Member Reviews
Darkly funny and just a little creepy, Cackle is a delightful feminist witchy treat. Annie, devastated by a break up, relocates from NYC to a charming upstate town. She is immediately taken up by Sophie, a devastatingly beautiful woman who lives in a mansion in the woods. The locals all treat Sophie like a Queen they are terrified of and she has so many spider friends that Annie is put on her guard. Sophie, however, treats Annie like gold and only seems to be encouraging her to be her best self. Should Annie trust her? I can’t wait to recommend this - I read it straight through.
'Cackle' by Rachel Harrison is a bewitching girl power read about the magic that is created when you choose to live life for you.
Annie, a newly single 30 year old teacher is forced to relocate to a small town when her all-consuming relationship comes to an end. Rowan is a charming town where the mysterious Sophie weaves her web of glamour that ensnares Annie in a dark initiation into the woman she was always meant to be.
'Cackle' is a witchy story but also a manifesto of self-empowerment and self-love. Through a series of magical events, Annie realizes that her desires and will can shape the world around her, fulfilling her in ways that she never thought possible. Choosing herself instead of mediocrity was the powerful spell cast in this quirky story about awakening to an authentic life.
Living life on your own terms can feel both liberating and dangerous at the same time which are the feelings Annie is forced to confront through the help of spiders, bones, and tea. The story is creepy at times and definitely has tv potential...think a darker Hallmark version of 'Good Witch.'
'Cackle' takes the all important life lessons found lurking in the pages of most witchy reads and conjures a surprisingly cozy feel-good story full of magic and spookiness. Don't be mistaken, this is not a cheesy magical women's fiction book...it's much darker, but still has enough charm and wit so that it's not frightening.
If you are a fan of the witchy genre, I highly recommend 'Cackle' by Rachel Harrison, it's original, creepy, and empowering.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this one! It's full of witchy themes and some paranormal stuff. There is a spider that is so darn adorable, I would like to have him as a pet! The other characters are great too! I enjoyed the friendships that are developed, and the way they grow and change. I really found myself interested in the personal journey of the MC. Can she find a way to be happy without a romance in her life? It was a great journey of watching her learn to love herself.
I'm a huge fan of this one, and I would really love to have a second book because I want to step back into this world!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Cackle was the perfect book to start off the spooky season! A little bit creepy, a little bit witchy, and a little bit heartfelt, made this a perfect combination!
A new comer to town is taken under the wing of a witch and her fuzzy spider friend as she navigates a break up, a new job, and starts down the path of finding herself.
I wasn’t sure where this book was taking me at first but I was pleasantly surprised and genuinely loved it! It switched between creepy and weird, to heartbreaking to heart warming, and it was done so smoothly it was perfect!
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a little spooky filled with a whole lot of heart!
Finished up my first novel of spooky season last night and my Halloween reading is off to a great start. I picked this book up because of the cover and title without having any idea what was on the inside, and what a great surprise it was.
Annie has been with her boyfriend for ten years and they share a New York City apartment together and she teaches. She thinks her life is right on track until out of the blue her boyfriend announces they should just be friends. Blind sighted, Annie picks up and relocates to a tiny hamlet in upstate New York that appears to good to be true. Here she is taken under the wing of the local witch, Sophie and her spider familiar. Everything about Sophie is perfect, but some of the townsfolk seem afraid of her. This book was not what I was expecting and I loved it all the more for that. It’s a late in life coming of age story with some creepy moments and a bit of heartfelt goodness thrown in. I gently introduction to the spooky season.
Thank you to @netgalley and @berleleypub for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cackle is such a fun read perfect for October! When Annie gets dumped by her longtime boyfriend, she opts for a fresh start. Annie moves to a small village upstate. It doesn't take long for her to meet Sophie who lives in a mansion in the middle of the woods with pet spiders, yet all the townspeople seem afraid of her. Just how is it when your best friend is a witch? Cackle truly is such a fun book with a light sense of humor throughout. Highly recommended!!
This was a fun book to read! Rachel Harrison has the most creative ideas. After Annie's boyfriend breaks up with her, she is devastated and moves to upstate New York. There she meets a beautiful, friendly woman named Sophie. They immediately become friends and even though Sophie is kind to Annie, the rest of the town seems afraid of her. There are some unusual aspects about Sophie, her huge mansion, the odd comments she makes, her pet spiders among other things. Sophie boosts Annie's confidence, teaches her how to cook and makes her beautiful clothes. Along the way, Annie slowly starts to miss her ex-boyfriend less. Maybe having a witch for a best friend can be a good thing!
Have you ever felt that your self-worth was tied to forces outside of your control? In this book, Annie has just left her NYC, her apartment, her job and her long-time boyfriend after he declares that their relationship is over. She's absolutely devastated as she packs up her life and moves upstate to the quiet little town of Rowan. Well, maybe not so quiet! When she meets Sophie, everything changes in ways that Annie couldn't predict - but will it be the kick in the butt that Annie needs to gain control over her jumbled life or the poison apple to destroy her?
I loved this book. Rachel Harrison did a wonderful job of writing characters that you relate to and that feel real. Their emotions and thoughts so mirrored some of my own that there were times I had to put the book down and stare into space just to wrap my own memories and emotions up so I could appreciate Annie and Sophie's banter. This book will empower you, bring self-reflection, and give you the punch of GIRL POWER that some of us desperately need in our lives. A perfect story for the witch in all of us!
I thought this would make a fun summer read, and I was right! I enjoyed this story, interesting characters, fun plot, and, tho a bit dragging in parts, mostly an entertaining read. It's being released in time for Halloween, so might make a fun treat for yourself, or for a teen to adult in your life, to enjoy on a dark autumn night. Its not scary read, but pleasant with some humor.
I'm just going to come out and say I loved this book! Every woman who feels lonely or mourns the end of a relationship should read this book. It's about embracing your true self and not searching for happiness anywhere but within oneself.
Annie leaves New York City and moves to a small picturesque town upstate, after her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her. All she wants is for him to change his mind and take her back. Instead, Annie is befriended by Sophie and Ralph, who introduce her to a whole new way of living life. Sophie shows Annie how empowerment can make life fulfilling.
I don't want to give away too much of the story. This book is not horror, so don't be afraid. The supernatural aspects of it are not frightening and it really is a lovely story. Plus, I want my own Ralph!
I highly recommend this novel! It will be popular among book clubs and bring about wonderful discussions about how we choose to see ourselves. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh boy…I still don’t really know what I think about this book.
There are bits that are dark and fun. There are also bits that are so quirky I wanted to scream and throw my kindle at the nearest available wall.
I kind of liked our main character (most of the time), did like Sophie, and hated, hated, hated Annie’s boyfriend.
And then there was Ralph. I don’t do spoiler reviews. I’ll just say that you’ll either love Ralph with all your heart or (like me) you’ll be hoping that Ralph is the result of the main character being on a very bad trip after ingesting some psychedelic drugs.
The parts I liked, I liked very much. The parts I hated, I hated with all my heart.
3 stars. There was enough that I liked about it but I will never, ever read it again!
*ARC via Publisher
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my own opinion.
What an adorable book. Not scary or creepy at all. Its a story about Annie and Sam, a couple of 10 years, but Sam just wants to be friends.
Annie moves away to mend her broken heart, but she meets an enigmatic woman named Sophie. Sophie is glamorous, mysterious, she lives in a mansion in the forest, and Annie becomes quick friends with her and they have delightful times. Instead of creepy, this book is witty and humorous.
Out on October 5th, you may want to read this for your Halloween reads. More witty and funny, than scary, but has a good message about the joy of good friends.
4 stars if you want a light, humorous read.
Hocus Pocus
This one has more giggles than screams, so no need to be frightened! Maybe a few goosebumps!
The story is about Annie finding her true self after a twelve year long break-up with her boyfriend, Sam.
Annie moves to a small village and meets a charming unconvential friend, Sophie. Her home is enormous, beautiful and as enchanting as she is. They become good friends. They spend time together drinking tea, playing dress-up, trying on her collection of hats, making caramel apples and watching documentaries on Netflix.
There is also some magic and sweet creatures, but its focused on friendship, building self confidence and living your best life!
Its a sweet read, a bit juvenile (except a few curse words) and I would call it a witchy fairytale or cozy witch story.
If your in the mood for something unique that may make your spidey senses tingle. This may be your cup of tea! 3.5 stars up to 4
Wildly entertaining, frequently hilarious, often terrifying. Do not read while eating! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it enthusiastically!
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
What a cozy read about witches! This paranormal light book about self discovery was a very enjoyable read.
This review will also be posted on my Goodreads page. Thanks to Netgalley for providing a review copy. This book was such a blast to read. I'd read Harrison's first book "The Return" when it first came out. I was expecting something much different from this book but I was pleasantly surprised. Annie has just gone through a breakup and she leaves the city behind to take a teaching job in the country. The new small town she lives in is welcoming and friendly. When Annie meets Sophie she is glad to have a new friend. But Sophie isn't what she seems. Why is Annie so creeped out in Sophie's house? Why are the townspeople wary...even outright afraid of Sophie? This book has a slight scare factor but I wouldn't call it outright horror. I read this book in two sittings I enjoyed it so much. PS- I need Ralph as my best friend, for real. Happy reading- this is a great Halloween season book.
Thank goodness this comes out before Halloween, because what a delightfully creepy fall story. Annie is totally floundering after a break up she didn't see coming and a subsequent move to a small, very quirky town. Her new friend Sophie is a little strange and the townspeople seem to have some opinions on her, but Annie is just so happy to have someone who has chosen her that she ignores or sets aside some of the concerns. This story will work well for those who like paranormal fiction, and the horror is light enough that even most fellow scaredy-cats will be able to handle it.
I read many reviews of this book before I stared it and I have to agree, it's really fun and just mildly creepy! In Cackle Rachel Harrison introduces us to Annie who is devastated by a recent breakup and has moved to a new town. Then she meets Sophie who is gorgeous and has a special air about her...well that's because she is a witch!
I love all things witchy and Cackle doesn't disappoint, but this story is really about women supporting each other and helping friends realize their worth.
I can totally see this as a movie or series - I'd love to see the visuals, especially Ralph! Crossing my fingers this happens!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Books for an advanced copy of Cackle. 4 stars
Mixed feelings on this one. So unique but that ending was not expected.
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If you are looking for a trippy book, this is one you want to grab. Categorized by the publisher as gothic/horror, I was a bit nervous about reading it. However, thankfully, it really isn’t scary or horror based. This is a slightly dark but rather humorous story that leaves you wondering a bit.
Harrison pulls out the stops with her imaginative storytelling in this story crafted just in time for All Hallows Eve. Subtle tells lead you down the garden path of oblivion until you suddenly realize what is happening. Drips of change start occurring. Weird happenings; strange things in town. Fingers point but Annie takes her friend to heart and starts to make changes in her own life.
The ending is so not what I expected but the story is a page turner that grabs your attention while the uneasiness creeps over you. Scary it is not but a perfect example of a witchy woman in action!
Annie hasn't always gotten what she wanted but things are looking up...or are they? She has a new friend who is beautiful, well known, and respected in her quaint new town. Everyone knows Sophie and she never pays for anything which perplexes Annie but is it out of repect or fear?
Wonderful writing, a breadcrumb trail, and self-empowerment leads to a surprising conclusion!