This book by Sharon Booth was so cozy and sweet! I seriously loved this and can't wait to read it again in the fall!

Not a book I would have chosen from the shelves of a bookshop, but I was pleasantly surprised. A lovely read from Sharon.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Kindred Spirits At Harling Hall' by Sharon Booth

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Sharon!!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! This may be the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely will not be my last!!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book, and the previous one in this series.

I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible author's books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by the very talented Sharon, even if they are just half as good as this page turner they are guaranteed to be addictive!! OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, LAUGH OUT LOUD AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! MY FAVOURITE READ OF 2025. If you have ever seen the series Ghosts and loved it like I did then do not waste your time reading any more of my review and grab your copy of this epic page turner now!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! The descriptions, the characters and the absolutely brilliant and hilarious storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how fantastic, unique and gorgeous this book is!!! I am just so landed that this book is just the first book in Sharon's 'Ghosts Of Rowan Vale' series and what an absolutely amazing introduction to a promising new series it is!! I just really hope you are finishing the second book as I NEED it in my life YESTERDAY!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love romance, 'Ghosts', mystery, magic, community, humour, paranormal… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive and stunning page turner!!! I mean I have read loads of books this year but THIS book has just shot to my favourite book of 2025 and I will be very surprised if anyone manages to knock it off that spot!! I have got to admit that my main reason for picking this book up is because of the reviews that referred to it being like 'Ghosts' as I was absolutely hooked on the series and was gutted when it ended so for this to be very similar, just as amazing (if not more, has absolutely made my day and that is without taking into the gorgeous cover and the wonderful synopsis, so thank you so much Sharon!! In this absolutely gorgeous book Sharon transports the readers to the absolutely stunning Cotswolds where we meet single Mum Callie who has decided to join her daughter Immi on a school trip to Rowan Vale which is run as a living museum. When they arrive and Callie sees some soldiers fighting and barefoot children running wild she is not impressed and puts in a complaint. Callie meets with the owner Sir Lawrence Davenport to complain but doesn't quite get the reaction she was expecting. Lawrence is delighted that she seen them and tells her she is just the person he has been looking for as he is ready to hand over the management of the estate to someone but it had to be the right person. Someone who will engage and look after the ghosts and Callie ends up buying the village for a mere £10. However, some of the ghosts are not happy with the change of ownership and neither is Lawrence's grandson Brodie. Can Callie change their minds and keep her promise to Lawrence? Well, if you want to more then you will just have to grab your copy of this absolutely fabulous page turner today and I can absolutely GUARANTEE you will not regret it! With a storyline ram packed with friendship, humour, ghosts, magic, romance and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for??? I must admit I am not typically a fan of "paranormal" books but I absolutely LOVED this one which I think is helped by the fact that Callie is a normal person and that it is very much like Ghosts, even some of the characters reminded me of ones from the show which I absolutely adored!! This book is a real genuine pick me up and will definitely turn any frown upside down!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Sharon's fantastic writing skills and vivid descriptions will transport the reader into Rowan Vale where they will see everything that is going on around them including the stunning settings and most of the amazing and larger than life characters! I know I did! This is one of those fantastic books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Sharon will whisk you away with the storyline and transport you into Rowan Vale!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant read that will make your day brighter!

Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you get lost in this laugh out loud, addictive page turner!!

I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Sharon has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Callie and all of the ghosts Aggie throughout. I absolutely loved meeting them and was rooting for them throughout. I loved watching the personalities and confidence change and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, weaknesses, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all, well, almost all. The only downfall with the characters along with Rowan Vale itself is that they are entirely fictional even though Sharon brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Sharon truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in her debut book and cannot wait for the next book

Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous, unique and unputdownable stunner ❤️ Sharon Booth welcome to my favourite author list as well as for writing my FAVOURITE READ OF 2025!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT GUARANTEED SUCCESS!!!

Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will sweep you away, make you laugh out loud and fall in love with Rowan Vale!!

