Who doesn’t enjoy a rom com mixed with a touch of magic?

I thought this was a fun and quick read with a dash of ghosts that had me chuckling throughout. Not only that, but the book does a good job tackling anxiety and therapy in a great way.

Let’s talk about the MC for a second! Sabrina struggles with anxiety and is most definitely an introvert, yet all she really wants is to make people happy with her random acts of kindness and plan/organize all the things. Taking into consideration that she has to deal with seeing ghosts that other people can’t see on a daily basis and a mean girl boss, she is definitely an endearing character.

Don't get me started on Ray and how much I loved his character! I couldn’t love Sabrina and Ray’s dynamic more if I tried. Ray was always attentive to Sabrina’s needs and truly accepted her as she was. This is a couple I was rooting for and a relationship that just felt authentic in its progression.

I definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys romance with a pinch of magic and some cheesy puns.

3.5 stars.

Sabrina has returned home to the Wisconsin Dells out of sheer necessity, and she’s desperate to get a new job and move out of town - not just because of all the bad memories she has, but because her family curse only affects her when she’s there. The curse? Seeing spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. However, Sabrina wasn’t counting on Ray, the Dells’ newest super club owner, tempting her to stay in town and face who she was meant to be.

One of the best things about this book is how it’s an ode to all things Wisconsin - Supper clubs! Cheese curds! Spotted Cow! Brandy old-fashioneds! (Which admittedly I’d never had but I obviously had to make one after reading, especially since there’s a recipe at the end of the book). It even includes a meet-cute at one of the Dells’ famous water parks. While I loved all this, I admit it took me a bit to feel a connection to the characters. In particular, I didn’t feel a spark between Ray and Sabrina to start, but at some point the tide turned for me and I was all in on them. Similarly, I struggled with Molly, Sabrina’s ghost friend, who is clearly from another time and uses old-fashioned vernacular in every sentence, which I found grating at first. Eventually, she won me over too, as did the mystery surrounding her inability to resolve her unfinished business and move on. For those expecting a romance, I’d say this felt more like women’s lit featuring a romance, which is great! Just adjust your expectations accordingly. All in all, this was a sweet book, just like the Wisconsin Brandy Old-Fashioned, and could be your perfect summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was first drawn to Amy E. Reichert’s new novel, The Kindred Spirits Supper Club because the cover is so sweet, but let me tell you, the story inside is even sweeter and sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

Sabrina Monroe is a journalist. She loves to write and thought this would be the perfect job for her. There’s just one problem; Sabrina is an introvert and has anxiety, which makes it nearly impossible for her to call and interview people so she can actually get the information she needs to write her articles. Her anxiety has cost her more than one job over the years and when we first meet Sabrina, she is jobless and living at her parent’s house in a small town in Wisconsin, trying to regroup.

Sabrina is, by far, one of the sweetest, most lovable main characters I think I’ve ever come across. I can’t even express how much I both adored Sabrina and related wholeheartedly to her introverted personality and her anxiety. Even though she has lost her job and is stuck working as a duck tour guide driving amphibious vehicles all day and working for someone who actually used to bully Sabrina when they were in school together, Sabrina is still a walking ray of sunshine. She spreads kindness wherever she goes, whether it’s to the library where she leaves $5 bills inside of her favorite books for other readers to find and treat themselves or to the laundromat where she’ll leave stacks of quarters on machines so some lucky person can do a load of laundry on her. I was invested in her happiness within a few pages of watching her in action. I mean, seriously, how can you not root for someone who is so utterly kind?

I also very much liked Ray Jasper, a new local restaurant owner, who becomes instantly smitten with Sabrina as soon as he sees her in action at the local waterpark, picking up strangers’ dropped towels and rehanging them so they’ll be nice and dry when they return for them. Like me, Ray is immediately struck by Sabrina’s kindness and he is determined to get to know her better. What’s great about Ray is that he not only appreciates how kind Sabrina is, but he could actually give her a run for her money in the kindness department because he’s also a sweetheart. I immediately wanted them to get together because they each deserved someone as sweet as they were, so they were a perfect match.

