What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Spells and Secrets
When three sisters return to the house that holds their forgotten legacy, the walls whisper of magic, betrayal, and the secrets their mother never told them.
A sweeping story of resilience, magic, and sisterhood perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Heather Webber, and Sarah Addison Allen.
Rowan Connors has lived a fragmented, nomadic life with her triplet sisters, Saoirse and Caraline. Reeling from the sudden drowning of their erratic and secretive mother, Bridget, they uncover an old photograph of her standing in front of a manor they don’t recognize–and a final request scrawled on the back of the picture. The sisters set off to find answers to the questions they've always had about their mother's past, the place she once called home, and their own magical gifts.
They arrive to find Swallow Hall sinking into the bay, and their grandmother, Everly, living alone within its dilapidated walls. But the house is more than crumbling brick and weathered stone. It breathes with magic, bound to the land and to the bloodline the sisters never knew they carried. As they settle into the house and the mystery of their family history deepens, they uncover a hidden enemy tied to the magic of their ancestral line. With every discovery, Rowan begins to suspect that her mother's drowning was no accident, but part of a much older, more dangerous plan set in motion long before they were born.
As the shadows of the past creep back into Swallow Hall and Everly disappears, Rowan must confront whatever forced Bridget to flee Swallow Hall before the house, its secrets, and the magic of their bloodline are erased forever.
Readers looking for emotional sibling bonds and the ancestral mysteries of Nora Roberts’ The Inheritance will resonate with this stunning read.
A sweeping story of resilience, magic, and sisterhood perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Heather Webber, and Sarah Addison Allen.
Rowan Connors has lived a fragmented, nomadic life with her triplet sisters, Saoirse and Caraline. Reeling from the sudden drowning of their erratic and secretive mother, Bridget, they uncover an old photograph of her standing in front of a manor they don’t recognize–and a final request scrawled on the back of the picture. The sisters set off to find answers to the questions they've always had about their mother's past, the place she once called home, and their own magical gifts.
They arrive to find Swallow Hall sinking into the bay, and their grandmother, Everly, living alone within its dilapidated walls. But the house is more than crumbling brick and weathered stone. It breathes with magic, bound to the land and to the bloodline the sisters never knew they carried. As they settle into the house and the mystery of their family history deepens, they uncover a hidden enemy tied to the magic of their ancestral line. With every discovery, Rowan begins to suspect that her mother's drowning was no accident, but part of a much older, more dangerous plan set in motion long before they were born.
As the shadows of the past creep back into Swallow Hall and Everly disappears, Rowan must confront whatever forced Bridget to flee Swallow Hall before the house, its secrets, and the magic of their bloodline are erased forever.
Readers looking for emotional sibling bonds and the ancestral mysteries of Nora Roberts’ The Inheritance will resonate with this stunning read.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2026
About the author
Ivy Cassidy
2 books60 followersIvy Cassidy writes stories steeped in whispered legends, moonlit nights, and quiet magic. Her novels explore the space between women’s fiction and magical realism, where emotional truths unfold like folklore and the magic is subtle but ever-present.
Writing as Melissa Bourbon, she also pens mysteries and women’s fiction, but her Ivy Cassidy books dive deeper into ancestral secrets, intuition, and the strength found in the unknown.
When she isn’t writing, Ivy can be found walking her dogs, sipping something warm, and dreaming up new stories with a shimmer around the edges.
Writing as Melissa Bourbon, she also pens mysteries and women’s fiction, but her Ivy Cassidy books dive deeper into ancestral secrets, intuition, and the strength found in the unknown.
When she isn’t writing, Ivy can be found walking her dogs, sipping something warm, and dreaming up new stories with a shimmer around the edges.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Currently Reading
December 5, 2025pre-read:
thanks for the ARC💘
thanks for the ARC💘
October 10, 2025
Swallow Hall holds its own secrets. Secrets that it will take with it if it has to.
Rowan Connors has always led a fragmented life with her sisters, Saoirse and Caraline. Things only take a turn for the worse when their elusive and rather secretive mother Bridget somehow hits her head and drowns. Shortly after her death, Rowan finds a strange picture secreted away in her mother's belongings... depicting her mother in front of a house that she does not recognize. On that image as well is her mother's last words... a last request. And so the sisters set off on a quest to find out about their mother's past, about the house that they see on the photo concealed in their mother's things, and to discover their own magical gifts.
They return back to find the island sinking, and to find a grandmother that they previously did not know about to be living within its dilapidated walls. From Everly... they learn that their last name is not Connors but is actually Early. And they learn that the dilapidated and slowly crumbling stone and brick that builds the house surrounding them is much more than just a house...it lives and breathes the magic of their bloodline... it breathes the magic of the land that it sits on...and it almost seems as though the house has secrets that it wants to share with the triplet sisters. At times, it almost seems like the house does not want them to leave now that they've returned... eager to have the sister's magic in its walls and to provide them a sanctuary to flourish....
As they learn more of their family's past, and they settle more into life on the island... the triplet sisters discover that their bloodline has an enemy, hidden quietly right alongside their magic, but twisted to serve a darker purpose... and as Rowan finds out more and more about her mother and about her bloodline...She begins to believe that her mother's death was no mere accident, but part of a deeply sinister plan set into motion long before her and her sisters were born.
As the dark shadows of the past seep more into Swallow Halls' already-crumbling walls... and the sudden disappearance of their grandmother... Rowan and her sisters must join together to confront whatever chased their mother, Bridget, from its walls... or risk their bloodline, their magic, and the house with its seemingly endless secrets from vanishing forever...
Perfectly charming and cozy, dashed with a secretive dark past and exploring the bonds between three sisters... this was the perfect read for October, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a fan of Practical Magic, of Nora Roberts' The Inheritance, and also a fan of the fantastical... of finding your own magic and your own power...I would highly recommend adding this to your to-read pile.
Thank you to Alcove Press, to the talented Ivy Cassidy, and to Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
Rowan Connors has always led a fragmented life with her sisters, Saoirse and Caraline. Things only take a turn for the worse when their elusive and rather secretive mother Bridget somehow hits her head and drowns. Shortly after her death, Rowan finds a strange picture secreted away in her mother's belongings... depicting her mother in front of a house that she does not recognize. On that image as well is her mother's last words... a last request. And so the sisters set off on a quest to find out about their mother's past, about the house that they see on the photo concealed in their mother's things, and to discover their own magical gifts.
