THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES

This was such a charming read, and perfect for spooky season! Introducing Mika Moon, a young British woman who has known since birth she is a witch, but has always been isolated in the secrecy of her identity. That is, until she is recruited by the staff of a mysterious manor called Nowhere House to be the nanny and mentor of three young witches. For the first time, Mika - an orphan - has a true family. But can Mika soften the heart of the manor’s resident librarian, Jamie? And will the truth behind Nowhere House tear them all apart?

If Nothing To See Here, The House on the Cerulean Sea, and a Jenni Bayliss novel had an adorable book baby, it would be this novel! I listened to the audio version, which I highly recommend if you enjoy perfectly lovely descriptions of an English seaside and charming manor, told in the most delightful British accent. The setting itself is one of the book’s most memorable “characters,” and the descriptions are truly transporting. It’s a genre-defying read that is part magic (with spells and a flying broomstick), part romance (with an unexpected bit of steam), and part mystery (with a plot twist that made the story extra fun). If you like your October books sweet and cozy, rather than spooky and scary, this one is for you!

My takeaway from this pairing is: fondant is FUN! I have never decorated with fondant before, and I felt like a kid molding and rolling play-doh for these Halloween cupcakes. I thought they were something Mika might offer the children at her potion shop, along with some sea-holly tea, while teaching them spells - note mini cauldrons. And everything looks cuter with candy eyes! What’s your favorite Halloween candy? Let me know in the comments - mine’s mini baby ruth!