What do you think?
Rate this book
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House
In this spooky, small-town YA romance, an amateur ghost hunter and a supernatural skeptic team up for a haunted home renovation project. But is their relationship the real fixer upper?
Amity Callaway is sick of being known as the weird girl. As annoyed as she is that her recently divorced mom just moved them across the country to the tiny, quirky town of Harlow’s Rest, Massachusetts, it could be the fresh start she needs.
Until Amity discovers their absolute disaster of a new house is supposedly haunted.
Theo Hargrave, amateur ghost hunter and son of the local general contractor, is a true believer. When he shows up on their property with his EMF reader in hand, Amity is ready to debunk all his theories. She’s definitely not staring at the small scar through his eyebrow or his ridiculously soft lips.
But even Amity can admit their home renovation is doomed. Nothing is going right, from the paint that refuses to dry to the fixtures that keep coming loose. So Amity and Theo strike a deal—his family’s construction expertise for her help investigating the house’s supernatural secrets. Even scarier than ghosts, though? Amity’s growing feelings for Theo.
Amity Callaway is sick of being known as the weird girl. As annoyed as she is that her recently divorced mom just moved them across the country to the tiny, quirky town of Harlow’s Rest, Massachusetts, it could be the fresh start she needs.
Until Amity discovers their absolute disaster of a new house is supposedly haunted.
Theo Hargrave, amateur ghost hunter and son of the local general contractor, is a true believer. When he shows up on their property with his EMF reader in hand, Amity is ready to debunk all his theories. She’s definitely not staring at the small scar through his eyebrow or his ridiculously soft lips.
But even Amity can admit their home renovation is doomed. Nothing is going right, from the paint that refuses to dry to the fixtures that keep coming loose. So Amity and Theo strike a deal—his family’s construction expertise for her help investigating the house’s supernatural secrets. Even scarier than ghosts, though? Amity’s growing feelings for Theo.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
July 17, 2026
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe was such a great read! I found myself smiling so many times while reading.
Amity is forced to move across the country with her mom where she meets Theo and with the help of both old and new friends, the two work together to prove (or disprove) if Amity's new home is haunted or not. I could not put this one down!
I love all the characters and the inclusivity. I felt like I could really relate to Amity's plight and I loved her character growth in search of accepting and loving herself. If I was 18 again, I'd absolutely SWOON over Theo! He's everything I'd hope to raise a future son to be. Arden is one of my favorite side characters, Matt is hilarious, and Taylor is who we all want in a BFF. Amity's mom and Theo's dad are two phenomenal representations of parents doing their best for their kids.
There are themes of past bullying, grief, parents divorce, parent loss, self-conciousness, anxiety, and more included in this one, so make sure you're comfy broaching these topics before you jump in. Some are more prevalent than others, but you know you best.
While this is my first of Jenny L. Howe's works, I'm officially smitten. I've preordered a signed copy from a local indie bookstore and fully intend to both gush about it and look into Jenny's backlist. How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is not only a book I'd reread, but one I'd recommend to my niblings and future children.
Amity is forced to move across the country with her mom where she meets Theo and with the help of both old and new friends, the two work together to prove (or disprove) if Amity's new home is haunted or not. I could not put this one down!
I love all the characters and the inclusivity. I felt like I could really relate to Amity's plight and I loved her character growth in search of accepting and loving herself. If I was 18 again, I'd absolutely SWOON over Theo! He's everything I'd hope to raise a future son to be. Arden is one of my favorite side characters, Matt is hilarious, and Taylor is who we all want in a BFF. Amity's mom and Theo's dad are two phenomenal representations of parents doing their best for their kids.
There are themes of past bullying, grief, parents divorce, parent loss, self-conciousness, anxiety, and more included in this one, so make sure you're comfy broaching these topics before you jump in. Some are more prevalent than others, but you know you best.
While this is my first of Jenny L. Howe's works, I'm officially smitten. I've preordered a signed copy from a local indie bookstore and fully intend to both gush about it and look into Jenny's backlist. How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is not only a book I'd reread, but one I'd recommend to my niblings and future children.
July 4, 2026
Got an arc from work, 4.5/5
This is an older ya that really feels like it cares for that transitory period teenagers go through, and I really appreciate that. It’s goofy and cringey-cute in that way that teens are, and it’s a good summerween read. I really loved how organic the relationships, both platonic and romantic, felt; I would want to be friends with these characters when I was their age. It especially hit home for me as someone who, like Amity, had shitty friends turn on me and talk shit in a chat behind my back, so I FELT THAT and it GUTTED ME. Genuinely wish I’d had a book like this at that age, maybe I would’ve believed sooner that I would find my people.
This is an older ya that really feels like it cares for that transitory period teenagers go through, and I really appreciate that. It’s goofy and cringey-cute in that way that teens are, and it’s a good summerween read. I really loved how organic the relationships, both platonic and romantic, felt; I would want to be friends with these characters when I was their age. It especially hit home for me as someone who, like Amity, had shitty friends turn on me and talk shit in a chat behind my back, so I FELT THAT and it GUTTED ME. Genuinely wish I’d had a book like this at that age, maybe I would’ve believed sooner that I would find my people.
August 17, 2026
In this adorably haunted small town romance we have two young adults sleuthing through history into each others hearts. I kinda got x files Scully and Mulder vibes from these two which was so fun. One totally open to believing in all the possibilities and then our opposites attract over there who has to disprove everything!!! The romance was sweet, and awkward as Amity has been dealing with a lot of fitting in issues. I totally got goose bumps at parts as this definitely is a ghost story at heart !! A lot of sweet, fun and haunting moments!!
August 11, 2026
Sometimes, a book tries to have too many things going on and doesn’t quite live up to it. Not this one! This had everything it said it would: ghost haunt, romance, teen angst, and all with the perfect ratio of each. I loved getting to know Amity and her friends, watching her fall in love for the first time, and rid her house of ghosts all at the same time. There were even some home renovation projects thrown in to bring it all together. I loved this story and highly recommend it for a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
April 16, 2026
I loved this book so much!!
First—can we talk about the cover??
• Leni??
• Orangey perfection??
• PLUS SIZED CUTIES???
Immediate yes. No notes.
This book was so adorable I couldn’t help but slap a big ol’ 5 stars on it with zero regret.
Amity (and yes, her name is Amity and I’m obsessed) is just a regular girlie living in California with her mom, getting ready to start college. Then life said “plot twist”: her parents split, the house is getting sold, and her mom lands a job all the way in Massachusetts. Because of her age and the fact that she’s getting a free ride to college, Amity has no choice but to go… not that she’d leave her mom anyway because she’s low-key adorable.
And the house they move into? An old, charming fixer-upper that is very much 100% haunted.
Enter Theo, ghost hunter extraordinaire (self-proclaimed, amateur) and contractor working with his dad, who gets hired to help fix up the house. These two team up to figure out what’s going on with the haunting so Amity and her mom can actually settle in and start fresh.
And listen… I loved Amity and Theo. They were so ridiculously cute together. The banter? The teamwork? The soft, lovey moments?? I was blushing. I was giggling. I was eating it UP.
Also, Amity wanting to be an archivist?? Okay nerd, I see you and I love you. And the puns in this book, top tier. Truly.
I had such a fun time with this one and I really hope more people pick it up because it’s just pure cozy, spooky, adorable goodness.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher!!
First—can we talk about the cover??
• Leni??
• Orangey perfection??
• PLUS SIZED CUTIES???
Immediate yes. No notes.
This book was so adorable I couldn’t help but slap a big ol’ 5 stars on it with zero regret.
Amity (and yes, her name is Amity and I’m obsessed) is just a regular girlie living in California with her mom, getting ready to start college. Then life said “plot twist”: her parents split, the house is getting sold, and her mom lands a job all the way in Massachusetts. Because of her age and the fact that she’s getting a free ride to college, Amity has no choice but to go… not that she’d leave her mom anyway because she’s low-key adorable.
And the house they move into? An old, charming fixer-upper that is very much 100% haunted.
Enter Theo, ghost hunter extraordinaire (self-proclaimed, amateur) and contractor working with his dad, who gets hired to help fix up the house. These two team up to figure out what’s going on with the haunting so Amity and her mom can actually settle in and start fresh.
And listen… I loved Amity and Theo. They were so ridiculously cute together. The banter? The teamwork? The soft, lovey moments?? I was blushing. I was giggling. I was eating it UP.
Also, Amity wanting to be an archivist?? Okay nerd, I see you and I love you. And the puns in this book, top tier. Truly.
I had such a fun time with this one and I really hope more people pick it up because it’s just pure cozy, spooky, adorable goodness.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up— full review to come!
August 22, 2026
listen I know it’s YA but it was just SO childish and I feel like the author was trying too hard to check off many many boxes
July 15, 2026
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC e‑book. I’m glad I had the chance to read this early!***
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ stars. Review: How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is an engaging, charming YA paranormal romance that surprised me in all the best ways. One of the first things that drew me in was the plus‑size representation. A rarity in YA romance and I absolutely loved seeing characters with real, relatable bodies at the center of the story. The cover art is also fantastic: playful, spooky, and instantly eye‑catching.
The premise itself was fun: a haunted house, a skeptical heroine, and a sweet, earnest ghost‑hunter young man teaming up to uncover supernatural secrets.
I normally don’t gravitate toward romance, but I found this one genuinely cute. Amity and Theo’s chemistry is warm and believable, and their dynamic mirrors what other reviewers describe as “palpable” and supportive, especially as Amity navigates insecurities tied to past bullying. Those emotional layers added depth to the story and made the relationship feel more meaningful.
That said, the middle section did slow down for me. While the setup and character introductions were strong, the pacing dipped during the renovation and investigation sequences. It lagged a bit before picking up again toward the end.
Still, the overall experience was delightful. The blend of spooky elements, heartfelt character growth, and gentle romance makes this a great pick for readers who enjoy paranormal stories with humor and heart. Even as someone who rarely reads romance, I found myself rooting for these characters and enjoying the quirky, haunted‑house chaos.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ stars. Review: How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is an engaging, charming YA paranormal romance that surprised me in all the best ways. One of the first things that drew me in was the plus‑size representation. A rarity in YA romance and I absolutely loved seeing characters with real, relatable bodies at the center of the story. The cover art is also fantastic: playful, spooky, and instantly eye‑catching.
The premise itself was fun: a haunted house, a skeptical heroine, and a sweet, earnest ghost‑hunter young man teaming up to uncover supernatural secrets.
I normally don’t gravitate toward romance, but I found this one genuinely cute. Amity and Theo’s chemistry is warm and believable, and their dynamic mirrors what other reviewers describe as “palpable” and supportive, especially as Amity navigates insecurities tied to past bullying. Those emotional layers added depth to the story and made the relationship feel more meaningful.
That said, the middle section did slow down for me. While the setup and character introductions were strong, the pacing dipped during the renovation and investigation sequences. It lagged a bit before picking up again toward the end.
Still, the overall experience was delightful. The blend of spooky elements, heartfelt character growth, and gentle romance makes this a great pick for readers who enjoy paranormal stories with humor and heart. Even as someone who rarely reads romance, I found myself rooting for these characters and enjoying the quirky, haunted‑house chaos.
June 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and random house publishing for allowing me to read this arc for a honest review
This book was a five star read for me. I am all about plus size fmc. This was written so well and I sat down and read this in one sitting it was def a page turner
April 23, 2026
An excellent romantic light horror story. I genuinely laughed aloud a few times and was creeped out enough to stop reading a chapter or two at night. This story balances the nuances of first love with navigating living in a haunted house. Jenny Howe is quickly becoming an absolute standout in YA literature, and this book is another hit. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice Rating: None! This is YA, but there are discussions around sexual intimacy!
Tropes:
*small town romance
*ghosthunting
*plus-size/curvy FMC
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!
Hello Summerween!! Honestly, this was such a cute, refreshing read with the perfect amount of spooky energy and summer romance. I absolutely adored Amity, and I loved going on her journey as she dealt with the move, explored her relationship with her dad and the supernatural, and navigated her budding romance with Theo as someone with minimal experience with romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. I saw a lot of myself in Amity, and I think a lot of the conversations in this book around insecurities with body type and intimacy were extremely important and made me wish I had read this book when I was in high school.
Theo was so sweet, and I loved how he tried his hardest to get Amity to believe in ghosts, but the thing I loved the most about him was that he communicated and tried his hardest to make sure Amity was always comfortable and cared for. I found the subplot with the Harlow Homestead super fascinating and well-balanced with the romance and other parts of the plot, and honestly, reading this made me want to queue up a horror movie because it definitely delivered with the spooky season vibes.
I do wish we had a bit more closure/context between Amity and her dad, and Theo and his dad. I also found the ending a little too much (although I did enjoy it), which made it lean a little more towards the ridiculous side. That being said, I absolutely adored this one and will definitely be reading more of Jenny L. Howe's books!
Spice Rating: None! This is YA, but there are discussions around sexual intimacy!
Tropes:
*small town romance
*ghosthunting
*plus-size/curvy FMC
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!
Hello Summerween!! Honestly, this was such a cute, refreshing read with the perfect amount of spooky energy and summer romance. I absolutely adored Amity, and I loved going on her journey as she dealt with the move, explored her relationship with her dad and the supernatural, and navigated her budding romance with Theo as someone with minimal experience with romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. I saw a lot of myself in Amity, and I think a lot of the conversations in this book around insecurities with body type and intimacy were extremely important and made me wish I had read this book when I was in high school.
Theo was so sweet, and I loved how he tried his hardest to get Amity to believe in ghosts, but the thing I loved the most about him was that he communicated and tried his hardest to make sure Amity was always comfortable and cared for. I found the subplot with the Harlow Homestead super fascinating and well-balanced with the romance and other parts of the plot, and honestly, reading this made me want to queue up a horror movie because it definitely delivered with the spooky season vibes.
I do wish we had a bit more closure/context between Amity and her dad, and Theo and his dad. I also found the ending a little too much (although I did enjoy it), which made it lean a little more towards the ridiculous side. That being said, I absolutely adored this one and will definitely be reading more of Jenny L. Howe's books!
August 17, 2026
Jenny does it again! 🧡👻
How to (Not) Renovate a Haunted House is what Summerween dreams are made of and truly everything I could hope for in a fat-positive book (especially for teens).
Jenny is always so tender and delicate while also being honest in examining systemic anti-fatness through writing confident, unapologetic, beautiful fat characters. This is so important for teens (and adults alike) of all sizes to see represented in media. Any character embracing the space they take up in the world without apology is BEAUTIFUL.
Yet again, I wish I had this book when I was a teen. In addition to the way it could have helped me see my own body as beautiful and loveable and not in need of shrinking - I, and so many other teens, could (have) benefit(ed) from so many topics here. Jenny touches on important conversations around physical intimacy and stigma/expectations for teens, complex parental relationships, and the exquisite loneliness that can be felt when searching to be seen and loved for your whole self.
