What do you think?
Rate this book
Halloween Town #2
Halloween Town
Not yet published
Expected 13 Aug 26It's always spooky season here…The week before her wedding, Poppy McMaster bolted—in her dress, bouquet still in hand—straight back to her grandparents’ haunted inn in Halloween Town. Only one the inn has already been sold… to Thom Sheffield, her ex-fiancé’s brooding, scandal-shadowed older brother. With the town overrun by its month-long Halloween festival (complete with pumpkin contests, ghost tours, and a zombie marching band), Poppy has nowhere to go and no choice but to share space with Thom.
But as they renovate the inn—and dodge mischievous ghosts who specialize in sabotaging almost-kisses—sparks ignite. Between the Halloween festival, meddling ghosts and some soul seeking, Poppy and Thom discover that love might just be the scariest (and most extraordinary) thing of all…
But as they renovate the inn—and dodge mischievous ghosts who specialize in sabotaging almost-kisses—sparks ignite. Between the Halloween festival, meddling ghosts and some soul seeking, Poppy and Thom discover that love might just be the scariest (and most extraordinary) thing of all…
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 13, 2026
About the author
Joss Wood
652 books398 followersJoss Wood loves books and travelling— especially to the wild places of Southern Africa and, well, anywhere.
She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.
Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...
She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.
Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 12, 2026
After finishing Summerween, I couldn’t wait to return to Solstice Springs and Halloween Town leapfrogged the rest of my TBR.
On the day of her wedding, Poppy gets an eleventh-hour nudge from our favorite meddling ghosts and flees to the last place she felt like herself: her late grandparents’ inn in H-Town. Turns out it’s no longer owned by her family; the inn was sold to and is being restored by her childhood friend/ex-fiancee’s estranged brother Thom.
Halloween Town was everything I loved about the first book, with a little less of the emotional heaviness. Poppy and Thom both had their emotional hills to climb, but it felt more in line with your average romcom. (Which I appreciated!) The town and its residents were still charmingly quirky. The ghosts, meddlesome. The whole package, a warm, Halloweeny hug.
Now that I’ve devoured these first two books, I’m sad I’ll have to wait until next year for the thirddd.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
On the day of her wedding, Poppy gets an eleventh-hour nudge from our favorite meddling ghosts and flees to the last place she felt like herself: her late grandparents’ inn in H-Town. Turns out it’s no longer owned by her family; the inn was sold to and is being restored by her childhood friend/ex-fiancee’s estranged brother Thom.
Halloween Town was everything I loved about the first book, with a little less of the emotional heaviness. Poppy and Thom both had their emotional hills to climb, but it felt more in line with your average romcom. (Which I appreciated!) The town and its residents were still charmingly quirky. The ghosts, meddlesome. The whole package, a warm, Halloweeny hug.
Now that I’ve devoured these first two books, I’m sad I’ll have to wait until next year for the thirddd.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
June 11, 2026
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 41%. The premise sounded like it could have been my kind of thing. Small town romance with paranormal elements is my cup of tea, but this one just fell quite flat.
There were a few things I struggled with in the story, but the main thing was the focus on women’s bodies. How they should be slim, large breasted perfect figures, and this was mentioned a lot by the time I DNFed. It also didn’t sit right with me that the FMC was very judgy with what other women wear (“could her dress be any shorter or tighter?”) what happened to women uplifting eachother? In understand that she was feeling threatened by this other lady, but those kind of thoughts don’t scream feminist to me.
The ghost element of the story was interesting, and I would have liked more of a focus on that and her friendships with the towns people/ spooky vibes.
Thanks to the publisher for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
There were a few things I struggled with in the story, but the main thing was the focus on women’s bodies. How they should be slim, large breasted perfect figures, and this was mentioned a lot by the time I DNFed. It also didn’t sit right with me that the FMC was very judgy with what other women wear (“could her dress be any shorter or tighter?”) what happened to women uplifting eachother? In understand that she was feeling threatened by this other lady, but those kind of thoughts don’t scream feminist to me.
The ghost element of the story was interesting, and I would have liked more of a focus on that and her friendships with the towns people/ spooky vibes.
