✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​“Sometimes we seek such things knowing how it will end, what we will become, and yet we seek it all the same.​”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I loved the opening scene. One life-altering Samhain night of intrigue and chills that very much set the tone for a truly morbid Gothic vibe that carried itself even as the writing transported its readers to present day where the aftermath of that morbid night continues to permeate every passage of Thorne Hall.​ A really enchanting, if not bewitching and lyrical read that from the opening scene envelops you in this hushed and foreboding feeling that summons you closer to get this cryptic chill to its premises. One that is both haunting and heartbreaking when the story truly claws its way into your heart and proves that despite its slow pacing, it still had surprises in store for you.

​“Time donned many guises. It passed both slowly and in haste, flew when one was having fun, waited for no man, and healed all things.

And it could just as easily destroy as it could any of the rest of it.​”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I'm glad I decided to read it till the end. Despite the rather languid pace in which the pacing was set as it slowly divulged details into the fourteen spirits that haunted the manor, something compelled me to continue. I had to know what and who exactly came out from under and what sort of mischief The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall had in store for twenty-five-year-old Elegy Thorne, as she is set to take over as caretaker of their well-being after her father's ailing health falters at an alarming rate.

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But for a young woman who is literally forced to remain frozen in time - cut off from society and relationships - living in hand-me downs without the comforts of modern clothing or technological advances - it is the desperation to escape the trapped confinement of both her​ eccentric family legacy and that of the haunted and tormented spirits that take deep pleasure in tormenting her that pushes her to finally fight back. Of course, it does not have anything to do with the obvious attraction she feels for the handsome thirty-two-year-old inspiring engineer to assist his father with the maintenance and restoration of the manor.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​She becomes a character you not only root for, but one who shows steady growth into becoming a person who can and will break free of the control of her father's imposing limitations on her life. One that will lead her to defy her duties and follow her own path to freedom - rightfully and justly so. Living such a sheltered life has prevented her from truly living; hiding in fear not only for her responsibility being uncovered, but the fear of the very spirits she's been entrusted to take over. It is a difficult and challenging task, despite her hopefulness, one that eventually makes her realize that she does not have to be beholden to it anymore.

​“And in that moment the peace of certainty settled heavy upon her shoulders, a welcome weight for she knew at last what she must do, and that what she stood to gain was worth the price should she fail.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It is not only so much about living up to family principles and traditions, but having the courage to face the truth for what it was. The author very purposefully but skillfully guided her willful determination to follow her heart and ​make it believable. Her attraction towards Atticus, though rather instant, was very sincere and gentle. In a home that never felt like her own, spending time at his place was the perfect comfort of peace and relief that she so desperately longed for and what pushed her to finally have the courage to fight​ for the fleeting chance to let go of 'the past be that she might dwell amongst the living.​'

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And with a cast of both the living and the dead, it would be difficult to develop each character, but I never felt lost with any of them. Their interactions had depth and history, which made it possible for you to care for them, too. They were not. While I did feel that Atticus lacked certain gusto, as in he was pretty much just the outsider romantic catalyst who urged Elegy to finally stand up for herself, I was very much intrigued by the spirits​ - 'the first one was collected in​ 1902, and the rest over the decade that followed, bound to our name and​ bloodline.​' They each had subtle nuances - both grotesque and welcoming - that made them a compelling collection that had twists of their own, that truly paid off. In style! Twice! That oh moment really worked wonders in making it a more commendable and worthwhile read for me.​ 💮​

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Je n'ai pas teussi à me mettre dans l'histoire malgré de nombreuses tentative. J'aurai aimé vraiment vraiment aimé.

The best thing about this book is the creepy, spooky atmosphere the author manages to create. Suits the text very good. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall was an absolute joy to read. Elegy Thorne’s journey is haunting and strange as she navigates life in a mansion filled with restless spirits, each one unique and compelling. The atmosphere is pure Gothic magic—dark, romantic, and full of secrets. You can practically smell the aged wood and hear the creaks in the floorboards as you read.

Elegy is a protagonist who absolutely steals your heart. Her struggle to balance duty with desire is so raw and beautifully written. The spirits at Thorne Hall are incredibly unique--in fact the whole idea of a "collection" of ghosts is beyond original. And the romance with Atticus was a perfect slow burn, igniting just enough to keep you on edge without overpowering the story.

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves ghost stories with heart and a touch of mystery.

