A Dark and Secret Magic : A Novel

Hecate Goodwin, a reclusive hedge witch, lives a quiet life in her Ipswich cottage, crafting herbal remedies and avoiding human connection. Her peaceful solitude shatters when her sister asks her to host their coven’s Halloween gathering—a task complicated by the arrival of Matthew Cypher, a practitioner of forbidden magic from her past. As autumn leaves fall, Kate grapples with coven expectations, Matthew’s cryptic warnings, and a growing attraction she’s determined to ignore.

When Kate discovers an ancient tome inscribed in her late mother’s handwriting, dark secrets unravel. The book hints at forbidden magic her mother hid, forcing Kate to question everything she knew about her family. With Matthew’s help, she delves into the mystery, but trusting him becomes harder as shadows from his past resurface.

The story weaves through cozy autumn rituals—pumpkin-spiced nights, crackling fires, and whispered spells—contrasting with the eerie undercurrent of dark magic. Kate’s journey is one of self-discovery, balancing her love for tradition with the courage to confront hidden truths.

Romance blooms hesitantly between Kate and Matthew, their chemistry charged with tension and unspoken history. Yet danger lurks in the forest, where ancient forces stir, threatening to upend the fragile balance of Kate’s world.

A love letter to Halloween, the novel celebrates autumn’s magic—crisp air, flickering candles, and the thinning veil between worlds. Kinney’s prose enchants with sensory details, from fragrant herbs to moonlit rituals, making every page feel like a warm, witchy embrace.