In addition to cheering on this adorable two-some, I also loved that this story has an element of magical realism in it. The women in Sabrina’s family have a rare gift – they are able to see local spirits who passed away, leaving behind unfinished business. Whether it’s to let a cheating spouse know they didn’t get away with the cheating or to help dispose of some adult toys the deceased doesn’t want their family to discover, Sabrina and her mom help these spirits to wrap up their unfinished business so that they can move on and rest in peace. There’s one spirit they haven’t been able to help though, a young woman named Molly. Molly died long ago as did the person she has unfinished business with, so she is stuck in a kind of limbo and hangs out with Sabrina. The two of them have become practically like sisters over the years and Molly is as delightfully upbeat and kind as Sabrina is. Even though she can’t move on, Molly does everything she can to help other spirits move on and she’s also determined to play matchmaker for Sabrina and Ray, which leads to some funny moments. Sometimes magical realism doesn’t work for me, but it’s honestly just perfect for this story since the story itself is pretty magical.

If you’re into charming small town romances with absolutely adorable characters, you’re going to want to check out The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

I wasn’t too sure when I started this book...a rom com with a supernatural twist. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. It took me a few chapters to get used to the ghost element and when I did I realized this was a well written story about two people who fit together, found each other, and fell in love

Besides the romance between Sabrina and Ray, the book had an interesting plot line involving one of the ghosts. This ghost, Molly, had unfinished business but it was a mystery trying to figure out what her unfinished business was. I really enjoyed unraveling Molly's mystery.

An added bonus was the tidbits of Wisconsin history and delicious food. There were many recipes I wish I could try myself!

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading romantic comedies.

Such a wonderful inspiring story with unique characters. Spirits (of both kinds!), humor, dealing with bullies, and living with anxiety - seems like it wouldn't work, but it does, and amazingly so!

Plus: I read this charming wish-fulfillment romance plus ghosts when recovering from being hit by the White Truck of Doom (i.e. the second shot), and it was everything I wanted and needed,

Minus: I read it while recovering from the White Truck of Doom (i.e. the second shot), which meant I wasn’t up to a coherent review. Between that time and this a lot of books piled up, most of which won’t get reviews.

But I do try to get to the NetGalley reads, so here goes an attempt at catching up. We have our heroine, Sabrina, who recently moved back to Wisconsin from Washington DC after getting booted from her previous job. She's trying to figure out her life, her anxiety attacks, and her future when she Ray Jasper, a New Yorker transplanted in town to take over his great-uncle's supper club.

Oh yeah, and Sabrina sees ghosts. As do the women in her family.

What ensues is a lively plot, with villains ridiculous enough not to create too heavy a load of tension, quirky characters (both living and dead), delicious food, and a mystery to be solved. The heroine is my favorite type—supportive and awesome to be around, Sabrina has real issues but is determined to work on herself, and she’s surrounded by a family fun to read about. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to more from this author, especially with ghosts!

Adorable. I am not an avid romance reader, but the lure of the Wisconsin setting, complete with supper clubs, appealed to my Midwestern heart. I also liked the novel premise, with ghosts and regular mortals communing with them, taking a central role. The book will not disappoint fans of the "romantic comedy" genre. A sweet love story fills its pages; albeit it is fairly simple -- without being too saccharine. The book's strongest quality to me, was the way it portrayed the lure of returning home to where you belong.

I did find the characters a bit black-and-white. The Erika character was so just plain awful that it was kind of silly. And the way that the main character seemed to be reduced to tears and running away from her burgeoning love story so easily, seemed much more in line with a story for YA than an adult love story. The male lead was kinda unrealistically patient, understanding, and romantic. But again I think this is just me not being super into this genre, which is pretty hot right now. This could even add to the appeal for young adults!

The ghosts were cute and added some emotional heft to the story, without of course being too heavy. The ghost matchmaking / mystery solved at the end was simply darling. This was a fun, light read with local interest and an experimental story line -- I will recommend it to my patrons who are heading to the beach and just want something light and sweet. Thank you!

⭐⭐⭐💫

Full review on our blog (www.acourtofbooksandbrews.com).

With the exception with the pacing in the first quarter percent of the book, it is a tender, sweet, and fun story. You get some paranormal twists, cheesy puns, romance, and food.

With the exception of a certain mean girl, the characters are lovable (breathers and spirits) and the way anxiety and therapy was handled was wonderful.

This book hits shelf on Tuesday, April 20, so definitely grab a copy if you are looking for an endearing and whimsical read.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A quirky, and fun ghostly rom-com! Ghosts + romance - 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵?⁣
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I’m a huge fan of ghost stories. I loved the show 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳 so when I read the synopsis for this book and saw it was about a woman who could see spirits that came to her for help with unfinished business, I knew I had to read it. ⁣
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This was such a fun read! It made me smile and left me with a happy heart. The characters were delightful and the added magical realism element with the ghosts was perfection! I adored Molly the ghost, and her story stole my heart. ⁣
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Sabrina and Ray’s relationship was so sweet. I truly enjoyed watching them get to know each other and fall in love. Ray was book boyfriend goals - I mean he used post-its to woo her (𝘐𝘠𝘒𝘠𝘒!)⁣
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Honestly, if you’re looking for a humorous, heartfelt and eccentric love story - this is it! I’m looking forward to reading more by author Amy E. Reichert in the future.

Sabrina's had to move back home to the Dells, where she and her mother can see ghosts and have to help them complete their unfinished business and move-on into the afterlife. Sabrina does not want this responsibility, and is only home to make enough money to move back to DC for another journalism job. Ray is in the Dells to escape his family's real-estate business in New York, and also continue his family's legacy of business in the town. He's also trying to solve the mystery of who his great-grandpa's great love was. The two have an instant connection, but with Ray wanting to put down roots and Sabrina only passing through, what will happen to these feelings they can't deny.

I love so much that this book has such an usual premise. Sabrina's best friend? A 100+ year old ghost. I loved that the Monroe's ghost business really paralleled with the journey of the main "Breathers"- Sabrina and Ray, who are really just looking for happiness and peace for their souls. Ray feels like he could find that in the Dells, and Sabrina feels like happiness would exist for her anywhere BUT the Dells. You may wonder how that could ever possibly work out into a HEA? You'll just have to read and find out.

I also really resonated with the anxiety representation in this book- of course anxiety isn't going to look the same for everyone, but I could definitely see parts of my experience with anxiety in Sabrina's journey. And Ray's handling of Sabrina's anxiety? Well, it's swoon-worthy.

And finally, I loved the way Wisconsin culture is just weaved into this story. Ray's tinkering with the local food, the waterparks, Wizard Quest. I've never been to Wisconsin, so I can't say personally that it's accurate, but it resonated with my midwestern-born pal , so I'm going to lift it up as a win.

This book is just adorable and a fun, quick read. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 and a very mild steam rating.

Life in the Dells wasn't easy for Sabrina. She couldn't wait to escape her hometown and all the lingering spirits looking to her for assistance. Outside of her town, she was free, but after losing yet another job, she was forced to return home, and she was dreading it. Back to the Dells, the spirits, and her childhood nemesis. When Sabrina connected with recent transplant Ray, she began to think that maybe there was a future for her here.

This book was adorable, charming, and smile inducing. Seriously, my face hurt when I was finished reading it, because I just could not get rid of my ear-to-ear grin. The characters, the story, the romance - it added up to something really special for me.

A HEROINE YOU WILL ROOT FOR

The star of this book was Sabrina. She was none too happy about returning home and was biding her time until she could leave again. Though she loved her family to death, her hometown reminded her of the isolation and loneliness she experienced growing up. Some of that she could attribute to her shyness and anxiety, but some of it was due to her "gift". The women in her family were cursed to be beacons for spirits. For generations, her family assisted the dearly departed with their unfinished business. But her refusal to embrace this responsibility had nothing to due with her heart. On the contrary, Sabrina frequently committed random acts of kindness throughout the book. Those moments endeared her to me, and I just basked in the warm fuzzies they produced. Sabrina was also lots of fun and quirky, and I wanted the whole kit and caboodle for her.

A SWEET ROMANCE

Ray and Sabrina were an amazing duo. I loved their chemistry and banter, and oh! I was a goner when they talked nerdy to each other. From their super awkward meet-cute to them finally going all in, I loved these two. Ray was so gentle with Sabrina, and his little gestures were actually really big ones in disguise. Sabrina complemented and supported Ray too. I believed so much in this pair, that I was renting the hall and mailing the invitations - this couple was totally happening for me.

A FRIENDLY GHOST

There was one spirit who Sabrina had known her whole life, Molly. They were never able to help Molly with her unfinished business, and therefore, she still roamed the Dells. She was a sweet and sassy soul, who was also one of Sabrina's closest friends and confidants. I immediately loved her and adored getting to know her.

A MYSTERY

As if I wasn't already having enough fun, Reichert wove a little family mystery into this tale. Pieces were slowly revealed, but I won't say I didn't see it coming. You know what, I DIDN'T CARE! I delighted in this part of the story, and it might have even moved me to happy-tears.

Overall, this romance touching on mental health wrapped in a family mystery with a paranormal touch was a winning combination for me. It was heartwarming, fun, and enchanting. It made me laugh out loud, while lifting my spirits and filling my heart with joy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy of this one.

I was intrigued with the setting of this book- the Wisconsin Dells. I’ve been in the area a few times so it was nice to have that picture in my mind. ⁣
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Sabrina Monroe is a young woman who has returned to her hometown, Wisconsin Dells, to live with her parents after having a hard time finding a career in her field of study. She works for a duck boat tour and isn’t loving it. ⁣
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She meets restauranteur Ray, who is struggling taking over his family’s supper club. Through some odd situations they become sort of friends. ⁣
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A very interesting subplot to this book is that the Monroe family women can see ghosts and help the ghosts fulfill things that were left over so they can be at peace in the afterlife. That wasn’t something I was expecting and just added some quirkiness to the story. ⁣
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Overall this was a cute and fun story. Don’t think about it too hard and just enjoy it!

Thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted copy.

Oh my gosh, I absolutely ADORED this book. I wasn't sure at first, but the more I read, the more I got sucked in to the story. I loved the characters, especially Molly - and I loved the mystery surrounding why she hadn't crossed over, who was her love, what happened to him, etc. Sabrina and Ray were so cute, and I enjoyed watching their friendship and relationship grow. Erika was the perfectly written mean girl - I HATED HER and wanted to throat punch her for being so awful to Sabrina.

The author tied everything together so nicely and with the perfect ending. Ugh - this book was like a big hug that I didn't know I needed. I smile every time I think about it - and I also need to find where I can get some cheese curds because they sound amazing.

This is such a fun and quirky book. I wasn't sure I would love because it started a little slow but I ended up loving it. This is my second book with a paranormal element so I can say I am firmly out of my comfort zone and loving it.

Kindred Spirit Supper Club follows Sabrina, a jobless journalist who is forced to return to her hometown, a hometown she dreads because of the negativity she experienced growing up there. When Sabrina meets new restaurateur Ray, things start looking up.

The paranormal element is that Sabrina and her mom has a "gift" and the books heavily features Molly, a ghost with unfinished business that is preventing her from transitioning.

This book transported me to the Dells in Wisconsin and now I actually want to visit...so thats a success in my book.

Ray has officially earned book boyfriend status - such a gentleman and just the best guy! I found Sabrina's issues to be relatable. There were a couple characters that I disliked throughout the book. They were not redeemed in the end, which I am not mad at since redemption doesn't always happen realistically. Some people are just horrible people.

Molly's story drew me in and I felt all the emotions!

If you are looking for a story that is eccentric and whimsical then you will love this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC.

I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley to review.
All of Amy Reichert's books should come with a warning: Reading this book will be hungry. Food always plays a part in her stories, and is always deliciously described! But you should also know that her books will make you laugh, tear-up in places, and just go "aaaww!" <i>The Kindred Spirits Supper Club</i> is no exception.
Sabrina Monroe is home in the Wisconsin Dells after losing her job in Washington, DC. Her plan is to work hard (for the Ducky tours of the river) and save up enough money to pay off most of her debts, make a good dent in her student loan, and be able to move away again once she finds a new job - as quickly as possible. Sabrina, like all the women in her family, can see ghosts. Spirits come to her so she can help them with whatever unfinished business that's keeping them from moving on. Seeing spirits when no one else can is distracting, to say the least. The appearance of a spirit while Sabrina was in the midst of giving a book report in middle school led to her being labeled as Psycho by school bullies. Now as an adult, she battles sometimes crippling anxiety. She wants to get out of Wisconsin as soon as possible so she can leave her painful memories and the spirits (she only sees them when she's in her home state; other families are tasked with helping spirits in other states). She is NOT looking for romance.
Ray Jasper is happy to be back in the Wisconsin Dells. He left his family of real estate tycoons in New York to stay with his great-uncle Harry and help him with the supper club he runs. Harry has died, leaving his property divided between Ray and Ray's parents. Ray is determined to show them that he can make the supper club a success and that staying in the Dells is the right thing for him. A big part of the club's success will be tied to the annual Goodbye Gala, held at the end of the summer season. He isn't looking for romance, but when he meets Sabrina, he's drawn to her.
What follows is an often humorous, sometimes poignant, romance as Ray tries his best to show Sabrina she is loved, and a few ghosts work not only to further their romance but to help reunite two spirits kept apart for decades. It is everything you could want in a summer romance and a wonderful escape.

This is the first book by Amy E. Reichert that I read and I’ve got to say I regret not having read any of her other books. This is a very peculiar story, which combines perfectly an extraordinary side with romance and fun.
I loved the characters. I could really relate to Sabrina, for many different reasons and I hated everything she was going through. However, I liked the way the character developed. Ray, on the other hand, was lovely, awesome and perfect. I need a Ray in my life! I really liked Molly too!
The romance part was the perfect amount of sweet and the ending was just perfect. I liked learning about Wisconsin and how Ray liked to cook, that definitely added something special to the story. Overall, the story was heartwarming, captivating and charming. It is just what I needed!

This book has a slow beginning but I’m glad I kept reading it. It’s a wonderful story or a woman accepting herself and finding a relationship that accepted her as she is. I loved the spirits in the book. I think helping spirits would be wonderful trait to have.

I had read a few of the authors previous books and really enjoyed them, so I was intrigued to get to this one.

I really liked Sabrina and Ray. They’re both good, loyal people and I enjoyed how their friendship organically progressed. Sabrina’s family was delightful and I especially loved Molly. Extra bonus points for the family connections.

Plot wise, it was a bit of a struggle for me. There are a lot of moving pieces and not all of them felt needed. My main problem is that I had no idea of the time frame. There were vague references of events, but there were a couple of times when it felt like a couple days or a week and it had been months.

Overall, it was a fun and quick read with characters who were easy to root for.

**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**

3.5 stars

A ROM-COM with a paranormal twist!

This one had a little bit of everything. A Meet-cute, ghosts, food, a high school bully, sticky notes, a romance, and some Wisconsin facts.

Sabrina Monroe has moved back to the Wisconsin Dells - waterpark capitol of the world. Like the other women in her family, ghosts come to her needing help with unfinished business. She refers them to her mother, but Molly has been with her since childhood.

When Sabrina meets, Ray, the local restaurateur, he flirts as the leading man often does, she tries to resist, she needs to find a job, but well, this is a Rom-Com, so you know stuff is going to happen!

This is a cute light book! Sabrina has anxiety and many will relate to her and how it affects her life. She has panic attacks and is also called freak behind her back. She is a kind woman who deserves happiness. Ray is a great guy who deserves happiness and there are some ghosts who try to give advice while bickering if it is cliché that a ghost write on a mirror... "Write on the mirror when he's showering. Something like 'Do Something Romantic, stupid."
Cute, fun, and ghostly!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC—all opinions are my own.

This story brought a touch of magical realism to a romantic story that had a positive Midwestern representation and a cute, endearing love story. This mostly closed door romance features Sabrina who’s in between a lot—wondering whether to stay and build a life or to escape and outrun her past.

I found this to be a readable, well-written, and sweet friend romance!