Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is the second book in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series. I've truly adored both of these books and I'd highly recommend reading them both and in order if possible (that being said, this book does an awesome job of recapping so you definitely could just jump into book 2, I just personally found book 1 to be a lovely book and a great intro to this world).

This series is fantastic for anyone into cozy paranormal books! Loving Spirits specifically would appeal even more to those who love cozy paranormal mysteries specifically because there is a really cool mystery aspect to this book. I love the way that Sharon Booth chose to focus this book on a different person in the community and allowed the readers to get to know other characters and ghosts.

Shona and Polly were fantastic FMCs and I enjoyed the way both of their stories unfolded and intertwined with each other. All of the characters in these books are interesting and compelling, I cannot wait to learn more about them all as this series continues! The whole town is wonderfully quirky and even has town meetings like in Gilmore Girls. The first book had a big Found Family aspect to it and while this one is more about actual family, the warm fuzzy vibes are all still excellent.

I am so happy to have stumbled upon another wonderful cozy paranormal series and I cannot recommend these books enough! If you're a Danielle Garrett fan, you will absolutely adore this.


Thank you so much to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this early!

Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop by Sharon Booth

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Fifty-something Shona grew up in the village and now runs its vintage, 1940s-themed teashop. Not everyone knows that the previous manager, her great-aunt Polly, still lives there too… as a ghost!

When newcomer Max arrives, hoping to find out more about the place where his German grandfather was a prisoner of war, both Shona and Polly are unsettled. Shona, because handsome, interesting Max is the first man to catch her eye since her divorce, and Polly, because she must finally confront the terrible truth about her past.

A 1940s-themed weekend planned for the village brings the families’ connections to a head and tragic secrets to light.

Can Shona help her ghostly great-aunt to find love and forgiveness once more, while also creating her own happy ever after?

My Opinion

I haven’t read the first book in the series but I still found that Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop was an enjoyable read. Sharon Booth has created a great series with an interesting premise. A cosy and heart-warming read.

Rating 4/5

Review Dorothy Parker style:
I found myself on the blog tour for the second book in this series, and it occurred to me (with the slow horror of realizing one has left the iron on while vacationing in Vienna) that I had, in my infinite negligence, failed to review the first. Naturally, I decided to atone the way any self-respecting book reviewer does: by smudging my lipstick, sighing deeply, and writing one review for both. Efficiency, darling—it’s next to godliness.
Sharon Booth, bless her storytelling heart, has written other series that were perfectly charming, but this one? This one pirouetted past them all and gave me that rare and bewildering feeling one might call... enjoyment.
In The Kindred Spirits of Harling Hall, we’re introduced to a heroine who talks to ghosts with the ease most people reserve for houseplants. Callie, the new gal in town, has the dubious honor of being qualified to protect said town solely on the basis of her spiritual party line to the afterlife. The village? Quaint. The ghosts? Chatty. The magic system? Delightfully structured, like a very polite séance with rules.
It's a tale of finding oneself—or several versions of oneself, depending on how many spectral former selves are floating about—and attempting to fit into a village filled with living people and dead ones who still think they run the neighborhood watch.
Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop begins with a 1940s-themed weekend (because nothing says community bonding like ration cards and tea dances) and introduces Shona, who runs a charming teashop with the unsolicited assistance of her ghostly Aunt Polly. Enter Max, who turns up looking for family, stirs some long-buried secrets (as one does), and provides ample opportunity for brooding, revelations, and perhaps—if the lighting is right—romance.
The entire series is a warm cashmere throw in book form. Rowan Vale is the sort of place one escapes to when reality feels rather too much like a Monday with a migraine. It made me smile, occasionally sigh, and absolutely forget to water my ficus. I consider that a strong endorsement.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the digital copies, though any opinions—witty or otherwise—are entirely mine.

