“Two days, twenty-three hours, and thirty-two minutes. Almost three full days since Sabrina Monroe had last spoken to someone who wasn’t a relative.”

Introvert extraordinaire, Sabrina’s goal in life is simple: avoid human interaction as much as possible. Her evasion tactics have succeeded up until the point when she finds herself in the middle of a fight at the water park covered in strawberry margarita slush. It’s there that she meets a human named Ray that she actually wants to speak to, but her severe anxiety and her insistence that her stay in Wisconsin is only temporary keep her from thinking that there could actually be something between them. Sabrina’s need to leave Wisconsin and to get back to her real-life centers around her inability to be a part of what makes the females in her family special: they can see spirits. And Ray has moved back to Wisconsin to uncover a long-buried family secret and Sabrina and her abilities may be able to finally bring them to light.

Even though that seems like enough plot for an entire novel, there were (too?) many other facets to this story. Ray has his own complete backstory surrounding the aforementioned family secret, Sabrina has a bully from her school days that still terrorizes her and is the root cause of her debilitating anxiety, and Molly, one of the spirits that Sabrina sees which has become something of a best friend to her, has her own backstory as well. As a result, the plot felt a little busy at times and turned this potentially light-hearted and quirky tale into something unexpectedly heavy. One of my favorite aspects of Reichert’s novels is her delicious depictions of the most mouth-watering sounding foods. Cheese curds took center stage in Kindred Spirits.

‘In a line, he had the curds, flour, and a beer batter – a simple mixture of Spotted Cow beer, flour, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne – each in its own tray.”

Reichert posted a cheese curd recipe inspired by the delicious ones mentioned in the novel and if you’re the drinking type, there’s a recipe for a Wisconsin-Style Brandy Old-Fashioned. Both recipes sound to die for.

Fans of small town romance/women’s fiction will enjoy this one. I found it to be a little bit slow paced at times and I wanted more romance. Well written, fun and quirky - I think many who like a slower romance will enjoy.

This is a charming, sweet romance set in the Midwest about Sabrina, an anxiety-ridden woman feeling a little lost. She returns home after getting let go from her journalism job in NYC and has to deal with the ghosts of her past (both figurative and literal). Sabrina comes from a family whose women can see spirits and help them find resolutions in order to move on. When she meets Ray, a new to town business owner, a slow-burn romance develops between the two and they are drawn into solving the lost love story between Ray's great uncle and Molly, the ghost Sabrina has known her whole life. A heartwarming, hallmark-movie esque story for fans of Kitchens of the great Midwest.

3.5 ⭐️

I love a story set somewhere I know, and if you’re from the Midwest, you have been to the Wisconsin Dell’s! I thought the characters were well developed and I actually enjoyed the magical/ghost aspect more than I thought I would! I loved Sabrina’s personal journey and where she ended up. I just wanted to feel a bit more chemistry between Sabrina and Ray. Definitely a book that fans women’s fiction will fall in love with!!

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is a romantic comedy with a touch of magic. Sabrina Monroe has moved back home to the Wisconsin Dells, which means she now has to help her mom with the family secret. Sabrina and the women in her family can see ghosts and they are expected to help ghosts with their unfinished business so the spirits can move on to the next life. Sabrina has always had a hard time with this family secret. It caused her endless troubles during her childhood and adolescence. When a flirtation begins with Ray Jasper, a new local restaurateur, Sabrina is forced to keep this secret from him.

I thoroughly disliked Sabrina. She came across as a one dimensional whiny doormat. As for Ray, I really couldn't understand how or why he was instantly into Sabrina from the moment he set eyes on her. What was driving his attraction? Why was he so pushy in the beginning when Sabrina had made it clear she was not interested? Eventually, Sabrina got the courage to admit she felt a connection with Ray. And Ray did get better: he gave Sabrina space, he was supportive, and he was sweet. But their relationship development was lackluster in every single way.

I also could not deal with Erika, the mean girl from Sabrina's high school, who still bullies Sabrina. This aspect of the story was straight out of a cliché high school movie from the 90s. The pettiness and the bullying de-aged Sabrina and Erika, making them come across as teenagers instead of adults. Sabrina continuously allowed Erika to walk all over her. She did not stand up for herself, not even once. In my opinion, the whole Sabrina vs. Erika thing was completely unnecessary. I don't get why the author included it.

The only thing that kept me going was the ghostly business and Ray's family history. I was more invested in the ghostly aspect of the story than the romance. Unfortunately, the author barely fleshed out the supernatural element. Why is Sabrina's family the chosen one? Why is it only the women in Sabrina's family who can see ghosts? What about the other families who also bear this burden, but who live in other parts of the country? What about the rest of the world? I wanted to learn more about Sabrina's family backstory and how this "curse" began in her family. I also wanted the ghostly storyline to better executed, but it was instead underwhelming and anticlimactic.

Honestly, I love romance novels with a touch of magic, especially if ghosts are involved. But I couldn't for the life of me connect with this book at all. I was not invested in either Sabrina or Ray and I couldn't care less about their romance. I cared more about the ghostly business than the romance, but even the supernatural aspect was terribly executed. I also did not like the author's flashback technique at all - it was incredibly confusing and took me out of the story. I might have liked this book better if Sabrina was a well-written character, if Erika was not a part of the story, and if the author had added more depth to the ghostly supernatural element.

I adored this story. Sabrina has lost her job, drowning in student loan debt she is forced to move back home which she dreads. Seems Sabrina only sees ghosts that need help moving on in her home town. She has one best friend, Molly, a ghost from the 1930’s that has not been able to crossover. I loved Molly she was my favorite character.

Sabrina meets Ray who moved from NY to help his great uncle Harry with the supper club he runs. When Harry dies he leaves half of the supper club to Ray and the other half to his parents. Ray needs to prove to his parents that he can handle the running of the supper club so he hires Sabrina to help with organizing the annual Goodbye Gala. The attraction begins and what follows is a sweet humorous fun romance with the help of some interference from a couple of friendly ghosts.

A quick read with mystery, romance, heartbreak and some paranormal twists. I could not get enough of this book, highly recommend.

Being a fellow Wisconsinite I absolutely adored this book and it had all the feels!
Sabrina has lost her job and is back home in Wisconsin Dells, a tourist trap. What many people don’t know is that Sabrina has a secret, she can see ghosts.
Honestly this is my first paranormal book, but I enjoyed it. The book starts off with Sabrina at an indoor water park where she meets the attractive Ray who owns a supper club in town. This book has all the feels; old drama from high school, a slow burn romance.

4.5 stars = I loved it! Would re-read.

It took me a few days to finish this, just due to busyness, but every time I thought about getting to pick this back up, it made me smile. The whole book made me smile. The characters are excellent and engaging. I loved how Ray instinctively "got" Sabrina and worked to understand her better and to be a safe space for her. The ghostly piece gave this a fresh feel. I have read plenty of paranormal stories, and I can't put my finger on what made this one feel different, but whatever it is, it totally worked for me. I would read this one again. Highly recommend. (Language, sex, edible use for anxiety, TW: anxiety/panic attacks)

Sabrina is back at home after losing her job, a place that heightens her anxiety as it holds both bad memories and ghosts who try to appeal to her for help. For the most part over the years Sabrina has avoided talking to the ghosts, except for one, and had sent them onto her mother for assistance. However, there are things she does love about home: her family and Molly, a fun-loving ghost from the 1930’s, who stuck by her growing up. Another bright spot to her return is Ray, the new owner of The Otter Club. While Sabrina doesn’t want to start anything when she plans on leaving as soon as she can find another job, she can’t help the attraction she feels to Ray as they are thrown together over and over.

Sabrina struggled with crippling anxiety throughout the story which made run-ins with her childhood nemesis, Erika, and her ex-boyfriend disheartening and I eagerly awaited payback for all they put Sabrina through. Although, I do think just being a horrible person is payment in itself, and Erika was definitely that.

Ray was such a sweetheart and a breath of fresh air! I loved that he recognized he’d have to be patient with Sabrina to eventually win her heart completely. They shared fun, lighthearted moments together, and that along with the bits of humor balanced some of the heavier aspects of the story. I also enjoyed getting to the bottom of the mystery behind Molly the ghost sticking around for so many years.

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club Amy E. Reichert delivered a small-town romance that was sweet with touches of paranormal elements alongside small-town troubles and charm.

Sabrina Monroe, moves back home to the Dells of Wisconsin when she’s let go from another journalist’s job. Sabrina has social issues that can be awkward.

Sabrina and the women of her family can see ghosts and help them crossover by assisting them with their unfinished business. This sometimes makes blending into the woodwork difficult for Sabrina. She’s only ever told one person of her gift and that ended in disaster, but Ray, the new local restaurateur, sees Sabrina and may be just what Sabrina needs to find herself.

This was an interesting story with the Monroe family and their gift. Sabrina’s best friend is Molly, a ghost who has been around for more than a decade. When Sabrina returns home to find nothing has changed, including the mean spirited girl who made high school unbearable.

Ray loved the Dells and wants to make a go of it with his supper club and famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. Sabrina intrigues him from their awkward first met to subsequent run-ins in town. Slowly they form a friendship and come to an arrangement. He helps her get the mean girl off her back and she helps him plan an upcoming gala event.

This was a slow building romance wrapped around Sabrina’s issues. We had a few side stories which added to the story from Molly the ghost to a ghost named Harry who couldn’t speak but followed Sabrina everywhere. We faceoff with the mean-girl, see character growth, and share some cute moments with Sabrina and Ray.

Reichert showed the lasting effect moments and bullying can have on someone even into adulthood. I cheered for Sabrina with each new challenge and fear she overcame. After all to be loved, one must love themselves and embrace who they are.

I found myself invested in the story and enjoyed the characters. I would travel to the Dells and dine at the Supper Club. Be on the lookout for cute pups, meddling parents, and ghosts.

I loved Amy Reichert's The Kindred Spirits Supper Club for all the reasons I expected to and more! Get an old fashioned ready (Wisconsin style, please), and settle in.
I fell hard for Amy Reichert's first book, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, and have looked forward to each book since. I was so excited for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club, and I'm so excited that everyone can get their hands on it tomorrow. This charming romantic, slightly ghostly story was so enjoyable. Main characters Sabrina and Ray are in very different places with their relationship to Wisconsin Dells- for Sabrina it's the stifling small town she's been running from since high school, for Ray, it's the place with family roots he's finally getting to settle into. A meet-cute truly made in the Dells brings them together, and life keeps throwing them back together, even as Sabrina fights it.
The ghost element is this is quite present, but I thought it was incorporated well, and as we get to know main ghost Molly, I really fell for her too. I'm not always into ghosts in stories but this works perfectly!
What I love most about the author's writing is that I feel like Amy Reichert loves Wisconsin the way I do. She knows the people and the quirks of this place and writes them in such a way that I hope readers from other places get a better glimpse of the ways this state is more than flyover country. I love that the great tradition of Wisconsin supper clubs is being shared with readers all over. I love that readers will see a side of Wisconsin Dells that's more than water parks and kitschy gift shops. This book felt like a hug and I hope you feel it too.

A fun ghostly romcom! Sabrina sees dead people. Growing up in the Wisconsin Dells Sabrina was always considered somewhat of a freak. The women in her family can see ghosts, but they can only see them in their home town. As soon as she can Sabrina fleas town, she is tired of being different. But now she is home after losing her job as a journalist planning just to stay home as long as it takes to get a new job. Then she meets Ray, the handsome new restaurant owner. Could Ray be the guy that will accept her no matter what? Ghosts and all?

So much fun! Sabrina was a great character although admittedly she frustrated me sometimes with her insecurities. Ray was a great guy and I just love the two of them together! My favorite character however was Molly the ghost. Seriously this book made me want a ghost in my life someone who’s always there your best friend, your sister, your confidant, your Dear Abby! Also loved how close Sabrina was to her family. This book just had a little bit of everything romance, family, charm, food, and food. A romcom wrapped in a ghost with a bow made of cheese on top!

This book in emojis 🍹 👻 🧀 🎆

*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This may be one of my favorite reads so far this year. Sabrina is such a quirky, unique, likeable character and I love her interactions with Molly. Molly really is my favorite character in this book. Molly's story is just heartbreaking and it is handled gracefully. Tears may have been shed while reading. Ray is just a good guy and perfect for Sabrina.

I feel like it’s been forever since I read a cute and fun rom com and this one was so well done! I loved it. Not only did it have all the best parts of a rom com – it was funny and romantic plus the characters had well developed personalities – it also was unique in that Sabrina can talk to ghosts. But don’t let that scare you away! The ghosts are such a great part of the story, especially Molly, who serves as the side kick best friend even though she isn’t actually alive.

I loved the setting of the book – Wisconsin Dells. Sabrina and Ray even went to Wizard Quest – which we loved visiting when we were in the Dells 5 years ago! It was so fun remembering some of the locations mentioned in the book. I was unfamiliar with the concept of the supper clubs, which is also apparently a Dells staple. Ray wants to take over his great-uncle’s supper club and Sabrina helps him to plan an end of summer party that is traditionally held there. Sabrina feels socially awkward and while she loves to write and plan things, she doesn’t love interacting with people. I could really relate to her! Ray was the perfect rom com boyfriend with his understanding of Sabrina and the best ways to be there for her.

This was one of those books that I tried reading a few times and just couldn't get connected with the characters and couldn't get attached to the story. I ended up not finishing it which is rare for me and was sad not to enjoy it as I love this author. I will wait for her next release and hope to get into it nice and easy.

𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

? Do you believe in Ghosts? Have you ever interacted with one?

I want to thank @aereichert and @berkleypub for the digital @netgalley copy of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert in exchange for an honest review. This book came out THIS WEEK, April, 20, 2021 and I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.

4/5
Synopsis: When Sabrina loses another reporting job, she decides to move back in with her parents for the summer until she can find something else. But her family is not the only family she connects with when she is home. Upon returning home she also returns to her family curse where the women in the family can see ghosts who come to them for help with their unfinished business before they fully cross over. Throughout the years they have managed to help all but one ghost, Molly, do so. During her time back home Sabrina faces old high school drama, remembers how much she enjoys having a friend in Molly and with an effort to set up a fake relationship ends up discovering that her hometown might have more to offer than she originally thought.

Thought: I was hesitant about this book at first because I'm not really into ghosts and spirits but it added depth to the book in a very creative way. In the beginning some of the spirit characters were confusing to keep up with who was who but after the first few chapters was easier to follow. I enjoyed how there were multiple stories lines that all connected together in a way that I am not used to reading. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun hometown read with additional romance added in.

Sabrina is a bit introverted with a huge amount of anxiety. Plus, she has a big old secret. She can see ghosts. She has recently moved home to help get out from under some debt and she is working for her arch enemy. Well, more like her high school nemesis. Enter Ray! Ray is new in town and he has taken a shine to Sabrina. As you can guess, well maybe not…better read the book!

I enjoyed Sabrina so very much! I guess because I can relate to her being an introvert. Some of her situations and her reactions hit very close to home. Then, there is Ray. He is just an all around “good guy”. And he definitely has Sabrina’s back! He stole my heart.

And finally…the ghosts…all of them added so much to the story. I laughed and cried at their antics.

I will be honest, I fluctuated between 4 and 5 stars on this one. Basically because I never give a RomCom a 5 star rating. Why? Because I am a bit of a book snob…there I said it! But, this one deserves 5 stars all the way! It has everything! This story will make you mad, smile and laugh then cringe…then you will start the process all over again.

Need a good story with fantastic characters and a hometown feel…Y’all THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy Reichert is a quirky romantic comedy set in the Wisconsin Dells, aka the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World’. After being terminated from her job, Sabrina Monroe is forced to return home to for the summer where she awkwardly ‘meets cute’ Ray, a handsome and affable restauranteur who sees something special in Sabrina.

Confession: After I read the synopsis I was skeptical I would like this book when I learned the women in Sabrina’s family can see ghosts (insert eyeroll). Serendipity was on my side because Reichert integrates the ghost’s stories in such a delightful way that Molly, a ghost who is constantly meddling in Sabrina’s love life, became one of my favorite characters.

I loved how kind Sabrina was despite (or because) how others have treated her, and I was personally inspired by some of the simple ROAK things she does. I also appreciated how the author handled Sabrina’s anxiety with compassion.

If you enjoy light-hearted romances with lovable characters, the pursuit of the perfect cheese curd recipe and Wisconsin-style Brandy Old-Fashioneds, I recommend picking up this book, out tomorrow!

Thank you @aerichert @letstalkbookspromo @berkelypublishing and @NetGalley for the eARC of this book. Opinions are my own.

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is an entertaining romantic comedy with spirits. After losing her job, Sabrina moves back home to the Wisconsin Dells. All the women in her family can see spirits and help spirits resolve unfinished business so they can pass on. Sabrina doesn’t want to live in the Wisconsin Dells because she can only see spirits there. She was bullied in school and her only friend growing up was Molly, a spirit. Ray loves the Wisconsin Dells and moves there to spend time with his uncle before he dies. He owns the local supper club. Sabrina and Ray have an entertaining first meeting that isn’t enjoyable for Sabrina. Ray wants to get to know Sabrina, but all she wants to do is find a job outside Wisconsin. Ray convinces Sabrina to help him with the Goodbye Gala. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club grabbed my attention for the whole book. I couldn’t wait to read what would happen to Sabrina and Ray next. Sabrina is afraid to get close to people but learns that the right people will accept you for who you are. Sabrina has spent a lot of time being lonely but is always nice to others. She has a great relationship with her family. She is even nice to her bullies. Ray will do anything to spend time with Sabrina. He has to prove to his family that he can make the supper club successful. I enjoyed the setting of Wisconsin Dells because it reminded me of weekend trips there as a child.

Thank you Berkley Romance for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is a heartwarming, quirky, and feel good story with a touch of supernatural elements!

Sabrina recently lost her journalism job in DC and moved back home to the Wisconsin Dells. She suffers from anxiety and would prefer not to interact with anyone, but it’s difficult to keep to herself when she’s back in her small hometown and ghosts keep coming to her for help with their unfinished business. That’s right, Sabrina and the other women in her family can see ghosts and are tasked with helping them move on. She tries sending the ghosts to her mom for help, but they continue to pop up in her life at the most inconvenient times. Molly, a rom-com loving ghost, has been an important part of Sabrina’s life since childhood. She finds out Sabrina is fake dating Ray, the new owner of a local supper club, and tries to get Sabrina to realize Ray might be the one for her.

Even though their dating relationship is a ruse, Ray is clearly smitten by Sabrina. However, he doesn’t want to come on too strong, and Sabrina doesn’t want him to find out about her family’s ghost business and risk scaring him off. She also has a hard time opening up to people because she’s been bullied and taunted throughout her life. Despite this, Sabrina is the nicest person and spreads kindness like confetti. My heart broke for her as she endured cruelty from her former classmate turned boss, struggled with her inner turmoil, and tried to manage her anxiety.

I was rooting for Sabrina and Ray right along with Molly! They were both so sweet and nerdy! I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and loved that they accepted each other’s flaws. I loved how Molly’s back story and the mystery behind her unfinished business tied into the overall story. I also loved Sabrina’s random acts of kindness, Ray’s thoughtfulness and good nature, Molly and Sabrina’s endearing relationship, and the descriptions of the delectable food and drinks. I’ll have the fried cheese curds and a Brandy Old-Fashioned, please!