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Halloween Town #2
Halloween Town
‘From the moment I stepped into this delightfully eerie world, I was hooked by its charming atmosphere, quirky characters and Halloween magic’ ★★★★★ Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…
She's leaving her life behind and fleeing to the only place she’s ever truly felt like the small town she grew up in, where Halloween lasts all year.
But home isn’t waiting for Poppy the way she imagined. Her grandparents’ beloved inn is now owned by Thom Sheffield, who just happens to
Her childhood heroHer ex-fiancé’s brooding older brotherThe last man on earth she should be fantasizing about… Because in a town full of pumpkins, cosy traditions, and Halloween magic, falling in love might be the scariest thing of all…
Readers LOVE Halloween Town! ‘I didn’t think I’d fall in love with Solstice Springs more than I already had after Summerween, but somehow Joss Wood made me love this quirky little town even more’ ★★★★★
'Prepare to be bewitched! You have a cozy read that is MADE for autumn and pumpkin spice and this one is best savoured with freshly brewed coffee, twizzled with a cinnamon stick!' ★★★★★
‘One of my favorite Halloween-themed reads’ ★★★★★
‘I would absolutely love to live in a town where it’s spooky season all year round’ ★★★★★
‘I could not put it down… easily able to give this book five stars' ★★★★★
‘Strikes such a wonderful balance between romance, humor, healing and just enough spooky magic to make it feel perfect for the season’ ★★★★★
‘From the very first chapter I wanted to pack my bags and move to this quirky little town’ ★★★★★
‘From the moment I stepped into this delightfully eerie world, I was hooked by its charming atmosphere, quirky characters and Halloween magic’ ★★★★★
‘The perfect fall read… I loved the first book but I loved this one even more’ ★★★★★
‘A delicious second chance romance’ ★★★★★
‘I love a small town read and this book series is just the perfect kind of quirky for me’ ★★★★★
‘The charming setting, lovable characters and cleverly woven mystery made it impossible to put down’ ★★★★★
She's leaving her life behind and fleeing to the only place she’s ever truly felt like the small town she grew up in, where Halloween lasts all year.
But home isn’t waiting for Poppy the way she imagined. Her grandparents’ beloved inn is now owned by Thom Sheffield, who just happens to
Her childhood heroHer ex-fiancé’s brooding older brotherThe last man on earth she should be fantasizing about… Because in a town full of pumpkins, cosy traditions, and Halloween magic, falling in love might be the scariest thing of all…
Readers LOVE Halloween Town! ‘I didn’t think I’d fall in love with Solstice Springs more than I already had after Summerween, but somehow Joss Wood made me love this quirky little town even more’ ★★★★★
'Prepare to be bewitched! You have a cozy read that is MADE for autumn and pumpkin spice and this one is best savoured with freshly brewed coffee, twizzled with a cinnamon stick!' ★★★★★
‘One of my favorite Halloween-themed reads’ ★★★★★
‘I would absolutely love to live in a town where it’s spooky season all year round’ ★★★★★
‘I could not put it down… easily able to give this book five stars' ★★★★★
‘Strikes such a wonderful balance between romance, humor, healing and just enough spooky magic to make it feel perfect for the season’ ★★★★★
‘From the very first chapter I wanted to pack my bags and move to this quirky little town’ ★★★★★
‘From the moment I stepped into this delightfully eerie world, I was hooked by its charming atmosphere, quirky characters and Halloween magic’ ★★★★★
‘The perfect fall read… I loved the first book but I loved this one even more’ ★★★★★
‘A delicious second chance romance’ ★★★★★
‘I love a small town read and this book series is just the perfect kind of quirky for me’ ★★★★★
‘The charming setting, lovable characters and cleverly woven mystery made it impossible to put down’ ★★★★★
Audible Audio
Published August 13, 2026
About the author
Joss Wood
677 books514 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-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
October 31, 2026
This was a fun quick Halloween romance🎃
I loved the small town setting where Halloween is all year around with lots of themed activities, from bewitched bonfires, baking contests and lantern walks, it created such a magical atmosphere. And of course there are ghosts, that like to meddle with human affairs. Their chapters were an absolute delight to read!
Poppy is such a loveable character. She ran away on her wedding day after two ghosts appeared and gave her the final push she needed. All her life she has been living the life her family expected of her, with a job she hated and a fiancé she didn’t love.
After running away to Halloween town she reconnects with her childhood friend and is trying to rediscover herself. Poppy finally learns, that she is enough just the way she is. I loved seeing her grow and realise her potential.
In my opinion she deserves so much better than Thom, who pissed me off to no end!
Thom got his heart broken in the past and decided never to be the one that loved harder. There are a lot of issues he should have worked through in his grown age but he never did.
He gave me the ick several times. I get it, you know her since you were children and now she’s all grown up and you are attracted to her but please stop saying ‘All women’ ‘All curves’ every time you describe her.
