Join the Conversation: October Book Club Recap

October felt like the perfect month to cozy up with a good book and a warm drink in hand. Our book club chats this month were full of laughter, honest takes, and a few surprising favorite moments that made the story come alive. If you missed the October Book Club, here’s a little peek at what we read, what we loved, and what’s next for November’s pick.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post about The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches Book Club Discussion contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If you’ve been craving a cozy, feel-good story to curl up with this fall, this one might be it. Our book club pick this month was The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

It’s part magical realism, part found-family story, and part slow-burn romance—the perfect blend if you love books that make you feel warm inside while also tugging at your heart a little. Grab your copy HERE!

From the first page, I was charmed by this one. This story is whimsical, heartwarming, and quietly wise all at once.

The story follows Mika Moon, a witch who’s been told her entire life to hide who she is—never get too close to anyone, never reveal her magic. She’s been living alone for years, sharing tiny bits of herself through playful “witchy” videos online (even though she’s not supposed to). Then one day, she gets a mysterious invitation to teach three young witches at a place called Nowhere House—and everything changes.

From there, the book unfolds into something that’s not just about witches or spells, but about belonging. About finding the people who make you feel seen and safe, even when you least expect it. The found family aspect is beautiful—messy, funny, and tender in all the right ways.

What I loved most, though, is how the writing sparkles without trying too hard. It’s witty and clever, but also comforting—like the author wrapped humor, heartbreak, and hope all in one. And while it’s definitely a cozy fantasy, it’s also about loneliness, identity, and how hard it can be to let people in.

There’s even a little twist near the end that caught me off guard in the best way—proof that a “comfort read” can still surprise you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

Heartfelt, funny, and full of quiet magic. I closed it feeling lighter than when I started.

Grab your copy HERE!

Every now and then, I read a book that makes me stop and think about what happens after the headlines fade. Found by Erin Kinsley is one of those stories. It’s not flashy or fast-paced. Instead, it’s slow, emotional, and deeply human — the kind of book that quietly lingers with you long after you finish.

The story begins with every parent’s worst nightmare: eleven-year-old Evan disappears on his way home from school. Months later, he’s found — alive, but silent. He won’t talk about what happened or where he’s been. What unfolds next isn’t so much a mystery about who took him (though that thread is there) but rather a tender, sometimes heartbreaking exploration of what it means to heal — both for Evan and for the people who love him.

This book surprised me. I went in expecting a crime thriller, but what I got was a quiet, powerful story about family, recovery, and resilience. It’s about how trauma doesn’t end when someone comes home — it changes everyone, and healing takes time, love, and patience.

Kinsley’s writing is sensitive and compassionate. She doesn’t dwell on the darkness but instead focuses on the light that begins to return — especially through Evan’s grandparents, who bring such warmth and tenderness to the story. I loved those small, ordinary moments: a cup of tea shared in silence, a cautious smile, a walk in the garden. Those quiet gestures reminded me how much strength there is in simply showing up for someone, even when words fail.

That said, I did feel that some of the “bad guy” characters were a little hard to follow, and at times the story moved slowly. There were moments when I found myself having to flip back to remember who was who, especially in the sections involving the investigation and side characters. It didn’t ruin the story by any means — but it did occasionally pull me out of the emotional flow.

So while it isn’t a fast-moving mystery with big twists, Found shines as a moving portrait of what comes after — the quiet ache of healing and the enduring power of family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3.5/5)

Poignant, heartfelt, and deeply human — a story about survival, family, and finding hope after heartbreak.

Grab your copy HERE!

Some stories sneak up on you — quiet at first, then suddenly you realize they’ve wrapped themselves around your heart. Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann is one of those books. It’s emotional, layered, and rooted in the strength of women who refuse to be broken.

The story follows Bailey Rae Rigby, who returns to her aunt Winnie’s small Southern hometown after her passing. What she expects to be a quick trip to settle the estate turns into something far deeper when she discovers a coded cookbook among her aunt’s things — one that unravels decades of secrets. Through a dual-timeline narrative, we learn that Winnie (born Eloise) wasn’t just a beloved aunt, but part of a quiet network of women helping others escape abuse and rebuild their lives in the 1970s.

As Bailey Rae pieces together her aunt’s past, she begins to understand her own purpose — and the ripple effect of women supporting women across generations.

This book has so much heart. It’s not just about survival — it’s about legacy, resilience, and the power of quiet courage. I loved how the story celebrated the ways women lift each other up, often behind the scenes. The dual timelines between the 1970s and present-day were especially moving, showing how far we’ve come (and how much we still rely on one another).

I also loved the small-town Southern setting — the details felt cozy and real, from the scent of honeysuckle to the clinking of Mason jars at dusk. There’s a warmth to Catherine Mann’s writing that makes even the heaviest topics feel hopeful.

That said, there were a few moments where the “bad guy” characters and side plots were a bit hard to follow, and at times the pacing slowed down. The dual storylines were beautifully crafted, but I occasionally found myself flipping back to remember who was who. Still, the emotional impact outweighed those bumps — and by the end, I found myself tearing up more than once.

This isn’t a flashy thriller or a sweeping romance. It’s a quiet, steady story about women, strength, and second chances— and it’s one that will sit with you long after you finish.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

Tender, brave, and deeply human — a Southern story of resilience, courage, and connection.

For November, we’re diving into A Little Life: A Novel by Hanya Yanagihara. It’s a big, emotional read — very different from this month’s Halloween-themed vibe, but one that’s been called one of the most powerful novels of the decade. It’s heavy, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.

So grab a blanket, clear your weekend, and get ready to join us! 💔✨ Grab your copy HERE!

Follow along with what I’m reading HERE!

JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB FACEBOOK GROUP HERE!

This month reminded me why I love book club so much. The connection, the conversation, and those little moments when a story sparks something real. Whether you read one or all of these, I hope they brought you a bit of comfort and joy this season. Here’s to another month of stories that make us feel deeply and think differently.

xx,

Kim

PIN FOR LATER