Spooky Season Reading Wrap-Up // Bookmas Day 1
This spooky season wrap-up has been a long time coming! My plan was to have it ready by mid-November so I could smoothly transition into my Christmas reads. But, as always, life had other plans. After splurging on so many spooky books this season, I couldn’t resist diving deeper into the pile.
However, between a busy schedule and less reading time than I hoped for, things got delayed. Now, as the holiday spirit creeps in, I’m excited to finally share my thoughts on the eerie tales that kept me company this fall…
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
One of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it absolutely delivered…
“Belladonna Blackthorn is juggling her dream job at Lunar Books, a demanding boss, and the need to hide her magical heritage. Burnt out and disconnected from her powers, she’s not focused on perfecting her craft. But when her 30th birthday sparks a life-changing challenge from her coven, Belle must prove her worth as a witch or risk losing her magic forever. With October as her deadline and dark forces at play, Belle finds strength in her friends, an unexpected mentor, and a frustratingly charming protector. Featuring found family, slow-burn romance, and autumn vibes, this is the cozy read you’ve been waiting for.”
I’ve been following Lucy on YouTube and social media for years. Not only was I ecstatic for her when she announced her book, I already loved the content she was creating. So, naturally, I expected her book to be something I’d adore, right? Well… yes! 100%. This wasn’t just a 5 star read for me—it’s a strong contender for my favorite read of 2024.
I was enthralled within the first 30 pages. It delivered everything I’d hope for in a cozy, autumnal read and more. The story beautifully explores themes of found connections, self-compassion, and standing up for yourself. Plus, I absolutely loved the humorous, sarcastic moments sprinkled throughout. Lucy has announced a kind of prequel novel, Uncharmed, to be released next year and I already have it pre-ordered. So excited to see more from this universe.
All Hallows by Christopher Golden
I had this sitting on my physical TBR since 2023, after seeing many book content creators reviewing it. What notably caught my attention was that it’s set in Coventry, Massachusetts, while I’m from Coventry, England.
“Set on Halloween night in 1984, this chilling tale unfolds in Coventry, Massachusetts, where secrets and supernatural terror collide. Two families face personal crises, a block party spirals into chaos, and whispers of something sinister begin to spread. Among the trick-or-treaters, four mysterious children in vintage costumes plead for protection from an ominous figure they call The Cunning Man. As fear grips the community and a strange clearing appears in the woods, the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Perfect for fans of Stephen King and Stranger Things, this haunting suburban thriller will keep you on edge.”
Set on Halloween night, this book features some wonderfully short chapters. It begins with multiple POVs, exploring different families in the area and all their drama. This structure required me to be mindful of my reading pace, and I found myself taking more breaks to absorb each change in setting.
The characters were well-developed, each distinct in their backgrounds, jobs, perspectives, and even morals. This added depth to the plot, capturing the “keeping up appearances for the neighbors” aspect of suburban life.
As the families are going through their own situations, the introduction of mysterious children was particularly intriguing. While the supernatural elements were creepy at times, I wouldn’t say it was as scary as one might expect. I thoroughly enjoyed the 1984 setting too. Little things like having to use the house phone, or having to go out to find someone. It definitely contributed to that anticipation. 4 Stars.
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
I needed a romance. Even though it was spooky season, I was just in the mood for one. I came across this at ASDA and found the premise intriguing and different.
“Callum Flannelly must marry by his 35th birthday to inherit his family’s funeral business, but the shy undertaker struggles with the idea of love. Lark Thompson, a Texan animator starting fresh in Galway, has sworn off romance after losing her husband. When Lark learns of Callum’s predicament, she offers to help him find a match. However, as their dating experiment unfolds, Callum brings warmth to Lark’s grieving heart, and her vivacious spirit begins to light up his quiet world. As feelings deepen, they’ll have to confront the undeniable connection growing between them. Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.”
As a romance novel, it features all the classic tropes—friends to lovers, fake dating—but I’d never thought of one of the main characters being a funeral director. Actually, I never expected to see an animator as a lead either. These are not typical jobs you’d come across for the two lovers in a romance novel.
This was such a joyful read. Of course, there are some emotional moments—some that even made me well up! But the tagline, “Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it,” truly embodies this story. I especially enjoyed reading a romance featuring characters in their 30s, as they navigate life’s challenges—issues they may have carried with them for years, ones that could resurface, or things you only understand after having lived through them. 4 stars.
We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
A book from everyone’s spooky season haul that I thought, “Okay,” and ended up buying too.
“Charlie and Eve can’t believe their luck when they snag an old house deep in the mountains for a bargain price. But their dream home turns into a nightmare when a stranger arrives, claiming he once lived there and asks to show his family around. The visit seems harmless—until strange events begin to unfold. When Charlie disappears, Eve finds herself questioning everything. Is there something sinister about the house and its past, or is her mind playing tricks on her? Suspenseful and chilling, this story will leave you wondering if you can ever truly leave the past behind.”
What did I read? I mean that in a good way. I just… how? Why?
