I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.

Short and Sweet Review

How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House follows Amity, who is forced to move across the country with her mom after her parents’ divorce, hoping a new town will offer the fresh start she’s been craving. Instead, she ends up in a rundown house that’s rumored to be haunted. When she meets Theo, a charming local ghost hunter, the two team up to investigate the strange happenings while trying to survive endless home renovations. Along the way, the mystery of the house slowly unfolds, and so does a sweet romance between the two.

This was such a fun, cozy read. The haunted house mystery had just the right amount of spooky atmosphere without ever becoming too scary, making it perfect if you’re looking for something with Halloween vibes but a lighter tone. I really enjoyed how the paranormal investigation and home renovation worked together, and the small-town setting was full of quirky characters that made Harlow’s Rest feel like a place I’d actually want to visit. Theo completely won me over. He was patient, thoughtful, and supportive, making him one of those genuinely easy-to-love love interests. I also liked Amity and her journey of learning to let go of the labels other people had put on her. Her struggles with anxiety, self-confidence, and wanting to reinvent herself felt realistic, and I appreciated seeing her slowly grow more comfortable being herself. The friend group was another highlight, and I loved how the story focused just as much on friendships and family as it did on the romance.

Overall, How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House was a charming mix of cozy paranormal mystery, adorable romance, and heartfelt character growth. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good read with ghosts, small-town charm, and lovable characters, this is definitely one I’d recommend.