My original review:
I'm on the blog tour for the second instalment in this series, but I noticed I hadn't written a review for the first book (my bad), so I decided to write a combined review of both.
First things first: I've read other series by Sharon Booth, and this is my favourite so far.
There's a lovely setting, humour, emotion, and well-done, intriguing world-building. I loved how the magic system works and how the relationship with ghosts shapes the story.
I appreciated how the characters’ journeys, the paranormal elements, and the relationships were all well balanced.
The Kindred Spirits of Harling Hall is a lovely and well-plotted cosy fantasy that introduces the reader to this quaint village. Callie is the new girl in town, but she's also the one who meets the requirements to protect and own the village: she can communicate with ghosts—all of them.
This is a story about discovering new sides of oneself, trying to be accepted in a small community by both the living and the dead, and falling in love—even if your romantic interest might be an enemy.
Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop begins with Callie proposing a 1940s-themed weekend event for the village. Shona, the owner of the teashop, runs it with the help of the ghost of her Aunt Polly.
Max, a visitor searching for his uncle, uncovers old secrets, brings Polly’s past into the spotlight, and maybe sparks some new love stories.
It’s another cute and heartwarming book. I loved catching up with the characters and seeing how they’ve evolved. The world-building expands beautifully, with more detail and depth.
Rowan Vale is a lovely series—an excellent cosy fantasy that helps me relax, smile, and feel good.
Strongly recommended if you're looking to have fun and escape from the bleakness of reality.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the digital copies. All opinions are my own.

This is a very intriguing concept. I think it was well-written and refreshing, and it really delivered on the cosy vibes. The setting was quaint and inviting, deeply fleshed out, and the obvious result of an author with a lot of love for their art. This would be the perfect autumnal read.

I wasn’t sure what I was going into, but I was pleasantly surprised and enamoured by all the ghostly visitors, their stories, and the throwbacks to the 40s. The intimate look at the lives of those who lived through the war was equal parts compelling and heartbreaking.

My favourite part was the mystery aspect of this book. Did I expect it? No. But it worked so well coupled with the cosy vibes of a quaint town full of the dearly departed. And Polly? She was favourite of all. A mischievous and sweet soul with a few loose ends to tie up.

Overall a very captivating book. It is not alike my usual genre, but that is why I wanted to read this book—and I think it has started me looking for many more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC.

In one word . . . Cute. This was a fun read. Set in the 1940ks with a little mystery sprinkled in. The atmosphere and the characters are very good. If you’re looking for a happy little story, I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sharon Booth for this ARC

3.5⭐️

This one was such a cute easy to read book! I am not a historical romance reader by any means, but the setting of this book in the 1940s with a little murder mystery and hints of magic made it so fun! I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a light read.

This is the 2nd book in the series by Sharon Booth. The subject matter is a bit more serious and the focus is on different characters in the town. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel....maybe even more than I enjoyed the 1st in the series. I think the reader will learn some unknown historical information in the sequel, and if you're like me, will do additional research to find out more. One comment would be that I wish the author would have given some additional background on the current characters. I did have to stop and think about where they fit in the original story, but even without that information, this was still a very good read.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I’m loving this series from Sharon Booth and this was another fabulous book.

Shona loved what she does and the village of Rowan Vale where she lives. The vintage tea shop which she runs has plenty of visitors, who buy her mouthwatering cakes, sandwiches and drinks.

Secrets are kept in Rowan Vale, which those that visit are unaware of. There’s plenty of ghosts as well as those living in the village. One of the ghosts is her aunt Polly.

When a stranger comes into the tea shop, Shona feels something towards him. He is in the village to find out more about his grandparents, and Shona agrees to help him.

But, when they carry out their enquiries, what they find out will not only impact them both, but also he aunt, who has been hiding a secret for a long time. But what will happen when that secret is revealed?

The story keeps you turning the pages and you read about the ties that bind a family together, even when they’re not with you.

I highly recommend this book.

