High Spirits at The Village Inn

by Sharon Booth

The BRAND NEW magical, cosy Cotswolds romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Debbie Johnson and the hit BBC series Ghosts 👻❤️✨ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderfully warm and romantic - with a magical twist!' Jessica Redland Every book in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series can be read as a standalone.

Spring has arrived in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and everyone is in an optimistic mood.

Everyone except Danny. He’s had a rotten eighteen years stuck in a village where all his hopes and dreams were shattered. His annoying ex-work colleague, who seems determined to look on the bright side of the afterlife, won't leave him alone. And – as if that wasn’t bad enough – he’s facing eternity dressed as Adam Ant.

Meanwhile, in London, Rory plans to whisk his wife Kirsty away to the Cotswolds for their wedding anniversary. But when they arrive in Rowan Vale, Kirsty is horrified. How could her husband be so insensitive?

Rory insists that they stay at The Quicken Tree Inn and face up to the issues in their marriage. Kirsty has no choice but to go along with him, hoping she can finally put what happened all those years ago behind her. But when she spots her long-dead cousin in the village, things take a decidedly difficult turn...

Will confronting the ghosts from her past be a recipe for happiness or disaster?

Praise for Sharon Booth's Ghosts of Rowan Vale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Oh. My. Ghosts. This book was EVERYTHING! If you love found family, a bit of ghostly mischief, and a touch of romance, you NEED this in your life.' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An entertaining story with a fabulous cast of characters that I know you will fall in love with!' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A truly heartwarming read that offers a gentle escape into a world of love, family, and a touch of the extraordinary.' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'This is a must read, best new 2025 romantic cosy mystery fantasy series, that will charm your heart and make you laugh and feel great! Loved it immensely and cannot rave enough about it' Reader review

Genres: Paranormal

Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2026

Reviews

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Rowan Vale has become a real treat that I look forward to, and so, I was thrilled to learn about High Spirits at the Village Inn. Like the rest of the series, this can be read as a standalone because Sharon writes in a way that makes it easy to pick up the story without feeling disadvantaged.

On this visit, our focus was on two pairs: the married couple Rory and Kirsty, who live in London, and Danny and Brooke, who have been in Rowan Vale for the last 18 years. Former work colleagues, Danny and Brooke, met their end whilst wearing 80s fancy dress. Brooke has tolerated nearly two decades of back-combed, lacquered hair as she had dressed as Siobhan from Bananarama, while Danny had gone full out, dressing as Adam Ant, including his famous white stripe across his nose. My imagination instantly pictured them, and I loved it.

Rory and Kirstie are determined to save their marriage, which is haunted by the spectre of Kirstie’s former husband, so they take a weekend away to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. I was rooting for Kirstie and Rory, as I am a sucker for a happily ever after, but they had a tremendous amount of work to put into their relationship, so a resolution never felt guaranteed.

Of the many reasons I love Sharon Booth’s writing, one of them is definitely her ability to imagine believable, relatable characters. She takes each one on a journey of discovery, and their story arcs are always satisfying. However, she doesn’t shy away from ensuring that part of their process is to face up to mistakes made, and High Spirits at the Village Hall sees all four of these characters facing the ramifications of their decisions. It’s perfectly executed, and I adored following their stories.

Of course, no visit to Rowan Vale is complete without the opportunity to revisit some of the residents from earlier books, and I wasn’t disappointed. Irrespective of some of the more serious messages in the story, I turned to the final pages sporting a cheesy grin and already looking forward to seeing what happens next. Do have a read, it’s marvellous.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book it’s part of series however can read as a standalone..

magical, cosy Cotswolds romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Debbie Johnson

Spring has arrived in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and everyone is in an optimistic mood.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth was pure delight and so timely! I needed this book today and it brought me so much hope, humour and heart. I have loved all the books of this series and this one is probably now my favourite. This is a story about troubled relationships but also second chances—particularly for the ghosts Danny and Brooke and the living couple Rory and Kirsty. They all have their fair share of relationship challenges and the plot beautifully reveals through a series of events and conversations, an unravelling of the characters’ lives. And although they go through a series of trials, the finale knits them back together in a new design!

