Pumpkin Carving For Superstitious Witches: An Obscure Academy Holiday Story

Obscure Academy #5.5

by Laura Greenwood

If there's one thing Juniper always does for Halloween, it's making sure her door is guarded by a Jack-'o-lantern. But when her pumpkin is removed by building services, she's left with a few hours to find a new one and carve it.

But finding a pumpkin on Halloween is harder than it sounds, and she's about to give up when Emmett appears and helps her find an alternative.

Can the two of them get the Jack-o'-lantern carved in time?

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Pumpkin Carving For Suspicious Witches is a light-hearted witch academy m/f romance set at Obscure Academy. It is Juniper and Emmett's complete story.

Genres: Holiday, Witches, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Halloween

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2022

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cuisine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology-inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology-inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology-inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology-inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)
- Fated Mates and Monster Dates (cozy monster romance)
- The Dragonflame Heir (dragon romantasy)

Laura has been publishing since 2016 and writing for a lot longer than that. She specialises in quick reads that are perfect for an afternoon, a day at the beach, or a commute. She writes all of her own books.

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

Obscure Academy (paranormal academy romance)

Main Series:

1. Shifting Forms For Clumsy Felines: books2read.com/shiftingformsforclumsy...
2. Drinking Blood For Squeamish Vampires: books2read.com/drinkingbloodforsqueam...
3. Enchanting Songs For Silent Sirens: books2read.com/enchantingsongsforsile...
4. Flipping Tails For Seasick Mermaids: books2read.com/flippingtailsforseasic...
5. Potion Making For Disastrous Witches: books2read.com/potionmakingfordisastr...
6. Trading Names For Polite Sprites: books2read.com/tradingnamesforpolites...
7. Minor Inconveniences For Annoyed Pixies: books2read.com/minorinconveniencesfor...


Side Stories:

- Bonfire Night For Flammable Dragons: An Obscure Academy Holiday Story: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Secret Santa For Grumpy Elves: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Summer Break For Awkward Bears: books2read.com/summerbreakforawkwardb...
- Pumpkin Carving For Superstitious Witches: An Obscure Academy Story: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Ayşe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

Juniper & Emmett's story

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there's one thing this author does insanely well, it's writing the cutest romances you will ever find. This novella is not an exception. Even though the issues in this book seem relatively simple, it's so easy to start caring about these characters and to start rooting for them. The understanding the hero has for the heroine and how far he's willing to go to help her is really admirable. And despite the fact that this is a relatively short novella I really like how we really get to know the main characters and their personalities in this story. I think this has easily become my favorite series by this author and pumpkin carving will never be the same again!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short story for the spooky months! Juniper has to guard her door every Halloween with a carved Pumpkin. So this year, she made her jack-o-lantern and she was ready. But then building services came and took it stating it was a fire hazard. Now it’s Halloween and she doesn’t have her jack-o-lantern to guard her door… and she can’t find a pumpkin anywhere. Then Emmett appears and he tries to help her. But can they get it carved in time and will it work?

This was such a cute spooky season short story. I read this after seeing another bookstagrammer post about it and I couldn’t resist. While it is a short story, it’s easy to fall in love with Juniper and Emmett. I would love to read more about them and their world! The author made me very curious as to why Juniper needed the pumpkins and taught me something! Emmett and Juniper were so sweet with each other, I loved the hesitation between them. It felt very realistic.

I will say, I don’t normally read books of this genre, so to read that a store sells blood for vampires was quite different for me!

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author through Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been really enjoying these stories in the Obscure Academy world and was excited to read this one. This was another fun and light romantic read set during Halloween.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches is exactly what the title says it's about namely a witch who is carving a pumpkin. There's a lot more to the story as Juniper has a very important reason for carving a pumpkin every Halloween and this year building services removes her pumpkin and she has to find a new one on Halloween.

