What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wrong Ghost
When Beatrice Beaumont loses her husband, George, she finds herself raising their young daughter alone in the ancestral home, Ketton Hall, deep in the Suffolk countryside. With Christmas approaching and marking the first anniversary of George’s death, there’s nothing Bea wants more than to have him back again.
One night, she makes a wish for him to return and gets the shock of her life when a ghost appears. But it isn’t her George...
The Wrong Ghost is a delightful Christmas novella, full of warmth and charm, perfect for a dark winter’s night in a cosy, candle-lit room.
Praise for Victoria
‘A heartwarming story with charming characters.’ New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
‘I stayed up very late on two nights reading One Last Summer. I was very moved by it.’ Jilly Cooper
‘The Beauty of Broken Things is such a lovely, sensitively written novel which I found genuinely uplifting.’ LJ Ross, #1 bestselling author
‘A wistful, hopeful treasure of a book.’ Fiona Valpy
‘Great fun. A real page-turner.’ Andrew Davies, screenwriter of Pride and Prejudice
‘Sunshine on a rainy day. A charmingly written slice of warm-hearted escapism.’ Lisa Jewell
‘A lovely feel-good story.’ Katie Fforde
‘A magical story from the gifted pen of Victoria Connelly.’ Carole Matthews
‘A series of delightful reads for book lovers everywhere. With its comforting combination of family, friendships and beautiful bookshops, it warms the heart and soothes the soul.’ Heidi Swain
‘Bestselling British author Connelly’s latest captivating book takes readers on an insightful exploration of grief, loss, forgiveness, and the ultimate healing power of love. With its exquisitely nuanced characters and quietly powerful plot, this superbly written love story will definitely please fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs, and readers who fondly remember and miss Rosamunde Pilcher.’ Booklist
One night, she makes a wish for him to return and gets the shock of her life when a ghost appears. But it isn’t her George...
The Wrong Ghost is a delightful Christmas novella, full of warmth and charm, perfect for a dark winter’s night in a cosy, candle-lit room.
Praise for Victoria
‘A heartwarming story with charming characters.’ New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
‘I stayed up very late on two nights reading One Last Summer. I was very moved by it.’ Jilly Cooper
‘The Beauty of Broken Things is such a lovely, sensitively written novel which I found genuinely uplifting.’ LJ Ross, #1 bestselling author
‘A wistful, hopeful treasure of a book.’ Fiona Valpy
‘Great fun. A real page-turner.’ Andrew Davies, screenwriter of Pride and Prejudice
‘Sunshine on a rainy day. A charmingly written slice of warm-hearted escapism.’ Lisa Jewell
‘A lovely feel-good story.’ Katie Fforde
‘A magical story from the gifted pen of Victoria Connelly.’ Carole Matthews
‘A series of delightful reads for book lovers everywhere. With its comforting combination of family, friendships and beautiful bookshops, it warms the heart and soothes the soul.’ Heidi Swain
‘Bestselling British author Connelly’s latest captivating book takes readers on an insightful exploration of grief, loss, forgiveness, and the ultimate healing power of love. With its exquisitely nuanced characters and quietly powerful plot, this superbly written love story will definitely please fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs, and readers who fondly remember and miss Rosamunde Pilcher.’ Booklist
- GenresFantasy
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
60 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books509 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 17, 2022
Bea is still grieving the loss of her husband. It’s been almost a year since he died. Christmas is coming soon too. One day she finds a ruby ring laying on the floor. Unsure where it came from she starts looking at the family portraits one day. She whispers her husband name and wishes he could be there. Much to her surprise she hears someone speak and suddenly there’s a ghost talking to her.
This was a quick book with a bit of a mystery in it. It kinda ends with a cliffhanger so I’m hoping there’s a book two
November 26, 2022
It’s almost a year since Beatrice (Bea) Beaumont lost her beloved husband, George, in a tragic accident in the lead up to Christmas, so it stands to reason she’s not looking forward to the festive season this year. She’d give anything to go back and stop him from venturing out that day. Being the sole custodian of Ketton Hall, her husband’s ancestral home, and a single mother, Bea felt quite overwhelmed sometimes. Thankfully she had a successful online business and her daughter, both of which help to keep her focused in the present, though how she’s going to manage the upkeep of the Hall she has no idea.
