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Spirit Talker
Is goodbye ever truly the end?
Since the death of her mother, Sara Brooks has seen things. Things that aren’t really there. Or so she’s been told...
Desperate for a fresh start, Sara’s dad moves her across the country where a new life awaits. Between a new therapist, a new school, new friends and the handsome boy next door, Sara tries to get back to ‘normal’.
But what is ‘normal’ when you’re followed by ghosts?
Nightly visits from a 17th century poet and the haunting melodies of a child guitarist make living an ordinary life complicated.
After Sara’s secret is discovered at a sleepover, she watches in horror as the fragile friendships she’s built fall apart. More isolated than ever before, she starts to wonder if perhaps she’s as crazy as everyone says.
But when the boy she’s falling for is losing the battle against his own inner darkness, Sara can’t sit idly by.
Will she learn to trust herself in time?
Brimming with poignant themes of mental health, friendship and belief, Spirit Talker is the latest heart-warming coming of age tale by YA author, Rebecca Laffar-Smith.
Since the death of her mother, Sara Brooks has seen things. Things that aren’t really there. Or so she’s been told...
Desperate for a fresh start, Sara’s dad moves her across the country where a new life awaits. Between a new therapist, a new school, new friends and the handsome boy next door, Sara tries to get back to ‘normal’.
But what is ‘normal’ when you’re followed by ghosts?
Nightly visits from a 17th century poet and the haunting melodies of a child guitarist make living an ordinary life complicated.
After Sara’s secret is discovered at a sleepover, she watches in horror as the fragile friendships she’s built fall apart. More isolated than ever before, she starts to wonder if perhaps she’s as crazy as everyone says.
But when the boy she’s falling for is losing the battle against his own inner darkness, Sara can’t sit idly by.
Will she learn to trust herself in time?
Brimming with poignant themes of mental health, friendship and belief, Spirit Talker is the latest heart-warming coming of age tale by YA author, Rebecca Laffar-Smith.
412 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2021
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Laffar-Smith
12 books39 followersA professional writer since 1998 I spent twelve-years as a freelance writer, editor, and web technician before turning my focus to fiction writing and publishing. I love writing children's books, science fiction / fantasy novels and novellas, and romance books and stories. More importantly, I love focusing on my passion for telling transformative stories. I share and promote the joy of reading, writing, and telling stories that inspire and ignite readers to be the best versions of themselves.
* I create books and stories for children and adults of all ages, abilities, and interests;
* I present engaging author talks and fun workshops for children and adults about writing, publishing, and literacy;
* I advocate for awareness and acceptance of people with mental and neurological differences,
* And I passionately strive to help people discover their purpose and find greater meaning in life.
You can reach out to me via email rebecca.laffarsmith@gmail.com.au. If you're interested in having me present a talk or workshop for your school, library, or group, get in touch!
You can also check out my catalogue of books at http://www.rebeccalaffarsmith.com
* I create books and stories for children and adults of all ages, abilities, and interests;
* I present engaging author talks and fun workshops for children and adults about writing, publishing, and literacy;
* I advocate for awareness and acceptance of people with mental and neurological differences,
* And I passionately strive to help people discover their purpose and find greater meaning in life.
You can reach out to me via email rebecca.laffarsmith@gmail.com.au. If you're interested in having me present a talk or workshop for your school, library, or group, get in touch!
You can also check out my catalogue of books at http://www.rebeccalaffarsmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 19, 2021
Spirit Talker - understanding the unexplainable darkness of death and the process of moving forward for the living in an action pack adventure with surprise twists in a realistic setting. The underlying magic is about being in tune with the world around you and finding yourself with permission for selfcare.
October 25, 2021
As a teacher, it’s great to see a book capture student experiences in a way that feels authentic. To do so in a novel that features supernatural elements shows that Rebecca has a fantastic talent for writing. We’ll worth a look!
October 23, 2021
I don't give five stars lightly, but reading this I was left thinking, Wow. Not what I expected when I got it, but pleasantly surprised. Characters are believable and relatable and the story itself is charming and endearing. It captured my attention from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. Not sure what else I can say about it other than get it and enjoy it.
October 23, 2021
Could not put this book down! Absolutely loved it.
A cast of colourful characters and some jaw dropping scenes, woven together with beautiful prose.
I cared deeply about protagonist Sarah and really connected with her plight.
Another gem from established author Rebecca Laffar-Smith! One to be treasured and reread time and time again.
A cast of colourful characters and some jaw dropping scenes, woven together with beautiful prose.
I cared deeply about protagonist Sarah and really connected with her plight.
Another gem from established author Rebecca Laffar-Smith! One to be treasured and reread time and time again.
October 16, 2021
A new author. Completely different to what I read, but thought to give it a try.
In depth story, friendships and ghosts.
Beautifully told glad I read it. Makes you understand what she is going through.
I hope you read this book not spoiling, I hope you enjoy it also .
In depth story, friendships and ghosts.
Beautifully told glad I read it. Makes you understand what she is going through.
I hope you read this book not spoiling, I hope you enjoy it also .
September 30, 2021
This is a crazy beautiful story of coming to terms. Touching on some sensitive subjects in a very open minded way. Heartwarming and hopeful 💖🌻
November 2, 2021
This book was such a fantastic read. It has a compelling and absolutely enthralling plot, beautifully written and wholesome characters and is impossible to put down! It made me laugh cry and smile I 100% recommend this book to lovers of the paranormal and coming of age stories.
December 18, 2025
Haunted by the Heart
Reading Spirit Talker felt like walking alongside Sara through every twist of fear, hope, and heartache. Rebecca Laffar-Smith captures the fragility of grief, the weight of mental health struggles, and the magic of seeing beyond the ordinary. I found myself holding my breath during Sara’s ghostly encounters, rooting for her fragile friendships, and feeling the ache of first love tangled with fear. This is a story that lingers, about trust, courage, and learning to believe in yourself even when the world whispers otherwise.
Reading Spirit Talker felt like walking alongside Sara through every twist of fear, hope, and heartache. Rebecca Laffar-Smith captures the fragility of grief, the weight of mental health struggles, and the magic of seeing beyond the ordinary. I found myself holding my breath during Sara’s ghostly encounters, rooting for her fragile friendships, and feeling the ache of first love tangled with fear. This is a story that lingers, about trust, courage, and learning to believe in yourself even when the world whispers otherwise.
January 15, 2022
This book was really good! I had it recommended to me by a librarian in my town and I ended up really enjoying it. I would definitely recommend to others I know. After reading It End With Us, I was in a bit of a reading slump but this book helped me through it and I read it in a record three days. I think it covers mental health in a really compassionate and understanding way and truly challenges the reader on their views. Absolutely loved it!
January 29, 2022
Great read
This was a beautiful story loved Grayson Bobby and will.
I cried a lot in this book I recommend this book to everyone but keep a box of tissues next to you 😭
This was a beautiful story loved Grayson Bobby and will.
I cried a lot in this book I recommend this book to everyone but keep a box of tissues next to you 😭
June 28, 2023
Spirit Talker is a beautifully written story of love, loss and learning to live with grief.
Sara Brooks has lost her mother, and she is now seeing things. Things that aren't there. Or are they?
Sara and her father move, giving them both an opportunity to start fresh. Sara begins a new school, makes new friends, and begins to fit in. Until she has an episode that changes everything.
Her friendships crumble, and people become more distant. Sara is forced to face her own reality, and help others face theirs. In a race against time, Sara begins to accept her own situation and work to change the lives of those around her.
Spirit Talker is a wonderful story that broaches the subjects facing many young people today - mental health, friendship and belief.
I would definitely advise keeping some tissues handy when reading Spirit Talker.
Sara Brooks has lost her mother, and she is now seeing things. Things that aren't there. Or are they?
Sara and her father move, giving them both an opportunity to start fresh. Sara begins a new school, makes new friends, and begins to fit in. Until she has an episode that changes everything.
Her friendships crumble, and people become more distant. Sara is forced to face her own reality, and help others face theirs. In a race against time, Sara begins to accept her own situation and work to change the lives of those around her.
Spirit Talker is a wonderful story that broaches the subjects facing many young people today - mental health, friendship and belief.
I would definitely advise keeping some tissues handy when reading Spirit Talker.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews