Four out of five stars.
I bought myself this book on Amazon Kindle as I’d previously received book one in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series as a Netgalley ARC, and had just received book three…only to realise I’d not read book two! And, as the book was very reasonably priced as an eBook on Kindle, I bought it to ensure I could give a decent review on the ARC of book three.
So, thank you Me. The decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.
Okay, so this is book two in the Ghosts of Rowan Vale series. And quite an improvement on book one. I mean, I really did enjoy book one (Kindred Spirits of Harling Hall) but it did suffer from those “first book in a series” jitters. And a lot of wordy world building,
Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is, thankfully, not as overly word without reason. And I really liked the jump to different character’s points of view. Instead of it being written in the first person focussing on Callie and ghosts from the “big house” (Harling Hall) as was book one, we now see Rowan Vale and it’s ghosts through the eyes of present and past managers of the 1940s themed tea shop. And I must give kudos to Ms Booth for making them distinctly different people and personalities to the former “main” characters.
Some authors, especially when writing in the first person, have little to no variation in their characters. Even when they are main characters in different series! They just seem carbon copies given new names and locations.
This is not the case in Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop at all. Yes, same location, to a point. But very distinctly different, well- rounded characters. Big thumbs up from me. Makes the series seem even more open to interesting possibilities and entertaining stories in the future.
Also, being half-German, I did like the respectful way the topic of “the war” and the harsh reality of both sides was portrayed. Even to this day too many people show war time Germans as villains. Some were, but even more were just ordinary people forced to fight a war they didn’t agree with. So, thank you.
But enough about me, back to the book!
It was well paced, not as sluggish in places as the first book was. There was an excellent consistency between book one and two too. So, excellent copy editing in place. I do love consistency in a series.
The characters were distinct individuals, well thought out and likable. And there was just that right balance of both stories balancing their own suspense and intrigue as they intertwined perfectly.
I’m so happy I was right when I thought book one was the beginning of a potentially great new series! As Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop has not disappointed, and I’m looking forward to book three.
Book nerd moment – this book was well formatted as a Kindle eBook. And there were no major typos or plot clangers that I can remember. And I do tend to remember those, especially in books I’ve spent money to get.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. It’s a nice little Cotswolds (UK) based cosy. If you like a cosy mystery that doesn’t always involve crime (but might!), has a touch of the supernatural, then you should enjoy Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop. But I strongly recommend you read Kindred Spirits of Harling Hall first.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Well, having already said I bought it, we all know the answer to this part. And, no, I did not regret buying it either!
In Summary: A good second book in what seems to be an interesting and fun new series.
Janis's Journal 