Thanks to the publisher for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
Halloween Town by Joss Wood
Publication Date: August 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
🎃 Small Town
🎃 Paranormal
🎃 Runaway Bride
🎃 Haunted House
This is the 2nd book in the Halloween Town series. The first book is called Summerween and it follows Poppy's life. Poppy is of course Wren's best friend who we fell in love with in the first book. The book opens up to Poppy in the bridal suite getting ready for her wedding. Poppy is deaply overwhelmed by trying to please her over bearing mother and having to have the perfect wedding. Her wedding will be the talk of the town in Solstice Deap at her Grandparents Victorian Inn. Which resides at the edge of the small town in Solstice Springs. Halloween Town has year round Halloween celebrations and everything spooky. The mayor of this town is a witch and a full-time hustler. To Poppy this place always felt like home. Poppy is getting ready and as she is looking out the window she is fantasizing about jumping out and running away through the garden. However, Poppy's mother is apart of the A-List social scene and her dad is a neurosurgeon. She couldn't let them down. Poppy's fiance is Benji who is in the legendary Sheffield family. That family is a political dynasty of state judges and one of the oldest law firms in the state. All of a sudden an apparition appears in the mirror before Poppy in the bridal suite and says "your running out of time...your about to make a mistake you can't undo." What will Poppy do? Will she listen to the ghost or cave and do what her mother expects?
"She was sunshine and sweetness, all with a hint of ghost-tinged crazy. Creative and lovely, loving and absentminded, perfectly, perfectly Poppy."
"I want to stand in the storm with you, by your side."
I have read two books in the Halloween Town series and this is hands down my favorite one. The first book took a lot of time to set the scene and describe the most magical and spooky Solstice Springs town. This book got right into the swoon worthy relationship of Poppy and Thom. I absolutely adore how this book started off with Poppy as a runaway bride and then to her moving into a Haunted Inn. Poppy stood up to her mom and ultimately found herself and her confidence to go after the things she wanted most in life. This book was spicy, and steamy with a side of spooky delight. I highly reccomend this cozy Halloween read to get you into the spirit of the best Holiday there is. Another wonderful book by Joss Wood.
Halloween Town by Joss Wood
Publication Date: August 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
🎃 Small Town
🎃 Paranormal
🎃 Runaway Bride
🎃 Haunted House
This is the 2nd book in the Halloween Town series. The first book is called Summerween and it follows Poppy's life. Poppy is of course Wren's best friend who we fell in love with in the first book. The book opens up to Poppy in the bridal suite getting ready for her wedding. Poppy is deaply overwhelmed by trying to please her over bearing mother and having to have the perfect wedding. Her wedding will be the talk of the town in Solstice Deap at her Grandparents Victorian Inn. Which resides at the edge of the small town in Solstice Springs. Halloween Town has year round Halloween celebrations and everything spooky. The mayor of this town is a witch and a full-time hustler. To Poppy this place always felt like home. Poppy is getting ready and as she is looking out the window she is fantasizing about jumping out and running away through the garden. However, Poppy's mother is apart of the A-List social scene and her dad is a neurosurgeon. She couldn't let them down. Poppy's fiance is Benji who is in the legendary Sheffield family. That family is a political dynasty of state judges and one of the oldest law firms in the state. All of a sudden an apparition appears in the mirror before Poppy in the bridal suite and says "your running out of time...your about to make a mistake you can't undo." What will Poppy do? Will she listen to the ghost or cave and do what her mother expects?
"She was sunshine and sweetness, all with a hint of ghost-tinged crazy. Creative and lovely, loving and absentminded, perfectly, perfectly Poppy."
"I want to stand in the storm with you, by your side."
I have read two books in the Halloween Town series and this is hands down my favorite one. The first book took a lot of time to set the scene and describe the most magical and spooky Solstice Springs town. This book got right into the swoon worthy relationship of Poppy and Thom. I absolutely adore how this book started off with Poppy as a runaway bride and then to her moving into a Haunted Inn. Poppy stood up to her mom and ultimately found herself and her confidence to go after the things she wanted most in life. This book was spicy, and steamy with a side of spooky delight. I highly reccomend this cozy Halloween read to get you into the spirit of the best Holiday there is. Another wonderful book by Joss Wood.
June 19, 2026
3.5-star rating – good
ARC READ
I really do enjoy this quirky town!
I love Poppy; she’s a woman who isn’t appreciated by her family. She tried her hardest to please them, but nothing was good enough. I found her easy to relate to. And she tried to make everyone else happy on her wedding day by giving into other people’s desires and ignoring her own wants for her wedding. The wedding isn’t her own. And after coming to a realisation, she runs to her safety net…
She’s such a gentle soul and needs to find herself, and her comfort is Halloween Town.
Thom, he is a walking green flag, albeit a little grumpy. He’s patient, kind, and caring. He is renovating the inn from his childhood, the one he would go to when he needed to find comfort as a youngster.
It’s the same inn that Poppy is running at too! It was her grandmother and grandpa’s inn and every summer growing up she’d visit. Thom and Poppy were childhood friends. She’d turn to him for safety, and he happily protected her, but as with most childhood friends, age gets in the way and time slips by and distance separates them.
Thom is older; it’s an age gap romance, but it’s only really referenced a few times. I think it’s a seven-year age gap, if I remember correctly.
I really liked the dynamic between the two and the tension, as Poppy was actually getting married to his half-brother. Which added another layer to their complicated situation.
They both have experience with past relationship trauma, and they both need time to work through it. Do I feel this is accomplished? Not really. It’s a work in progress even at the end.
Poppy did have me questioning her mental state as one night, she says she did not want sex, but the following day she’s happy for him to take her! I felt it was a little rushed; she only just left his brother at the altar.
I really enjoyed the added ghost POV in the last book—Summerween— but I don’t feel it was necessary here. And again, the multiple POPs weren’t clearly marked, so it took time to adjust to each one every time.
The miscommunication at the end was more of a misunderstanding; he misunderstood what she was wanting. So he retreated. Yes, I think he should have just spoken to her. But what I did like is it didn’t overwhelm the story; it was right at the end of the book, and he took accountability. He gave her space and understood she may have still needed the space when he spoke to her— finally!
Hopefully, their relationship continues to grow and mature in the later books.
ARC READ
I really do enjoy this quirky town!
I love Poppy; she’s a woman who isn’t appreciated by her family. She tried her hardest to please them, but nothing was good enough. I found her easy to relate to. And she tried to make everyone else happy on her wedding day by giving into other people’s desires and ignoring her own wants for her wedding. The wedding isn’t her own. And after coming to a realisation, she runs to her safety net…
She’s such a gentle soul and needs to find herself, and her comfort is Halloween Town.
Thom, he is a walking green flag, albeit a little grumpy. He’s patient, kind, and caring. He is renovating the inn from his childhood, the one he would go to when he needed to find comfort as a youngster.
It’s the same inn that Poppy is running at too! It was her grandmother and grandpa’s inn and every summer growing up she’d visit. Thom and Poppy were childhood friends. She’d turn to him for safety, and he happily protected her, but as with most childhood friends, age gets in the way and time slips by and distance separates them.
Thom is older; it’s an age gap romance, but it’s only really referenced a few times. I think it’s a seven-year age gap, if I remember correctly.
I really liked the dynamic between the two and the tension, as Poppy was actually getting married to his half-brother. Which added another layer to their complicated situation.
They both have experience with past relationship trauma, and they both need time to work through it. Do I feel this is accomplished? Not really. It’s a work in progress even at the end.
Poppy did have me questioning her mental state as one night, she says she did not want sex, but the following day she’s happy for him to take her! I felt it was a little rushed; she only just left his brother at the altar.
I really enjoyed the added ghost POV in the last book—Summerween— but I don’t feel it was necessary here. And again, the multiple POPs weren’t clearly marked, so it took time to adjust to each one every time.
The miscommunication at the end was more of a misunderstanding; he misunderstood what she was wanting. So he retreated. Yes, I think he should have just spoken to her. But what I did like is it didn’t overwhelm the story; it was right at the end of the book, and he took accountability. He gave her space and understood she may have still needed the space when he spoke to her— finally!
Hopefully, their relationship continues to grow and mature in the later books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was delighted to read this ARC so that I could find out what happens to Poppy & Thom, and I am not disappointed! It was so great to slip back into Solstice Springs aka H Town (I wish I could live there!) and catch up with Wren, Dane, Hayes, Hadley and the rest of the gang. I love that my favorite meddling town bystanders are back; they really are one my favorite parts of these books. My only complaint is that I wish I could read more about the town’s most special residents!
Anyway, this novel is childhood friends-to-not friends??-to-friends-to-lovers, and could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book (Summerween) first as you will have more context and thus a richer experience. I loved reading more about Wren (Summerween’s FMC) and Poppy’s friendship in this book, as well as their relationship with Wren’s godmother Luna (also the town’s very quirky & witchy mayor). Poppy is, IMHO, a very relatable character - she is a people pleaser with very avoidant behavior - so I enjoyed reading her journey of self discovery, dealing with her family, and finding true love.
This book is fun, sweet, deliciously steamy, and leaves you feeling as if you just got a big warm hug. It also sets up for a third book in the series, focusing on their friend Hayes, and I cannot wait to see how that goes!
Anyway, this novel is childhood friends-to-not friends??-to-friends-to-lovers, and could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book (Summerween) first as you will have more context and thus a richer experience. I loved reading more about Wren (Summerween’s FMC) and Poppy’s friendship in this book, as well as their relationship with Wren’s godmother Luna (also the town’s very quirky & witchy mayor). Poppy is, IMHO, a very relatable character - she is a people pleaser with very avoidant behavior - so I enjoyed reading her journey of self discovery, dealing with her family, and finding true love.
This book is fun, sweet, deliciously steamy, and leaves you feeling as if you just got a big warm hug. It also sets up for a third book in the series, focusing on their friend Hayes, and I cannot wait to see how that goes!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this immediately after Summerween - it's rare that I'll read books in a series one after the other but I was really intrigued to see where this one was going.
Halloween Town follows Poppy and Thom and is definitely the same vibes/feeling as Summerween. It's a cozy, super easy breezy romance. Obviously, there are ghost side characters and lots of spooky offerings!
In Halloween Town, we also get a little more of the friendship group and of course, Dane and Wren from the first book, which was a nice check in.
I really do enjoy the vibes here, but unfortunately the romance between Poppy and Thom fell a tiny bit flat for me, I just couldn't feel the chemistry and I felt like their spark was a little dim. I also understand Poppy was feeling very threatened at one point by a certain character but some of the comments made seemed a little... 2000's mean girl? I understand where she was coming from but I wonder if there was a better way to introduce us to her feeling this way.
I loved the side characters so much and of course, the town. The town Joss Wood has crafted is so vibrant and rich that I couldn't help but fall in love with it all over again, its easily my favourite thing about these novels and it is starting to feel like home.
Halloween Town follows Poppy and Thom and is definitely the same vibes/feeling as Summerween. It's a cozy, super easy breezy romance. Obviously, there are ghost side characters and lots of spooky offerings!
In Halloween Town, we also get a little more of the friendship group and of course, Dane and Wren from the first book, which was a nice check in.
I really do enjoy the vibes here, but unfortunately the romance between Poppy and Thom fell a tiny bit flat for me, I just couldn't feel the chemistry and I felt like their spark was a little dim. I also understand Poppy was feeling very threatened at one point by a certain character but some of the comments made seemed a little... 2000's mean girl? I understand where she was coming from but I wonder if there was a better way to introduce us to her feeling this way.
I loved the side characters so much and of course, the town. The town Joss Wood has crafted is so vibrant and rich that I couldn't help but fall in love with it all over again, its easily my favourite thing about these novels and it is starting to feel like home.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Random things in this book:
1 - the dog is called Felony 🤷🏻♀️
2 - we have the FMC POV and the MMC POV but also the POV of... a biker lady ghost 🤷🏻♀️ 🤷🏻♀️
3 - a pack of stickers as a grand romantic gesture. You'll see!
A cute, fun, easy read. A bit boring a predictable but I enjoyed the autumn vibes and it was sometimes mildly amusing.