This book was such a great read! I loved the atmosphere and the collection of ghosts. I loved seeing the growth of our MC as the story progressed. Was such a treat to read during the spooky season.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this book to be a real treat this spooky season! The story follows Elegy Thorne, a young woman living in a house bound with a number of spirits who she must eventually take ownership of, as their current master, her father, is dying. The spirits were bound to her family long ago, and to appease her family legacy, the house must remain stuck in the past with them, in all ways.

The contrast between how Elegy thinks, speaks, dresses, and interacts with those outside the house from modern times is really striking and brought a lot of intrigue to the story. The plot progresses when Elegy meets the handsome son of a contractor employed by her father, and the two are instantly caught up in each other. Elegy, previously resigned to her lonesome fate as master of the spirits and house, starts to want a life outside of the old traditions and dangerous job set to be passed on to her.

I really loved the concept of the story and felt it was unique and new, and I have read many paranormal books. The characters were numerous but all distinguishable and fleshed out, and quite believable. I loved the way the spirits were portrayed and the depth they were given despite the book not being terribly long. I loved the twist ending as well and the epilogue.

Overall this was an easy 5 star read for me and I’ll certainly be watching for more work by this author!

A great read, especially during this time of year. I loved Elergy and how we see her growing into a strong independent woman during the book. The concept of a collection of ghosts was an interesting twist on the traditional ghost story.

I enjoyed The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall immensely! It was an immersive haunting gothic tale and a surprisingly sweet love story that I wasn’t expecting. The decay of the spirits over the passage of time is such a unique twist to what you’d normally read in a horror book dealing with ghosts; I wanted to know more about all the spirits and get to know each of their stories! Elegy is an exceptional protagonist and it really felt like we get to grow with her as she goes from a fearful girl who feels trapped by duty to a woman determined to shape her own fate. The engaging characters, beautiful detail to locations and the constantly evolving plot had me hooked from start to finish!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Elegy has spent her entire life at the mercy of her controlling father and his spirit collection of ghosts, where she has been isolated and forced to dress in outdated clothing and forsaking modern technology and invention. As her father’s health begins to fail, Elegy will soon be expected to take control of the collection and Thorne Hall. But Elegy dreams of something more. A life outside the walls of Thorne Hall where she is free to choose what to wear, who to be—and who to love.

This story was a wonderful surprise. The beginning was a very slow start, but Thomas, builds a wonderful atmosphere, full of haunts to keep readers engaged. This was reminiscent of a classic gothic ghost story, perfect for those who are suckers for a haunted house tale and a dash of romance.

My criticism is that the beginning was such a slow start, and it was often difficult to keep all the ghosts and their names straight, but at the same time, felt their backstories a little lacking and wish there had been more time to know their stories as well.

Overall, this was an engaging read I would recommend to fans of the genre.

actual rating: 4.25. this one is for my weird girls!!! my girls who are strange and off putting!!! i love a weird girl. Elegy my beloved, Elegy my soul, truly the weird girl of the year. she is everything i wanted and more. her and Atticus make such an amazing pairing. they are the definition of true love! i think the Spirit Collection were well defined individuals and not some nameless slop of just ghosts. though, i do think that the Collection should have gotten more page time. some of them were just there to have a collection. but overall, a very unique and lovely story.

J. Ann Thomas’s The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a captivating blend of mystery, the supernatural, and rich character development, set against the atmospheric backdrop of a historic estate. The narrative revolves around the enigmatic Thorne Hall, a place steeped in secrets and ghostly legends.

From the outset, Thomas skillfully establishes a haunting yet inviting tone that draws readers into the world of the hall. The protagonist, with her compelling backstory, navigates not only the physical space of Thorne Hall but also the emotional and spiritual intricacies that come with it. The author’s portrayal of the estate is vivid, making it almost a character in its own right, full of hidden passages and whispers of the past.

One of the standout elements of the book is its exploration of themes like grief, belonging, and the connection between the living and the dead. Thomas weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories that resonate deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with memory and loss.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of suspense that keep the reader engaged, while also allowing for quieter, introspective scenes that develop character depth. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each with their own stories that intertwine with the main plot, adding layers to the overall narrative.

The writing itself is elegant, with a lyrical quality that enhances the atmospheric feel of the story. Thomas’s ability to evoke emotion through her prose is commendable, making even the most ordinary moments feel significant.

