As a big scaredy cat, I love reading about haunted houses and How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is beyond cute. It’s a story for skeptics in love, the supernatural, and a new place. I breezed through this one! Keep reading this book review of How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House for my full thoughts.
Summary
Amity Callaway is sick of being known as the weird girl. As annoyed as she is that her recently divorced mom just moved them across the country to the tiny, quirky town of Harlow’s Rest, Massachusetts, it could be the fresh start she needs.
Until Amity discovers their absolute disaster of a new house is supposedly haunted.
Theo Hargrave, amateur ghost hunter and son of the local general contractor, is a true believer. When he shows up on their property with his EMF reader in hand, Amity is ready to debunk all his theories. She’s definitely not staring at the small scar through his eyebrow or his ridiculously soft lips.
But even Amity can admit their home renovation is doomed. Nothing is going right, from the paint that refuses to dry to the fixtures that keep coming loose. So Amity and Theo strike a deal—his family’s construction expertise for her help investigating the house’s supernatural secrets. Even scarier than ghosts, though? Amity’s growing feelings for Theo.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House is precious from start to finish. As a major skeptic which a secret believer heart, this was right up my alley. Every character has such a unique voice and heart. If you are a fan of a story with characters you want to be your friend, check out How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House. It has the perfect blend of spunky side characters with text messages which will make you laugh aloud. Even more so, the theme of skeptics versus believers is done so well. Not only is it a story about haunted houses, but it’s about figuring out we are worth being loved, that someone would chose us. There’s chaotic banter, plenty of shivers, and it’s so charming.
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At the same time, it’s a testament to the past which wants to be heard. I don’t want to spoil the unreliability and the joy of skeptics and believers. But if you love a contemporary with a big of speculation and plenty of heart warming, then check this one out! Find How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House on Goodreads, Storygraph, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.