They return back to find the island sinking, and to find a grandmother that they previously did not know about to be living within its dilapidated walls. From Everly... they learn that their last name is not Connors but is actually Early. And they learn that the dilapidated and slowly crumbling stone and brick that builds the house surrounding them is much more than just a house...it lives and breathes the magic of their bloodline... it breathes the magic of the land that it sits on...and it almost seems as though the house has secrets that it wants to share with the triplet sisters. At times, it almost seems like the house does not want them to leave now that they've returned... eager to have the sister's magic in its walls and to provide them a sanctuary to flourish....
As they learn more of their family's past, and they settle more into life on the island... the triplet sisters discover that their bloodline has an enemy, hidden quietly right alongside their magic, but twisted to serve a darker purpose... and as Rowan finds out more and more about her mother and about her bloodline...She begins to believe that her mother's death was no mere accident, but part of a deeply sinister plan set into motion long before her and her sisters were born.
As the dark shadows of the past seep more into Swallow Halls' already-crumbling walls... and the sudden disappearance of their grandmother... Rowan and her sisters must join together to confront whatever chased their mother, Bridget, from its walls... or risk their bloodline, their magic, and the house with its seemingly endless secrets from vanishing forever...
Perfectly charming and cozy, dashed with a secretive dark past and exploring the bonds between three sisters... this was the perfect read for October, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a fan of Practical Magic, of Nora Roberts' The Inheritance, and also a fan of the fantastical... of finding your own magic and your own power...I would highly recommend adding this to your to-read pile.
Thank you to Alcove Press, to the talented Ivy Cassidy, and to Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
May 3, 2026
3.5* nicely written story. I enjoyed it.
October 17, 2025
This book really fulfilled my desire for a spooky, witchy read as Halloween is quickly approaching. I love the use of Irish culture and Gaelic in this story, as well as the symbolism of three powerful sisters who together are something even bigger than they knew. The characterization of Rowan was well thought out and flowed nicely with in the story. I wish there were more books about Caraline and Saoirse because I adore them. Although it was not explicitly stated, I definitely am under the impression that Saoirse is autistic and I enjoyed that representation especially because of how natural it felt in the story and how Rowan just understood that Saoirse needed to do things in a certain way and didn’t try and force her will upon her sister.
I would really recommend this book for people who love a witchy read filled with mystery and sisterly love.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I would really recommend this book for people who love a witchy read filled with mystery and sisterly love.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
October 1, 2025
A Charming, Witchy Read Perfect for the Cozy Season!
House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy is an absolutely charming and delightful read, perfect for curling up with when the air turns crisp. This book delivers on its promise of a cozy atmosphere, weaving together sisterhood, ancestral magic, and a gorgeous, mysterious old house that practically breathes.
The story of the Connors sisters returning to Swallow Hall to uncover the secrets of their mother and their magical legacy is wonderfully layered. It truly captures that Halloween feeling—not the scary kind, but the nostalgic, pumpkin-spice-and-spell-casting vibe.
If you're a fan of the cinematic witchy charm of Practical Magic (especially the movie!), you'll find so much to love here. The focus on the strong, sometimes fractured, bond between the sisters and the deep connection to their family's magical history gives it that classic, inherited-power feel. It's a sweet, witchy tale of finding your home and your power, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for your fall TBR!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy.
House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy is an absolutely charming and delightful read, perfect for curling up with when the air turns crisp. This book delivers on its promise of a cozy atmosphere, weaving together sisterhood, ancestral magic, and a gorgeous, mysterious old house that practically breathes.
The story of the Connors sisters returning to Swallow Hall to uncover the secrets of their mother and their magical legacy is wonderfully layered. It truly captures that Halloween feeling—not the scary kind, but the nostalgic, pumpkin-spice-and-spell-casting vibe.
If you're a fan of the cinematic witchy charm of Practical Magic (especially the movie!), you'll find so much to love here. The focus on the strong, sometimes fractured, bond between the sisters and the deep connection to their family's magical history gives it that classic, inherited-power feel. It's a sweet, witchy tale of finding your home and your power, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for your fall TBR!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy.
October 5, 2025
Perfect Witchy Comfort Read
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers and author for this Arc.
House of Blood and Secrets was the perfect cozy autumn read. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of spiced tea and a blanket, feeling all the Practical Magic vibes.
The three sisters reminded me so much of Charmed, each with their own personality but completely bonded, add in the found family and you have a witchy read that’s nostalgic and heartwarming.
It’s not too dark or heavy, more pumpkin-spiced witchcraft, making it the ideal Halloween read if you love sisterhood, found family, and a little supernatural comfort.
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers and author for this Arc.
House of Blood and Secrets was the perfect cozy autumn read. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of spiced tea and a blanket, feeling all the Practical Magic vibes.
The three sisters reminded me so much of Charmed, each with their own personality but completely bonded, add in the found family and you have a witchy read that’s nostalgic and heartwarming.
It’s not too dark or heavy, more pumpkin-spiced witchcraft, making it the ideal Halloween read if you love sisterhood, found family, and a little supernatural comfort.
October 19, 2025
"House of Spells and Secrets" by Ivy Cassidy is a book for all you cozy fantasy Irish Witchy book lovers. Set in the 1970's, triplets Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline return to their ancestral home of Swallow Hall that is on Bird Island and sinking into the Chesapeake Bay. The house had been built by their distant grandfather, Patty, after he ran away from Ireland, his witch mother and his wife. He started a new life and family in the United States with the magic book he stole from his mother. However, the house with some long distance encouragement from his mother and new wife hid the book on him. Now the house is trying to protect the book from any dark influences, which may mean completely sinking into the bay.
This is where the triplets com in. Several generations after Patty livid in the home, their grandmother is still there. Their mother had been moving from town to town with them. Seemingly hiding from something or someone. Upon her untimely death, Rowan, discovers an old photo with information about the house on the back and a whispering telling her to find answers there.
Caraline, the oldest triplet, has a gift inn the kitchen, with men's attractions, and possibly fire. Saoirse, the middle triplet, is a garden witch making all things grow, knows what to use them for and has a way with the swallows that follow them. Then there's Rowan, the youngest triplet, she seems to taste everyone's feelings and has a general sense about things but doesn't totally know what her purpose is until they get back to the house on Bird Island. That's where she truely comes into her own. Rowan is the focal point of the book but it takes all three sisters to vanquish the trouble that's come for them and stop the house from sinking into the bay.
There is a little bit of mystery to this book. The girls have to figure out what happened to their newly discovered grandmother when she goes missing shortly after their arrival to Swallow Hall. This means discovering more about their ancestors and destiny. Could their unknown father be behind everything or a possible distant relative born from Patty's 1st wife. A parallel but dark branch of the family. Honestly, the culprit was someone I was say had to be them the whole time. They have a particular Irish name that I've come to associate with either a trickster or a womanizer. They even pulled the trick on the girls that I thought they might have.
All in all, this is a very entertaining book. If you're a fan of Nora Roberts books about Irish women discovering magical destinies but wish the romance was toned down, then this is the book for you. I say that because that's what I prefer too. So this is a great option and I look forward to more.
This is where the triplets com in. Several generations after Patty livid in the home, their grandmother is still there. Their mother had been moving from town to town with them. Seemingly hiding from something or someone. Upon her untimely death, Rowan, discovers an old photo with information about the house on the back and a whispering telling her to find answers there.
Caraline, the oldest triplet, has a gift inn the kitchen, with men's attractions, and possibly fire. Saoirse, the middle triplet, is a garden witch making all things grow, knows what to use them for and has a way with the swallows that follow them. Then there's Rowan, the youngest triplet, she seems to taste everyone's feelings and has a general sense about things but doesn't totally know what her purpose is until they get back to the house on Bird Island. That's where she truely comes into her own. Rowan is the focal point of the book but it takes all three sisters to vanquish the trouble that's come for them and stop the house from sinking into the bay.
There is a little bit of mystery to this book. The girls have to figure out what happened to their newly discovered grandmother when she goes missing shortly after their arrival to Swallow Hall. This means discovering more about their ancestors and destiny. Could their unknown father be behind everything or a possible distant relative born from Patty's 1st wife. A parallel but dark branch of the family. Honestly, the culprit was someone I was say had to be them the whole time. They have a particular Irish name that I've come to associate with either a trickster or a womanizer. They even pulled the trick on the girls that I thought they might have.
All in all, this is a very entertaining book. If you're a fan of Nora Roberts books about Irish women discovering magical destinies but wish the romance was toned down, then this is the book for you. I say that because that's what I prefer too. So this is a great option and I look forward to more.
August 4, 2026
Great book. Pulled me in right away. Loved the ending!!
April 13, 2026
loved it! The story captures the mystery as it unravels, and as the characters grapple with their own past and what it means to be witches
June 20, 2026
4.5⭐
An enchanting witchy story of sisters growing together in knowledge and magic after the death of their mother. Following clues, they end up at what seems to be their ancestral home and enter into the biggest mystery of all. The relationship between the sisters is paramount to the story and being able to right generational wrongs. Took me a minute to connect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And is there a sequel perhaps?
An enchanting witchy story of sisters growing together in knowledge and magic after the death of their mother. Following clues, they end up at what seems to be their ancestral home and enter into the biggest mystery of all. The relationship between the sisters is paramount to the story and being able to right generational wrongs. Took me a minute to connect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And is there a sequel perhaps?
March 24, 2026
This book has everything I love in a story. Especially magic! Travel to Swallow Hall with three sisters who are trying to find information about their past. It is full of secrets, magic, and the love of family.
June 14, 2026
House of Spells and Secrets is one of those books that simply wasn’t written for me, but I can absolutely see why it works for other readers.
The premise was what kept me going. I loved the idea of a sentient house, and Rowan’s ability to taste the essence of people was easily my favorite part of the magic system. The Irish folklore, family history, and mystery surrounding the sisters were all genuinely interesting.
My struggle was with the pacing. This is a very atmosphere-driven novel, packed with description and detail. Readers who love to fully sink into a setting will likely find it immersive and magical. For me, it often felt like the story stopped moving. I connect more through emotional tension, character relationships, and momentum than through descriptions of places and objects.
There were several moments where I felt the book got lost in details that didn’t add enough to the story. One library scene spends more time describing the building, card catalogs, and the Dewey Decimal System than the actual conversation taking place. That pretty much summed up my reading experience.
That said, the writing is clearly thoughtful, the world is richly developed, and I understand why so many readers love spending time in it. While I found the pacing slow and repetitive, others will likely find it cozy, immersive, and beautifully detailed.
In the end, this wasn’t a bad book for me. It was simply a reminder that not every book is meant for every reader.
The premise was what kept me going. I loved the idea of a sentient house, and Rowan’s ability to taste the essence of people was easily my favorite part of the magic system. The Irish folklore, family history, and mystery surrounding the sisters were all genuinely interesting.
My struggle was with the pacing. This is a very atmosphere-driven novel, packed with description and detail. Readers who love to fully sink into a setting will likely find it immersive and magical. For me, it often felt like the story stopped moving. I connect more through emotional tension, character relationships, and momentum than through descriptions of places and objects.
There were several moments where I felt the book got lost in details that didn’t add enough to the story. One library scene spends more time describing the building, card catalogs, and the Dewey Decimal System than the actual conversation taking place. That pretty much summed up my reading experience.
That said, the writing is clearly thoughtful, the world is richly developed, and I understand why so many readers love spending time in it. While I found the pacing slow and repetitive, others will likely find it cozy, immersive, and beautifully detailed.
In the end, this wasn’t a bad book for me. It was simply a reminder that not every book is meant for every reader.
December 3, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this cozy witchy fantasy, centred around 3 sisters who are trying to solve the mystery of their mother's life before she passed. I think this would be perfect for fans of Charmed, or Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries. Don't want to say too much because *spoilers*, but I LOVED that the house was a character itself!
I loved this cozy witchy fantasy, centred around 3 sisters who are trying to solve the mystery of their mother's life before she passed. I think this would be perfect for fans of Charmed, or Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries. Don't want to say too much because *spoilers*, but I LOVED that the house was a character itself!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am a sucker for a spooky, witchy read and this checked every box for me. I loved the dynamic of three powerful sisters and their legacy. If you love Practical Magic, then this will be right up your alley. It was nostalgic, sweet and cozy. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
I am a sucker for a spooky, witchy read and this checked every box for me. I loved the dynamic of three powerful sisters and their legacy. If you love Practical Magic, then this will be right up your alley. It was nostalgic, sweet and cozy. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ARC Review ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
✩YA Gothic Mystery, Magic Realism, Found Family, Secrets and Hidden past, Haunted House, fast paced ✩
My Rating: 4.5/✩✩✩✩✩
No Spice
I started this ARC and didn't stop until 3:00 AM! It’s such a vibe—Gothic mystery, a haunted/enchanted house and the "found family" trope of my dreams🕯️🖤
The magic system and family tree took me a minute to wrap my head around, but once it clicked? I was hooked. If you love fast-paced stories with hidden secrets and zero spice, you NEED this on your 2026 TBR!
Thank you @NetGalley and @alcovepress for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
✩YA Gothic Mystery, Magic Realism, Found Family, Secrets and Hidden past, Haunted House, fast paced ✩
My Rating: 4.5/✩✩✩✩✩
No Spice
I started this ARC and didn't stop until 3:00 AM! It’s such a vibe—Gothic mystery, a haunted/enchanted house and the "found family" trope of my dreams🕯️🖤
The magic system and family tree took me a minute to wrap my head around, but once it clicked? I was hooked. If you love fast-paced stories with hidden secrets and zero spice, you NEED this on your 2026 TBR!
Thank you @NetGalley and @alcovepress for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2026
This was an amazing book! The pacing, the character development, the research into Irish Heritage are all things that truly made this book believable and endearing. I loved how the sisters all worked together to overcome against the evil trying to take advantage of them. The house being more like an additional character was an added twist that i thought was super cool. Rowan was my favorite characters. I very much enjoyed seeing how the 3 girls came into themselves and saved the house was the happy ending this book deserved.
April 11, 2026
This was such a cosy, witchy read, definitely one to pick up if you love gothic vibes, magical houses, and a slow, atmospheric story.
We follow triplets Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline after the death of their mother. While going through her things, Rowan finds a photo of their mum outside a mysterious manor with a message telling them to return and discover their magic. Obviously, that’s too intriguing to ignore… so off they go to Swallow Hall.
And honestly? The house is everything. It’s crumbling, sinking, slightly creepy but also full of magic and very much alive. I loved the idea of the house being tied to the land and their bloodline. That whole element was probably my favourite part of the book.
The writing is really beautiful and descriptive. At times it felt so vivid I could picture everything clearly, especially the house and its surroundings. It has this whimsical, almost dreamy quality, and I really enjoyed the Celtic influences and the family history woven throughout.
That said… the pacing didn’t always work for me. It’s definitely on the slower side, and there were moments that felt a bit repetitive, like we were going over the same ground again. The descriptive style worked really well for the setting, but during action scenes it felt a bit more like being told what was happening rather than fully experiencing it.
I did really love the focus on sisterhood and each girl finding her own strength and identity. The magic system was also really interesting, especially how each sister’s abilities developed differently. I just wish we’d had more POV chapters from Saoirse and Caraline, I would’ve loved to get inside their heads a bit more instead of mostly sticking with Rowan.
Overall, a really atmospheric, cosy read with a magical setting and strong sisterhood themes, just a bit slow in places for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-Arc in return for my honest review.
3.5 stars
We follow triplets Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline after the death of their mother. While going through her things, Rowan finds a photo of their mum outside a mysterious manor with a message telling them to return and discover their magic. Obviously, that’s too intriguing to ignore… so off they go to Swallow Hall.
And honestly? The house is everything. It’s crumbling, sinking, slightly creepy but also full of magic and very much alive. I loved the idea of the house being tied to the land and their bloodline. That whole element was probably my favourite part of the book.
The writing is really beautiful and descriptive. At times it felt so vivid I could picture everything clearly, especially the house and its surroundings. It has this whimsical, almost dreamy quality, and I really enjoyed the Celtic influences and the family history woven throughout.
That said… the pacing didn’t always work for me. It’s definitely on the slower side, and there were moments that felt a bit repetitive, like we were going over the same ground again. The descriptive style worked really well for the setting, but during action scenes it felt a bit more like being told what was happening rather than fully experiencing it.
I did really love the focus on sisterhood and each girl finding her own strength and identity. The magic system was also really interesting, especially how each sister’s abilities developed differently. I just wish we’d had more POV chapters from Saoirse and Caraline, I would’ve loved to get inside their heads a bit more instead of mostly sticking with Rowan.
Overall, a really atmospheric, cosy read with a magical setting and strong sisterhood themes, just a bit slow in places for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-Arc in return for my honest review.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy is a novel I truly wanted to love, and in many ways, I almost did.
Set in the 1970s and steeped in a rich gothic atmosphere, the story follows three sisters who arrive at Swallow Hall, their grandmother’s house, and the place where their mother grew up. The house itself feels alive, layered with inherited magic, memory, and history. There is a strong Irish cultural presence throughout the book, from language to traditions and celebrations, clearly inspired by Celtic roots and beliefs that have survived into modern Wicca. This aspect of the novel is beautifully done and will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate folklore, ancestral magic, and stories grounded in real cultural heritage. The idea at the heart of this book is lovely, intimate, and full of potential, especially knowing it was inspired by a real person.
Unfortunately, the execution does not always live up to the strength of the concept. The pacing is very slow, and not always in a way that serves suspense. Scenes meant to feel tense or mysterious often linger too long, allowing the tension to dissipate rather than build. There is also a noticeable amount of repetition, both in language and in ideas. Emotional beats and revelations are introduced repeatedly in very similar ways across chapters, sometimes even within the same pages, which creates a sense of stagnation instead of progression. Certain phrases and scene structures recur so often that they begin to feel mechanical, pulling the reader out of the story.
The writing itself would benefit from a tighter editorial pass. Some descriptions are overly crowded without adding depth, and several scenes suffer from abrupt transitions, where characters seem to move from one place to another without clear narrative flow. The climax, in particular, feels underwhelming compared to the long buildup leading to it, which is disappointing given how much atmosphere and promise the story establishes early on.
That said, there is genuine heart here. The world, the cultural grounding, and the emotional intent are strong, and the story itself is meaningful, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. With more focused editing and narrative discipline, this could have been a truly powerful Gothic fantasy. As it stands, it’s a book I appreciate for what it tries to do, even while wishing it had been given the space and care to become what it so clearly wants to be.
Tropes & Vibes
Cozy Gothic
Family bonds
Slow-burn mystery
Female empowerment
Return to roots
Review copy provided by Alcove Press @ Net Galley
April 15, 2026
I’ve recently finished reading House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy. The premise is one I often enjoy- three sisters, after the death of their mother, travel to their ancestral home and uncover their legacy.
I think the atmosphere and vibes were my favorite parts of the story- it’s gothic and very vivid. The Swallow Hall, the family home, is steeped in magic and mystery, with some inexplicable things happening. There’s also danger creeping in.
On the other hand, one of the sisters has a gift when it comes to plants, and another one is good at cooking magical remedies. That lends itself to creating an interesting blend of coziness and eeriness. There is also a strong nostalgic vibe (even though I wasn’t alive yet in the 70s, when the story is set).
The magic ‘just is’ in this world- we learn quite a bit with the characters, but the witchcraft is more intuitive than rigid. The sisters are trying to unravel some mysteries and get answers and to protect Swallow Hall and their magic from corruption. They also learn more about their ancestral magic. I’ll admit, I’ve suspected some of the answers we’ve gotten and I feel like some of the circular conversations and plot points could have been edited down, as the storytelling was a bit too repetitive for me. That being said, I really appreciate that we’ve gotten all of the possible answers without loose ends.
I liked that the three sisters had very different character traits and they were really distinctive. Also, I always pay attention to that- I really loved that one of the characters had some neurodivergence coded traits. She doesn’t like chaos and crowds, isn’t comfortable with being touched and avoids eye contact. It’s presented as simply the way she functions and both of her sisters respect her boundaries and admire her strengths.
There is also a cute relationship arc, but it starts only in the latter half of the book and wasn’t the main plot point.
Overall, it was a nice read, I feel like I’d recommend it for autumn. If you like exploring family bonds, a lush cozy-but-gothic atmosphere and some ancestral magic, this could be a book for you!
Huge huge thanks to Alcove Press for the physical ARC. The cover is absolutely stunning!
3,5/5 stars
Comp titles:
In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
The Briar Book of the Dead by A.G. Slatter
A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney
I think the atmosphere and vibes were my favorite parts of the story- it’s gothic and very vivid. The Swallow Hall, the family home, is steeped in magic and mystery, with some inexplicable things happening. There’s also danger creeping in.
On the other hand, one of the sisters has a gift when it comes to plants, and another one is good at cooking magical remedies. That lends itself to creating an interesting blend of coziness and eeriness. There is also a strong nostalgic vibe (even though I wasn’t alive yet in the 70s, when the story is set).
The magic ‘just is’ in this world- we learn quite a bit with the characters, but the witchcraft is more intuitive than rigid. The sisters are trying to unravel some mysteries and get answers and to protect Swallow Hall and their magic from corruption. They also learn more about their ancestral magic. I’ll admit, I’ve suspected some of the answers we’ve gotten and I feel like some of the circular conversations and plot points could have been edited down, as the storytelling was a bit too repetitive for me. That being said, I really appreciate that we’ve gotten all of the possible answers without loose ends.
I liked that the three sisters had very different character traits and they were really distinctive. Also, I always pay attention to that- I really loved that one of the characters had some neurodivergence coded traits. She doesn’t like chaos and crowds, isn’t comfortable with being touched and avoids eye contact. It’s presented as simply the way she functions and both of her sisters respect her boundaries and admire her strengths.
There is also a cute relationship arc, but it starts only in the latter half of the book and wasn’t the main plot point.
Overall, it was a nice read, I feel like I’d recommend it for autumn. If you like exploring family bonds, a lush cozy-but-gothic atmosphere and some ancestral magic, this could be a book for you!
Huge huge thanks to Alcove Press for the physical ARC. The cover is absolutely stunning!
3,5/5 stars
Comp titles:
In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
The Briar Book of the Dead by A.G. Slatter
A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney
March 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eBook!
📝 Short Summary
After their mother’s sudden death, three sisters set out to uncover the truth about her past, leading them to a crumbling seaside manor filled with buried secrets, ancestral magic, and a legacy they never knew was theirs.
Review
This book honestly felt like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on a chilly fall day. The atmosphere was everything for me. Swallow Hall was one of those settings that completely pulls you in, the kind of place you can picture so clearly you almost feel like you’re walking through it. It gave me those cozy, slightly eerie vibes that immediately made me think of Practical Magic, and I loved every second of that.
The story leans heavily into sisterhood, which I thought was done really well. You can feel the bond between Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline, even with all their differences and the weight of everything they’re going through. There’s grief, tension, and a lot of unanswered questions, but it’s balanced in a way that still keeps the story feeling warm and comforting instead of heavy.
The magical elements were more soft and atmospheric rather than intense or fast paced, which worked perfectly for this kind of story. It’s not trying to be dark or overly complex; it’s more about discovering who you are, where you come from, and what you’re meant to carry forward. I really liked how the family history slowly unfolded, especially with the mystery surrounding their mother and the house itself.
This is definitely one of those books you pick up when you want something cozy, a little magical, and emotionally comforting. It’s not high stakes chaos, it’s more like a slow burn into a world that feels lived in and full of quiet secrets.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you love witchy, cozy reads with strong sister dynamics, magical houses, and that soft, comforting fall energy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eBook!
📝 Short Summary
After their mother’s sudden death, three sisters set out to uncover the truth about her past, leading them to a crumbling seaside manor filled with buried secrets, ancestral magic, and a legacy they never knew was theirs.
Review
This book honestly felt like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on a chilly fall day. The atmosphere was everything for me. Swallow Hall was one of those settings that completely pulls you in, the kind of place you can picture so clearly you almost feel like you’re walking through it. It gave me those cozy, slightly eerie vibes that immediately made me think of Practical Magic, and I loved every second of that.
The story leans heavily into sisterhood, which I thought was done really well. You can feel the bond between Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline, even with all their differences and the weight of everything they’re going through. There’s grief, tension, and a lot of unanswered questions, but it’s balanced in a way that still keeps the story feeling warm and comforting instead of heavy.
The magical elements were more soft and atmospheric rather than intense or fast paced, which worked perfectly for this kind of story. It’s not trying to be dark or overly complex; it’s more about discovering who you are, where you come from, and what you’re meant to carry forward. I really liked how the family history slowly unfolded, especially with the mystery surrounding their mother and the house itself.
This is definitely one of those books you pick up when you want something cozy, a little magical, and emotionally comforting. It’s not high stakes chaos, it’s more like a slow burn into a world that feels lived in and full of quiet secrets.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you love witchy, cozy reads with strong sister dynamics, magical houses, and that soft, comforting fall energy.
December 17, 2025
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley. I would rate this closer to 3.5 stars, but I enjoyed it enough to upgrade it to a 4 on Goodreads.
This is a story about triplet sisters who lose their mother and go in search of a place that she seemed to be pointing them to. What they find is a highly unusual house, Sparrow Hall.
I enjoyed the sisters' journey throughout the book. While it was slow-moving at times, I never found it boring, and I think that was due to the richness of the author's writing. While I don't usually care for flowery writing, I found that this author didn't overdo it. She kept it very real and necessary to really set the scenes.
I did have a few issues with the book, which is what held me back from giving it 5 stars. Because it could have been a 5-star if these things hadn't bothered me so much. Firstly, it was sorely obvious that Rowan, our narrator, was our "keeper." I think if the author had written it to point more to one of the other sisters, that could have perhaps led to a different conclusion. I think having the entire story narrated from just Rowan's POV didn't help in that case. POVs from all of the sisters would have not only enriched the story but also left me guessing.
And what happened to Hazel, the dog? Because she was there and then she wasn't. That was a huge miss on the part of the author. She could have used the dog much more in the story, and having her just not even mentioned in the last 30% or so of the book was just weird.
The loss of their mother and the disappearance of the grandmother would, again, have been much better from all three POVs, instead of just Rowan's.
I guess I'm sounding a bit like a broken record here, and even considering these things that bothered me, I still enjoyed the story very much. Beautiful writing in a beautiful story.
This is a story about triplet sisters who lose their mother and go in search of a place that she seemed to be pointing them to. What they find is a highly unusual house, Sparrow Hall.
I enjoyed the sisters' journey throughout the book. While it was slow-moving at times, I never found it boring, and I think that was due to the richness of the author's writing. While I don't usually care for flowery writing, I found that this author didn't overdo it. She kept it very real and necessary to really set the scenes.
I did have a few issues with the book, which is what held me back from giving it 5 stars. Because it could have been a 5-star if these things hadn't bothered me so much. Firstly, it was sorely obvious that Rowan, our narrator, was our "keeper." I think if the author had written it to point more to one of the other sisters, that could have perhaps led to a different conclusion. I think having the entire story narrated from just Rowan's POV didn't help in that case. POVs from all of the sisters would have not only enriched the story but also left me guessing.
And what happened to Hazel, the dog? Because she was there and then she wasn't. That was a huge miss on the part of the author. She could have used the dog much more in the story, and having her just not even mentioned in the last 30% or so of the book was just weird.
The loss of their mother and the disappearance of the grandmother would, again, have been much better from all three POVs, instead of just Rowan's.
I guess I'm sounding a bit like a broken record here, and even considering these things that bothered me, I still enjoyed the story very much. Beautiful writing in a beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lot of people are rating this book quite highly, so maybe it's me and I'm just not the right reader for it. They certainly aren't wrong about the nice things they are pointing out. It's just that I couldn't get past this one thing that grated on me:
The three triplets have magic together. They do everything together. Including falling into a mystery of creepy house and family heritage. That sounded like a great premise. I was expecting this warm feeling of family connection between the sisters and I was imagining writing about how hygge the feeling was. Except it wasn't that at all, I'm afraid. The one sister is described as "free spirited" which is a nice way of saying selfish brat who selfishly refuses responsibility. She wants to whine about the house. She feels trapped. She wants to leave without telling anyone where she's going. Then when they find her, she lies about how she 'left a note.' She wants to run off with random men she doesn't know. And despite the fact that her sister has the magic gift of knowing who people really are, she never bothers to ask her sister "Is this guy OK?" "Is he up to no good?" Her sister asks her to stop, that it's not a good time to behave like that. Doesn't matter. I had a hard time putting up with the selfishness and it started to feel a little bit like a plot device. I'll have this character selfishly do stupid and irrational things to jam my characters into situations that I will have to write them out of instead of figuring out how to get rational characters into that spot organically. The problem is probably me. *I* wouldn't put up with a sister that behaved like that. Therefore *I* find it unbelievable that the sisters in the book do. Not a single other person has mentioned this in their review. Therefore, the problem has to be me.
The three triplets have magic together. They do everything together. Including falling into a mystery of creepy house and family heritage. That sounded like a great premise. I was expecting this warm feeling of family connection between the sisters and I was imagining writing about how hygge the feeling was. Except it wasn't that at all, I'm afraid. The one sister is described as "free spirited" which is a nice way of saying selfish brat who selfishly refuses responsibility. She wants to whine about the house. She feels trapped. She wants to leave without telling anyone where she's going. Then when they find her, she lies about how she 'left a note.' She wants to run off with random men she doesn't know. And despite the fact that her sister has the magic gift of knowing who people really are, she never bothers to ask her sister "Is this guy OK?" "Is he up to no good?" Her sister asks her to stop, that it's not a good time to behave like that. Doesn't matter. I had a hard time putting up with the selfishness and it started to feel a little bit like a plot device. I'll have this character selfishly do stupid and irrational things to jam my characters into situations that I will have to write them out of instead of figuring out how to get rational characters into that spot organically. The problem is probably me. *I* wouldn't put up with a sister that behaved like that. Therefore *I* find it unbelievable that the sisters in the book do. Not a single other person has mentioned this in their review. Therefore, the problem has to be me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press and I've Cassidy for the early E ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
House of Spells and Secrets has been a bit of a strange reading experience for me.
On paper, this should have been everything I love. There is an enchanted, mysterious atmosphere, a house full of secrets, and a story that promises magic, family bonds, and hidden truths. The writing itself is good, even quite pretty at times, but the pacing made this feel heavier than it needed to be. At just under 300 pages, it took me far longer to get through than expected.
My biggest struggle was with the characters. The story wants you to feel the deep love between the sisters and the strength of their bond, but for me, that emotional connection never fully landed. Everything felt a little flat, as if I was being told how strong these relationships were instead of being allowed to experience them.
The plot also suffers from repetition. Certain ideas and pieces of information are revisited again and again, which makes the story feel circular rather than layered. I often felt gently guided through what I was meant to feel or think, rather than being allowed to discover those emotions for myself. Because of this, even moments that should have carried more weight did not fully land.
By the end, my feelings did not change enough to shift my impression. This is not a bad book, and I can see why it might work for some readers, especially those who enjoy slower, atmosphere-driven fantasy. For me, though, it feels like a story that could have benefited from being tighter. With fewer repetitions and a little more trust in the reader, it might have had the emotional depth it was reaching for. As it stands, this is a solid three-star read. Beautiful ideas, but not quite enough to fully pull me in.
House of Spells and Secrets has been a bit of a strange reading experience for me.
On paper, this should have been everything I love. There is an enchanted, mysterious atmosphere, a house full of secrets, and a story that promises magic, family bonds, and hidden truths. The writing itself is good, even quite pretty at times, but the pacing made this feel heavier than it needed to be. At just under 300 pages, it took me far longer to get through than expected.
My biggest struggle was with the characters. The story wants you to feel the deep love between the sisters and the strength of their bond, but for me, that emotional connection never fully landed. Everything felt a little flat, as if I was being told how strong these relationships were instead of being allowed to experience them.
The plot also suffers from repetition. Certain ideas and pieces of information are revisited again and again, which makes the story feel circular rather than layered. I often felt gently guided through what I was meant to feel or think, rather than being allowed to discover those emotions for myself. Because of this, even moments that should have carried more weight did not fully land.
By the end, my feelings did not change enough to shift my impression. This is not a bad book, and I can see why it might work for some readers, especially those who enjoy slower, atmosphere-driven fantasy. For me, though, it feels like a story that could have benefited from being tighter. With fewer repetitions and a little more trust in the reader, it might have had the emotional depth it was reaching for. As it stands, this is a solid three-star read. Beautiful ideas, but not quite enough to fully pull me in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[EN] First of all, I would like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance on Netgalley.
This book immediately struck me for its plot, as it encompasses some of my favourite themes, first and foremost stories about witchcraft and strong women.
Here we find three twin sisters who must discover their origins after the death of their mother, trying to navigate the secrets of a mysterious past and a haunted house.
I loved the way each of them manages to follow their own path of personal growth, embracing their potential and power until they accept their family's legacy.
It is definitely a book I would recommend, and I would love to see it translated into Italian.
Just a final note, in some places, I found the descriptions very detailed and risked losing track of what was happening in the scene.
[IT]Prima di tutto vorrei ringraziare l'autrice e la casa editrice per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo libro in anteprima su Netgalley.
Questo libro mi ha subito colpito per la trama, in quanto racchiude alcuni dei miei temi preferiti, primo tra tutti le storie che parlano di stegoneria e di donne forti.
Qui troviamo tre sorelle gemelle, che devono scoprire le loro origini dopo la morte della madre, cercando di navigare tra i segtreti di un passato misterioso e una casa stregata.
Ho amato il modo in cui ognuna di loro riesce a fare un proprio percorso di crescita personale, accogliendo le proprie potenzialità e il proprio potere fino ad accettare l'eredità della propria famiglia.
Sicuramente è un libro che consiglierei e mi piacerebbe molto venisse tradotto anche in italiano.
Unica nota, in alcuni punti ho trovato le descrizioni molto dettagliate e ho rischiato di perdere un po' il filo di quello che stava succedendo nella scena.
This book immediately struck me for its plot, as it encompasses some of my favourite themes, first and foremost stories about witchcraft and strong women.
Here we find three twin sisters who must discover their origins after the death of their mother, trying to navigate the secrets of a mysterious past and a haunted house.
I loved the way each of them manages to follow their own path of personal growth, embracing their potential and power until they accept their family's legacy.
It is definitely a book I would recommend, and I would love to see it translated into Italian.
Just a final note, in some places, I found the descriptions very detailed and risked losing track of what was happening in the scene.
[IT]Prima di tutto vorrei ringraziare l'autrice e la casa editrice per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo libro in anteprima su Netgalley.
Questo libro mi ha subito colpito per la trama, in quanto racchiude alcuni dei miei temi preferiti, primo tra tutti le storie che parlano di stegoneria e di donne forti.
Qui troviamo tre sorelle gemelle, che devono scoprire le loro origini dopo la morte della madre, cercando di navigare tra i segtreti di un passato misterioso e una casa stregata.
Ho amato il modo in cui ognuna di loro riesce a fare un proprio percorso di crescita personale, accogliendo le proprie potenzialità e il proprio potere fino ad accettare l'eredità della propria famiglia.
Sicuramente è un libro che consiglierei e mi piacerebbe molto venisse tradotto anche in italiano.
Unica nota, in alcuni punti ho trovato le descrizioni molto dettagliate e ho rischiato di perdere un po' il filo di quello che stava succedendo nella scena.
April 24, 2026
After the death of their mother, three sisters return to a place that is completely unfamiliar to them. They have no real idea what awaits them, only that their mother once had a strong connection to it. From the moment they arrive, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary place. As they begin to uncover their mother’s ties to it, they are also forced to confront why she left all those years ago.
At its heart, this is a story about self-discovery, understanding your roots, and accepting that being different isn’t something to fear. I really enjoyed the sisterly bond and how each new revelation brought them closer together. Watching them embrace their individual strengths and unite for a shared purpose was one of the highlights of the book.
The story also weaves in many references and connections to Ireland, which was a definite bonus for me and added to the overall atmosphere. The narrative takes its time, gently connecting past events with the present without ever feeling slow or dragging. It’s an easy, engaging read that slowly unfolds and kept me invested throughout.
Overall, this was a book I enjoyed a lot - comforting, thoughtful, and quietly powerful in the way it brings its themes and characters together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At its heart, this is a story about self-discovery, understanding your roots, and accepting that being different isn’t something to fear. I really enjoyed the sisterly bond and how each new revelation brought them closer together. Watching them embrace their individual strengths and unite for a shared purpose was one of the highlights of the book.
The story also weaves in many references and connections to Ireland, which was a definite bonus for me and added to the overall atmosphere. The narrative takes its time, gently connecting past events with the present without ever feeling slow or dragging. It’s an easy, engaging read that slowly unfolds and kept me invested throughout.
Overall, this was a book I enjoyed a lot - comforting, thoughtful, and quietly powerful in the way it brings its themes and characters together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2026
I really wish I would have picked this book up during the witchy season while the wild swirls leaves and carries a hint of chill and smoke. The atmosphere of the dilapidated walls and crumbling structure lend well to witching hours, magic, and stormy evenings. It was a great, cozy read and I had already recommended it to several of my friends who also enjoy reading this type of story.
Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline are triplets who tragically lose their mother. Soon after, Rowan finds a picture of a house and a call for the girls to return to the house in the photo and find their own magic. I do wonder why their mom kept this a secret while she was alive, because it does always seem "magic" is only discovered after someone who could have guided them passes. Nevertheless, we follow the girls as they learn more about their family and their history.
It's cozy and mysterious as well as dark family histories and finding of one's own path. This book made me ready for the Halloween season and the use of Celtic/ Gaelic was a welcome aspect. If you are looking for a charming fall read when the weather starts to turn, I highly recommend this story. I am going to be on the look out for more books from this author in the future.
Rowan, Saoirse, and Caraline are triplets who tragically lose their mother. Soon after, Rowan finds a picture of a house and a call for the girls to return to the house in the photo and find their own magic. I do wonder why their mom kept this a secret while she was alive, because it does always seem "magic" is only discovered after someone who could have guided them passes. Nevertheless, we follow the girls as they learn more about their family and their history.
It's cozy and mysterious as well as dark family histories and finding of one's own path. This book made me ready for the Halloween season and the use of Celtic/ Gaelic was a welcome aspect. If you are looking for a charming fall read when the weather starts to turn, I highly recommend this story. I am going to be on the look out for more books from this author in the future.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to Alcove Press for the arc copy of House of Spells and Secrets.
When I saw this book on NetGalley I had to request it immediately! I love anything witchy. The book follows triplets Rowan, Caraline and Saoirse, as they come to terms with their mother’s sudden death and try to find their place in the world without her.
I enjoyed the plot of self-discovery for the three women as they navigated their new life in Swallow Hall. I loved seeing their confidence and magic develop over the course of the book. The mystery of the house and their family history was a running theme throughout the book that I felt was paced well and ended satisfyingly.
As an Irish person from the area which Biddy Early was from, it was interesting reading about her. However, there were moments of the book that I did find hard to read like Biddy’s letter where she wrote phonetically, as it did feel like a bad attempt at doing an Irish accent. Also the use of the Irish language as a magical language was not translated correctly.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and wanted to see where Rowan and her sisters would end up. It was a nice stand-alone book that was a good palette cleanser.
When I saw this book on NetGalley I had to request it immediately! I love anything witchy. The book follows triplets Rowan, Caraline and Saoirse, as they come to terms with their mother’s sudden death and try to find their place in the world without her.
I enjoyed the plot of self-discovery for the three women as they navigated their new life in Swallow Hall. I loved seeing their confidence and magic develop over the course of the book. The mystery of the house and their family history was a running theme throughout the book that I felt was paced well and ended satisfyingly.
As an Irish person from the area which Biddy Early was from, it was interesting reading about her. However, there were moments of the book that I did find hard to read like Biddy’s letter where she wrote phonetically, as it did feel like a bad attempt at doing an Irish accent. Also the use of the Irish language as a magical language was not translated correctly.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and wanted to see where Rowan and her sisters would end up. It was a nice stand-alone book that was a good palette cleanser.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book from NetGalley for a review. This was such a fun story! I’m a little wary of many books about witch sisters, only because I’ve read a few I didn’t like, but this one is original.
Siblings and triplets, Rowan, Caraline, and Saoirse, have lived their entire lives on the run at the behest of their mother, Bridget. When Bridget suddenly dies, the girls are left with no information about the past and no idea of what to do in the future. They find a childhood picture of their mother, which leads them to Bridget’s hometown. Once there, they discover Bridget’s childhood home and meet their grandmother.
Everyly, the grandmother, tells the girls about their mother and her life before she left, and also about their lineage of magic. The house is not only their ancestral home, it’s also magical and sentient. It protects the family. Kind of like The House of Wind, but less sex positive.
This was an enjoyable read. The story is interesting and unique, I did feel like the end came on too quickly and was a little rushed. Even so, this is a great book and I hope you get a chance to read it!
Siblings and triplets, Rowan, Caraline, and Saoirse, have lived their entire lives on the run at the behest of their mother, Bridget. When Bridget suddenly dies, the girls are left with no information about the past and no idea of what to do in the future. They find a childhood picture of their mother, which leads them to Bridget’s hometown. Once there, they discover Bridget’s childhood home and meet their grandmother.
Everyly, the grandmother, tells the girls about their mother and her life before she left, and also about their lineage of magic. The house is not only their ancestral home, it’s also magical and sentient. It protects the family. Kind of like The House of Wind, but less sex positive.
This was an enjoyable read. The story is interesting and unique, I did feel like the end came on too quickly and was a little rushed. Even so, this is a great book and I hope you get a chance to read it!
June 28, 2026
The House of Spells and Secrets is a debut release for Ivy Cassidy, but she's also known as Melissa Bourbon for those of us in the mystery world and what a treat to see something new and magical from her!
It doesn't matter what name she uses, I know when I buy one of Ivy's books, it will be engaging and well written and House of Spells and Secrets lived up to the standards I've come to expect from her books. What is different, is the traveling back in time to a simpler age, (If the 70's can be described as simple) when the world was caught up in a purple haze--or maybe it was just plain magical;)
The real life lore mixed in the Ivy's imagination bring to life a mystical story of sisters and the unbreakable, although rocky, relationships they share. The way she brings to life the family legacy and the sisters Rowan, Caraline, and Saoirse's family home, Swallow Hall is brilliant. This book is one for anyone with a book club who wants to delve into strong women in history who've been persecuted for helping their community.
It doesn't matter what name she uses, I know when I buy one of Ivy's books, it will be engaging and well written and House of Spells and Secrets lived up to the standards I've come to expect from her books. What is different, is the traveling back in time to a simpler age, (If the 70's can be described as simple) when the world was caught up in a purple haze--or maybe it was just plain magical;)
The real life lore mixed in the Ivy's imagination bring to life a mystical story of sisters and the unbreakable, although rocky, relationships they share. The way she brings to life the family legacy and the sisters Rowan, Caraline, and Saoirse's family home, Swallow Hall is brilliant. This book is one for anyone with a book club who wants to delve into strong women in history who've been persecuted for helping their community.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars. I enjoyed so much about this book, the relationship between the sisters, the mystery surrounding their family history, and the atmosphere of the house and island where the book takes place. The technical writing was good, and the style of the prose was very readable. The plot was interesting and will keep a reader engaged.
However, I did want some aspects to be more developed. I wanted more on the history of the house and family or at least more developed explanations. The characters fell a little too neatly into stereotypes which made them more flat and less interesting. It also made some aspects of the book very predicated taking away from the mystery.
Overall I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy witchy vibes, sister bonds, and books about uncovering family secrets.
I received an advance copy of this book for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this honest review independently.
However, I did want some aspects to be more developed. I wanted more on the history of the house and family or at least more developed explanations. The characters fell a little too neatly into stereotypes which made them more flat and less interesting. It also made some aspects of the book very predicated taking away from the mystery.
Overall I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy witchy vibes, sister bonds, and books about uncovering family secrets.
I received an advance copy of this book for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this honest review independently.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews