Halloween Wrap-Up

 

Halloween is here! 🎃 If you’re looking for a last-minute spooky read or a witchy picture book to share with your little one, I’ve got you covered. From creepy tales to charming stories filled with magic, there’s still time to find the perfect book for some Halloween reading fun.

I love that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year—it seems extra fun, doesn’t it? Whether you’re planning a cozy night of reading, getting ready for trick-or-treaters, or simply enjoying the spooky season, I hope you have a wonderful Halloween filled with plenty of treats, laughter, and good books! 

 

Spooky Reads for Halloween

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Fall Reading List

 

 

 

 

 The Best Halloween Books for Kids

 

 

 

New Books For Autumn Nights:

 

• The Unknown by Riley Sager (horror)
• Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (Horror - finally read it!)
• Kiss, Slay, Replay by Rachel Harrison (horror)
• What Happens at Nightfall by Lauren Willig (Romance + Gothic vibes)
• Stay Out of the Basement (Goosebumps Graphic Novel) by R.L. Stine and Maddi Gonzalez (elementary/middle grade)
• Sneaks by Amy Tern (middle grade mystery)
• Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier (thriller)
• Free Falling by Lyla Sage (romance with paranormal elements)

 

 Happy Halloween,

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Brave Like Me

 

Children can be scared of so many things and let their imaginations get the best of them. I love when picture books remind kids to be brave and show that what initially seems scary may not be so frightening after all. That’s the case with the new picture book Brave Like Me by Karen Henrich.

The story follows three friends who see something strange on top of a snowy hill one winter morning. I love how they work together to figure out what it is and find the courage to do so.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Brave Like Me
Written by Karen Henrich
Illustrated by Jordan Foster
Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8891388895

 

Publisher's Book Summary: "When a mysterious figure appears, Benny Bear, Remy Raccoon, Ruby Rabbit, and Mabel Mouse are filled with questions—and a little fear. One by one, they venture into the cold to investigate. But the more they look, the more the mystery seems to change . . .

With courage, curiosity, and a lot of heart, these four friends discover that sometimes the unknown isn't so scary after all—especially when you face it together.

This delightful rhyming tale celebrates friendship, bravery, and the magic of seeing things clearly—with just a little help from the morning sun."

 


You can purchase your own copy of Brave Like Me at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. To learn more about Karen Henrich, you can visit her website and connect with her on Instagram.

The Giveaway: 

 

I've partnered with Karen Henrich to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Brave Like Me. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Brave Like Me by Karen Henrich, perfect for little readers who love a not-so-scary surprise. Good luck! 

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

 

If you’re a blog reader, you may remember that I featured a new middle-grade fantasy earlier this year called Lionborn. I’m always on the hunt for a good middle-grade fantasy, so I’m happy to share that book two, Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider by Sharique Zea, is now available! This exciting series is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and readers who enjoy mysteries, adventure, and magic.

 

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

 

Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Written by Sharique Zea

Illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Ages: 10-14 | 238 Pages

Publisher: Silverhush Press (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1-0669013-5-7

Publisher's Book Summary: "Some enemies seek power. This one seeks Fionn Hurley—but heroes don’t fall, they rise roaring.

Fionn Hurley thought life between London and the magical realm of Arborea couldn’t surprise him anymore. He was wrong. When his bonded shadow-beast whisks him back to Arborea and straight into a burning village, he fears that a banished enemy has returned.

As Fionn and his friends at Arborea’s school of magic wrestle with unpredictable powers, intense magical training, and a baby dragon who depends on him, unsettling clues surface: an aunt who suddenly can’t stand him and visions that suggest his ties to Arborea run deeper than he ever believed.

With enemies closing in, Fionn realizes there’s only one way to track the real threat before it finds him first: earn a coveted place on a magical investigations team.

The thrilling second book in the Lionborn series — a fast-paced middle-grade fantasy adventure packed with magic, courage and friendship, and the next step in Fionn’s journey from uncertainty to confidence.

Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Skandar, and the Amari series."

 

Readers can buy their own copy of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider at Amazon and learn more about Sharique Zea by visiting his website. 

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Sharique Zea to host an exciting giveaway today to celebrate Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider by Sharique Zea. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a $50 Amazon gift card. To enter, click the above graphic. Good luck!

