This was a fantastic read for the fall, especially near Halloween. The lore and magic in this story was unique. There's mystery, romance, and an awesome twist. I really enjoyed the main characters. It was a very well written story and I enjoyed this author's style of storytelling. While I would love for the story to continue, I think the story was told and came to a good end. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

gotta love a good witchy story and this delivered! cozy and charming this was such a comforting read!

I was not able to read this book and review it before its publishing date but now that I read it I have given it 3 stars.

I was immediately drawn to A Dark and Secret Magic because of its premise—a cozy, magical tale with echoes of Hades and Persephone, all wrapped up in the atmospheric magic of autumn. Wallis Kinney does not disappoint, delivering a story that feels both charming and enchanting. As a reader who often gets swept up in the magic of the fall season, this book practically forced me to embrace that cozy vibe, and I loved every minute of it.

From the moment I picked up the book, it transported me into a world of witches, secrets, and a little bit of romance. The protagonist, Hecate, finds herself in the midst of unraveling long-hidden truths about her coven and their ties to a dangerous, enchanted past. While this sounds like it could be heavy and dark, Kinney strikes a perfect balance between the spooky and the cozy. It’s not a fast-paced thriller; instead, it’s a slow burn of discovery and warmth, much like curling up in a sweater with a cup of tea when the first chill of fall hits.

Hecate’s journey is heartwarming and endearing. Her interactions with Matthew, the love interest, and her sisters are all touching and full of that lovely, familial magic you want from a witchy story. Kinney’s witches are varied and complex, which kept things fresh. You never quite knew what to expect from the coven, which was exciting. The pacing allowed for a deep dive into their relationships and magical powers, making the moments of revelation all the more impactful.

The cozy factor in this book is definitely high, but not in a way that ever feels too much. The writing feels like a warm embrace—gentle, inviting, and, yes, a little spooky in the best way. I found myself halfway through the book putting up a few Halloween decorations and filling the room with a pumpkin-scented wax melt. That’s how immersive this story is—it captured the essence of fall and magical vibes so perfectly that I couldn’t resist fully embracing the season.

The book does a fantastic job at balancing cozy and spooky. While some cozy books tend to lose their magic after a while, A Dark and Secret Magic keeps you intrigued with its well-paced revelations and its balance of heartwarming moments with a touch of mystery. It may not be the most high-octane fantasy, but it’s the perfect read for anyone in need of a little magical comfort.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a beautifully written, cozy-yet-spooky tale that captures the spirit of fall and the warmth of family, A Dark and Secret Magic is a delightful read that I recommend wholeheartedly. It's a magical escape into a world that feels both familiar and mysterious—a perfect blend for those who love their magic with a side of cozy romance.

3.5 stars

Love me a good witchy coming-of-age, coming-to-power novel!

I really liked this Persephone and Hades inspired story, especially how thorough and thoughtful the magic system was set up and portrayed. Witches with different specialties and powers were well represented and their interactions with one another flowed effortlessly. There were lots of secrets and plenty of conflicts to keep me on my toes throughout. This is a perfect read for fall, cozy, Halloween vibes, and I'll likely pick it up to read again this fall.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title. These thoughts are my own and this review is voluntary.

I really liked the story line of this book. I think this book had me by the first few pages. Very much worth the read.

In *A Dark and Secret Magic*, the author presents a warm, enchanting tale that weaves together elements of witchcraft, family secrets, and personal growth against the backdrop of the Halloween season. The story follows Hecate “Kate” Goodwin, a hedge witch who has chosen a solitary life filled with foraging and tincture-making. The vivid imagery and rich descriptions of the Ipswich forest create an immersive setting that draws readers into Kate’s world from the very beginning.

Kate's character is relatable and well-developed, embodying the struggles of someone who values independence yet faces the pressures of family and community obligations. The arrival of her sister Miranda and the anticipation of the coven’s annual Halloween gathering introduce an intriguing conflict. The story shines as Kate grapples with her feelings about her past, particularly when her old flame, Matthew, unexpectedly reenters her life. The tension between them adds an exciting dynamic, especially given Matthew’s complex history and secrets of his own.

As the plot unfolds, the discovery of her mother’s old tome adds layers of mystery and suspense, propelling the narrative forward. The author skillfully explores themes of trust, legacy, and the duality of familial love—distinguishing between idealization and reality. Kate’s journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable, especially as she navigates her evolving relationships and the truths about her mother’s past.

While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments where the narrative feels somewhat slow, particularly during the buildup to the Halloween gathering. Additionally, some readers might wish for further exploration of the dynamics within Kate's coven, which could deepen the story's emotional resonance.

Overall, *A Dark and Secret Magic* is a captivating tale that celebrates the spirit of witchcraft and the significance of both love and self-acceptance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories infused with magic and heart, reminiscent of classics like *Practical Magic*. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming, atmospheric read that combines the coziness of autumn with the thrill of uncovering life's mysteries.

Ultimately it’s just fine. Flowery writing, decent characters, okay romance. It’s fine.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok I will admit that it took me a little bit to get into this story. It is very magical and atmospheric right from the start and I have to be in the right mood for something like that. I admittedly usually read alot of thrillers so this is a change from my normal killing and slashing. However, once I was 5 chapters in I was hooked. The beautiful descriptions and the overall Fall vibe you get from this story is unmatched. I don't know how to describe the feeling I got when reading this but I felt like I was in Fall. Like it was just Fall everywhere. If you are a fan of the Halloween/Fall/Cozy vibes this book is for you.

This book is equivalent to when the first leaf falls that signals the start of Autumn. 🍂 There is magic in this story, and I honestly think I will read this at the beginning of every future October. I loved the magic system, the way the herbwitch would tend to her garden, the setting of the manor, and was chilled by TKB… 👀 This book deserves all 5 orange golden stars, and it is so evident that Wallis Kinney was meant to write autumnal fairytales for us.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

This took me so long to read, because I was contemplating dnfing this at the halfway mark. So much of the beginning is establishing Kate's normal state of life. Yes, it is important, but much of that was detailing every single minute of her daily routine. Even when Matt the mystery man shows up, it's still going through her normal day-to-day. After the halfway mark, it thankfully picks up, but it wasn't enough to make up for a very tedious start.

two questions
1. why did this book make me cry in a way that physically hurt??
2. why was there no epilogue?!?!?!?! like six months later!!????!?!! I need more.

This book is a full-on homage to Halloween, and if you love everything about the holiday—the treats, the tricks, the parties, the fun—then you absolutely need to read it. The characters are wonderful, and the setting is just so charming and delightful. Honestly, there isn’t a single thing I would change.

I’ve had a really rough couple of months—my husband passed away suddenly—and this book gave me a much-needed escape from my heartache and grief. It was a comforting distraction, a little slice of magic when I needed it most. I highly recommend it. It’s just lovely and genuinely good.

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️

Extremely cute autumn vibes and would pair perfectly with a cozy blanket and a delicious coffee (iced for me!)

I thought this was a cute book, albeit a little long for me. Hecate "Kate" was a fun character, but I wish she would've stuck up for herself a little more. She had amazing powers and could have done so much more with them had she grown a little more confidence in herself earlier on in the book. The self-deprecation grew to be a bit much for me.

The only other major issue for me was that Matthew supposedly saw Kate one time 10 years prior when they were younger and somehow fell in love with her and then also stayed in love with her that entire time??? It seemed a little far-fetched and weird to me rather than romantic.

Outside of my issues with the characters, I loved the description of the witches and their town. It felt so cozy and gorgeous filled with pumpkins, magic, and delicious foods. The author's detail on the meals made me so hungry! I really enjoyed that part.

I really enjoyed this one, I think it’s perfect to read during September-October, due to the Halloween vibes. It’s not by any means scary, rather, a cozy type of spooky story. Expect to see everything you relate to Halloween in this story: pumpkins, magic, witches, black cats, and whimsy. The romance was really cute as well; there’s some mystery involved in the story too. Overall, a very cozy read, perfect for autumn!

This is a perfect spooky season book. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the arc.

A Dark and Secret Magic is the most perfect Halloween read ever! It is full of witches, pumpkins, halloween, black cats, and all the vibes. There is also a romance between Hecate and Matthew which was super cute. There is also a bit of a mystery and which fits well in this cosy read. I would definitely recommend this for the upcoming Halloween season!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review!

This cover and synopsis drew me in immediately. It seemed so cozy and idyllic with a twist of witch magic and fun. This story was cozy in every way. Warm and comfortable and sweet. But also, slow and meandering for much of the time. I think anyone who loves cozy stories and doesn't need all that much movement from their fantasy plots will have no problem with this. It has just enough fantastical elements, a villain, and a simple romance to keep the cozy reader afloat. I, as someone who is slowly realizing am not that person, had a bit of a tougher time as I wanted more on every front. A tad more world building, a little more relationship push and pull, and a plot that had more of an even arc rather than a slow beginning and middle with a packed and rushed ending. It just couldn't hold my attention. I would still recommend this to book clubs and friends as I know many people who would love a book like this.

This is the perfect autumn read. It's sweet and cosy, and I loved the tidbits of folklore in it. I have a weakness for books with folklore in them, okay? Combined with the mystery, it made for a light and magical read perfect for Halloween season.