Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch

by Alyssa Alessi

Twelve-year-old Izzy has been haunted by the shadow of her ten-times-great grandmother for as long as she can remember. This is no ordinary ancestral This great granny was the first woman to be hung for witchcraft in Izzy’s small New England town. Every October first, tourists flood the streets of Marblehead. Unfortunately, this year so do a mysterious man and a possessed town psychic. When the man shows up at Izzy’s family-run bookstore, making odd demands and threatening her mom, she must find the connection between this creep and her ghostly visions. Trying to make sense of this chaos, Izzy roams into secret rooms, holds seances at the local tarot parlor, and digs through the old family cookbooks that sit on her shelves. When she discovers that she may be a part of a once-in-a-century ritual, Izzy must decide whether it’s going to take baking magic or blood magic to protect herself and her parents from the return of the witch hunt.

Genres: Horror Thriller

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Alyssa enjoys taking walks through cemeteries, hot coffee, crisp fall days and writing spooky stories. She lives in Boston, MA with her husband, children and mini dachshund.


"Izzy Hoffman Is Not a Witch is the perfect blend of horror and cinematic storytelling, and is sure to hook both reluctant, younger and older readers alike. I loved this MG horror!"

-- Fleur Bradley, award-winning author of Daybreak on Raven Island and Midnight at the Barclay Hotel

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via CinnabarMoth Publishing.

This is a re-read of this book as the author very kindly sent me a 2nd copy so I could read this with my I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via CinnabarMoth Publishing.

This is a re-read of this book as the author very kindly sent me a 2nd copy so I could read this with my daughter, and we had such fun doing so!
Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch is just the perfect witchy read for spooky season coming up. We follow a soon-to-be twelve year old girl called Izzy who's been having some spooky ghost filled dreams. Izzys family is one of the oldest families in her town who also happens to own the bookstore there. Izzys birthday is fast approaching, and as a pooky mystery unfolds, you get sucked into this delightfully cosy and fun read. This is such a fun middle grade book, and I'd love to read more of Izzy and her family, so im hoping there will be more to come. My daughter is 10 years old and loved Izzy and hopes we will see more of her to come!

[Jessi - TheRoughCutEdge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite intense and much scarier than I’d expected for a middle grade read. I honestly have no idea what a 12 year old can handle reading so I’ll just say that it will depend on how much your kid likes to be freaked out. I think I’d avoid having my daughter read this until she was 12 or 13. That said, it was a quick read with some fun magical elements and some seriously chilling moments. There were a few plot holes but not so much that it detracted from the story. And the voice of the MC felt spot on for a twelve year old, as seen in the quote below.

“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚕𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎.”

Thank you CinnabarMoth Publishing for the #gifted copy!

[Paul Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bony Witch is all I see. She paces back and forth in the mirror. The concerned look on her face sending a hint of fear to my gut."

IZZY HOFFMAN IS NOT A WITCH but Alyssa Alessi just might be. This book was magical in how it captivated me and transported me through these pages. Right from beginning of the story, I was giddy with excitement as well as a bit freaked out.
I just adored these characters and the town. I spent the entire book cheering Izzy and Nat on. The town of Marblehead is so cool with stores like Dark Alley Books and Witches Brew coffee shop, this town is the literary equivalent of Salem Mass. Set in October, you can close your eyes and smell the cool, crisp air, hear the leaves gently rustling in the breeze, and see the bright autumn colors against the deep blue sky.
The book starts out on Izzy's 12th birthday. DO NOT let this dissuade you thinking that this is a middle grade book and it's not for you. I found this to be the perfect story for all ages. I could see myself reading this aloud to preteens as well as feeling comfortable recommending it to my daughter in law. Actually, I will probably get it for her birthday at the end of October. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a 51 year old.
I finished this book and I just wanted to hug and squeeze it while dancing around in circles. I enjoyed it so much and I hope to see more of Izzy and Nat soon.

"We were taught to fear the witches instead of the men who hanged them...that's so sad."

[Carrie Jesinkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We were taught to fear the witches instead of the men who hanged them”

This is such a fun and spooky middle grade read! Izzy Hoffman has had creapy dreams for as long as she can remember but on her birthday, things get real. She is launched on an adventure to find the truth about her family’s history. She finds help from some friends and family as she uncovers some dark and scary truths about the past. Alyssa Alessi paints the picture of a charming New England town that is as much a character in this book as Izzy herself. While this story definitely gets scary, my favorite part is the message it delivers. It is so important to look at history from all angles, not just from the point of view of the person(s) writing it. That being said, be prepared keep your night light on!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering story and great characters.

Izzy is quite mature for a twelve-year-old and the book will please middle graders but upper ages too.

It's a fast-paced story of a girl who is haunted in her dreams by a terrifying hag. The author nails this character and every time she appears to haunt Izzy I get goosebumps. It's eerie, dark, and scary and I don't blame Izzy for being terrified, but then Izzy realizes that this witch is not who she thought. There is a bigger threat coming. Izzy decides to stop being afraid but more than that, she starts to stand up for herself in school, with her family and community. This brings changes to all.

The story focuses on connection, acceptance, and acknowledgment of heinous acts against women who were persecuted and murdered as witches. It's about family history, women standing together, healing, respect, spells, and witchcraft strengthening the bonds of sisterhood.

What I really liked is that in many middle grades, the parents often don't interfere in the story or with their kids, but in this one, it brings mother and daughter closer and they work together.

Being a fast read it feels like a cozy movie, perfect for an afternoon with a hot drink and a soft blanket during Spooky Season.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinions are my own and honest.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Izzy Hoffman as she discovers her voice and her family history all while keeping us on our toes in this spooky middle grade page-turner!

Izzy’s character (despite the obvious magical aspects) is so real and relatable, as she takes us on this incredible journey. Her strong female voice builds authentically throughout the story, as Izzy stands up and fights for herself and her family after uncovering some eerie and upsetting information. I can’t wait to read it with my 4th grade daughter! It’s the perfect mix of magic, family traditions and real New England history.

Alyssa gives us vivid details so we feel like we are walking down the streets of this small town and we can picture ourselves shopping for crystals in her family book store. The town itself comes alive as its own unique character in the book.

Adults and tweens alike will love this magical mystery, anytime of year, but especially as the crisp fall air settles in! Such a cute book. I highly recommend.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, but am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a paranormal mystery. It was a light read, fun and entertaining. It was a little more eerie than I'd initially anticipated too; in places, I got Neil Gaiman/Coraline vibes. So if you're a fan of his books, maybe you would like this.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight this was! Bookstores and mystery and witchy goodness abound in this horror tale. I can't wait to add to my LFL and share with the other young readers in our neighborhood 😍

[Fleur Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Hoffman Is Not a Witch is the perfect blend of horror and cinematic storytelling, and is sure to hook both reluctant, younger and older readers alike. I was quickly drawn into the story by Izzy’s great voice and character. I loved the town of Marblehead, the spooky mood, and the family ties of the story. The witch angle is fresh and Izzy’s character is very relatable.

Fans of Halloweentown and R.L Stine books and movies will love Izzy Hoffman’s story. I’ll be looking for more of Alyssa Alessi’s books in the future.

[Mr. Kreher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Hoffman lives in a town that celebrates Halloween all year round with focus on witches, even having a witch mascot at the local school. The town of Marblehead was a site for witch hangings centuries ago and now that fact has become the tourist attraction that the town thrives on. We discover that young Izzy has been haunted in her dreams by a spooky eyeless Bony Witch for years. With a team involving her best friend Nat, a tarot reader, and her mom, Izzy goes on to find out why and even how she can get rid of these nightmares.

Let me just say this story is very compelling from the very beginning. Every page is a page turner and I stayed up late into the night reading this on a few nights to figure out the mystery to be solved behind the plot. I really enjoyed Izzy's voice and the collection of characters in this interesting town. This story is an upgrade to Goosebumps for kids who want more of an edge and pull towards horror. It reminds me of an middle grade version of The Grudge. I think parents and older audiences will enjoy it too. There are a few references to 90s pop culture that gave me nostalgic vibes. Marblehead is one of those fictional towns you want to visit, and definitely stop by the bookshop to pick up some lemon bars and a crystal or two.

This is sure to be a classic read to every horror fan's collection, maybe even be the first introduction to the genre for a kid. So grab some lemon bars and start reading today! But first make sure the mirrors are covered and every light in the house is turned on. Mwuahahaha!

[Gabriela Garcia Maloucaze · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book: it is for children (8-12 years), it has magic, a cute bookshop in a small town, witches, but I found problems with the main character’s voice and with the context of the plot. At least in the ARC, the main person point of view is always in the present simple: it gets tiresome. The way Izzy speaks and thinks oscillates; her voice is all over the place. I also dislike how in the first part of the book she calls her mother a liar many times for some small stuff (once or twice I get, but it was too much).

About what I said of the context of the plot: one ancestor is supposed to be the first witch hanged in that American small town in the 17th century, but the witch hunter raids the witch’s house and comes out with books (the grimoires): common people in 17th century could barely read, much less have or write books, let alone have a family bookshop! And there wouldn’t be newspapers with that news to make a scrapbook.

Izzy has lived all her life in her home, but she doesn’t know about a NOT secret room (her mother’s meditation room); then, a neighbor find a really secret room in a minute – it does not make much sense.

I know it’s fantasy and for children, but I don’t think one needs to be so inaccurate, and I believe children also deserve a careful plot, careful setting – if a book for children is really good, adults can enjoy it, too! Also, I am not sure if the blood magic and possessions are ideal for that age. For readers who know and care about magic, the correspondences (stones, herbs) are not accurate.

There were also too many punctuation errors, which I hope will be corrected in the published version. I am aware of the good ratings and good reviews, but there's so much that could be made better in this book! Still, I’m giving it three stars because of the women’s issues and because Izzy ends accepting her family, owning her ancestry instead of rejecting it. I thank the author, Cinnabar Moth Publishing and BookSirens for the free ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch: Izzy has been in Salem all her life, living above the old family bookstore and being teased for being a witch. Not that she is. Obviously. Sure, she has a terrifying recurring dream STARRING a witch, but whatever. Then, on her 12th birthday, the witch in Izzy’s dreams breaks out into the real world. Turns out it is the spirit of Izzy’s ancestor Alice, the first witch hung in Salem, and she has a warning for Izzy. As Izzy tries to save her family from an immortal witch hunter, she finds herself in secret rooms and back room seances, casting spells with baked goods. So, about that witch thing…

I devoured IHINAW, couldn’t pry my eyes from the page. It is so much fun, really fast paced, and just a treat. There were some really good spooky bits that had me on the edge of my seat! It was all very cinematic. This is another example of a book I wish existed when I was younger. Izzy is such a great character, courageous and inquisitive, but the author balances this with sensitivity. Izzy really gets to express a full range of emotions which I loved to see. And she is a kitchen witch, my favorite kind of witch to read about! I also really liked the bond between Izzy and her best friend Nat. They are so supportive and cute! And Izzy’s relationship with her mom! I love it!

Anyway, I would read 100 more books about Izzy, just being a supernatural Nancy Drew, baking and solving mysteries around Salem. Especially if I can find out WTF is up with Dead Horse Beach. I can’t stop thinking about it. I was very invested in this world and I would greedily read more. I would watch a tv series! A movie series! Maybe even a podcast.

Thank you Cinnabar Moth Publishing for the ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to move to Marblehead where Izzy lives, where they celebrate Halloween everyday, how awesome! It's also the place where witch hangings used to take place.

This was a fab little book, easy to read in one sitting, it's well written, entertaining and Izzy is definitely a character I'd like to hear more of in the future.

I found myself getting 'Just Add Magic' vibes with the baking magic scenes, remember the cookbook?

Many thanks to Cinnabar Moth for my gifted copy in return for my honest review.

[Citizenmike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fun read, especially as autumn approaches. Alessi has a great love for the area, her characters, and the season. Spooky for young readers and creepy vibes that can be appreciated by all.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
Sharing a story about the Salem witch trials in a modern-day setting feels fresh. Izzy’s link to her great-times-ten grandmother begins as terrifying nightmares when the Bony Witch appears in mirrors and tries to grab her. The Bony Witch, or actually Alice Young, was the first witch hanged in Salem and the memory of many other innocent victims silently remains in Marblehead without notice. Tourists flock to the town taking selfies in front of Alice’s statue and to purchase souvenir shirts and coffee mugs. This atmosphere establishes the backdrop of the story as Izzy and her best friend Nat slowly realize something malevolent has entered their lives.
This book offers a spooky plot featuring witches and ghosts but it’s not overly intense for young readers. However, it still includes tense moments between supernatural beings to keep things exciting. The hunt for witches might not be over as the story makes connections between the events happening now and the execution of women accused of witchcraft centuries ago. An important part of the book is to never forget the women who were victims of needless, tragic deaths. Fear, prejudice, and anger combined are lethal combination that can get drastically out of hand.
I’ve read many books with middle-grade characters and often wonder why they don’t confide in their parents or trusted adults when things get too dangerous. Izzy and Nat understand they don’t know what’s happening so they enlist the help of the town’s psychic despite her kooky reputation. The séance doesn’t turn out as expected so the girls begin to grasp the ramifications of ghostly threats. Most adults will probably scoff if they share their experiences with them but Izzy decides she must talk to her mother. Speaking to her parents still has mixed results but it’s refreshing to see a young character ask for help. The author still manages to keep the focus on Izzy and doesn’t let the adults take over the story.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is fairly short at 144 pages so the plot doesn’t have time to introduce any significant complications. Actually, the effects of the antagonist are major parts of the story while the man himself only makes brief appearances. The overall tale is very entertaining but it might be even better if the conflict was developed into a more dramatic, suspenseful issue. The plot doesn’t create a feeling of urgency as well as it might.
The Final Verdict:
The narrative tells a thrilling ghost story and highlights an appalling time in our country’s history. The opening pages grab the attention of readers as Izzy is terrified during a chilling dream. Or is it a dream? I recommend this book for lovers of ghost stories and history.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and exciting witchy read for upper-elementary and middle-grade readers, perfect for the fall season.

Izzy Hoffman Is Not a Witch by author Alyssa Alessi is the perfect fall tale for advanced elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy stories of witches, magic, and family. With a brave 12-year-old protagonist and her loyal best friend in the spotlight, the story weaves an exciting tale that includes some early history of women folk healers persecuted as witches by the fearful, jealous, and greedy, with a hidden world where magic really exists.

In this fictional tale, Izzy Hoffman is the bright and brave heroine of the book, whose early ancestor, Alice Young, was the first person executed for witchcraft in the 13 American colonies: an actual person. Alice's spirit is a restless one and has infiltrated Izzy's dreams and terrified the child for years. But on Izzy's 12th birthday, the recurring nightmare gets even more frightening, with Alice seeming determined to take Izzy with her into her world. After much agonizing consideration, Izzy shares her problem with her mother, and together, they decide to get to the bottom of the endless nocturnal visitations. Assisting is the elderly but feisty tarot reader, Miss Clara, and Izzy's best friend, Nat, who models what a true friend is all about.

At school, Izzy has experienced finger-pointing and been the subject of a rumor that she's a witch, and Nat has always had her back. But in a town that celebrates Halloween and witches year-round, this didn't have quite the stigma it might have had elsewhere or in an earlier era, but it was still hurtful to her to be a target of speculation and gossip. However, Izzy has a handle on weathering that storm and isn't timid about speaking up for herself. Still, over the course of the story, Izzy gains and nurtures her confidence and grows to accept her true self.

The action begins quickly when a rude stranger knocks Izzy down but hurries away without apologizing or checking to see if she is injured. Later, when the stranger menaces her mother at their bookstore, readers will realize that great-grandma Alice times ten may not be the real villain in the piece. The story's pace builds quickly from this point and never lets up. Its shorter length and nicely spaced chapter breaks make this book middle-grade-friendly and a great choice for reading aloud.

I recommend IZZY HOFFMAN IS NOT A WITCH for advanced elementary and middle-grade readers and as a possible choice for reading aloud in school, during after-school programs, and at home.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

[Adam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since becoming a 5th grade teacher I’ve read more and more middle grade books and especially middle grade horror as it is always my personal mission to find books for kids to connect to and becoming lifelong horror readers.

Izzy Hoffman Is Not A Witch is definitely going to be one of those books that I put in the hands of students to hook them, because this book is fun, spooky, a couple of scenes are honestly scary (first seance scene, hello?), and the message here is fantastic.

“A beautiful woman with books and charm was already a threat to simple men.” How resonate is that today? Like I read that and just had to sit and think for a minute. So many of my students need to hear that and need to understand their power and Alessi gives them a character to look up to and emulate. Izzy is smart, brave, and a force to be reckoned with. Her friend Nat is a beautiful example of loyalty and what friendship really should look like.

This is not a simple story and there is so much more nuance than you expect from a middle grade book. The relationships, the history, the actions needed to defend yourself, it’s all complicated and the weight behind these actions and decisions are given time and discussion here and that really respects the fact that a middle grade reader can handle these themes.

It’s also just a really good time. It’s got the coziness of fall in New England, some very funny lines, and everything you’re looking for from spooky season goodness.

One more quote - “we were taught to fear the witches instead of the men who hanged them…” isn’t that an incredible line?

Friends, middle grade horror IS horror, you have to check out some of these books, and this is a perfect place to start!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I let my 12-year-old daughter pick an ebook for me to read aloud to her, and this is what she chose. It was definitely a good decision! We both thoroughly enjoyed the book, and couldn't wait to get back to reading it. Not a feeling I always have when reading children's chapter books.

My daughter really likes mystery books, and will sometimes read fantasy. I think this book had the perfect amount of both. While the storyline isn't entirely original (a girl who doesn't know she's a witch, finds out she's a witch, and has to use her powers to save her family) it was written well enough to keep us both entertained. I have to admit, that I found certain elements slightly repetitive, but because it kept us wanting to come back and read more night after night, I couldn't see docking it a star because of that. Just something worth noting.

All of that being said, here are my daughter's thoughts:
It's a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And it has a lot of little fun surprises and hints of magic.

Thank you for allowing us to read this book together!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Mandy Kell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know because the story was written and passed down to each generation like a bedtime story. The women in my family have been reading cards and telling fortunes to the town's people for centuries. My sign out front may be tacky, but I'm the real deal. And our families have ties."⠀
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Alyssa Alessi, Izzy Hoffman Is Not A Witch⠀
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Izzy Hoffman Is Not A Witch by Alyssa Alessi is a fast-paced, fun fantasy full of witchy vibes, friendship, and family ties. Izzy is a great main character with a sense of otherness and a spooky secret that leads her to look into her family's history and the lore of her Salem-esque town. The more she learns the more dangerous her adventure becomes! I really enjoyed this story and the colorful cast of characters that the author brought to life. My favorite part was how Izzy and her mom grow closer to one another as they navigate an ancient curse and find out just how strong the women in their family can be.⠀
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If you're looking for a mid-grade mystery to kick off spooky season, this one is perfect for you!

[Bronte Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I'm an adult who sometimes enjoys teen literature. As an adult this was rather disappointing. It would benefit from tighter editing as there is a lack of flow and the writing is rather "clunky." No great difference between character personalities and a subject that's been done to death made it heavy going at times. From an imagined perspective of its target reader I would probably rate it higher. There's a bit of a twist to the history of the main character which holds some interest but which at the same time is a little far fetched. There's a good "friends and family" vibe/lesson which is a much needed positive these days and there are certain minor aspects of the "mythology" which make it a little different to other similar books. My star rating is from my imaginary teen viewpoint and would be at least a star lower otherwise

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

12-year-old Izzy Hoffman lives in a witchy tourist city. But it wasn’t all hype evidently because, on this particular birthday, the lady in her nightmares has broken free and Izzy is told that her walls had secrets. What walls? What secrets? Then she finds a secret room in her mom’s office that may hold all the answers. But her problems were only beginning.

A witch hunter from the 1600’s is searching for something. Izzy was not a witch…was she?

The narrative was easy and enjoyable. I just get a kick out of witch stories! And this one surely doesn’t disappoint. Wit the help of her mom, Izzy must help her ancestral witch (the one from her dreams) to fight the witch hunter and save an old psychic he may have possessed…by baking magic.

This was a good read with a brave, little witch looking to save and preserve the lineage of the strong women that came before. A nice one!

[Jennys_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy Hoffman Is Not A Witch by Alyssa Alessi

Being haunted by a witch, even when you're from a witchy town, is not ideal for 12 year old Izzy. Like every October, tourists are flooding the streets of Marblehead, MA, but this time, there is a mysterious and dangerous man stalking her family bookstore and home. Now Izzy has to figure out who this man is and why he's so curious about her family.

When I found out a fellow New England witchy friend wrote a story, I jumped on it so fast! It's witchy and set in a MA town!

I absolutely enjoyed the story. It was cute and had so many parts to the story that I could visualize so easily because I've been there! The story was magical and perfect for middle grade readers!

[Erica Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch, well maybe… This middle grade reader is a rollercoaster of a book, full of quick thrills and scary turns. I wasn’t quite perspired fir how creepy parts of it would be - but I loved it. I finished the whole story in two sittings.

Along with frights and friendships the book touches on some interesting points about misogyny linked to the history we share about witchcraft. It doesn’t preach and the points raised are fully part of the narrative arc. This is great read and I highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brian Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving this ARC, and let me say if you love spooky middle grade books as much as I do, you’ll want this debut when it releases on 09.05.23 – just in time for Halloween. Halloween, witches, bookstores – and yes, lemon bars – are my Jam, and this has them all. I loved the premise, the nostalgic 90s pop culture references, and the strong female characters. It’s a creepy page-turner reminiscent of Goosebumps that you can easily read in one sitting. Should this coming-of-age story become a series, I’m here for it. Well done Alyssa! Highly recommended!

[Cinsai · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming spooky tale! I’m a sucker for a good Halloween celebrating town that contains actual witches and magic. There was just the right amount of scare factor to make it an interesting read without overwhelming the wonderful human spirit of this story. Overall, it was a warm cup of cider in the middle of fall on the way to a haunted house kind of vibe.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Almedia Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this delightful story, which has horror and magic, as an ARC and loved it! Izzy is not your typical 12 year old. Plagued by nightmares, she must discover the reasons behind them and what they have to do with her and her family history. Lots of hidden secrets in this gem that will have young readers turning pages 🖤

[Melanie Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a very spunky main character that learns and finally gets acknowledgment about some of her family “traits”. She has a devoted BFF that is up for any adventure, scary or not. I hope this continues as a series. It’s a fun read and everyone should have a birthday parade!

[NancyBB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fabulous! A great read for the age group; sufficiently spooky and with a great message. I hope Alyssa Alessi has been approached to make a movie of this book. If done well, it would be a classic like Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of accepting who you are and where you came from. A story of finding secrets and facing evil. A story of setting the truth free.
This was fun. Love Izzy and her friend Nat. Love Izzy's mom and the town psychic.
And the creepy visions were super cool!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A coming of age; learning the family history and secrets.
Vanquishing an ancient evil; giving peace to a nightmare.
A good read.