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Southern Souls: A Haunting Story
"Prepare to be swept off your feet into a spine-tingling spooky tale wrapped in a steamy romance. Southern Souls is impossible to resist!" -Christopher Amato, author of Peace River Village
"Southern Souls is a paranormal romance that balances the joy of a new life with the horrors of the past. The suspense builds throughout, and Nakawatase seamlessly blends the stories of the past with the present. This paranormal tale will keep you reading late into the night." -Gary Gerlacher, bestselling author of the AJ Docker Medical Thrillers
Seeking a fresh start, Jamie, a newly widowed mother of two, moves her family from a busy metropolis to a small Southern town. Their temporary accommodation is a colonial mansion in the heart of the Lowcountry. Formerly a rice plantation, this home is now a den of suspended souls, the darkest of which resides in the attic.
Through her work in a medical office, Jamie meets Derek, a handsome, hard-bodied local farmer. As their attraction grows, the paranormal activity in the house unfolds. She hears voices and sees figures in the shadows. Worst of all, her innocent young son has become fast friends with the damned soul in the attic.
With the aid of a local psychic-and with Derek at her side-Jamie is determined to eradicate the evil from the property as the spectral grasp on her son tightens. This malevolent spirit has crossed time and space, causing the disappearances of children from the plantation for over two hundred years, and now has its claws in her family. Will she be able to defeat the sinister pull of this poltergeist?
Derek may be Jamie's second chance at love ... if they can make it out alive.
"Southern Souls is a paranormal romance that balances the joy of a new life with the horrors of the past. The suspense builds throughout, and Nakawatase seamlessly blends the stories of the past with the present. This paranormal tale will keep you reading late into the night." -Gary Gerlacher, bestselling author of the AJ Docker Medical Thrillers
Seeking a fresh start, Jamie, a newly widowed mother of two, moves her family from a busy metropolis to a small Southern town. Their temporary accommodation is a colonial mansion in the heart of the Lowcountry. Formerly a rice plantation, this home is now a den of suspended souls, the darkest of which resides in the attic.
Through her work in a medical office, Jamie meets Derek, a handsome, hard-bodied local farmer. As their attraction grows, the paranormal activity in the house unfolds. She hears voices and sees figures in the shadows. Worst of all, her innocent young son has become fast friends with the damned soul in the attic.
With the aid of a local psychic-and with Derek at her side-Jamie is determined to eradicate the evil from the property as the spectral grasp on her son tightens. This malevolent spirit has crossed time and space, causing the disappearances of children from the plantation for over two hundred years, and now has its claws in her family. Will she be able to defeat the sinister pull of this poltergeist?
Derek may be Jamie's second chance at love ... if they can make it out alive.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
About the author
Sarah Lauer Nakawatase
3 books44 followersSarah lives by the beach with her forever husband, three children, and one chicken. Over the years, family hikes, Little League games, and big family dinners have kept her smiling. Her spice rack occupies twelve square feet!
She earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins University and her Registered Nurse (RN) license from Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Presently, she works as a cardiac nurse.
In her twenties, she started an agave farm in Jalisco, Mexico, with her first husband, lending accurate details to Double-Crossing the Border. In her teens, she worked as a dairy farmer, drawing upon this experience while writing Southern Souls.
Sarah also provides her local community with a yearly creative writing scholarship—details available at sarahlauernakawatase.com.
She earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins University and her Registered Nurse (RN) license from Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Presently, she works as a cardiac nurse.
In her twenties, she started an agave farm in Jalisco, Mexico, with her first husband, lending accurate details to Double-Crossing the Border. In her teens, she worked as a dairy farmer, drawing upon this experience while writing Southern Souls.
Sarah also provides her local community with a yearly creative writing scholarship—details available at sarahlauernakawatase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 25, 2026
One scary well written book. The ending was fabulous!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the chance to read this ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Southern Souls: A Haunting Story blends paranormal suspense, historical fiction, and emotional drama into a chilling story that moves between timelines. As the past and present begin to intertwine, a mother finds herself fighting forces far darker than she ever imagined to protect her son. What unfolds is a haunting journey through history, trauma, and the lingering spirits that refuse to stay buried.
Review
I think I’ve officially discovered that I’m a huge fan of paranormal romance when it’s done like this. Southern Souls was such an emotional and gripping read, and it completely pulled me into its world from the very beginning.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way the story moved through different timelines. The historical sections set on the plantation in the 1800s were honestly heartbreaking at times. The author does not shy away from showing the horrors and cruelty of that time period, and there were definitely moments that made me cringe because the reality of that history is so brutal. Those scenes added so much weight to the story and made the supernatural elements feel even more powerful.
The haunting atmosphere in this book was incredibly well done. There’s a constant feeling that something is wrong, like the past is still lingering in the shadows and waiting to surface. The paranormal aspects were eerie and unsettling in the best way, and the tension slowly builds as the story unfolds.
At the center of it all is a mother fighting to protect her child, and that emotional core is what really makes the story hit so hard. Her determination to save her son from the malevolent spirits surrounding them gives the story so much urgency and heart. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s about love, protection, and the lengths a parent will go to when their child is in danger.
What I really appreciated was how the book blended genres so seamlessly. You have the paranormal elements, the historical backdrop, the emotional family story, and even moments that feel like a thriller as the danger escalates. It keeps the story moving and makes it very hard to put down.
This book truly felt like a haunting experience from start to finish. It’s emotional, eerie, and incredibly compelling, and it’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
If you enjoy paranormal stories with strong emotional stakes and a historical backdrop that adds real depth to the haunting, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, definitely. If you love paranormal stories with emotional depth, historical elements, and a haunting atmosphere that keeps you hooked, Southern Souls is a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the chance to read this ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Southern Souls: A Haunting Story blends paranormal suspense, historical fiction, and emotional drama into a chilling story that moves between timelines. As the past and present begin to intertwine, a mother finds herself fighting forces far darker than she ever imagined to protect her son. What unfolds is a haunting journey through history, trauma, and the lingering spirits that refuse to stay buried.
Review
I think I’ve officially discovered that I’m a huge fan of paranormal romance when it’s done like this. Southern Souls was such an emotional and gripping read, and it completely pulled me into its world from the very beginning.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way the story moved through different timelines. The historical sections set on the plantation in the 1800s were honestly heartbreaking at times. The author does not shy away from showing the horrors and cruelty of that time period, and there were definitely moments that made me cringe because the reality of that history is so brutal. Those scenes added so much weight to the story and made the supernatural elements feel even more powerful.
The haunting atmosphere in this book was incredibly well done. There’s a constant feeling that something is wrong, like the past is still lingering in the shadows and waiting to surface. The paranormal aspects were eerie and unsettling in the best way, and the tension slowly builds as the story unfolds.
At the center of it all is a mother fighting to protect her child, and that emotional core is what really makes the story hit so hard. Her determination to save her son from the malevolent spirits surrounding them gives the story so much urgency and heart. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s about love, protection, and the lengths a parent will go to when their child is in danger.
What I really appreciated was how the book blended genres so seamlessly. You have the paranormal elements, the historical backdrop, the emotional family story, and even moments that feel like a thriller as the danger escalates. It keeps the story moving and makes it very hard to put down.
This book truly felt like a haunting experience from start to finish. It’s emotional, eerie, and incredibly compelling, and it’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
If you enjoy paranormal stories with strong emotional stakes and a historical backdrop that adds real depth to the haunting, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, definitely. If you love paranormal stories with emotional depth, historical elements, and a haunting atmosphere that keeps you hooked, Southern Souls is a must read.
March 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing as well as the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #BlackRoseWriting #SarahLauerNakawatase #SouthernSouls #Horror #Gothic #SouthernGothic #Horror #Fiction #BookReviews
Title: Southern Souls
Author: Sarah Lauer Nakatawase
Format: eBook
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: March 19, 2026
Rating: 4 Stars
Themes: Family, social injustice, paranormal, religion, grief, humans as monsters,
Trigger Warnings: ghosts, voodoo practices, religion, racism, misogyny, death of a spouse, female jealousy, child abuse, murder
This was a treat to read! A new author to me, I can’t wait to read more!
When recently widowed Jamie moves herself and her two children to a Southern former plantation, she’s seeking a fresh start. She knows this house and land have a history, but she’s not prepared for history to come to life. When she meets rich and handsome, Derek Chapin, they develop feelings for each other. Derek and the local psychic, along with Jamie’s new friend from work, team up to settle these restless spirits and save her family before it’s too late, and history repeats itself.
This was a great way to spend an afternoon. I love haunted house stories, and while I love a good creative story, a traditional haunted house is my favorite trope. That’s why I enjoyed this book. It had likable characters, ghosts, Ouija boards, and voodoo. I was easily able to become emotionally invested in the characters and learned a little about voodoo and plantation life along the way. The setting was creepy yet charming. This is a great read for cozy evenings under a blanket with the lights off. Only if one doesn’t get creeped out easily. I would have liked this book to go on a little longer. I wanted to know a little more about what happened with Jamie’s job troubles and more of the aftermath of the climactic ending.
I’m excited to read other works by this author. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story or a little voodoo magic. This is perfect for fans of The Skeleton Key.
#NetGalley #BlackRoseWriting #SarahLauerNakawatase #SouthernSouls #Horror #Gothic #SouthernGothic #Horror #Fiction #BookReviews
Title: Southern Souls
Author: Sarah Lauer Nakatawase
Format: eBook
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: March 19, 2026
Rating: 4 Stars
Themes: Family, social injustice, paranormal, religion, grief, humans as monsters,
Trigger Warnings: ghosts, voodoo practices, religion, racism, misogyny, death of a spouse, female jealousy, child abuse, murder
This was a treat to read! A new author to me, I can’t wait to read more!
When recently widowed Jamie moves herself and her two children to a Southern former plantation, she’s seeking a fresh start. She knows this house and land have a history, but she’s not prepared for history to come to life. When she meets rich and handsome, Derek Chapin, they develop feelings for each other. Derek and the local psychic, along with Jamie’s new friend from work, team up to settle these restless spirits and save her family before it’s too late, and history repeats itself.
This was a great way to spend an afternoon. I love haunted house stories, and while I love a good creative story, a traditional haunted house is my favorite trope. That’s why I enjoyed this book. It had likable characters, ghosts, Ouija boards, and voodoo. I was easily able to become emotionally invested in the characters and learned a little about voodoo and plantation life along the way. The setting was creepy yet charming. This is a great read for cozy evenings under a blanket with the lights off. Only if one doesn’t get creeped out easily. I would have liked this book to go on a little longer. I wanted to know a little more about what happened with Jamie’s job troubles and more of the aftermath of the climactic ending.
I’m excited to read other works by this author. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story or a little voodoo magic. This is perfect for fans of The Skeleton Key.
April 27, 2026
Thank you for sharing this read with me!
Southern Souls is a really interesting blend of paranormal, historical fiction, and a touch of mystery that leans heavily into atmosphere—and that’s where it really shines.
The story follows Jamie, a widowed mother trying to start over with her children in what seems like the perfect Southern plantation home… until it’s clearly not. I liked how her present-day life is woven together with the plantation’s past, especially the mid-1800s storyline. The back-and-forth timelines worked well and slowly built tension as you start to see how everything is connected.
The historical side of the story—particularly through Amos and the plantation’s past—adds a darker, more meaningful layer. It touches on some heavy themes in a way that feels intentional, even if it’s not always fully explored as deeply as it could be.
The paranormal element is more subtle and atmospheric than outright scary, but there are definitely moments that feel eerie and unsettling. The inclusion of things like Voodoo practices and the lingering presence tied to the home adds to that overall tone.
I also liked the pieces of Jamie’s life that grounded the story—her friendships, her kids, and even the potential for a new relationship. It kept things from feeling too heavy all the time, even as the tension builds.
That said, the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, and while there are a lot of strong elements here, not all of them fully land in the way you expect by the end.
Overall, this is a solid, engaging read with a unique blend of genres and a strong sense of place. If you enjoy paranormal historical fiction with dual timelines and a slower, more atmospheric build, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Southern Souls is a really interesting blend of paranormal, historical fiction, and a touch of mystery that leans heavily into atmosphere—and that’s where it really shines.
The story follows Jamie, a widowed mother trying to start over with her children in what seems like the perfect Southern plantation home… until it’s clearly not. I liked how her present-day life is woven together with the plantation’s past, especially the mid-1800s storyline. The back-and-forth timelines worked well and slowly built tension as you start to see how everything is connected.
The historical side of the story—particularly through Amos and the plantation’s past—adds a darker, more meaningful layer. It touches on some heavy themes in a way that feels intentional, even if it’s not always fully explored as deeply as it could be.
The paranormal element is more subtle and atmospheric than outright scary, but there are definitely moments that feel eerie and unsettling. The inclusion of things like Voodoo practices and the lingering presence tied to the home adds to that overall tone.
I also liked the pieces of Jamie’s life that grounded the story—her friendships, her kids, and even the potential for a new relationship. It kept things from feeling too heavy all the time, even as the tension builds.
That said, the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, and while there are a lot of strong elements here, not all of them fully land in the way you expect by the end.
Overall, this is a solid, engaging read with a unique blend of genres and a strong sense of place. If you enjoy paranormal historical fiction with dual timelines and a slower, more atmospheric build, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A paranormal romance with intoxicating scenery and well researched historical ties, Southern Souls has managed to do the unfathomable; leaving the reader precariously balanced between enjoying the exquisite embers of a tasty new romantic endeavor and a mother’s soul wrenching journey to save her son from malevolent forces that shake us to the core when they grace our world.
Nakawatase’s finely crafted tale first pulls the reader in with heart wrenchingly deep historical value, initially causing shock and emotional torment by exposing the horrors of the past that seem unflinchingly true to the period. She then effortlessly flows back to present day, introducing the reader to Jamie, a newly widowed mother who is looking for something more out of life.
The introduction of Jamie, her children and their current life journey are brilliantly connected to the past via the historical plantation that they now call home. Experiencing the back-and-forth timelines of present day with Jamie and her family and the mid-1800’s horrors of the plantation being told side by side lent to an intoxicating culmination where the past and present intersect, as the reader is wickedly waiting for the destruction with one eye open. Southern
Souls blurs the boundaries between paranormal, romance, historical and thriller genres, and Nakawatase does it with a comfortable ease and a richly defined historical backdrop that entices the reader in, then grabs them by the throat and commands them to stay. This was an excellent ride!
Nakawatase’s finely crafted tale first pulls the reader in with heart wrenchingly deep historical value, initially causing shock and emotional torment by exposing the horrors of the past that seem unflinchingly true to the period. She then effortlessly flows back to present day, introducing the reader to Jamie, a newly widowed mother who is looking for something more out of life.
The introduction of Jamie, her children and their current life journey are brilliantly connected to the past via the historical plantation that they now call home. Experiencing the back-and-forth timelines of present day with Jamie and her family and the mid-1800’s horrors of the plantation being told side by side lent to an intoxicating culmination where the past and present intersect, as the reader is wickedly waiting for the destruction with one eye open. Southern
Souls blurs the boundaries between paranormal, romance, historical and thriller genres, and Nakawatase does it with a comfortable ease and a richly defined historical backdrop that entices the reader in, then grabs them by the throat and commands them to stay. This was an excellent ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Southern Souls
By Sara Nakawatase
Southern Discomfort
Have you ever dreamed of living in one of those beautiful plantation homes that grace the South? When forty-something Jamie came across a rental deal on an old rice plantation with a rambling colonial mansion, she worried that it was too good to be true, but it was too perfect to pass up. As a widow with two small children and still grieving the loss of her husband even though two years had passed, the beautiful South Carolina community seems ideal for a fresh start.
Against this backdrop, master word weaver Nakawatase has created a poetic tapestry that chronicles the history of the plantation and its inhabitants from the pre-Civil-War life of a young slave boy up to the current-day life of Jamie and her children. Is the mansion haunted and is the spirit that seems to reside there simply trying to find its way “across,” or is it something else?
Jamie’s investigation involves a crew of delightful wacko’s and one especially helpful neighbor—a neighbor who just happens to be rich and handsome, and who shows Jamie that it is possible to pursue a new relationship. The richly textured descriptions evoke the old South in a way that indelibly engages all the reader’s senses. The Voodoo religion practiced in secret by the slaves is central to the narrative and the spectral theme of the story.
Southern Souls is a blend of history, romance, mystery and a delicious dollop of things that go bump in the night! I highly recommend it.
— Bill Schweitzer, author of Doves in a Tempest
By Sara Nakawatase
Southern Discomfort
Have you ever dreamed of living in one of those beautiful plantation homes that grace the South? When forty-something Jamie came across a rental deal on an old rice plantation with a rambling colonial mansion, she worried that it was too good to be true, but it was too perfect to pass up. As a widow with two small children and still grieving the loss of her husband even though two years had passed, the beautiful South Carolina community seems ideal for a fresh start.
Against this backdrop, master word weaver Nakawatase has created a poetic tapestry that chronicles the history of the plantation and its inhabitants from the pre-Civil-War life of a young slave boy up to the current-day life of Jamie and her children. Is the mansion haunted and is the spirit that seems to reside there simply trying to find its way “across,” or is it something else?
Jamie’s investigation involves a crew of delightful wacko’s and one especially helpful neighbor—a neighbor who just happens to be rich and handsome, and who shows Jamie that it is possible to pursue a new relationship. The richly textured descriptions evoke the old South in a way that indelibly engages all the reader’s senses. The Voodoo religion practiced in secret by the slaves is central to the narrative and the spectral theme of the story.
Southern Souls is a blend of history, romance, mystery and a delicious dollop of things that go bump in the night! I highly recommend it.
— Bill Schweitzer, author of Doves in a Tempest
October 11, 2025
In her novel, Southern Souls, author Nakawatase has seamlessly blended three distinct genres: pre-Civil War historical, ghost paranormal, and second-chance romance. The story balances the three genres amazingly, and although I usually tend toward historical and romance, the supernatural features that included everything from voodooism to lost souls also gripped me.
Jamie, a single mom with two young children, moves into an old southern plantation with unimaginable secrets. Being new to the area, she hadn’t heard the generational stories about how haunted the colonial mansion was, or the strange disappearances of children over the years. When her young son vanishes, she searches for him with a mother’s fury as she desperately tries to save him.
As someone who lives in South Carolina, I could feel the authenticity of the landscape, and as the tale progressed, I realized I was experiencing the work of a very skilled storyteller.
Jamie, a single mom with two young children, moves into an old southern plantation with unimaginable secrets. Being new to the area, she hadn’t heard the generational stories about how haunted the colonial mansion was, or the strange disappearances of children over the years. When her young son vanishes, she searches for him with a mother’s fury as she desperately tries to save him.
As someone who lives in South Carolina, I could feel the authenticity of the landscape, and as the tale progressed, I realized I was experiencing the work of a very skilled storyteller.
Review of advance copy
A mysterious, spooky story contained within a steamy romance. Or is it the other way around? You be the judge, but either way, the reader is the grand prize winner in this fascinating story told from various characters’ perspectives.
Author Sarah Nakawatase moves the story effortlessly, alternating between a widowed mom exploring the possibility of opening her heart to new love while protecting her family from a sinister force that governs her home—a shadowy presence that injects palpable suspense. The drama in Nakawatase’s writing is taut and unrelenting, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
And I mean all the way to a most satisfying finish with her ability to tie the emotional and suspenseful elements together into a cohesive finish that reflects her skill as a masterful storyteller.
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience a very special journey with Southern Souls!
Author Sarah Nakawatase moves the story effortlessly, alternating between a widowed mom exploring the possibility of opening her heart to new love while protecting her family from a sinister force that governs her home—a shadowy presence that injects palpable suspense. The drama in Nakawatase’s writing is taut and unrelenting, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
And I mean all the way to a most satisfying finish with her ability to tie the emotional and suspenseful elements together into a cohesive finish that reflects her skill as a masterful storyteller.
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience a very special journey with Southern Souls!
April 26, 2026
I only have two words. Far out dude!
What I've read is a real page turner!
I love Amos's story best so far. I wasn't too happy with Horace. Ugh. I definitely don't like him at all!! Poor Amos!
And so far, Im not trusting Derek. He seems too slick for my liking but Im reading on to see what happens next.
He turned out to be a pretty cool guy.
I love paranormal stuff and historical fiction so this seems right up my alley so to speak.
So realistic that this book made the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and chills run down from my spine! Oh boy!
Ive not read a book quite this good in a long while.
Ouiji boards scare me and that's why I don't mess with that stuff. No good can come of it
A new to me author for sure and certain.
5 stars for scaring me real good lol for a job well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
What I've read is a real page turner!
I love Amos's story best so far. I wasn't too happy with Horace. Ugh. I definitely don't like him at all!! Poor Amos!
And so far, Im not trusting Derek. He seems too slick for my liking but Im reading on to see what happens next.
He turned out to be a pretty cool guy.
I love paranormal stuff and historical fiction so this seems right up my alley so to speak.
So realistic that this book made the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and chills run down from my spine! Oh boy!
Ive not read a book quite this good in a long while.
Ouiji boards scare me and that's why I don't mess with that stuff. No good can come of it
A new to me author for sure and certain.
5 stars for scaring me real good lol for a job well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
December 23, 2025
In Southern Souls, we find Jamie, a widowed mother with two young children. They move to the South for a fresh start, renting an old plantation house. While she makes a friend, finds a job, and even dates, Jamie also receives a warning to keep her children close because her new house is haunted. At first, she gives the rumors little credence, but as strange and creepy happenings become more frequent, she turns to a medium and her new boyfriend for help. Their story is tied to the fate of Amos, a slave from the 1800s and dozens of missing children. With a dash of magic, realistic characters, and a fast-paced plot, Southern Souls connects readers to disturbing events in America's history that are too often glossed over.
July 17, 2026
This is my first read by the author, and it was well done from start to finish.
This book spans centuries and takes place in one location, the plantation. The author did a clear job of getting the historical facts and culture correct to build a tragic tale over time.
You'll be rooting for Jamie from page one. And by the end, you may have some questions about who the real villain is in the story. As events unfold, each character gains sympathy for their situation.
Enjoyed the romantic thread, though this is a little spicier than my normal read, but it wasn't graphic and intimate scenese were carefully handled.
Excellent narration by Ms. McCauley, shifting through accents and characters while maintaining emotional grip on the story without being intrusice. Brilliant.
This book spans centuries and takes place in one location, the plantation. The author did a clear job of getting the historical facts and culture correct to build a tragic tale over time.
You'll be rooting for Jamie from page one. And by the end, you may have some questions about who the real villain is in the story. As events unfold, each character gains sympathy for their situation.
Enjoyed the romantic thread, though this is a little spicier than my normal read, but it wasn't graphic and intimate scenese were carefully handled.
Excellent narration by Ms. McCauley, shifting through accents and characters while maintaining emotional grip on the story without being intrusice. Brilliant.
Read
December 2, 2021Surprisingly good
I am a newbie author and read all kinds of genres, except romance. My four books are all different genres. I was hesitant to read a romance novel but the paranormal hooked me into reading it. I was pleasantly surprised that a nurse at my primary care was also an author and downloaded a sample and was happy to purchase the ebook. Being an author myself, I caught a few minor mistakes that most proofreaders would catch but that will never stop me from rating the book on it's overall merit and it is well written for it's historical ascects and it's storyline. The paranormal part was a fun filled added bonus....
I am a newbie author and read all kinds of genres, except romance. My four books are all different genres. I was hesitant to read a romance novel but the paranormal hooked me into reading it. I was pleasantly surprised that a nurse at my primary care was also an author and downloaded a sample and was happy to purchase the ebook. Being an author myself, I caught a few minor mistakes that most proofreaders would catch but that will never stop me from rating the book on it's overall merit and it is well written for it's historical ascects and it's storyline. The paranormal part was a fun filled added bonus....
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jamie is a newly widowed mom of two young children looking for a fresh start in a small town. She develops a relationship with Derek, a handsome and successful farmer, and her life looks to be improving, but her home holds a dark secret. Multiple children have disappeared over the years, hunted by the evil that inhabits the former slave plantation, and her children are the next target.
Southern Souls is a paranormal romance that balances the joy of a new life with the horrors of the past. The suspense builds throughout, and Nakawatase seamlessly blends the stories of the past with the present. This paranormal grilled and will keep you reading late into the night.
Southern Souls is a paranormal romance that balances the joy of a new life with the horrors of the past. The suspense builds throughout, and Nakawatase seamlessly blends the stories of the past with the present. This paranormal grilled and will keep you reading late into the night.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Southern Souls is a brilliantly written novel that blends the brutality of history with the deeply romantic and complicated Southern culture and mythology. Nakawatase’s novel is a beautiful love letter to southern fiction and the paranormal. The framework of the paranormal allows for an in-depth look at the darker side of Southern history, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding and well of empathy for the struggles of the enslaved. The characters leave your heart aching and leap from the page. The reader is whisked through the decades and to a satisfying resolution. Southern Souls is a masterful blend of historical fiction and the paranormal.
December 2, 2025
I loved this book. If you are looking for a heart pumping, heart breaking, heart happy book, this it. The legacy of slavery, personal grief and healing are explored through multiple personal stories and time lines. With voodoo adding a sinister element that I was more than I could handle at 11:00 pm at night; the book was relegated to daytime reading only. Bravo Sarah Nakawatase for creating a well-crafted novel that transported me to a different time and place – even if a Southern Plantation with Southern Souls is a bit creepy.
May 13, 2026
I really enjoyed Southern Souls by Sarah Lauer Nakawatase. The atmosphere and Southern setting pulled me in right away, and the paranormal mystery kept me interested the whole time. I especially appreciated the thorough history woven throughout the story — it added so much depth and made the setting feel vivid and authentic. I also liked the emotional side of the story and felt connected to the characters. At times the pacing slowed down a little, and I would’ve loved a bit more depth from some of the supporting characters, but overall it was an engaging and memorable read!
September 17, 2025
Southern Souls by Sarah Lauer Nakawatase is a well-written story where the heart and soul of the South resonate in every word. The characters are real and the authentic dialogue would have you believe you're speaking to friends you haven't met yet. Part historical fiction, part paranormal fantasy and part romance – there's something for those who enjoy any or all of these genres. Highly recommended for great world-building and historical accuracy.
October 5, 2026
Strong start to A disappointing end
This book started out very strongly I was really getting into it but the end was very disappointing it reminded me like I was reading a novel from someone who had a strong influence by Stephen king who I also feel his later books had very strong starts and then a very hokey ending that ruined the book and that was kind of like this book was for me
This book started out very strongly I was really getting into it but the end was very disappointing it reminded me like I was reading a novel from someone who had a strong influence by Stephen king who I also feel his later books had very strong starts and then a very hokey ending that ruined the book and that was kind of like this book was for me
September 4, 2023
Page turner
I just finished this book and I can say Sarah definitely can write a telling story that keeps her readers wanting more, great characters and wonderful topics A new author for me but this won't be her last book I read
I just finished this book and I can say Sarah definitely can write a telling story that keeps her readers wanting more, great characters and wonderful topics A new author for me but this won't be her last book I read
March 21, 2023
Great Read
It's a great book. I wish there was more to the story. I like the history behind it mixed into the story.
It's a great book. I wish there was more to the story. I like the history behind it mixed into the story.
April 20, 2023
good spooky romance
Great story spanning years of Southern history. Two lonely people and a troubled ghost boy make this a compelling read.
Great story spanning years of Southern history. Two lonely people and a troubled ghost boy make this a compelling read.
April 23, 2024
Good read
Pretty good book. Great characters, a little unbelievable but if you like ghost stories this is the book to read. Makes you think about the afterlife.
Pretty good book. Great characters, a little unbelievable but if you like ghost stories this is the book to read. Makes you think about the afterlife.
Review of advance copy
Through author Sarah Nakawatase’s emotionally rich and immersive storytelling, Southern Souls pulls you in from the start. Each chapter draws you deeper into its beautifully crafted world—layered with history, loss, resilience, and redemption.
The novel bridges two timelines—past and present—seamlessly weaving together the lives of Amos, a young enslaved boy with a spiritual gift, and Jamie, a modern-day mother starting over on haunted land. As their stories intertwine, the book explores generational pain, spiritual justice, and the healing power of love across time.
The writing is vivid and evocative, and the characters are deeply developed. I’m so glad I got to read it. A truly powerful and beautifully told story.
The novel bridges two timelines—past and present—seamlessly weaving together the lives of Amos, a young enslaved boy with a spiritual gift, and Jamie, a modern-day mother starting over on haunted land. As their stories intertwine, the book explores generational pain, spiritual justice, and the healing power of love across time.
The writing is vivid and evocative, and the characters are deeply developed. I’m so glad I got to read it. A truly powerful and beautifully told story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fantastic and interesting work that manages to fit together ghostly horror and the very real, very traumatic horror into one effective work. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Read
March 25, 2026Great shorter story with interesting history, thrilling paranormal hauntings and sweet romance 8/10
would be rated higher but writing seemed to lack seriousness at times
would be rated higher but writing seemed to lack seriousness at times
April 21, 2026
Two Thumbs Up!
A great suspense book that kept you reading and turning the page to see what is happening next. Two Thumbs Up!
A great suspense book that kept you reading and turning the page to see what is happening next. Two Thumbs Up!
April 21, 2026
Two Thumbs Up!
May 6, 2026
I liked the story of Amos a lot
May 12, 2026
It was an interesting concept, but I found some of the choices to be distracting (ie a 4 year old speaking in full coherent sentences)
May 15, 2026
I very much enjoyed the concept of this book there was just a few questions that I had along the journey of this book. Overall 3 stars!
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