Overall, The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a beautifully written novel that combines the allure of a ghost story with heartfelt human experiences. It’s a perfect read for fans of gothic fiction and anyone who enjoys a thoughtful exploration of the supernatural. Thomas has crafted a memorable tale that lingers long after the final page is turned, leaving readers eager for more. Highly recommended!

A wonderful read perfect for October. This spooky story was the final read of the month for me, and what a wonderful ending. The story and the manor both haunting and grandiose. The Jane Eyre aspect was interesting and not something I have read before. An enjoyable read for those who love a good gothic haunting.

Review on Goodreads and Amazon: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6972415942

This is a perfect gothic, spooky read, perfect for any season. I read it on Halloween and it really added to the end of my October! I am a big fan of Jane Eyre and Edgar Allan Poe, and this felt like it fit somewhere in between. The main character, Elegy Thorne, lives in a house full of spirits and must find herself within it, in more ways than one. When it was over, I felt like I was part of the house and vice versa, and I honestly felt it was bittersweet to leave.

"The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall" by J. Ann Thomas is an enchanting, gothic tale that skillfully blends mystery and the supernatural with richly developed characters. Set in the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the ancestral estate of Thorne Hall, the story revolves around the current Thorne family, who is bound to 13 spirits within the home, each with their own unique and compelling story.

The protagonist is Elegy, a young woman whose father is dying, and her stepmother keeps herself hidden away in the attic. She has grown up with the spirits, some of whom are her closest friends, some nurturing, and others terrifying. Their ancestor, Jasper Thorne, brought the 13 spirits into the home through a series of seances in the 1890s.

The spirits are bound and obey whoever is the current master of the Thorne manor, and once Elegy's father dies, this responsibility will be passed on to her. A plumbing issue causes flooding and severe damage to an outdated mansion wing, requiring some modernization and restoration. The family's trusted helper enlists his adult son to travel to the estate to assist with the repairs, and Elegy falls hard, deeply in love, yet she knows she can never leave her home and these spirits behind.

The plot unfolds at a captivating pace, maintaining tension while allowing moments of reflection on grief, love, desire, and redemption. Each spirit’s backstory is interwoven seamlessly with Elegy's journey, adding layers to the narrative and engaging the reader's emotions. The themes of connection, loss, and the search for belonging resonate deeply.

Thomas's writing is vivid and immersive, vividly bringing Thorne Hall—and its ethereal inhabitants—to life. The description of the mansion, the spirits, and Elegy's clothing was incredible! This is not a book to read, put down, and pick up later at a leisurely pace. There are many characters and background stories, and when I skipped a day of reading, I found that I needed to go back a bit to connect some dots.

The strength of Thomas’s character development and atmospheric writing created an overall enriching, supernatural experience with an unexpected twist at the end. I enjoyed the love story within the book, not only between Elegy and Atticus but also between Elegy's friends Hugo and Sebastian. And while Elegy had her friends and Atticus to lean on for support, Thomas created a character who had to dig deep within herself to finally fight for the life she desperately wanted.

"The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall" has a captivating premise and a heartfelt exploration of the deep desire for human connections with a gothic, deadly, magic, and spirit-filled vibe.

Thank you, #NetGalley, #JAnnThomas, and #AlcovePress, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was pulled into selecting this book because of its cover. I was also excited to read something for spooky season/October. I loved the backstory and the Gothic-style writing even though the book is set in present day. There is also light romance in the book as well. The descriptions of the ghost make them very scary, and the book wrapped up satisfyingly. If you like gothic thrillers with an old house, I recommend this book.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas is an intriguing story about a young woman named Elegy who lives in a house haunted by ghosts. She is due to inherit the management of the collection of fourteen ghosts from her father once he dies as he is extremely ill. She has never had the luxury of picturing a different life for herself or modern amenities as they must live utilizing technology and clothing from the past to not upset the ghosts. However, many ghosts do not recognize Elegy’s authority, and she fears the future when she must take over. Enter Atticus, the builder’s son, in town to assist with repairs to the house. As Elegy starts to fall for him, she starts picturing a life away from Thorne Hall. But will she be brave enough to take that step?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought the characters were well developed. After a slow start, the plot grasped my attention, and I didn’t want to put it down. There were times I wish there would have been a bit more detail as I was confused and had to go back in the book for clarification. I would give this four out of five stars and definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a spooky romance.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Not for me. I requested this to read in October, as I always like to stock up on "spooky stories" to get me in the Halloween mood. This wasn't quite what I expected, and not my favorite.

