A Heartfelt Encounter with the Unseen: A Review of Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1)
When I first heard about Good Spirits by BK Borison, I immediately knew I was in for something special. Borison has an incredible knack for weaving emotion into her stories, and her previous works have left me utterly enchanted. The premise—a ghostly romance set against the backdrop of the holiday season—sparked my curiosity, especially as I’m a sucker for cozy reads that embrace the bittersweet nuances of love and loss. Little did I expect just how much I would yearn for the charming characters of Harriet and Nolan, who tugged at my heartstrings in unpredictable ways.
Harriet, our lovable human protagonist, manages an antique shop, infusing warmth and personality into every precious item she sells. However, her life is less than picture-perfect. Familial tensions and her cat’s antics provide both comfort and conflict, showcasing her complex emotional landscape. Enter Nolan, the ghost who hasn’t felt a human touch in a century, a character whose intrigue kept me turning pages. There’s a certain magic as the two navigate their enchantingly tumultuous connection—Harriet’s vibrancy contrasts Nolan’s languid existence, and the result is a slow burn that had me cheering for them from start to finish.
Borison’s writing is a lush tapestry of vivid descriptions that make you feel every shiver and spark between the characters. It’s often said that a good writer can make our spines tingle, and I found myself in complete agreement here. Yet, I must admit that despite my affection for these characters and their journey, the pacing sometimes faltered. There were moments when my focus drifted, and I longed for a bit more momentum to match the depth of emotion unfolding in their story. Nevertheless, it was the weight of their connection that ultimately had me rooting for a happy ending, which I knew was in store despite the novel’s occasional languor.
The themes in Good Spirits are rich and layered—all too relatable for anyone who has ever felt ennui amidst familial pressure. Nolan and Harriet’s plight resonates deeply, especially as they confront the shadows of their past relationships and their fears of being forgotten. The inclusion of “memory time traveling” added a delightful twist and, at times, a sense of urgency that underscores their evolving dynamic. Each surprise—from the significance of a simple hug to how they navigate their emotional vulnerabilities—felt monumental, thanks to Borison’s deft hand at crafting intimate moments that reader’s savor.
The climax had me in tears, as many friends predicted, but it wasn’t just a moment of sadness—it was a beautifully cathartic release that feels earned. Having a glimpse of the bonus chapter from Target added to my sense of closure and anticipation for more. I could practically hear the ringing of holiday bells as the journey led to a heartwarming happily-ever-after, filled with laughter, love, and a dash of magic.
If you’re looking for a holiday romance that dances between the realms of the ethereal and the deeply human, Good Spirits will warm your heart and leave you feeling wonderfully reflective. Borison’s richness of emotional truth paired with the whimsical elements of the supernatural makes this a must-read for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted love story. As I close the cover on this book for now, I can’t help but imagine revisiting Harriet and Nolan’s world in the future—proof that sometimes, love can transcend even the boundaries of life and death.
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