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During the festive season there is nothing better than to read fun holiday books. From Halloween witches to Christmas miracles, holiday books help get you into the festive spirit. Part 2 of what books I read this past fall season are just that. Even though they are centered around the holiday season, they each hold a greater lesson than mistletoe and tinsel. It’s about stepping into your true self, pains of growing up, and opening yourself up to family and friends. While the holidays may be over, bookmark these for next year or read them now.
*Check out part 1 here
* The reviews have spoilers in them.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
As a witch Mika Moon knows she has to keep a low profile, hide her magic, and avoid other witches. As an orphan she is used to being alone, moving from one place to another. The only time she can connect with others is through the secret society of witches meetings and her youtube channel where she pretends to be a witch. When Mika receives a strange message about tutoring 3 young witches, she hesitates to take the job. Knowing that more than one witch in the same place is far too powerful, Mika goes to Nowhere House against Primrose’s rules. However, is getting tangled up in secrets and lies, the fear of exposing herself, worth the new family she has finally found and loves. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is about being vulnerable, letting others in, and staying true to yourself.
5/5 stars
Review
Oh this was a fun one! I loved how creative the author makes each witches capabilities. And seeing how each girl is able to perfect certain aspects of magic. I especially loved Mika’s ability to bottle some of the stars for her potions. Between all the magic and Mika and Jamie’s romance, I was engulfed in this enchanted story. All of the secrets and lies had me turning the page. For some reason I kept waiting for Ian to expose Mika. Maybe because he was much more opened about witches, but I am glad that was not the case. I also loved that it was Primrose who saved the day. It showed that she had much more depth and love to her. Another part thing that I liked was that it wasn’t only about Mika. We got to know the backstory of each character– especially Jamie. It paints a nice picture of how they all came together to become a family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was the perfect choice to read during Halloween.
Even though Melody and Beat are the children of the greatest rock band of the 90s, Steel Birds, they actually do not know each other. Ever since their mother’s very public breakup, right when they were born, the two never had a chance to meet. Although they have felt a kindred spirit towards one another all these years. When a producer approaches both of them for a reality show to unite Steel Birds, despite the decades long feud, Melody and Beat sign on…. for very different reasons. Although they couldn’t be more different, they instantly clicked. Their chemistry, and the popular demand to reunite the band, makes their little reality show a big hit. Maybe too big. Learning to navigate new found fame and dealing with years of secrets, the two find solace and love in each other’s company. But can their connection and growing ratings do the impossible– reunite the biggest rock duo in history by Christmas Eve. Wreck The Halls is about protecting and being there for your loves ones, staying true to yourself, and opening yourself up to love and friendship.
5/5 stars
Review
I could NOT put this book down! I thought the reality show story was a fun, unique idea to mix in with a holiday romance. I swooned over Melody and Beat’s love story. How protective and supportive he was of her at all times. The dream guy! Her the same to him! It was also nice to read through their journey, not only together but as individuals. We saw a lot of personal growth from almost every character. However, it was frustrating how no one would communicate- but that is life right? It can be hard expressing your feelings to family and friends– not wanting to hurt their feelings while also trying to not put your needs on the back burner. Like always, it all comes together at the end. They put their differences aside, swallowed their pride, and opened up to one another. I’d like to think that after the Christmas special the Steel Birds, maybe not get back together, but rehabilitate their friendship. Maybe do another special or documentary. In my mind the Steel Birds were Heart– even though Heart was more of a 70s/80s band. That was the duo I pictured while reading. Anyway, it was a fun book and I loved every part of it.
Ever since their sophomore year of college Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together. Forming their own little family when their’s have either suddenly passed away or kicked them out of the house. When the two move to New York, they add Priya and Theo to the group of Christmas orphans. The foursome celebrating the holiday as a chosen family each year with adventure. But not everything last forever. When Finn announces he is moving to LA, Hannah is terrified of losing the family they have built. Knowing this may be their last Christmas together as a foursome, she is determined to make this the best one yet. Besides, they have to make up for how terrible the past two years were when Hannah and Finn were not speaking. For Finn, not only is he dealing with having to start over in a new city, he has to make the decision to either face his true feelings for Theo or finally move on. This is his last chance to do so. The Christmas Orphans Club is about growing up, accepting change, learning to adapt, and stepping confidently into your future.
5/5 stars
Review
This was another fun one to read! I enjoyed reading through their Christmas adventures– what fun it would be to be friends with them and doing outrageous things each year. I will say Hannah got on my nerves. She was a little too possessive of Finn. However, when you take into account of her losing her parents, and not being close with her sister, her reluctance to change is understandable. No one likes change. While I found her obsession over keeping things the same a little much, I also felt bad for her and could relate. I know what it’s like to drift apart from friends. To grow in different directions. It’s the hardest break up to experience. Especially when it’s no one’s fault. And speaking of fault, I couldn’t believe that Finn and Hannah didn’t speak for an entire year because of one little incident. Yes I would have been mad too, but I think the friendship deserved an honest discussion. Not that exact night, but a few days later. You think with them being such good friends they wouldn’t let things fester for so long. But it’s also realistic at the same time. Sometimes people are too stubborn to be the first to say sorry. Priya I liked, but she was just a fill-in character to round out the group and the storyline. I wish we could have gotten to know her better. Theo I also liked but hated how he lead Finn on. He knew what he was doing. Even though it all came together at the end, and I am so happy it did, it was crappy of him to give mixed signals all these years. Overall I really enjoyed this one and thought it had a great lesson on what it’s like to become an adult.