I wasn’t ae to read the first book and so I think I missed a lot of the backstory. Anyway, right off the bat there were just too many characters that were introduced and I start doubting that all of them played huge roles in the story. If you have too many characters in a supposedly cozy read, it’s not gonna work because you will feel disconnected with the characters. Over-all I really wanted to enjoy this but it just didn’t make me invested enough.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC version of this book!

Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is a magical, cozy read about a niece finding a second chance at love under unexpected circumstances while her ghost great-aunt come to terms with the truth of her murder after almost a decade. I did pick up on the cozy, whimsical atmosphere that the author intended to portray. The book was set in September, but I thought it could fit in as a Christmas read.

However, that alone wasn't enough the make me appreciate the book. The most important element of a good book, in my view, is the writing—and that’s where this one fell short. The large numbers of characters and names threw me off and was tricky to keep up with, so I stopped caring early on. The living characters were not as distinctively portrayed as the ghosts characters – ironically, i feel that the ghosts have more voices and colors. The conversations and dialogues were carried out in a stiff and unnatural manner that I can't help but cringe for the characters, preventing me from connecting and symphatising with them. I did somewhat enjoy the surprise at the end of the book, but this part of the story was so fleeting—treated as if the revelations were nothing major, just an accessory to an otherwise pretty boring story. It got to the point where I considered DNF-ing the book a couple of times.

The book briefly touched on a part of history, but it wasn’t explored in depth. It felt more like a convenient story-connector—used to fill in the blanks until a new idea emerged—rather than a meaningful element. It also tried to juggle so many themes that it felt lost: a little bit of mystery to engage the reader, but wait, let's make it historical so that it'll be relevant. Oh and let's also add in some romance to engage younger readers!

In the end, while the concept had promise and the tone had potential, the execution left me feeling disconnected and underwhelmed.

Having recently finished reading the author Sharon Booth’s last book Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall, I dived straight into her second book of this series. I couldn’t wait to get reading it.
This book certainly didn’t disappoint, I so enjoyed reading it.
Returning to Rowan Vale village, snatches of previous characters, meeting new one’s was great fun.
This book was centred around the tea shop, involving the living characters and the ghosts.
Shona’s Aunt Polly was murdered in the 1940’s, but the family never knew who had done it.
The book is full of feelings, mystery, intrigue and secrets. It’s funny too.
Sharon Booth captures the inner thoughts and turmoils of her characters so well.
Reactions, love, friendship, excitement, this book has it all.
I can’t wait for her next book.

Definitely not as endearing as the first book in the series. Not much of a romance to get behind here. The characters from the first book are barely a footnote in this one. I was kind of hoping this series would center around them as they help each ghost move on/solve the mystery of why the town is so haunted. But...it looks like every book will be about different family in the village.

This is the story of Polly Herron, a ghost whose 1947 murder is still unsolved until Rissa's German dad Max comes to visit and research his grandfather's time in a work camp during WW2 and stirs up the mystery. As Max works with Shona (Polly's grandniece) to research Polly's death and his grandfather's time at Rowan Farm, they start an underwhelming romance.

The best parts of this book were finding out how Polly really died and the introduction to Harmony Hill a 30's starlet/reclusive ghost and Quintas a Roman solider. There was a nice surprise at the end but why aren't these ghosts moving on?! As of now we are not even investigating why they are all stuck and, I'm on the fence about whether I'll continue with the series.

I loved the first one in the series for its originality and quaint setting and, while both of those were present in this one, they didn’t pack the same punch as the first. For some reason, I had a difficult time telling the different between which characters were ghosts and which ones were alive in the present day. It could be the sheer number of characters that were in this one that made it so confusing. The story was still touching and sweet but I just didn’t warm to the characters the same way I did in the first one.

In this second book of the series we are back in Rowan Vale, a little town in the Cotswold. It is not only a living museum town, no here also ghosts live.
This book concentrates on Shona who is running the Tea shop in town, her family and most of all about Polly the ghost of her great-aunt.
Max arrives in town after finding a picture of his daughter in a newspaper. She is not happy that she is working in Rowan Vale a town he suspects to be the cause of horror for his grandfather. During the war he was a German prisoner who worked on the farm but never shared any information about his time there. Only close to his death it became clear that memories of the farm are hunting him and Max wants to proof that his grandfather was badly treated there.
Shone wants to help this interesting and handsome stranger. She is not aware that this is linked to the death of Polly which means finally Polly must confront herself with a terrible truth.


This is the second book of the series and it is more about the ghost in town. I like this very much and might be the reason why I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first one.

Now we know the structure of Rowan Vale, the ghosts and the living there already. Now we learn more about some of the ghosts and it is easier to understand their behaviour, their pasts.
This combined with the love story for Shona who I really like as character, a bit mystery as we learn that Polly was murdered and the question is why and by whom but also the normal friendship and daily live in Rowan Vale is for me well combined.

A cozy story, well written and with nice characters (living and ghosts).

If you’ve ever wished your summer read could mix ghostly goings-on, unexpectedly enchanting romance, twisty murder mysteries, and postcard-perfect countryside charm—this book is calling your name. Think: Agatha Christie took a stroll through a rom-com and got haunted along the way.

Rowan Vale is a village with a difference. It is run as a 1940s museum, and there are some extra special inhabitants – some ghosts. Not everyone can see them – mainly family members, but the new owner, Callie is in that position because she can see and hear all of the ghosts. When Max comes into town to find his daughter, he realises that she is working on the Farm where his Grandfather was a prisoner of war. Shona, the café owner finds herself drawn to Max, but her late Aunt Polly is distraught as his arrival stirs up memories she’d rather keep buried—including the one that ended with her untimely death.

It’s got all the ingredients: wartime history, hidden truths, haunted romance, and that irresistible small-town setting where everyone knows everyone—but not necessarily everything. I really enjoyed it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7703541095

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/loving-spirits-at-vintage-teashop-by.html

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

In this wonderful return to the cozy village of Rowan Vale, mysteries are unraveled and families nearly torn apart-- all because of a murder that happened over fifty years ago and a newcomer to town who can't seem to let things go...

This was an unexpected triumph for me, I genuinely think I loved this sequel more than the first book! I was a little thrown off at first with the new narrator, but quickly settled in with Shona's warm and funny storytelling (and don't worry, there's plenty of scenes with some familiar faces). This story had everything: love, mystery, heartbreak, family, forgiveness, and murder; and while it was a little long-winded at times, the pace felt true to our new narrator and I genuinely didn't mind the stroll her story took us on.

While the ending wasn't a total surprise, I was genuinely delighted Booth took the story in an unexpected direction. LOVING SPIRITS is a great choice for someone looking for a low-stakes cozy mystery with a touch of emotional turmoil!

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this arc.

4.5 Stars
I was delighted to return to this charming series—Sharon Booth creates such an atmospheric world, full of quirky characters and ghostly mystery. The story blends cozy vibes with deeper emotional moments, making it a truly engaging read. Shona is a brilliant heroine, and Max is the perfect swoon-worthy match in a slow-burn romance that had me hooked. The setting feels alive, the cover art is beautiful, and the sense of community is heartwarming. While I wish there had been a bit more background on returning characters, this sequel was magical and left me hoping for more.

I love a book full of ghosts, and this story did not disappoint. Definitely a cute and cozy read, but I'm glad I read it in the summertime. It was the perfect start to the fall spooky season.

This was such a fun read! It is a cozy mystery with hints of magic. I could not put this book down and I would highly recommend it.

"Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop" is a feel-good novel with a unique blend of cozy romance and supernatural mystery. The story is set in the charming Cotswold village of Rowan Vale, where a ghostly great-aunt, Polly, adds a touch of mischief and warmth.

