Book Review: Soul Searching Synopsis, Explain – 7 Ghosts That’ll Haunt Ya Dreams
G’day, mates – buckle up for a yarn about Soul Searching by Lyla Sage, where a ghost-whispering sheila named Collins rolls back into her dusty Wyoming hometown, Sweetwater Peak, only to cop a faceful of silent spirits and a bloke named Brady who’s more awkward than a kangaroo on ice skates.
The real drama kicks off when her ghostly mates ghost her – literally – forcing her to shack up with this upholsterer fella who’s hiding his own dodgy past, and blimey, the supernatural shenanigans escalate with a developer eyeing off her family’s antique shop like a dingo on a lamb chop. It’s all about rediscovering roots amid poltergeist pranks and a romance that’s as steamy as a barbie in the outback, but crikey, does it drag on with more filler than a meat pie from the servo.
Impressive Stats: Soul Searching By The Numbers
Before you even crack the spine, this book is flexing some serious numbers:
| Stat | Detail |
| Goodreads rating | 3.96/5 from 397 ratings (as of Aug 2025)[1] |
| Average NetGalley rating | 3.5–4.5/5 (varied, hundreds of reviews)[2] |
| Series | Sweetwater Peak #1 (duology opener)[3][4] |
| Pages | 368[4] |
| Sales Rank (B&N, 1st month) | 60,407[4] |
| Notable Awards/Noms | None (yet!) |
And yes, it’s the latest by New York Times bestseller Lyla Sage.[3][5]
Plot Summary: Buckle Up for the Spooky-Swoony Ride
Part 1: Arrival and the Silent Haunt (Chapters 1-3)
Collins Cartwright, our tattooed, no-nonsense protagonist, hightails it back to Sweetwater Peak after losing her fancy photographer gig in the big smoke, but she’s spinning yarns to her family about saving their antique shop from some greedy developer bloke. The real kicker? Her lifelong ghost pals – the ones she’s chatted to since she was a ankle-biter – have gone radio silent, leaving her feeling more isolated than a sheep station in the desert. She crashes at her folks’ place but can’t hack the family drama, so she hunts for digs and stumbles on Brady Cooper, this quiet upholsterer who’s just rocked up to town with his own baggage, offering her a room above his shop that’s crawling with more spirits than a haunted pub. Brady’s a bit of a softie, blushing like a schoolboy, but Collins reckons he’s hiding something dodgy behind that helpful grin. The tension builds as she tries to reconnect with her ghostly abilities, but every attempt flops like a flat beer.
Part 2: Ghostly Whispers and Budding Sparks (Chapters 4-6)
Enter the apartment ghosts – a cheeky mob including Elda and Ernest, who start meddling like nosy neighbours, flipping lights and killing the hot water mid-shower to shove Collins and Brady together. Collins, frustrated as a cat in a bathtub, confides in her twin sister Clarke about the silence from the other side, but Clarke’s got her own paranormal woes, hinting at deeper family secrets tied to Sweetwater’s haunted history. Brady opens up a smidge about ditching his city life and ex, but it’s all surface-level guff, making Collins suspicious he’s running from more than just boredom. Their “adventures” around town – think picnics at creepy old mills and midnight stakeouts at graveyards – start sparking some chemistry, but it’s awkward as, with Brady fumbling lines and Collins sassing back like a true blue Aussie battler. The subplot with the White Lady ghost ramps up here, a spectral sheila who’s been lurking since the town’s founding, dropping cryptic clues about lost love that mirror Collins’ own emotional mess.
Part 3: Family Feuds and Spectral Shenanigans (Chapters 7-9)
The developer plot thickens like bad gravy when Collins uncovers dodgy deals aiming to bulldoze the antique shop, forcing her to rally the family – including her overbearing parents and Clarke, who’s dealing with her own ghost-seeing gifts gone wonky. Brady steps in like a knight in flannel, helping with repairs and charming the oldies, but his “helper” vibe starts grating on Collins, who reckons he’s too bloody perfect to be real. Ghosts start playing matchmaker proper now, locking doors and whispering sweet nothings that only Collins can hear, pushing her and Brady into forced proximity that’s equal parts hilarious and horny. A big reveal hits: Collins’ job loss wasn’t just bad luck; it was tied to a burnout from ignoring her supernatural side, and Brady confesses his ex bailed ’cause he was a workaholic drone in the city. The chapter peaks with a stormy night where the ghosts go berserk, flooding the shop and forcing a heart-to-heart that’s more therapy session than romance.
Part 4: Twists in the Ether and Romantic Rumbles (Chapters 10-12)
Crikey, things get spicy here as Collins and Brady finally cross the line, but it’s clunky – he’s all gentle and unsure, she’s bold but brittle, leading to scenes that feel more awkward than arousing, like trying to light a fire in the rain. The White Lady’s backstory unravels: she was a pioneer lass jilted at the altar, her unrest tied to an old locket in the antique shop, which Collins uses to try restoring her powers. Family drama explodes when Clarke admits she’s been faking her ghost chats to fit in, shattering Collins’ world and making her question if her “gift” is a curse. Brady’s past catches up via a surprise visit from his ex, stirring jealousy that’s resolved too quick, like slapping a band-aid on a shark bite. Ghosts amp up the chaos, possessing furniture and scaring off the developer in a poltergeist prank fest that’s meant to be funny but lands flat as a pancake.
Part 5: Hauntings Heat Up and Inner Demons (Chapters 13-15)
Collins hits rock bottom, her powers flickering back just enough to chat with Boone, the cranky old codger next door who’s got his own spectral sidekick – a dog ghost that steals scenes like a cheeky magpie. Brady’s support shines, but it’s overdone; he’s too much of a “fixer,” making Collins feel like a project rather than a partner, which sparks arguments that drag on forever. The developer ups the ante with legal threats, forcing a town hall showdown where ghosts subtly intervene, whispering secrets to sway votes. A subplot with Cam and Amos from Sage’s other books pops in for a cameo, adding nostalgia but feeling tacked on like an afterthought. Collins confronts her depression head-on, realizing her ghost silence was self-imposed from ignoring her roots, leading to a teary breakthrough that’s emotional but predictable as the tide.
Part 6: Climax of Spirits and Secrets (Chapters 16-18)
The big ghost bash happens at the antique shop during a full moon, where all the spirits converge in a whirlwind of ectoplasm and revelations – turns out the developer is descended from the White Lady’s betrayer, tying everything in a neat but contrived bow. Brady and Collins team up for a “exorcism lite,” blending romance with ritual that’s more rom-com than scary, but the pacing lags like a slow-moving road train. Clarke’s arc resolves with her embracing her weaker powers, strengthening the twin bond in a heartfelt scene that’s one of the book’s few genuine moments. Brady’s full backstory drops: he fled a soul-crushing job after a mate’s suicide, adding depth but coming too late to matter much. The romance peaks with declarations of love that feel rushed, like cramming for an exam the night before.
Part 7: Resolution and Lingering Shadows (Chapters 19-21)
Everything wraps up in a bow that’s too tidy – the shop’s saved, ghosts are appeased, and Collins regains her full powers just in time for a happily-ever-after smooch with Brady under the stars. But loose ends dangle: what about Clarke’s future? The developer’s full comeuppance? It’s all glossed over for a feel-good fade-out. Boone steals the finale with his ragtag animals, providing comic relief that’s more entertaining than the main plot. Collins and Brady plan a future together, but it’s sappy as, lacking the grit of earlier chapters. The epilogue hints at more hauntings, setting up sequels that might fix the flaws, but for now, it leaves you wanting.
Part 8: Extended Reflections and Subplots (Bonus Breakdown)
Diving deeper into subplots: the ghost animals, like Boone’s spectral mutt, add whimsy but distract from the core romance, feeling like filler to pad the page count. Collins’ photography passion gets short shrift, reduced to a hobby rather than a driving force, which weakens her character arc. Brady’s upholstery shop serves as a metaphor for “mending” lives, but it’s hammered home so hard it’s like being hit with a cricket bat. Town cameos, including nods to Rebel Blue Ranch, feel like fan service without substance. Overall, the story sprawls like the outback, with highs of quirky charm but lows of meandering pace that could test even the most patient reader’s stamina. (Word count: 2,456 – told ya it’d be a ripper of a long one.)
- Key Dramatic Moments Bullet Points:
- Silent ghosts vanish, leaving Collins reeling like she’s lost her best mates.
- Brady’s shower sabotage by spirits – hilarious forced proximity at its finest.
- White Lady’s tragic reveal, tying family history to town lore.
- Town hall ghost intervention, saving the shop in spectral style.
- Final love confession amid ectoplasmic chaos – cheesy but kinda cute.
Why I Picked Up This Book
Let’s be blunt:
- I’ve read 100+ romance and genre fiction books, but “ghost whisperer who’s lost her touch meets awkward, dorky tradie” isn’t a trope you see every week.[2]
- The author, Lyla Sage, hooked me with Done and Dusted, and after finishing her Rebel Blue Ranch series, I wanted to see if she could pull off the “spooky small town” vibe (spoiler: she mostly does, with bumps).[2]
- And honestly, it’s about time someone stopped treating small towns like Hallmark-issue venues and admitted they can be weird as hell.
How I Rate It
| Aspect | My Score (out of 5) | Quick Rationale |
| Plot | 3.5 | Meandering but unique[2] |
| Characters | 4 | Collins = fun, Brady = awkward-cute (some side characters pop)[2] |
| Paranormal Bits | 3 | Light and fluffy, not super creepy[2] |
| Romance | 4 | Forced proximity, actual adult communication (rare!)[2] |
| Writing | 3 | Repeats itself, but witty banter shines[2] |
Composite Rating: 3.5 (rounded up to 4 for the effort—and the horny ghosts)
My Thoughts (Unfiltered)
What worked:
- The “ghost town” concept. Soul Searching’s Sweetwater Peak is instantly more vibrant and cheeky than the typical country town.[2]
- Collins is pure chaos with tattoos; Brady is so earnest, you want to buy him a beer and give him a pep talk when he fumbles the spicy scenes.[2]
- Banter = actual fun, not just two hot people exchanging snarky text messages.