All while being sweet and charming and dare I say…a little spoopy!
Jenny, you really do something so special with every book you write, and I won’t stop until I get everyone I love to pick up your books! Your work makes the world just a little bit less lonely, and a whole lot more wonderful!
Unequivocal five stars!
How to (Not) Renovate a Haunted House is what Summerween dreams are made of and truly everything I could hope for in a fat-positive book (especially for teens).
Jenny is always so tender and delicate while also being honest in examining systemic anti-fatness through writing confident, unapologetic, beautiful fat characters. This is so important for teens (and adults alike) of all sizes to see represented in media. Any character embracing the space they take up in the world without apology is BEAUTIFUL.
Yet again, I wish I had this book when I was a teen. In addition to the way it could have helped me see my own body as beautiful and loveable and not in need of shrinking - I, and so many other teens, could (have) benefit(ed) from so many topics here. Jenny touches on important conversations around physical intimacy and stigma/expectations for teens, complex parental relationships, and the exquisite loneliness that can be felt when searching to be seen and loved for your whole self.
All while being sweet and charming and dare I say…a little spoopy!
Jenny, you really do something so special with every book you write, and I won’t stop until I get everyone I love to pick up your books! Your work makes the world just a little bit less lonely, and a whole lot more wonderful!
Unequivocal five stars!
June 12, 2026
Title: How (not) To Renovate A Haunted House
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Random House Children’s Books
Expected Release Date: 07|21|2026
Genre: YA Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: Theo & Amity
Book Type: Standalone
This was such a cute YA romance with spooky and some horror(ish) themes. I adored both characters, Theo and Amity and Amity’s mom was such a great addition too.
I loved the dynamic between Amity, a total ghost skeptic determined to prove they aren’t real, and Theo, a passionate ghost hunter trying to convince her otherwise. Their banter and constant bickering made their personalities shine and kept things so fun!
The author also did a beautiful job bringing depth to Amity’s character. From her experiences as a plus-size girl to navigating her anxiety, everything felt real and I definitely related to her. I especially loved how comfortable she became opening up to Theo and how genuinely he listened.
Overall, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books and Author Jenny Howe for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Random House Children’s Books
Expected Release Date: 07|21|2026
Genre: YA Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: Theo & Amity
Book Type: Standalone
This was such a cute YA romance with spooky and some horror(ish) themes. I adored both characters, Theo and Amity and Amity’s mom was such a great addition too.
I loved the dynamic between Amity, a total ghost skeptic determined to prove they aren’t real, and Theo, a passionate ghost hunter trying to convince her otherwise. Their banter and constant bickering made their personalities shine and kept things so fun!
The author also did a beautiful job bringing depth to Amity’s character. From her experiences as a plus-size girl to navigating her anxiety, everything felt real and I definitely related to her. I especially loved how comfortable she became opening up to Theo and how genuinely he listened.
Overall, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books and Author Jenny Howe for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
July 20, 2026
Jenny L. Howe books are always such a treat! Thank you delacorte for the ARC. I think Jenny’s YA romances remain my favorite! This one follows Amity as she moves across the country with her mom for college and her mom’s new job. The catch is they are forced to move into a haunted fixer upper mansion. On the first day she sees Theo who is trying to ghost hunt at her house. They end up in an agreement where his father’s construction business is helping fix her house for a discount while he gets to hunt ghosts in her house.
This is an adorable paranormal romance. I think my fav part was how gentle the romance was. How Theo was never shy of his feelings and Amity would look down and be like oh we’re holding hands? Oh he’s touching me? Oh this is feelings? Theo always showed up even when Amity was nervous or scared and it was all the little tender moments I noticed that really made me love this couple. It really felt believable for a young love romance at a pace I was definitely moving at at that age.
Symbols: doll, painting, haunted house, Massachusetts, hammer, YouTube, ghost hunting, ghost
This is an adorable paranormal romance. I think my fav part was how gentle the romance was. How Theo was never shy of his feelings and Amity would look down and be like oh we’re holding hands? Oh he’s touching me? Oh this is feelings? Theo always showed up even when Amity was nervous or scared and it was all the little tender moments I noticed that really made me love this couple. It really felt believable for a young love romance at a pace I was definitely moving at at that age.
Symbols: doll, painting, haunted house, Massachusetts, hammer, YouTube, ghost hunting, ghost
August 24, 2026
Jenny L. Howe was my professor for a Disney Literature class in college and I remember her talking about her first book coming out and I am mad at myself for not reading any of her books sooner. This is YA, which I don't typically read anymore and I LOVED this. It's a spooky romance, which is way up my alley and the book also discusses serious topics that someone that is coming of age would deal with, which I appreciated. Also, I work at a library and the main character wants to be a librarian and she gets a job at a local library in the town she just moved to and it was so awesome to read about someone else also being a library worker and reading about what I do on almost a daily basis. I loved pretty much every character and didn't want to put the book down and even when I had to, I kept thinking about it. The spookiness with the blend of romance was immaculate and I think it was done very well. I really enjoyed Jenny's writing and I cannot wait to read her backlist. I highly recommend giving this a try if you like a good fun YA novel or even reading any of her adult books, as I am sure they are just as amazing.
July 21, 2026
This was a cozy and adorable read for me. This book starts with Amity living in Cali getting ready to head off to college. But life had other thoughts and her parents split selling the house with her mom getting a new job in Massachusetts. They move to a new home that's old, beautiful, and something they didnt suspect haunted. They hire Theo which is a contractor working with his father. Amity and Theo team up so her mother can not only settle and begin a new life but to have a fresh start for the both of them. This book had me kicking my feet and giggling more times than I could count. The cute Banter between Amity and Theo not only was the topping on the cake but also the entire cake. If you want a cute cozy read with paranormal elements then this is the read for you. I highly recommend! I got this from Netgalley for free and this is my voluntary review.
August 13, 2026
This ghost story for the teenaged audience has it all. Teen angst tops the list when a girl with confidence issues is forced to move across the country. She has much on her plate, including one of the worst dads possible. When Amity wants just a little attention, he replies that he has done his duty raising her. Over and done.
Luckily, Amity's mom has purchased a haunted house. Of course, Amity doesn't believe in ghosts...yet. But there is hope for her because the house also needs a ton of repairs.
To the rescue is Theo Hargrave, a boy her age who is a ghosthunter extraordinaire AND who has a carpenter father.
Marvelously written, this novel sucks you in, all the way to a much-anticipated exorcism at the end.
Luckily, Amity's mom has purchased a haunted house. Of course, Amity doesn't believe in ghosts...yet. But there is hope for her because the house also needs a ton of repairs.
To the rescue is Theo Hargrave, a boy her age who is a ghosthunter extraordinaire AND who has a carpenter father.
Marvelously written, this novel sucks you in, all the way to a much-anticipated exorcism at the end.
August 24, 2026
OH MY GOD I DID IT I FINISHED IT
Okay so idk if it was just a slow start or what, but I also haven't read every day so smh I legit read the majority of it today anyways...
OKAY
Where was this representation at like over a decade ago? If I had YA stuff like this, my self-esteem would've been through the roof. Like I literally imagined myself as Amity (also still unsure how I feel about this name LOL) but I would love more of this like lemme see what college is like for you girl!!!
Also why is it like 9/10 the dad? SCREW YOU DAD
Okay so idk if it was just a slow start or what, but I also haven't read every day so smh I legit read the majority of it today anyways...
OKAY
Where was this representation at like over a decade ago? If I had YA stuff like this, my self-esteem would've been through the roof. Like I literally imagined myself as Amity (also still unsure how I feel about this name LOL) but I would love more of this like lemme see what college is like for you girl!!!
Also why is it like 9/10 the dad? SCREW YOU DAD
August 16, 2026
Such a sweet YA romance with a spooky mystery!! 👻🧡
August 25, 2026
Fun cute Fall read.
June 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. While I’m not the target audience for a YA novel this was so cute! I kept forgetting it was YA. Fun fall or summerween read!
August 26, 2026
Too cute. The perfect vacation read, glorious summerween vibes with the sweetest romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
👻🏚️ How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House 🏚️👻
🎉🙌🏾 Happy Release Day 🙌🏾🎉
I need more cozy paranormal romances in my life because this was so adorable and cute!
✨💖 Amity & Theo foreverrrrr 💖✨
Theo was genuinely so sweet and a total consent king, which we love to see. And I loved Amity too, even if she was truly terrible at communication at times.
The ending did feel a little rushed, but it still came together in a really satisfying way. It wrapped things up nicely for Amity, her friendships, and her family, which made it feel full circle.
💖 What to Expect
• YA paranormal
• Haunted house
• Ghost hunter MMC
• Skeptical FMC
• Small town
• Opposites attract
• Supernatural mystery
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Thank you to Random House Children’s Books, Delacorte Romance, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
🎉🙌🏾 Happy Release Day 🙌🏾🎉
I need more cozy paranormal romances in my life because this was so adorable and cute!
✨💖 Amity & Theo foreverrrrr 💖✨
Theo was genuinely so sweet and a total consent king, which we love to see. And I loved Amity too, even if she was truly terrible at communication at times.
The ending did feel a little rushed, but it still came together in a really satisfying way. It wrapped things up nicely for Amity, her friendships, and her family, which made it feel full circle.
💖 What to Expect
• YA paranormal
• Haunted house
• Ghost hunter MMC
• Skeptical FMC
• Small town
• Opposites attract
• Supernatural mystery
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Thank you to Random House Children’s Books, Delacorte Romance, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have no words for how amazing this book was. Every single detail in this book was just incredible, addictive, and absolutely beautiful. I adored Amity and Theo and they were both written so well. Amity is how I wish I could have been when I was her age and if I had a Theo, oh that would have been a dream come true.
This one is full of mystery, humor, romance and you just won't get enough. You'll absolutely fall in love with these characters, the plot, and everything in between!
This one is full of mystery, humor, romance and you just won't get enough. You'll absolutely fall in love with these characters, the plot, and everything in between!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🎧📖 𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌📖🎧
𝐻𝑜𝓌 (𝒩𝑜𝓉) 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒶 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 ʙʏ ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ǫᴜɪʀᴋʏ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴏғ ʜᴀʀʟᴏᴡ's ʀᴇsᴛ, ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ ʜᴏᴘᴇs ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғʀᴇsʜ sᴛᴀʀᴛ. ɪɴsᴛᴇᴀᴅ, sʜᴇ ɪɴʜᴇʀɪᴛs ᴀ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀʏ ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʙᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ. ᴛᴇᴀᴍɪɴɢ ᴜᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟ ɢʜᴏsᴛ ʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇᴏ ᴛᴏ ᴜɴᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ, sʜᴇ sᴏᴏɴ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇs ᴛʜᴇ sᴘɪʀɪᴛs ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇ ᴀs ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢs ɢʀᴏᴡɪɴɢ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀʜᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃𝓈 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝑔𝒽𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝓉... 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓃 𝓊𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓇𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎.
ɪ ʜᴀᴅ sᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ғᴜɴ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ.
ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴡᴀs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴡᴀs *ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʀᴇᴀʟ*. ɪ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴀᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ ғᴜʟʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴍɪᴛᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ. ɪᴛ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀ ᴡʜɪᴍsɪᴄᴀʟ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ sᴛɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴏᴄᴜs ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs.
ᴛʜᴇᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ sᴛᴏʟᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ. ʜᴇ's ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ-ғʟᴀɢ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʙᴏʏғʀɪᴇɴᴅ—ᴀ ɢɪᴀɴᴛ, ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ ᴛᴇᴅᴅʏ ʙᴇᴀʀ ᴡʜᴏ's ᴇɴᴅʟᴇssʟʏ ᴋɪɴᴅ, sᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛɪᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢᴇᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ᴏʙsᴇssᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ. ʜɪs ᴇɴᴛʜᴜsɪᴀsᴍ ᴡᴀs ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘᴇᴅ sᴏ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟʟʏ.
ɪ ᴀʟsᴏ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴜs-sɪᴢᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏʀᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ᴏғ sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ. ᴀs sᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ's ᴅᴇᴀʟᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ʟɪғᴇ, ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ's ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇs ғᴇʟᴛ ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴇɴᴛɪʀᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ. ɪᴛ ᴀᴅᴅᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴅᴇᴘᴛʜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ʀᴏᴏᴛ ғᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ.
ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ's ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ɪs ᴡɪᴛᴛʏ, ʜᴇᴀʀᴛғᴇʟᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ sɪɴᴋ ɪɴᴛᴏ. ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄᴀsᴛ, sᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋs ɪ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ. ɪ'ʟʟ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛᴇʟʏ ʙᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀs ᴀɴ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ ᴛᴏ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ɪs ʙʀɪʟʟɪᴀɴᴛʟʏ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛᴇᴅ, ᴇғғᴏʀᴛʟᴇssʟʏ ɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴀ ᴜɴɪǫᴜᴇ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴠᴇʀsᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ғᴇᴇʟ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇɴɢᴀɢɪɴɢ. ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ's sᴀʀᴄᴀsᴍ, ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ᴀᴄʀᴏss ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ, ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴛʜᴇᴏ's ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇɴᴛʜᴜsɪᴀsᴍ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ᴍᴇʟᴛᴇᴅ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ. ᴛʜᴇ sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴄᴀʀʀɪᴇᴅ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ ᴏғ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴏᴠᴇʀsʜᴀᴅᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴏʀ ᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀɴ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ғʀᴏᴍ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
👻 ʀᴇᴀʟ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ
🏡 ʜᴏᴍᴇ ʀᴇɴᴏᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
💚 ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍᴍᴄ
💕 ᴏᴘᴘᴏsɪᴛᴇs ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ
🎃 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🌿 sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ
🧡 ᴘʟᴜs-sɪᴢᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
💭 sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
🔦 ɢʜᴏsᴛ ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ
✨ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇsᴏᴍᴇ ʏᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒...
👻 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢʜᴏsᴛ sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs
🏡 ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ
💕 sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ʏᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🎃 sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅs
💚 ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ-ʀᴏʟʟ ʜᴇʀᴏᴇs
✨ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀɪᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴜᴍᴏʀ
🌿 ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢs
🗣️ 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓉:
ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ʙʟᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴇᴏ's ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ. ᴍᴀɴʏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ-sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇs ʟᴀᴜɢʜs, ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ ᴏғ ɢʜᴏsᴛʟʏ ᴄʜɪʟʟs.
