A Spook-tacular Matchmaking

by Lisa Weaver from the November 4, 2024 issue

Tagline: As a Halloween enthusiast down on her luck when it came to love, Cassie wasn't expecting to fall head over heels for her handsome client

Observations: I'm constantly surprised at how well the authors can deliver a story that's the same, but different. Maybe my senior brain is malfunctioning, but I can't remember seeing a pumpkin-carving/pet costume contest story before. So, well done, Ms. Weaver.

I also noticed many fall and Halloween turns-of-phrase in her story. Did you catch them all?

"...she was batty about Halloween."

"...the shiver that zizagged down Cassie's spine...had nothing to do with things that went bump in the night..."

"...his gaze as hot as a raging bonfire."

That sort of thing can really help set the scene/mood.

I always enjoy Ms. Weaver's stories.

Photo by William Warby via Flickr CC License

The Monster Match Dance

by Carol J. Douglas from the October 28, 2024 issue

Tagline: Halloween-obsessed Mandy had given up hope of finding her spooky soulmate until a chance run-in at a local store changes her haunting fate.

Observations: This story was adorable! First of all, the author does a great job of getting us in the halloween mood and giving us some real insight into the heroine and her love of Halloween. I don't know about you, but I really felt for Mandy and hoped she would find someone who shared her love for that holiday. It's hard enough finding someone compatible, let alone zeroing in on one particular passion.

I liked that the hero had a sense of humor...

He was dressed as a vampire and was just as swoon-worthy as one. His name tag said: JOSH.

"Thanks," Mandy said. "Great costume[,] Josh!"

"Oh, it's not a costume."

Seeing their surprised faces, he said conspiratorially, "It really is, but if I had my way, I'd wear a costume every day!"

The black moment was poignant to me. I felt the disappointment along with Mandy (even though I knew he'd be there at the end.) And I really liked the ending, forecasting the next Halloween which, if all went well, would include a wedding!

Photo by Shanna S. via Flickr CC License