#KindredSpiritsAtHarlingHall #GhostsOfRowanVale #SharonBooth #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #Boldwood #BookAndTonic #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #Bookstagrammer #Bookblogger

@SharonBooth @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @Boldwood @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86

https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prf

If you follow my blog, you know that I am a fan of the tv show Ghosts, both the BBC and the US versions. So that little bit in the blurb had me signing up to review this one right away! This is a cozy little story with a bit of romance and lots of fun ghosts to get to know, definitely reminding me in a way of that tv show.

Callie starts out thinking about how nice it would be if only she could have enough money to have a nice home for her and her daughter with a yard, or garden as they call it in England I believe. Then, when her being able to see ghosts turns into the opportunity to actually get these things, at first she doesn’t want to take it. You see growing up, her parents had shamed her about being able to see ghosts, they didn’t really believe her, and eventually she did so much to ignore the ghosts, that as far as she knew, she didn’t see them anymore. But coming on a field trip as a chaperone with her daughter to Harling Hall, a place set in the past, partly because of all the ghosts there, and her ability to ignore them is gone. You see this place has a tradition of whoever owns it is someone who can see the ghosts and talk to them, etc. Now these ghosts are from ALL time periods and of course did die around the location. There is an ancient Roman centurion, a soldiers from world war I, and people who lived during world war 2. Models from the 60s, and even a Hollywood starlet. All ages as well, elderly, teens, and children.

Soon she realizes that taking the estate for the measly price of 10 pounds, the contract has always been to sell the estate to the next owner for that little, well it is going to be in the best interest for both her and her daughter. Callie has other issues that make it hard for her to want to just take over this enormous new responsibility. Such as dyslexia, and just not having ever been a part of something like this. The current owner/residents, Sir Lawrence Davenport, or Lawrie, and his grandson Brodie, are great to have around, and she asks them to stay, but as it’s never been done that way, and Lawrie is very much a stickler, they say they can’t.

All of the different ghosts have their stories, some funny, some sad, some just very unique and with interesting historical connections. There’s a bit of an attraction between Callie and Brodie, but of course with Brodie being about to leave, both kind of agree there’s no use in starting anything. So this of course leads to longing and frustration as it comes down to the very moment when one of them must say something. There’s a bit of miscommunication with that, of course. The romance is limited to a few kisses and some tingly feelings when Callie thinks about Brodie and kissing him.

I definitely enjoyed the story, and am interested in seeing how this will become a series as it says this is the first one. Will we continue with Callie and Brodie and Immy, her daughter, and how the ghosts are around the property? I mean, like the tv show? Or will there be another romance? Maybe Mia? I’ll definitely be interested to see where it goes next!

I wasn’t sure what I expected from this book, which promises a cross between the BBC comedy Ghosts and a cosy romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!

All of the characters, dead and alive, are either engaging or very interesting, and the strange set-up of the village of Rowan Vale, Harling Hall manor and the very peculiar inheritance attached to it offered lots of little mini-mysteries to solve along the way.

To some extent, the budding romance between Callie, who can reluctantly see and speak to ghosts, and Brodie, who can’t but really wishes he could, takes a back-seat to the stories of the ghosts themselves and the new found family that is tentatively beginning to form between the hall’s inhabitants, old, new and very old. Personally I actually preferred it that this was a cosy paranormal fantasy with a romantic sub-plot, rather than vice versa!

As the first book in a series, there is inevitably a little bit of a slow start as the author sets about establishing the characters and setting, and how the ghost village set-up works, but all of the family background, parenting troubles and tricky first impressions kept me reading to find out more about everyone and really hoping they could all see beyond each others’ surfaces. And it ends with an intriguing teaser or two hanging ready to be picked up in the next instalment.

All-in-all, I found this a really solid series starter for any cosy ghost fans who like a bit of cosy romance with their spectral shenanigans, and I am very keen to read on and find out more about the Ghosts of Rowan Vale!

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall is a cozy and whimsical paranormal romance full of found family, a dash of slow-burn romance, and brimming with endearing characters of the living and dead variety with plenty of personality. The plot is a perfect blend of mystery and slow-burn romance entwined around history and magic about finding a place to belong in the world.

Sharon Booth’s writing is warm, witty, and full of little details that bring the characters and Harling Hall estate to life with plausible magical realism. The sense of place that the immersive worlding building conjures up is an astonishingly vivid depiction of a tranquil, rambling estate, historical hall, and quaint village.

