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Harboring Ghosts
Brennan has always been drawn to the other side. Between his hobby of photographing headstones and moonlighting in paranormal investigating, he seems to have one foot in this world and one foot out. And it’s a fine coincidence that his girlfriend, Emily’s home overlooks Greenlawn Cemetery.
Emily is a cheerful, sunny girl with a bright future ahead of her. Following in her father’s footsteps, she is studying botany in hopes to reopen her father’s nursery, after the fire that took his life and that of friend and fellow business owner, Suzannah Plinkett.
Though Emily’s father rests in peace, the spirit of Suzannah Plinkett has been busy. Just ask Cori Saylor, author and so-called historian, creator of the Haunted Sangamon series. But Cori Saylor’s Greenlawn Bride ghost story is more fiction than history. And someone’s got a bone to pick about it.
An atmospheric tale of haunting, Harboring Ghosts explores what – and who – waits for us on the other side. Will Brennan be granted his death wish atop the Great Hill in another thunderstorm? Will Suzannah get the chance to clear her name? Or will the old adage prove He who sows thunder, reaps storms.
Emily is a cheerful, sunny girl with a bright future ahead of her. Following in her father’s footsteps, she is studying botany in hopes to reopen her father’s nursery, after the fire that took his life and that of friend and fellow business owner, Suzannah Plinkett.
Though Emily’s father rests in peace, the spirit of Suzannah Plinkett has been busy. Just ask Cori Saylor, author and so-called historian, creator of the Haunted Sangamon series. But Cori Saylor’s Greenlawn Bride ghost story is more fiction than history. And someone’s got a bone to pick about it.
An atmospheric tale of haunting, Harboring Ghosts explores what – and who – waits for us on the other side. Will Brennan be granted his death wish atop the Great Hill in another thunderstorm? Will Suzannah get the chance to clear her name? Or will the old adage prove He who sows thunder, reaps storms.
243 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Kathrine Grey
2 books7 followersKathrine Grey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. Her first novel, Penny Necklace, is now available on Kindle or in paperback. All of her story titles are contrived from R.E.M. lyrics (ever more avowed since their disbandment). When she is not writing, she manages a popular Italian restaurant near Lake Michigan. She is graciously allowed to live in Mishawaka with her husband and their kitten, by the ruler of their house: an adorable bunny named Ritz.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 26, 2024
Kathrine Grey is a beautiful writer, and with Harboring Ghosts, she vividly imagines what life is like as a ghost and brings us a story about overcoming past trauma and grappling with death.
Narrated by the ghost of Suzannah Plinkett, she feels deeply attached to Brennan, who has experienced so much loss in his life that he feels completely hopeless and often thinks of death. Brennan's girlfriend, Emily, tries to spread positivity to him that just goes unappreciated. As she watches the young couple, Suzannah is also trying to understand why her soul hasn't moved on. A big part of it has to do with the former journalist, Cori Saylor, who spreads lies about who Suzannah was. Everyone is working through their grief and finding a way to a future full of hope.
Please note: This book is not for everyone. Suicide is a heavy topic as well as death, loss, and unhealthy relationships.
First of, Grey is truly a talented writer. The way she describes the weather and overall atmosphere, I could smell the rain and feel the cold wind on my cheeks. Parts were chilling, and I got goosebumps.
I also loved this story being told through the perspective of a ghost. The ghost has ties to most of the characters mentioned, and it's fun to be the outsider looking into their lives. Grey has described an afterlife that's always cold, always has you reliving your memories, and let's you be telepathic. Through this narrator, you're given little breadcrumbs to a bigger mystery... who was Suzannah Plinkett, and what exactly happened when she died? That kept me on my toes wanting to know more.
A part of this book I struggled to wrap my mind around was Brennan's character. He has definitely lived a horrible life where even his parents have pretty much abandoned him. So, I understand where his hopelessness comes from. However, I was sad that a lot of the other characters recognized this, but did nothing to help him. He and Emily had a very unhealthy relationship, and Emily didn't really do much to try to help him. As Brennan argued, some people don't want to be helped, but no one even did as much as recommend therapy. Even Emily's mother. I think Emily deserves better, and Brennan needs to talk to someone.