I liked reading about Juniper, her pumpkin carving was fun to read about and I felt her anxiety when her pumpkin got removed and she couldn't find a new one. I liked how Emmett, her friend from Marketing to Supernaturals shows up and can help her. And along the way they finally find the courage to admit to these feelings they've been having for a while now. The epilogue was sweet and a great way to wrap up their story.

This was a sweet friends to lovers romance and I liked how they worked together to make sure Juniper still had a Jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. I liked the twist that made sure Juniper could still get her Jack-o'-lantern. I liked seeing Emmett and Juniper interact and the way they really heard the other and were there for the other. I really like the way Laura Greenwood writes these romances. I could really feel their connection and romance and enjoyed reading about them.

To summarize: This was a light and fun paranormal romance book set around Halloween. I had fun reading this one and liked reading about Juniper and her pumpkin and her search for a new one when building services removes her pumpkin. I liked the romance between Juniper and Emmett and the way their quest for a Jack-o'-lantern brings them closer and finally haves them admit their feelings for one another. This was another great read in the Obscure Academy world and I look forward to more stories!

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper loves Halloween, but she loves her Jack-o’-lantern even more. She always carves a pumpkin and places it outside her door to ward off any unwanted visitors. But this year, her pumpkin is gone, and she suspects the building services are behind it. She has only a few hours left to find a new pumpkin and carve it, but that’s easier said than done on Halloween night. She’s about to lose hope when Emmett, a fellow student at Obscure Academy, shows up and offers to help her. Together, they search for a suitable substitute for a pumpkin, and end up with something unexpected. Will they be able to carve it in time and save Juniper’s Halloween tradition? – Pumpkin Carving For Suspicious Witches is a sweet and funny witch academy m/f romance featuring Juniper and Emmett. It is their complete story.

I enjoyed this charming short story with a Halloween theme. I discovered it through another book lover’s recommendation and I was intrigued. Juniper and Emmett are such adorable characters that I wish I could read more about them and their magical world. The author also revealed an interesting fact about why Juniper needed the pumpkins. I liked how Juniper and Emmett had a realistic and tender connection.

This is a festive and fun paranormal romance that takes place in an academy. The author has a smooth and engaging writing style that makes the story easy to follow. The main characters are quirky and charming, and they have a cute and awkward romance that develops throughout the story. The story also has some typical academy elements, such as classes, tests, and competitions. This is a light-hearted and enjoyable read that is perfect for relaxing. I can’t wait to read more stories from this author in the future.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some spirits are more welcome than others and our heroine wants to keep things straight. So when she runs into problems with her preparations, it is our hero to the rescue.

This is a side story from the main sequence, so it can be read as a standalone. Enjoy!

The story is a paranormal romance with an academy setting. The story is well written and easy to read with a couple of fun characters as our leads. We get a nice bit of the usual academy elements coupled with a slightly awkward romance which all makes for a fast paced and fun story. This is also a holiday themed story, so we get a bit of extra fun. Overall, this one was rather light and entertaining, which was perfect for a relaxing read. I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though most of the stories that follow Laura Greenwood’s Obscure Academy follow a similar kind of pattern in that they are just cute and easy romances. I love that each couple get their own unique start and flavour. For Juniper and Emmett this is the couple that meet and are instantly crushing on each other, but take their time in finally taking the plunge and getting together. Rather, they build up a friendship before creating a relationship, and I absolutely adored that approach.

I don’t actually know much about Halloween, whilst its gaining traction and interest in Australia, it’s still not something I celebrate. Yet, I love that Greenwood uses this story to dive a little into the different traditions that surround All Hallow’s Eve. Not just the current carving of Jack ‘O Lanterns, but also some of the fruits and vegetables that were traditionally used in place of the pumpkin. I absolutely adored the idea of carving a turnip in place of a pumpkin, and the idea had me smiling and laughing while I read Juniper and Emmett’s love story.

