Spectral Attraction is a novel that combines romance and the supernatural, written by a pharmacist who goes by the pen name Bente Pietersen.

After spending a “long and fulfilling” career in pharmacy, Pietersen honed their skills like patience, attention to detail and a “healthy dose of humour”, developed through dealing with the public, to write the recently published novel.

Spectral Attraction is set in a “charming small town” and explores the life of a newly divorced 41-year-old character Linda Thomson, whose path crosses with the ghost of a once-rising rockstar, Danny Morgan. They meet in the “most unexpected and hilarious ways”, leading to a “series of uplifting, heartwarming and racy encounters”.

“Picture a ghost who can’t quite get the hang of walking through walls and a heroine who thinks exorcism is something you order at a posh restaurant,” Pietersen says.

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Readers have praised the novel, with one saying it “seamlessly combines the sensuality of romance with the mystery of the paranormal, and that it’s a “compelling narrative combining love, loss and redemption” – perfect for “fans of unconventional love stories!”

While another reader described the novel “delightful as finding an extra stock of bottle of your most back-ordered medication – a welcome surprise with just the right amount of excitement”.

“I encourage everyone to find an outlet for their creativity, whether writing, painting, music, or any other artistic expression,” Pietersen says.

“Let’s use our unique experiences and perspectives to create something wonderful.”

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It’s no secret that a career in community pharmacy can be filled with pressures, being busy and feeling overwhelmed. That’s why Pietersen says “nurturing” their creative side is a “fantastic way” of releasing those feelings and bringing “a sense of balance and joy”.

The sector’s talent doesn’t stop there. While more pharmacists have expressed their creative sides through novel writing, others have taken to professional dancing, entrepreneurship and TikTok.

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