There was a secondary plot that I really enjoyed with Suzannah and the former reporter. Suzannah was very upset with her for spreading false narratives about who she was and haunts her. I enjoyed each scene in Cori's home where this happened.
I think the ending had a very hopeful tone to it, and there was a little bit of character development. I was happy that everything tied up the way it did. It made for a quick paranormal read with a good mystery!
Narrated by the ghost of Suzannah Plinkett, she feels deeply attached to Brennan, who has experienced so much loss in his life that he feels completely hopeless and often thinks of death. Brennan's girlfriend, Emily, tries to spread positivity to him that just goes unappreciated. As she watches the young couple, Suzannah is also trying to understand why her soul hasn't moved on. A big part of it has to do with the former journalist, Cori Saylor, who spreads lies about who Suzannah was. Everyone is working through their grief and finding a way to a future full of hope.
Please note: This book is not for everyone. Suicide is a heavy topic as well as death, loss, and unhealthy relationships.
First of, Grey is truly a talented writer. The way she describes the weather and overall atmosphere, I could smell the rain and feel the cold wind on my cheeks. Parts were chilling, and I got goosebumps.
I also loved this story being told through the perspective of a ghost. The ghost has ties to most of the characters mentioned, and it's fun to be the outsider looking into their lives. Grey has described an afterlife that's always cold, always has you reliving your memories, and let's you be telepathic. Through this narrator, you're given little breadcrumbs to a bigger mystery... who was Suzannah Plinkett, and what exactly happened when she died? That kept me on my toes wanting to know more.
A part of this book I struggled to wrap my mind around was Brennan's character. He has definitely lived a horrible life where even his parents have pretty much abandoned him. So, I understand where his hopelessness comes from. However, I was sad that a lot of the other characters recognized this, but did nothing to help him. He and Emily had a very unhealthy relationship, and Emily didn't really do much to try to help him. As Brennan argued, some people don't want to be helped, but no one even did as much as recommend therapy. Even Emily's mother. I think Emily deserves better, and Brennan needs to talk to someone.
There was a secondary plot that I really enjoyed with Suzannah and the former reporter. Suzannah was very upset with her for spreading false narratives about who she was and haunts her. I enjoyed each scene in Cori's home where this happened.
I think the ending had a very hopeful tone to it, and there was a little bit of character development. I was happy that everything tied up the way it did. It made for a quick paranormal read with a good mystery!
April 2, 2024
Thank you Katherine Grey for blessing me with this ARC. Sheis a WONDERFUL storyteller. This was slow at first but oh my God.... the story was really really good! And really different from any book I read. I hated Brennan to be honest he was a douche, I did hope for the author to explore more about his character because we didn't know much about him or Emily, we do know their trauma but that's it really. Can't wait to see what the author has next because I will immediately pick it up!
April 1, 2024
“What they don’t tell you about death is
that your future also flashes before your eyes”
“He compared notes to his experience. It’s different
for everyone, he realized. Like so much of life,
death was subjective”
“If you want to know what death sounds
like, imagine you are a deaf-mute trying to
hold a conversation with a blind person”
I devoured this book and finished it in just 2 days, which is rare for me and only happens when I find a book truly captivating. I'm thankful to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this wonderful book.
I haven’t read many books with ghosts in them, let alone a book narrated by a ghost. The exploration of death and the afterlife was fascinating - the lack of warmth, the memories, the empathy, and being able to access other people’s memories. Feeling stuck, yet not wanting to let go because there is a certain comfort in our lives which we hold onto, even after death. The familiar places and people. Relatable.
At the end of the book, I got literal goosebumps when Suzanaah saved Brennan's life and found peace. I was so happy for her. I liked her character, as well as Marcy and Mrs. Porter. Her presence as a character was super comforting. Cori's turnaround in the end was also lovely.
I was not a fan of Brennan as a character. I didn’t appreciate how he treated Emily throughout the book. I understand he lost his sister and was suicidal, but it does not justify his behaviour. It seems as though she was a means of getting his desires met, then he hardly cared about her when all she does is try to be there for him. At one point in the book, he raises his voice at her, and when she gets upset, he thinks to himself that Emily is like those tiny dogs that pee on the floor every time you raise your voice?! I did not appreciate that. Emily had the grief of her father too, her struggle. All she wanted was for him to spend time with her and take an interest in her - to the point that she found it surprising when he asked her something about herself. That is just sad. He was very hot and cold. I appreciate it when Emily realizes that it is not her responsibility to fix him.
The ending doesn't explore what happened with Emily and Brennan. I would have loved to read about that, especially if their relationship improved, as it seemed they would get back together. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
that your future also flashes before your eyes”
“He compared notes to his experience. It’s different
for everyone, he realized. Like so much of life,
death was subjective”
“If you want to know what death sounds
like, imagine you are a deaf-mute trying to
hold a conversation with a blind person”
I devoured this book and finished it in just 2 days, which is rare for me and only happens when I find a book truly captivating. I'm thankful to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this wonderful book.
I haven’t read many books with ghosts in them, let alone a book narrated by a ghost. The exploration of death and the afterlife was fascinating - the lack of warmth, the memories, the empathy, and being able to access other people’s memories. Feeling stuck, yet not wanting to let go because there is a certain comfort in our lives which we hold onto, even after death. The familiar places and people. Relatable.
At the end of the book, I got literal goosebumps when Suzanaah saved Brennan's life and found peace. I was so happy for her. I liked her character, as well as Marcy and Mrs. Porter. Her presence as a character was super comforting. Cori's turnaround in the end was also lovely.
I was not a fan of Brennan as a character. I didn’t appreciate how he treated Emily throughout the book. I understand he lost his sister and was suicidal, but it does not justify his behaviour. It seems as though she was a means of getting his desires met, then he hardly cared about her when all she does is try to be there for him. At one point in the book, he raises his voice at her, and when she gets upset, he thinks to himself that Emily is like those tiny dogs that pee on the floor every time you raise your voice?! I did not appreciate that. Emily had the grief of her father too, her struggle. All she wanted was for him to spend time with her and take an interest in her - to the point that she found it surprising when he asked her something about herself. That is just sad. He was very hot and cold. I appreciate it when Emily realizes that it is not her responsibility to fix him.
The ending doesn't explore what happened with Emily and Brennan. I would have loved to read about that, especially if their relationship improved, as it seemed they would get back together. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
⭐⭐ 2/5 stars
Harboring Ghosts by Kathrine Grey
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I'm thankful to Kathrine Grey for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.
Trigger Warnings for this book: talks of suicide and death
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I was truly excited to read this book & quite intrigued by the concept. While reading I repeatedly thought to myself
"This could be a great TV show / movie"
I enjoyed the setting and there was some great imagery such as:
"The rainclouds growled with low rumbling thunder in response to his cursing"
"She gently dug a small hole with her bare fingers, relishing in the feel of the dirt on her skin, under her nails, enjoying the fresh smell of the soil"
My two star rating comes from my lack of connection to the characters and difficulty following the story. I felt the characters were a bit flat and there was not enough description for me to have a proper image of them in my mind.
I also found the story a bit hard to follow.
At the beginning of the book it felt a bit all over the place. The story didn't really start to become clear until around page 120 of 285.
Around that time it became less confusing and really picked up momentum. I enjoyed the last half of the book.
If you love ghost stories and are looking for a quick read then this book would be for you!
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Overview:
Rain droplets slid down his throat as he screamed into the sky. “What are you waiting for?” Thunder boomed in response. Not close enough.
Brennan has always been drawn to the other side. Between his hobby of photographing headstones and moonlighting in paranormal investigating, he seems to have one foot in this world and one foot out. And it’s a fine coincidence that his girlfriend, Emily’s home overlooks Greenlawn Cemetery.
Emily is a cheerful, sunny girl with a bright future ahead of her. Following in her father’s footsteps, she is studying botany in hopes to reopen her father’s nursery, after the fire that took his life and that of friend and fellow business owner, Suzannah Plinkett.
Though Emily’s father rests in peace, the spirit of Suzannah Plinkett has been busy. Just ask Cori Saylor, author and so-called historian, creator of the Haunted Sangamon series. But Cori Saylor’s Greenlawn Bride ghost story is more fiction
Harboring Ghosts by Kathrine Grey
°
°
I'm thankful to Kathrine Grey for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.
Trigger Warnings for this book: talks of suicide and death
°
°
°
I was truly excited to read this book & quite intrigued by the concept. While reading I repeatedly thought to myself
"This could be a great TV show / movie"
I enjoyed the setting and there was some great imagery such as:
"The rainclouds growled with low rumbling thunder in response to his cursing"
"She gently dug a small hole with her bare fingers, relishing in the feel of the dirt on her skin, under her nails, enjoying the fresh smell of the soil"
My two star rating comes from my lack of connection to the characters and difficulty following the story. I felt the characters were a bit flat and there was not enough description for me to have a proper image of them in my mind.
I also found the story a bit hard to follow.
At the beginning of the book it felt a bit all over the place. The story didn't really start to become clear until around page 120 of 285.
Around that time it became less confusing and really picked up momentum. I enjoyed the last half of the book.
If you love ghost stories and are looking for a quick read then this book would be for you!
°
°
°
°
Overview:
Rain droplets slid down his throat as he screamed into the sky. “What are you waiting for?” Thunder boomed in response. Not close enough.
Brennan has always been drawn to the other side. Between his hobby of photographing headstones and moonlighting in paranormal investigating, he seems to have one foot in this world and one foot out. And it’s a fine coincidence that his girlfriend, Emily’s home overlooks Greenlawn Cemetery.
Emily is a cheerful, sunny girl with a bright future ahead of her. Following in her father’s footsteps, she is studying botany in hopes to reopen her father’s nursery, after the fire that took his life and that of friend and fellow business owner, Suzannah Plinkett.
Though Emily’s father rests in peace, the spirit of Suzannah Plinkett has been busy. Just ask Cori Saylor, author and so-called historian, creator of the Haunted Sangamon series. But Cori Saylor’s Greenlawn Bride ghost story is more fiction
March 29, 2024
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be haunted? This book will stay with me for a long time. It is written in a format that I have rarely read but Katherine Grey pulls it off well. It did take me a few pages to get into the setting of the book but then it all made sense. If you love ghost stories this book is for you. It follows Brennan, a boy drawn down by depression who loves hunting ghosts. Also, Emily who is trying to follow in her dead father's footsteps but she can't seem to keep plants alive. Side note: I resonated with this because I also can't keep plants alive. We also see Suzannah and Cori who are tied through circumstances in their past and present. This book weaves a story between the living and the dead. It also literally takes place in a cemetery. It will pull you into their world and leave you guessing about what is going to happen next. I read it in one sitting. This book is also slightly devastating but in a good way.
Thank you to Katherine Grey for letting me review this book. These opinions are all my own.
Thank you to Katherine Grey for letting me review this book. These opinions are all my own.
March 23, 2024
harboring ghosts 4.5/5
Brennan and Emily. He is hard to explain, brooding-invites the other side to him with open arms and just doesn’t care for anything and then Emily is a warmth to him that he cares for but not in the way she wants and she is so madly in love with him, she’d do almost anything it seems so far. Oh the poor plants 😫 it’s ok Emily I can’t keep plants alive either…now my heart breaks for Emily.
The story of the Illiniwek is so fun to learn about and how it was put into the book, I love learning about new places and their stories. I feel bad for Cori and Emily, being haunted but telling yourself you’re just tired or seeing things or it’s your dead parent. Without saying anymore spoilers this book was beautifully written both ghost pov and living. I am excited to see what the author has next to offer. “I’ve reaped enough storms for a lifetime,” Cori said, with a sigh. “It’s time to plant something new.”
Brennan and Emily. He is hard to explain, brooding-invites the other side to him with open arms and just doesn’t care for anything and then Emily is a warmth to him that he cares for but not in the way she wants and she is so madly in love with him, she’d do almost anything it seems so far. Oh the poor plants 😫 it’s ok Emily I can’t keep plants alive either…now my heart breaks for Emily.
The story of the Illiniwek is so fun to learn about and how it was put into the book, I love learning about new places and their stories. I feel bad for Cori and Emily, being haunted but telling yourself you’re just tired or seeing things or it’s your dead parent. Without saying anymore spoilers this book was beautifully written both ghost pov and living. I am excited to see what the author has next to offer. “I’ve reaped enough storms for a lifetime,” Cori said, with a sigh. “It’s time to plant something new.”
March 31, 2024
Giving this a 4.5! It took me a minute to get into this one, but then was hooked. Taking place in a mystical haunted graveyard, with spirits caught in the in between harboring untold truths, connects the characters in a beautiful way. It will give you goosebumps as each piece of the story is revealed. In addition, the wisdom in each character with subtle synchronicity really ties it all together. Life’s tragic moments are met with such grace that you can’t help but fall in love with it. Honeslty, loved this book on so many levels!
Trigger warning : suicide
Trigger warning : suicide
March 27, 2024
Thought provoking and elegantly written, Harboring Ghosts is a thrilling ghost story with its fingers wrapped around the neck of romance. It also serves as a warning to fiction writers everywhere- if you want to tie your fiction into the truth, you’d better make sure it’s accurate or the real story just may come out directly from the other side. Trust Me, you don’t want that… at all.
Spooky, chilling, and heart breaking.
Five million stars.
Spooky, chilling, and heart breaking.
Five million stars.
May 8, 2024
This contemporary paranormal fiction is a modern ghost story. Well done! Uniquely written, I couldn't put it down. I fell for the characters and the storyline was emotional and suspenseful. Grey pulled her story, her characters, and the ending together as few could! I read this in one sitting. It swallowed me up for a few hours. I would highly recommend this author and book to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The story was unlike anything I've ever read. I will say at first the narrative was kind of confusing at first, switching between third person to first person but once I got a hang of it it was easy to read. The chapters were long, but they were full of content that made me want to keep reading. I recommend it!
April 6, 2024
Kathrine Grey has a beautiful writing style! I loved how descriptive the text was, and I felt like the characters were real people. Like others, I wasn't in love with the main characters, which made them seem more real! The book definitely has some heavy topics and you may want to check trigger warnings. It was a great contemporary fiction with a spooky twist of having ghosts. I recommend!
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March 16, 2024Thank you for your interest in my novel, Harboring Ghosts. I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve read it, please leave a review.
April 4, 2024
thank you thank you to kathrine grey for allowing me to be an arc reader for this book!! cawpile score of 4.21 because i absolutely adored how beautifully this book handled the topic of life and death, and the intrigue kept me on my toes the entire time i swear.
the storytelling was top tier. you know enough but there’s still those few details that grey doesn’t include until later, so you’re in a constant state of wonder. it’s incredible. i didn’t love the characters, but i think that made me love the book even more because they were such relatable characters, all going through their different struggles. i appreciated that this book highlighted that life isn’t perfect and that everyone is dealing with their own journeys. the way grey writes about death is beautiful, and the way she relates death to life and living is even more beautiful. the placement of the callbacks to the past sometimes were not clear; i got a little confused at times, especially since they were such quick flashbacks in the middle of present narration. but i overall really enjoyed the writing of this book. especially that narration! having this story be told from the perspective of suzy instead of having multiple povs was so smart; you get to see everyone’s emotions without constantly switching up who is telling the story. super awesome.
the ending was phenomenal and really highlighted the beauty of life and death. there are parts of both that can be ugly but there is such wonder and life even in death and i think the ending of this book really emphasizes that. and the full circle moment with the flip flop analogy! i had full body chills i can’t lie! super awesome book, y’all should definitely give it a read!!
the storytelling was top tier. you know enough but there’s still those few details that grey doesn’t include until later, so you’re in a constant state of wonder. it’s incredible. i didn’t love the characters, but i think that made me love the book even more because they were such relatable characters, all going through their different struggles. i appreciated that this book highlighted that life isn’t perfect and that everyone is dealing with their own journeys. the way grey writes about death is beautiful, and the way she relates death to life and living is even more beautiful. the placement of the callbacks to the past sometimes were not clear; i got a little confused at times, especially since they were such quick flashbacks in the middle of present narration. but i overall really enjoyed the writing of this book. especially that narration! having this story be told from the perspective of suzy instead of having multiple povs was so smart; you get to see everyone’s emotions without constantly switching up who is telling the story. super awesome.
the ending was phenomenal and really highlighted the beauty of life and death. there are parts of both that can be ugly but there is such wonder and life even in death and i think the ending of this book really emphasizes that. and the full circle moment with the flip flop analogy! i had full body chills i can’t lie! super awesome book, y’all should definitely give it a read!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews