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One of the best parts about the fall season is all of the holiday books you get to read. From magical witches to mistletoe kisses, these books made the holidays that much more joyful and entertaining. Here is part 2 of what books I read this past fall season.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating
Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch in Glimmer Falls. Only she hasn’t lived up her potential, nor the Spark family expectations. Instead of transformation spells, Mariel’s interests and expertise lie in nature. When Mariel accidentally summons a demon instead of baking flour, she now must find a way out of this bargain or give up her soul. Ozroth is named “The Ruthless” for a reason. Except he hasn’t been himself lately, not after his last soul bargaining deal went awry. Ozroth needs to restore his reputation, and Mariel needs to get everyone off her back.. and also to save Glimmer Falls. When the two find themselves fake dating, feelings and bargains become muddled. A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a fun little tale of magic, self discovery, and doing what is right.
4/5 stars
Review
This was a fun, easy book to read during Halloween. It’s the first of a 3 book series— which I will continue next fall. It had everything I wanted in a Halloween book– witches, magic, and romance. I enjoyed the fake dating scenario; reading along their slow burn. Besides their romance, they each had deep issues to overcome. They helped each other overcome the insecurities and self image that has been embedded in them. It was a great reminder that being different doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, and to truly be who you are is all that matters.
For as long as she has been alive Mae and her family have spent the holidays at their parents friend’s cabin in Utah. It’s her favorite place on earth, with her favorite people. This trip, however, hasn’t turned out as well as she had hoped. When she makes a major romantic mistake, Mae knows things will never be the same between the families. Not to mention this is the last time they will all be together at the cabin. On a heartbreaking ride home Mae makes a silent request to the universe to show her what would make her happy. Immediately after she hears tires screeching and feels the impact of another car crashing into theirs. When Mae wakes up she finds herself back on a plane… 6 days earlier. With one disaster after another that causes her to redo the week over and over again, Mae must figure out how to break the time loop she is in. In a Holidaze is about appreciating where you are in life and the people around you. It’s about second chances and going after what you want in life.
4/5 stars
Review
I am not sure if I personally would want to be in a time loop. Sure I would like to redo somethings; either to enjoy the moment again or to not make a certain mistake. However, I will always have some sort of anxiety about whether I can get out of the time loop or if the timeline I finally land on will someday be ripped away. Mae figures things out eventually, even if it takes her a few times to get it right. The book is a great reminder to not wait for things to happen to you but to go out there and make them happen. If I were in a time loop I too would find the courage to go after things that I have been afraid to do, say, or try. Something I think we all need to implement in our lives. I also really liked the relationship dynamics amongst the family and friends. Showing how we take for granted that the people in our lives will always be there. To cherish every moment with have with them.
Every year Callie’s family host a large Christmas party for friends and neighbors. It’s one of the reasons why she loves Christmas so much. This year, however, Callie is skipping not only the party and going home for the holiday, but Christmas in general. After being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, who also happens to work at the same company as her, Callie is in Grinch mode. Her sister, Anita, is trying her best to cheer up Callie and get her to go home with her for the holiday. When Anita recreates a childhood tradition, a handmade advent calendar, she hopes that this will push Callie to get out there and live her life— and possibly fall back in love with Christmas. Reluctantly playing along, Callie meets a handsome baker who ends up helping her complete some of the advent calendar tasks. Along the way Callie’s strict rules on romance and holiday cheer are tested. A Christmas Countdown is about not letting something or someone bring you down. To continue to move forward and live your life because you owe it to yourself.
4/5 stars
Review
I really enjoyed this one! I would LOVE to do a homemade advent calendar that is a mix between nostalgia and adventure. While it was pretty obvious what was going to happen, this still gave me all the feels. It’s like a Hallmark movie– learning the true meaning of Christmas. I love the playfulness between Callie and Marco. How he was up for any of the advent calendar’s challenges. It was cute! It was also great to see Callie grow into her own, finally be who she truly wants to be without judgement, and to have found love in a hopeless place.