But before that, eighteen years in the past, after attending a party, we learn that Danny and Brook are in a car accident. They are unsure why, but the two of them remain in Rowan Vale as ghosts. They have been sharing a flat together. They know each other well and have a connection through mutual family bonds. Brooke is very protective of Danny and has shielded him from truths from the past. Danny, is friendly to her but secretly blames her for their predicament. She, in fact, is in love with him but has never revealed this. So yes, these two ghost are harbouring secrets.

High Spirits at the Village Inn opens with a list of the residents and guests of Rowan Vale (Living and Ghosts) at the front which will help those both new to the series and who may need a reminder of who’s who. It is a very helpful reference as a number of names pop up at various parts of the novel. Particularly when the town ghosts prepare a special surprise, an engagement present, for Callie (current owner of Harling Estate) and Brodie (Lawrie’s grandson).

From the first chapter I leapt into this story with lead character Kirsty giving us a run-down of her usual day. We are also presented with observations of her husband and their relationship. It becomes obvious their life together has evolved into somewhat of a repetitive routine. But soon we learn their tenth anniversary is coming up and husband Rory wants to do something special to add some sparkle back into their lives. When he mentions they should take a break on the coast or countryside, she is resistant. And when he mentions they should possibly consider moving out of the city, Kirsty panics as she has been in this position before. We eventually learn why this topic is a trigger point for her. But there is more at stake than even she first knows and her husband is the one to state the facts.

After some coaxing though, she decides to go on a trip with Rory for she is also plagued by guilt for a few reasons. But when they end up at Rowan Vale where her first husband and her cousin were in a tragic accident, she is horrified because it activates some horrible memories. But Rory takes her there in hopes she will find closure as he believes she has been carrying a torch for her late husband, Danny. Little do we know, at this point, he also is carrying guilt for reasons of his own.

A holiday at Rowan Vale brings many surprises for the couple. This is the place where truth is delivered and where they confront the past. And because Rory is a blood relative of Danny’s, he is able to see him. So when Rory bumps into Danny, he cannot believe his eyes. Kristy is the same with Brook and together these four begin to work out their differences but not until they have some serious conflicts.

The pacing is perfect and the dialogue contains a number of humorous conversations that liven and balance the more serious tones. There is a good mixture of light and shade, beauty from ashes and truth erupting from years of secrets. This is a fun and beautifully written addition to the series and I loved every page, character and development. This warm, whimsical, creative and caring story is full of charm and ends on a happy note. Grief and guilt are two main themes but these are resolved by love and forgiveness. I was uplifted, entertained and thoroughly enchanted by this atmospheric gem. High Spirits at the Village Inn is a definite 5 star read I highly recommend.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the review copy.

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨ [Recommend? ✅]

Publication date: 28th March 2026
Book 4, Ghosts of Rowan Vale series (standalone)

A cosy romance for readers who enjoy:
➸ Found family
➸ Paranormal mischief
➸ Charming, whimsical, heartwarming tales
➸ The BBC series ‘Ghosts’
➸ Heidi Swain & Debbie Johnson

~

PLOT ➸
Welcome to Rowan Vale! A picturesque village in the Cotswolds steeped in history, filled with cosy charm, community spirit & a whole load of… ghosts 👻
Kirsty would gladly go her whole life without setting foot in Rowan Vale (the place her first husband Danny & cousin Brooke lost their lives). So when her current husband Rory surprises her with an anniversary trip to, you guessed it, Rowan Vale - their already struggling marriage hits its biggest roadblock to date.
You see, Danny is a ghost & Rory can see him, Brooke is a ghost & Kirsty can see her & oh by the way, Danny & Rory? They’re brothers.
Forced to face their past, everyone starts to question their future. Will it be the end of the line or can Rowan Vale work its magic once more?

~

REVIEW ➸
As someone who 2+ years later is still mourning the loss of BBC’s hit series Ghosts, I let out an audible squeal when I saw this book on my screen. Sharon Booth’s Rowan Vale series feels like a little slice of home & I cannot recommend it enough. The vibes are warm & fuzzy, the plots are easy to follow & for a series quite literally full of Ghosts, the atmosphere is never dark.

High Spirits at The Village Inn is a brilliant addition to the Rowan Vale series. Sharon has once again created an entertaining, emotional, enchanting story that is both whimsical & humorous yet surprisingly real & relatable. Characters are faced with situations - some of which they never thought possible! - forced to face the past & left with no choice but to figure out a way forward. It’s a story of second chances that is both lighthearted & sincere & I absolutely loved it.

Throughout the series, Sharon has introduced us to countless Ghostly characters & her ability to create so many unique, individual personalities that never waver & are flawlessly carried through every book is brilliant.
For me, the Ghosts always steal the show & this book was no different, Danny & Brooke were brilliant additions - likeable, witty & complex. I really hope we hear more from them in future books.

[Please don’t let the fact that this is book 4 deter you from reading because you’ll be missing out on such a treat! Characters do make repeated appearances throughout the series but each book is a standalone & can be enjoyed as such!]

~

❣️Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books & Sharon Booth for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily.

[Dotti · Rating 3 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn is a cozy fantasy novel about a town where ghosts and humans live together. We follow Danny and Brooke, two ghosts living in Rowan Vale for the last eighteen years, and Kirsty and Rory, the humans from their past.

I feel like I came in at a disadvantage because I wasn’t familiar with the series. The description says it can be read as a standalone, but the story rapid-fire introduces a whole slew characters with little to no explanation. Rory and Kirsty were new to our story (I think) and the center of the book, whereas it seems like Danny and Brooke were probably previous characters that finally get an opportunity to shine.

The story is very cozy, with the large conflicts in the story coming from the creation of a singing group and the romantic conflict. The magic system was a little thin, with characters acknowledging the inconsistencies of the physics of spectral bodies.

The story really focuses on the romantic relationships; Brooke and Danny, where one has pined after the other, and Rory and Kirsty, ten years into marriage and having difficulty. The romance component was a major piece of the story, and Kirsty’s internal conflict about the end of her previous marriage is a major factor in the book.

Unfortunately, this story felt like it was missing something. It felt like a mystery novel without a mystery or a romance novel without the romance. I think it’s just trying to be a cozy story about a series of ghosts in the Cotswolds, which has its own merits, but the story felt like it was missing plot. I assume it’s because we were following two relationships and therefore both were under developed.

Altogether, this is a cute story without much substance. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and the romance didn’t serve the story well enough. This is a cute book if you want a book in the English countryside and some silly ghost rules, and I assume if you’re a fan of the series this will probably be right up your alley.

This book was provided by the publisher to me in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn is a warm, whimsical, and quietly emotional delight, blending cosy Cotswolds charm with a magical twist that feels both playful and heartfelt. Spring has arrived in Rowan Vale, and the village is buzzing with optimism—except for Danny, who’s been stuck in limbo for eighteen long years. His afterlife is far from peaceful: he’s trapped in Adam Ant attire, plagued by an infuriatingly cheerful ghostly colleague, and still nursing the wounds of a life cut short. His grumpiness is oddly endearing, and the humour threaded through his chapters gives the story a lovely lift.

Meanwhile, Kirsty and Rory’s anniversary trip to the Cotswolds brings a very different kind of tension. Their marriage is fraying, their communication brittle, and Rowan Vale is the last place Kirsty wants to be. The moment she spots her long‑dead cousin in the village, the novel shifts into something deeper—still cozy, still warm, but threaded with the ache of unresolved grief and the possibility of healing.

The joy of the book lies in how these threads intertwine. Rowan Vale is full of heart, mischief, and a gentle sense of magic that never overwhelms the emotional core. The ghosts are funny and poignant in equal measure, offering both comic relief and unexpected wisdom. The living characters, meanwhile, grapple with love, regret, and the courage it takes to face the past.

