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Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path
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Expected 22 Sep 26288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book and for the opportunity to read it and review it.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series, so I started this one without knowing everything that had happened before. There were a few moments when I felt like I was missing some pieces or context, but it wasn’t a major issue, I was still able to understand the story without having read the other books first, so I do think this can be read on its own. I initially requested this book because of the cover, and then after reading the synopsis, I got the impression that it would be sapphic, which made me even more interested in reading it. I really liked the premise and the concept of the story, but unfortunately I had two main problems with the execution. The first one was Melissa, the protagonist’s sister, because I found her absolutely insufferable, to the point where she made parts of the book difficult for me to read. I also really didn’t like the way the protagonist reacted to and dealt with her behavior, of course the book touches on sensitive and complicated topics, and I understand that people don’t always react to difficult situations in the way we think they should, but still. I liked the actual story enough to keep reading though, which brings me to my second (and probably biggest) issue. At around 60%, the main story is over. Like literally. The central storyline reaches its conclusion, and I wondered what could possibly happen during the entire remaining portion of the book. The answer was that it shifts its attention towards other characters (ghosts) and their individual stories. I didn’t dislike those stories, but I didn’t understand the decision to structure the book this way. I would have much preferred for these different storylines to be woven throughout the main plot, allowing them to develop alongside each other and eventually reach their conclusions closer to the end. Instead, finishing what felt like the main story so early and then moving the focus elsewhere made the second half feel strangely disconnected to me. Another element that I didn’t like was the romance. I want to make it clear that I don’t need romance to be a major part of every book, a romantic relationship can easily be a secondary element, and I have no problem with that. My issue here was that the romance felt almost nonexistent. I think we get maybe three or four meaningful scenes between the protagonist and the love interest, and very little actually develops between them until suddenly towards the end something does (in a single scene.) I liked having the sapphic representation, but I wish the love interest had been integrated into the story more. Not necessarily through additional romantic scenes, I just wanted her to feel more present as a character. As it was, the romance didn’t add much to the story, and even the representation I had initially been so excited about felt quite limited because of how little time these characters actually spent together. Despite all of this, I don’t think this was a bad book. I liked the story, the concept, and the writing. My issues were primarily with the plot structure and some of the choices surrounding the characters, so I’m giving this 3.5 stars. As I mentioned at the beginning, I haven’t read the other books in the series, and honestly, I’m not sure whether I will. I liked the town and the concept enough that I wouldn’t completely rule them out, but I’m not particularly interested in picking them up right now. If they have some of the same issues I encountered with this one (especially regarding the structure of the story), I don’t think they’d be for me. Maybe I’ll eventually give them a chance, but for now I think I’ll leave the series here.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series, so I started this one without knowing everything that had happened before. There were a few moments when I felt like I was missing some pieces or context, but it wasn’t a major issue, I was still able to understand the story without having read the other books first, so I do think this can be read on its own. I initially requested this book because of the cover, and then after reading the synopsis, I got the impression that it would be sapphic, which made me even more interested in reading it. I really liked the premise and the concept of the story, but unfortunately I had two main problems with the execution. The first one was Melissa, the protagonist’s sister, because I found her absolutely insufferable, to the point where she made parts of the book difficult for me to read. I also really didn’t like the way the protagonist reacted to and dealt with her behavior, of course the book touches on sensitive and complicated topics, and I understand that people don’t always react to difficult situations in the way we think they should, but still. I liked the actual story enough to keep reading though, which brings me to my second (and probably biggest) issue. At around 60%, the main story is over. Like literally. The central storyline reaches its conclusion, and I wondered what could possibly happen during the entire remaining portion of the book. The answer was that it shifts its attention towards other characters (ghosts) and their individual stories. I didn’t dislike those stories, but I didn’t understand the decision to structure the book this way. I would have much preferred for these different storylines to be woven throughout the main plot, allowing them to develop alongside each other and eventually reach their conclusions closer to the end. Instead, finishing what felt like the main story so early and then moving the focus elsewhere made the second half feel strangely disconnected to me. Another element that I didn’t like was the romance. I want to make it clear that I don’t need romance to be a major part of every book, a romantic relationship can easily be a secondary element, and I have no problem with that. My issue here was that the romance felt almost nonexistent. I think we get maybe three or four meaningful scenes between the protagonist and the love interest, and very little actually develops between them until suddenly towards the end something does (in a single scene.) I liked having the sapphic representation, but I wish the love interest had been integrated into the story more. Not necessarily through additional romantic scenes, I just wanted her to feel more present as a character. As it was, the romance didn’t add much to the story, and even the representation I had initially been so excited about felt quite limited because of how little time these characters actually spent together. Despite all of this, I don’t think this was a bad book. I liked the story, the concept, and the writing. My issues were primarily with the plot structure and some of the choices surrounding the characters, so I’m giving this 3.5 stars. As I mentioned at the beginning, I haven’t read the other books in the series, and honestly, I’m not sure whether I will. I liked the town and the concept enough that I wouldn’t completely rule them out, but I’m not particularly interested in picking them up right now. If they have some of the same issues I encountered with this one (especially regarding the structure of the story), I don’t think they’d be for me. Maybe I’ll eventually give them a chance, but for now I think I’ll leave the series here.
August 28, 2026
Always fun to read the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series and this is number five! Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path was an absolute pleasure. I really got lost in the eclectic cast of characters and their antics and dramas while being charmed by the cosy autumnal setting and mystical atmosphere. I always enjoy revisiting characters of the village and to see what they are up to. Like catching up with old friends! And meeting new ones who will add another dimension to the community.
The story focuses on Halloween and all the drama of the town putting its best face on. Plenty of festivities are planned like carving pumpkins, apple bobbing and a Séance. They have booked the celebrity Madame Mariska from the tv show It’s Haunted but as we soon learn, she has a few issues. Her younger sister, Verity, travels with her and although they care for each other, it seems Verity is at Mel’s/Mariska’s beckon call. But on this special Halloween night, something bizarre happens. We don’t know why or how at first, but eventually all is revealed and the plot twists are so clever!
One of the core themes of this novel is the importance of relationships. The dynamics between a number of members shifts throughout the story. There’s plenty of friction but in time there is growth and restoration. Once family secrets are exposed, healing and forgiveness begin. There are some touchy characters who eventually own up to their mistakes. Once that happens, the beauty of harmony spreads and a few move on as well.
I found the afterlife of these ghosts fascinating and how the author takes a step further this time into that unknown spiritual territory and gives us an amazing glimpse of possibilities. Very original, too! Sharon has a wonderful imagination to conjure up these characters, chaos and outcomes. When Verity is given a brooch and a broken tea cup by a stranger in a shop, strange events happen that cause some horrific conflicts. But these stumbling blocks become useful prompts as they take these characters down a different path towards much needed change. I loved the depth and development we see in them as they evolve in an organic way.
This story had my heart, hook, line and sinker. I continue to marvel at Sharon Booth’s imaginative deliveries and ability to invoke so many emotions in me. I was at times laughing, then crying and smiling. This is another solid paranormal magical mystery addition to the set that I continue to enjoy. The cosy warmth (even during the family-like conflicts) felt genuine and there is such a strong community spirit of concern, protectiveness and care between the resident ghosts and non-ghosts. This is an inspiring tale that I just cannot rave enough about. Get a copy and immerse yourself in this incredibly fun and festive story filled with heart, healing and love on both sides of the grave. Another must-read winner from Sharon Booth! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
The story focuses on Halloween and all the drama of the town putting its best face on. Plenty of festivities are planned like carving pumpkins, apple bobbing and a Séance. They have booked the celebrity Madame Mariska from the tv show It’s Haunted but as we soon learn, she has a few issues. Her younger sister, Verity, travels with her and although they care for each other, it seems Verity is at Mel’s/Mariska’s beckon call. But on this special Halloween night, something bizarre happens. We don’t know why or how at first, but eventually all is revealed and the plot twists are so clever!
One of the core themes of this novel is the importance of relationships. The dynamics between a number of members shifts throughout the story. There’s plenty of friction but in time there is growth and restoration. Once family secrets are exposed, healing and forgiveness begin. There are some touchy characters who eventually own up to their mistakes. Once that happens, the beauty of harmony spreads and a few move on as well.
I found the afterlife of these ghosts fascinating and how the author takes a step further this time into that unknown spiritual territory and gives us an amazing glimpse of possibilities. Very original, too! Sharon has a wonderful imagination to conjure up these characters, chaos and outcomes. When Verity is given a brooch and a broken tea cup by a stranger in a shop, strange events happen that cause some horrific conflicts. But these stumbling blocks become useful prompts as they take these characters down a different path towards much needed change. I loved the depth and development we see in them as they evolve in an organic way.
This story had my heart, hook, line and sinker. I continue to marvel at Sharon Booth’s imaginative deliveries and ability to invoke so many emotions in me. I was at times laughing, then crying and smiling. This is another solid paranormal magical mystery addition to the set that I continue to enjoy. The cosy warmth (even during the family-like conflicts) felt genuine and there is such a strong community spirit of concern, protectiveness and care between the resident ghosts and non-ghosts. This is an inspiring tale that I just cannot rave enough about. Get a copy and immerse yourself in this incredibly fun and festive story filled with heart, healing and love on both sides of the grave. Another must-read winner from Sharon Booth! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path by Sharon Booth a spooky, festive 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
I liked the story to a certain extent! While it took a bit to find its rhythm, it still delivers plenty of cozy autumn vibes and seasonal charm for spooky season reading! 🎃👻🍂
ARC Disclosure: A big thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Sharon Booth for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path by Sharon Booth is a cozy, atmospheric autumn read that brings a touch of magic to the spooky season! The beginning was rather slow, and because I haven't read this series before, it took me a while to get in sync with some of the recurring characters and village dynamics—even though it can technically be read as a standalone.
Once you settle into the pacing, the small-town charm, pumpkin trails, and spooky autumnal backdrop really shine through. The cozy mystery elements and ghostly intrigue make it a fun, lighthearted seasonal escape. It's a good Halloween season read all the same, perfect for anyone who wants a cozy fall setting with a hint of spectral magic without the terror!
The Good
The gorgeous autumn atmosphere, pumpkin path setting, adorable dog companion, and whimsical Halloween vibes! It’s deeply cozy and perfect for fall reading.
The Not So Good
The slow initial pacing and the learning curve of getting synced up with the established cast if you haven't read earlier books in the series.
I am giving Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path by Sharon Booth a spooky, festive 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
I liked the story to a certain extent! While it took a bit to find its rhythm, it still delivers plenty of cozy autumn vibes and seasonal charm for spooky season reading! 🎃👻🍂
ARC Disclosure: A big thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Sharon Booth for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path by Sharon Booth is a cozy, atmospheric autumn read that brings a touch of magic to the spooky season! The beginning was rather slow, and because I haven't read this series before, it took me a while to get in sync with some of the recurring characters and village dynamics—even though it can technically be read as a standalone.
Once you settle into the pacing, the small-town charm, pumpkin trails, and spooky autumnal backdrop really shine through. The cozy mystery elements and ghostly intrigue make it a fun, lighthearted seasonal escape. It's a good Halloween season read all the same, perfect for anyone who wants a cozy fall setting with a hint of spectral magic without the terror!
The Good
The gorgeous autumn atmosphere, pumpkin path setting, adorable dog companion, and whimsical Halloween vibes! It’s deeply cozy and perfect for fall reading.
The Not So Good
The slow initial pacing and the learning curve of getting synced up with the established cast if you haven't read earlier books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎃👻 Blithe Spirits on the Pumpkin Path by Sharon Booth 👻🎃
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I always enjoy returning to Rowan Vale, and this fifth instalment was another wonderful visit to a village full of quirky characters, ghosts and plenty of unexpected drama!
Halloween is in full swing, with pumpkins, festivities and a séance bringing everyone together — although, as always in Rowan Vale, things don't quite go according to plan. 😂 I particularly enjoyed Verity's story and watching her find her own confidence while dealing with some complicated relationships.
There’s a lovely mix of mystery, magic and humour throughout, but it’s the characters and their relationships that really make this series special. I love the sense of community between the living and the ghosts, and the way Sharon Booth manages to bring plenty of heart alongside all the supernatural happenings.
Cosy, entertaining and full of Halloween atmosphere, this was another thoroughly enjoyable addition to a series I’ve become very fond of. 🎃❤️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I always enjoy returning to Rowan Vale, and this fifth instalment was another wonderful visit to a village full of quirky characters, ghosts and plenty of unexpected drama!
Halloween is in full swing, with pumpkins, festivities and a séance bringing everyone together — although, as always in Rowan Vale, things don't quite go according to plan. 😂 I particularly enjoyed Verity's story and watching her find her own confidence while dealing with some complicated relationships.
There’s a lovely mix of mystery, magic and humour throughout, but it’s the characters and their relationships that really make this series special. I love the sense of community between the living and the ghosts, and the way Sharon Booth manages to bring plenty of heart alongside all the supernatural happenings.
Cosy, entertaining and full of Halloween atmosphere, this was another thoroughly enjoyable addition to a series I’ve become very fond of. 🎃❤️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books publishing for this arc.
i had a blast with this book. now i didn’t realize that this was part of a series so there were some parts that confused me, but despite that my enjoyment of the book wasn’t impacted. the ghost ensemble was so fun and i loved their interactions with both the dead and living. the found family aspect between them was sweet.
the relationship between melissa and verity was so sweet and felt very relatable. i love complicated family dynamics and the third act resolution was nicely done. their balancing act between being sisters while dealing with the ghosts was a compelling storyline and i really liked it.
i’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
i had a blast with this book. now i didn’t realize that this was part of a series so there were some parts that confused me, but despite that my enjoyment of the book wasn’t impacted. the ghost ensemble was so fun and i loved their interactions with both the dead and living. the found family aspect between them was sweet.
the relationship between melissa and verity was so sweet and felt very relatable. i love complicated family dynamics and the third act resolution was nicely done. their balancing act between being sisters while dealing with the ghosts was a compelling storyline and i really liked it.
i’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fifth book in an ongoing series about "The Ghosts of Rowan Vale" and even though it can be read as a stand-alone you will probably enjoy it more if you have read the previous books (and know a bit of the backstory).
For me it was the first book in the series and it took me a while to figure out all the relationships and so on. It also took me a bit to get used to the changing point of views. Other than that it was an entertaining story with a rather unusual setting. The main characters were relatable and the story was intriguing. I felt like the change in behaviour in Charlotte at the end was a bit sudden but I didn't mind too much. All in all an entertaining paranormal story.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me it was the first book in the series and it took me a while to figure out all the relationships and so on. It also took me a bit to get used to the changing point of views. Other than that it was an entertaining story with a rather unusual setting. The main characters were relatable and the story was intriguing. I felt like the change in behaviour in Charlotte at the end was a bit sudden but I didn't mind too much. All in all an entertaining paranormal story.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2026
another corker of a book! i seriously love this series and catching up with all the characters and meeting new ones! it’s one series i always recommend and they are an easy heartwarming read
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews