I backed up a step. “Stop right there. I am not buying into this.”
“Buying into what?”
“You, the t-shirt, this whole thing. You’re obviously an illusion.”
“You think you’re imagining me?”
“Yes, although I can’t for the life of me come up with a single reason why.”
Rosie propped her butt on the railing and smiled. “Good old, Sammy. Still as thick as a plank. It’s nice to know some things don’t change.”
I gave my head a shake, even laughed a little. “Enough is enough,” I said, and closed my eyes, honestly expecting her to be gone when I opened them again, forced back into thin air by my refusal to believe.  But there she was, sitting on the railing, swinging those damn shoes back and forth, back and forth. 
“I don’t believe in you,” I said. “I don’t believe you’re here.”
“I don’t believe you’re here either, but that doesn’t change a thing, does it.” She slid off the railing, sank into a Muskoka chair and took a sip of my iced tea. “To be honest, I was surprised when I first realized you could see me. You hear about that kind of thing now and then, but I never took it seriously. Then all of a sudden, there you were, mouth open, staring at me like you’d seen a ghost. It’s kind of fun, don’t you think?”

Read more in pdf format.

Listen to an audio excerpt

"Lynda Simmons' writing is fresh, her settings vivid, her characterizations full of life, complexity and even a little contradiction. . . the plot could have been predictable but  Simmons treats us to twists and turns, changes of heart and conflicting emotions. Great read for a long weekend in Muskoka." Sherry Isaac, quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Reviews

5 Stars from TRS!  "Lynda Simmons pens a novel that is full of angst, laughter and love. . .excellent dialogue and character studies that show how relationships can be built or destroyed ...a believable and memorable tale of friendship and love. . . sure to keep anyone's attention from first page to last!'  Dee Dailey www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/gettingridsimmons.htm

"Hold onto your socks because this book won't let you put it down until the very last page. Every single character is perfect in their own way, each detail painting a picture that you can almost see and hear. GETTING RID OF ROSIE is so good you'll want to read it over and over." Novel Talk, LaNea Hartless noveltalk.com/reviewpage.asp

"Getting Rid of Rosie is a funny yet witty, quirky yet romantic, and heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of love and friendship, and the extremes that people will go to maintain each. Add to this a pub full of well-developed characters, and a truly unique novel is born.
As a book club pick, the story has great room for debate. The question of whether or not each group member even believes in the supernatural will be the perfect way to get the ball rolling. From there, watch the discussion go wild. I recommend this book highly for book clubs." Queenie D, Book Club Queen www.book-club-queen.com/rid-of-rosie.html 

". . .a funny, hysterical yet heartwarming novel. . . the author brilliantly adds her own special twist to the ending. I would definitely recommend Getting Rid of Rosie to a friend." manicreaders.com/index.cfm

"What a great summertime read!"
www.girlawhirl.com/culture/getting-rid-of-rosie-by-lynda-simmons/

"A bright, crisp, funny tale. . . she has a delicious way with dialogue."
Rebecca Wigod, Vancouver Sun.
 

Four Stars. "A light-hearted paranormal that brings to life Toronto from a living and dead perspective. .. the eccentric cast adds to the zany comedy . . .delightful, refreshing twists make for a fun read."
Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round

"One of the funniest books I've read in years."
Sharon Galligar Chance. Times Record News

A  sampling of e-mail messages sent by readers:

"...It is the first book of yours I have read and I can honestly say you have quickly skyrocketed to the top of my "Absolute Favorite, Must Keep on Top of Everything this Author Writes" list. Truly - Wow. " Corey, Ontario

"...I'm a book lover and I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy reading it. I didn't expect the end....  Sorry for my English, ;) (I'm francophone) I'll be looking for the next one...." Dominique, Quebec

"...I absolutely loved this book. It was one that I picked up to read on a Friday afternoon & didn't go to bed until it was done...." Kathy, Illinois

"...I can't remember when I've enjoyed a book as much. . ." Rochelle, Virginia

". . .an enchanting story of a most unusual nature...with her unique gift for storytelling and just the right touch of whimsy, Lynda Simmons grants a wish for a tale of enduring love and dreams that do come true."
- Sharon Galligar Chance, Wichita Falls Times Record News and Bookbrowser

"...a fast-paced read filled with an assortment of beguiling characters...laugh out loud humor, a trademark of this author who combines passion and drama into a spellbinding story. The touches of paranormal elements and the hint of a spin-off make this one a sure-fire delight."
- Darlene KendallRomance Communications

"Lynda Simmons has the talent to write stories that make readers sit up and take notice! In fact, this one will keep readers sitting up well past bed time to see what happens next! I enjoyed every second I spent in this strange and wonderful town of Schomberg. Therefore, I can highly recommend this book to romance readers everywhere!"
- Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews 

"... a delightfully spirited romance with great twists and turns. She has a way with words and word pictures while her characters have an enjoyable realism as they work through the road blocks of romantic fiction... a fun read, a sexy read. One of those reads that warm the heart and pleasure the soul. A teapot that sings 'Ave Maria!'"
- Nelle Romero, Romance Communications

"Beautifully written! A keeper! Here is one I highly recommend for a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I will definitely be looking for more of Lynda Simmons's books. Pre-order if you are able. This is not one to miss."
- Huntress Book Reviews