“Soul Searching” by Lyla Sage marks the beginning of a new chapter in the beloved author’s storytelling universe, introducing readers to Sweetwater Peak—a mountain town infused with atmospheric charm, emotional complexity, and a touch of the supernatural. Blending elements of romance, family bonds, and ghostly intrigue, the novel continues Sage’s tradition of crafting authentic characters and cozy settings, but with a spooky yet inviting twist. With this novel, Sage expands her literary landscape, offering a heartfelt story that explores themes of healing, belonging, and rediscovery in the face of loss and uncertainty.
Plot Overview
Collins Cartwright, a photographer, returns to Sweetwater Peak after her career implodes and she loses her uncanny ability to communicate with ghosts—an ability she shared with her twin sister, Clarke. Sweetwater Peak, nestled in the Wyoming mountains, serves as a backdrop for Collins’s journey as she seeks to reclaim not only her supernatural gift but also a sense of stability and home, both of which she finds slipping away after a tumultuous year.
In her quest for comfort, Collins reconnects with her family and rents a room from Brady Cooper, a quiet and unassuming upholsterer who is new to town following the unraveling of his own life. Brady is drawn to Sweetwater Peak’s slower pace, hoping to heal in its close-knit community, and unexpectedly finds himself entwined in Collins’s ghostly troubles. The spectral inhabitants of the town, meddlesome and mysterious, set the stage for both humor and heartache as Collins grapples with her loss and gradually finds courage to open up again.
Meanwhile, the small town is itself in transition. Developers pressure the Cartwright family to sell their cherished antiques shop, adding another layer of tension and urgency to Collins’s return. Against this backdrop, Collins and Brady build a bond that begins as tentative friendship and slowly blossoms into romance—a tender connection grounded in mutual struggle, gentle banter, and surprising vulnerability.
Characters and Relationships
Collins is one of Sage’s warmest and most relatable heroines. Her playful personality hides a deep sense of loss and longing, making her journey all the more poignant for readers. As a woman at a crossroads, Collins’s efforts to reconnect with her ghosts mirror her attempts to rediscover her roots and purpose. Her relationship with her twin sister Clarke adds depth and provides an anchor for her emotional struggles. Clarke, pragmatic and supportive, brings levity and realism to thorny family complications, especially in confronting the developers threatening their family’s legacy.
Brady Cooper, meanwhile, is Sage’s answer to the wounded yet golden-hearted romantic lead. He embodies the gentle resilience found in people quietly rebuilding their lives. His interactions with Collins—funny, intimate, and sometimes a touch bewildered—keep the romance grounded even as ghosts intervene in unexpected ways. Their dynamic is slow burn, filled with moments of miscommunication, soul-baring confessions, and sharply written dialogue reflecting Sage’s trademark flirty banter.
Secondary characters, including various townsfolk and mischievous ghosts, flesh out Sweetwater Peak. The blend of corporeal and supernatural personalities allows for comic interludes and authentic emotional revelations. Several reviewers note that Collins’s ability to interact with spirits, while unusual, feels like a natural extension of her character and the town rather than an outlandish plot device. The ghosts themselves, including references to past connections from Sage’s other series, serve as both metaphor and catalyst in Collins’s journey.
Romance Amid Haunted Landscapes
Soul Searching shines as a romance precisely because it does not shy away from the uncomfortable realities of healing and grief. Brady and Collins are two wounded souls drawn together by circumstance but ultimately bound by genuine affection and respect. Their relationship unfolds slowly and sweetly, fraught with uncertainty but buoyed by humor and mutual care—the kind of rapport that feels earned, not rushed. Sage’s writing skillfully juxtaposes playful exchanges with more serious meditations on trauma, loneliness, and the search for belonging.
Reviewers consistently praise the chemistry between Collins and Brady, noting that their journey toward vulnerability and openness is one of the book’s quiet strengths. Rather than using paranormal elements as mere window dressing, Sage employs ghosts and spectral happenings to highlight and deepen the emotional stakes. In particular, the scenes where Brady’s skepticism gives way to genuine concern and acceptance serve as touchstones for Collins’s growth.
Setting and Atmosphere
Sweetwater Peak is more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right. Sage’s descriptions evoke crisp autumn leaves, shadowy mountain paths, and cozy interiors filled with antiques and the memories of generations. The town’s unique blend of spookiness and warmth sets the stage for a story that is equal parts comforting and lightly eerie. Reviewers commonly remark on how the setting amplifies the cozy, atmospheric vibe without becoming overly dark, making the book perfect for fall reading.
Paranormal elements—ghosts with unfinished business, spectral interventions at critical moments—are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Rather than dominating the story, they serve to illuminate the psychological journeys of the central characters, from Collins’s paralyzing loss to Brady’s quiet attempts to forge a new beginning.
Themes: Healing, Home, and Rediscovery
Soul Searching ultimately revolves around themes of healing, second chances, and the meaning of home. For Collins, returning to Sweetwater Peak is both a literal and metaphorical search—a quest to reclaim her place among living and dead alike. The loss of her ghostly abilities throws her into existential free-fall, yet it is through her interactions with Brady and her family that she begins to rebuild her sense of self.
The idea of home—as a place and a feeling—is deftly explored. Sage invites readers to reflect on what it means to feel anchored, and how community, history, and love intertwine in forging identity. The subplot involving developers and family heritage raises questions about the value of legacy and the importance of holding onto personal roots in an ever-changing world.
Healing is presented not as a single turning point but as an ongoing process. Through missteps, moments of grace, and gentle sulking, the book explores how connection—whether with the living, the dead, or oneself—is a prerequisite for true growth.
Reception and Critique
Soul Searching has garnered enthusiastic accolades for its atmospheric writing, believable romance, and delicate handling of supernatural themes. Many readers praise Sage’s ability to evoke small-town charm and infuse the narrative with subtle humor and heart. The dual point-of-view structure is singled out as an effective way to deepen character development and emotional resonance.
Some reviewers find the pacing slow at times, and not all connect equally with Sage’s writing style, feeling that world-building occasionally overshadows character moments. Others applaud her for venturing into new territory with paranormal elements while maintaining the warmth and authenticity she is known for. Overall, the novel is described as a “cozy supernatural small-town romance,” with a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the Sweetwater Peak series.
Conclusion
Lyla Sage’s Soul Searching is a masterful blend of romance, supernatural intrigue, and small-town spirit. Brimming with heart, humor, and a haunting sense of place, the novel invites readers into a world where healing takes time and love is both unexpected and transformative. With its unique mix of cozy and spooky, it stands as a testament to Sage’s growing versatility and emotional insight. For those seeking a tender, atmospheric escape, Soul Searching offers a gratifying journey—proving again that sometimes, the hardest search is to find one’s true home.