 

Book Review: What Happens at Nightfall by Lauren Willig

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 6, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Band of Sisters, The English Wife,

 The Ashford Affair, The Other Daughter, The Girl from Greenwich Street, and The Passion of the Purple Plumeria

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "In the sprawling, beautifully Gothic expanse of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Recently laid off and searching for purpose, Jess reluctantly joins her best friend on a supposedly fun nighttime cemetery tour. Separated from her group by accident, she discovers a group of terrified boys and a strange, ancient key. Both lead to the Green-Wood’s surprisingly handsome resident arborist, Adam Chervinsky.

Recently widowed, Adam has more to protect than the leafy residents of Green-Wood. His children, stricken by grief at the loss of their mother, are acting strangely. Why is his savvy tween daughter so taken with Jess, and why is his quiet son suddenly so popular—and so good at Latin? A haunting is afoot, and Jess seems to have more answers than she’s letting on. Despite the undeniable sparks flying between her and Adam, things are about to get very spooky indeed.

As Jess and Adam delve deeper into the cemetery’s haunted history, they uncover a Gilded Age curse, a ghostly socialite, and a demonic pact that stretches across generations. What lays hidden in the Green-Wood’s splendid Vanderwilt marble mausoleum? The line between the living and the dead blurs, and the shadows of Green-Wood begin to stir with malevolent intent. Jess must confront not only the supernatural forces but a shocking connection to the past if she and Adam truly want to live happily ever after."

 

Jess takes a nighttime cemetery tour in New York City as a fun activity with a friend, and as any good adventure begins, she loses her group. While lost, she runs into some boys acting strangely, who lead her to the cemetery's arborist, Adam. Recently widowed, Adam has to take care of his kids on his own now, but something is amiss at Green-Wood Cemetery. Things are not as they seem in this historic cemetery, which leads to a mystery that Adam and Jess are determined to solve. The mystery dates back to the Gilded Age, and it's up to them to figure out what is going on. Lauren Willig's paranormal romance has all the elements of a wonderful autumnal story: there are ghosts, demons, Gothic vibes, and more in What Happens at Nightfall.

One of the main elements that drew me to What Happens at Nightfall is Willig's ability to paint a historical picture. I have enjoyed her historical novels in the past, and the setting of this one did not disappoint. Green-Wood Cemetery is an real-life historical cemetery in Brooklyn and Willig brought it to life. The descriptions were atmospheric and eerie - a perfect setting for this time of the year. I adored the Gothic vibes and all the historical details throughout.

The paranormal elements in What Happens at Nightfall were also a nice touch. This is a departure from what Willig normally writes, and I enjoyed it. So, if you are looking for a compelling paranormal romance as we close out spooky season, look no further, especially if you appreciate historical details, too. Are you a fan of Lauren Willig? Let me know in the comments below.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Quagmire

Fall is the perfect time for adults and kids alike to curl up with a good mystery. Today I'm sharing a new one for upper elementary and middle-grade readers, Quagmire by Sam Campbell. With its engaging mystery, contemporary setting, and heartwarming story, this book is sure to appeal to fans of realistic fiction and beloved stories like Because of Winn-Dixie. If you enjoy books that combine friendship, family, and a touch of magic and mystery, Quagmire sounds like a wonderful choice for a cozy fall read.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

 

Quagmire
Written by Sam Campbell
Ages: 8–12 | 179 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8197255112

Publisher's Book Summary: "Cooper Knox joined the Gator Island Public Library's weekly book club to get his mind off his parents selling his late grandfather's motel—not help solve a missing persons case.

But old Mr. O'Malley has become a dear friend, so when the local news reveals his boat washed ashore unoccupied, Cooper's determined to find his fellow club member. The only clue? A crude map left behind by Mr. O'Malley.

As summer days grow hotter on Gator Island, twelve-year-old Cooper, along with Mr. O'Malley's granddaughter, Penny, navigate the winding canals and marshes in hopes of finding the missing bookworm. But following the map also means plunging into the Dark Swamp, where a legendary monster is said to be lurking….

Can Cooper find Mr. O'Malley AND save Pops' motel before it's too late? "This novel is perfect for third or fourth graders looking for contemporary realism with a dash of mystery and endearingly quirky characters." —Kirkus Reviews"

 

You can purchase your own copy of Quagmire at Bookshop and Amazon. Also, to learn more about Sam Campbell, visit his website and connect with him on Instagram.  

 

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Sam Campbell to celebrate the publication of Quagmire by host a fun giveaway. Five lucky winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Quagmire by Sam Campbell, and one grand prize winner will take home an extra-special Quagmire prize pack featuring a signed paperback, a bookmark, stickers, and a Pink Fountain Motel keychain! Good luck!