One day, feeling particularly bereft, Bea called out George’s name and begged him to come back. She had the shock of her life when someone did appear, but unfortunately it wasn’t her George, although he did have the same name.
Bea’s unintentional summoning of ancestor George helped her in many ways she hadn’t expected, and after the initial shock had worn off on both sides they grew to like each other immensely. Their relationship as they got to know each other balanced out the darkness of Bea’s grief, which was portrayed very realistically. The story is well thought through with interesting historical anecdotes and a mystery to solve. Being such an old property, Ketton Hall had secret nooks and crannies Bea was quite unaware of. George, on the other hand, knew more…but not everything.
Bea is a very sympathetic character, easy to like, and George is lovely. The same can’t be said for the relative who is fairly obnoxious and out to cause upset. The Wrong Ghost is a delightful read, perfect for this time of the year.
One day, feeling particularly bereft, Bea called out George’s name and begged him to come back. She had the shock of her life when someone did appear, but unfortunately it wasn’t her George, although he did have the same name.
Bea’s unintentional summoning of ancestor George helped her in many ways she hadn’t expected, and after the initial shock had worn off on both sides they grew to like each other immensely. Their relationship as they got to know each other balanced out the darkness of Bea’s grief, which was portrayed very realistically. The story is well thought through with interesting historical anecdotes and a mystery to solve. Being such an old property, Ketton Hall had secret nooks and crannies Bea was quite unaware of. George, on the other hand, knew more…but not everything.
Bea is a very sympathetic character, easy to like, and George is lovely. The same can’t be said for the relative who is fairly obnoxious and out to cause upset. The Wrong Ghost is a delightful read, perfect for this time of the year.
December 30, 2022
This little book is a delight, and a very quick read - for me. The story is unusual, and the setting is very well described. It's not easy to conjure the atmosphere of a very old property with words alone, but this author has achieved it beautifully!
Five stars and a favourite - right at the end of 2022 when I really needed a cheerful read! Would I read it again? Most definitely.
Five stars and a favourite - right at the end of 2022 when I really needed a cheerful read! Would I read it again? Most definitely.
November 16, 2022
I often think a novella or short story is just perfect for a Christmas read – it’s the time when it can be particularly difficult to focus on a full length book amid the many other demands of the festive season. And there’s something just right about making it a ghost story too – not something I often choose (a tendency to sleepless nights, hearing every creak and imagined footstep…) but this really is a very gentle one, unlike to disturb even the most sensitive reader.
Beatrice is approaching her first Christmas without her much-loved husband George – it’s the anniversary of his death, and she’d give anything to have him back by her side at Ketton Hall. The house itself is too much for her to manage – although she’d never want to be anywhere other than the place that holds so many memories of their happy life together. At a particularly low moment, amid the Elizabethan linenfold panelling that gave her floral business its name, she calls his name and asks him to return – but the George that appears isn’t her husband, instead a very amiable ancestor (another George) from the seventeenth century.
While she keeps him hidden from her young daughter, the obnoxious cousin who feels Ketton Hall should be his, and the casual callers, she becomes rather attached to him. And through his knowledge of the Hall, and their investigations of the panelling and hidden priest holes, he might just help secure her future. And, at the same time, she begins to find an inner strength she thought she’d lost, and there might just be a happier life ahead for her and her young daughter after all.
This really is the loveliest story, gently and beautifully told – a very real portrait of grief and loss, but with plenty of moments of lightness in her relationship with George as the mystery slowly unfolds. The descriptions are really excellent – the Hall itself, and the surrounding countryside and the natural world that bring Beatrice some solace – and I really liked some of the details about her creative activities with her on-line floral business. The emotional touch is just perfect throughout – and I adored the intriguing ending, leaving things a little open for a possible return. Really lovely, and the perfect short read for a stormy night at the fireside – and one I’d very much recommend you add to your Christmas reading list.
Beatrice is approaching her first Christmas without her much-loved husband George – it’s the anniversary of his death, and she’d give anything to have him back by her side at Ketton Hall. The house itself is too much for her to manage – although she’d never want to be anywhere other than the place that holds so many memories of their happy life together. At a particularly low moment, amid the Elizabethan linenfold panelling that gave her floral business its name, she calls his name and asks him to return – but the George that appears isn’t her husband, instead a very amiable ancestor (another George) from the seventeenth century.
