A fun read, thanks so much for the opportunity to read it early! This book was cosy and well-written. I enjoyed it very much.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

All single mom Callie wants is to spend more time with her growing daughter, Immi. And while a lot of things are spread thin at their home (time and money, for example), the last thing Callie wants is for Immi to grow up feeling anything but loved. So, when the opportunity arises for her to assist with a school trip to the village of Rowan Vale, Callie takes the chance without thinking twice. And, at first, everything seems better than perfect; the village practically oozes charm, the children are relatively well-behaved, and so what if there are misbehaving actors at the train station?

However, when its revealed the men Callie scolded for fighting <I>weren't</I> just actors dressed as WWII soldiers, but <I>ghosts</I>, and that the entire village is populated by, well, another sort of population; Callie and her daughter are given the opportunity of a lifetime.

This was a charming spooky season read for any time of the year! It was a bit slow to start, but by the end I was so glad to have stuck it out. Booth does a fantastic job of juggling such a large cast of characters, and I am so excited to be returning to Rowan Vale in the second book of this series to uncover more secrets!

Unfortunately, despite several attempts, I was unable to get into this book. There seemed to be pacing issues and a lack of fandom for the author's writing style. It all was just a bit hard to understand and follow along with from the get go.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

DNF @ 27%.
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me. Almost 30% of the way through and I feel nothing for the characters (and there’s a decent number of them) and can’t see at all where the plot is going. I didn’t vibe with the writing either.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

This was such an amazing read! I finished this all in one day. The background of the ghosts and their involvement in the storyline is incredible. The characters are so real and relatable, yet it remains whimsical. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it is not what I’ve been reading lately. I’m looking forward to the next books in this series!

4.5 stars!

This book was definitely unique. The beginning was very cute, had me wondering but it all came together. I loved the characters. They were very believable and lovable in their own way. I feel like the plot to this book went at a medium pace, I appreciate that it wasn't rushed! Loved the banter as well! My first book from this author and I was absolutely pleased! I would definitely read another one from her!

While on a school trip with her daughter Immi, Callie is tasked with helping supervise the children. Their destination is a small village known as Rowan Vale in Yorkshire, famous for historical reenactments.

When they arrive to the village, Callie is horrified to see two men—who appear to be actors dressed in period clothing—in a physical altercation on the train platform. Concerned at the image the actors are displaying for the children, she vows to speak to the manager of the village, Lawrie, who lives at the large house known as Harling Hall.

Callie arrives to speak to Lawrie and is greeted with the offer of a lifetime. She is informed that the two “actors” on the platform are actually ghosts, and have been there for quite some time. Callie’s ability to see ghosts has also made her the de facto inheriter of Harling Hall and the entire estate.

Accepting the post would mean uprooting her and her daughter’s lives to move to the countryside, all the while managing an estate that she knows nothing about. However, is this opportunity the second chance she and her daughter need?

Overall a cute book, though I was much more invested in the first half than in the second half. The second half dragged to me a bit. There are many side characters in this book and some get more attention than the others. There are also many side plots and some feel a bit unfinished by the end of the book.

Despite this, a very quick, easy read. I can see why it is compared to the show “Ghosts”.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

I generally have taken to only requesting books that are smack dab in the middle of my favorite genre lately, but I requested this one anyway because it just seemed like something I’d like. While it definitely was outside my favorite genre (I like a mystery in my plot), but this still was so much fun. Yes, it did take me a little bit to get involved as the beginning was a little slow, but after that, I just loved this book. It’s sweet, heartwarming, well-written, and very touching. It’s simple in a good way, and fans of a heartwarming romance/plot of people finding their places in life will definitely love this one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

This book is definitely a slow burn kind of story. The plot is unique and all the characters, both living and not, are well developed and interesting.

What a charming light read! Sharon Booth is a deft hand with place and people, and I soon found myself immersed in Rowan Vale and interested in all the stories, whether from living folks or not so living. I do not customary read fantasy, or even romance novels in contemporary settings, preferring historical fiction. But this little novel won me over and drew me in.

Sure, there are flaws here and there. Callie was hard for me to warm up to, and often seemed rather obtuse. The romance is not compelling. But there was so much more happening that it was easy for me to be light-hearted about it all. In the end, that is what a cozy novel is about for me, just sitting back and allowing myself to enjoy. This is a good pick for precisely that.

All in all, I am glad I chose this title from NetGalley for an ARC. Despite not falling squarely in my usual reading genre, I found it engaging. If it is at all in your reading ballpark, I expect you will enjoy it very much.

This was such a cozy read! I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story and fell in love with most of the characters. I found myself occasionally frustrated with a few on the main personalities, but I think that just goes to show that we're all human at the end of the day. Thanks NetGalley for this ARC 🕺🏻🪄✨

cozy and well-written romance, definitely! it was a pretty good read and worth the short time. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

what a fun read! this was such an entertaining story with a fabulous cast of characters that i know you will fall in love with!
one i have already recommended to friends

I received an ARC of this book from #NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author, Sharon Booth, thank you!

We first meet Callie who is a struggling single mom on a field trip with her daughter, Immy. They visit Rowan Vale which is an adorable "living history" village with a large manor. Callie quickly starts seeing some interesting "actors" that lead her to confront the owner. Lawrie, of the Harling Hall manor. Here Callie realizes that some of these characters are actually ghosts, and she is one of the lucky few that can see them! Lawrie has a life changing reveal for Callie and her and Immy soon find themselves learning more about the manor and eventually themselves.

My favorite part of this story was the ghosts and their story lines. Even though they were not living they had complex emotions and I love how Callie worked on building their community. I also loved how their stories entwined with the other characters. One issue I had was they romance layer to the novel, Callie eventually falls for Brodie, the non ghost seeing grandson of Lawrie. He never really warmed up for me to believe that they were attracted to each other. I felt like this later fell flat. However, I think there were so many other interconnected story lines that the romance was not really needed to fully enjoy the rest of the novel.

I adored this book!
In this story we follow Callie, who after a visit at Harling Hall, she gets offered to become the owner of the estate. Why? Because she reported two men fighting each other, the catch? That both men were ghosts and she’s the only one seeing them.
I absolutely adored the vibes that this book had. Meeting all the ghosts was super fun, and I’m super intrigued to meet all the others we still have to get to know. Callie was an amazing MC to follow as she’s new to this job, so it was nice to figure how everything worked alongside her. My only “problem” was the romance. We only got too little scenes for me to warm up to it, so it felt kind of rushed by the end. However I also think this story stands even without the romance, so it didn’t bother me much. I would absolutely recommend this if you’re in need of a fast paced and cozy read! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall" by Sharon Booth, published by Boldwood Books, is a truly heartwarming read that offers a gentle escape into a world of love, family, and a touch of the extraordinary.
The book beautifully explores the many facets of love, weaving together themes of enduring love that transcends death, the unwavering bond of family, and the sweet blossoming of romance. The author has crafted a narrative that celebrates love in all its forms, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.
The theme of "found family" is particularly strong, and it's truly touching to witness the characters come together and support one another. This sense of belonging is a central part of the story's charm.
The romantic element is sweet and gentle.
Sharon Booth has created a truly unique and creative story. The blend of elements is handled with a delicate touch, resulting in a narrative that is both engaging and imaginative.
It was lovely to see the inclusion of a character with dyslexia. As someone who has dyslexia, I appreciated the effort to bring awareness to this experience. While the portrayal didn't entirely resonate with my own personal journey, I recognize and value the author's intention to create representation.
The book is imbued with a wonderful sense of coziness. It's the perfect read for a quiet evening, offering a comforting and uplifting experience. The happy endings for the characters provide a satisfying sense of closure, leaving the reader with a warm feeling.
The ending hints at a continuation of the story, and I am genuinely eager to see what adventures await the characters in the future. I believe many readers will find themselves drawn into the world of Harlingen Hall and will be looking forward to the next installment. "Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall" is a gentle story that offers a comforting escape and a reminder of the power of love and connection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All thoughts are my own and my review is voluntary. I appreciate the opportunity.

A quick, easy and funny read that I read in a very short time because I just couldn't put it down. I will definitely be looking out for more from the author

Fantasy Romance | Ghosts, Estates & Missed Potential

As a huge fan of the BBC series Ghosts, I was so excited to read Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall. A fantasy romance with a historic village, an old estate, and a cast of charming spirits? It sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, despite my high hopes, this one just didn’t work for me.

The story starts with Callie, a single mum chaperoning her daughter’s class on a school excursion to a beautiful Cotswolds village. While there, she discovers she can see and communicate with the resident ghosts—something that extends to the estate house when she visits. This immediately intrigued me, and I enjoyed the early setup. Eventually, the ghosts’ perspectives are introduced, and they seem like fascinating characters… but they couldn’t quite carry the story on their own.

And then there’s Callie - she's a weak character and I struggled to root for her. For a single, working mother who hasn't had many opportunities in life she didn't seem to be self-aware or mature.

I can suspend disbelief for a fantasy romance—ghosts, magical inheritances, the whole deal—but what I couldn’t believe was Callie’s reluctance to accept ownership of the estate. I get that this was meant to create dramatic tension, particularly with Brodie, the disinherited grandson and love interest, but it felt forced. This was a life-changing opportunity for her and her daughter, and I just didn’t see the downside. Her motivations felt shaky, and unfortunately, my frustration with her only grew from there.

I need to root for a protagonist, and with Callie, I kept thinking: You’re an adult. Ask questions. Ask for help. Don’t make things harder than they need to be. So many of the obstacles she faced seemed unnecessary or easily solvable, which made the story feel frustrating rather than engaging.

By the time I put the book down, the story including the romance felt completely lackluster, and I found myself wishing we had more time in the ghosts’ perspectives instead. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this one just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This book was such an enjoyable cozy low-stakes fantasy read. The ghosts are funny, meddlesome, and complex, reflecting the times they came from and their adaptations to the modern era in unique ways. I loved the protagonist, Callie, and could really relate to her frustration with old/traditional ways of doing things that didn’t seem to make sense to her. Her energy and enthusiasm to make change despite grumbling from others who wanted everything to stay the same was such a relatable journey to witness. The familial relationships were beautifully portrayed with so many different bonds highlighted and the characters maturing and growing in the face of change and revelation at the estate. I’m excited to see the characters again in a sequel!

Oh. My. Ghosts. This book was EVERYTHING! Cozy, charming, and just the perfect amount of whimsy, it totally swept me away to the enchanting village of Rowan Vale. Like, imagine moving to a gorgeous Cotswold village only to find out it comes with a built-in cast of ghosts? SIGN ME UP. 👻

Callie was such a relatable protagonist—stubborn, a little lost, but full of heart. Watching her go from trying to suppress her gift to embracing it (with some, ahem, spirited guidance) was just chef’s kiss. And the ghosts?? They were truly the highlight—hilarious, dramatic, and each with their own little quirks that made them feel so alive (pun intended). I just know they’re going to bring even more chaos in the next book, and I can’t wait.

Now, let’s talk romance. I won’t lie, I wanted just a tad more slow-burn tension, but the dynamic between Callie and Brodie was still super fun. Enemies-to-allies-to-maybe-something-more? Yes, please. I have a sneaky suspicion there’s a lot more to Brodie’s story, and I am dying to know where it goes.

All in all, this was the coziest, most delightful paranormal read. If you love found family, a bit of ghostly mischief, and a touch of romance, you NEED this in your life. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts—so grateful I got to experience this magical world! ✨