The ending of this book leaves me with so many more questions. It’s like one of those artistic TV series where the ending is up to you to decide. No, Marcus! You built so much anticipation, I need you to answer it for me. Please.
The main characters, Eve and Charlie—whom I nicknamed “chalk and cheese”—were just that: two very different people who worked together so well. I loved their relationship and the glimpses into their backstories. Then, the Addams Family (not their real name) shows up, and the creepy, unsettling vibes begin. It’s the book version of don’t let them in the house. I closed the book and put it down multiple times. But I had to know what happened next, so again, I pick it up. Marcus Kliewer knows how to set the scene and create an atmosphere that makes you use your brain when you can’t. 4.5 stars.
The Woodsmoke Women’s Book Of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw
After being thoroughly creeped out, I needed a witch back in my life. This book was absolutely beautiful to look at. And while I firmly believe you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, some covers simply draw you in—and this was one of them.
“In the mountain town of Woodsmoke, an old tale whispers of a stranger who arrives with the snow and vanishes with the spring, leaving only heartbreak behind. When Carrie Morgan returns home after a decade, she doesn’t expect to find herself falling for a mysterious newcomer who appears with the first frost. Tied to her family’s book of spells and the magic of the mountains, Carrie is warned that this love may be a curse destined to fade with the thaw. To break it, she must embrace her legacy—but at what cost? A spellbinding story of love and sacrifice.”
I didn’t expect this. I thought it might lean more toward “witches delving into a mystery” than Jane Austen meets Practical Magic. But it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I loved this story and felt a connection with each of the characters. The flashback and memory scenes added depth to the storyline, and even the entries from the spell book were incredibly intriguing. It made me wish this universe could be expanded further.
There was one element that made me uncomfortable, and I’ll have to get a bit spoiler-y—apologies! After 10 years, Carrie returns, causing a lot of upset and tension for one character who fears she may rekindle a romance with her husband. While I don’t mind second-chance romances and understand why this character feels that way in this context, I found myself bored by the trope of a strong female friendship being disrupted by a man. I wish it was dealt with head on and the revelation towards the end being what the two women cared more about. 4 stars.
A Cat From Our World And The Forgotten Witch Volume 1 and Volume 2 by Hiro Kashiwaba
I hadn’t read any manga since I was a teenager and really wanted to get back into it. Inspired by BookTuber Steph Loves, I looked into ‘cosy witchy’ manga and found this series.
“Long ago, Jeanne was a legendary witch who defeated the Demon King and saved the world. But now, her heroics are forgotten, and she lives alone in a quiet forest, her powerful magic a distant memory. Seeking companionship, Jeanne summons a cat from Earth—only for the once-ordinary feline to arrive as a towering giant! As the oversized kitty adjusts to its strange new world, it bonds with Jeanne through shared meals, cozy moments, and a steady supply of head pats. Together, they begin to heal the solitude of a forgotten hero and rediscover the magic of companionship.”
I already have volume 3 and have preordered volume 4—I’m absolutely in love with this series! The only challenge I’ve faced so far is figuring out how to review it without spoiling anything.
In volume 1, we’re introduced to the first six episodes, which set the stage, provide the background, and immerse us in this enchanting fantasy world. By volume 2, we start learning more about why we’re following these protagonists, and new fantasy characters are introduced to enrich the storyline.
What I didn’t expect were some of the more mature themes and emotions. Initially, I thought it would be a light, witchy, “save the world” kind of tale. However, a theme to note—especially as it may be triggering—is child abuse and child slavery. While I was surprised by such heavy content, I felt that it was handled carefully, considering the gravity of the subject.
When reading reviews of other manga series, I noticed many readers pointing out that some series can feel overcrowded with characters. However, I think this series strikes a really nice balance. Each character contributes meaningfully to the story, making it all the more engaging. Volume 1 I would rate 4.5 stars. Volume 2 I would rate 5 stars.
Aria Of The Beech Forest Volume 1 by Yugiri Aika
Another witchy manga I picked up to try. This caught my eye after watching Steph Loves rave about it.
“Aria is a gentle, shy witch with a knack for cooking, knitting, and growing herbs—but magic? That’s not her strong suit. Living a quiet life in the forests of Ireland, she’s never had a true friend—until the day she meets a talking wolf. Their unlikely bond blossoms into a heartwarming partnership as they navigate cozy days and mysterious happenings in the woods. With a touch of magic, plenty of comfort, and a sprinkle of intrigue, this enchanting tale will charm anyone looking for a story full of friendship and warmth.”
This was truly adorable. We find that Aria is not only young but also young at heart in many ways. Her treatment of the wolf that enters her life and her limited interactions with the ‘outside world’ all hint at something deeper. I believe Aria will need to both emerge from her shell and prove her capabilities to herself. Gwyn, the wolf Aria names, is more than just a comical, sarcastic sidekick. There’s a genuine affection for Aria, and I eagerly anticipate the evolution of their friendship. 4.5 Stars.
And that way my spooky season wrap-up. What did you read during the spooky season? Are you a seasonal reader? If so, have you dived into your Christmas books yet?
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As always, thanks for reading…