I wanted this to be something else.

Elegy is at a standstill. While she has friends, her life is isolated. It's her, her mean father, the servants who show up in the morning and leave before dark, her stepmother who lives in the attic and the spirits who live among the rooms of the house.

Thorne Hall has been haunted for hundreds of years. The Thorne family has been entrusted to keep the spirits alone and inside of the house, as well as maintain the 'old-fashioned' aura, including clothing, food, and electronics. Elegy is trapped at Thorne Hall. As her father's only child, the house will be passed along to her after his death.

One of the more mischievous spirits starts to reek havoc and the 'handyman' who has long worked with the Thornes bring his young and handsome son along for help. Elegy starts to experience feelings that she's never had before. Is this Elegy's chance to break free and live among living people?
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Is this a coming-of-age story? Yes - however, I felt like Elegy was too old to be so...passive. Is this a romance? Sure, but was it necessary? Yes, it added to the plot, but I wanted to have more from and for Elegy.

I think this is, overall, is a good book, but I just....wanted more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press.

La protagonista è Elegie Thorne, una giovane donna che ha vissuto tutta la sua esistenza nella maestosa Thorne Hall, l'antica magione di famiglia immersa nel Berkshires. Tuttavia, la villa nasconde un oscuro segreto: è infestata da quindici spiriti, e spetta a Elegie e alla sua famiglia mantenerli sotto controllo, a causa di una maledizione che perdura nel tempo. Elegia accetta malvolentieri il suo destino, fin quando la sua esistenza viene sconvolta dall’incontro con il brillante e carismatico Atticus. Man mano che i sentimenti verso di lui si intensificano, Elegie si trova a fronteggiare un conflitto interiore: da un lato il peso dell'eredità familiare, dall'altro il desiderio di fuggire per seguire le proprie aspirazioni. In questo tumulto, si troverà a combattere una battaglia che potrebbe cambiare irrevocabilmente le sorti della villa e della sua famiglia.

Le premesse affinché io fossi completamente catturata da questo libro c’erano davvero tutte: una magione infestata, quindici spiriti da scoprire, ciascuno con una propria storia da raccontare, che si intreccia con quella della protagonista e in aggiunta una storia d'amore che si pregustava di essere un buon slow burn.
Tuttavia, nonostante queste premesse affascinanti, l'esperienza di lettura si è rivelata purtroppo meno emozionante e appagante di quanto avessi sperato.

A mio parere il problema principale del libro sta nel ritmo della narrazione, la trama si sviluppa in modo troppo lento in alcune parti, trascinandosi su stessa quasi fino al 75% quando finalmente le cose prendono una svolta decisiva.
Se questo rallentamento fosse stato giustificato dalla volontà di approfondire le atmosfere inquietanti della villa infestata o di esplorare i retroscena delle storie degli spiriti, avrebbe potuto risultare perdonabile. Tuttavia, a mio parere, non è stato proprio del tutto così. Infatti le descrizioni dell'ambiente, pur evocative e godibili, sono meno riuscite di altri libri (vedi A study in drowning di Ava Reid o Mexican gothic di Silvia Moreno-Garcia). Allo stesso modo, i background degli spiriti, che avrebbero potuto arricchire la narrazione e darle maggiore spessore, sono rimasti in superficie, mancando di quella profondità necessaria per farli vivere davvero. Anche la storia d'amore, pur rendendo difficile non fare il tifo per Atticus—un personaggio empatico e affascinante—sembra un po' priva di brio. Le interazioni tra i protagonisti, invece di scintillare di passione, risultano più tranquille e non riescono a catturare appieno la chimica che ci si aspetterebbe.

Un elemento ben riuscito è sicuramente la crescita personale di Elegie. La protagonista esce progressivamente dall'ombra, iniziando a comprendere ciò che desidera veramente e come raggiungerlo. Questo percorso di auto-scoperta aggiunge una dimensione profonda al suo personaggio e rende la sua avventura più coinvolgente.

Sconsigliato a un pubblico più esperto, amante del brivido come anche ai più navigati lettori di romance, potrebbe risultare apprezzabile per chi desidera avvicinarsi al genere spooky o chi cerca qualcosa di simile a Darcy Coates. La narrazione, pur con le sue debolezze, offre un'opportunità per esplorare atmosfere misteriose senza un'eccessiva complessità.