Review of 'High Spirits at the Village Inn' by Sharon Booth
Release date: March 28th, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books
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REVIEW
High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth was pure delight and so timely! I needed this book today and it brought me so much hope, humour and heart. I have loved all the books of this series and this one is probably now my favourite. This is a story about troubled relationships but also second chances—particularly for the ghosts Danny and Brooke and the living couple Rory and Kirsty. They all have their fair share of relationship challenges and the plot beautifully reveals through a series of events and conversations, an unravelling of the characters’ lives. And although they go through a series of trials, the finale knits them back together in a new design!
But before that, eighteen years in the past, after attending a party, we learn that Danny and Brook are in a car accident. They are unsure why, but the two of them remain in Rowan Vale as ghosts. They have been sharing a flat together. They know each other well and have a connection through mutual family bonds. Brooke is very protective of Danny and has shielded him from truths from the past. Danny, is friendly to her but secretly blames her for their predicament. She, in fact, is in love with him but has never revealed this. So yes, these two ghost are harbouring secrets.
High Spirits at the Village Inn opens with a list of the residents and guests of Rowan Vale (Living and Ghosts) at the front which will help those both new to the series and who may need a reminder of who’s who. It is a very helpful reference as a number of names pop up at various parts of the novel. Particularly when the town ghosts prepare a special surprise, an engagement present, for Callie (current owner of Harling Estate) and Brodie (Lawrie’s grandson).
From the first chapter I leapt into this story with lead character Kirsty giving us a run-down of her usual day. We are also presented with observations of her husband and their relationship. It becomes obvious their life together has evolved into somewhat of a repetitive routine. But soon we learn their tenth anniversary is coming up and husband Rory wants to do something special to add some sparkle back into their lives. When he mentions they should take a break on the coast or countryside, she is resistant. And when he mentions they should possibly consider moving out of the city, Kirsty panics as she has been in this position before. We eventually learn why this topic is a trigger point for her. But there is more at stake than even she first knows and her husband is the one to state the facts.
After some coaxing though, she decides to go on a trip with Rory for she is also plagued by guilt for a few reasons. But when they end up at Rowan Vale where her first husband and her cousin were in a tragic accident, she is horrified because it activates some horrible memories. But Rory takes her there in hopes she will find closure as he believes she has been carrying a torch for her late husband, Danny. Little do we know, at this point, he also is carrying guilt for reasons of his own.
A holiday at Rowan Vale brings many surprises for the couple. This is the place where truth is delivered and where they confront the past. And because Rory is a blood relative of Danny’s, he is able to see him. So when Rory bumps into Danny, he cannot believe his eyes. Kristy is the same with Brook and together these four begin to work out their differences but not until they have some serious conflicts.
The pacing is perfect and the dialogue contains a number of humorous conversations that liven and balance the more serious tones. There is a good mixture of light and shade, beauty from ashes and truth erupting from years of secrets. This is a fun and beautifully written addition to the series and I loved every page, character and development. This warm, whimsical, creative and caring story is full of charm and ends on a happy note. Grief and guilt are two main themes but these are resolved by love and forgiveness. I was uplifted, entertained and thoroughly enchanted by this atmospheric gem. High Spirits at the Village Inn is a definite 5 star read I highly recommend.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the review copy.