The result is a story that feels comforting yet meaningful, lighthearted yet sincere. It’s about second chances—both in life and beyond it—and the way community, connection, and a touch of the supernatural can help mend even the most stubborn wounds.

A charming, uplifting read perfect for anyone who loves cozy villages, tender romance, and ghostly companions with plenty of personality.

With thanks to Sharon Booth, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn is another gorgeous addition to one of my favourite cosy fantasy series. I’ve always adored the concept of Rowan Vale. A village where the living and the dead coexist, not in a spooky way, but in a tender, community‑minded way. The idea that families can still see their loved ones, resolve old hurts, and offer care long after a sudden loss is incredibly moving, and this book leans beautifully into that theme. I particularly enjoy that the ghosts come from all historical eras, from ancient to modern, and that they are wearing the clothes they died in. This led to a rather funny scene in which Rory frantically bought sensible pyjamas for himself and Kirstie when he discovered that his own relative had died wearing a fancy-dress costume.
This instalment focuses on two ghosts, Danny and Brooke, and their living relatives, Rory and Kirstie. Their relationships are tangled and messy. Danny was once married to Kirstie, who is now married to his brother Rory. Brooke is Kirstie's cousin and has been secretly in love with Danny for years. It sounds complicated, and it is, but Sharon Booth handles it with such warmth and clarity that it feels completely natural.
What I loved most is how each character is given space to confront the past. Danny’s frustration with his afterlife, Brooke’s optimism, Kirstie’s unresolved grief, and Rory’s determination to save his marriage all weave together into a story that is funny and heartwarming. The ghostly twist is very charming rather than gimmicky.

As always, Rowan Vale itself feels like a character, a place full of kindness, humour, and second chances. I finished the book wishing it were real.

A touching, magical, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I’m already looking forward to the next visit to Rowan Vale.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm-hearted, whimsical and wonderful, High Spirits at The Village Inn is a delightful romp by Sharon Booth I couldn’t get enough of!

Spring has finally arrived and everyone in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale is full of hope and optimism. Everyone except Danny, who has been forced to spend eighteen years in a village that has brought him nothing but unhappiness and misfortune. As if being confronted with his misery isn’t bad enough, he’s stuck with a former work colleague who always looks on the bright side of life and is forced to face eternity dressed as Adam Ant!

Meanwhile in London, Rory is surprising his wife Kirsty with a weekend away to the Cotswolds. Only, Kirsty cannot believe that her husband could be so insensitive to have booked a weekend in Rowan Vale! With Rory insisting that they stay at the Quicken Tree Inn, he hopes to use this time away to work on the problems in their marriage. However, Rory hadn’t counted on Kirsty getting distracted by her cousin whom she spots in the village – even though he has been dead for eighteen years!

Can facing up to the past lead Rory and Kirsty to confront problems in their present and help them forge ahead into a future together? Or will Rowan Vale be the final straw for them?

Sharon Booth’s High Spirits at The Village Inn is an absolute dream of a book. I laughed, cried, sighed and was completely enraptured by the world Sharon Booth created. High Spirits at The Village Inn is a gorgeous read about second chances, otherworldly hi-jinks, the magic of love and healing from the past that I couldn’t read fast enough!

High Spirits at The Village Inn was my first Sharon Booth novel, but it shall certainly not be my last.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Spring has arrived in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and everyone is in an optimistic mood.

Everyone except Danny. He’s had a rotten eighteen years stuck in a village where all his hopes and dreams were shattered. His annoying ex-work colleague, who seems determined to look on the bright side of the afterlife, won't leave him alone. And – as if that wasn’t bad enough – he’s facing eternity dressed as Adam Ant.

Meanwhile, in London, Rory plans to whisk his wife Kirsty away to the Cotswolds for their wedding anniversary. But when they arrive in Rowan Vale, Kirsty is horrified. How could her husband be so insensitive?

Rory insists that they stay at The Quicken Tree Inn and face up to the issues in their marriage. Kirsty has no choice but to go along with him, hoping she can finally put what happened all those years ago behind her. But when she spots her long-dead cousin in the village, things take a decidedly difficult turn...

Will confronting the ghosts from her past be a recipe for happiness or disaster?

My Opinion

High Spirits at the Village Inn is the fourth book in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Sharon Booth has created some delightful characters and High Spirits at the Village Inn is a great addition to this lovely series. A charming read that had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoy returning to Rowan Vale and cannot wait for my next visit.

Rating 4/5

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of this series, since the first book, and I was so excited to be able to travel back to Rowan Vale for a new adventure!

Rory and Kirsty are approaching their 10th wedding anniversary, but their marriage seems to be on the rocks - especially since Kirsty can't seem to let go of the ghost of her first husband, Danny. When Rory suggests a trip to Rowan Vale, to visit the resting place of Danny, it seems the answer... a final goodbye. However this goodbye might turn into hello when they come face to face with ghosts of their past.

There is so much to love in this new book, and what I love the most is that Kirsty is middle-aged and not perfect. She made mistakes in her first marriage and she is trying to move on - even if it means bringing everything back to the surface. I love that this series brings all kinds of relationships to the story, and it was so refreshing to have a story about married couples finding their way back together - rather than just single and in love.

I love visiting Rowan Vale, a picturesque town in the Cotswolds, with more ghosts than breathing occupants! Even though the story centres on Rory and Kirsty, and their ghostly family in town, we also get a sneak peak into the lives of couples from previous books!

I absolutely can't wait for the next one!!! In the meantime, where do we petition for this to be turned into a hallmark movie? Please!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Rowan Vale with the residents as well as visitors Rory and Kirsty. Rory and Kirsty have hit a patch in their marriage and Rory decides to surprise his wife with a short break to Rowan Vale. The place has mixed feelings for Kirsty and it looks like it could be make or break for the couple. Along with Kirsty and Rory, we get to know Danny and Brooke who are resident ghosts.

It was great to be back with the usual characters as well as the newcomers. Its not clear what connection the place has to Kirsty and there were a couple of unexpected surprises in store. I enjoyed getting to know Danny and Brooke better as I always find it interesting getting to know how the ghosts died and who they were before they came into the afterlife. It had me feel a mix of emotions as we discover more about all the main characters pasts as well as how they deal with it.

High Spirits at the Village Inn has to be my favourite of the series so far. There is a mix of humour and romance and it was such a lovely, heartfelt read. I was so caught up in the lives of the characters that I ended up reading it in one day. It left me feeling all warm and cosy inside. It really was a wonderful read with the quaint setting and familiar characters. It’s like returning home each time you pick up a book in the series. A gorgeous, cosy and ghostly read!

[Anabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*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*

3.5/5

After dying in a car accident on their way home from a costume party, Danny and Brooke are facing eternity not only together, but in some pretty ridiculous outfits. Brooke doesn't mind, not really; while she does wish her hair didn't feel like an electrified mop, at least she ended up with Danny-- the man she's been harboring a secret crush on (maybe even more?) for as long as she could remember. Never mind the fact he was once married to her cousin.

Meanwhile, Danny could stand for a little bit of alone time. He's never allowed himself to mourn his own death properly, preferring to put on a stoic face and keep moving forward. But he can't help but miss the life he once had, and the woman he once shared it with...

Back in London, Kristy is willing to do whatever it takes to save her marriage to Rory-- the love of her life. After agreeing to an anniversary trip, Kristy is horrified to realize her husband has brought her to Rowan Vale of all places; the last place in the Cotswolds she'd ever set foot. Battling with her own conscious, Kristy may soon have to face the music on her past and current choices, and make the decision on what to keep close to her chest and what to finally let free.

Back and charming as ever-- HIGH SPIRITS delivers a heartfelt and drama-filled story that ticks all my boxes. Romance? Check. Family reunion? Check. A little bit of drama and mystery? Check. That characteristic Hallmark-feel-good-feeling by the last page? Check. Every installation of the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series continues to delight and uncover new mysteries to unfold. While it can't be called great literature-- it doesn't pretend to be anything less than it is: a fast and fun read.

[Rustic_reads_ (Donna) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cosy ghostly village story. Told through a soft dual POV, the book mainly follows Kirsty in the present and Danny from the afterlife.

One of the standout elements for me is Danny, the resident ghost who’s been stuck in Rowan Vale for eighteen years - frustrated, sarcastic, and permanently dressed like Adam Ant. He brings a grumpy, dry humour to the story, especially as he clashes with Leo. Their relationship is quite comedic and calamitous - like a ghostly odd couple bringing the running commentary alongside the living characters.

Kirsty’s story is grounded in emotional reality through her strained marriage - while Danny’s ghostly perspective adds humour and sarcasm while gradually revealing what happened in the past.

The timeline is gently layered, with past events unfolding through Danny’s perspective which I found worked really well. It created a steady flow of memories and flashbacks where everything clicks into place. The tone then shifts into something more reflective and bittersweet.

The ghost element is warm,funny and slightly quirky without being spooky. I also loved the list of residents and guest of Rowan Vale. It was a nice wee touch!

This was a fun, easy to read romantic comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s so far removed from my usual genre but such a fun read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, delightful Rowan Vale. "High Spirits" has not been my favourite of the series, but I did enjoy it.

It was such a pleasure to be back in this cosy villiage again. I love the antics of the ghost community so much. It's one my favourite parts of this series, and this book was no exception.

I was relieved and refreshed to find that the relationship issues our main living couple are having were amongst otherwise healthy relationship behaviours, with not an abusive tactic in sight. I think this was a good choice for a cosy paranormal romance. I wonder if this book might be particularly interesting for someone who has experienced marriage, and/or marital issues, as well, as our living couple is celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary.

However, I honestly felt like this book had slightly fewer of all the elements I've come to really love about this series. A bit more mundane interpersonal drama, and a little bit less of the wonder and whimsy of our ghost-filled village. Fewer romantic moments between characters. A little less sweetness, and a little less cosiness. Whether it did actually have fewer of these, or if that was just how it felt, I'm not sure. But I didn't find myself as invested in this story as I have by this book's predecessors, and I think this was part of the reason.

I felt the pacing was a little slow for much of the book, as well. I found myself a bit unengaged while waiting for the various factors and characters to collide. And yet, at the same time, there was a slow reveal of backstory that progressively linked our characters more closely and more complexly, which was quite interesting. The climactic resolution for each of our couples, however, especially after the slow build, felt very quick and sudden, and a bit unnatural, to me.

I still enjoyed my time back in Rowan Vale, and I'm glad to have learned more about some of the ghosts and to have ingested this story. However, if you are new to this series of standalones, I wouldn't recommend starting here, as I feel the earlier books are better.

Delightfully, there is a fifth book in this series (!!!) coming out later this year. Despite being just a little disappointed by this particular title, I'm looking forward to whatever new tale Sharon Booth brings us of lovely Rowan Vale when the fifth is released.

Thanks so much to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for allowing me to dip my toes into Rowan Vale once again.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely afternoon reading👻🏘

This story just had so much going for it and I loved every chapter! Danny and Brooke, fellow partygoers who die in a car crash, are the central ghostly couple, with Brooke nursing a secret love for Danny (her cousin Kirsty's husband) since before their deaths, and Kirsty and Rory, the living couple with something in their marriage that isn't working. The four are connected and suddenly and unexpectedly brought back in contact 18 years after the deadly crash. Their joint story makes for a fantastic plot and I loved the way things develop and turn out in the end. The writing flows so well and the characters are so well drawn that I could not have asked for more. There's even a cute bit of humorous jockeying in the ghostly community as they prepare a big surprise for the owner of the Rowan Vale estate and her new fiance.

Romance mixed with some situational suspense and an endearing crew of ghosts from different historical periods that I can definitely recommend. Reading earlier books in the series will help you understand more about the ghostly community but it's not really essential for the main plot.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Spirits at The Village Inn is a light and uplifting story that feels like stepping into a familiar place where warmth and mischief live side by side. Sharon Booth creates a setting that is cosy without becoming predictable and she fills it with characters who feel wonderfully alive. I was delighted to catch up with all of them again, whether human or ghost, because each one brings a different spark to the story and adds to the sense of community that makes the book so inviting.
The plot moves with an easy flow and blends humour with moments of genuine emotion. Booth has a gift for writing people who are flawed in believable ways yet remain endearing. Their small triumphs and misunderstandings feel grounded and their interactions carry the charm of a village where everyone is involved in everyone else’s life, often with the best intentions and occasionally with chaotic results.
What stays with you is the warmth of the atmosphere and the gentle reassurance that second chances can appear when you least expect them. It is a good story to escape reality, enjoy a well plotted novel and simply have a good time.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth is the fourth of the series. As usual, there is a ghost couple (Danny and Brooke) and a living couple (Rory and Kirsty) to follow. Brooke is desperately in love with Danny and had been even years before they both tragically died in a car accident following an office party, and Kristy’s marriage to Rory is struggling at the tenth anniversary mark. Rory brings her to Rowan Vale to let go of her husband and move on, but things are hardly that simple. The book focuses on a struggle due to the connections between the four and the attempt to overcome a past that looms over all of them.

Negative thought:

-I feel like Brooke and Danny’s relationship was a little rushed. They’ve had almost two full decades of Danny being stiff toward her and in the span of really a couple hours, suddenly that changes? I understood it from Brooke’s perspective, and I get Danny’s end was EXPLAINED, but it just didn’t hit right for me.

Positive thoughts:

+So smart to include a list and description of characters for this book. I’ve been following along since the beginning, and even I need a bit of refreshing for those people who haven’t starred in previous volumes.

+I liked that this one had a couple that was already together; it made it easier for the “mystery” to unravel without having to juggle falling in love into the mix. It makes it easier to believe they’re in love rather than how some books do it, where they meet and after speaking once, they’re essentially planning their marriage. Also bonus points for being middle aged (alongside, of course, a younger couple).

+ I wondered how the author would do it so that Danny and Brooke could be seen, and the plot twist with Rory made me gasp outloud.

+I felt the most for poor Brooke. She blamed herself all these years and she cared for Danny so much that she would never tell him something that would hurt him, even if it would help her in the romance department. She’s willing to love him from afar if that’s the best she can have.

+ This book series is always like a warm cup of tea. It’s similar to how I view the Jeeves series—it’s not funny like Wodehouse’s works, but I know that it will be “all’s well that ends well” and I don’t have to worry about tragedy or angst without happiness.

This is a great cosy series that I think gets better as it goes along, because we get new facets and aspects of characters with each additional story. Recommended for people who like hopeful tales.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Spirits at the Village Inn is a delightfully different ghost story.

The novel begins with a couple who've lost their way after 10 years of marriage. Cassie and Rory are at a milestone anniversary and Rory plans a trip out of town to celebrate. The town in question? The place where dear family members had passed 18 years prior. Cassie's discomfort with Rory's decision reaches a whole new level when she sees the cousin she lost. Rowan Vale is filled with spirits of the dearly department, and her cousin isn't the only one to appear.

The novel turns into a story of second chances, unpacking of emotional baggage, admissions, and redemption. I really enjoyed this paranormal fantasy romance. I found the story unique and enjoyable. The characters are fun and entertaining. I loved meeting the living and the ghosts. Rowan Vale village is a quaint town thriving on the nostalgia. High Spirits at the Village Inn is a lovely cozy romance with paranormal elements.

Of the four books in the series, this is only the second one I've read. I'm going to read the others, don't worry. I just need to carve out some time.

[Galatée · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy and yet a little thought provoking paranormal romance set in a « chocolate box » village.
The main characters are middle aged in this standalone. It is so important to represent characters that are not always in their prime !

The writing style is amazing. I am not a fan of the genre. Nevertheless this book caught my full attention in the first few chapters.

I don’t want to spoil the story but some relationships’ issues are tackled with such cleverness and empathy. The author did a fantastic job ! This is miscommunication and redemption but amazingly written !

This book is a standalone from a series of interconnected standalone. Even if you don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy, at the beginning you have to face a chapter with a lot of characters who have been introduced before and it may be a tiny bit confusing. It is not a big part of the book though.

Overall I would definitely and gladly recommend !

Thank you NetGalley, the author and everyone involved for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The whole series so far has been a delight to read. Rory has planned for a 10th anniversary getaway in Rowan Vale with his wife Kirsty. The trip is also to put the past to bed as both of them lost someone they cared about in a car accident in the area. But, they don't know that those two people are living as ghosts in Rowan Vale. Well, things get a little complicated, secrets are revealed and all four of them have to come to terms with the past in order to move forward with their future. Wonderfully written, thought-provoking at times and an excellent story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Sharon Booth for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so wonderful to be back in Rowan Vale with our favorite ghosts! This time, the spirits are busy planning the perfect engagement gift for Callie and Brodie: a hauntingly beautiful song performed by the entire spectral group. We also get a deeper look at Brooke and Danny, who have been haunting Rowan Vale since a tragic costume party in 2008. Danny is still deeply mourning his wife, Kirsty (who is also Brooke’s cousin).

The plot thickens when Kirsty and her husband—whose marriage is on the rocks—decide to take a trip to Rowan Vale to reconnect, thanks to a booking by Rory. This was such a fantastic paranormal story! I loved the shocking family twists involving Danny and Brooke. The ghost lore is consistently great, especially the detail that they can pass through walls but won't fall through the floor or their favorite chairs. I’m always thrilled for a new installment in this series and hope it continues for a long time!

[Milena Ognjanovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
It was lovely being back at Rowan Vale. I love this series. It's cozy, sometimes a bit sad but also heartwarming. I love discovering new stories about all the ghost residents. This instalment was as good as all the previous ones. It was dealing with grief and guilt and finding forgiveness. I'm glad to know that there will be more books in the series and I'll happily read many more.

[Valerie thepinkowlreads]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

Sharon Booth has a gift for the cozy romance book. I devoured this book in one sitting just like the previous three. Of course now that means I have to wait for another installment.

If you are a fan of the cozy romance genre I can highly recommend these books. They do all stand alone but I would vote you read them in order to get the full effect of falling in love with the characters and Rowen Vale.

[jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a great series and one i love to get lost in. it’s set in rowan vale a place where ghosts and humans live together, this story follows 2 ghosts stock in 80’s party costumes (this is what they died in!) and their relationship and the relationship of the people they left behind. a cosy fun read

[Sarah Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this lovely series. I’d totally forgotten I’d pre ordered this so it was a pleasant surprise when it arrived on my kindle 🙈 a lovely story of rekindling romance and it was lovely to see how everything unfolded, the characters are so real and likeable. If you like easy read romance that are well written then this for you!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series, High Spirits at the Village Inn was a delightfully enjoyable addition to the series.

It's reminiscent of BBC's Ghosts with its charming characters and humour. A town where humans and ghosts live together? That's what you call community spirit!

The vibes were cozy, secrets were revealed, and the romance sweet.

Spooktacular!

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely return to Rowan Vale

It was lovely catching up with the characters, alive and dead, in Rowan Vale. Relations of Danny and Brooke came for a.holiday and.got the shock of their lives. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Meg Mythunderstood · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a good read. really reccomend its not all doom and gloom

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, cozy, and magical romance with some super-fantastic vibes from start to finish and some impeccable setting-building. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Shree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, whimsical, and entertaining tale.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.