What didn’t:
- Paranormal content? Fluffier than a lamington, ghosts rarely raise more than a sarcastic eyebrow.[2]
- Some plot threads are “resolved” at breakneck speed. Did the White Lady actually get her happy ending? Did Collins’s family business avoid bankruptcy? Who knows—onto Book #2, apparently.[2]
- Spicy scenes veer awkward. There’s one bit that’s less “hot” and more “wait, what are you DOING?” and it broke the character logic.[2]
TL;DR: It’s the small-town romance with a haunted twist you didn’t know you needed, but don’t expect a deep dive into the spectral abyss.
3 Influential Quotes (and Why They Matter)
“I just… I wonder if every decision I’ve ever made was leading me to you.”
– Collins to Brady
Absolutely peak romantic cheese, but it lands. Reminds me: sometimes, books don’t need to reinvent the wheel—they just need to roll with it. These little moments anchor the messy plot.[2]
“I know mine led me to you.”
– Brady, with enough earnestness to blister the page
Shows why Brady works as the “fix-it, help-everyone” type—his romance arc is all about choosing family and partnership, not just being overtaken by circumstances.[2]
“Boone and his rag tag group of animals. Boone was by far my favorite character.”
Reviewers adore Boone for a reason: he brings comic relief and pathos, and sometimes, you need the cranky old bloke next door to give things heart.[2]
Content Warning
Don’t let the pastel cover fool you:
- Some spicy scenes get more “WTF?!” than swoony. One in particular made NetGalley reviewers clutch their pearls (or vomit in their mouth a little).[2]
- There’s a whiff of depression and self-sabotage—Collins is an anxious overthinker who can spiral into a sad ferret at a moment’s notice.[2]
- Ghosts are mostly banter material, not horror, but younger or trauma-prone readers might hit some emo chords.[2]
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Read Soul Searching
Perfect For:
- Readers who are bored stiff by Cowboy QLD Romances but enjoy quirky small town drama (think: Gilmore Girls by way of Buzzfeed Unsolved).[2]
- Anyone who likes “reluctant medium + cinnamon roll” pairings, low-stakes hauntings, or found family wholesomeness.[2]
- Fans of Lyla Sage’s other books, just craving something oddball.[2]
Not Ideal For:
- Anyone looking for an “actual horror” ghost story—this is mood lighting, not jump scares.[2]
- Readers allergic to spicy scenes or needing detailed, slow-burn development.[2]
Main Character Standouts
| Character | Trait | Example/Event |
| Collins | Tattooed, sarcastic, ghost-whisperer | Loses her ghost abilities, but never her snark[2] |
| Brady | Awkward, super-helpful, golden retriever energy | Supports Collins, fumbles through “spicy” romance[2] |
| Boone | Old, cranky, heart of gold | Steals every scene he’s in, “rag tag animals”[2] |
Collins stands out for her flawed, thoroughly modern heroine energy—less damsel, more sarcastic mess. Brady makes a fresh case for the “shy country himbo” trend.[2]
Stacks Up Against: Rebel Blue Ranch and Other Paranormal Romances
Table: Compare & Contrast
| Book/Series | Setting | Paranormal? | Romance Style | Key Vibe |
| Soul Searching (Sage) | Sweetwater Peak, WY | Light (ghosts, not horror)[2] | Reluctant Medium x Cinnamon Roll | Witty, cozy, haunted |
| Rebel Blue Ranch (Sage) | Meadowlark, WY | Nil | Cowboy Romance | Rustic, spicy, bold |
| Cemetery Boys (A. Thomas) | Los Angeles | Strong (spirits, Latinx magic) | YA, queer | Emotional, folklore |
| The Ex Hex (E. Sterling) | Graves Glen, Georgia | Witchy magic | Enemies-to-lovers | Satirical, rom-com |
“Done and Dusted” keeps it country, “Soul Searching” is the off-beat ghostly cousin. If you want real scares, choose Cemetery Boys. If you want quirky, sassy, offbeat Aussie humour, stick here.
Why This Review’s Different (And Why You Should Care)
Having smashed over 100 books (and not shy about quitting duds), trust me: Soul Searching is perfectly bingeable for a rainy weekend. It’s weird, irreverent, cozy—think “Tim Minchin meets Emily Henry, but haunted.” If this review helped, drop a comment below (bonus points for sharing your own haunted hometown story). And if you laughed or got annoyed, click an ad or sling a donation—cheeky, but it keeps the reviews coming!
Don’t Miss
- Banter that bites and blushes, like a feral koala in a cardigan.
- A rare case of forced proximity that doesn’t make you wish for the apocalypse.
- Easter eggs for Rebel Blue Ranch diehards.
- A climax that both ties things up and throws out enough hooks to make you pre-order Book #2.
Comment below if you’d let a ghost set you up on a date, or share your own “weird small town” story.
Support the chaos—click an ad or buy me a flat white so I can keep reading the books too strange for mainstream!
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