Review: Good Spirits - B.K. Borison

Title: Good Spirits

Author: B.K. Borison

Published: October 21, 2025

Genre: Romance, Christmas, Holiday

My Rating: ★★★★

Format: Libby/Kindle

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison is a cozy holiday romance with a paranormal twist. Nolan Callahan, the Ghost of Christmas Past, has spent years drifting through assignments, briefly haunting people before returning to his aimless existence. This Christmas, he’s assigned to Harriet York — a kind but chronically people-pleasing woman who can’t understand why she’s being haunted when she’s always tried to do the “right” thing. As Nolan helps Harriet revisit pivotal moments from her past, they discover unexpected connections between them, and what starts as an assignment slowly turns into something neither of them planned.

What I appreciated most was Harriet. She’s genuinely likable and easy to root for. A lot of holiday romances lean into exaggerated personalities, but she felt grounded and relatable without being over-the-top. She’s trying her best, even when she’s unsure of herself, and that made her feel real. Her aunt, who emotionally raised her and entrusted her with the store, clearly shaped her sense of responsibility and care for others, and that influence comes through in the way she shows up for the people in her life.

Nolan is a solitary character who finds comfort in books, knitting, and the quiet company of cats — details that made him feel gentle rather than distant like he’s trying to portray. He had been a fisherman in the past but that’s about all he knows. He was interesting, but a little harder for me to fully connect with. His return to humanity raised questions I kept thinking about — how does someone suddenly exist again in the real world? What kind of life would he build? What job would he have? I found myself wanting more closure around how he would adjust to being human after so long in limbo.

I also found myself drawn to the dynamic between Harriet and her sister, Samantha. As Samantha begins to redeem herself and step into a more honest version of who she is, the contrast between the sisters becomes more apparent. Samantha envies Harriet’s courage to choose her own path, while Harriet envies Samantha’s acceptance and ability to fit into expectations. That tension felt real and layered, and I would have loved to see their evolving relationship explored even further.

That said, the Christmas atmosphere was my favorite part. The story leans into cozy winter vibes — reflection, second chances, and the idea that the past doesn’t have to define your future. I originally placed a hold on Libby in early December and didn’t receive the book until January 5th, but honestly, it still worked. Florida was going through its version of winter, so the timing felt right.

I really enjoyed this book, but I wanted just a little more —