The latest book in the series takes us back to Rowan Vale, England, where we get to know Clara and Jack at their family home, Honeywell House. In the beginning, Clara was a challenging character to like; she seemed whiny, annoying, and constantly stressed. While she blamed her mood on perimenopause, it's clear she's hiding a deeper secret.

Though she claims to be terrified of ghosts, Clara's secrets eventually spill out. We also discover more about the resident ghosts, Aubrey Wyndham and Agnes, and their reasons for staying at the Harling Hall estate. The book's ending was fantastic and completely redeemed the story for me. I love this series and hope to see more of the ghosts and the people who live in Rowan Vale.

Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House is the third book in the series, and while I haven’t read the first two yet, I decided to jump straight in. Sharon Booth’s writing is easy to get into, the pacing is smooth, and the festive small-town vibes are absolutely spot-on 🎄✨. I really enjoyed the setting and the side characters—they made Honeywell House feel warm, inviting, and just a little bit magical 🕯️🏡.

Where it fell short for me was with the central couple. Since I didn’t read the earlier books, I was hoping to quickly connect with them here, but unfortunately I just couldn’t. Their dynamic never worked for me, and instead of rooting for their romance, I found myself more annoyed than invested. Even though the atmosphere and premise were engaging, I reached a point where I couldn’t bring myself to keep reading.

That being said, I still loved the overall vibes and the sense of community 🌙💜. Honeywell House is such a cozy setting, and I’d really like to give the first two books a chance since I suspect I’d connect better with those stories 🔮📚. Sadly, book three didn’t click for me, but I can see how long-time readers of the series would enjoy revisiting this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House” the 3rd instalment in Ghosts of Rowan Vale series by Sharon Booth set in the beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale. The Cotswold village setting is beautifully described, creating a sense of nostalgia and charm. The intriguing premise and ghostly mystery kept me invested

This book stands out for its richly drawn characters, both living and ghostly. Sharon Booth has a remarkable gift for crafting multidimensional characters with relatable flaws, fears, and dreams.

The relationship between Clara and Jack resonated deeply, feeling authentic and nuanced. Their struggles, secrets, and difficult conversations were portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The way their love is portrayed as messy yet transformative is particularly compelling.

The romance between Agnes and Aubrey in the afterlife is equally moving. The way their love navigates challenges such as fear, control, and the longing to hold on too tightly adds depth to the story.

The parallels between the two couples are cleverly drawn, highlighting the complexities and transformative power of love. This book is a beautiful exploration of relationships, love, and personal growth.

I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment.

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

This is a sweet return to Rowan Vale, a village where its inhabitants can see and interact with the ghosts of their ancestors. I enjoyed this holiday novel about Clara- who came to town 15 years ago to be with her husband Jack. In her early 40s, Clara is struggling with perimenopause and figuring out her next steps as her youngest child starts school. She also has a big surprise and secret we come to learn about throughout the book, so there is a bit of mystery. There is also a sweet romance between two of the ghosts as well.

Overall a sweet, cozy novel perfect to get into the holiday spirit!

2.5 * / 5

Not having read the first two books of this series I found it really difficult for the first half of the book to even understand what the rules were. Who could see the ghosts? Why can they see some but not all? They can sit down on things, but they can't turn on the TV? Who has to leave the estate and why? Or else what? Nothing, as it turns out..nothing happens if they don't leave. So the premise of the book, upon which most of the tension relies, is so flimsy that it makes it all feel like it doesn't matter. There are no stakes and no lessons learned. Apparently Agnes the ghost has created this kind of chaos before in a prior book? But nothing is different, this is just a continuation of the same behavior. The FMC (human, not ghost) gets called out for lying to her husband but then in the very next chapter as she feels guilty about that she lies more to her (ghost) grandfather. No character development or changing there either.

With the kind of book that I'm reading these days as escapism, this premise is entirely in my wheelhouse but the writing of it really let it down. I won't be exploring the rest of this series.

“Heart-warming, magical, and impossible to put down.”
Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth is the kind of book that sweeps you away and makes you forget the world around you. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the mix of warmth, humour, and genuine emotion that runs through every page. This latest Rowan Vale instalment felt both familiar—like returning to old friends—and fresh, with its unique twist of blending living characters with those from the spirit world.
What I loved most was how real all of the characters felt, whether ghostly or flesh-and-blood. Sharon Booth has a gift for making her cast three-dimensional, with flaws, fears, and dreams that are easy to connect with. Clara and Jack’s relationship, in particular, struck such a chord with me. Their struggles, secrets, and hard conversations felt authentic, and while I sometimes winced at the choices they made, I understood them completely. On the other side, watching Agnes and Aubrey navigate their love in the afterlife was equally moving—especially as fear, control, and the longing to hold on too tightly threatened to undo them. Both couples mirror each other in really clever ways, and it reminded me how love can be messy, but also transformative.
The pacing kept me turning pages quickly, and I loved the balance of heartfelt drama with lighter, witty moments. Callie, the caretaker, was a particular highlight for me. She had such a grounding presence, and her wisdom felt modern and refreshing, as though she could cut through centuries of tradition and remind everyone what really matters.
I also appreciated getting to know Aubrey more deeply this time. His gentle nature made him instantly likeable, but when push came to shove, he showed that he had strength and fire, too. Learning more about Agnes’s past helped me understand her behaviour, and though she broke my heart at times, her growth was one of the most satisfying parts of the book.
At its core, this novel is about fear, love, forgiveness, and second chances. It doesn’t shy away from showing how people can hurt each other, but it always circles back to healing and hope. By the end, I felt uplifted, as though I’d been reminded that love really can overcome even the most painful obstacles.
The setting of Honeywell House and the wider village of Rowan Vale was pure magic. Snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights, and the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds gave the story such a strong sense of place that I could almost hear the crunch of footsteps in the snow and smell the fires crackling inside cosy cottages. The festive season added a sparkle to the story without overwhelming it—the Christmas touches felt natural and perfectly balanced against the drama and emotion at the heart of the novel.
I adored this book from start to finish. It’s warm, uplifting, and memorable—the perfect comfort read for winter nights. Curling up with Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House felt like settling into my favourite chair with a hot drink and knowing I was in for a story that would do my heart feel all the feels. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
Highly recommended if you love festive settings, emotional depth, and characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book. Bring on the next one!

This was so sweet! I liked Clara and Jack, the new characters, and was rooting for their marriage and family all the way through, but the original characters, especially Agnes & Aubrey! Chef’s kiss! I loved learning so much more about them.

Always love going back to the lovely Cotswolds with this series and I hope to actually visit the area one day.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC

This wasn’t one of my favorites. I think the storyline and writing could have been better. It’s not horrible, just not my cup of tea.

This is the third instalment in this beautiful series and it didn’t disappoint. It was great to be back at Honeywell house and reunited with the spirits and the present day inhabitants.

This visit introduced us to the story of Clara and Jack and also gave more of an insight into the past life of Aubrey and Agnes. Love Aubrey he is such a character.

This was a heartwarming festive feel good escapist read that also delved into some deeper issues and look forward to seeing what happens next in this series of books.

I've enjoyed this series from the start. The author does a great job of bringing us closer to characters introduced peripherally in the first book of the series. In this book we focus on Clara, happily married mother of three sons. I'll admit to losing patience with Clara, which is indicative of the author's skill at bringing Clara to life. Clara is developed as a real person with all the quirks and foibles of a real person. But as the book develops, so does Clara and all of the things she's been worrying and obsessing over come together. A happy ending and an excellent read. I look forward to the next installment.

Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House is a warm and charming festive read that blends family drama, romance, and a sprinkle of ghostly mischief. I really enjoyed how the story weaves together Clara’s struggles with motherhood and her rocky relationship with Jack, alongside the playful tension between the resident spirits Agnes and Aubrey. It added a fun supernatural twist without overwhelming the heartfelt moments.

Clara felt like a relatable protagonist—juggling life’s ups and downs while carrying a secret that gradually comes to light. The village setting was cozy and inviting, perfect for a Christmas story, and the Dickensian weekend subplot gave the book a lovely old-fashioned holiday vibe.

The pacing was mostly smooth, though at times the story felt like it was treading familiar ground, and I wanted a bit more depth in some of the relationships. Still, the overall mix of warmth, humor, and a touch of mystery kept me engaged.

If you’re looking for a festive book that’s both comforting and lightly spooky, this one is a great pick. It left me feeling merry and hopeful—just what I needed this season.

I liked this installment quite a bit. The setting for the holidays was described so prettily, you could feel the xmas spirit just jumping off the page. Another thing that really jumped of the page, Clara's lost identity as more than a mother. I felt bad for her.

The secrets that are kept and explode affect Clara/Jack and Agnes / Aubrey. I really felt that Agnes and Lawries behavior was total douchebaggey, especially when Aubrey's backstory is revealed. I did love how Callie reamed them both :)

Overall this book was about mending existing relationships and finding happiness. Well written and paced right this book makes a good add to the series

#netgalley #ChristmasSpiritsatHoneywellHouse

This is such a cute Christmas book! It’s the third in the series but can definitely be read as a standalone as it gives you enough background of the village.
I did think this was a really easy read and I loved learning more about the characters in the village.
This wasn’t my favourite in the series and without spoiling it I’d did find that the major conflict was already done in the first book so it did feel very repetitive and showed that this character had not learned from their mistakes.
Overall it was a fun and cute Christmas read but not my favourite in the series.

I loved this third visit to the village! Christmas is always such a special time and to be able to see it in the village setting was such a treat.

I’m so glad that Aubrey and Agnes are happy at last and I’m intrigued by Quintus Severus. I’m hoping we get to learn more about his story in the future.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series!

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

If you are a paranormal cozy romance fan then trust me you will love this series by Sharon Booth. I couldn't put down the first two books and this book was no different. Set in an idyllic English village that runs itself as a tourist spot as an historical village - it just so happens to be full of ghosts. This book is the story of Clara and Jack (who we met in previous books), while it mainly focuses on what is happening in the present there are some flashback chapters of them meeting and falling in love. I don't want to spoil anything but watching their everyday struggles, their love overcoming and leaning some long held family secrets was a treasure.

I really loved this book. This is such a heartwarming and beautiful story. I loved that we got to know more about Jack and Clara, their story of how they met and how things were going for them now. I was also glad to know more about Agnes and Aubrey especially as Aubrey is one of the ghosts that I really like. It was also good to feature the reverend Silas Alexander more. I loved how everyone gets together for the Victorian market, I think it would be an amazing place to visit and I wish it was real.

I would recommend reading this book and the other books in this series as they are just amazing and are such heartwarming stories as well as have great characters.

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me an advanced readers copy early to read.

Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House is the second book I’ve read by Sharon Booth set in the enchanting village of Rowan Vale, and I’m completely hooked. Her stories are right up my street—beautifully drawn characters, a touch of romance, and just the right amount of ghostly charm.

Clara’s journey in Rowan Vale hasn’t been without its secrets, and now that her children are older, she’s hoping to carve out something just for herself—a new business, a fresh start. But with old truths surfacing and Jack growing distant, cracks begin to show. Meanwhile, resident ghosts Agnes and Aubrey are having their own marital spat, with Aubrey desperate to explore the village and Agnes firmly against it. With two relationships teetering, this Christmas might bring more than just festive cheer.

This story had me completely hooked. I loved the blend of festive charm and emotional depth, and the way Clara’s personal struggles mirrored the ghostly drama unfolding around her. It’s not just about relationships under strain—it’s about identity, honesty, and the quiet courage it takes to change. I found myself rooting for everyone, even when they were at odds, and the village of Rowan Vale felt like a place I didn’t want to leave. A perfect winter read with just the right mix of heartache, hope, and a touch of magic.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7845577515

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/christmas-spirits-at-honeywell-house-by.html

My Rating: 4*

Third in the Rowan Vale series and still just as cozy and contemplative as the others. I find this series to be less about the ghosts and quaint village, but rather more about the lives lived within and the relationships between the people. Yes, there are still ghosts walking the streets of Rowan Vale, but they are more dramatic than many of the people. I also really enjoy that each book in the series seems to focus on a different inhabitant of the village and we do not really have one primary character we follow.

In this installment we follow Clara as she copes with new changes in her life. She has been in Rowan Vale for 15 years and has established a life with her husband Jack and three sons. However, she is struggling to cope with hormonal changes and weight gain. She also wants to establish some thing in life she can pass on to her sons, but with all the things going on in her life, she is struggling to find time for herself. Her husband, Jack, is incredibly supportive but is also finding work/ life balance to be a struggle.

On the other hand, when Clara first came to Rowan Vale, she realized she could see the ghost known as Aubrey. When Agnes, another ghost of the town realizes this, she asks someone to warn Clara off and almost threatens to make her leave if she reveals her secret. There is more drama in this book and , in my opinion, mean spirit and control, than in the others of this series. I was flabbergasted by Agnes and the way she tries to manipulate everyone around her to the point it was almost off-putting. I still give this book 4* but I do hope we get back to more cozy themes rather than dwelling in the drama and unacceptable behaviors.

This is the third in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series, I hadn't read the previous two but I thought this sounded really good so gave it a go anyway!
I really enjoyed the idea of Rowan Vale, what an interesting village full of Ghosts that most of the residents can't see but fully accept that they are there. Not something I would have ever thought of but something I definitely enjoyed.
I did find the characters a little hard to warm up to. Agnes made me think there was something I didn't know but I just didn't think much of her behaviour. Clara also took a bit of time to understand. Once I had warmed up to them all though I did like the characters.
The story was full of hope and warmth and was definitely a feel-good read.

I enjoyed reading Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!