Wednesday, 28 January 2026

✧ Book Review ✧ The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson


She wasn’t home alone...

With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish house that had belonged to her godmother?

There’s just one problem – it comes with a ghost as a sitting tenant.

Her grumpy new neighbour, the broodingly handsome Tom Carbis, is another fly in the ointment – he seems to turn up wherever Kate goes. His dog might be friendly, but he’s definitely not.

Then the discovery of a hidden diary points Kate to a romantic mystery with links to both Tom’s family and her house’s past – a mystery that might explain the reason for her spectral lodger.

The downside? Kate needs Tom’s help to solve it and has to convince him that she is not his foe.

But working with Tom to unravel long-buried secrets has unexpected consequences, and Kate discovers far more than she bargained for.

The Unquiet Spirit is a spooky, suspense-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance.


✧ Praise 

“The Unquiet Spirit” by Penny Hampson is an enthralling paranormal romance that weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural. In this captivating tale, readers are drawn into a world where love transcends the boundaries of life and death, unveiling a profound connection between the living and the restless spirits that linger in the shadows.

Yarde Book Promotion


✧ Review 

From the moment I started The Unquiet Spirit, I had the feeling this was going to be one of those books that quietly settles in and stays with you. It isn’t loud or over-dramatic; instead, it draws you in gently, building atmosphere and emotion in a way that feels completely natural. The supernatural elements are handled with a light touch, creating an eerie mood without ever overwhelming the story.

Kate Wilson is at a crossroads in her life when she inherits The Beeches, an old house near the Cornish coast. Hoping for a fresh start, she finds herself instead surrounded by unanswered questions, unexplained happenings, and a house that clearly has a past. As Kate explores its hidden corners, uncovering old letters and long-buried secrets, the mystery deepens in a way that keeps you fully engaged.

What really stood out to me was how well the emotional side of the story is handled. Kate feels believable and easy to sympathise with, and her reactions to both the strange events and her personal situation feel authentic. The paranormal storyline is beautifully balanced with themes of healing, loss, and new beginnings, making the book feel warm as well as intriguing.

The slow-burn relationship between Kate and her neighbour Tom develops at a pleasing, unforced pace. Their interactions are understated and realistic, built on small moments rather than grand gestures, which makes their growing connection all the more enjoyable to read.

The setting plays a strong role throughout the book. Cornwall is brought to life through its coastal atmosphere, quiet isolation, and sense of history, all of which add depth to the story and enhance its gentle haunting quality.

The Unquiet Spirit is a thoughtful, atmospheric read that blends mystery, romance, and the paranormal with ease. It’s the sort of book that encourages you to slow down and savour the story, and one that lingers in the mind long after you’ve finished reading.

A well-deserved five-star read.


✧ Buy Links 
Amazon
Read with #KindleUnlimited

Penny Hampson


Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!

Author Links:
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✧ Book Review ✧ The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson

She wasn’t home alone... With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish hous...