Saturday Reads: Finding the Magic in Ordinary Places – Small Town, Big Magic

Every once in a while, a book sneaks up on you—not because it’s packed with shocking twists, but because it feels like a warm reminder that magic can exist in the everyday. That’s exactly what I’ve been feeling while reading Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck.

This book has been my cozy comfort read lately, and honestly, it’s giving me all the vibes I needed: small-town charm, witchy empowerment, and a heroine who’s discovering that she doesn’t have to apologize for her strength—or her magic.

A Story About Magic, Memory, and Belonging

The story follows Emerson Wilde, a bookstore owner in the town of St. Cyprian—a seemingly ordinary place where secrets hum beneath the surface. Emerson doesn’t remember being a witch, but when her power starts resurfacing, she’s forced to confront everything she’s forgotten, including the truth about her past and the people who’ve been protecting her.

It’s the perfect mix of magical realism and romantic fantasy, with that hint of “found family” and community that I always gravitate toward. Emerson’s journey feels personal—especially if you’ve ever felt like you had to hide your strength just to fit into small-town expectations or family roles.

Why I’m Loving It

What makes Small Town, Big Magic stand out isn’t just the witchy plot—it’s how real the emotions feel beneath the spells. Emerson’s rediscovery of her magic mirrors what so many of us experience when we start remembering who we were before fear, burnout, or conformity dulled our light.

It’s a love story, yes—but it’s also about self-trust, sisterhood, and the courage to stop downplaying your power. It’s giving witchy Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, and I am here for every page.

There’s also this tenderness to the friendships in the book that makes you want to call your people—the ones who’ve seen you at your lowest and still choose you. It reminds me of how real magic doesn’t always look like wands and incantations. Sometimes it looks like community, laughter, and showing up for yourself again.

The Magic Feels Familiar

As I’ve been reading, I can’t help but notice how much of the story aligns with themes from The Ordinary Bruja. Both Emerson and Marisol are women rediscovering themselves, navigating between heritage and modern life, and realizing that power doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.

Hazel Beck captures that truth beautifully. Her take on witchcraft feels grounded, emotional, and feminist in the most authentic way. It’s not about spells—it’s about self-belonging.

Who This Book Is For

If you love stories with:

• Modern witches rediscovering their strength
• Cozy small-town settings with secrets
• Strong female friendships and slow-burn romance
• A balance of humor, heart, and empowerment

Then Small Town, Big Magic belongs on your nightstand.

It’s the kind of book that makes you want to light a candle, brew some cafecito, and let the world fade for a while.

Final Thoughts

I’m halfway through the book, and what I keep thinking is this: maybe all of us are witches trying to remember our power in a world that keeps trying to convince us it’s not real.

Hazel Beck captures that beautifully. Her message is clear—magic isn’t something you learn; it’s something you remember.

So if you’re in the mood for something that feels cozy, empowering, and just a little bit enchanting, Small Town, Big Magic might just be your next healing read.

#bookReview #cozyWitchBooks #hazelBeck #magicalRealism #saturdayReads #selfDiscovery2 #smallTownFantasy #witchyFiction #womensFiction3

NAM Rodger, The Safeguard of the Sea: A Naval History of Britain, Vol 1: 660-1649 #FridayReads #SaturdayReads

Saturday Reads: A Haunting Legacy in The Haunting of Alejandra

If you’re looking for a book that blends psychological horror, folklore, and generational trauma into a chilling yet empowering story, V. Castro’s The Haunting of Alejandra is the perfect pick. This novel is a fresh take on the legend of La Llorona, intertwining it with a modern woman’s journey of self-discovery, resilience, and cultural reconnection.

The Story

Alejandra is a woman trapped by expectations. As a stay-at-home mother, she feels overwhelmed, isolated, and burdened by a deep sadness she can’t shake. But what she’s experiencing is more than just depression—she’s haunted by the vengeful spirit of La Llorona, a manifestation of the generational curse passed down through the women in her family. This isn’t just a ghost story; it’s a fight for Alejandra’s life, sanity, and the future of her children.

Through vivid storytelling, Castro pulls readers into Alejandra’s unraveling life and her eventual empowerment as she confronts the haunting presence of La Llorona. The novel expertly balances the supernatural and the psychological, showing how trauma, culture, and identity shape a person’s battle against inner and outer demons.

Why It Stands Out

1. Reclaiming La Llorona:
   Castro reimagines the infamous Mexican folktale of the weeping woman who drowned her children, transforming her from a simple cautionary figure into a complex symbol of pain and rage. La Llorona’s curse becomes a metaphor for the cycles of generational trauma that haunt Alejandra’s family, making the horror feel both intimate and universal.
2. Themes of Motherhood and Identity:
   Alejandra’s struggles with motherhood, identity, and mental health are heartbreakingly real. Her journey resonates with anyone who’s felt the pressure of societal expectations, especially women balancing the demands of family, cultural heritage, and personal fulfillment.
3. Empowering Narrative:
   What makes The Haunting of Alejandra truly powerful is its resolution. Rather than succumbing to despair, Alejandra finds strength in her ancestry and community, showing the importance of breaking harmful cycles and embracing self-worth.
4. Cultural Depth:
   Castro’s writing is rich with Mexican folklore and spiritual practices, such as the role of the curandera, which adds authenticity and cultural depth to the story. It’s a love letter to the power of reconnecting with one’s roots to heal and grow.

Final Thoughts

V. Castro has created a story that’s as terrifying as it is empowering. The Haunting of Alejandra isn’t just a horror novel; it’s an exploration of how generational trauma, cultural identity, and personal healing intertwine. By the end, Alejandra’s fight against La Llorona feels like a victory for every woman battling the ghosts of their past—literal or metaphorical.

If you love atmospheric, character-driven horror with a deeper message, this book is a must-read. It will leave you both haunted and inspired.

#FolkloreAndHorror #GenerationalTrauma #LatineReads #OwnVoices #SaturdayReads #TheHauntingOfAlejandra

The Six Triple Eight: A Powerful Tribute to Black Women’s Grit and Grace

#SaturdayReads #SaturdayWatch

Watching The Six Triple Eight was an emotional journey that left me in tears. This movie is a tribute to the incredible women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II. It’s a story of resilience, grace, and the unyielding grit of women who confronted racism and sexism while serving their country—a country that too often turned its back on them.

The performances in this film were extraordinary. The talented actresses brought to life the strength and determination of these real-life trailblazers, led by the formidable MAJ Charity Adams. Every scene was a reminder of the overt racism they faced, even as they fulfilled a critical mission to ensure soldiers received their long-overdue letters and packages. The weight of fighting for visibility and inclusion while enduring bigotry was palpable.

What hit me hardest was the parallel between their experiences and the reality many of us still face today. Like them, I know what it feels like to push myself beyond my limits just to stand out in my chosen field. Watching this, I couldn’t help but cry, imagining how much more exhausting it must have been for these women to keep going in an era even more unforgiving than ours.

The story of the Six Triple Eight is not just a tale of overcoming obstacles; it’s a legacy of courage and perseverance. It reminds us that the fight for equity and respect isn’t over, but it’s a fight built on the shoulders of giants like these women.

This movie isn’t just worth watching—it’s a must-watch. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, how much work still lies ahead, and the grace it takes to keep moving forward.

Learn More:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Six_Triple_Eight

#HaveACupofJohanny #BlackExcellence #BlackWomenInHistory #historicalFilms #mustWatchMovies #racialEquity #resilienceAndGrit #SaturdayReads #saturdaywatch #TheSixTripleEight #womenInWWII

New Year, Same Me—But Better: Lessons from Audrie & Daisy

#saturdayreads #saturdaywatch

As we step into 2025 with a commitment to growth and reflection, I want to share my thoughts on a documentary that shook me to my core: Audrie & Daisy (2016). This heartbreaking film spotlights the stories of two teenagers who became victims of sexual assault, only to be further victimized by a society that prioritized protecting perpetrators over seeking justice for those harmed. It’s a story that lingers, sparking a deep conversation about systemic failure and the urgent need for change.

A System Rigged for Perpetrators

Watching the documentary, I was struck by how much effort and institutional power is directed toward shielding perpetrators. Daisy Coleman’s case, in particular, revealed an unsettling reality: the judicial system is often incapable or unwilling to deliver justice for survivors of sexual assault.

The prosecutor’s statement—“Daisy’s case was just too hard to prove within the court system”—wasn’t just an excuse; it was a chilling reminder of how ingrained biases and structural inadequacies perpetuate harm. This isn’t about individual perceptions or isolated incidents. It’s about a judicial framework that places an unbearable burden of proof on survivors, while perpetrators benefit from loopholes, societal complicity, and the unspoken presumption of innocence.

An Epiphany About Change

This realization led me to an epiphany: justice for survivors cannot begin and end with public outrage or individual accountability. It must start with laws. Comprehensive legal reform is needed to:

• Remove Barriers for Survivors: Simplify reporting processes and provide trauma-informed resources.
• Shift the Burden of Proof: Ensure the focus is on evidence of the crime, not on discrediting survivors.
• Enforce Strict Penalties for Cyberbullying: Recognize and address the devastating impact of online harassment that so often follows survivors of sexual assault.

We also need widespread education on consent, digital responsibility, and bystander intervention—starting at a young age. Change isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a cultural one.

Remembering Daisy Coleman

Daisy Coleman’s tragic death in 2020 added another layer of heartbreak to her story. Her passing reminds us that the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent victim-blaming can have lasting effects, often leading to mental health struggles. Daisy’s advocacy work and bravery deserve to be remembered, not just as a cautionary tale, but as a rallying cry for action.

As you reflect on the year ahead, I encourage you to watch Audrie & Daisy. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a necessary one. The documentary forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how we, as a society, handle sexual violence. Let’s take that discomfort and channel it into meaningful action.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We can start by having these hard conversations in our communities. Support organizations like RAINN that provide resources for survivors and push for legal reform. Hold schools, workplaces, and online platforms accountable for their roles in perpetuating harmful environments. Most importantly, let’s commit to raising the next generation to value empathy, respect, and justice.

2025 is the year of learning and growth. Let’s make it a year where we show up for survivors, challenge the status quo, and work toward a world where justice is not an exception but the rule.

#AudrieDaisy #justiceForSurvivors #lawReform #mustWatch #NetflixDocumentaries #SaturdayReads #saturdaywatch #sexualAssaultAwareness #survivorSupport #systemicChange

#Awardwinningwriter #Indieauthor #Ebooks #Multigenres #Amazon #Mustread #Saturdayreads #AuthorCSDixon #Repost #Share #Review #Boost #Books #Writingcommunity #Readingcommunity
https://amazon.co.uk/stores/C-S-Dixon/author/B00COKZBTE?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://amazon.com/stores/C-S-Dixon/author/B00COKZBTE?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Walter worm finds a friend & Terror Beach, are just two of my titles, grab them now!
"Great writer!"

Robert Darnton, The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789; Bruce Sterling (ed), Mirrorshades: The Cyberpunk Anthology #FridayReads #SaturdayReads

@bookstodon
I am also still listening to 'Kushiel's Dart' by Jacqueline Carey.
It's gratifying when a reread many years later confirms my remembered enjoyment of a book. I think I may actually be enjoying it more now because of that.
Still think this series would make an absolutely dynamite TV adaptation if handled well
#FridayReads #SaturdayReads

@bookstodon
I was busy yesterday, so I didn't get to share my #FridayReads. So they are #SaturdayReads this week.
I started 'The Time of Contempt' by Andrzej Sapkowski - the fourth Witcher book. This probably would have been a good read before S2 of the Netflix show, but it's still a good read to prepare for the upcoming S3. It's nice reuniting with Geralt, Yennifer, and Ciri again.

It’s hot here, y’all. Here’s an older story of mine for anyone missing winter. An ice cold werewolf story called February Moon, published by @BCSmagazine #saturdayreads #horror #werewolf

https://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/stories/february-moon/

I started reading My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier. #Books #SaturdayReads

This is the other favorite… I’ll have to take my book elsewhere
#SaturdayReads #catcontent

#SaturdayReads for this week is, appropriately, In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende. No photo again because my poor old Kindle has seen better days.

I have 120+ unread books on there and I'd kind of forgotten I had this (the only other book I've read by her was a bit disappointing) but I was in the mood for something that jumps back and forth into the characters' histories. I like it so far! #AmReading #bookstodon #BookBlogger

#SaturdayReads just finished The Gospel of Loki by @joannechocolat (no photo as I read it on my beat-up Kindle), now moving on to Terminal Zones by @garetherees as recommended by @RayNewman #bookstodon #AmReading

#SaturdayRead will be The Other People by C. J. Tudor once I've got up, been to the chemist, and written at least one blog post.

No photo as it's on my Kindle, which is very scuffed from being dropped several times in 10+ years 😄 #SaturdayReads #BookBlogger #AmReading

#SaturdayReads — recently finished FEVERED STAR by Rebecca Roanhorse, and now I’m onto THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TK Lune.

Leaving a world of crows and vengeance and old gods, to enter a world with overlooked wallflowers & the antichrist. 📚☺️

#SFF #AmReading

Oh, and this is what I'm reading this weekend. I've been going through a massive short story phase the last couple of months, both in reading and writing for #FlashNano.

#bookstodon #AmReading #AmWriting #ShortStory #ShortStories #ShortStoryWriter #FlashNano2022 #SaturdayReads

Time for #SaturdayReads

Hey #book lovers! What are we reading at the moment? I'm still wading my way through a reread of #lordoftherings but it's never been the easiest of books 🤣 are you reading anything new and fun or old and classic?

#literature #books #cosy #novel #reading