Another example: Then she looked up at him with her big, blue, grown-up eyes…” ughh
Overall this was a quick mostly enjoyable read with a magical atmosphere and an icky MMC🫣
I loved the small town setting where Halloween is all year around with lots of themed activities, from bewitched bonfires, baking contests and lantern walks, it created such a magical atmosphere. And of course there are ghosts, that like to meddle with human affairs. Their chapters were an absolute delight to read!
Poppy is such a loveable character. She ran away on her wedding day after two ghosts appeared and gave her the final push she needed. All her life she has been living the life her family expected of her, with a job she hated and a fiancé she didn’t love.
After running away to Halloween town she reconnects with her childhood friend and is trying to rediscover herself. Poppy finally learns, that she is enough just the way she is. I loved seeing her grow and realise her potential.
In my opinion she deserves so much better than Thom, who pissed me off to no end!
Thom got his heart broken in the past and decided never to be the one that loved harder. There are a lot of issues he should have worked through in his grown age but he never did.
He gave me the ick several times. I get it, you know her since you were children and now she’s all grown up and you are attracted to her but please stop saying ‘All women’ ‘All curves’ every time you describe her.
Another example: Then she looked up at him with her big, blue, grown-up eyes…” ughh
Overall this was a quick mostly enjoyable read with a magical atmosphere and an icky MMC🫣
October 8, 2026
This is a fun fluffy romance set in a Halloweeny town, with ghosts. But boy, did it have a lot of issues.
Synopsis:
Poppy was supposed to get married. But instead of doing that she followed some ghosts' advice and climbed out of a window to flee the scene in her wedding dress. So, reeling from the crazy ass decision she just made, she goes to the only place she's ever felt safe, her grandparents' house. But when she gets there, Thom (her childhood best friend and the estranged brother of her ex-fiancé) is there and claims to have bought that house. The house that meant so much to her was sold by her family, without even consulting her. So here she is, in her favorite town, trying to make sense of it all. But can she let go of her fears and find herself?
Ok, so first off, this relationship was creepy as hell. He mentions several times that he felt like her brother growing up and then he's suddenly super attracted to her? Also, why did he have to mention the fact that she's all grown up all the time. That just gave me the ick. And speaking of the ick, can we just collectively decide to not use the word 'folds' to describe female anatomy? Like ewww...
Then there's the presence of the ghosts, that apart from in the absolute beginning, add nothing to the story whatsoever. They're just there, meddling, sort of, but making no actual difference. And then we go straight into the most nonsensical third act break up I've ever read about. So, Poppy doesn't want to move in with him after a week of dating and that somehow means she doesn't want him?! Like what, dude... You need therapy.
So overall, no, I would not recommend it. I liked the setup and Halloweeny vibes, but in the end there were too many things that made no sense to me or gave me the ick.
Synopsis:
Poppy was supposed to get married. But instead of doing that she followed some ghosts' advice and climbed out of a window to flee the scene in her wedding dress. So, reeling from the crazy ass decision she just made, she goes to the only place she's ever felt safe, her grandparents' house. But when she gets there, Thom (her childhood best friend and the estranged brother of her ex-fiancé) is there and claims to have bought that house. The house that meant so much to her was sold by her family, without even consulting her. So here she is, in her favorite town, trying to make sense of it all. But can she let go of her fears and find herself?
Ok, so first off, this relationship was creepy as hell. He mentions several times that he felt like her brother growing up and then he's suddenly super attracted to her? Also, why did he have to mention the fact that she's all grown up all the time. That just gave me the ick. And speaking of the ick, can we just collectively decide to not use the word 'folds' to describe female anatomy? Like ewww...
Then there's the presence of the ghosts, that apart from in the absolute beginning, add nothing to the story whatsoever. They're just there, meddling, sort of, but making no actual difference. And then we go straight into the most nonsensical third act break up I've ever read about. So, Poppy doesn't want to move in with him after a week of dating and that somehow means she doesn't want him?! Like what, dude... You need therapy.
So overall, no, I would not recommend it. I liked the setup and Halloweeny vibes, but in the end there were too many things that made no sense to me or gave me the ick.
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.
October 4, 2026
If I could rate this as a zero, I would.
Here are the many things I dislike about this book.
- All of the characters. Not even *gasp* the dog, or the ghosts. All the characters just suck. The interactions between one another made me cringe. I didn't find a single thing funny that was intended to be funny.
-The writing is atrocious. What are these sentences? And their structure? What are these stupid-ass descriptions? Who edited this? How did this get published? Unbelievable. Just when you put the last horribly written sentence out of your mind here comes another one barreling towards you!
-There's a sentence that actually starts with "Lol" in here and it's not in a text or a message. This is an internal thought of a character.
-Thom's entire personality is that he's so big and so tall. Did you get that? He's big and tall. He has a chest as wide as Canada. Yep, page 75. I wish I were making that up. Oh, and something about renovating an Inn and strategy. Otherwise, there's literally nothing else there.
-Poppy's entire personality is that she's small like a child, fairy like, perky boobs and perky butt. Did you hear that she's like a fairy? And that she's soooo small? And short like a child? Did you get that? Did you? I'm not sure it was repeated often enough for my tastes as a reader. Her personality is like that dried up freeze dried orange you find way in the back of your crisper drawer that you bought four months ago.
-There's like one mini spicy scene in this book (and it's mediocre) while the rest are behind closed doors. Does that still technically qualify for "spicy romance" to be on the cover? I guess anything goes these days.
-I imagine that when they have sex it's like two mannequins knocking together... there's no tangible passion between them, no soul, nothing intense, nothing that feels real and you can get lost in as a reader.
-This town has the lamest "ceremonies" and "traditions". All relate to writing some wish, hope, fear or whatever on a piece of paper and setting in a floating lantern to fly away, or writing on a paper bat and setting on fire (like, what? LOL) or putting on a tag on a tree. Could we be any more stupid and wasteful?
-Also, what is the incentive of tourists supposedly coming to this town anyways. To participate in these stupid ceremonies and maybe interact with some alleged ghost in a coffee shop and walk around some tacky decor that probably takes away from the natural beauty of this town anyways? Or is the souvenir shop just that good?
-Reading about two grown ass adults in their early thirties experiencing the miscommunication trope. Sloppy writing.
-Weak plot.
-If I had to read that he's "her person" one more effing time.
I imagine this author is cashing in on unsuspecting buyers assuming this has something to do with the nostalgic Halloween town movies by Disney (there is no relation to them) or stupid saps (like me) who just wanted a cute and cozy autumnal related romance book that had some depth to it.
I'm not entirely convinced that AI didn't write this book.
-
Here are the many things I dislike about this book.
- All of the characters. Not even *gasp* the dog, or the ghosts. All the characters just suck. The interactions between one another made me cringe. I didn't find a single thing funny that was intended to be funny.
-The writing is atrocious. What are these sentences? And their structure? What are these stupid-ass descriptions? Who edited this? How did this get published? Unbelievable. Just when you put the last horribly written sentence out of your mind here comes another one barreling towards you!
-There's a sentence that actually starts with "Lol" in here and it's not in a text or a message. This is an internal thought of a character.
-Thom's entire personality is that he's so big and so tall. Did you get that? He's big and tall. He has a chest as wide as Canada. Yep, page 75. I wish I were making that up. Oh, and something about renovating an Inn and strategy. Otherwise, there's literally nothing else there.
-Poppy's entire personality is that she's small like a child, fairy like, perky boobs and perky butt. Did you hear that she's like a fairy? And that she's soooo small? And short like a child? Did you get that? Did you? I'm not sure it was repeated often enough for my tastes as a reader. Her personality is like that dried up freeze dried orange you find way in the back of your crisper drawer that you bought four months ago.
-There's like one mini spicy scene in this book (and it's mediocre) while the rest are behind closed doors. Does that still technically qualify for "spicy romance" to be on the cover? I guess anything goes these days.
-I imagine that when they have sex it's like two mannequins knocking together... there's no tangible passion between them, no soul, nothing intense, nothing that feels real and you can get lost in as a reader.
-This town has the lamest "ceremonies" and "traditions". All relate to writing some wish, hope, fear or whatever on a piece of paper and setting in a floating lantern to fly away, or writing on a paper bat and setting on fire (like, what? LOL) or putting on a tag on a tree. Could we be any more stupid and wasteful?
-Also, what is the incentive of tourists supposedly coming to this town anyways. To participate in these stupid ceremonies and maybe interact with some alleged ghost in a coffee shop and walk around some tacky decor that probably takes away from the natural beauty of this town anyways? Or is the souvenir shop just that good?
-Reading about two grown ass adults in their early thirties experiencing the miscommunication trope. Sloppy writing.
-Weak plot.
-If I had to read that he's "her person" one more effing time.
I imagine this author is cashing in on unsuspecting buyers assuming this has something to do with the nostalgic Halloween town movies by Disney (there is no relation to them) or stupid saps (like me) who just wanted a cute and cozy autumnal related romance book that had some depth to it.
I'm not entirely convinced that AI didn't write this book.
-
October 9, 2026
Quite literally the worst book I have ever read. Characters read like soggy bread, the writing is a crime against literature (the run-on sentences alone made me question if AI wrote this), plot lacks even a grain of substance and is so boring it could be used as a torture game in the SAW movies. The only way I’d ever recommend this book to someone is if I truly hated them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading the first book in the series, I was excited to return to Halloween Town, and honestly, I think I enjoyed this one a bit more... at least for most of it.
Poppy is supposed to be walking down the aisle, but thanks to a little encouragement from two mischievous ghosts (yes, really!), she decides to trust her instincts, climb out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress and run. Naturally, she heads back to Halloween Town and the inn she always considered home, only to discover that her family has sold it without telling her. Even more surprising? The new owner is Thom, her childhood hero, the boy who abruptly left town years ago... and, to make things even more complicated, the stepbrother of the man she just left at the altar.
I really enjoyed Poppy and Thom's relationship. Their shared history gave their romance a solid foundation, and I loved watching Poppy slowly break free from the expectations everyone else had placed on her. She really starts finding herself throughout the story, and I found that journey just as enjoyable as the romance itself.
It was also wonderful returning to Halloween Town. The quirky ghosts, lovable townsfolk, cozy autumn atmosphere, Halloween decorations and seasonal festivities once again made this such a fun place to visit. It's one of those fictional towns I'd happily spend a few days in.
The romance itself was sweet, steamy and easy to read, making this a perfect cozy autumn romance.
Unfortunately, just like in the first book, the ending relied on a miscommunication and third-act breakup that felt completely avoidable. These are grown adults, yet instead of having one honest conversation, they immediately jump to conclusions. It was frustrating because I had been enjoying the story so much up until that point, and the unnecessary drama took away from what could have been an even stronger ending.
Overall, I still had a great time with this book. I loved the setting, enjoyed Poppy and Thom together more than the first couple, and appreciated watching Poppy finally become her own person. Despite my frustration with the ending, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Halloween Town has in store next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Poppy is supposed to be walking down the aisle, but thanks to a little encouragement from two mischievous ghosts (yes, really!), she decides to trust her instincts, climb out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress and run. Naturally, she heads back to Halloween Town and the inn she always considered home, only to discover that her family has sold it without telling her. Even more surprising? The new owner is Thom, her childhood hero, the boy who abruptly left town years ago... and, to make things even more complicated, the stepbrother of the man she just left at the altar.
I really enjoyed Poppy and Thom's relationship. Their shared history gave their romance a solid foundation, and I loved watching Poppy slowly break free from the expectations everyone else had placed on her. She really starts finding herself throughout the story, and I found that journey just as enjoyable as the romance itself.
It was also wonderful returning to Halloween Town. The quirky ghosts, lovable townsfolk, cozy autumn atmosphere, Halloween decorations and seasonal festivities once again made this such a fun place to visit. It's one of those fictional towns I'd happily spend a few days in.
The romance itself was sweet, steamy and easy to read, making this a perfect cozy autumn romance.
Unfortunately, just like in the first book, the ending relied on a miscommunication and third-act breakup that felt completely avoidable. These are grown adults, yet instead of having one honest conversation, they immediately jump to conclusions. It was frustrating because I had been enjoying the story so much up until that point, and the unnecessary drama took away from what could have been an even stronger ending.
Overall, I still had a great time with this book. I loved the setting, enjoyed Poppy and Thom together more than the first couple, and appreciated watching Poppy finally become her own person. Despite my frustration with the ending, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Halloween Town has in store next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2026
I wanted to love Halloween Town by Joss Wood, but it felt like it was trying to be too many things at once. While the spooky town setting and ghosts were a fun concept, the execution fell flat.
The book suffers from a maturity gap. The constant miscommunication and juvenile back-and-forth between Poppy and Tom felt very high school. They were never on the same page, and if you dialed back the spice, this could easily pass as a YA romance. Because of that childish setup, the spicy scenes unfortunately just gave me a massive ick. To top it off, the ghost, Ruby, was too self-absorbed and quite annoying.
It’s a cute idea, but the conflicting tone just didn't work for me.
The book suffers from a maturity gap. The constant miscommunication and juvenile back-and-forth between Poppy and Tom felt very high school. They were never on the same page, and if you dialed back the spice, this could easily pass as a YA romance. Because of that childish setup, the spicy scenes unfortunately just gave me a massive ick. To top it off, the ghost, Ruby, was too self-absorbed and quite annoying.
It’s a cute idea, but the conflicting tone just didn't work for me.
September 11, 2026
This is a Paranormal Hate to Love Romance, and this is the second book in the Halloween Town series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I do think you will get a better feel for the town if you read the first book in this series before picking up this book, but you can read this book as a standalone. I found this to be a cozy cute romance that was so much fun to read. I loved seeing the characters in this book to slowly let each other in and open up. I really love this town and the ghosts. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 8, 2026
Some minor spoilers but I didn’t finish it!
I’m convinced this is AI or it’s where AI learnt to “write”, it’s that bad. The author has multiple releases in the same year which is an AI red flag.
I love a good trashy romance/spicy book that doesn’t take much brain power to read but this was dreadful and I could not finish it.
None of the characters are likable and the two main characters have zero chemistry. Where is the depth and intimacy between them?
Issues are brought up and resolved immediately (the pearl). She’s being a “cock tease” but a few pages later they’re shagging on the dining room table…. No suspense at all, no emotional or sexual build up.
I have an issue with why Thom ghosted poppy. Comes across as a creepy man who can’t control himself and can’t be friends with someone he finds attractive. He was 20 not a teenager. Yes 20 year olds can be dumb but it read like “I needed to leave so I wouldn’t be a sex pest”. I think that’s perpetuating a harmful narrative that men and women can’t be friends.
The ghost thing added nothing. It would have been better without the ghost pov and had more hints written in subtly but this AI/author doesn’t do subtle. What happened to show don’t tell. I don’t need everything little thing explaining to me. Thom’s entire backstory is explained in his first chapter.
Definitely do not recommend
I’m convinced this is AI or it’s where AI learnt to “write”, it’s that bad. The author has multiple releases in the same year which is an AI red flag.
I love a good trashy romance/spicy book that doesn’t take much brain power to read but this was dreadful and I could not finish it.
None of the characters are likable and the two main characters have zero chemistry. Where is the depth and intimacy between them?
Issues are brought up and resolved immediately (the pearl). She’s being a “cock tease” but a few pages later they’re shagging on the dining room table…. No suspense at all, no emotional or sexual build up.
I have an issue with why Thom ghosted poppy. Comes across as a creepy man who can’t control himself and can’t be friends with someone he finds attractive. He was 20 not a teenager. Yes 20 year olds can be dumb but it read like “I needed to leave so I wouldn’t be a sex pest”. I think that’s perpetuating a harmful narrative that men and women can’t be friends.
The ghost thing added nothing. It would have been better without the ghost pov and had more hints written in subtly but this AI/author doesn’t do subtle. What happened to show don’t tell. I don’t need everything little thing explaining to me. Thom’s entire backstory is explained in his first chapter.
Definitely do not recommend
September 8, 2026
5 stars cus I read it with ana☺️
October 25, 2026
Enjoyable book and better than the first one in my opinion. Still, it is a cosy Halloween romance, but it doesn’t have any special kick to it.
Perfect for romance lovers or Hallmark fans!
Perfect for romance lovers or Hallmark fans!
Read
July 6, 2026🎃🧡 Halloween Town 🧡🎃
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Small Town
• Runaway Bride
• Fall Romance
• Cozy Autumn
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 13, 2026
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Small Town
• Runaway Bride
• Fall Romance
• Cozy Autumn
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 13, 2026
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
August 28, 2026
Aww what a book!
After reading book one of the series I knew I had to read this one. I was so excited to return to Halloween Town and read Thom and Poppy’s story.
Poppy decides with the help of two ghostly figures in a mirror that she can’t marry her fiancé, so she climbs out of the window and runs to the place she’s always felt safe, Halloween Town. Things don’t go quite as she hoped when she finds out her family have sold the old house she adored and her old best friend who up and left her suddenly is now the occupant and just so happens to be the brother of the fiancé she just left.
The drama is real in this one. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s been a blast reading their story.
Thom was brilliant, he’s been hurt in the past so he keeps himself to himself. Poppy was so lovely and it was great to see her come back to her normal self by being surrounded by people who love her. Her character growth was one of my favourite things to see.
I really enjoyed their relationship, the enemies to lovers always gets me, I’m a sucker for that trope. They work so well together when they’re not butting heads.
The author brought us another fun Halloween Town book and I can’t wait to read more. The quirky ghosts, the autumn vibes and the whole town just made this story that much
After reading book one of the series I knew I had to read this one. I was so excited to return to Halloween Town and read Thom and Poppy’s story.
Poppy decides with the help of two ghostly figures in a mirror that she can’t marry her fiancé, so she climbs out of the window and runs to the place she’s always felt safe, Halloween Town. Things don’t go quite as she hoped when she finds out her family have sold the old house she adored and her old best friend who up and left her suddenly is now the occupant and just so happens to be the brother of the fiancé she just left.
The drama is real in this one. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s been a blast reading their story.
Thom was brilliant, he’s been hurt in the past so he keeps himself to himself. Poppy was so lovely and it was great to see her come back to her normal self by being surrounded by people who love her. Her character growth was one of my favourite things to see.
I really enjoyed their relationship, the enemies to lovers always gets me, I’m a sucker for that trope. They work so well together when they’re not butting heads.
The author brought us another fun Halloween Town book and I can’t wait to read more. The quirky ghosts, the autumn vibes and the whole town just made this story that much
October 26, 2026
this was like the reading equivalent of sticking a fork in my eye over and over again
October 18, 2026
Can these people please COMMUNICATE?! Honestly, all of these issues are in their heads. Hold up, I’m opening up a psychologists office in Halloween Town. Let me be the new doctor in town they need. For Christ’s sake.
August 20, 2026
2.75⭐️
Very deflated after reading Summerween and loving it . I just didn’t get the same feeling and vibes for this and actually felt it was a little depressing and lacking fun spooky Halloween stuff like the first . I didn’t connect with the 2 main characters at all like I did in Summerween so sadly it wasn’t for me . I’ve got the next 2 books on order regardless and will plod on and try them both .
Immersively read - book & audio.
Very deflated after reading Summerween and loving it . I just didn’t get the same feeling and vibes for this and actually felt it was a little depressing and lacking fun spooky Halloween stuff like the first . I didn’t connect with the 2 main characters at all like I did in Summerween so sadly it wasn’t for me . I’ve got the next 2 books on order regardless and will plod on and try them both .
Immersively read - book & audio.
Read
September 13, 2026Honestly the fall & Halloween vibes were so awesome
hard-dnf-s
October 2, 2026Hard DNFing on October 2nd, 2026, 208 pages in (62%).
- Shallow, superficial.
- Each character was quickly becoming unlikable for a variety of reasons (no ability to stand up for themselves, no communication).
- Some random things that gave me the ick (misogynistic comments, punishing a dog when it doesn't need to be punished).
- Lack of chemistry.
I will not be continuing with this series.
- Shallow, superficial.
- Each character was quickly becoming unlikable for a variety of reasons (no ability to stand up for themselves, no communication).
- Some random things that gave me the ick (misogynistic comments, punishing a dog when it doesn't need to be punished).
- Lack of chemistry.
I will not be continuing with this series.
November 12, 2026
✨Full review will follow later✨
November 2, 2026
I hated this book. I hated the characters. I hated the writing. I hated the plot. I have never hated a book as much as I hated this one. Please do yourself a favour and never read this book. I honestly almost gave up reading because of how painful this was. I need to learn how to DNF books because this was genuinely the biggest waste of time. On a positive note, the cover is cute.
Did Not Finish
September 26, 2026While I did enjoy Summerween I really tried to like this one but it was to cheesy and predictable! It fell flat for me and the characters felt so boring and lifeless! Also the romance was too lusty and I was hoping for a proper build up to it!
I do want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book!
I do want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book!
September 26, 2026
I hated everyone in this book, including the ghosts
August 5, 2026
I’m sorry I’m DNFing at 35% 😢 I wanted to love this! It’s just not it for me. I didn’t love Thom’s POV. Truly, why is he so obsessed with her body?? And not in a good way in my opinion. It was odd to me. I love the idea of this book but it missed the mark for me.
August 5, 2026
Halloween Town, a cozy, small town, fall romance
FMC Poppy flees back to her beloved town of Solstice Springs, after pulling a runaway bride stunt at her wedding. She spent summers as a child in Solstice Springs at her grandparents Inn, Solstice Deep and hopes to find herself again by staying there. Unexpectedly, she walks into the Inn and finds none other than Thom Sheffield, who apparently now owns and is renovating the Inn. Thom and Poppy were best friends up until Poppy was a teen, then Thom ran out of her life and she hadn't seen him since. He also happens to be the brother of the man she just ran out on. With a lot of catching up to do, and strange interference by some possible ghosts, Poppy and Thom find themselves drawn back together.
I love the town of Solstice Springs, and its year round Halloween theme. I think it would be such a fun place to visit, with a festive feeling no matter the season. I think Poppy fleeing her wedding was one of the best decisions she had made in what sounds like a few years. With extremely high expectations from her family, she had been simply going through the motions of what would make them happy. She finally got the nudge she needed to take her life in her own hands, even if it was from an unexpected, not sure if they were real, source.
I enjoyed all the people in Solstice Springs, as well as the paranormal aspect. Being able to come "home" and find her true passion again, Poppy starts to really thrive. Thom is in a similar situation, having left the corporate world to follow his passion. Felony, Thom's dog, is hilarious! I love how opinionated he is. Luna is also a fun character, part of the town's supposed coven, and all about making every aspect of Solstice Springs Halloween themed.
This is such a cozy read, I enjoyed getting into the fall spirit!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and One More Chapter for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"Solstice Deep, her grandparents’ bluff-top, Victorian inn on the edge of the small town of Solstice Springs, was where she most wanted to be. There, where the Berkshires loomed, and the lake glittered…"
"Blackweather Green, the large park running alongside the lake, would already be transformed in preparation for the town’s biggest festival, a month-long affair celebrating everything Halloween, culminating in the Bonfire of the Bewitched on Halloween night."
"Despite being across the road, the scent of fresh coffee and warm pie drifting out of Spirited Grounds hit her..."
"She was, she supposed, ghost-curious. Willing to consider the possibility of the paranormal..."
"Felony, his three-year-old golden retriever, looking like he had absolutely no fucks to give, gave him a “what do you want now?” glare."
"She was wearing too-big clothes, had a pounding headache, and her childhood idol was, inconveniently, a sexy, hot, ripped, sullen man. "
" She tasted mysterious, of magic and moonbeams."
FMC Poppy flees back to her beloved town of Solstice Springs, after pulling a runaway bride stunt at her wedding. She spent summers as a child in Solstice Springs at her grandparents Inn, Solstice Deep and hopes to find herself again by staying there. Unexpectedly, she walks into the Inn and finds none other than Thom Sheffield, who apparently now owns and is renovating the Inn. Thom and Poppy were best friends up until Poppy was a teen, then Thom ran out of her life and she hadn't seen him since. He also happens to be the brother of the man she just ran out on. With a lot of catching up to do, and strange interference by some possible ghosts, Poppy and Thom find themselves drawn back together.
I love the town of Solstice Springs, and its year round Halloween theme. I think it would be such a fun place to visit, with a festive feeling no matter the season. I think Poppy fleeing her wedding was one of the best decisions she had made in what sounds like a few years. With extremely high expectations from her family, she had been simply going through the motions of what would make them happy. She finally got the nudge she needed to take her life in her own hands, even if it was from an unexpected, not sure if they were real, source.
I enjoyed all the people in Solstice Springs, as well as the paranormal aspect. Being able to come "home" and find her true passion again, Poppy starts to really thrive. Thom is in a similar situation, having left the corporate world to follow his passion. Felony, Thom's dog, is hilarious! I love how opinionated he is. Luna is also a fun character, part of the town's supposed coven, and all about making every aspect of Solstice Springs Halloween themed.
This is such a cozy read, I enjoyed getting into the fall spirit!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and One More Chapter for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"Solstice Deep, her grandparents’ bluff-top, Victorian inn on the edge of the small town of Solstice Springs, was where she most wanted to be. There, where the Berkshires loomed, and the lake glittered…"
"Blackweather Green, the large park running alongside the lake, would already be transformed in preparation for the town’s biggest festival, a month-long affair celebrating everything Halloween, culminating in the Bonfire of the Bewitched on Halloween night."
"Despite being across the road, the scent of fresh coffee and warm pie drifting out of Spirited Grounds hit her..."
"She was, she supposed, ghost-curious. Willing to consider the possibility of the paranormal..."
"Felony, his three-year-old golden retriever, looking like he had absolutely no fucks to give, gave him a “what do you want now?” glare."
"She was wearing too-big clothes, had a pounding headache, and her childhood idol was, inconveniently, a sexy, hot, ripped, sullen man. "
" She tasted mysterious, of magic and moonbeams."
November 3, 2026
Het gezellige dorpje Solstice Springs wordt bestuurd door een burgemeester die ook een heks is, het is er 365 dagen per jaar Halloween en het spookt er (of niet?). 𝗘𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗷𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗱, 𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗸 𝗴𝗲𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴 (pun intended). 🎃👻
Denk aan de 𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗳é-𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 van Laurie Gilmore, maar dan met een 𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗸 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗷𝗲. Supervlot geschreven, vrolijk en lekker cosy!
De 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗽 zag ik helaas al van mijlenver aankomen. Bij deze dus een kleine waarschuwing voor wie daar z’n buik vol van heeft. 😂
En ook de spice mocht zeker wel wat spicier.🌶️
Maar 𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, want die is toch meeeega mooi?!
😅 Ik nam dit boek afgelopen week overal mee naartoe en kon dan ook niet kiezen welke foto ik zou posten. 📸
𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗮𝗻:
🍂 cosy small town romances
🦇 Halloween-vibes
✨ een vleugje magie
😁 luchtige humor
💕 romantiek zonder al te veel spice
Denk aan de 𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗳é-𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 van Laurie Gilmore, maar dan met een 𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗸 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗷𝗲. Supervlot geschreven, vrolijk en lekker cosy!
De 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗽 zag ik helaas al van mijlenver aankomen. Bij deze dus een kleine waarschuwing voor wie daar z’n buik vol van heeft. 😂
En ook de spice mocht zeker wel wat spicier.🌶️
Maar 𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, want die is toch meeeega mooi?!
😅 Ik nam dit boek afgelopen week overal mee naartoe en kon dan ook niet kiezen welke foto ik zou posten. 📸
𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗮𝗻:
🍂 cosy small town romances
🦇 Halloween-vibes
✨ een vleugje magie
😁 luchtige humor
💕 romantiek zonder al te veel spice
August 26, 2026
R E V I E W
Halloween Town by Joss Wood
☆☆☆.75
Another nice, easy read set in a quirky, halloween-obsessed town and featuring a sweet, and occasionally steamy, romance.
I liked this second book in the series a bit more than Summerween and found that the history between Thom and Poppy enabled them to get close and quick in a more realistic way. The pair fell together naturally and I liked that Thom gave Poppy the space to heal without pressuring her for answers or for more than she could give.
I did feel that miscommunication was prevalent in this book, much like the first, and made for a rather anticlimactic third-act break-up that was wholly unnecessary. As a result their reunion, even with Thom's special gesture, lacked gravitas and didn't hit the emotional notes it should have.
All in all, a quick and lighthearted read with just enough to inspire me to continue on with the series.
Halloween Town by Joss Wood
☆☆☆.75
Another nice, easy read set in a quirky, halloween-obsessed town and featuring a sweet, and occasionally steamy, romance.
I liked this second book in the series a bit more than Summerween and found that the history between Thom and Poppy enabled them to get close and quick in a more realistic way. The pair fell together naturally and I liked that Thom gave Poppy the space to heal without pressuring her for answers or for more than she could give.
I did feel that miscommunication was prevalent in this book, much like the first, and made for a rather anticlimactic third-act break-up that was wholly unnecessary. As a result their reunion, even with Thom's special gesture, lacked gravitas and didn't hit the emotional notes it should have.
All in all, a quick and lighthearted read with just enough to inspire me to continue on with the series.
September 21, 2026
Halloween Town by Joss Wood is a good book — funny, romantic, and sprinkled with just the right amount of spooky goings‑on to make it feel magical.
Thom and Poppy are such a cute pair. Both have been hurt in the past, each for different reasons, and Solstice Deep becomes a safe place for them — somewhere they retreat to heal, hide, and slowly piece themselves back together at different points in their lives.
And then there’s Felony — the dog with very strong opinions — who adds humour, chaos, and an extra layer of charm to every scene he trots into.
When Thom and Poppy meet again after time apart, the chemistry sparks instantly. Ghosts meddle, magic stirs, and their connection feels warm, sweet, and perfectly tied to the whimsical, eerie energy of Solstice Deep.
A funny, romantic, lightly spooky read that blends heart, humour, and supernatural mischief in all the right ways.
Thom and Poppy are such a cute pair. Both have been hurt in the past, each for different reasons, and Solstice Deep becomes a safe place for them — somewhere they retreat to heal, hide, and slowly piece themselves back together at different points in their lives.
And then there’s Felony — the dog with very strong opinions — who adds humour, chaos, and an extra layer of charm to every scene he trots into.
When Thom and Poppy meet again after time apart, the chemistry sparks instantly. Ghosts meddle, magic stirs, and their connection feels warm, sweet, and perfectly tied to the whimsical, eerie energy of Solstice Deep.
A funny, romantic, lightly spooky read that blends heart, humour, and supernatural mischief in all the right ways.
October 17, 2026
DNF 42%
This book is seriously making me question if I'm still a romance girly. Like, sure, they're supposed to have the hots for each other, but do I really need to read about the swell of her breasts the first time he sees her again or his muscled whatever?
It's not just one thing, either. I'm getting fed up with all these little things that keep adding up. Like the fact that they go to a singles event "because the mayor bullied them into it and they don't have a spine." Please, no.
And then there's the whole ghost storyline. The ghosts add absolutely nothing to the main story, and honestly, Thom & Poppy's romance would've been enough on its own. But noooo, because it's Halloweentown, we apparently need a ghost with her own trauma thrown into the mix. It just feels like a badly executed supernatural trope that takes away from the story rather than adding to it.
This book is seriously making me question if I'm still a romance girly. Like, sure, they're supposed to have the hots for each other, but do I really need to read about the swell of her breasts the first time he sees her again or his muscled whatever?
It's not just one thing, either. I'm getting fed up with all these little things that keep adding up. Like the fact that they go to a singles event "because the mayor bullied them into it and they don't have a spine." Please, no.
And then there's the whole ghost storyline. The ghosts add absolutely nothing to the main story, and honestly, Thom & Poppy's romance would've been enough on its own. But noooo, because it's Halloweentown, we apparently need a ghost with her own trauma thrown into the mix. It just feels like a badly executed supernatural trope that takes away from the story rather than adding to it.
August 9, 2026
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔. 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐.”
For a fun and light read this book has some real depth. I just love how this author empowers her female characters and in this she takes runaway bride Poppy fleeing her wedding to Benji, even writing his name makes me gag, and going back to her grandparents inn where she always felt safe.
Bit of a shock to get there and discover Benji's brother and her oldest best friend Thom now owns it and doesn't want her there.
As I hoped there were more ghostly hijinks and oh dear Ruby had a lesson of her own to learn from watching Poppy. Luna is still one crazy lady controlling everything Halloween and it was so nice to be back in Solstice Springs. Watching Thom tv may be a delight but the real star of the show was watching Poppy transform from parent/people pleaser to someone who realised she has worth just as she is.
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔. 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐.”
For a fun and light read this book has some real depth. I just love how this author empowers her female characters and in this she takes runaway bride Poppy fleeing her wedding to Benji, even writing his name makes me gag, and going back to her grandparents inn where she always felt safe.
Bit of a shock to get there and discover Benji's brother and her oldest best friend Thom now owns it and doesn't want her there.
As I hoped there were more ghostly hijinks and oh dear Ruby had a lesson of her own to learn from watching Poppy. Luna is still one crazy lady controlling everything Halloween and it was so nice to be back in Solstice Springs. Watching Thom tv may be a delight but the real star of the show was watching Poppy transform from parent/people pleaser to someone who realised she has worth just as she is.
October 29, 2026
Another cute, cosy and quirky edition to the H'Town series, perfect read for this time of year🧡
The storyline had me rooting for Poppy & Thom and I loved the ups and downs, but this did follow a very similar plot layout to Summerween.
I continue to love the Solstice Springs Ghosts and their involvement (or is it meddling 😂) in the small town gossip and dramas. It was fun to see them from a 'believers' point of view.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else develops in this spooky little town over the next few books! Solstice Springs has me wanting to attend EVERY event they have 🎃😍
The storyline had me rooting for Poppy & Thom and I loved the ups and downs, but this did follow a very similar plot layout to Summerween.
I continue to love the Solstice Springs Ghosts and their involvement (or is it meddling 😂) in the small town gossip and dramas. It was fun to see them from a 'believers' point of view.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else develops in this spooky little town over the next few books! Solstice Springs has me wanting to attend EVERY event they have 🎃😍
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