I loved the quirky, distinctive personalities of the cast of characters for the living and the dead as they interact with each other and rub along in their afterlife. It is pretty funny, with amusing banter between the ghosts and a humorous clash of cultural attitudes across different historical eras, that all the ghosts hail from meeting the 21st-century feisty feminist world of a single mum.

I thought this was a charming, cozy story full of laughs, sweet romance, warm fuzzies, and great banter. If you love the cozier, cottagecore side of haunting rather than thriller or horror scary, you will love the ghosts of Harling Hall and their fun and games with their living caretakers.

This book had such a unique premise, which I loved! I love a good paranormal twist, and this was no different. I was so interested in the side characters and their stories, from the townspeople to the previous owners to the ghosts. The strong communities and family dynamics were so heartwarming. My biggest complaint was that the romance between Callie and Brodie was underwhelming and undeveloped. I would’ve loved a bit more time spent on them, even just making the book a little bit longer. I would love to keep learning more about Rowan Vale and its inhabitants, so I’ll definitely pick up the next book in the series when it comes out!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Single mom, Callie and her daughter Immi get the chance of a lifetime, to purchase an entire estate for a small sum - with one catch. She needs to step up to take care of the residents— ghosts and all.

When current owner, Sir Lawrence Davenport, meets Callie and realizes she, too, can see the ghostly residents of Rowan Vale, he presents her an offer not many could refuse.

This story was a beautiful tale of family, loved, lost and abandoned. While marketed as a romance, I found this story to be much more of a historical tale with supernatural element and a dash of romance - no spice. Harling Hall did a good job in displaying character growth within so many different characters. It made me want to hate some, love others and sigh “finally” when Callie gets her act together. There is tension, conflict and most of all, love. This was a heartwarming story of reconnection, found family and everything that comes with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and while I found it was missing more of the romance and longing tension, the book conclusion was satisfying and I wonder what will come next for the residents of Rowan Vale.

I love the premise of this story, especially if you are a fan of the tv series Ghosts. I enjoyed most of the characters, although at some point the FMC did get a bit annoying it all wrapped up nicely. I would have liked for the romance to be earlier on in the book, I felt like I didn’t get enough of it. Other than that, I adored the growth in the characters and really enjoyed reading this book.

This is heart-warming paranormal romance with community at its heart.
While you normally associate ghostly goings on in literature with gloom, shadows and fear, this is a breeze of sunshine that uplifted and entertained from the start. The idea of ghosts and alive folk living in harmony was unique and it was lovely to follow Callie and her daughter, Immi, as they navigate their new circumstances of being owners of Rowan Vale. With memorable characters, a sexy accountant and community it was a bookish escape.
This ghost story of self-discovery, found family and gentle romance. The setting, embedded folklore and solid world building is a hive of potential future books. I can't wait to read more

Ready for a fun read? You’ve found it with Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall! A collection of ghosts from all sorts of different times live together on a beautiful estate that operates as a living history museum. This is perfect for fans of the TV series Ghosts.

Callie visits the estate on a school trip with her daughter Immi and finds herself the new owner. This delightful book offers everything from history to friendship, family, and love.

I was actually sorry to reach the end of the book and I’m impatiently looking forward to the next in the series.

I usually go ghost stories on the scarier side, but I was eager to see what a more light-hearted story would be like.

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall follows the story of Callie, who's always been told that her ability to see ghosts is something to be ashamed of but that all changes when she visits Rowan Vale while on a school trip with her daughter Immi. The owner of Harling Hall, Lawrie, has been looking for someone like her for years, someone who can communicate with not just the living of the town but the ghostly residents too. Reluctantly she agrees to take on the estate and realises she's in way over her head, not to mention the ghosts of town and Lawrie's grumpy grandson are making things even harder for her.

What an adorably sweet read this was!

I immediately warmed to Callie. She's had a tough time of it, single mother with an unsupportive family, scraping by. That's until she gets the offer of a lifetime, but even then, it isn't smooth sailing for her.

I loved all the ghosts! Each one of them is quirky and fun to read about, from the overbearing Agnes to the cheeky troublemaker Florrie.

