the past better. That's no different for this book. I really liked the story taking place in the past and how the women's paths met, but I really disliked the story in the present. That dislike turned to disgust the more I read until the reveal of the spirit's identity when I just completely lost interest in the book. A two star rating is generous because I liked the story set in the past so much, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.