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝐻𝑜𝓌 (𝒩𝑜𝓉) 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒶 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 ɪs ᴄᴏᴢʏ, ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴡᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ. ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ, ᴀ ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛ-ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀᴏ, ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢғᴜʟ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴏᴜᴛ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ɪᴛ's ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʏᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴇǫᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴀʀᴛs ᴄʜɪʟʟs, ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
++++++
NOTES:
I love that the haunting was real and not some “trick of the light.” Theo is a giant charming teddy bear. Theres plus-sized and social anxiety rep—both of which I’ve dealt with most of my life. The narrator is brilliantly talented and seamlessly distinguished the voice of each character. And I really vibed with the authors prose. Very entertaining and enjoyable to read. Will be on the look out for similar reads from this author.
𝐻𝑜𝓌 (𝒩𝑜𝓉) 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒶 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 ʙʏ ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ǫᴜɪʀᴋʏ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴏғ ʜᴀʀʟᴏᴡ's ʀᴇsᴛ, ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ ʜᴏᴘᴇs ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғʀᴇsʜ sᴛᴀʀᴛ. ɪɴsᴛᴇᴀᴅ, sʜᴇ ɪɴʜᴇʀɪᴛs ᴀ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀʏ ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʙᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ. ᴛᴇᴀᴍɪɴɢ ᴜᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟ ɢʜᴏsᴛ ʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇᴏ ᴛᴏ ᴜɴᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ, sʜᴇ sᴏᴏɴ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇs ᴛʜᴇ sᴘɪʀɪᴛs ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇ ᴀs ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢs ɢʀᴏᴡɪɴɢ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀʜᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃𝓈 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝑔𝒽𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝓉... 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓃 𝓊𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓇𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎.
ɪ ʜᴀᴅ sᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ғᴜɴ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ.
ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴡᴀs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴡᴀs *ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʀᴇᴀʟ*. ɪ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴀᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ ғᴜʟʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴍɪᴛᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ. ɪᴛ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀ ᴡʜɪᴍsɪᴄᴀʟ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ sᴛɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴏᴄᴜs ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs.
ᴛʜᴇᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ sᴛᴏʟᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ. ʜᴇ's ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ-ғʟᴀɢ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʙᴏʏғʀɪᴇɴᴅ—ᴀ ɢɪᴀɴᴛ, ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ ᴛᴇᴅᴅʏ ʙᴇᴀʀ ᴡʜᴏ's ᴇɴᴅʟᴇssʟʏ ᴋɪɴᴅ, sᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛɪᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢᴇᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ᴏʙsᴇssᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ. ʜɪs ᴇɴᴛʜᴜsɪᴀsᴍ ᴡᴀs ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘᴇᴅ sᴏ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟʟʏ.
ɪ ᴀʟsᴏ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴜs-sɪᴢᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏʀᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ᴏғ sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ. ᴀs sᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ's ᴅᴇᴀʟᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ʟɪғᴇ, ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ's ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇs ғᴇʟᴛ ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴇɴᴛɪʀᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ. ɪᴛ ᴀᴅᴅᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴅᴇᴘᴛʜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ʀᴏᴏᴛ ғᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ.
ᴊᴇɴɴʏ ʟ. ʜᴏᴡᴇ's ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ɪs ᴡɪᴛᴛʏ, ʜᴇᴀʀᴛғᴇʟᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ sɪɴᴋ ɪɴᴛᴏ. ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄᴀsᴛ, sᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋs ɪ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ. ɪ'ʟʟ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛᴇʟʏ ʙᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀs ᴀɴ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ ᴛᴏ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ɪs ʙʀɪʟʟɪᴀɴᴛʟʏ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛᴇᴅ, ᴇғғᴏʀᴛʟᴇssʟʏ ɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴀ ᴜɴɪǫᴜᴇ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴠᴇʀsᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ғᴇᴇʟ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇɴɢᴀɢɪɴɢ. ᴀᴍɪᴛʏ's sᴀʀᴄᴀsᴍ, ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ᴀᴄʀᴏss ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ, ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴛʜᴇᴏ's ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇɴᴛʜᴜsɪᴀsᴍ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ᴍᴇʟᴛᴇᴅ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ. ᴛʜᴇ sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴄᴀʀʀɪᴇᴅ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ ᴏғ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴏᴠᴇʀsʜᴀᴅᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴏʀ ᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀɴ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ғʀᴏᴍ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
👻 ʀᴇᴀʟ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ
🏡 ʜᴏᴍᴇ ʀᴇɴᴏᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
💚 ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍᴍᴄ
💕 ᴏᴘᴘᴏsɪᴛᴇs ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ
🎃 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🌿 sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ
🧡 ᴘʟᴜs-sɪᴢᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
💭 sᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
🔦 ɢʜᴏsᴛ ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ
✨ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇsᴏᴍᴇ ʏᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒...
👻 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢʜᴏsᴛ sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs
🏡 ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ
💕 sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ʏᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🎃 sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅs
💚 ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ-ʀᴏʟʟ ʜᴇʀᴏᴇs
✨ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀɪᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴜᴍᴏʀ
🌿 ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ sᴍᴀʟʟ-ᴛᴏᴡɴ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢs
🗣️ 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓉:
ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ʙʟᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴇᴏ's ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ. ᴍᴀɴʏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ-sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇs ʟᴀᴜɢʜs, ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ ᴏғ ɢʜᴏsᴛʟʏ ᴄʜɪʟʟs.
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝐻𝑜𝓌 (𝒩𝑜𝓉) 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒶 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 ɪs ᴄᴏᴢʏ, ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴡᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ. ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ, ᴀ ʟᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛ-ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀᴏ, ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢғᴜʟ ʀᴇᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴏᴜᴛ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ɪᴛ's ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʏᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴇǫᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴀʀᴛs ᴄʜɪʟʟs, ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
++++++
NOTES:
I love that the haunting was real and not some “trick of the light.” Theo is a giant charming teddy bear. Theres plus-sized and social anxiety rep—both of which I’ve dealt with most of my life. The narrator is brilliantly talented and seamlessly distinguished the voice of each character. And I really vibed with the authors prose. Very entertaining and enjoyable to read. Will be on the look out for similar reads from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I accidentally stumbled upon How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe, and was pleasantly surprised to end up with a 4.5 star read (rounded up to 5 here) in my hands! This is a Young adult spooky romance... and I did not realize it was a YA book when I requested the ARC. It had caught my eye because I thought the cover was cute, and the title was really kinda funny. I mistakenly assumed it was a spooky romance that just happened to be about young people... completely my bad (don't do these things when you're sleepy, friends...). That being said, the entire premise was fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is about an incoming college freshman named Amity, who has a (pretty unwanted) major change of plans for the fall when her mom takes a job entirely on the other side of the country, in Massachusetts. Amity, enrolled at the same university where her mother is faculty, goes with her so she can enroll in the school for the sweeeeet perk of free tuition. Although the two of them have a great relationship, this is definitely a stressor, and things get a lot worse when Amity realizes the ghost hunter videos she's been watching on their cross country drive are being filmed outside of the house they just bought. Enter Theo: ghost hunter, son of the towns best contractor, and Amity's soon-to-be romantic interest. The rest of the book follows their adventures in navigating the all the usual complexities of youth... falling in love and living in a haunted house.
There was a lot to love about this book. Firstly, as someone born and raised in Massachusetts, I think Howe really nailed the smalltown vibe you can find in a lot of places here. The quirkiness of the people and businesses, and even how the sense of community often comes along with people being just a little too interested in what you might be doing at any given time, were just really well done. And as a MA girly, I obviously lost it at the reference to the Bridgewater Triangle--- A+ for authenticity! I def chuckled, and will now forever think of the fictional town of Harlow's Rest on my weekly drive down 495. I also think Howe wrote the characters really well- they were not only really well-developed, but felt very real. Even just little things, like how Amity would rather drive an extra 30 min to be able to order takeout online vs over the phone, definitely embodied how young adults are today! Even Amity's relationship with her BFF Taylor felt so real: it seemed Taylor was the point of reference for almost all things that Amity thought and felt, and I absolutely remember things being that way at 18. All the relationships in the book were really nicely thought out (Amity with her mom, Amity with Theo, Theo with his dad and brother, etc). I really enjoyed the character development and interactions. I really do appreciate how authentic the relationship between Amity and Theo felt- including lots about her nerves and insecurities about being so new to that kinda stuff made her so much more relatable.
Aside from the cutesy feel good romance stuff, the spooky part of this story was actually... very spooky? The haunting-related aspects of the book were not over done or gory or anything like that, but Howe definitely created a super creepy vibe that really had me on edge finishing this up in bed in the dark last night! I loved how the story of Mercy was intertwined with the present day stuff, and no spoilers, but I loved how things ended.
Honestly would recommend this one to anybody looking for a cozy, ghostly read! This is perfect as a fun Summerween beach read, or a great way to kick off your spooky reads this fall!
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is about an incoming college freshman named Amity, who has a (pretty unwanted) major change of plans for the fall when her mom takes a job entirely on the other side of the country, in Massachusetts. Amity, enrolled at the same university where her mother is faculty, goes with her so she can enroll in the school for the sweeeeet perk of free tuition. Although the two of them have a great relationship, this is definitely a stressor, and things get a lot worse when Amity realizes the ghost hunter videos she's been watching on their cross country drive are being filmed outside of the house they just bought. Enter Theo: ghost hunter, son of the towns best contractor, and Amity's soon-to-be romantic interest. The rest of the book follows their adventures in navigating the all the usual complexities of youth... falling in love and living in a haunted house.
There was a lot to love about this book. Firstly, as someone born and raised in Massachusetts, I think Howe really nailed the smalltown vibe you can find in a lot of places here. The quirkiness of the people and businesses, and even how the sense of community often comes along with people being just a little too interested in what you might be doing at any given time, were just really well done. And as a MA girly, I obviously lost it at the reference to the Bridgewater Triangle--- A+ for authenticity! I def chuckled, and will now forever think of the fictional town of Harlow's Rest on my weekly drive down 495. I also think Howe wrote the characters really well- they were not only really well-developed, but felt very real. Even just little things, like how Amity would rather drive an extra 30 min to be able to order takeout online vs over the phone, definitely embodied how young adults are today! Even Amity's relationship with her BFF Taylor felt so real: it seemed Taylor was the point of reference for almost all things that Amity thought and felt, and I absolutely remember things being that way at 18. All the relationships in the book were really nicely thought out (Amity with her mom, Amity with Theo, Theo with his dad and brother, etc). I really enjoyed the character development and interactions. I really do appreciate how authentic the relationship between Amity and Theo felt- including lots about her nerves and insecurities about being so new to that kinda stuff made her so much more relatable.
Aside from the cutesy feel good romance stuff, the spooky part of this story was actually... very spooky? The haunting-related aspects of the book were not over done or gory or anything like that, but Howe definitely created a super creepy vibe that really had me on edge finishing this up in bed in the dark last night! I loved how the story of Mercy was intertwined with the present day stuff, and no spoilers, but I loved how things ended.
Honestly would recommend this one to anybody looking for a cozy, ghostly read! This is perfect as a fun Summerween beach read, or a great way to kick off your spooky reads this fall!
July 22, 2026
This is my first read by Jenny L. Howe and I am thoroughly enchanted!
I got literal goosebumps while reading!
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is an adorable read with relatable characters, an exciting storyline, and a super sweet (and clean) romance.
On the way to their new home state and still reeling from her parents’ divorce news, Amity scrolls through YouTube to dull the white noise in her head and combat the boredom of the road trip. Her gaze catches on a random video with a couple of cute amateur ghost hunters in front of a rundown house called the Harlow Homestead. It’s a very old house with a long and varied history of mysterious incidents and deaths and rumored paranormal activity.
Some think the house is haunted by ghosts, others think they are just strange–but not out of the ordinary–coincidences. As the video ends, Amity discovers her mom has pulled up to their new home… the Harlow Homestead. Dun, dun, DUNNNNNNNN!!!! Good thing she doesn’t believe in ghosts… yet 😉
This was such a great read! I was immediately sucked into the story and couldn’t put the book down! I loved how well the author fleshed out the history and the lore surrounding the house and the town and how intricate each detail was.
I am a HUGE small town romance fan and I absolutely love this quirky town of Harlow’s Rest. The people are lovely and the businesses are just as unique as the townsfolk. A particular favorite of mine is a diner/restaurant dedicated to a very popular 1980s movie! You’re gonna love it!
I love watching Amity and her mom’s relationship unfold and how it weathers the new life changes for both of them. I really admire it. It’s a relationship I would have loved to have had with my own mom.
Amity and Theo are SO cute together. Their banter is funny and their awkward teenage chemistry is loveable and endearing. I loved how joyfully and exasperatingly they tried to convince each other of their own (non)beliefs. Just adorable!
Theo is such a wonderful character. He is thoughtful, kind, a hard worker, and fully dedicated to discovering ghosts in the Harlow Homestead. I enjoyed learning about his family dynamic. The author really did a great job in portraying the highs and lows of that relationship.
Amity is a beautifully crafted character. She had some big life changes happen to her that greatly affected her. I loved how fearless Amity seemed as she tried to make a place for herself in this new life, even though she felt anything but.
I really loved the way the author addressed the vulnerabilities of a young woman as she tries to discover who she is and how she reconciles her thoughts and feelings about herself and her life choices with the societal standards and pressures many people–especially young people–place on themselves and others. I thought it was addressed beautifully and in a positive way.
I absolutely loved this coming-of-age story with a curvy FMC, supportive best friends, a strong and loving mom, and a boy who thinks she’s perfect just the way she is. It’s a cozy read light on romance, heavy on the spooky vibes, with a territorial squirrel, and lots of fun times. I laughed-snorted, smiled, ooo’ed and aww’ed, and shivered my way through the book. It was so good! I couldn’t put it down!
This story is very appropriate for young readers but also for readers of any age.
I highly recommend How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House to every reader!
**Print ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I got literal goosebumps while reading!
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is an adorable read with relatable characters, an exciting storyline, and a super sweet (and clean) romance.
On the way to their new home state and still reeling from her parents’ divorce news, Amity scrolls through YouTube to dull the white noise in her head and combat the boredom of the road trip. Her gaze catches on a random video with a couple of cute amateur ghost hunters in front of a rundown house called the Harlow Homestead. It’s a very old house with a long and varied history of mysterious incidents and deaths and rumored paranormal activity.
Some think the house is haunted by ghosts, others think they are just strange–but not out of the ordinary–coincidences. As the video ends, Amity discovers her mom has pulled up to their new home… the Harlow Homestead. Dun, dun, DUNNNNNNNN!!!! Good thing she doesn’t believe in ghosts… yet 😉
This was such a great read! I was immediately sucked into the story and couldn’t put the book down! I loved how well the author fleshed out the history and the lore surrounding the house and the town and how intricate each detail was.
I am a HUGE small town romance fan and I absolutely love this quirky town of Harlow’s Rest. The people are lovely and the businesses are just as unique as the townsfolk. A particular favorite of mine is a diner/restaurant dedicated to a very popular 1980s movie! You’re gonna love it!
I love watching Amity and her mom’s relationship unfold and how it weathers the new life changes for both of them. I really admire it. It’s a relationship I would have loved to have had with my own mom.
Amity and Theo are SO cute together. Their banter is funny and their awkward teenage chemistry is loveable and endearing. I loved how joyfully and exasperatingly they tried to convince each other of their own (non)beliefs. Just adorable!
Theo is such a wonderful character. He is thoughtful, kind, a hard worker, and fully dedicated to discovering ghosts in the Harlow Homestead. I enjoyed learning about his family dynamic. The author really did a great job in portraying the highs and lows of that relationship.
Amity is a beautifully crafted character. She had some big life changes happen to her that greatly affected her. I loved how fearless Amity seemed as she tried to make a place for herself in this new life, even though she felt anything but.
I really loved the way the author addressed the vulnerabilities of a young woman as she tries to discover who she is and how she reconciles her thoughts and feelings about herself and her life choices with the societal standards and pressures many people–especially young people–place on themselves and others. I thought it was addressed beautifully and in a positive way.
I absolutely loved this coming-of-age story with a curvy FMC, supportive best friends, a strong and loving mom, and a boy who thinks she’s perfect just the way she is. It’s a cozy read light on romance, heavy on the spooky vibes, with a territorial squirrel, and lots of fun times. I laughed-snorted, smiled, ooo’ed and aww’ed, and shivered my way through the book. It was so good! I couldn’t put it down!
This story is very appropriate for young readers but also for readers of any age.
I highly recommend How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House to every reader!
**Print ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
July 23, 2026
I received an ARC of How Not to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe from Random House and Delacorte Books, all opinions are my own.
Jenny Howe is one of those authors whose work I'll read no matter what. This is her second YA novel, and I loved it! have to start with the representation - I'm so grateful more YA romance is being written with plus-size main characters, for me personally, plus-size FMCs. As someone who was a girl, and now a woman, who exists in a bigger body, I've rarely seen myself depicted in media in a positive way; the fatphobia out there is rampant and genuinely harmful. Reading this book felt like a tight hug to my younger self, a reminder that I was good just as I was, something I desperately needed to hear growing up. Beyond the representation, this book is also a love letter to millennials. It reminded me of the horror movies I grew up loving (and still love): Hocus Pocus, Casper, The Ring, The Conjuring, The Haunting of Hill House, Practical Magic, The Crucible - yes, I love scary movies.
The story follows Amity Calloway, who is forced to leave sunny California the summer before university when her mom takes a teaching job at Rehoboth College in Harlow's Rest, Massachusetts. (shoutout to Max from Hocus Pocus, aka "Hollywood"). Amity soon learns the house her mom bought is a local legend, the haunted home where Mercy Harlow and her family died, allegedly at Mercy's own hands. Enter Theo Hargraves, a sweet, earnest, sincere teddy bear of a guy who works for his dad's contracting company by day and moonlights as a ghost hunter, filming an investigative YouTube documentary on the house. He drags a reluctant Amity into his search for answers, and she agrees, partly because she's a history nerd, and partly because she might be developing a crush on him - which, I get it, Amity. As they dig into the house's secrets, their relationship grows closer too.
Jenny does an incredible job blending genuine horror and mystery (I definitely yelled "get out of the house!" more than once) with a sweet, tender young romance about first love and being truly seen. Theo is exactly what book boyfriends are made of.
If you have younger readers in your life, this is a great gift, I already have a copy set aside for my niece, once she's old enough (she's four months old, so I've got a lot of time). And while it will resonate deeply with plus-size girls and young women, I think it's a great read for people of all body types. Another stellar story from Jenny!
What to Expect:
- plus size FMC
- YA Romance
- Cozy, spooky Rom Com
- Small Town
- University ish vibes
- Social anxiety rep
- Home renovation
- Coming of Age
- Low spice (just kissing)
- Non binary representation (Side character)
- Parental death
- Ghost Hunting
- Haunted House
Jenny Howe is one of those authors whose work I'll read no matter what. This is her second YA novel, and I loved it! have to start with the representation - I'm so grateful more YA romance is being written with plus-size main characters, for me personally, plus-size FMCs. As someone who was a girl, and now a woman, who exists in a bigger body, I've rarely seen myself depicted in media in a positive way; the fatphobia out there is rampant and genuinely harmful. Reading this book felt like a tight hug to my younger self, a reminder that I was good just as I was, something I desperately needed to hear growing up. Beyond the representation, this book is also a love letter to millennials. It reminded me of the horror movies I grew up loving (and still love): Hocus Pocus, Casper, The Ring, The Conjuring, The Haunting of Hill House, Practical Magic, The Crucible - yes, I love scary movies.
The story follows Amity Calloway, who is forced to leave sunny California the summer before university when her mom takes a teaching job at Rehoboth College in Harlow's Rest, Massachusetts. (shoutout to Max from Hocus Pocus, aka "Hollywood"). Amity soon learns the house her mom bought is a local legend, the haunted home where Mercy Harlow and her family died, allegedly at Mercy's own hands. Enter Theo Hargraves, a sweet, earnest, sincere teddy bear of a guy who works for his dad's contracting company by day and moonlights as a ghost hunter, filming an investigative YouTube documentary on the house. He drags a reluctant Amity into his search for answers, and she agrees, partly because she's a history nerd, and partly because she might be developing a crush on him - which, I get it, Amity. As they dig into the house's secrets, their relationship grows closer too.
Jenny does an incredible job blending genuine horror and mystery (I definitely yelled "get out of the house!" more than once) with a sweet, tender young romance about first love and being truly seen. Theo is exactly what book boyfriends are made of.
If you have younger readers in your life, this is a great gift, I already have a copy set aside for my niece, once she's old enough (she's four months old, so I've got a lot of time). And while it will resonate deeply with plus-size girls and young women, I think it's a great read for people of all body types. Another stellar story from Jenny!
What to Expect:
- plus size FMC
- YA Romance
- Cozy, spooky Rom Com
- Small Town
- University ish vibes
- Social anxiety rep
- Home renovation
- Coming of Age
- Low spice (just kissing)
- Non binary representation (Side character)
- Parental death
- Ghost Hunting
- Haunted House
July 21, 2026
I honestly didn’t expect a haunted house to make me smile this much, but Jenny L. Howe’s How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House absolutely did. Delacorte Romance, thank you for the gifted copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Maybe some things aren’t meant to be explained. Maybe they’re meant to be understood.”
I have a soft spot for books that mix a little spooky with a lot of heart, and this one landed right in that sweet spot. It’s a YA paranormal romance, but it never felt overly dramatic or cheesy. Instead, it reminded me how awkward, exciting, and terrifying it can be to start over when life suddenly changes. I kept thinking this would be perfect with a pumpkin cream cold brew while pretending fall has already arrived.
Amity never planned on leaving California, but after her parents divorce, she and her mom pack up and head across the country to a tiny Massachusetts town. Then she finds out their fixer-upper has quite the reputation. Haunted? Maybe. Falling apart? Definitely. Watching her try to explain away every strange thing happening in that house was half the fun.
Then Theo shows up with his ghost-hunting gear and completely throws off her plans. He’s convinced the house is haunted. Amity thinks there’s a logical answer for everything. Their conversations made me laugh because neither one wanted to give an inch. Somewhere between the peeling paint, broken fixtures, and late-night investigations, they started to understand each other, and that’s when I knew this book had me.
I also appreciated that Jenny L. Howe gave these characters room to simply be teenagers. Amity worries about fitting in. She carries old hurts from being bullied and struggles with anxiety and confidence. Theo isn’t trying to rescue her. He just sees her exactly as she is, and I loved that. Their relationship felt sweet without ever feeling rushed.
The ghost story kept me turning pages, but what stayed with me was the way this book talked about belonging. Sometimes finding home has nothing to do with where you live. Sometimes it’s the people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself.
If you enjoy small-town settings, haunted houses that are more cozy than terrifying, adorable first love, plus-size representation, and characters you’ll wish lived next door, I think you’ll have a really good time with this one. It was an easy five-star read for me, and now I kind of want to spend an afternoon exploring old houses…as long as someone else goes in first.
Have you ever read a book that gave you Halloween vibes in the middle of summer?
#HowNotToRenovateAHauntedHouse #JennyLHowe #BookReview #BooksCoffeeBrews #Bookstagram #YARomance #ParanormalRomance #HauntedHouse #Summerween #GhostStories #CozyReads #FallBooks #YoungAdultBooks #GiftedBook #DelacorteRomance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Maybe some things aren’t meant to be explained. Maybe they’re meant to be understood.”
I have a soft spot for books that mix a little spooky with a lot of heart, and this one landed right in that sweet spot. It’s a YA paranormal romance, but it never felt overly dramatic or cheesy. Instead, it reminded me how awkward, exciting, and terrifying it can be to start over when life suddenly changes. I kept thinking this would be perfect with a pumpkin cream cold brew while pretending fall has already arrived.
Amity never planned on leaving California, but after her parents divorce, she and her mom pack up and head across the country to a tiny Massachusetts town. Then she finds out their fixer-upper has quite the reputation. Haunted? Maybe. Falling apart? Definitely. Watching her try to explain away every strange thing happening in that house was half the fun.
Then Theo shows up with his ghost-hunting gear and completely throws off her plans. He’s convinced the house is haunted. Amity thinks there’s a logical answer for everything. Their conversations made me laugh because neither one wanted to give an inch. Somewhere between the peeling paint, broken fixtures, and late-night investigations, they started to understand each other, and that’s when I knew this book had me.
I also appreciated that Jenny L. Howe gave these characters room to simply be teenagers. Amity worries about fitting in. She carries old hurts from being bullied and struggles with anxiety and confidence. Theo isn’t trying to rescue her. He just sees her exactly as she is, and I loved that. Their relationship felt sweet without ever feeling rushed.
The ghost story kept me turning pages, but what stayed with me was the way this book talked about belonging. Sometimes finding home has nothing to do with where you live. Sometimes it’s the people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself.
If you enjoy small-town settings, haunted houses that are more cozy than terrifying, adorable first love, plus-size representation, and characters you’ll wish lived next door, I think you’ll have a really good time with this one. It was an easy five-star read for me, and now I kind of want to spend an afternoon exploring old houses…as long as someone else goes in first.
Have you ever read a book that gave you Halloween vibes in the middle of summer?
#HowNotToRenovateAHauntedHouse #JennyLHowe #BookReview #BooksCoffeeBrews #Bookstagram #YARomance #ParanormalRomance #HauntedHouse #Summerween #GhostStories #CozyReads #FallBooks #YoungAdultBooks #GiftedBook #DelacorteRomance
August 5, 2026
Spooky happenings, relatable characters, and a romance so sweet you might just need a dentist appointment! I loved Jenny L. Howe’s Love at Full Tilt because of its swoonworthy romance and her flawlessly silly banter, and How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House did not disappoint!
First: our FMC, Amity, who has just been unceremoniously moved across the country by her divorced mom and dumped in a small town…and a house that the locals swear is haunted. She’s funny, relatable, and super unenthused about the whole “haunted house” thing. I thought the most relatable part for me, perhaps tellingly, was the fact that she struggles with social anxiety. (Hello, rehearsing conversations in my head and then replaying them a million times after they inevitably deviate from the script)
Then there’s obviously the romance between her and love interest MMC Theo. Gosh. He’s great. He’s dorky, he’s silly, he believes wholeheartedly in ghosts, and most importantly, he’s super super respectful of Amity.
But I felt (as some other reviewers have mentioned as well) that the main reason I loved the characters wasn’t the romance—it was the platonic relationships! Amity has two best friends from back home who, while not physically on-page for a lot of the book, are still fully in her corner the whole time and lend themselves to some silly text convos. And then the new friends she makes in Harlow’s Rest have a genuinely sweet relationship with her as well. Similarly, she’s got a great relationship with her mom, and I just felt like in a book where it would be so easy to only focus on the love interest, Howe did a really good job at fleshing out her “background” characters as well.
Speaking of the plot, I thought it was fun and refreshing for 95% of the book. The other 5% was genuinely a little spooky! I was expecting some Casper-style hijinks, but while there are Casper references aplenty, the main ghost/entity plotline is actually quite dark. And while nothing super scary happens—after all, it’s not a thriller it’s a romance—I did get a little creeped out. Which…was the point.
The one gripe I would say has also been mentioned by other reviewers and it’s that the ending felt a little anticlimactic. But the ending (and the book as a whole) is cute and heartwarming enough that it squeaks by without a star deduction.
Bonus points for the Lia, Mason, and Issy cameos!!
Overall, a sweet, cheesy, not-creepy paranormal rom-com that brings the banter, the cuteness, and of course, allllllll the ghosts. And maybe the title is a bit misleading: if that’s what I have to do to get a Theo of my own, then renovating a haunted house like Amity is probably worth it.
First: our FMC, Amity, who has just been unceremoniously moved across the country by her divorced mom and dumped in a small town…and a house that the locals swear is haunted. She’s funny, relatable, and super unenthused about the whole “haunted house” thing. I thought the most relatable part for me, perhaps tellingly, was the fact that she struggles with social anxiety. (Hello, rehearsing conversations in my head and then replaying them a million times after they inevitably deviate from the script)
Then there’s obviously the romance between her and love interest MMC Theo. Gosh. He’s great. He’s dorky, he’s silly, he believes wholeheartedly in ghosts, and most importantly, he’s super super respectful of Amity.
But I felt (as some other reviewers have mentioned as well) that the main reason I loved the characters wasn’t the romance—it was the platonic relationships! Amity has two best friends from back home who, while not physically on-page for a lot of the book, are still fully in her corner the whole time and lend themselves to some silly text convos. And then the new friends she makes in Harlow’s Rest have a genuinely sweet relationship with her as well. Similarly, she’s got a great relationship with her mom, and I just felt like in a book where it would be so easy to only focus on the love interest, Howe did a really good job at fleshing out her “background” characters as well.
Speaking of the plot, I thought it was fun and refreshing for 95% of the book. The other 5% was genuinely a little spooky! I was expecting some Casper-style hijinks, but while there are Casper references aplenty, the main ghost/entity plotline is actually quite dark. And while nothing super scary happens—after all, it’s not a thriller it’s a romance—I did get a little creeped out. Which…was the point.
The one gripe I would say has also been mentioned by other reviewers and it’s that the ending felt a little anticlimactic. But the ending (and the book as a whole) is cute and heartwarming enough that it squeaks by without a star deduction.
Bonus points for the Lia, Mason, and Issy cameos!!
Overall, a sweet, cheesy, not-creepy paranormal rom-com that brings the banter, the cuteness, and of course, allllllll the ghosts. And maybe the title is a bit misleading: if that’s what I have to do to get a Theo of my own, then renovating a haunted house like Amity is probably worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews