Perfect Books for Your Halloween Candy Haul

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Have you ever wanted to read a book that feels like a specific Halloween candy? No? Well, welcome to your next craving cause here’s a list of AMAZING books curated by Heather and Kendall pairing their fave books with their fave Halloween treats.

Kit Kat

Heather—A Break

Gimme a break, gimme a break. Break me off a piece of that KitKat bar!

Classic, right?

KitKats are a break for me. They’re sweet, but kinda between a cookie and a chocolate bar. They’re a break from the normal routine.

So, perfect to go with books that just feel like a much-needed break.

The Whispering Sea Duet by Madeliene Eliot is the completed duology for you. It starts with Ballad of Sea and Sky and is followed by Hymn of Breath and Bone. These books are fun, cute, intriguing, and just a good time. Enjoy.

Kendall—A Classic

Just like Heather said, Kit-Kats are a classic! They’re also my favorite, so it’s an easy choice for me. I have a special place in my heart for classic literature, and my favorite genre fits perfectly within that.

Classic dystopian lit is where it’s at for me. They’re deep, unsettling, and worst of all, incredibly relatable to current events. That’s why I recommend Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and 1984 by George Orwell.

Both authors are giants in the genre. It’s wild to think these books were written in the early to mid-1900s because their themes and moral questions still feel so relevant today. Drawing comparisons to modern events pushes us to think deeper about freedom of thought and expression, almost forcing us to question the scope we’re taught to see through.

Reese’s PB cups

Heather—Literally the Best

Okay, if you know me, I love peanut butter cups and A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette. I’ve been ranting and raving about this book all year long. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love.

No notes. It’s amazing.

Kendall—Nauseating, but You’ll Want More

Okay, yes. I’m the one who can’t eat peanut butter and chocolate, BUT, let me explain.

It was Christmas, and I was probably about 11. We were having a large family gathering and of course that means a huge potluck, and a standalone table of goodies ready for the picking. It’s also important to note that I’m Mennonite, and we have a huge family, and we all like to cook/bake. So anyways, huge table (unattended, I might add) filled to the brim with goodies - including my favorites. Peanut Butter Cups. Homemade. Yes, I stuffed my face. Yes, I got sick. No, I can’t have them anymore. And the most unfortunate of all—I know what I’m missing out on.

So when I think about Peanut Butter Cups today, I think of something nauseating, uncomfortable, yet deeply interesting and delicious. For that, I would recommend Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. Also our very first book club book of our podcast!

Will it make you feel sick and gross? Yes, but it will also be interesting and deeply satisfying.

Sour Patch Kids

H—Sweet and Sour but in a Good Way

Witchfished by E.F. Watson is such a sweet romance story. It’s a fantasy set in our world, except magic and magical beings exist alongside humans. So cool, right? Well, there’s also a mystery happening in the background. This novella is sweet and sour, but it’ll be done too soon, and you’ll be so satisfied.

Kendall—Pucker up, buttercup!

The sharp tang of Sour Patch Kids is enough to make even the toughest mouths pucker, so I’m pairing them with something a little spicy.

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver and Hooked by Emily McIntire are perfect for those craving a romance with a bit more bite. Pucker up, because these books are about to take you on a wild ride!

Snickers

Heather—A Book That Sticks With You

I couldn’t pick just one for this section. There are so many books that have stuck with me, but right now, two are always crossing my mind. I find myself mentioning and recommending these two all. the. time.

House of Frank by Kay Synclare is a cozy fantasy that deals with some pretty heavy themes: grief, the death of loved ones, and how you move on. It’s set at a magical cemetery, Ash Gardens, where people bring their loved ones ashes for burial where a magical plant will grow on the burial site.

Darkest Parts of Me by Shandy Mandarino is a cozy romantic sci-fi. Renn and Maven are such a great couple. There’s a dog, small-town vibes, lots of woods, and they’re quite literally star-crossed lovers.

Kendall—So Satisfying

"Snickers really satisfies."

And you're just not yourself when you're hungry, are you? That's why I'm recommending Happy Place by Emily Henry and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Both of these romances strike the perfect balance between tension and heart, leaving you completely satisfied. You can’t go wrong with either!

Milky Way

Heather—Reading This Felt Decadent

A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene is one of my top reads of 2024. Selene’s prose is gorgeous. Reading it felt like I was eating a Milky Way cheesecake. It was a treat for my eyes and brain.

Kendall—Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride

You’ll want to savor this one.

Take your time with The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller. These beautifully crafted mythological retellings are so captivating, it’s easy to race through them. But trust me, you’ll want to slow down and enjoy every moment of the journey.

Candy Corn

Heather—So Sweet, It Makes My Teeth Hurt

I’m 100% ignoring the “some love, some hate” aspect of candy corn and focusing on how it’s basically pure sugar. It’s so sweet. And that’s why the best book to pair with candy corn is Fellowship of Bakers and Magic by J. Penner.

This book is just perfect. It’s a fantasy version of the Great British Bake Off. It’s so cozy and so well done. Just go read it.

Kendall—More for the Nostalgia

Okaaaay, Candy Corn, I see you.

If you're after a well-written, enjoyable story with a nostalgic vibe, I'd suggest Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch or Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

Both are mythological retellings that bring fresh perspectives and creative twists to classic legends.

M&Ms

Heather—Bite-Sized

Buried Deep by Naomi Novik is the best. If you love her writing, you’ll love her short stories. And, seriously, what’s more bite-sized than a short story?

Kendall—I Cannot Stop the Indulgence

I don’t care who you are, how old you are, or how much money is in your bank account. Not a single person has just one M&M and calls it a day. Don’t even try to convince me otherwise.

This is how I feel about The Ghost Woods by Carolyn Jess-Cooke. I can’t stop thinking of this book. It’s perfectly spooky, perfectly witchy, and has just the right amount of romance. It’s something I can’t get off my mind, and I am craving to read again.

Also, why don’t I own this book yet?!

Almond Joy

Heather—Something Good but Not Talked About Enough

The Lost Legacies series by Maddox Grey is so underrated. It literally has EVERYTHING you want. Shifters? Dragons? Witches? Demons? Fae? Politicking? Fighting? Prophesies? Like it has everything. Plus, this is a massive series. There’s like 5 or so books out right now and the series is planned to be at least 12 books plus novellas. Start with A Shift in Shadows.

Kendall—Something I Wouldn’t Typically go for but Enjoyed Nonetheless

I’m not usually a fan of almonds, and adding chocolate doesn’t always win me over (see Peanut Butter Cups above). Still, I know what I’m missing out on, and while it’s not my thing, I get why others love it.

That’s exactly how I felt about Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas. She’s a world-building genius with a real talent for storytelling. Fantasy isn’t my usual genre, but I truly enjoyed this one and am slowly working my way through the rest of the series!

Candy Apples

Heather—Refreshing Bite

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson should be your next fall obsession. This is a fast-paced, vampire-ish (the word “vampire” is never mentioned!), and atmospheric book. Add to your TBR, and you can thank me later.

Kendall—An Annual Tradition

Candy apples are peak fall vibes—apple picking, caramel, all the fun fall festivities. Even if you’re not the biggest fan, you know you’re indulging at least once a year. It’s like a PSL; it’s just tradition.

That’s exactly how I feel about my two all-time favorite books: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. I make it a tradition to read these every year, just to savor and appreciate their incredible storytelling.