Winter Oranges

Sexton (Lost Along the Way) adds an intriguing paranormal element to this middling contemporary romance. Washed-up child star Jason Walker escapes to Coeur d’Alene, Id., to evade the paparazzi, who track his every move. He finds a snow globe in his garage that turns out to be haunted by Benjamin Ward. Ben, born in 1840, was trapped in the globe by his sister to keep him out of the Civil War, and then the globe was stolen. Despite the enormous difficulties posed by Ben’s undying, entrapped state, Jason and Ben fall for one another quickly. However, the other people in Jason’s life are troubled when they notice him speaking to someone invisible and are understandably worried about the media finding out and thinking he’s lost his mind. Sexton’s writing is strong on characterization and the magic of the snow globe, but unconvincing about either Hollywood or the Civil War. The unevenness is frustrating, though the overall conceit provides some pleasure. (Dec.)