If you are looking for a book to read with a warm blanket, cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a crisp day this fall- this is the book to pick up.

It has magic, mystery, secrets and some action as well as a sweet love story

It very much gave me practical magic meets Pirates of the Caribbean at Worlds End (all because of one outcome)

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!

A Dark and Secret Magic is the perfect read for fall lovers!

The story follows Kate, a hedge witch, approaching her 31st birthday and Halloween. She is still grieving the loss of her mother and preparing for the annual festivities when someone from her past shows up seeking sanctuary. Things take a turn when she finds her mother's old tome that is covered in dark magic. Not sure who to trust, Kate is determined to find out more about her mother's past and the secrets her coven has been keeping from her, and Matthew might be the only person who can help her.

This was fun, easy to follow, and well paced. The story has witchy elements, mystery, and a touch of romance. The romance is reminiscent of Hades and Persephone. I do think their connection could have been developed a little more but I still thought it was cute.

If you are in the mood for something quick and fun to get you in the mood for fall/Halloween then add this to your TBR!

At the end of the book the author included recipes mentioned throughout the story. I thought it was a cute touch and I want to try some!

Thank you to Alcove Press for the ARC

A very solid 3.5⭐ for Wallis Kinney's debut! Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

Other reviews have raved about the IMMACULATE autumnal vibes of ADaSM, and I'm happy to say this lives up to the hype if you're looking for a novel this coming Halloween. Vibes aside, I'd say the best thing about ADaSM is introducing the different types of magick that witches here practice. I would devour more standalones set in this universe just exploring the powers of a book witch and a sea witch, for one. The conspiracy revolving around protagonist Kate's coven was also well done and resolved very satisfactorily for me,

The romance between Kate and Matthew was sweet but mostly serviceable. Their growing bond that's supposed to be Ride or Die level technically did happen over a few days, after being reconnected from their ONLY first meeting about a decade ago. There just wasn't enough time for it to be as convincing as it could've been. Matthew's countless thoughtful acts were very swoonworthy though; it made me quickly forget how annoying he was when we were introduced to him.

Last thoughts: I do like reading Kinney's prose and am looking forward to more from her. Oh, and less usage of "smirk". It was used often enough that I actually noticed!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Kinney is a wordsmith, crafting a warm and intriguing world with cozy magic, family secrets, and long-lost magic. With plenty of cooking, gardening, recipes, and family bonding, the story was cozy, but it also had a good mystery and exciting climax. Kate was a sympathetic and spellbinding character, with relatable flaws and fears, while Matthew was the perfect Darcy-meets-Hades love interest. I’m looking forward to more from Wallis Kinney!

As much as I love Halloween, I’m not typically the person who is excited to see all the decorations in stores in the summertime. I prefer to live in the now and enjoy each season as they naturally progress through the year. That being said, this book made me yearn for crisp autumn days, and making apple cider; it even inspired me to look up crochet patterns for pumpkins. Reading this book felt exactly like watching Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic and all the quintessential Halloween movies. The atmosphere in this book is palpable and by turns enchanting, cheesy, and creepy in all the right parts; with tension, suspense, and a dash of romance! It sucked me into a world I revelled in for the three delightful days it took me to read this (that’s fast for me). It’s set in Ipswitch, Massachusetts and I could visualize the New England autumn perfectly even though I’ve never been there.

The author also paid a lot of attention to the traditional treats of the season and hearty autumnal meals. The descriptions of food were not only delicious-sounding but imbued with magical properties that were whimsical and relevant to the plot. There’s even a list of magical teas and recipes at the end of the book, to add to the fun!

The ideas in this book are creative while simultaneously referencing common themes and motifs of the season; you can feel this author’s deep love for Halloween. The two ideas that I was most enamoured with, and I think most book lovers would be too, are the sentient spell books, and the specialized craft of the ‘Book Witch’. Kate’s spell book or ‘Herbal’ was almost a character of its own and I loved it. Additionally, whenever someone asks me what superpower I’d want, my answer is always: “The speed-reading powers the boy from Halloweentown has”. Except the powers of the Book Witch here are so much more than that and now that’s my new answer!

I don’t want to go into more detail because I think uncovering the small details of how things work in this world is half the fun. The other half was the romance. It’s cute and sweet (not spicy)…but lightly threaded with suspicion. We get glimpses of their past as Kate tries to decide if she can truly trust him, which is in question until the end and makes for an entertaining journey. And for readers, like me, who love the trope of tending to each other’s injuries, you’ll find it here. 🥹

The tension between the rival covens and their differing philosophies surrounding how they practice their craft was so enjoyable for me. The clash around who forbids what kind of magic and who is right or wrong was satisfying to me on every level. I never felt like I needed more or less information at any given point. I was just on the ride, happy to enjoy the brain candy moments but curious to engage in the deeper questions because it’s ultimately a book that considers the lengths you’d go to to protect your family. It’s a book about desperation and corruption and it asks you: would you betray your sacred values if it meant protecting those you love?

It may not be the right season for this book yet but it is perfect for the ‘Summerween’ enthusiasts. I tend to give high ratings to books that deliver what they promise. I feel like A Dark And Secret Magic achieves what it set out to do: celebrate “the traditions and media surrounding American Halloween”, as the author's note claims. While a huge portion of my love of this book stems from the vibes, the plot and the characters were equally engaging; I have no notes. It seems this was just a gush-fest and I’m not sorry about it. 😂

A love letter to autumn indeed!! Seriously, this book felt like if Halloween enveloped you in a hug. The autumnal descriptions ooze off of practically every page. Jack o'lantern, spells, crystals, covens, rituals, herbs, curses, cider, mazes, candy apples, and shadows await you in this spellbinding story. There's slight nods to some of my favorite childhood Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown. The magic system was well thought out but not too confusing. The pacing was enjoyable. I read this book in under 24 hours because of how much I loved the universe, the plot, and characters. I also adored the descriptions of food. They made me hungry and so excited for all the autumn treats I'm looking forward to... And how cute that there's actual recipes in the back of the book!! My only suggestion is that for the romance the author could've drawn out the falling in love even more. The level of trust and love happened a little too fast for me. Despite that, the romance was still quite cute and wholesome in the end. I will definitely buy a physical copy of this book in October. I look forward to future books by this author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc. I will post my review immediately to Goodreads and on October 8th to bookseller sites.

So, this book is very much a seasonal read, and if you're reading it in any other season than autumn, you'd better surround yourself with felt pumpkins, a black cat, and at least a chai sprinkled with cinnamon.

I was taken in by its cozy vibes and it held my interest with the mystery surrounding Hecate's mother's dark secret and all the information withheld from Hecate. I love a good mystery and internally shouting, "what the hell is the secret?! Tell me nowwwwww"

I'm a terribly impatient person.

But I read on. And I enjoyed the different magick types and revelations about Hecate's own magick. (The time witch was clearly insane and naturally, I'm jealous af about Ginny's magick.)

Of course, the romantic subplot was adorable.

I didn't love this book but I didn't hate it either. It kept my attention but I wasn't enthralled and none of this is a bad thing.
If you love witches, dark secrets, and of course, Samhain, this is the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This was the coziest of books. I loved the setting, the witchy magic, the characters. This book truly gets you in the fall spirit and the story was really interesting. It took me a bit to warm up to Hecate (and I did have a few eye-roll moments), but I was so fond of both her and Matthew by the end of the story! I really hope the author writes a sequel because this duo deserves another adventure.

I also thought that the addition of all of the recipes at the end was a really nice touch. The recipes all appear to be very straightforward which makes them great for book clubs that like to do food themed from the story!

Today, books about witchcraft can be a little odd when what is fantasy for some is reality for others.

The use of magick in this book is very clearly drawing from most modern practitioners' beliefs but of course is hyperbolic in effect and presentation. The different typings of witch are also pretty interesting to see but if there is ever another book in this universe I would love to see a bit more of the world outside the Atlantic Key coven.

The one thing this book absolutely nails is the spooky season energy. It all feels incredibly cozy and made me want it to be fall already.

This is also exhibit A of why I enjoy when author's use elements of retellings without making it a focal point for the narrative as a whole. Not going to go into any details for sake of spoilers of course.

Will definitely reccomend as we approach fall for those inclined to the witchy fiction subgenre that seems to grow exponentially each year.

(Also heck yeah another book with recipes in the back, I will be making the caramel hot cocoa the minute the temperature outside calls for it)

Spellbinding and cosy, this was some good ol' fashioned Samhain fun. Love the Persephone and Hades retelling, the mystery around Kate's Hedge Witchery. The family dynamics felt very honest, with sisters and mothers who don't always see eye to eye but do love each other. This was fun, definitely pick it up for a Halloween treat

*I received this book as a free eBook ARC from NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for approving my request. *

Hecate is a witch, a Hedge Witch, the first one in over two hundred years. She loves her cat, Merlin and crochet little decoration for Halloween. But most importantly, her thirty-first birthday is approaching and so is her containment ceremony.

All the witches in this must select one specialisation when they turn thirteen, like choosing to be a kitchen witch or a book witch,... They must settle one on one sort of magick. And on their thirty-first birthday, the elders proceed to do a ritual to remove their other variety of magick but the one that they picked on their thirteen's.

Hecate, has a hedge witch, has premonitory dreams, but the more her birthday nears, the stranger they become.

After an odd dream, she reunites with Matthew who sought asylum. He's part of a coven who doesn't give any limitations to their magicks and who doesn't condone the containment ritual.

As Matthew reveals the extent of the magick of a hedge witch to Hecate, doubts and confusions begin to cloud Hecate. Who can she trust ? And to what extent ?

This must be one of the most whimsical book I have ever read. It's a perfect read in the autumn season. The description creates an ambiance who is without doubt, perfect for Halloween.

Now, Matthew. You wonderful sneaky mister who is always giving half-truths and answer questions without actually answering them. He frustrated me so much while i was reading this book. He's a charmer no doubt. But the whole enigma that the author created around his character was a bit too much in my opinion. I would've enjoyed the book more if I knew from halfway through the book where to stand with him.

Hecate is a good character. I don't dispute that, but she was flat. Her reactions were always contained but not in a good way. She's a bit boring but it doesn't bother the plot - thank god- and Matthew is here to bring a bit of excitement to the story line.

I do believe the plot was very well done, how the author brought elements who contributed to it did not feel overwhelming. She didn't info dump the readers, and I am grateful for that. The pacing was great, if a bit slow towards the middle. But it's okay.

The cat, though. Best character. Never change, Merlin.

Hands down my favorite read this year! This story was absolutely intoxicating and I could not get enough. The only thing I'm upset about is not being given the chance to explore more of the other crafts. I wish this book could go on and on because I did not want it to end. Practical magic meets Charmed. I am obsessed and will be recommending this one!

Thank you so much for the ARC🤍

I’ve never read a book by this author before but I absolutely loved it! I loved this storyline, it was extremely well written. Will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author!

🍂A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney🍂

•Cozy Fall Read
•Witches, Covens, Black Cats 🐈‍⬛
•Rivals to Lovers
•⭐️⭐️⭐️

🍂The story:
Hecate Goodwin (Kate) is a hedge witch, living in a cottage in the woods, working part time at an apothecary, and cuddling up with a good book (or crocheting) and her familiar, a black cat named Merlin. When Matthew Cypher, a witch from a rival coven seeks sanctuary in her cottage, she has to stick to her duty as a hedge witch and let him stay.

🍂My thoughts:
I’m a sucker for any book with a cute cover and the promise of witches with a little romance sprinkled throughout. A Dark and Secret Magic was marketed as Practical Magic meets Witch of Wild Things, but for me it felt like a grownup Halloweentown situation which made my Millennial heart so, so happy. My only regret is I wasn’t able to read it with a pumpkin spice latte and leaves falling around me. The story is very low stakes. I thought the story was going to be darker at first, but it flowed into a cozy romance pretty easily.

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the chance to read the e-arc of A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney.

Oh Hecate, I was glad to have been able to read your story, but boy do I wish I could have discovered it in the crisp days of Autumn. This is a perfect Fall-o-ween read and I am jealous of those who first get to read this book when it publishes in October 2024.

What starts as a cozy witchy novel, set in picturesque Ipswich, MA (about a 30 minute drive from Salem) turns dark and broody as Halloween approaches, but in a good way. Hecate’s story evolves from a solitary existence in her garden cottage to one of fellowship with her sisters, her coven and the formation of problematic bond with Matthew Cypher, a handsome hexan from the West Coast. I liked Hecate from the start and was happy to see her growth from start to finish.

The actions of some of the Atlantic coven elders, including Hecate’s mother, are explained in a way that adds to the action and provide motivation to Hecate to expand her purposefully limited duties in the coven and grow her role in a meaningful way.

Merlin the cat certainly chirped his way into my heart. And the recipes provided at the end certainly had my mouth watering.
I look forward to reading this again once published. And dare I say, I would love to revisit Ipswich in future books to see how Hecate and her coven flourish. (One can dream.) 5/5 star read all the way.

I procrastinated over reading this book. I made the mistake of reading other reviews which left me thinking I was embarking on a Hallmark version of an American Halloween. That's not how the blurb reads and definitely does not do the book justice. This is a fairytale.

There is so much more to this book than just a nod to Halloween. It is more classical fairytale mixed with witchy magick. It reminded me of reading Labyrinth or old fairy tales.

It's an excellent read. I loved it.

Thank you for the ARC.

Big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to receive an ARC version of A Dark and Secret Magic!

Absolutely fantastic read by a debut author! I can tell that Wallis Kinney spent a significant time developing a fantasy world. The author had created details and an organized story line that kept me intrigued with the book. Additionally, the truth that came out at the end was unexpected and reminded me how well the story line was put together to support information such as that. I will definitely be following Wallis Kinney and cannot wait for another amazing read from this author! Thank you so much!

Charming fall read. Wasn't amazing but perfect for a crisp October day with a cup of tea if you aren't looking for something super deep.

Wallis Kinney's "A Dark and Secret Magic" is a bewitching and enchanting tale that captures the heart and soul of the Halloween season. Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a hedge witch living in serene solitude, finds her life turned upside down when her coven and a mysterious figure from her past converge upon her secluded cottage. The story masterfully intertwines the warmth of a cozy fantasy with the thrilling tension of family secrets and dark magic. Kinney's prose is mesmerizing, bringing to life the enchanting world of Ipswich forest, the rituals of the coven, and the complex relationships between characters. The novel is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and witchcraft that will captivate readers from start to finish. Perfect for those who cherish the spooky season of October and the magic of witch lore. A must-read that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.

Actual rating: 3,5 stars

One thing I absolutely adored in A Dark and Secret Magic was the autumnal atmosphere. It was full of food, scents, colours, and activities that had me yearning for my favourite season. The magic system was very well written, I particularly liked all the mystery surrounding the main character’s magic and the magical recipes (the inclusion of some of these recipes at the end of the book was a very nice touch).

On the other hand, however, the story just wasn’t as compelling. I struggled to stay interested in the intrigue and was hoping for a more enthralling plot. The pace, slowed down by unnecessary scenes, also didn’t help keep my interest for most of the book. The characters lacked depth and were all rather forgettable. To summarize, A Dark and Secret Magic was perfectly cosy and witchy set in a perfect cottage core setting but lacked an engaging plot and compelling characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!