The Cotswold village setting is beautifully described, creating a sense of nostalgia and charm. The intriguing premise and ghostly mystery kept me invested

The dual-layered mystery is a standout feature, as the protagonist uncovers the truth behind Polly's decades-old murder and its unexpected link to Max, a newcomer tracing his grandfather's wartime past. The slow reveal of secrets gives the book its emotional core and keeps readers engaged in the story. I liked it so much I preordered book 3.

I requested and received an advance readers copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another fun read by Sharon Booth. It doesn't matter whether you believe in ghosts or not read this one in the 'spirit' (pun intended!) it was written - enjoyable escapism.

Rowan Vale is an English Cotswolds living museum tourist attraction - only there are quite a few non-living residents hanging around as well, so when Shona, who grew up in the village, and now runs the 1940s themed tea shop, not everyone is aware that she also has her great-aunt Polly (deceased) there to help (hinder?) her.

In order to bring visitors (and much needed money) to the Living Museum, a 1940s weekend event is planned - which should be a good thing for the residents (past and present) and the village as a whole, but, of course, complications of various sorts arise...

I was a little bewildered at first as I wasn't sure who the narrator was - maybe Shona should have introduced herself to the reader? (Or did I miss something?) And in a few places the pace slowed a little, but no matter, this was an enjoyable read.

This is the second in the series Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall, and can be read as a standalone, but far better to start at the beginning.

**** 4 stars

A return visit to the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and its unusual inhabitants. Shona grew up in the village running the tea shop that used to be owned by her great aunt Polly. She still lives there, though as a ghost.
Both Shona and Polly become unsettled when n Max arrives in the village to find out more about his grandfather and in doing so bring tragic secrets to light.
A lovely return to this cosy easy to read tale set in the quintessential English village.

I absolutely ADORE THIS series! So much, in fact, I've pre-order the third book due out in September 2025. And it's a Christmas themed story!!! Ahhh! I cannot wait.

As for this second installment, it was perfect. Again. I want to move to Rowan Vale. It's like .. Stars Hollow with ghosts. In England. This book followed the (after) life of Polly, war widow was murdered in the late 1940's as well as the current life of her great (great) nice, Shona. There was a good deal of mystery here and I honestly, did not see the twist coming. The romance as well was just lovely, slow paced and sweet. Again, just like the first book, I can't recommend this book enough. I did a mixture of kindle and audio book and both were FANTASTIC.

This book was a fun little adventure. It was interesting to see the dynamics between the current residents and the ghosts of the town. It took me a while to get through the first half of the book there were a lot of characters I just couldn’t keep track of. However towards the end it was easier to understand who was who. I did like the mystery portion with trying to find out who killed Aunt Polly, and why she was so secretive about the whole situation. There were a lot of parts that were dragged on and it made me feel a little disconnected to the story overall. Towards the end you are left with a heartwarming feeling and if you are looking for something light this would be the book for you!

Unfortunately was a dnf for me. I just didn't gel with the book. Might be because it's a 2nd book and I didn't realise that when I requested it. Nothing glaringly wrong with it just not for me.

Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is book #2 in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series by Sharon Booth.

Rowan Vale is an interesting place. The town is populated with the living and ghosts. Shona runs the village tea shop and the ghost of her great-aunt Polly lives there. In order to draw tourists, the village is hosting a 1940s-themed weekend. It is complicated because Polly was murdered in 1948 and a newcomer is comes to find out about is grandfather who was a PoW. I was pulled into this story and couldn’t put it down. I have purchased the first book so I can catch up on the series while waiting for the next one to come out.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I had not read the first book in this series but didn't have a hard time catching up on what had happened, and will go back and read the first book now. The town of Rowan Vale was delightful & charming, as was the cast of characters. There was just enough going on beneath the surface to keep my head engaged along with my heart being pulled along by the cozy story.

Though I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t really for me. I personally didn’t enjoy the ghostly aspect of the story.