A Personal Encounter with Ghostly Quirk: Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall
Have you ever stumbled upon a story that feels both oddly familiar and refreshingly new? That’s exactly the experience I had with Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall by the talented author, E.W. Braden. As someone who cherishes tales woven with a dash of the supernatural, I found myself drawn into the charmingly eerie world of Rowan Vale, where ghosts aren’t just figments of the imagination but delightful characters in their own right.
In this delightful first installment of the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series, we meet Callie Chase, a single mother whose routine school trip soon spirals into an unexpected journey of self-discovery. When Sir Lawrence Davenport, the village head, offers Callie the chance to inherit a singular estate—complete with its resident ghosts—I was itching to see how this premise would unfold. While I certainly liked Callie, it’s the ghosts who completely captured my heart. They brought an enchanting quirkiness that often overshadowed the living.
The novel is an eclectic blend of perspectives, primarily showcasing Callie’s journey through her own eyes, interspersed with insights from other characters. The narrative sets the stage by introducing a rich tapestry of figures—both human and otherwise—but I must admit, it took me a while to embrace Callie’s character. I found her intentions admirable yet her approach rather erratic. In contrast, Immi, a young girl in the village, quickly became a favorite of mine. Her dialogue sparkled with authenticity, and I longed for more of her charming presence throughout the book.
As for the romance? Well, let’s say it fell into predictable territory with Bordie, the handsome, brooding male lead. He wasn’t anything to write home about, but I appreciated that the central focus remained on the supernatural rather than love. This narrative choice worked wonders for me since my main investment was in the whimsical ghosts who surrounded Callie. The pacing held a curious unevenness; while the first half sedately introduced us to the setting and characters, the second half brought a flurry of events that left little room for romance to develop comfortably. I found this a touch frustrating, yet it didn’t entirely detract from my enjoyment.
Themes of self-esteem, found family, and the significance of friendships resonated deeply as I turned the pages. E.W. Braden’s exploration of these aspects is they stand out against the backdrop of Rowan Vale’s enchanting landscapes and its uniquely quirky spirit inhabitants. The prose was inviting, though the pacing could have benefited from a more balanced handling of plot and emotional arcs.
In summary, Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall is a captivating start to a new series that combines heart, humor, and ghostly charm. If you enjoy stories featuring supernatural beings with quirky personalities and heartfelt themes that explore connections beyond mortality, then this book might just be for you. I, for one, am eager to see where Braden will take us in the next volume, hoping for more Immi moments and the continued adventures in my newfound ghostly haven.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this enchanting escape—my thoughts are, as always, my own. Whether you’re a ghost fan or looking for a delightful new adventure, I think you’ll find something special within these pages.
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