I was sent a copy of 'Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop' by Netgalley for review. This book is not my usual cup of tea, but I did enjoy it! Shona lives in an unusual village - some village families can see the spirits of their ancestors, and Shona is no exception. The owner of the village decides to put on a 1940's weekend to encourage more tourism and help the village shops. However, this is problematic for Shona's family, as her great aunt, Polly, was killed at that time. Several strands to this novel give it more depth, and the final twist is unexpected. Thanks to Netgalley for my copy (this did not affect my review).

3.5⭐️

Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is the second book in the Rowan Vale series. It continues to be an absolute delight to read. The entire story is very magical, whimsical and cozy. In this story Callie organizes a 1940's weekend in Rowan Vale to attract more tourists to this peculiar city.

The other storyline is about the murder😱 of aunt Polly. This added emotional depth to the story, which was nice to read about. It gave some stakes to the story. Added to that, I loved how the main character of this story was 52 years old!

However, with this story line the 1940's weekend was a bit snowed under. Especially since it is one of the main plot points of this story. I would've loved to read more about that and the ghosts reactions to this weekend. Especially those of the ghosts that passed during this area.

Overall, apart from some pacing and lack of connection to character issues, this was an absolute delight again and I am curious to see what the next book will bring us! There are still so many so many stories untold! Apart from that, I'd also love to read more about Callie, Brodie and Immi (cause boy, how much did I miss her in this books).

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

A lovely cozy, paranormal fantasy romance with an enjoyable 1940s theme!

This story is well paced, uncovers a complex murder mystery, has well written characters and is very well written!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

There is something so fun about this series. The second book takes readers back to Rowan Vale with lots of returning characters (ghosts) that you love. This book combines a sweet romance with a side of cozy murder mystery. Looking forward to more from Sharon & these wildly fun characters.

This is the second installment in The Ghosts of Rowan Vale series and once again, I loved it. I completely fell in love with the characters and the ghostly elements in the first book, and honestly, I enjoyed this one even more. It was the perfect cozy read to curl up with on the couch.

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting story about love, friendship, and family with just the right touch of the paranormal, this book is absolutely perfect for you!!

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this arc! 🫶🏻

Thank you Boldwood and Netgalley for the review copy.

Ok, I’m glad to return to the “quaint” village of Rowan Vale and its special inhabitants. But oh wow; the plot this time was complicated, full of surprises and as Polly said; things were never as simple as they seemed!

The writing is beautiful and cozy. It perfectly blends modern language, mannerisms etc with historical evens and ✨vibes✨

This book is slightly shorter than book 1, and it is a pretty fast paced read. It can be read as a standalone BUT reading book 1 would make the experience much better.

I will be posting about this wonderful series on my instagram on release day.

The second in the Rowan Vale series. It works as a standalone, but I would advise reading the first one before this - it explains the village and gives a good background to the ghosts and the human inhabitants of the village.

This time round, the book tells the stories of Shona, who runs a teashop in the village, and her aunt Polly, who passed away in the 1940s. I liked that the reader got to hear more about the ghost's stories this time round, I really hope both Harmony and Quintus get their own book! I loved how the author wove the prisoner of war storyline in with the 1940s weekend in Rowan Vale.

Looking forward to many more installments to come!

Having loved the first in this series, it was a no-brainer when I was invited to join this tour. I was eager to see what the gang had been up to since my last visit and to check if there had been any progress made in integrating the spirits that exist on the periphery of the village.
This time, the focus was on Shona and newcomer Max, along with Polly and other ghosts. Max is the father of Rissa, who was still reeling from failing to win Brodie's affections. What I hadn’t expected was for Max to be quite so handsome and such a catch.
Shona is a delight, and it was lovely to see her coming into her own and standing up for what she believed in. Her role to date had been in the shadows, but she slipped seamlessly into the spotlight and watching her shine was an absolute joy. She remained determined to improve the lives and deaths of all those around her, no matter what earthly plane they inhabited. Drawing her strength from her Aunt Polly, she seeks to inspire others to be honest and face up to their fears.
Max is an enigmatic soul who seems to know what he wants from life, but lacks the strength to fight for what he believes is true. More importantly, he needs to find the strength to make the necessary changes in his own life. His stoicism seemed misplaced at first, but soon it became apparent that we needed to dig a little deeper to discover more about who he was and why he was so reserved. Removing his layers was a highlight as it revealed some deeply distressing secrets, and then we could see the man that he’d buried deeply inside himself.
This book felt reaffirming and powerful despite the whimsical setting. The supporting cast is perfect, and I particularly enjoyed learning more about Harmony Hill and Roman Centurion Quintus Severus.
Sharon Booth’s imagination seems limitless, and I am loving her work.

A fun Ghostly romance. This series has been great. I'm usually not the romantic reader, but I love the ghost. So I'm glad I read it. Not disappointed.

Shona is very happy living and working in the village of Rowan Vale. Shona runs the vintage tea shop there, greeting visitors with a smile and a piece of delicious cake. But Rowan Vale has a secret that the visitors don’t know. Along with the living, there are many ghosts and Shona’s Aunt Polly is one of them.
When a handsome stranger walks into the tea shop one day, Shona instantly feels a connection. Torsten is there to find out more about his heritage and Shona decides to help him.
What they uncover will rock not only them to the core. Aunt Polly has been hiding something for many years, is now the time to share her secret and what will the consequences be if she does.
This funny, warm, quirky story is enchanting. Showing that the strong ties of family hold tight even after death.
Although it is a follow up to Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall it can be read alone but I would highly recommend the first one as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

I adored book one in this series and was so excited for book two and it didn’t disappoint. If you haven’t read book one and are a fan of cozy romance while a splash of urban fantasy vibes since ghosts are real I highly recommend you pick up book one and book two and sit down to binge them.

Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is a warm, whimsical, and subtly profound novel that blends cosy romance, light paranormal elements, and a dual-layered historical mystery, all set in the picturesque village of Rowan Vale. Sharon Booth has crafted a charming story that draws the reader in with a unique premise—mixing vintage nostalgia, ghostly encounters, and the long shadows of World War II.

The story follows Shona, manager of the quaint teashop, who finds herself in conversation with the ghost of her great-aunt Polly—an irreverent and lovable presence with secrets of her own. When newcomer Max arrives in Rowan Vale, searching for answers about his grandfather’s wartime past, his story becomes entangled with the mystery of Polly’s untimely death decades earlier.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the atmosphere—Rowan Vale feels like a character in itself, with its 1940s aesthetic and community spirit. The blend of romance and mystery works well, especially as the story gently uncovers truths buried deep in personal and national history. The exploration of forgiveness, generational trauma, and the lingering effects of war adds surprising emotional depth.

That said, I did find the pacing a little slow in parts particularly in the middle sections where the narrative took its time to unravel key events. While the gentle tempo fits the cosy, reflective tone of the novel, I occasionally wished for a quicker progression to maintain momentum.

Still, the characters more than made up for it. Shona is relatable and grounded, while Polly—as a ghostly guide with wit and unfinished business—adds both heart and humor. Max’s storyline brings in a rich historical dimension, highlighting lesser-known aspects of the post-war period, such as German prisoners of war being held in Britain long after the conflict ended. Booth handles these themes with sensitivity, giving the story a deeper emotional resonance without ever feeling heavy-handed.

The supernatural elements are light and accessible, not overpowering, which makes this a perfect read even for those who don’t typically go for ghost stories. The mystery surrounding Polly’s death is compelling and full of clever twists, and the final revelations are satisfying and emotionally rewarding.

Overall, Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is a beautifully balanced story of love, loss, healing, and hope—with a comforting cup of tea always close at hand. It’s a lovely blend of cosy fiction, historical insight, and gentle magic. A strong 4-star read for anyone who enjoys heart-warming village tales with a twist of the unexpected.
I’d like to thank to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to reading the arc.