October: What I Read & Autumn Soups

Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon 2026 New Release. Ok to begin, this book is HEAVY! Like it feels like the weight of a hardcover but it’s a paperback. The pages are thick and feel like quality pages on your fingers. My frazzled MS fingertips appreciated the cool feeling of the pages but holding the book was a workout! Lol. When I was very young, too young lol, I read a series called Skye O’Malley based on the female pirate, Grace O’Malley. I loved her and every female main character/heroine that I’ve read in the 30 years since, I have compared to the glorious Skye O’Malley. When I heard that the author wrote one of my favourite books, The Frozen River was writing a historical fiction about the pirate queen, I pre-ordered it.

This book is about a female pirate known in English as Grace O’Malley and known as Gráinne Ní Mháille in Gaelic, that lived in Ireland in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It spans her entire life and each chapter skips to different ages throughout her life. At first, it’s a little hard to keep straight, but something she remembers as an older woman may be recalled in full as a younger woman in the next chapter, so the pieces really all fall together seamlessly. It’s just a story to enjoy but I must say, I very much enjoyed and it was very helpful to have a cast of characters list, a map, a glossary of translations, and the family trees to look at frequently. The book is written like a montage of the best or most important moments of Grace’s life, which I found super interesting. At first, I wasn’t sure but I really liked for example how one chapter would be about her and her brother’s bond in childhood and then the next chapter tells an important story of the siblings in their 30s. It was so interesting that the book shuffled between different time periods in her life and in one of the “mother” or “matriarch” chapters, when Grace is a grown woman, she talks to her mother and they recalled a memory, and I just knew that in one of the “maiden” chapters later on, that we would get that story. Grace collects a crew based on loyalty and I loved the really great supporting characters like her brother, the twins, Gutty, Richard, and Ultun. I also loved that although the great love of her life is alluded to throughout the first half of the book, and we can feel their love every time they meet, we don’t read about their story until the second half of the book. This book has everything, pirate battles, Irish lore, sixteenth century history, betrayals, life long enemies, a lifetime of romantic yearning, and strategic battles, it is epic. I haven’t read a true historical fiction like this in so long and it was just so good. It took me a long time to read it because I was savouring the story. While the timeline, the language and all the similar names left me a little confused at times, I really think the way it was written actually benefitted the overall storyline. I love that the two Pirate Queens finally met at the end of the book and that while Bertrice Small was a lot more spicy in her retelling lol I recognized a lot of the historical aspects that were in both of the stories, which made my 16 year-old heart happy. The story about the O’Malley‘s, sparked my love of Queen Elizabeth I and sent me on my path towards my history degree and this book reminds me of that.

The Winter Witch by Jennifer Chevalier 🇨🇦 A book you found in a Little Free Library. It is around 1670 when sisters, Marthe and Élisabeth Jossard board a bride ship to New France, hoping to run away from a scandal in their village of Normandy. The sisters are orphans, and Élisabeth fell in love back in Normandy, and believes that she was cursed by the Winter Witch, causing her to lose the child she was carrying, and be spurned by her lover. While most of the other brides get off in Quebec, the 2 sisters continue on to the “holiest place in the whole world”, Montreal. Élisabeth is VERY religious and she annoyed her travel companions and me. Along their journey there is a woman in velvet, Jeanne, that Élisabeth believes to be a witch, she too ends her long trip in Montreal. Once the young women get to Montreal, they see that what they were promised, isn’t exactly what they are getting. It’s a wild, untamed, unlawful New World. Élisabeth is insufferable. Her religious zeal is annoying and difficult to read because I just didn’t enjoy her. However, her sister Marthe, isn’t nearly as pious and is shrewd in her way of thinking. Élisabeth is also very vulnerable to outside influence and believes everything that her former lover told her. Marthe quickly marries the young new baker but is taken advantage of by the old Baker’s widow who lives with her new husband, the old Baker’s apprentice. It’s interesting because I tend to read books with curious, strong and smart female main characters, but Élisabeth is none of those things. She is whiny, not very intelligent, has very negative thoughts, and although it is brave to travel to a new world, she did it for the wrong reasons and with little thought. However, she is probably more like most of the actual brides that were sent to Quebec in the 17th century. Religious, subservient, and uneducated. Her younger sister Marthe is the literary hero that we want to read about, but in all actuality the majority, if not all of the women, were probably more like Élisabeth. Élisabeth finally marries a man simply because his neighbour is the woman that she believes to be the witch from their overseas crossing. She hopes that the witch, Jeanne, will help her get rid of the demon that lives inside of her from the winter witch’s curse. The demon, Marcosi, who lives inside of her, lol is actually just emotion, anxiety, desire, and fear. I loved that Jeanne Roy understood that Élisabeth’s fears were out of a lack of education and an inability to critically think, which shows us how easily people who aren’t curious, educated, and critical thinkers fall prey to religion and gossip. The spiral that Élisabeth goes through when she realizes everything she’s ever believed, is a lie is similar to watching people seeing what their vote got them these days. This book was hard for me because I didn’t like the characters but I don’t think I would like anybody during that time. Lol the witch hunt that ensues, is infuriating to read about but also completely understandable. Sometimes we like books that sugarcoat or romanticize the past but this was an author that chose a main character that you can’t empathize with, instead of her smart and plucky sister or the educated science lady, for a reason. So we could read about how it could happen. Jeanne was a strong woman but lacked patience and bed side manner but it was a good message to send that sometimes the way you say things can make all the difference. I was satisfied with the ending but felt frustrated for the majority of the book and wish that Élisabeth figured everything out much sooner.

Nettle & Bone by T Kingfisher Underdog Story This is a fairy tale, of sorts. It is a story that begins with 3 princesses, an evil prince, a tribe of cannibals, and a witch. Marra is the youngest princess of Harbor Kingdom. At 15 she enters a nearby convent and spends the next 15 years there. At age 30, to avenge her eldest sister, to protect her middle sister and to ensure her fate isn’t the same as theirs, Marra goes in search of the dust-wife in the Southern Kingdom. The dust-wife gives her 3 seemingly impossible tasks, first she must make a cloak using owlcloth and nettles. Her stubbornness and determination allows her to finish the hard first task and move onto the second, make a dog out of cursed bones. When that is complete she must catch moonlight in a clay jar. When all three impossible tasks are completed Marra along with the dust-wife, Bonedog and a chicken that is possessed by a demon, begin their journey to the Northern Kingdom. Their first stop is the Goblin Market. Once the magical moth leads them to what they need, they pick up a knight to add to their motley crew and continue on to the Northern Kingdom. On their way they pass through Marra’s kingdom and they stop at her Fairy Godmother’s house, collect her and some more blankets and continue on their journey. When the group of 5 finally get to the Northern Kingdom, they find a landlady and her curse-child to board with while they make their regicide plan. Curses, blessings, Kings and Queens, this was a fun macabre tale and I was satisfied with the ending.

How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy’s Guide to Silencing Women by Zoe Venditozzi & Claire Mitchell Nonfiction Bestseller. This is a non-fiction book that started as a podcast about the Scottish witch trials that killed up to 5000 women, taken from the point of view of a true crime mystery. Claire and Zoe are the authors and they started a campaign known as the Witches of Scotland. Being a woman throughout history has always been hard. The later half of the 20th century has given women a bit of a reprieve, but we may have let our guards down because women’s rights are being questioned all over the world in 2026. It was startling to hear that there are no statues or representation of women in Edinburgh, at all. It’s scary to think that women are a footnote in history, not remembered for their achievements, and not remembered for the heinous acts that were portrayed against them, because men are the authors. Like Claire doing her research, I’ve been sidetracked. Back in the 16th century, magic was considered to be real in Scotland and until the enlightenment, people confused the supernatural world with the natural world and Christian beliefs and pagan beliefs were interwoven. It was believed that bad magic was derived from the devil and that witches who practice in dark magic usually come out in times of social unrest when the devil prays on the weak. Of course, it’s easy to blame someone when things are going badly because of for example the weather. The late 1500s there was a break between in the Catholic Church and a protestant named John Knox (a man who TRULY hated women) started a revolt that ultimately led to the Scottish Reformation. As a history major, I know all of this, but it’s interesting to see how all the blocks stacked up to make a religious fever so intense that they would literally burn women alive. The Scottish Witchcraft Act of 1563 was introduced after other countries like England introduced similar legislation. The legislation doesn’t specify that which must be a woman, which just must be someone that derives power from the devil. However over 200 years and 85% of the witches convicted were women. I’m not going to get into all the details because, you should read this book if you want them! The book which began as a tongue in cheek guide, is split up into three parts with a “portrait of the accused“ for each chapter, different women that were accused of witchcraft throughout the years. They start with Geilles Duncan and as an Outlander fan, this excited me, lol but this isn’t the fictional character, this is Geillis Duncan, the maidservant, who had an ability to heal the sick. When her employer believed that she was using witchcraft to heal the sick, they began to torture her for a confession, which she gave, and for her accomplices, and she pointed to many people throughout her community. They also talk about Kings James VI’s book Daemonologie which was first dated in 1597, about all things supernatural. In a lot of the books about history in witchcraft, this book comes up often.

They focused on part two of the book which covers sorcery and witchcraft. What the authors continuously come back to throughout the book, is trying to understand why the persecution of “witches“ happened throughout history, what made people jump on board with the witch trials, why were so many of the accused, women and can this happen again? I am fascinated with the thought that the printing press brought along the age of enlightenment, which also had a darker side, people could spread lies, and “fake news” at a larger reach and faster spread. Very similar to our times, social media. It’s also interesting to see how much things change over the years. What is taken for fact in one century might be looked down upon in the next. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that every time there was a spike in witch trials it came after an unstable period in history, failed crops, bad weather, ripples in political movements, civil changes, and a lot of angry people. Kind of like the time we are in right now, when people are looking to direct their anger at someone, anyone. In another book that I read this month based on a true account of a woman being tried for witchcraft, she believed that, the witch pricker used a retractable needle which is discussed in the history records of this book as well. Also, a lot about the history of bringing outspoken, business owners, and healers that happen to be women bothered me, but hearing how they were all stripped, shaved, and prodded for “devil marks“ in their most private places is so disturbing. Reading about those horrific experiences was really jarring to me. Very much like the people being thrown into ICE camps now I suppose. So dehumanizing. Historians are really showing the similarities and comparisons between charismatic people like Matthew Hopkins, who has been a character in many books that I have read despite only being in his career for 3 years and dying when he was 27, and toxic male influencers of our time. It’s interesting to note that the rise of witch trials throughout the years usually ended when one of their own were charged with witchcraft. I like how this book went through all aspects of how witches were dealt with through the years from accusations to collecting evidence, to the trial, to the different types of executions to where they bodies were buried. It is also interesting to note that the Witchcraft Act went from persecuting people that practiced magic to persecuting people that pretended magic existed. There are no witches just con artists and frauds. This book was a great example of preserving history, learning from it and working to not have the same atrocities happen again.

Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo A book by an author who shares yours zodiac sign. It was hard to get into this book because it’s been SO long since I’ve read the previous 2 books in the Ninth House Trilogy. I remembered the gist of it but the nuances were iffy. Part 1 reminded us of all the details of the first two books, and there were a lot, but then the story moved along quickly. Once Darlington and Alex were around all of their friends/Lethe members, I remembered why I was anticipating this book so much. Alex left a portal open to the underworld and they have to figure out how to close it. They think that by going back to the start with the original pilgrims that they will find the answers. The Lethe board president is basically blackmailing Alex but I love how she thinks of them as amateurs and the villains. In part 2 they go on a hunt for ancient artifacts to make a gollum in hopes of defeating Golgarot. The thing with this book is that you just have to trust. Sometimes it’s hard to see where things are going and things are confusing but the more you read, the more you understand. For the first two books and honestly for this book lol you’re always wondering, Darlington and Alex? Will they, won’t they? Their relationship is different than any other relationship that I’ve read in a book… Actually, their relationship reminds me of Kaz and The Wraith from the Leigh Bardugo’s young adult duology Six of Crows. Anyways, the chemistry between Darlington and Alex is INTENSE in this book. In Part 3 everything comes together. They are fighting demons in Hell AND on earth plus people or amateurs are just as dangerous. Alex and the rest of Lethe know what they have to do and they do it. The gauntlet puzzles are fun and reminded me of Sarah trying to get to her brother in Labyrinth. I was satisfied with the ending and like that despite the closed doors lol there is a possibility of another story down the road.

The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano Discussion-Worthy Read. This is the story of Margaret and her husband Thomas. When it begins the year is 1648 and Thomas is trying to leave Massachusetts after a terrible tragedy. When his departure gets delayed, he finds a journal that Margaret wrote in, kept secrets in, and used to record the last two years of their life together, in. This book is based off of the true diary of Margaret (Maggie) Jones. The story of Thomas, the woodworker and his apothecary wife during the Puritanical 17th century is frustrating and terrifying. In Part 1 Thomas reads through the journal of memories and recalls the moments Margaret describes in more depth. The moments that lead up to him finding the journal among his wife’s belongings. Part 2 is told from Maggie’s perspective from the time of her arrest for witchcraft, throughout the trial and until her sentencing. It bothers me that it’s women that turn on Maggie, it’s women that serve as damning witnesses at her trial and it’s a woman that puts the trial into motion. I would not have made a good puritan and it is sad that women like Maggie had to live in a time when women were treated as subordinates. This book should serve as a warning to all women these days, how quickly the tide can turn and how fast communities will watch someone fall, as long as it’s not them. I also hated how easy it was for people that Maggie had helped to cast stones just because of a feeling or because they wanted to see Maggie knocked down a peg or two. While the book made me angry, I was satisfied with the ending.

The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller A book set on at least 2 different continents. How come nobody is talking about this book? Wild Hill is a place on the coast of Long Island that was once inhabited by a powerful witch that was an early immigrant to the New World from Scotland. While she lived there, the land was rich and provided a bounty of food and herbs for her. The men of the nearby village ultimately take advantage of her and hang her as a witch, but her spirit remains tied to the land, waiting for a powerful family with 3 very special women to take back what is rightfully theirs. Hundreds of years later the Duncan family arrives. A line of women with powers that they hone right there at Wild Hill. Sisters, Phoebe and Brigid spent their summers up at Wild Hill learning their craft and practicing their powers and now have been called back. 24 year-old Sibyl has also been called to Wild Hill. She is Phoebe‘s daughter and the strongest of the Duncan line, but she has no idea because after Phoebe and Brigid go through a traumatic experience, they part ways for decades and Phoebe never speaks of the past. I really like how the author gives a little, I guess, prologue for each part explaining everything so the lineage, lore, and history aren’t confusing to the reader. I also liked how we got to know each of the Duncan women through Sibyl. I also love that yes while there are ghosts and spells and prophecies, this book is really about the strength of women, fairness and the balance of nature. I’m a Swifty and I feel like Taylor Swift either has read this book or should read this book because she would like it Lol. I loved the three Duncan ladies together and I was fascinated by the Murdoch, I mean Geddes family and chuckled at the Josh Hawley, I mean Josh Jacobs revenge plot. Actually, I like how they humanized the oil industry, the ranchers, the politicians, the media moguls, and all the other industries that have done horrible things to our planet and the less privileged people of the world. The world has not been kind to women and this story felt like an ode to Female Rage.

The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer Odd Cover This book is written by an Australian and begins in Australia and yet the spelling is American. This is a pet peeve of mine. Anyways, the story begins 10 years after Fiona‘s uncle Tad has passed away. Fiona, who is recently divorced and close to 60 now, grew up in the house with her mother, Uncle, and cousin/BFF Jon. Fiona and Uncle Tad always loved the big haunted house called Wurimbirra, Jon and her mother have not. There are rumours that the house is haunted and 10 years of neglect have made the big old house even more spooky. Uncle Tad was an author and loved to purchase multiple copies of the same book to give out to people that he loved so they could discuss the deeper meanings. When Fiona opens the box and sees the book, The Midnight Estate by Charity Wilkie, she begins to read it and the story splits into two, Fiona’s story and the story she is reading, The Midnight Estate. The Midnight Estate is a story about Silas. Silas is an adventurer who leaves his family in California to get married and live in Australia. Years later, he returns after his mother’s death. While in California, he meets Marie, who is unhappily married to an older policeman, Rupert. The story tells of a daring escape, a new identity and a new life in Australia. As Fiona settles into her new/old life she reads the book and begins to see similarities and familiarities, as she feels haunted by a realization and not just the “ghosts“ living in her giant haunted mansion. This is us a good book with a good twist that you can see coming, but you still want to read how it plays out.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Spine tingler. There are spoilers in this review. This short story was written for the New Yorker in 1946. My mom passed on June 20 and June 27 was her celebration of life so the dates stood out for me from the beginning. In the story we see a small town of 300 come together in the town square, for The Lottery. Every year to ensure good luck and good harvests a black box is brought out and all the names of the people who live in town are placed inside while the town children collect a large pile of rocks. The town people are friends they know each other, care for each other and they all meet in the square in good moods ready for The Lottery. The people all pick from the box until one family is chosen by the marks on their papers. From there the family that picked the marked slip, picks again. The family member who chooses the marked slip is cast out. The town instantly turns against the person who chose the unfortunate marked paper. Tessie chooses the marked paper this time and instantly begins to demand fairness. She tries blaming others and tries cheating the “rules” to no avail. It is horrifying how easily people accept tradition and hate. How her own son picked up the first rock. How people will turn against people they know and love, for the chance of something unknown and/or because everyone else is doing it. It’s scary to see how life is actually like this nowadays and how easy humanity can be broken down.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna Persona Picks This is a cute witchy fall romance with a crazy cast of characters. Clemmie is a witched cursed inside a fox’s body, Aunt Jasmine is, well, dead, Nicholas is a Knight, there is a rooster skeleton running around and Sera has lost her magic and her marbles. Sera is betrayed over and over again from an early age by her parents, her mentor, her friend, even her Aunt. Years later she has a way to get it all back but she needs help. Enter, Luke and his magical sister Posy. I loved how they fit into the Inn. Posy is autistic and I thought her storyline was well done and thoughtful. In fact, all the disabilities and unique things about the Inn’s residents were tackled with care and in a way that the reader could understand in a way they may not have before. I really enjoyed the banter Sera had with everyone. She was a likeable character and made me chuckle. This is an easy book that makes you smile. Everyone learns something, they each make each other better and they all have a coming of age moment which I love. Also, I love magical houses that show you memories and warning puddles.