Wednesday, January 28, 2026

My thoughts on The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson

 

The Unquiet Spirit 
(Spirited Encounters Book 1) 
By Penny Hampson


Publication Date: 17th October 2025
Publisher: PP&M Publishing
Page Length: 245
Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

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.

#KindleUnlimited


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Some books wrap you in a warm blanket and a mug of tea. The Unquiet Spirit wraps you in Cornish mist, ghostly whispers, and the gentle pull of a story that quietly settles into your bones. From the first chapter, this book feels like a fireside read with just enough of a chill to keep you turning pages.

We meet Kate Wilson at a turning point in her life. Heartbroken and in need of a fresh start, she inherits The Beeches, an old house near Falmouth that promises peace, solitude, and a chance to begin again. What she doesn’t expect are unexplained noises, unsettling dreams, and the feeling that she isn’t quite alone. The house has a history, and it isn’t finished telling its story.

Kate is an easy character to root for. Her emotional vulnerability feels real, and her gradual determination to face both the past and the present is handled with warmth and care. As she explores the house, she uncovers old letters, a hidden journal, and a mysterious portrait that hints at a long-buried love story. The paranormal elements are woven gently into the narrative, creating an eerie atmosphere without tipping into outright fear.

Enter Tom Carbis, the reserved and slightly gruff neighbour who clearly carries his own share of ghosts. The slow-burn connection between Kate and Tom unfolds naturally, with plenty of quiet moments, hesitation, and unspoken understanding. Their relationship adds a comforting emotional anchor to the story and balances the supernatural elements beautifully.

The Unquiet Spirit is a lovely blend of cozy mystery, gentle romance, and paranormal intrigue. It’s the kind of book that gives you just enough suspense to keep you turning pages while still feeling comforting and familiar.


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!








2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review The Unquiet Spirit as part of the blog tour. Your thoughtful and beautifully written review is truly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for this wonderful review, I'm delighted that you enjoyed The Unquiet Spirit!

    ReplyDelete

My thoughts on Quillan Creek and the Little War: Time Stones Book I by Ian Hunter

Quillan Creek and the Little War:  Time Stones Book I  By Ian Hunter Publication Date: 3rd August 2018 Publisher: MVB Marketing-und Verlagss...