Juniper’s history and issues around Halloween are not exactly fun, but I love how they open up the discussion of genetics and how this influences people in the Obscure world. For a series that is wonderfully sweet and innocent in its journey to love, Greenwood has done a wonderful job of layering in details which make it feel that much more realistic. I had such a blast reading about not only this couple falling for one another, but also their discussions about genetics and just how this can influence the magic of the current generation of paranormals.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches was a great hour spent away from reality. It was a story that I’ll definitely go back to in the future, and I am glad that I had the joy of reading this. A nice, easy and fun read with just enough oomph to it that it was incredibly difficult to put down.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper's family used to have strong Necromancer skills but the skills are fading. Now the only remnants of the skill are the voices they hear on Halloween. It would drive them crazy except they have found that carving jack-o-lanterns keep them away. This is Juniper's first year at school and she is ready for Halloween. She has carved special jack-o-lanterns an put them outside her room. Then the campus security takes them away as a fire hazard. Now Juniper is on a frantic hunt for pumpkins on Halloween Eve. When she discovers no pumpkins at the supermarket, she does find Emmett, a class mate who is willing to do whatever it takes to help her out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper and Emmett’s story. Mild spoilers.
Juniper is a witch who can hear whispers of the dead but only on Halloween night. Her protection is a hand carved jack-o’lantern. Problem is this year her carefully carved pumpkin is lost and she is harried to find one on Halloween night. Emmett her friend comes up with a most unusual solution which happens to lead to the two of them really talking and realizing they want to be more than fiends.
A fun, quirky and silly spooky tale. A short read, but very entertaining with a hea.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, satisfying romance. Juniper is the superstitious witch in the title. Her family is cursed with hearing ghosts on Halloween unless they carve Jack-o-lanterns for protection. When her Jack-o-lantern is thrown away at the last minute, her friend Emmett comes through with help.
Juniper and Emmett are students and classmates in a boring class at Obscure Academy, a school for supernaturals. Both have crushes on the other but have yet to act on them. Emmett comes across Juniper having a panic attack because all the pumpkins are sold out. His innovation and gallantry open the way to a relationship to start.
Ms. Greenwood has a knack for writing relatable characters that readers can root for. Emmett shows compassion and thoughtfulness for Juniper’s dilemma and their relationship shows that it’s being built solidly on friendship and trust. This is a sweet romance with no foul language suitable for younger audiences as well.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pumpkin – not just for Halloween

The best part of pumpkin carving is roasting the seeds later. CRUNCH!!!
I have yet to make a pie from scratch with fresh pumpkin. Perhaps when I at the store next, I’ll consider picking up some.

OH! I just remembered the Pumpkin Butter Cake that my late aunt used to make for the family Thanksgiving. I’d sit right next to it, telling people that “It’ll make you sick” as I stuffed yet another bite in my mouth. Two of my cousins like to post pics of it on Facebook just to tease me now that they make it (and I live in a different country than they do).

Thanks for the fond memories (and expanding waistline).

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Halloween doesn’t like me.”

Juniper is ready for a nice, quiet, Halloween at home… unfortunately her best laid plans get thrown away.

When Emmett sees a friend struggling his first instinct is to help, and that may just be what gets him what he’s been wishing for for months.

This done in one story is about good friends discovering just how good, true, and deep that friendship is, and in the process that it could be the more they’ve been wishing for.

I was gifted with a copy of Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches and chose to share my thoughts.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper every Halloween carves a Jack O Lantern and stays inside because of a family 'ailment'. This year will be no different, but building security has another thing to say about that. On the mad rush to find a pumpkin, she runs into Emmett who helps with carving and so much more.

Come along as you see what could be a new love match happen and learn more about Juniper and her family.

