Book Review: Silently by Talya Blaine

Title: Silently (Transformation Series Book 1)

Author: Talya Blaine
Genre: Erotica - Romance - Women's Fiction
Publisher: Talya Blaine Books - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Read: November 27, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Her needs, his limits. White-hot chemistry and anguished desire. The promises and costs of a shared future 

Award-winning novelist Quinn Layborn lost her muse the day her husband died. Still mourning more than a year on, the last thing she wants is a second chance. At writing or romance. 

Tonight, as dinner guests gossip in her breezy beach house—her agent's well-meaning intervention—she arms herself with a full glass of red wine: Don't come close. 

Until a raw and undeniable craving shatters her isolation. 

Cable network travel-show host Jonathan Jaines still struggles with the terrible mistake that ruined his marriage. Tonight, he watches Quinn move among the guests like a ghost. His heart aches for her. The vivacious woman he knew from the movie set a few years ago? Gone, replaced with a grieving widow. 

When she stuns him with the words she whispers in his ear, he cannot—can not—say no. 

One brazen move. Two simple rules. 

From an eastern Long Island hamlet to a posh Manhattan dungeon, Quinn and Jonathan push boundaries: between pleasure and pain, control and surrender, trust and forgiveness. But as feelings and the risk of heartbreak grow, as their pasts and potential future collide, just how far will they go? 

Fast-paced and intense, Silently is a story about devastating loss, primal need, and the unexpected bonds that help us heal. 

Told in dual points of view, the story features a beta hero and characters over 40, mature themes, past cheating, strong language, and super-steamy bedroom scenes. 

• Alternating hero-heroine points of view 
• Main characters in their 40s 
• High emotional intensity, low melodrama 
• Super-steamy first in series 

Silently launches the Transformation Series. The books should be read in order. 

Review:  Silently by Talya Blaine is billed as "Fast-paced and intense, Silently is a story about devastating loss, primal need, and the unexpected bonds that help us heal." I found it to be none of these things. Yes, it's a quick read at only 161 pages, but the only time it becomes "fast-paced" is when Quinn, the main female character, has a very brief encounter with an unsavory character outside of a private club. 

While the subject of losing a spouse can indeed be a heart-wrenching and devastating loss, Quinn comes across as more whiny than someone caught in the throes of devastating depression. As for the primal need, I didn't see it because I felt no connection with Quinn, Jonathan (main male character), or any other character in the story. 

Yes, I understand Silently has been classified as erotica as well as romance and/or women's fiction. However, I feel that it doesn't live up to the standards of other books in these same genres. In order for a book to be considered a romance, there must be some, actual, romance. There is none between Quinn and Jonathan. No flirting. No real attraction. No tension. Their "relationship" consists of so-called "mind-blowing sex." Sorry, but I've read more intensely sexual encounters in young adult fiction that didn't even include intercourse. The characters are two-dimensional, have no chemistry, and there is no plot in the book to help drive the story or the character toward and/or away from one another.

Silently is the first installment in a new series; however, after reading this one, I won't be continuing the series.

Book Review: Tea Magic by Jenay Marontate

Title: Tea Magic

Author: Jenay Marontate
Genre: Witchcraft - Wicca - Tea Magic - Kitchen Witchery
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 8, 2022
Read: November 16-24, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Pour a Steaming Cup of Health, Intuition, and Enchantment 

Brewing tea is more than just magic, it is an intimate act steeped in rich history, exciting pageantry, and ceremonial rituals. This beginner-friendly book covers everything you need to know about tea, including all six true varieties, herbal tisanes, and even cannabis tea. You will learn how to: 

• Create your own blend • Properly brew the perfect pot • Safely charge your tea with crystals • Connect to spirit guides and guardian angels • Draw on the influence of the zodiac • Scry into your teacup • Call on gods and goddesses • Read the leaves and water 

With chants, sigils, visualizations, and other tools, there is likely more to tea witchery than you ever imagined. This book's gentle guidance through the world of tea will help you improve meditation, increase wellness, enhance spell work, and expand your joy one cup at a time.

Review: Tasseography, the use of tea leaves (or coffee grounds) for divination, is an ancient art and one I've been personally interested in for a number of years but have never found a truly satisfying book on the subject. Imagine my excitement when I was gift an e-ARC from the publisher for Tea Magic by Jenay Marontate! "Finally," I thought, "here is a book that will explain tasseography." Alas, my search continues because the actual section on interpreting tea leaves and symbols is small and comes at the very end of the book. The majority of the book is dedicated to the various types of teas, blends, and their preparations. 

This is not to say the book isn't interesting because it is! I had no idea tea could be such a complex subject, and I'm also grateful to have information provided on different types of water that can be used for steeping tea in order to enhance its mystical properties. Marontate differentiates between green tea, black tea, white tea, and herbal infusions, which aren't truly "tea" as they generally don't contain any actual tea leaves. She also provides information on steeping times, water temperature, and a host of other brilliant insights into how to incorporate tea magic into daily life. I will certainly be referring to this book in the future.

However, I still wish the author had spent more time exploring the actual practice of tasseography as a form of divination. Whether it be in the form of interpreting visions found in clouds of milk or cream added to tea (or coffee) and signs/symbols in leaves (or grounds), I would have liked more pages devoted to the practical side of tea magic than to the selection of the tea itself. There are certainly little insightful nuggets throughout the book, such as using a tea bag as a pendulum (something I'd never considered before and I use pendulums a lot), that I found helpful and will definitely try in the future. 

Overall, I had hoped a book titled Tea Magic would spend a little more time on the practical side of the magic. But, I'm happy to have read the book and will gladly add a physical copy to my shelf upon publication.

Book Review: The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners by Sarah Bartlett

 

Title: The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners

Author: Sarah Bartlett
Genre: Witchcraft - Wicca - Spells
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 14, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Manifest your dreams with easy-to-follow spells that align with the cycles of nature and the universe. 

Magic can change your life and help you manifest your best self. Anyone with the curiosity and willingness can connect to the power of the natural and supernatural and to blend ancient practices in a modern context. Adapted from Sarah Bartlett’s The Witch’s Spellbook, this guide gives new and aspiring witches a simple path to the art of practical magic and the empowerment of magic spells. 

Following an introduction to the basics of witchcraft, The Witch’s Spellbook for Beginners holds an abundance of spells organized by concern—including your self, change, wishes, love, home and family, career, money, and protection. Whether you are looking to channel spirit guides and those who have passed over, need a protection amulet for you or a loved one, or manifest a new direction that aligns with your life’s desires, this spellbook will empower and inform your budding craft as a witch. Harness the power of the astrological elements, explore the lunar cycles and how they can enhance your magic, and embrace the seasons to amplify your spells and divination work. 

The spells include: 

*Find Your Life Direction 
*Restore Holistic Health 
*Make a Decision 
*Manifest an Aspiration 
*Ignite Desire 
*Get Over a Breakup 
*Change Careers 
*Open the Door to Prosperity 
*Banish Negativity 

Plan your spellwork by date, season, and lunar phase, and identify spells that can be used any time, using the calendar index of spells at the back of the book. 

Start your journey into witchcraft with purposeful and practical spells for every day and every event.

Review: Spellbooks are among the hardest to review because everyone comes to spells and witchcraft (or Wicca) via their own unique path and therefore, each individual has their own experiences that can potentially bias their opinion. Personally, I'm a Wiccan Witch with over thirty years of experience as both a solitary practitioner and in working with groups/covens. I've been trained in different traditions and for the most part, I prefer to work as a solitary. This being said, I understand the desire anyone may have to learn spells and how to use them.

The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners is certainly a good resource for anyone who is just starting. However, I would caution such a person to not jump blindly into spell work. Bartlett does take time in the introductory pages of the book to very briefly cover the history of spells and magic use, magical tools and tips, and to be sure the chosen spells or rituals are being performed for the correct reasons. While I appreciate that Bartlett covers the Threefold Law (again, very briefly) and the fact that spells are not a hundred precent effective nor are they a one-size-fits-all cure, I do believe the author could have spent more time discussing the issue of "karmic backdraft" if a spell is done either for the incorrect reason (such as wanting to cause harm to another) or with the incorrect intent (such as a desire to have a specific person fall in love with the caster). Let me be clear: Spells are not harmless fun. Spells are part of a larger magical system that incorporates many different factors and must be respected. I'm not saying that Bartlett is disrespectful, far from it, but again, I believe more could be said in the introductory pages of the book to caution readers to be certain their motives are correct before attempting any of the spells listed here.

As for the actual spells and rituals contained in the book, they're all fairly simple and include helpful information such as the best time and/or day(s) to perform them to achieve maximum benefit. The writing is clear and easily understood, and the graphics are crisp. Each spell has a handy materials list so items can be gathered ahead of time. The format is simple and easily followed, even if the ritual or spell requires multiple days to complete.

Overall, The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners is a good introductory book, but for those looking for more in-depth knowledge or a better understanding of Witchcraft (or Wicca) as a spiritual path, this may not be the best starting point.

Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals by Dawn Baumann Brunke

 

Title: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals

Author: Dawn Baumann Brunke
Genre: Spirituality - Spirit Animals - Shamanism
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 12, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover your spirit animals and embrace the wisdom all around you 

Spirit animals provide guidance and wisdom, and can help you to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. We all have one or more spirit guides—the key is to learn how to communicate with them. Adapted from Key to Spirit Animals by Dawn Braumann Brunke, Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals provides an overview of animal guides and includes interactive exercises that allow you to attune to animal wisdom and form a meaningful relationship with your spirit animals. 

Perfect for beginners, this book assumes no prior experience with shamanistic communication and provides a basic but detailed overview of all the common spirit animals, what they symbolize, and what a particular spirit animal tells you about yourself. Activity-based lessons and exercises help you discover and understand how to approach and communicate with your personal animal spirit guides. 

Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals features: 

*Exercises for discovering and attuning to your spirit animals—Learn to engage your spirit animals consciously through meditations and dreams, and fine-tune your observational skills to learn to interpret the subtleties of what animal encounters mean. 

*Reference entries for over 100 different spirit animals—Discover the power and spiritual significance of a multitude of individual animals, birds, insects, and reptiles through concise descriptions of each animal’s expertise along with questions, suggestions, and recommendations to benefit their teachings. 

*Practical ways to deepen your spirit animal relationships—Explore how to share consciousness to experience reality from an animal’s perspective, integrate animal teachings into everyday life, share your experiences, and give back to life in heartfelt ways. 

Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals also provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting an abundance of signs and omens from nature that you might not otherwise take notice of. 

Open your mind to the inherent wisdom of the animal world by following the guidance in this truly simple guide for beginners.

Review: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals the one of the best introductory books I've read on the subject of working with animal spirit guides. Dawn Baumann Brunke has an easy style of writing that's like having a conversation with a wise friend or mentor. The book is filled with great information on how to connect with animal guides and incorporate them into daily life. 

The book starts with basic information on shamanism and connecting with animal guides. Exercises and meditations make it easy to understand and navigate these unique spiritual paths. Example encounters and interpretations are used to offer a deeper appreciation for how animals come into our lives to help and guide us, whether their presence is short term or forever. One aspect of animals guides I've rarely seen addressed in other books is that of Shadow Animals, those guides who come to us to show the not-so-pretty side of ourselves and how we may improve upon it. Personally, I'm happy to see this topic addressed as I feel it's one that is important, especially for beginners, to understand that spirit animals are as dynamic and multifaceted as their human counterparts.

The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals goes beyond some other books in that is offers information not only on the animals themselves but on other aspects such as color, number, location, postures and actions, and how not every animal will mean the same thing to every person. The book devotes an entire chapter to the spirit animals and their teachings under different categories likes large and small mammals, birds, insects and arachnids, and finally, reptiles and water animals. This makes for easy referencing so the reader isn't thumbing through pages of lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!) to find information on the musical cricket or the humble frog. The book ends with how to integrate spirit animals into daily life. Again, samples interpretations are provided as well as suggestions for deepening our connection with our animal guides.

Overall, The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals is a perfect fit for anyone looking to discover their animal guide or wishes to deepen their connection with already established guides. 

Book Review: Tarot for Beginners by Ann Crane

Title: Tarot for Beginners

Author: Ann Crane
Genre: Spirituality - Divination - Tarot
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 9-11, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Unlock your own innate psychic potential with this accessible tarot reference 

This is your step-by-step guide to learning to read and interpret this mystical deck of seventy-eight cards. Tarot for Beginners explains the mystery and power of tarot through easy-to-understand text and simple, interactive lessons and exercises. Learn the symbolic mirror of opportunity that tarot provides to help you to make crucial decisions, confirm your true desires for the future, and enhance self-understanding. 

Tarot for Beginners will help you build your skills and learn all there is to know about reading the tarot without the complication and confusion that burdens more advanced books on the subject. You will be successfully channeling the messages offered in the tarot almost immediately. This essential reference features: 

*Tarot basics—Perfect for the absolute beginner, learn the history of tarot, what deck to choose, how to care for your deck, the significance of card-selection order and card positions, and how to access and learn to trust your intuition. 

*Paths to connect with the meanings of the cards—The book includes a survey of the meanings and example interpretations of every card of the major and minor arcana accompanied by exercises for connecting with their individual energies. 

*Tips for building confidence—Get acquainted with a variety of different spreads, learning from example interpretations, and build your intuitive power culled from the cards for your growth and self-awareness. 

Build your confidence quickly as you learn to harness the psychic power of the tarot deck, and soon you will begin to see what you couldn’t before. This new power will strengthen your decision-making at work and with money, relationships, family, and your own path to happiness.

Review: I love tarot cards almost as much as I love crystals and gemstones. At last count, I've collected somewhere between 20 and 25 tarot decks, and each has its own unique art, suggested layouts, and suggested interpretations for cards. However, to paraphrase a statement by Crane in Tarot for Beginners, the tarot is based on archetypes and symbology that speak to a universal language so regardless of the deck, anyone can learn to understand this language through practice. Tarot for Beginners is a great place for those just starting to learn the tarot as well as seasoned users.

Crane breaks the book down into four primary sections: The Basics, The Major Arcana, The Minor Arcana, and Interpreting Spreads. The first sections covers precisely what it states--the basics. Crane begins with a brief history of the tarot and then moves into how to choose the deck that is right for you, caring for your deck, the deck's structure, and finally, using the cards. Exercises, affirmations, and rituals are sprinkled throughout to help you in choosing, maintaining, and becoming familiar with the deck so you aren't always relying on the suggested interpretations provided by deck creators. These also build confidence in the user's abilities and are a great way for someone new to divination with the tarot to learn to trust their intuition. 

The next two sections cover the Major and Minor Arcana with exercises, rituals, and suggested interpretations for each card. I really like that Crane takes the time to address the Major and Minor separately and then further breaks the information down to individual cards all the while encouraging the reader to follow their own intuition for interpretations. There are many books on the tarot and all provide slightly different approaches and suggested ways of finding meaning within the cards. The fact that Crane states multiple times that the user shouldn't simply rely on suggested interpretations from a deck's creator but should develop their own approach and intuition is refreshing. 

The final section offers several different spreads that range from a simple three-card daily draw to a nine-card complex reading. Each spread has its own benefits, but when presenting each, Crane offers an explanation of the cards' positions and an example reading. I'm always searching for new spreads to try and found a couple I hadn't tried here so I can't wait to but them to use. 

Overall, Tarot for Beginners is a perfect book for anyone looking to start working with tarot cards or a seasoned reader who may be looking for ways to deepen their connection to tarot. Crane's easy writing style and conversational tone make for a quick read. This is one book that's found a permanent place on my shelf.

Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing by Ashley Leavy

Title: The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing

Author: Ashley Leavy
Genre: Spirituality - Energy Healing - Crystals
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 9, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover 100 of the most empowering crystals for promoting spiritual balance, protection, and healing. 

The Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Healing, adapted from Ashley Leavy’s Crystals for Energy Healing, offers the perfect amount of information for the budding crystal enthusiast, including a range of crystals and their natural attributes, legendary powers, and holistic benefits along with information on each crystal’s specific energy and how the channel it for protection and healing. 

This essential guide features beautiful photography of every stone for clear identification as well as charts and illustrations detailing the basics of crystals for chakras, energy, and psychic healing. You will gain an essential understanding of crystals and how to use them, and help finding the right crystals for your own needs, as you explore: 

*Crystal basics, including what they are, how they work, and some of the common ways to use them 

*How to choose, cleanse, and dedicate your crystals 

*How to incorporate crystal healing into your daily routine, including affirmations, chakra balancing, crystal grids, and meditations 

*A crystal directory divided into three sections by purpose (emotional healing, spiritual healing and guidance, and shielding and protection) that helps you select the right crystals for each situation and use them effectively 

Protect your energy-body, change your mindset, and balance your emotions with this easy-to-use crystal guide.

Review: First, let me begin by saying I love crystals and stones. I have them placed all over my house, and every year, my husband and I travel to a gem & mineral show that's held around the same time as my birthday so I can add to my collection. So when I say I've read a lot of books on crystals and how they can be used for healing, wellness, and magic, I mean I've truly read a lot of books. 

Now, with that said, I can honestly tell you that Leavy's The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing is one of the best I've come across in recent years. The book is written in a plain manner that is both engaging and informative. Leavy takes the time in the beginning of the book to explain what crystals are, how they naturally form, how they've been used over time for everything from healing to magic to simple decor. 

The book is divided into three main sections dealing with the basics, crystal healing, and a crystal sourcebook that's further broken down into three subsections dealing with crystals for emotional healing, crystals for spiritual healing, and crystals for shielding and protection. I really like this layout for the sourcebook because while most books list stone and crystals in alphabetical order like an encyclopedia it can often been hard to find the right information in a hurry. If you're an energy worker, such as a Reiki practitioner or empath, then you know there are times when you need critical information at your fingertips. Although the sourcebook provided here is not exhaustive, it does cover many of the most commonly used crystals used in healing.

In addition to an easily searched sourcebook, "The Basics" of crystals are discussed with topics such as the history of crystal healing, ways of using healing crystals, sensing energies and selecting crystals, as well as how to properly cleanse and maintain your crystals. I especially like Leavy's suggestion to begin a crystal healing journal. This is a fabulous idea for someone who is just starting out because it allows you to see how your relationship with crystals grows over time, what works for you, what doesn't work, and how you're progressing. Leavy also addresses shapes and colors for crystals and how these can affect the energy. This isn't a topic I've personally seen covered in too many books and found it to be a welcomed addition here.

The section for crystal healing includes topics on how to get started, incorporating crystals into your personal and sacred spaces, and combining crystals with positive affirmations as well as exercises for including crystals in meditation. The exercises are simple and yet so effective for helping to open the senses to working with crystal energies. Again, this is an often overlooked topic in some books and an overly complicated one in others. I appreciate Leavy's deft touch at balancing between information, effectiveness, and ease. 

Overall, The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing is a great source book for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of crystal healing. Even seasoned energy workers will find helpful information and exercises to enhance their relationship with crystals. 

Book Review: Moon Energy for Beginners by Simone Butler

Title: Moon Energy for Beginners

Author: Simone Butler
Genre: Spirituality - Astrology
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 8, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Awaken, heal, and manifest your goals by connecting with the sacred feminine powers of the Moon 

The Moon, which waxes and wanes in predictable cycles, is the symbol and path for finding empowerment and strength in the cycles of birth, growth, death, and renewal. Moon Energy for Beginners, adapted from Simone Butler’s Moon Power, shows you how to honor the primal feminine powers—intuition, emotion, sexuality, creation, communion with nature—as they have been in the past by connecting spiritually with the Moon as you learn how to read and act on the lunar astrological signs and cycles. 

This empowering book explores: 

*The history of Moon worship and introduction to the phases—This accessible guide provides a basic history of ancient Moon worship, a simple introduction to the Moon phases, and the meanings of New and Full Moons. 

*The 12 Moon signs—You’ll find details on working with each sign as the Moon passes through it, a goddess and power animal for each Moon sign, and activities and rituals for connecting with their energy during certain Moon phases. 

*Recognition and development of your lunar nature—Even if you are completely new to harnessing lunar energy, you will learn how, through reflection, ritual, and purposeful action, you can connect to your emotional nature and inner spirit more deeply. 

Moon Energy for Beginners offers a simple path to reuniting with your inner Goddess in ways that deeply satisfy your soul. 

Review: There are many books on the market that deal with the subject of drawing on the moon for energy, inspiration, and magic. So what makes Simone Butler's any different from all these others? Simply, the book is concise, easy to read, and doesn't overly complicate the subject matter nor does it attempt to shoehorn the subject into a specific spiritual path. Butler approaches moon energy from an astrological standpoint and keeps things simple so that anyone--beginner, intermediate, or experienced--can incorporate her information into their path, whatever it may be. 

Special terms and concepts are highlighted in the text in call-out boxes that give more detail where it's needed. Butler's explanation of terms like "Super Moon," "Blood Moon," and the differences between lunar and solar eclipses are detailed and yet easily understood. She offers simple rituals and exercises to tune into lunar energies and how these may be used to enhance daily life. The fact that she's able to do all this without referring to an overarching path and stick to an astrological basis is undoubtedly the most helpful aspect of the book.

The reader is prompted to visit two separate websites to learn their own moon sign and moon phase at the time of their birth. (I found this really helpful as I was able to determine my moon sign to be Capricorn with a moon phase of waxing crescent. Something I didn't know until I read this book.) Once the reader has determined both, the book is divided into individual moon signs and each has helpful information such as lunar superpower, lunar shadow, sexual nature, karmic path, and moon qualities. I especially enjoyed reading about the moon women, or ancient goddesses, associated with each moon sign. Also included with the goddess information is sections about animals sacred to that goddess, how to set up an altar, and both full and new moon rituals. Activities and inspiration round out the individual moon signs. 

Overall, Moon Energy for Beginners is a great resource for anyone interested in astrology, lunar goddesses, and working with moon energy. It certainly has found a home on my bookshelf. 

Book Review: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw

Title: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen

Author: Shea Ernshaw
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: August 2, 2022
Read: October 23 - November 4, 2022
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they? 

Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams-- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare?

Review: I'm a huge fan of Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas and have always loved the relationship between Sally, the rag doll, and Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. So I was incredibly excited when I learned there was to a book exploring their relationship and the events after that fateful year when Jack tried to take over Christmas with disastrous results.

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is a slow building story. It begins with Jack and Sally's wedding and then follows the efforts of the denizens of Halloween Town to make their new queen into...well, their idea of a queen. Naturally, Sally isn't sure about her new role since she's only ever been an unwilling "daughter" to Dr. Finkelstein before she and Jack found one another. Sally looks for a way to escape the demands of being the newly-crowned Pumpkin Queen, but inadvertently sets off a chain of events that threatens Halloween Town, the other holiday realms, and even the Human World when she finds a passage into the mysterious and unknown realm of Dream Town.

I love the expansion of the holiday worlds and the new characters introduced in this book. However, I had some issues with Sally. At the end of The Nightmare Before Christmas, it seemed as though she had grown as a character and found an inner strength she didn't know she had when she tried to stop Jack from entering the Human World to take over Christmas and then attempting a solo rescue of Sandy Claws from Oogie Boogie. After these heroic actions, she seemed a great fit for Jack and as the future Pumpkin Queen. However, that isn't the Sally presented at the beginning of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen. 

Sally seems to have reverted to her more withdrawn self in the beginning of the book. While it's easy to understand she'd have some trepidation regarding her new role as co-ruler of Halloween Town, she comes across as...for lack of a better word, whiny. Yes, she does grow throughout the story and once again comes out as a strong character at the end, but I wanted to see that strong Sally from the end of The Nightmare Before Christmas at the beginning and then see her become even stronger. Sadly, that's now how the author chose to write her character.

Overall, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is an enjoyable read and is a welcomed addition to Tim Burton's world of The Nightmare Before Christmas. I hope more books will come that continues to expand the holiday worlds and the legend of the Pumpkin King and Queen.