This Book Made Me Laugh, Cry, and Believe in Magic Again — Good Spirits

If you’re searching for a cozy Christmas romance, a paranormal holiday love story, or a feel-good winter read full of charm and emotion, this Good Spirits review is for you. In this spoiler-free breakdown, I’m sharing what makes this B.K. Borison novel such an inviting holiday escape—from its heartfelt character journey to its whimsical ghostly twist. Whether you’re building your December TBR or simply craving a seasonal read that feels like comfort, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.

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Summary

Harriet York is doing everything she can to keep all the pieces in place—running her antique shop, caring for everyone around her, and keeping her own needs neatly tucked out of sight. She’s certain she’s a good person, so when a ghost appears on December 1st claiming to be the Ghost of Christmas Past assigned to her, she’s stunned.

His name is Nolan Callahan. He’s focused, serious, and very much dead—has been for almost a century. His mission is simple: help Harriet look back so she can move forward. But Harriet isn’t what he expected. She’s warm, sincere, and carrying hurts she hasn’t examined in years. And despite himself, Nolan begins to feel something he hasn’t felt in a long time.

As Harriet revisits the moments that shaped her, and Nolan begins to hope for something he didn’t think he could have, their story becomes magical, emotional, and unexpectedly romantic.

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Review

Why I Picked Up Good Spirits

I actually knew nothing about Good Spirits or the new Ghosted series when I found it. While wandering the Walmart book aisle, this gorgeous sprayed-edge paperback practically glowed at me. It’s been ages since a Christmas romance landed in my cart, but something about this one insisted on coming home with me.

And I’m so glad I did.

Whatever expectations I had…they didn’t come close to how captivating this story turned out to be.

What I Loved About It

Plot & Pacing

The pacing felt just right. Nothing was rushed, nothing dragged, and the story always felt steady and engaging. It gave me space to enjoy the magic and emotion without ever feeling slow.

Characters & Dynamics

One thing I really enjoyed about Good Spirits is how the characters bring the whole story to life. Harriet and Nolan are definitely the heart of the book, but the side characters add their own charm and personality without ever stealing the spotlight. The story unfolds through a dual POV, giving readers the chance to experience both Harriet’s emotional journey and Nolan’s gradual return to feeling. Together, they create a world that’s easy to slip into and even harder to leave.

Harriet York: A Warm, Relatable Heroine and Candy Cane Connoisseur

Harriet is one of the most relatable heroines I’ve read in a long time. She’s quirky (in the very best way), sweet, and a chronic people pleaser. She pours so much of herself into others and rarely expects anything in return. Watching her grow more confident and begin to see her own worth was one of my favorite parts of the entire story.

Nolan Callahan: A Ghost With More Heart Than He Realizes

Nolan is harder to summarize—and that’s exactly what makes him so compelling. He starts out completely focused on completing his assignment, all structure and seriousness. But underneath is someone who has spent nearly 100 years unseen and unremembered. As Harriet draws him out, his humor surfaces, his walls soften, and those moments where he allows himself to feel again are some of the most powerful in the book.

A World of Ghostly Possibilities

One of my favorite aspects of this story is the idea of multiple Ghosts of Christmas Past and hints of other supernatural beings. It opens the door to so many possibilities, and I can’t wait to see what the next book in the Ghosted series brings. The second I spot it in stores, it’s going straight into my cart.

Writing Style & Atmosphere

The writing is warm and inviting, blending magical touches (one of my faves) with heartfelt emotion in a way that feels effortless. The holiday setting adds just the right amount of charm without overshadowing the characters or their journeys. It’s the kind of story you slip into easily and don’t want to leave.

What Could Have Been Better

Truly? Not much. The pacing worked beautifully, the characters felt real, and the story kept me invested from beginning to end. My only “complaint”—if I can even call it that—is that I just wasn’t ready for it to end. I would have happily spent more time with Harriet and Nolan. There is another book coming in the Ghosted series, and I’ll be picking it up the moment I see it.

Themes & Takeaways

This book blends magic and emotion in a way that feels comforting and hopeful. On the surface, Good Spirits is a cozy holiday romance, but beneath the charm lies a story about facing the moments that shaped you and learning to let them go. Harriet’s growth is rewarding and heartfelt, and Nolan’s experience reminds us how deeply people long to be seen and remembered. Together, their journeys show that the past doesn’t have to define you, kindness shouldn’t require losing yourself, and connection can appear in the most unexpected places.

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Favorite Quotes

I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely.

You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.

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Format Notes 

The Good Spirits paperback is a treat on its own. The sprayed edges are festive and gorgeous—pretty enough that even my husband noticed, and he never notices book aesthetics. The decorated interior adds even more charm, making this one feel special from the moment you pick it up.

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Discussion Questions

Have you fallen into the charm of Good Spirits yet? If so, tell me everything. And if you’re reading with a group—or just love thinking deeper—here are some discussion questions to explore.

1. Harriet often puts others first, sometimes to her own detriment. Which moment in the book best illustrated her struggle with self-worth?
2. How did Nolan’s century of being unseen shape the way he approaches connection?
3. Which character did you empathize with more—and why?
4. Do you think their bond is rooted more in emotional intimacy, timing, or mutual loneliness?
5. Did you want more world-building about the ghostly system, or was the subtlety part of the charm?
6. If Harriet had a holiday drink named after her, what would you call it—and what would be in it?

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Final Thoughts

I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I picked up a Christmas romance, but Good Spirits might have completely reset my expectations. I don’t know how anything else is going to match it now. It gave me everything I didn’t know I needed—warmth, magic, heart, and a romance that felt sincere and memorable.

Harriet and Nolan surprised me in the best way, and their story left me with a glow that stayed long after I closed the book. If you’re looking for a holiday read that feels uplifting, enchanting, and full of heart, Good Spirits is absolutely the one you want to curl up with this season.

What would you name Harriet’s holiday drink, and what would you put in it? Tell me in the comments!

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Ready to dive in? Here’s where you can grab your copy.

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If you’re enchanted by Good Spirits and want to explore a little more, here are a few places to check out:

B.K. Borison’s Official Website
Discover more about the author, her current and upcoming novels, and bonus content she shares with readers.

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Follow Currently Booked on Instagram
Join cozy book chats, find beautiful quotes, and soak up all the reading vibes.

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Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah – A tender, quietly magical story about healing, mystery, and the unexpected ways people find their way back to one another.

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Heartfelt Reads on Currently Booked
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller – A cozy, uplifting tale about finding hope, friendship, and your own voice in the most unexpected places.

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More From B. K. Borison

Explore additional works by the author and stay updated on upcoming releases.

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Other Recommendations

• The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston – A heartfelt, lightly magical romance about a ghostwriter who sees actual ghosts and the unexpected love that brings her back to life in more ways than one.
• The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk – A charming, festive holiday story filled with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of magic as a woman relives Christmas until she finally uncovers what (and who) really matters.
• In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren – A warm, cozy, time-loop Christmas romance about second chances, self-discovery, and finding joy—and love—in the most unexpected reset of a holiday.