The romance storyline kind of took a back burner in the story, even though I was expecting a little more romance from the book. I enjoyed the slow burn of it, but I would have liked to see a bit more back and forth between Callie and Brodie.

If you're looking for a cosy, sweet light fantasy read with plenty of ghostly goings on, then I highly recommend this book.

Callie Chase has the struggle of trying to balance work life with raising her child Immi as a single mother with the added complication of being able to see and communicate with ghosts. She’s reminded of this fact chaperoning a school trip after repressing it as a child, and ends up the owner of a manor and the person that ghosts in the village of Rowan Vale turn to if they have problems.

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall by Sharon Booth is a very laidback, cosy story that would probably be more appropriate debuting at Halloween given the subject matter! The ghosts are the best part of the story, naturally, and the fun is whenever they’re on the scene. It might actually serve the author to include a little who’s who in the next volume to help keep everyone straight, as there’s a large cast of both living and dead, but with stories like this, lots of characters are a good thing. Keeps the door open for all sorts of future hijinks and all that.

I had a few things I didn’t love with the story, however. I think the switch in narrator could have been handled more deftly, like in the beginning when Callie sees the three children and the next chapter it’s from their viewpoint. The dialogue is repeated, and it feels repetitive because I JUST finished reading that. It might have been better if it had simply gone straight to them rather than been from Callie’s viewpoint at all.

Another thing: Callie is kind of rude. She didn’t read the instructions for the care of the village and manor (sure she’s got a disability, but she should have made an effort? Brodie even created a more manageable guide she did not read entirely) and then she flew off the handle about things that she’d understand if she would have taken the time to view the information. She also expected to be IMMEDIATELY seen as an authority and taken seriously when she JUST stepped into the role; I think it would take anyone a period of adjustment to get used to dealing with a new person instead of the people you’ve turned to for decades/your entire life.

She’s also explicitly told to defer to and respect ghost’s wishes—it’s why she’s needed in the first place—so she decided to repeatedly try to run roughshod over Agnes and then Lawrie, getting in a snit about it being HER house now. I know Agnes isn’t very welcoming, and Callie was right, but Callie was downright nasty to her and what she said later on about her and Florrie to Lawrie is reprehensible. Just completely gross. And then to boot she wanted to restrict her own daughter, trying to keep her at home or at school and away from any contact with ghosts because SHE had bad experiences; I get it’s a sort of “oh no, im doing what my parents did” type deal, but it’s still frustrating. I think if I knew Callie personally, I’d have some BIG quarrels with her.

The relationship between Brodie and Callie was nonexistent. It felt like any sort of moments that could show the deepening of their feelings happened off-page. They didn’t really spend much time together, and so their mutual anguish at the thought of parting didn’t make me yearn for them to sort out their misunderstandings and make a confession to each other.

A positive: LOVE the whole notion of a ghost found family/adopted family. Aubrey, Agnes, and Florrie’s connection was so, so sweet.

This book series has a lot of potential, and I think it could be something really fun. It’s worth a shot now, and I’m excited to see how the world will flesh out in further volumes.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anyone interested in friendly ghosts (and there are far more friendly ghosts than there are unfriendly ones!) will enjoy this entertaining cosy romance adventure. Yes it's a predictable romance with the formulaic boy/girl misunderstanding attraction to each other but that's the style of the genre. The characters here were all delightful, even the ghosts - well, actually, especially the ghosts!

Callie is on a school trip with her daughter Immie to a historical-themed Cotswold village. When a couple of encounters with over-enthusiastic role-playing actors and locals draw attention to themselves, Callie, as a responsible Mum, feels she has to complain to the estate's manager.

That's when realisation dawns and her world is turned upside down. No spoilers. You'll have to read the book to find out more.

My only disappointment is that Rowen Vale isn't real, I won't be able to visit and I'll not be able to see for myself the model village within the actual village... or the ghosts!

I loved the ghosts. I liked the daughter Immie, but then, she is very much like my own daughter ... who can also see ghosts.

I hope there will be more in this charmingly delightful series. I want to find out what happens next - to Cassie, Immie and the ghosts.

Harling Hall is a wonderful old house set in a beautiful estate and historic village. When Calllie visits as a helper on her daughter’s school trip she is both delighted and appalled. Some of the actors working in the village behave inappropriately fighting and brawling in full view of the children. Callie decides to put in a complaint to Sir Lawrence. However, he knows exactly why she is there complaining and starts discussing the fact that she has seen several people in the village others haven’t. Ghosts! It turns out the owner of the estate must have the ability to see and communicate with it’s residents both living and dead!

After much deliberation and a nominal £10 selling fee Callie becomes the new owner of the Hall and estate. I loved reading about her adventures as she gets to know everyone and grapples with the fact that Sir Lawrence and his grumpy Grandson, Brodie, must leave soon as is tradition when a new owner is found.
Brodie can not see the ghosts but seems indispensable on the estate, much mote than just an accountant. Callie is an independent woman but she has abandonment issues and is very protective of her daughter, Imogen, but also her own heart. As she becomes fond of her new “family” and frustrated with their behaviours she also develops a close relationship with Brodie.

The resident spirits are a mixed bunch crabbit, naughty, kind, jolly, dedicated, nosey … all beholden to the owner of the estate. Reading about them was an excellent source of amusement but also brought tears to my eyes on several occasions with some of the tales they have to tell and the fears they have as they live their “lives” in the “inbetween plane”.

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall is definitely a cosy read. The underlying emotion and romance to the story adds to it’s appeal. The unique characters, both living and dead, have relatable traits, people who I would enjoy getting to know. As a result I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series. I want to meet more of the ghosts, hear their tales and find out if Callie is coping as the Mistress of the estate without the leadership of Sir Lawrence.

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was sweet, fun, clever and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

I have loved the show "Ghosts" since it premiered in the United States. I was excited to read Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall, as it has been compared to the show. Unfortunately, I was quickly disappointed. The only true comparison between the show and the book is that a living person is able to see and speak with ghosts.

Callie's character was quite frustrating to me, she is too anxious and spends far too much time denying the truth. The romance that I was hoping would save the book for me was flat and seemed rush. There did not seem to be any real connection between the two individuals; seemed more like an afterthought.

All of the characters (living and dead) seemed rushed and needed more development. I personally felt there were too many characters shoved into such short book. With the promise of more books, it seems the author could have taken more time writing fewer but more defined characters for this book.

I am going to give the second boo a try, but the first has not given me much to be hopeful for; I almost DNF.

Kiindred Spirits at Harling Hall was a fun book.

Callie Chase chaperones her daughter’s class trip to Rowan Vale a living history village in the beautiful Cotswolds. The village is owned by Sir Lawrence Davenport and the village is populated by the living and well, the dead. The village and manor house have passed from family to family with one caveat, the family must be able to interact with the dead. The Davenports time has sadly come to an end. Sir Lawrence is the last Davenport who is able to interact with the ghosts and since he is in his 80’s and his son and grandson did not inherit his gift, a new custodian must be found. Callie innocently stumbles onto the scene. As a child she was able to see and interact wtth the dead but the disdain her father showed to her gifts caused her to suppress her talent. While at Rowan Vale, Callie is able to interact with several ghosts that she mistakes for living hictorical actors. Sir Lawrence is thrilled and relieved. Rowan Vale can be saved. He offers to sell the village and manor house to Callie for 10 pounds a bargain for sure. Callie is not interested, until she overhears her daughter Immi telling her friend that she too can see ghosts. With the encouragement of her daughter and Sir Lawrence’s grandson Brodie, Callie takes a chance. At Rowan Vale she finds friends, ghosts both friendly and annoying and possible love. Who could ask for more?

This was a delightful read. I want my own Rowan Vale to live in. A picturesque village with ghosts and quirky neigbors.. yes please!

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Shall I start with the setting? If Rowan Vale, nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds, was a real place, I’d have immediately booked a short break to pay it a visit – it’s beautifully described, a living history museum, somewhere I know I’d love. Single mum Callie really wants to spend more time with her daughter Immi, and that’s how she finds herself there as one of the parents accompanying her class on a school outing. She assumes the pair of soldiers brawling on the station platform at Harling’s Halt are actors employed by the estate, but it doesn’t create the best first impression. And when exploring the estate, she’s surprised to see barefoot children behaving particularly badly – and decides to visit the Hall to make an official complaint.

But she’s just the person ailing and elderly Sir Lawrence Davenport has been waiting for – they’re not actors but ghosts, and he’s ready to hand over the management of the estate to someone who’s able to see and engage with them, and to make sure they’ll be looked after into the future. For a nominal payment, he’ll do a handover and move on – it’s the way things have always been done, and how he came to be managing the estate – although that doesn’t go down too well with his distinctly fanciable but very disgruntled grandson Brodie, who’s rather more reluctant to give up his home. But the deal is sealed, and Callie starts to find out – with some trepidation – what her job entails.

With the help of a rather lovely model village and a few friendly villagers, she finds there are a large number of ghosts to be looked after, and not all of them delighted with the change of ownership. Some live with them at the Hall – a pair of old retainers (one far more welcoming than the other) and one of those misbehaving children – but many others are scattered around the estate, including a Roman soldier, a former teacher of William Shakespeare, an irate clergyman, a Hollywood actress, and a former barman at the local pub. She feels the need to approach the task in her own way, while ruffling more than a few feathers – but slowly builds bridges with Brodie, indispensable for a whole range of tasks around the estate, and someone she becomes increasingly attracted to.

I’m slipping into telling the story, and I really mustn’t – but I must say that I found the whole book a total delight. Callie herself, often very much out of her depth, is so very likeable – and I really loved her daughter Immi, taking things far more in her stride than her mother could ever have imagined or hoped for. The whole story is something so very different, the product of a wonderful imagination – and all the characters, whether ghostly or not, superbly drawn, along with all their relationships and interactions. And Callie’s developing romance with Brodie was beautifully handled – gentle and slow-burn, but with an attraction you could really feel.

As a standalone, it’s a thoroughly lovely read – but also the most perfect first book in a new series, and I’m so looking forward to the next one. I should mention, I think, that I’ve never seen the TV series Ghosts – if it has a similar premise, maybe I should, but it’s certainly not essential. And I’m a touch ashamed to say that I’ve never read anything by Laurie Gilmore or Lucy Jane Wood either – but this was a book and storyline that I absolutely loved, tremendously engaging, and I honestly couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Sharon Booth’s Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall is a heartwarming and whimsical delight, blending romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Perfect for fans of the BBC series Ghosts, this charming story invites readers to a picturesque Cotswold village where the past is very much alive — quite literally.

The story follows Callie, a single mother longing to find a fresh start for herself and her daughter. When she stumbles upon Rowan Vale, a living museum seemingly frozen in time, she’s captivated by its quaint beauty and old-world charm. But what sets Callie apart is her unusual ability to see and speak to the village’s ghostly inhabitants. From mischievous schoolgirls to a dramatic former lord and his spirited wife, each ghost has a distinct personality that adds humor and warmth to the story.

Booth’s character development is a standout. Callie is instantly likable — resilient, compassionate, and refreshingly grounded. Her dedication to making Rowan Vale a welcoming home for both the living and the dearly departed is heartening. Brodie, the handsome yet brooding grandson of the village’s eccentric owner, adds a delicious dose of romantic tension. His complicated relationship with Rowan Vale’s legacy adds emotional depth, making his gradual connection with Callie all the more satisfying.

The novel’s humor sparkles through the antics of the ghostly residents, who refuse to let death dampen their flair for drama. Meanwhile, the idyllic setting of the Cotswolds, with its cobbled streets and ivy-clad cottages, is beautifully rendered, making readers feel as though they’ve stepped into a storybook village.

But beyond the laughter and romance, Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall also offers touching reflections on loss, belonging, and second chances. The ghosts are not simply comedic relief — they are tethered to unfinished stories and longings, and Callie’s ability to help them find closure adds emotional resonance to the plot.

Sharon Booth has crafted a wonderfully uplifting read that celebrates both the beauty of the present and the echoes of the past. With its lovable characters, sparkling dialogue, and heartwarming message, Kindred Spirits at Harlingen Hall is a perfect escape for readers seeking a cozy, feel-good story.