Review of Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall (Ghosts of Rowan Vale, #1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.7 Stars)
When I first stumbled upon Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall by the talented author, Rachael O’Sullivan, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a contemporary ghost story set in a quaint village. Just think: a struggling single mother, a quirky cast of ghosts, and an unexpected slice of village life all rolled into one tale. Honestly, who could resist that? Little did I know that the ghosts would end up stealing the spotlight!
The story introduces us to Callie Chase, a single mother who sets foot in the charming, yet mysterious Rowan Vale on a school trip. Unexpectedly, she finds herself face-to-face with the spirits of the departed, led by none other than Sir Lawrence Davenport, the village’s elderly head. His offer to sell the village to her for a surprisingly modest sum comes with a catch: she’s to become the keeper of these lingering souls. The premise is delightful, and it sets the stage for a narrative that, although a tad cumbersome in its pacing, ultimately offers a fresh perspective on themes of self-discovery, community, and the unconventional idea of family.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the diverse cast of characters—both living and ethereal. Callie, who is our main character, took me a while to warm up to. Her intentions are pure, but her execution can feel a little unsteady—almost like she’s trying to juggle too many balls at once. In contrast, I was charmed almost immediately by Immi, another character whose dialogue springs to life with delightful energy. The interactions between Callie and her ghosts, particularly the lovable Florrie, infused a light-heartedness that kept me turning pages even when Callie felt a bit off-kilter.
The writing style offers a mix of first-person and third-person narratives, which effectively builds depth and balance. Rachael O’Sullivan takes her time establishing the setting in the first half, allowing readers to become acquainted with the village and its quirky inhabitants. That said, this slower pacing can make the second half feel like a whirlwind of events, potentially glossing over the development of relationships, especially between Callie and Bordie, the story’s brooding male lead. I found him to be more of a trope than a character; the handsome stranger with a soft heart—a classic romance archetype. Thankfully, the narrative doesn’t place romance at the forefront, which I really appreciated.
While I initially struggled to connect with Callie’s character, I found my interest piqued enough by the ghosts—and especially Immi—to keep reading. The themes woven throughout Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall are poignant, dealing with notions of self-esteem, found family, and the value of friendships. Rachael O’Sullivan crafts a narrative that feels both timely and timeless, exploring how our pasts and the people (or ghosts) we surround ourselves with shape who we are.
In conclusion, I would recommend Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall to anyone who loves light-hearted paranormal tales filled with unique characters and charming settings. If you’re a fan of stories that blend whimsy with deeper themes of connection, this could be a delightful read for you. While it has its pacing flaws, the engaging premise and delightful ghosts make it a solid start to what I hope will be a captivating series. I’m eager to see where Rachael O’Sullivan takes us next!
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion about the book. #NetGalley #KindredSpiritsatHarlingHall
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