While she keeps him hidden from her young daughter, the obnoxious cousin who feels Ketton Hall should be his, and the casual callers, she becomes rather attached to him. And through his knowledge of the Hall, and their investigations of the panelling and hidden priest holes, he might just help secure her future. And, at the same time, she begins to find an inner strength she thought she’d lost, and there might just be a happier life ahead for her and her young daughter after all.
This really is the loveliest story, gently and beautifully told – a very real portrait of grief and loss, but with plenty of moments of lightness in her relationship with George as the mystery slowly unfolds. The descriptions are really excellent – the Hall itself, and the surrounding countryside and the natural world that bring Beatrice some solace – and I really liked some of the details about her creative activities with her on-line floral business. The emotional touch is just perfect throughout – and I adored the intriguing ending, leaving things a little open for a possible return. Really lovely, and the perfect short read for a stormy night at the fireside – and one I’d very much recommend you add to your Christmas reading list.
August 19, 2023
This was a lovely, gentle Christmas ghost story. It reminded me a bit of Michael Morpurgo's book "My Friend Walter" but for adults. I liked the fact that the story had layers - some were fun and Christmassy (searching for missing Tudor treasure), and others deeper. In fact, it handled a difficult theme - facing Christmas when that time of year brings memories of bereavement - with sensitivity.
November 16, 2022
I often find myself turning to shorter stories at the end of the year. Sometime sit has been to hit my Goodreads reading goal before New Year’s Eve, sometimes because I don’t have time to fit in a longer read during the busy Christmas period, or because my brain just needs something quick and easy to relax with when there is so much else going on. If this is something that you find too, this book is one to add to your list.
And if you are someone who likes to read books that are appropriate to the season, this book will work perfectly for this time of year. It falls in the period between Halloween and Christmas, with elements of both weaving perfectly together to make the ideal book to curl up with on a November evening before the fire.
Beatrice has been left widowed in her husband’s country estate, with a young daughter, bills to pay and no real idea how to live her life without her husband, George. In a moment of desperation, she calls out for George to return to her, and sure enough the ghost of a George appears, but its not her George…
This book is a really delightful mix of gentle humour, a not-at-all-spooky ghost story and an affecting exploration of grief and loss, all crammed in to only just over 100 pages. The author has shown great skill in developing a relatable set of characters that we can be invested in from the beginning of the book and really care about by the end. There is a satisfying ending, but also a couple of threads left tantalisingly open to further exploration, which I would definitely be interested in reading. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read in all respects. This is an author I have not read before, but one I will be coming back to again, I have no doubt.
And if you are someone who likes to read books that are appropriate to the season, this book will work perfectly for this time of year. It falls in the period between Halloween and Christmas, with elements of both weaving perfectly together to make the ideal book to curl up with on a November evening before the fire.
Beatrice has been left widowed in her husband’s country estate, with a young daughter, bills to pay and no real idea how to live her life without her husband, George. In a moment of desperation, she calls out for George to return to her, and sure enough the ghost of a George appears, but its not her George…
This book is a really delightful mix of gentle humour, a not-at-all-spooky ghost story and an affecting exploration of grief and loss, all crammed in to only just over 100 pages. The author has shown great skill in developing a relatable set of characters that we can be invested in from the beginning of the book and really care about by the end. There is a satisfying ending, but also a couple of threads left tantalisingly open to further exploration, which I would definitely be interested in reading. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read in all respects. This is an author I have not read before, but one I will be coming back to again, I have no doubt.
November 22, 2022
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The Wrong Ghost felt like the perfect comfy cozy novella to read while drinking tea in front of a warm fire. I instantly tucked in, discovering Bea’s life at Ketton Hall. Her dealings with grief felt realistic, particularly in how she makes a strong effort to hold it all together for her daughter’s sake. At first, when George the ghost appears to her, I wasn’t sure if it really would be the ghost in question, or if it was some sort of manifestation brought on by loneliness. Bea herself questions that. But given some time, it’s obvious that George is there to stay, and I loved the friendship that developed between them.
There is a moment of contention for Bea when she deals with a relative of her deceased husband. Simeon seemed to be a pretty slimy guy, and even though I really didn’t like him, I wondered if there would be more at play–possibly a sequel? Simeon is convinced that Ketton Hall should belong to him, threatening to do whatever it takes to make that happen. At various moments in the book, I feared he might come back to bother her, show up unannounced, or worse, find some sort of loophole and pull Ketton Hall from Bea.
I’d also wondered if Bea’s husband George would show up. I was surprised by the little twist at the end, and appreciated it. It would have been a little too easy to wrap everything up and end the novella with Bea’s husband, but it didn’t end that way at all! Plus, it opened the door for a possible sequel. Given the background and the many ancestors in George’s family, you never know.
The biggest and brightest character within The Wrong Ghost is the holiday season. Despite the circumstances, Bea wants to celebrate Christmas with her loved ones–the ones who are living, and the ones who aren’t. I loved all the nuances and bits and baubles that really felt wintery and seasonal, making this the perfect five-star festive experience!
The Wrong Ghost felt like the perfect comfy cozy novella to read while drinking tea in front of a warm fire. I instantly tucked in, discovering Bea’s life at Ketton Hall. Her dealings with grief felt realistic, particularly in how she makes a strong effort to hold it all together for her daughter’s sake. At first, when George the ghost appears to her, I wasn’t sure if it really would be the ghost in question, or if it was some sort of manifestation brought on by loneliness. Bea herself questions that. But given some time, it’s obvious that George is there to stay, and I loved the friendship that developed between them.
There is a moment of contention for Bea when she deals with a relative of her deceased husband. Simeon seemed to be a pretty slimy guy, and even though I really didn’t like him, I wondered if there would be more at play–possibly a sequel? Simeon is convinced that Ketton Hall should belong to him, threatening to do whatever it takes to make that happen. At various moments in the book, I feared he might come back to bother her, show up unannounced, or worse, find some sort of loophole and pull Ketton Hall from Bea.
I’d also wondered if Bea’s husband George would show up. I was surprised by the little twist at the end, and appreciated it. It would have been a little too easy to wrap everything up and end the novella with Bea’s husband, but it didn’t end that way at all! Plus, it opened the door for a possible sequel. Given the background and the many ancestors in George’s family, you never know.
The biggest and brightest character within The Wrong Ghost is the holiday season. Despite the circumstances, Bea wants to celebrate Christmas with her loved ones–the ones who are living, and the ones who aren’t. I loved all the nuances and bits and baubles that really felt wintery and seasonal, making this the perfect five-star festive experience!
November 13, 2022
It used to be traditional to tell ghost stories at Christmas – think of A Christmas Carol for example. At the darkest time of the year, it was common to gather round the fire and tell stories about spooky happenings. With this story taking part in the lead up to Christmas, it’s a perfect short story if you like a bit of the supernatural without it being too terrifying!
It’s not surprising that young widow Bea is not looking forward to Christmas with it marking the anniversary of the tragic death of her husband. It’s perhaps also not surprising that their home, his ancestral home, Ketton Hall would have a few ghosts hanging about the place. In a particularly sad moment, when she wishes that George was still there, George appears. However, it’s not her George, but one of his ancestors.
George may have been The Wrong Ghost but he was a witty and helpful one. He helps Bea solve a bit of a mystery involving priest holes, squeaky floorboards and hidden panelling. Through him, Bea learns that she can be strong both for herself and for her young daughter.
The Wrong Ghost is a gentle story, easy to read and with a nice mix of history and mystery in a fabulous country house setting. I liked the way the story ended with perhaps a whisper of a possible sequel. The Wrong Ghost is a perfect read to while away an evening as we head towards the shortest day. I very much enjoyed this charming short story.
It’s not surprising that young widow Bea is not looking forward to Christmas with it marking the anniversary of the tragic death of her husband. It’s perhaps also not surprising that their home, his ancestral home, Ketton Hall would have a few ghosts hanging about the place. In a particularly sad moment, when she wishes that George was still there, George appears. However, it’s not her George, but one of his ancestors.
George may have been The Wrong Ghost but he was a witty and helpful one. He helps Bea solve a bit of a mystery involving priest holes, squeaky floorboards and hidden panelling. Through him, Bea learns that she can be strong both for herself and for her young daughter.
The Wrong Ghost is a gentle story, easy to read and with a nice mix of history and mystery in a fabulous country house setting. I liked the way the story ended with perhaps a whisper of a possible sequel. The Wrong Ghost is a perfect read to while away an evening as we head towards the shortest day. I very much enjoyed this charming short story.
December 9, 2022
In the days leading up to the anniversary of her husband George's death, Bea Beaumont misses him more than ever. Rattling around the historic stately home that they shared, she makes a wish for George to return. George Beaumont's ghost appears but it is the wrong ghost...
The Wrong Ghost is an utterly charming warm spirited ghost story. It is a novella so quite short but completely captivating!
Bea is griefstricken and trying to cope with the looming anniversary of George's death. Her wish for George to return goes awry when a different George's ghost appears. This is a 400 year old ancestor and Bea learns to appreciate his character even as she mourns her own George.
I was swept up in the story which is in the finest Dickensian tradition. Christmas and ghosts, what more do you need?!
There is a subtle and gentle humour alongside the intense grief so the overall tone is light hearted. I wanted to know more about the ghosts but there was enough to whet my appetite and I loved the mix of historical and present day detail. The ending made me smile...
The Wrong Ghost is a quick read but will capture your heart this Christmas.
The Wrong Ghost is an utterly charming warm spirited ghost story. It is a novella so quite short but completely captivating!
Bea is griefstricken and trying to cope with the looming anniversary of George's death. Her wish for George to return goes awry when a different George's ghost appears. This is a 400 year old ancestor and Bea learns to appreciate his character even as she mourns her own George.
I was swept up in the story which is in the finest Dickensian tradition. Christmas and ghosts, what more do you need?!
There is a subtle and gentle humour alongside the intense grief so the overall tone is light hearted. I wanted to know more about the ghosts but there was enough to whet my appetite and I loved the mix of historical and present day detail. The ending made me smile...
The Wrong Ghost is a quick read but will capture your heart this Christmas.
November 21, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a really gentle read about Bea. Bea became a widow nearly a year ago and now lives in a big country home Ketton Hall along with her daughter. Dealing with her grief has been really hard and although she is doing better now after nearly a year, there are still moments where she finds it hard to keep it all together and in one such moment she calls out for her late husband, but it is the wrong ghost that appears. I am not at all a fan of science fiction or anything that I find hard to believe in, including ghosts, but I still enjoyed this story. I could feel Bea’s pain and some interactions with the ghost really made me smile. The main reason why it was not a 4 star read for me was that I did not like I got to know the characters all that well, except for Bea and the whole thing with George’s cousin was not resolved in my opinion. I was missing closure there. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a nice gentle read at this time of year, this book might be just the thing!
This was a really gentle read about Bea. Bea became a widow nearly a year ago and now lives in a big country home Ketton Hall along with her daughter. Dealing with her grief has been really hard and although she is doing better now after nearly a year, there are still moments where she finds it hard to keep it all together and in one such moment she calls out for her late husband, but it is the wrong ghost that appears. I am not at all a fan of science fiction or anything that I find hard to believe in, including ghosts, but I still enjoyed this story. I could feel Bea’s pain and some interactions with the ghost really made me smile. The main reason why it was not a 4 star read for me was that I did not like I got to know the characters all that well, except for Bea and the whole thing with George’s cousin was not resolved in my opinion. I was missing closure there. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a nice gentle read at this time of year, this book might be just the thing!
December 4, 2022
A ghostly return, but not from who you wanted…
Beatrice Beaumont lives with her young daughter alone in the ancestral home of Ketton Hall. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband George. Not only is Christmas approaching, but also the first anniversary of George’s death, making this period an extra difficult one… When one night she wishes George to return, she never expected to have her wish granted… just not in the way she expected. Because a ghost named George truly appear, but it’s not her George… I found this a delightful, heart – warming, hopeful novella to read. It seems so easy for this author to write compelling stories that makes your heart ache but at the same time make your heart melt.
The pain and grief Bea is feeling through the whole story is so palpable, especially as she lost her beloved George in such a terrible way… I could only try to understand how difficult it was for her to move on, yet it’s clear she would move heaven and earth for her little girl, fighting her demons, those in her mind and real demons like George’s cousin.
I don’t live in a great, ancestral house myself, but if I were, I would feel intimated too, especially if just like Bea, it’s the home of the man you loved. And her tale reminded me that in such grand houses the weirdest things can happen, even summoning ghosts!
Believing in ghosts is not something that I can say I do, but if ghosts truly exist, I hope they would all be like George! Bea doesn’t know how she did it, but she summoned George from *somewhere*. And while it’s obvious she is frustrated it isn’t her own George, but one of his ancestors, maybe this other George is exactly what Bea needs…
It’s not that George is doing great, amazing things, but his presence and their talks, allow Bea to take baby steps allowing her to move on. He is helpful in so many obvious and subtle ways. He helps her not only with the resolving the mystery of some old and precious jewellery, but having his shoulder to cry on, Bea is able to feel lighter.
Do you know when you truly enjoyed a novella? The moment you reach the end and you feel unsatisfied! This was such an amazing story, even if the end was bittersweet, and it was way too short! I fell in love with this tale, even starting to like to have ghosts in it, while often I find this a nogoer for me. The author shows us that no matter how broken, crushed our heart is, bit by bit it is possible to see silver linings again. And even me feeling unsatisfied after the end, I can see so much potential for a sequel, and even more?
Beatrice Beaumont lives with her young daughter alone in the ancestral home of Ketton Hall. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband George. Not only is Christmas approaching, but also the first anniversary of George’s death, making this period an extra difficult one… When one night she wishes George to return, she never expected to have her wish granted… just not in the way she expected. Because a ghost named George truly appear, but it’s not her George… I found this a delightful, heart – warming, hopeful novella to read. It seems so easy for this author to write compelling stories that makes your heart ache but at the same time make your heart melt.
The pain and grief Bea is feeling through the whole story is so palpable, especially as she lost her beloved George in such a terrible way… I could only try to understand how difficult it was for her to move on, yet it’s clear she would move heaven and earth for her little girl, fighting her demons, those in her mind and real demons like George’s cousin.
I don’t live in a great, ancestral house myself, but if I were, I would feel intimated too, especially if just like Bea, it’s the home of the man you loved. And her tale reminded me that in such grand houses the weirdest things can happen, even summoning ghosts!
Believing in ghosts is not something that I can say I do, but if ghosts truly exist, I hope they would all be like George! Bea doesn’t know how she did it, but she summoned George from *somewhere*. And while it’s obvious she is frustrated it isn’t her own George, but one of his ancestors, maybe this other George is exactly what Bea needs…
It’s not that George is doing great, amazing things, but his presence and their talks, allow Bea to take baby steps allowing her to move on. He is helpful in so many obvious and subtle ways. He helps her not only with the resolving the mystery of some old and precious jewellery, but having his shoulder to cry on, Bea is able to feel lighter.
Do you know when you truly enjoyed a novella? The moment you reach the end and you feel unsatisfied! This was such an amazing story, even if the end was bittersweet, and it was way too short! I fell in love with this tale, even starting to like to have ghosts in it, while often I find this a nogoer for me. The author shows us that no matter how broken, crushed our heart is, bit by bit it is possible to see silver linings again. And even me feeling unsatisfied after the end, I can see so much potential for a sequel, and even more?
November 17, 2022
A lovely story, a gentle read
With a ghost appearing to a widow in need.
However, the one she'd called out for didn't come
Instead it is an ancestor who is handsome!
Set in Suffolk at Ketton Hall
It shares news of visitors who come to call.
Most are welcome but one is not
I'm sure he'll occur in another plot!
A cosy, reassuring, charming tale
That will prove heartwarming without fail.
I suspect it is the start of a series that's new
As the ending is open, with much more to do!
The family, grief, history and more
Encourage you this old home to explore.
I really enjoyed reading this book
And hope you'll also give it a look.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It's a lovely read and this is my honest review.
With a ghost appearing to a widow in need.
However, the one she'd called out for didn't come
Instead it is an ancestor who is handsome!
Set in Suffolk at Ketton Hall
It shares news of visitors who come to call.
Most are welcome but one is not
I'm sure he'll occur in another plot!
A cosy, reassuring, charming tale
That will prove heartwarming without fail.
I suspect it is the start of a series that's new
As the ending is open, with much more to do!
The family, grief, history and more
Encourage you this old home to explore.
I really enjoyed reading this book
And hope you'll also give it a look.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It's a lovely read and this is my honest review.
October 31, 2022
This is a wonderful novella easily read in an evening or over a coffee or two that tells the story of Bea who has recently become a widow. She lives in her husband George’s ancestral home with her four year old daughter. One day she is wistfully thinking of George and one way and another finds herself a ghost friend. This tells her story.
I loved this. It made me smile and it brought a tear or two (in a good way). One of those stories you remember years later and perhaps makes you reflect on life a little. I loved George and Bea and this is a cleverly thought out story that I didn't want to end. A big 5* from me.
I loved this. It made me smile and it brought a tear or two (in a good way). One of those stories you remember years later and perhaps makes you reflect on life a little. I loved George and Bea and this is a cleverly thought out story that I didn't want to end. A big 5* from me.
November 18, 2022
A festive ghost story full of emotion and history that draws you in. Grieving Beatrice loses her husband, George, to a tragic accident and is left to live in his ancestral home with their young daughter. Wishing she could see George again, she meets his namesake, an ancestor from the seventeenth century, and finds comfort in his friendship and humour. It is a gentle tale full of healing, history and eventually happiness with a festive, ghostly twist.
I like the believable characters, the writing's emotional quality, and the festive and historical details.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I like the believable characters, the writing's emotional quality, and the festive and historical details.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
November 1, 2022
Enchanting
I didn't like the cousin but all the other characters were delightful.
This was a feel good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good wholesome story.
I chose the rating because of the way the story made me feel.
I didn't like the cousin but all the other characters were delightful.
This was a feel good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good wholesome story.
I chose the rating because of the way the story made me feel.
November 18, 2022
I found this festive novella to be a very satisfying read. It is well written and was intriguing enough to hold my interest throughout.
This is the first novel by this author I have read and I enjoyed it a lot.
I think a lot of readers will like this one.
This is the first novel by this author I have read and I enjoyed it a lot.
I think a lot of readers will like this one.
December 11, 2022
A lovely little novella from Victoria Connelly - it was a bittersweet, comforting story about Bea who lost her husband George and how she coped in the year afterwards, along with the ghost and her daughter. Just a lovely story and simply told which was great.
December 31, 2022
Promising
I do enjoy her books in general ...but this one doesn't end properly
Really drawing one into the ancient house and resident ghost..dream like life of flowers and atmosphere
But the end doesn't feel right...is there more
I do enjoy her books in general ...but this one doesn't end properly
Really drawing one into the ancient house and resident ghost..dream like life of flowers and atmosphere
But the end doesn't feel right...is there more
March 21, 2024
The Wrong Ghost
This is a very good book to read I enjoyed it so much.
I need to read more of Victoria Connelly’s books,
I plan on reading the ones I have in book form and on my
Kindle. I enjoyed reading about both George’s, Bea, Ruby,
Bea’s mom & sister. the history
This is a very good book to read I enjoyed it so much.
I need to read more of Victoria Connelly’s books,
I plan on reading the ones I have in book form and on my
Kindle. I enjoyed reading about both George’s, Bea, Ruby,
Bea’s mom & sister. the history
November 1, 2022
A delightful novella to read on Halloween. I love Victoria Connelly’s books!
November 2, 2022
Beautiful
This was such a beautiful story of Be a a widow of twelve months and George who has died 400 years before.
This was such a beautiful story of Be a a widow of twelve months and George who has died 400 years before.
November 19, 2022
Short story
December 6, 2022
Very much part one of a longer story rather than a novella. I wouldn't mind carrying on with the story. If you like a friendly ghost story it's quite enjoyable.
February 11, 2023
Fun and quirky!
This novella was so good that I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, and I bet you will enjoy it also.
This novella was so good that I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, and I bet you will enjoy it also.
March 31, 2023
A delightful “fairytalebook” which i enjoyed enormously!
It’s short & sweet!
It’s short & sweet!
December 11, 2023
This was a good Christmas novella and it wasn't like the majority of them that you find and I enjoyed it!
May 17, 2024
The Wrong Ghost
Fabulous loved it. Read in one go but why oh why did it end so abruptly? Desperate for the wonderful story to continue!!!
Fabulous loved it. Read in one go but why oh why did it end so abruptly? Desperate for the wonderful story to continue!!!
July 18, 2024
Loved it
April 15, 2025
A great quick read
I enjoyed reading this story
A Good quick read for those cold winter night so snuggle up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy
I enjoyed reading this story
A Good quick read for those cold winter night so snuggle up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews