2.5 stars
Oh, dear. This was the most twee book I've ever read. I was hoping this would be a fun cozy romance with some fantasy like the blurb suggested but it was more like eating a cake and finding out it's mostly whipping cream and no cake. The book tries its best to come off as warm and wholesome with the whole cottagecore vibe, which I respect and enjoyed but there isn't much substance to it. The plot is straightforward and predictable which could be excusable if the characters had any depth. I didn't really care for any of them. The three children about whom everyone is supposed to be head over heels for are forgettable and not at all distinguishable except that one of them is slightly more murderous. The entire thing feels shallow and a cheaper version of The House in the Cerulean Sea. I really was excited to read this book, and I'm disappointed my first read for spooky season turned out to be a dud.