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mercy of her controlling father and his spirit collection of ghosts, where she has been isolated and forced to dress in outdated clothing and forsaking modern technology and invention.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?
----
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.

I only have one complaint, I wish I had not found this till closer to Halloween, because yall, this needs to go on the Halloween reads list.
I don't think much is scary, but this has a nice spooky factor that makes it perfect for October.

This is a slow burn, but one that I couldn't put down, I honestly sat and read it in one day.

Nice ghost story if you are looking for one, and this gives me big Darcy Coates vibes and I mean that as a compliment

I think this had so much potential, and it got a lot right, but overall it ended up not being what I thought it would be. The gothic house vibes were there, and the character development was there.

This captured my attention from the first page. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. The atmosphere and characters were introduced really well. However, after the first few chapters it seemed to slow down in pace a lot. I felt that the romance aspect was a little flat as well.

This is a great read for spooky season and if you enjoy ghost stories.

First impressions 💭
It took me about 50 pages to really get into! The start was a little overwhelming with the introduction of ALOT of characters and ghosts. But once I hit about page 50 i felt it was perfectly paced from there!

What I Loved ❤️
- I loved the Eerie / Spooky / Creepy haunted house vibes! It was giving Thirteen ghosts (the movie) or the haunting of Bly Manor but less “horror”
- I loved Elergy as an FMC and really enjoyed her journey and self discovery. Even though is very sheltered and naive, I really empathised with her tragic life and circumstances.
- Our knight in shining armour atticus ♥️ He didn’t just come in and “save” Ellergy in the traditional sense. But more supported her in her journey and her choices, and encouraged her to come into her own and find her voice and her strength. And most importantly showed her that she wasn’t alone, KING!

What I didnt love 👎🏻
- the only thing that threw me was the slow start, but I’m so glad I stuck with it because it was worth it!

Favourite Quote 📝
“Her tears came fast, relentless in the face of so much loss, as she wondered how it was possible for someone to lose so much and yet live”

Final verdict ⭐️
I loved this as a spooky season read, the ghosts were so interesting and I loved Elergy’s connection with them, their personalities and their tragic backstories!
Throw in the twists that I didn’t see coming until the last minute and I will definitely be recommending Thorne Hall!

Such a fun read! The spirits are truly creepy and disgusting in equal measure. Well written gothic romance that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

If you’re looking for something to read this Halloween that hits the perfect tone of Gothic story with evil spirits then this is the story.

I found the writing to be so engaging, I was immediately drawn in. I love how the concept of these spiritual entities were different from their traditionally done. I think that kind of style gave the story an edge.

I think it balanced itself well between its heart warming moments and the more morbid moments.

I adored the love story between Elegy and Atticus. There was something so sweet and adorable about these two.

Overall, this story hit everything I love in a horror ghost story and I was beyond impressed with how well done this story was.

Elegy was raised in Thorne Hall, a sprawling, grand manor frozen in time, nothing new is permitted- clothing, technology, even the manner of speaking is proper & antiqued. J. Ann did a great job of making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time within the house/story; I was initially confused, trying to figure out why Elegy spoke the way she did when the book was set in ‘present day,’ thinking that had been a mislabel. When I figured out exactly what was going on I found it rather clever. I enjoyed the descriptions of the clothing Elegy is forced to wear, passed down thru generations.
Along with Elegy, her father, Thaddeus, & her step-mother, Fletcher, the manor is home to The Collection, 14 spirits bound not only to the house, but to the Thorne bloodline. The spirits range in personality (shy, tragic, playful, terrifying) & their manner of death, evident on their spirit. Elegy’s world is brought into sharp relief when she meets Atticus, son of their repairman who leads her to question the expectation of where her life will lead &, for the 1st time, think about what she wants. Elegy is incredibly strong & I enjoyed her journey through the book. Atticus, *sigh* apparently green eyes are going to be my new obsession between this & the MMC in my previous read. He’s sassy, intelligent, & appreciates Elegy for who she is, without expecting her to change. Fletcher was a fascinating side character, for whom I had sympathy & can see why Elegy’s friends were enamored with her when young. Floss & Hugo are Elegy’s first & only friends, I’ll admit that I thought Floss & Hugo were going to end up being crappy friends, but they surprised me. There were a small number of other side characters who added another layer to the story. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, I kept waiting for the-big-bad-thing-that-I-absolutely-know-is-going-to-happen & only predicted one small part of the ending. 4.5 ⭐️

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas is a spooky gothic romance about a young woman who lives in an old manor full of ghosts. Elegy Thorne is next in line to manage a group of 15 spirits who have been residing in Thorne Halls since the gilded age. Each spirit has a story and personality, some benevolent and some malicious. After meeting a vibrant man, Atticus, Elegy is torn between fulfilling her legacy or living her own free life.

This was a great read for spooky season! The beginning of the book was a little slow and took me a while to get into, eventually I was invested in the story and couldn't wait to see what happened next. If you like ghost stories or gothic romances, you might enjoy this book. It has similar vibes to Starling House (Alix E. Harrow) and The Cruel Dark (Bea Northwick).

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an advanced reader copy of the ebook. My review was not influenced by this. The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is expected to be published on February 11, 2025.

J. Ann / Jamie Thomas' fantasy series Asperfell is one of my all-time favorites, and I was so excited to see that she was writing an adult paranormal novel. I love her writing so much, and this book was just as amazing as Asperfell and The Forest Kingdom. Elegy was such a cool main character, and her family lore was fascinating. The romance was so cute and I liked how it naturally developed over time. Things got extra spooky towards the end, which I loved. As much as I'm hoping that Thomas completes the Asperfell trilogy at some point, I'm very excited for her to continue to write gothic novels like this one.