Fun read, fast read, much read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, sweet and quick YA read. Juniper has a few issues with Halloween and missing a key piece to her ritual she needs to figure out what to do next... Emmett shows up and saves the day by suggesting something a bit more traditional. Thus begins the slow burn romance in earnest! School rolls on and the story ends just before October the following year. Plans are in the making, a charity event is being planned and things between Juniper and Emmett grow! Super sweet ending!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, short holiday story. Well written by none other than greenwood who does short, paranormal like no other. Good storyline and characters that will captivate and delight from start to finish. Juniper and Emmett are our main characters in this sweet Halloween romance read. While Halloween themed, this book can be enjoyed any time of the year.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper has a problem and Emmett is prepared to do anything in his power to help her solve it. Oh gosh! That was utterly adorable. It may be well past the spooky season of the year, but the sweetness of this story is timeless. I loved watching these two overcome their hesitance to take a chance on a relationship with one another to find something very special and lasting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fab Halloween read. Junipers family is cursed to hear the voices of ghosts on All Hallows’ Eve so they carve jack o’lanterns to protect themselves. Imagine her shock and surprise when hers gets thrown out at the very last minute, so panic ensues until her friend Emmett steps in. Friends who have crushes on each other but too afraid to act, their story is sweet and shows gallantry isn’t dead!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story from Obscure Academy but this time pumpkins are the stars. Ok the story takes place on Halloween and involves Juniper really needing a carved pumpkin for the night. But her carved pumpkin is taken and off she goes to find a replacement with the help of cute Emmett. Was a quick cute entertaining read. And I enjoyed the story.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper is in need of another pumpkin. Hers has been taken and she needs one to keep her safe. Emmett attempts to help her by getting her turnips to carve. Learning that they are traditional they carve the turnips together making this her best Halloween. Their crush on each other becomes a full blown romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable Halloween novella and a couldn't put it down one to boot.
The characters are well likable and supportive of each other. The plot is unique and who would have thought......TURNIPS?? Definitely not me.

I love these Obscure Academy Holiday novellas. Laura Greenwood writes them with such heartfelt warmth.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and fun. A witch that needs a Jack O’Latern for Halloween - what a silly concept or is it? Juniper needs this to keep voices out of her head. Not only a family tradition but a necessity. She never expected to get help from Emmett, a boy in one of her classes. A quirky, fun short story that makes you feel good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper and Emmett like each other but are too nervous or shy to ask the other on a date so when they bump into each other outside the market on Halloween, it turns into a date. This quick read is funny and romantic, ending happily. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack-o-lantern Crisis Averted

Juniper needs a Jack-o-lantern for Halloween, but when Building Services takes her’s, she’s in a bind. Emmett has liked Juniper for a while now, she he cancels his plans to help her out. I liked Emmett’s solution - it’s ingenious - and the fun they have carving together was delightful to read. A fun Halloween story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper needs a pumpkin to carve to ward off spirits and Emmett wants to help her and finds an interesting alternative. Who knew a missing pumpkin would lead to a sweet Halloween romance between two great characters. Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches is book ten and a fun addition to the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another adorable addition to the Obscure Academy series. I really am loving this series as the romances are very sweet. I have only read the novellas so far, so I want to get my hands on one of the novel-length entries to try them. Juniper and Emmett were well-matched and I love how they solved the problem of needing a pumpkin when the local store was all out.

[Barrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual storyline.

Very short very funny and very readable, when the only thing stopping you from hearing the voices of the dead on Halloween is a perfectly carved Jack O Lantern what's a girl to do when hers is deemed a fire hazard and there are no more to be found? Friends to lovers witchy rom-com, Baz.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute novella

There is a reason Juniper doesn’t go out on Halloween. Being a witch, one would think it the best night to go out. No spoiler. But this Halloween, she gets to find a love interest which blossoms during the next year. The story is cute, and lovey dicey. The only problems are the grammatical or lack of editing done. But it was short enough not to matter much.

[Warfie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stuff Your EReader Find!
This was a very cute read and a super nice pallet cleanser from a lot of the other books I have read from the event. I will say that the relationship is a 10 outta 10 I want in my own life. Even thought it was short, you could see the personalities of the characters in such a good way.

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another great story from the author, the storyline highlights the stupidity of safety
People and their ability to enter a girls bedroom without permission to confiscate
Articles for their own beliefs. Doing so bringing people together to show them up.
I absolutely loved it and have no problem recommending it.