I felt like there were a few too many characters as I couldn't keep on top of them all, but this is the second book in the series and I didn't read the first (got an ARC for the second but not the first) so that may have something to do with it!
Basic plot summary: Poppy runs away from her society wedding back to the town she spent her summers in as a child at her grandparents house. But the new owner of her grandparents house is none other than her childhood friend, and jilted fiance's brother, Thom.
She very quickly moves on from her non-wedding and into the open arms (and pants) of Thom. There's some 3rd act miscommunication (with added angst and overthinking) which went on waaaaay too long before reaching the inevitable HEA.
Oh, the book is called Halloween Town as it's set in the fictional Solstice Springs which celebrates Halloween year round. NGL I'd 100% be one of the visiting tourists if this place was real.
1 - the dog is called Felony 🤷🏻♀️
2 - we have the FMC POV and the MMC POV but also the POV of... a biker lady ghost 🤷🏻♀️ 🤷🏻♀️
3 - a pack of stickers as a grand romantic gesture. You'll see!
A cute, fun, easy read. A bit boring a predictable but I enjoyed the autumn vibes and it was sometimes mildly amusing.
I felt like there were a few too many characters as I couldn't keep on top of them all, but this is the second book in the series and I didn't read the first (got an ARC for the second but not the first) so that may have something to do with it!
Basic plot summary: Poppy runs away from her society wedding back to the town she spent her summers in as a child at her grandparents house. But the new owner of her grandparents house is none other than her childhood friend, and jilted fiance's brother, Thom.
She very quickly moves on from her non-wedding and into the open arms (and pants) of Thom. There's some 3rd act miscommunication (with added angst and overthinking) which went on waaaaay too long before reaching the inevitable HEA.
Oh, the book is called Halloween Town as it's set in the fictional Solstice Springs which celebrates Halloween year round. NGL I'd 100% be one of the visiting tourists if this place was real.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Childhood friends to lovers will forever be top tier and add in an element of ex's brother and you've got something I definitely will enjoy. I was slightly annoyed at first with how Poppy wormed her way into staying, but I do enjoy me some forced proximity, so I won't complain too much about the means to get there. They definitely needed to communicate better, but I do see why they did what they did. They both had the character growth they needed, which I obviously liked, as well as just the overall plot.
I know I said in my review for book 1 that the different POVs could be a bit confusing sometimes, but I did not have that same issue here at all (probably because it wasn't the first time that I read the format like this). I really do enjoy the little ghost parts and how there's one that is going through their own journey/character development. It really adds to the story in my opinion.
Can't wait to see who the ghosts are gonna help in book 3 :)
Thank you One More Chapter for the ARC!
I know I said in my review for book 1 that the different POVs could be a bit confusing sometimes, but I did not have that same issue here at all (probably because it wasn't the first time that I read the format like this). I really do enjoy the little ghost parts and how there's one that is going through their own journey/character development. It really adds to the story in my opinion.
Can't wait to see who the ghosts are gonna help in book 3 :)
Thank you One More Chapter for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Halloween Town was such a fun and cozy escape. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into a town where Halloween isn't just a holiday, it's a way of life. The atmosphere was charming, festive, and filled with the kind of small-town magic that makes you wish you could visit in real life.
I especially enjoyed the character growth throughout the story. Poppy's journey felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her as she navigated unexpected changes and new possibilities. The romance was sweet, engaging, and blended seamlessly with the story's themes of self-discovery, home, and second chances.
With lovable characters, plenty of autumn charm, and all the cozy Halloween vibes a reader could ask for, Halloween Town is the perfect seasonal read for romance fans. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story that captures the spirit of fall.
Halloween Town was such a fun and cozy escape. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into a town where Halloween isn't just a holiday, it's a way of life. The atmosphere was charming, festive, and filled with the kind of small-town magic that makes you wish you could visit in real life.
I especially enjoyed the character growth throughout the story. Poppy's journey felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her as she navigated unexpected changes and new possibilities. The romance was sweet, engaging, and blended seamlessly with the story's themes of self-discovery, home, and second chances.
With lovable characters, plenty of autumn charm, and all the cozy Halloween vibes a reader could ask for, Halloween Town is the perfect seasonal read for romance fans. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story that captures the spirit of fall.
Read
May 30, 2026Halloween Town by Joss Wood is the second book in the Halloween Town Series, published by Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter. The first book is Summerween, Wren and Dane's story.
Welcome to Sostice Spring aka Halloween Town where all year round is Halloween, ghosts are giving advice and true love can find its way.
Halloween Town is the next stand alone in the series.
Poppy is minutes away, about to marry her fiance when Ruby and Naomi show up and convince her to return to Solstice Springs sans Benji. So why not be a runaway bride, licking her wounds and finding her hea there?
This cosy romance has everything I love in a great read, the writing is fantastic, I love the pace, the slow burn, the unique and fresh story. And Thom, don't get me started with the love interest - he's just the best.
5 stars and I can't wait for the next book, Pumpkin Lane.
Welcome to Sostice Spring aka Halloween Town where all year round is Halloween, ghosts are giving advice and true love can find its way.
Halloween Town is the next stand alone in the series.
Poppy is minutes away, about to marry her fiance when Ruby and Naomi show up and convince her to return to Solstice Springs sans Benji. So why not be a runaway bride, licking her wounds and finding her hea there?
This cosy romance has everything I love in a great read, the writing is fantastic, I love the pace, the slow burn, the unique and fresh story. And Thom, don't get me started with the love interest - he's just the best.
5 stars and I can't wait for the next book, Pumpkin Lane.
June 11, 2026
I didn’t think it would be possible for me to love this book more than Summerween, but I absolutely did. Thom and Poppy are perfect together. Childhood friends-to-lovers is my favorite trope for a reason, and it was done so well here. Watching both of them grow and learn from their past mistakes, especially Poppy, was incredibly rewarding. Seeing them stand up for themselves and choose what was the best for them made their even better.
Ruby was amazing, and getting to see more of her and the other ghosts is one of my favorite parts of these books. The way she wanted to protect Poppy and keep her from experiencing the same pain she went through was beautiful.
If you enjoy a friends-to-lovers romance with a touch of forced proximity and emotionally rich characters, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC.
Ruby was amazing, and getting to see more of her and the other ghosts is one of my favorite parts of these books. The way she wanted to protect Poppy and keep her from experiencing the same pain she went through was beautiful.
If you enjoy a friends-to-lovers romance with a touch of forced proximity and emotionally rich characters, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 9, 2026
I read this book straight after finishing book 1 in the series- Summerween- and was looking forward to Poppy and Thom’s story after the build up and hints dropped which had me guessing what might happen between them.
This was another easy read, nice and seasonal- set around Halloween time- and again the town and its resident ghosts feature as side characters- but I didn’t love the romance in this one quite so much. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Poppy and Thom. That said, I loved seeing more of Dane and Wren and their friendship group, and have enjoyed how seasonal this series is.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was another easy read, nice and seasonal- set around Halloween time- and again the town and its resident ghosts feature as side characters- but I didn’t love the romance in this one quite so much. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Poppy and Thom. That said, I loved seeing more of Dane and Wren and their friendship group, and have enjoyed how seasonal this series is.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher for the early access to Halloween Town.
After reading Summerween by Joss Wood, I just had to read Halloween Town.
I love the fact these are different characters in Halloween Town and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I feel like the characters are so close to being real. Poppy fleeing her wedding and finding out later in the story other things could and I bet does happen in real life. Maybe not the ghosts being around but you know even that's a possibility.
Joss Wood's writing style immerses you into the story and although there's always a bumpy journey you get the happy feels.
After reading Summerween by Joss Wood, I just had to read Halloween Town.
I love the fact these are different characters in Halloween Town and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I feel like the characters are so close to being real. Poppy fleeing her wedding and finding out later in the story other things could and I bet does happen in real life. Maybe not the ghosts being around but you know even that's a possibility.
Joss Wood's writing style immerses you into the story and although there's always a bumpy journey you get the happy feels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Halloween Town by joss wood.
This is the second book in the Halloween Town series and I’ve loved having the chance to read both books so far of the trilogy. Halloween Town is a friends-to-lovers read set in a small town we are all becoming familiar with (H-town) that absolutely loves celebrating Halloween.
This is Beautifully written and full of engaging characters, this story hooked me in from the very first page. If you enjoy small-town romances this is definitely one to add to your reading list. 🎃✨
I cannot wait to read the next book.
This is the second book in the Halloween Town series and I’ve loved having the chance to read both books so far of the trilogy. Halloween Town is a friends-to-lovers read set in a small town we are all becoming familiar with (H-town) that absolutely loves celebrating Halloween.
This is Beautifully written and full of engaging characters, this story hooked me in from the very first page. If you enjoy small-town romances this is definitely one to add to your reading list. 🎃✨
I cannot wait to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great read and while I enjoyed it here over summer, it would be even better in the fall with a cup of chai tea. It is a romantic story of a girl who is not lucky in relationships and has always been manipulated by family with caveats to get their love.
The mischievous ghost started to irk my nerves. I was itching for her issues to be resolved to get out of the way of the FMC and MMC. However, I got past it and it was a nice dimension to the story.
I enjoyed how the story was told flipping from FMC to MMCs voices. Sharing their viewpoint of an experience.
Fel I loved. His personality quirks was welcomed.
The mischievous ghost started to irk my nerves. I was itching for her issues to be resolved to get out of the way of the FMC and MMC. However, I got past it and it was a nice dimension to the story.
I enjoyed how the story was told flipping from FMC to MMCs voices. Sharing their viewpoint of an experience.
Fel I loved. His personality quirks was welcomed.
June 8, 2026
4/5 stars! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put this book down. I was very intrigued by the title and the book description. Halloween Town is book two in the Halloween Town trilogy. It was a cute, cozy and quick read. The main trope from Halloween Town is friends to lovers which is one of my favourite genres. Halloween Town is releasing August 13, 2026. Thank you to Joss Wood, Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Did Not Finish
June 9, 2026I made it to 33% but ultimately decided this one wasn’t the right fit for me. I thought the romance was super cute (runaway bride, friend to lovers), but I struggled to connect with the ghost element and found myself skimming. This book is also in third person which I usually struggle to connect with. Since this came down largely to personal preference, I don’t think I was the ideal reader for this story. Readers who enjoy romance with ghostly elements and 3rd person perspectives may enjoy it more.
Thank you to the publisher/author and netgalley for the advanced copy
Thank you to the publisher/author and netgalley for the advanced copy
Read
June 18, 2026Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk for this ARC of Halloween Town by Joss Wood in exchange for my honest review.
Halloween Town is a small town romance that is book #2 in the Halloween Town series and follows Poppy who was supposed to be getting married. In this small town, it’s always spooky season (who doesn’t want to live in a small town where it’s always spooky season?). The scariest thing about being in a town full of pumpkins, cozy traditions, Halloween magic and fall weather, falling in love might be the scariest thing of them all
Halloween Town is a small town romance that is book #2 in the Halloween Town series and follows Poppy who was supposed to be getting married. In this small town, it’s always spooky season (who doesn’t want to live in a small town where it’s always spooky season?). The scariest thing about being in a town full of pumpkins, cozy traditions, Halloween magic and fall weather, falling in love might be the scariest thing of them all
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Halloween Town, by Joss Wood, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in the Halloween Town series. Poppy McMaster is a run away bride, she ran to her hometown of Halloween Town. It would be nice to live in a place called Halloween town, this was nice read, I just did not the swearing in it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Definitely got me ready for the halloween season. The title had me instantly hooked because it reminded me of the movie halloween town and I loved that movie growing up.
But after reading I quickly realized it was nothing like that move lol it was so fun and honestly a great read.
But after reading I quickly realized it was nothing like that move lol it was so fun and honestly a great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went out of my comfort zone with this book and ultimately it was not it for me.
I didn’t really like the main character Poppy. She seemed very one dimensional. The writing format didn’t do it for me either.
The cover however, I love. It’s very cute.
I didn’t really like the main character Poppy. She seemed very one dimensional. The writing format didn’t do it for me either.
The cover however, I love. It’s very cute.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enjoying the book thus far, a little slow at the start and the fml’s temper tantrums are kind of annoying but i cant wait for it to develop and the relationship to grow.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews