Mummy Monday: The Dad Game Night Contract

Family game nights are back on the agenda this November as we settle into cosy evenings and festive fun. During our recent half-term break, my youngest daughter surprised us all with her creativity and humour — she wrote an official “Dad Game Night Contract” to keep the peace (and the laughter!) flowing. It turned our regular family competition into a night to remember!

From The Logo Game to Scream and Spot the Intro, there was plenty of fun, laughter, and a few dramatic defeats. Here’s how our family game night turned into one of our favourite holiday memories.

Colourful image of the Logo board game, Spot the Intro game and Scream the game for Mummy Monday blog post The Dad Game Night Contract at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Mummy Monday: The Dad Game Night Contract

The Dad Game Night Contract

Half-term holidays are always a bit chaotic in our house, but this October my youngest daughter outdid herself with a stroke of comic genius. In preparation for our family game night, she decided to create an official contract for her dad — complete with signature lines and a rule that if he got grumpy, the opposing team would move one step closer to victory! She even made him sign it before we began, and I have to say, watching her deliver the document with a serious face was absolutely hilarious. Even he had to smile at her initiative (and admit defeat before the first dice roll!).

We kicked off with The Logo Game, where I claimed victory — clearly, years of supermarket runs and online shopping have given me an edge when it comes to brand knowledge. Then came Scream, a fast-paced horror-themed app game that had us all jumping and laughing (and, ultimately, all dying!). Dad struggled with the tech element — perhaps that contract should have included a “no app complaints” clause! Finally, we finished with Spot the Intro, and this was Dad’s moment to shine. Being a musician, he easily outplayed us all, guessing every song before the rest of us had a chance.

Precious Moments

These little moments are so precious. Family game night has become an important ritual for our girls, giving us time together away from screens and distractions. With Dad working long hours most days, it’s often the only chance they get to spend proper quality time with him — and if that means enforcing a “No Grumps” clause, so be it!

Now that we’re heading into November, the girls are already making their Christmas wish list of new games to add to our growing collection. I can’t wait to see what they choose next — though I suspect Dad may be a bit wary of signing any more contracts before we start playing!

If you’re also planning some festive family fun, don’t miss my latest finds:
🎁 Grab the Best Black Friday Deals with SpookyMrsGreen!
Discover top tech discounts, cute festive plush toys, collectibles for kids, gifts for adults, and much more — all in one magical place to start your Christmas shopping.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, Christmas, family, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Free for All Friday: A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls by Fiona Dodwell – Review

As the Halloween season reaches its peak and the veil between worlds grows thin, it feels only fitting to spend some time in the company of our favourite haunted playthings… and I’m not talking about my own dolls this time!

This week, I’m thrilled to share my review of A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls by fellow paranormal investigator and author Fiona Dodwell.

Book cover for A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls by Fiona Dodwell reviewed by paranormal author Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen spooky family lifestyle blog.
Free for All Friday: A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls by Fiona Dodwell – Review 🎃 🕯️

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a delightful distraction from the mundane day-to-day as I delved into the eerie world of famous haunted dolls from history. Fiona takes us on a fascinating journey through the origins of well-known urban myths, spooky legends, and even shares a few ghost stories inspired by dolls themselves.

The book strikes a perfect balance between research and storytelling — lighthearted yet chilling, and packed with paranormal trivia that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Fiona’s voice feels warm and familiar, like chatting with a fellow investigator over a cup of tea after a night of ghost hunting. Her enthusiasm for the subject shines through every chapter, and her personal insight gives this book a truly human (and spooky) touch.

Whether you’re a collector, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply a fan of haunted tales, this book offers the perfect Halloween treat. I loved learning about both the infamous dolls (hello, Robert and Annabelle!) and some that were new to me, like Mandy and Okiku. It’s the kind of book that will have you side-eyeing your toy shelf for days afterwards… in the best possible way!

A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls is a delightfully upbeat yet spine-tingling read — ideal for Halloween and the long, dark winter nights to come.


About the Book

A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls by Fiona Dodwell
Silent Stares and Malevolent Whispers from Possessed Dolls

Robert. Annabelle. Peggy. The very names of these dolls can strike fear into your heart. Fiona Dodwell, who has been gripped by the idea of spirit-possessed dolls for years, dives into real-world and fictional examples of toys gone bad — playthings meant to comfort children but instead make life a living hell.

Fiona presents a comprehensive collection of true-life cases of haunted dolls, including lesser-known ones such as Mandy and Okiku. She also explores the killer dolls that have inspired endless horror movies and books. To chill your spine even further, Fiona shares interviews with Child’s Play writer and director Don Mancini, actress Jennifer Tilly, Patti Negri of Ghost Adventures, Jayne Harris of Help! My House Is Haunted, and many more.

Creepy, addictive, and meticulously researched, this book takes paranormal enthusiasts on a thrilling journey into the dark and fascinating world of haunted dolls.
Includes a foreword by Fred Batt, demonologist on Most Haunted.

📚Buy the Book: Waterstones; TGJones; Bookshop; Amazon.


🎃 Perfect reading for Halloween night! Grab your copy of A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls and prepare for goosebumps, giggles, and a few nervous glances at your own collection of curiosities…

Image of a full moon seen through trees on a dark night. Excerpt from LGBT fantasy book "Heart of the Vampire (The Redcliffe Novels)" by vampire writer Catherine Green. #RedcliffeNovels.
Excerpt from “Heart of the Vampire” (The Redcliffe Novels) #5 by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE short story from the Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green. Click here

Note: I received the book in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, book, book promotion, book review, Spooky Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Witchy Wednesday: The Ancestors Whisper at Hallam Mill

Samhain is almost upon us, dear readers, and I can feel the ancestral pull growing stronger with every flicker of candlelight.

This is the season when the veil between worlds becomes whisper-thin, when the spirits draw close to offer guidance, wisdom, and perhaps a little mischief.

Spooky image of Hallam Mill in Stockport, a traditional séance with candle and potion bottles, Halloween Samhain theme. Ghost stories paranormal investigation. Witchy Wednesday pagan family pagan mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Witchy Wednesday: The Ancestors Whisper at Hallam Mill 🌙✨

The Ancestors Whisper at Hallam Mill

Last weekend, my ghostie girlies and I joined our friends, the Paranormal Penny Pinchers, for a séance at the legendary Hallam Mill in Stockport — one of those places where the atmosphere hums with unseen energy the moment you step inside. We went expecting to meet the resident ghosts that so many investigators have reported before us. But as is often the way with the spirit world, the evening took an unexpected turn…

When the lights dimmed and our circle began, the energy shifted dramatically. Instead of the building’s usual spectral tenants, a presence stepped forward that felt deeply personal — familiar, even. As we worked with our dowsing rods and spirit boxes, a voice came through that seemed to echo straight through my bones. I can’t explain it, but I knew this spirit wasn’t a stranger.

Ancestor from my Mother’s Side

The words were few, the sensations intense. My heart raced, and a sudden chill swept over me, yet I felt comforted rather than afraid. It seems that my visitor might be an ancestor from my mother’s side, a guide reaching through the veil to remind me of who I am and where I come from. There’s research to be done — names, old family stories, perhaps even a forgotten photograph tucked away in a dusty album.

My ghostie girlies were as intrigued as I was, watching the EMF meter flicker with excitement as our unseen guest lingered. We ended the session with gratitude, leaving offerings of love and light for all the spirits who joined us that night.

Prepare for Samhain

Now, as I prepare for Samhain and the family’s Halloween celebrations — costumes, sweets, and laughter aplenty — I also make time for quiet reflection. I’ll light a candle for my ancestors, especially the mysterious guide who made themselves known at Hallam Mill.

Perhaps they’ll visit again when the veil opens fully on All Hallows’ Eve.

Blessed be, and may your own spirit guides walk beside you this Samhain. 🌙✨

Image of a sexy dark-haired man wearing a black leather jacket, staring at the viewer, and looking mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. Hashtag polyamory hashtag bisexual books hashtag queer fiction. Bisexual pride symbol. Text reads, "British LGBT fantasy book series."
“Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)” by Catherine Green.

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Posted in #witchywednesday, advertising, Ghost Hunter Diaries, pagan mother, Spooky Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mummy Monday: When the Haunted Doll Spoke at the Book Extravaganza 👻

This week we’re counting down to Halloween, and of course, the spooks are already getting involved!

Last weekend, my daughter and I attended the Book Extravaganza event in Market Harborough. It was hosted in a lovely old hotel, complete with creaky floors, dark corners, and that deliciously eerie atmosphere that sets my paranormal senses tingling. We were there to promote my spooky novels—vampires, werewolves, witches, and all—but little did we know that one of our own haunted companions had a surprise planned!

Mummy Monday When the Haunted Doll Spoke at the Book Extravaganza image of a haunted doll an EMF meter K2 meter and spooky books by paranormal author Catherine Green at Market Harborough Book Extravaganza at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Mummy Monday: When the Haunted Doll Spoke at the Book Extravaganza 🕯️ 👻

When the Haunted Doll Spoke

We took along one of our haunted dolls, Selena, just for company (and maybe a little moral support). Things were fairly quiet during the early afternoon, so while other vendors chatted with visitors, we decided to liven things up a bit. Out came the EMF meter and Spirit Talker app—our trusty tools for spirit communication.

At first, nothing happened. Then the EMF started flickering, lights pulsing like it was trying to get our attention. The Spirit Talker app chimed with a few random words, but then things started to fit together. We asked if it was Selena with us, and the responses became more direct—her name, familiar phrases, and even what felt like a little attitude! Whether it was our doll reaching out or a passing ghost intrigued by the energy in the room, the atmosphere shifted from mundane to mystical in an instant.

It turned our rather dull day at work into an unexpected mini ghost hunt right there among the book stalls. Other authors and visitors stopped to watch, curious about what we were doing. A few even leaned in to ask questions about haunted dolls and paranormal investigation—proving once again that you never know when the spooks will decide to speak!

Keep Your Senses Open

So, as we glide toward Halloween night, remember to keep your senses open and your energy grounded. Spirits can (and often do) appear when you least expect them. 🎃

If you enjoy a touch of Gothic mystery and seductive vampires, why not sink your teeth into my Victorian vampire romance novel, The Darkness of Love? Step into the world of Lord Gregory Stockton, a powerful vampire lord whose pursuit of legacy leads to lust, love, and betrayal. Perfect reading for the witching season…
👉 Read The Darkness of Love on Amazon

Stay spooky,
Catherine (aka Spooky Mrs Green) 🕯️

Image of a woman in period dress wearing a masquerade mask, surrounded by two men who are naked and being intimate with her. Vampire fantasy books. 3D book cover image for The Darkness of Love by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
Victorian vampire romance novel “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, Spooky Stuff, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Free for All Friday: When True Crime Meets the Paranormal

There’s something about the dark and mysterious that always draws us in. Whether it’s a cold case from decades past, a haunted house with a tragic history, or the whispered name of a killer whose crimes still echo through time—true crime and the paranormal have always been uneasy companions.

Both explore the shadowy corners of humanity, asking the same haunting questions: What really happened here? and Why won’t the dead rest?

Image of crime scene tape, Crime Monthly magazine, an open book and a fingerprint. When True Crime Meets the Paranormal blog post Free for All Friday pagan family pagan mom elder emo mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Free for All Friday: When True Crime Meets the Paranormal 🕯️

When True Crime Meets the Paranormal

As a paranormal investigator and lifelong seeker of truth, I’ve often found that reported hauntings are rooted in history’s darker moments. Murder, betrayal, and sudden death leave behind powerful imprints. When we step into old prisons, derelict mansions, or forgotten graveyards, we are not only chasing ghosts—we’re also brushing against the lingering energy of true human suffering. Sometimes, the stories we uncover are more tragic than terrifying.

And yet, there’s a reason people are fascinated by true crime. It’s not just morbid curiosity. Many of us are drawn to understand the psychology of those who commit terrible acts, or the resilience of those who survive them. We want to make sense of chaos, to impose order on fear. It’s the same impulse that drives us to communicate with spirits: we want answers. We want truth.

Researching True Crime Stories

So, as we embrace the crisp days and chilling nights of autumn, it feels like the perfect time to settle in with stories that intrigue, unsettle, and inform. For all you crime lovers, here’s a treat from my affiliate partner:

👉 6 issues of Crime Monthly for just £19.99!
Crisp days and chilling nights—it’s the perfect time for crime lovers to get comfortable and dive into Crime Monthly.
This gripping magazine takes you beyond the news cycle with in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and the latest crime stories every month.
🔗 Subscribe here

Whether you’re researching for your next ghost hunt, exploring the psychology behind infamous hauntings, or simply curling up with a cup of tea and a chilling read, true crime offers a fascinating mirror to the human condition.

After all, sometimes the real monsters aren’t found in the dark—they walk among us.

Six issues of Crime Monthly magazine for under twenty pounds from Great Magazines affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
6 issues of Crime Monthly for £19.99

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, halloween, Spooky Stuff, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

🌑 Witchy Wednesday: Unbinding the Cloak of Invisibility

We have entered the Dark Moon once again — that sacred pause between endings and beginnings when the world holds its breath. The sky is empty, the light withdrawn, and the veil between worlds feels paper thin. For me, this lunar moment has always been the true witch’s moon. It is not the time for gentle wishes or soft manifestations. It is the time for reckoning.

Lately, I have felt that the world refuses to see me. My words fall into silence, my books sit unread, my voice echoes into the void. Every rejection, every unanswered message, every closed door whispers the same story — you are invisible. But tonight, I call an end to that story.

Spooky occult dark magic image of the Eye of Truth sigil created by SpookyMrsGreen. October dark moon magick new moon magic. Witchy Wednesday pagan family pagan mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
🌑 Witchy Wednesday: Unbinding the Cloak of Invisibility

Unbinding the Cloak of Invisibility

This Dark Moon in Libra carries the energy of balance and revelation. It shines not in the sky but within us, urging us to see the hidden patterns of power that keep us small. Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and harmony, yet this moon is no soft goddess — she is the mirror that reflects truth, whether we wish to see it or not.

So, to all my fellow dark magicians, occultists, ghost hunters, and shadow-workers who walk between the worlds — I say this: the time of invisibility is over.

We are the ones who whisper to the dead, who feel the pulse of unseen forces, who sense the energy shift in every haunted corridor. We read the signs others dismiss. We carry magic in our bones. Yet, too often, the mundane world tells us to hide it, to shrink, to fit their template of normality.

No more.

Tonight, I have crafted a sigil — the Eye of Truth — to break that old enchantment of invisibility. The sigil holds the energy of the crescent moon, the all-seeing eye, the flame of spirit, and the spiral of rebirth. It is a spell of awakening, a symbol of power reclaimed. I charge it under this Dark Moon with the intention to be seen, heard, and recognised for my truth and my magic.

If you, too, have felt unseen or unheard — if your art, your writing, your healing, your investigations, your light have been hidden behind the veil — this is your moment to rise.

Claim your space

Light your candle. Speak your name. Claim your space.
You are the storm, the flame, the eye that sees in darkness.

To the witches, the mystics, the seekers, and the haunted — may this Dark Moon lift your cloak and reveal your brilliance. The world needs our magic now more than ever.

Blessed be.
🖤
Catherine, SpookyMrsGreen

Excerpt from Eye of the Tiger (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green with SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Excerpt from Eye of the Tiger (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Posted in #witchywednesday, advertising, pagan mother, Spooky Stuff, witches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mummy Monday: Brad the Influencer by William Miller – Review 🎃🩸

It’s officially spooky season, and I’ve been diving into some fang-tastically weird reads lately!

This week’s book took me on a wild ride through fame, politics, and vampire chaos — and honestly, I’m still not sure what just happened.

Book cover for Brad the Influencer by William Miller reviewed by paranormal author Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen spooky family lifestyle blog.
Brad the Influencer by William Miller – Review

My Review of Brad the Influencer: Death, Taxes, Vampires, Politics by William Miller

Where do I even begin with this one? Imagine a world where your favourite twentieth-century rockstars are secretly vampires… then throw in some ancient undead “influencers” who basically run the world, and you’ve got yourself a blood-soaked satire that’s equal parts absurd and entertaining.

The story follows Brad (or maybe Keith), a hapless new vampire and social media darling, as he’s dragged through a world of eternal politics, dark humour, and bureaucratic nightmare fuel. The satire hits hard — fame, greed, corruption, and all the nonsense of modern influencer culture are fair game here.

I didn’t really connect with any of the characters (they’re all delightfully terrible people), but I did enjoy the vampire hunter, James. He’s straight out of one of my favourite 90s Hollywood vampire flicks — can you guess which one? Tell me in the comments below! 🦇

The author’s tongue-in-cheek commentary made me smirk more than once, but honestly, this book was a tough one to love. It’s bonkers, messy, and unapologetically chaotic — perfect for readers who like their humour dark and their vampires ridiculous. For me, it wasn’t the best book I’ve read this year… but it definitely fits the Halloween mood.

About the Book

A savage satire of fame, undeath, and the deeply occult machinery of modern politics and social media mind-melting.

When a world-famous rock star named Keith makes a drunken bet with vampires on the moonlit beaches of Cancún, he doesn’t expect to wake up undead — or unemployed. Instead of eternal rock-and-roll glory, he’s dumped into vampire bureaucracy and assigned to babysit Brad, a clueless influencer turned bloodsucker.

Together, they must survive campaign rallies, blood-soaked boardrooms, and a conspiracy that could end the world (or at least cancel their careers).

Perfect for fans of Christopher Moore, Terry Pratchett, and Heide Goody, this one’s a witty, weird, and wickedly satirical romp through undead celebrity culture.

📚Buy the Book: Amazon.


🦇 Mummy’s Verdict


Read this one if you fancy something offbeat and absurd for spooky season — best enjoyed with a glass of red (wine or otherwise) under a flickering candlelight!

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE short story from the Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green. Click here

Note: I received the book in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, book, book promotion, book review, halloween, Vampire, vampire books, vampires | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Free for all Friday: My Grimmfest Horror Weekend in Manchester 🎬🩸

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Grimmfest horror film festival in Manchester in my capacity as Paranormal Author Catherine Green.

The event took place at the Odeon cinema on Deansgate, right in the heart of the city centre, and I was part of the alternative market hosted by Stockport Alternative Markets.

Images of paranormal author Catherine Green with her fans at Grimmfest Horror Weekend in Manchester. Horror film festival. Horror alternative market. Free for All Friday pagan family pagan mom elder emo mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Free for all Friday: My Grimmfest Horror Weekend in Manchester 🎬🩸

My Grimmfest Horror Weekend in Manchester

While festivalgoers were busy enjoying the latest indie horror releases, I had my stall set up with my vampire and werewolf novels, chatting with fellow horror fans during the intermissions. I met so many wonderful people who share my love of dark stories, Gothic thrills, and all things spooky. Their enthusiasm reminded me exactly why I do what I do — writing, creating, and connecting with a community that celebrates the macabre with such passion!

Sadly, I didn’t have time to sit and watch the films myself this time, but that didn’t stop me from making a list of must-see titles based on recommendations from everyone I spoke to. There’s nothing like hearing first-hand which films made people laugh, squirm, or jump out of their seats!

Back to the Old Days

It also took me back to my university days studying Film Studies, where I spent far too many nights analysing classic slasher movies from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s — from Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street to Scream and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Those stories undoubtedly influenced my own writing style and my fascination with the blurred lines between horror and desire, fear and fascination.

And speaking of films, if you’re as obsessed with the cinematic world as I am, then you’ll love this special offer from my affiliate partner 👇


🎥 Get 6 issues of Empire for just £19.99!

Empire connects you with the world of cinema — bringing you the latest movie news, exclusive interviews with directors and stars, insider Hollywood updates, and coverage of everything from the newest horror releases to the latest Marvel and DC films.

When you subscribe, you’ll receive:

  • Every issue delivered straight to your door with FREE UK delivery
  • Subscriber-only covers
  • Instant digital access via the Empire app
  • Rewards, discounts, and prizes
  • A monthly Empire team e-newsletter

🎬 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the cinematic curve: Click here to get 6 issues for just £19.99


An Incredible Weekend

It was an incredible weekend surrounded by kindred spirits, from die-hard horror fans to independent creators like me. Events like Grimmfest remind me that the horror community is alive, creative, and endlessly inspiring. I’m already looking forward to next year — and in the meantime, I’ll be catching up on those must-watch horror films with a copy of Empire magazine by my side.

Stay spooky,
Catherine xx

Six issues of Empire magazine for under twenty pounds from Great Magazines affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Grab 6 issues of Empire magazine for just £19.99

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, british horror, horror, shopping, Spooky Stuff, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

🧙‍♀️ Witchy Wednesday: How to Plan Your Best Family Halloween Celebration 🎃

Can you feel it in the air? The nights are drawing in, pumpkins are appearing in every shop, and there’s that unmistakable tingle of magic that means only one thing – Halloween is nearly here!

Now that we’re halfway through October, my mind is well and truly on spooky season. I’ve been sorting through our decorations, picking out my witchy outfit (complete with hat, of course), and wondering how we’ll celebrate this year. My children are older now and have already started planning Halloween parties with their friends. Gone are the days when we all dressed up together for family-friendly discos and trick-or-treat adventures! But that doesn’t mean the fun has to end – it just looks a little different.

Spooky cute Halloween image for Trick or Treat map family affiliate partner Halloween celebrations Halloween party best places to go trick or treating. Witchy Wednesday pagan family pagan mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com spooky family lifestyle blog.
Visit Trick or Treat Map this Halloween affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com 🎃

How to Plan Your Best Family Halloween Celebration 🎃

This year, I’m all about planning the perfect family Halloween celebration, whatever your children’s ages. Whether you’re hosting a themed movie night, decorating your home for visiting ghosts and goblins, or helping your teenagers plan their own frightful gatherings, there are so many ways to keep the spirit of Halloween alive.

🕯️ Set the Scene
Start with your home. Create a magical atmosphere with flickering candles (LED for safety), cobwebs, pumpkins, and maybe a few fake spiders for good measure. Even if your children are too cool for dressing up, they’ll still love the eerie glow of jack-o’-lanterns and spooky fairy lights.

🍬 Plan the Treats
If you’re staying home to hand out sweets, stock up on your favourites and maybe add a few healthier alternatives. It’s always fun to prepare some home-baked goodies or seasonal snacks to share with visiting trick-or-treaters.

🗺️ Find the Magic in Your Neighbourhood
And speaking of trick-or-treaters… I’ve recently partnered with a brilliant new brand that’s making Halloween even more exciting for families everywhere!

🎃 Trick or Treat Map is a community-driven Halloween platform connecting families through interactive maps, themed competitions, and magical local stops. You can see which houses are handing out treats this year, plan your route, and even join in on local Halloween fun.

Use my exclusive code TREAT20 when purchasing upgrades on your account.
✨ Visit Trick or Treat Map and find the best stops near you – grab the map now and see who’s celebrating Halloween in your area!

🧁 Host Your Own Spooky Gathering
If your children are planning their own Halloween party, help them turn it into something special. Think themed snacks, playlist battles, costume contests, and perhaps a little safe spooky storytelling (because some traditions are too good to let go).

💀 Keep the Magic Alive
Even as the children grow up, Halloween remains a time to connect, create memories, and share laughter. Whether you’re joining a local event, watching horror films together, or keeping the pumpkins lit for passing trick-or-treaters, every family can find their own way to celebrate the season of shadows.

So grab your broomsticks, light your candles, and get ready for a frightfully good time this Halloween!

Image of a sexy dark-haired man wearing a black leather jacket, staring at the viewer, and looking mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers. Hashtag polyamory hashtag bisexual books hashtag queer fiction. Bisexual pride symbol. Text reads, "British LGBT fantasy book series."
“Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)” by Catherine Green.

Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #witchywednesday, advertising, halloween, Spooky Stuff, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mummy Monday: Book Review – Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

A Spooky Mum’s Take on BookTok’s Latest Obsession

Welcome back to Mummy Monday! This week I’m diving into another dark, romantic read that’s been all over BookTok — Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger. As a busy mum, I love curling up with a good story after a long day (preferably with a glass of red wine and a cat on my lap). But did this one live up to the hype? Let’s find out…

Book cover for Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger reviewed by paranormal author Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen spooky family lifestyle blog.
Book Review – Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger 📚✨

My Review of Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

I picked up Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger on a whim after seeing it blow up on BookTok, and honestly, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. I found it in the supermarket, tossed it into my trolley between snacks and cat food, and settled in for what I hoped would be a thrilling read.

The book was entertaining enough, but it didn’t leave a lasting mark on me. The characters felt a little generic, and I struggled to connect with them—except perhaps the cleaner, who brought a hint of warmth and reality to the otherwise dramatic storyline.

I did manage to predict the general direction early on, but when the twist finally arrived, it was a satisfying surprise (and a tragic one). The whole “pen pal” trope didn’t quite fit for me until the very end, and even then, it felt like an afterthought rather than a strong hook.

The writing style became quite chaotic midway through—cleverly used to reflect the main character’s mental state—but I found it jarring at times. That said, the steamy scenes were enjoyable (we love a bit of spice on a Monday morning!), and while the story didn’t fully meet my expectations, it was still a good read to fill a rainy weekend.

If you enjoy dark romantic suspense with a psychological twist, Pen Pal might be worth a go.


About the Book

The first letter arrived the day my husband was buried. It was postmarked from the state penitentiary, and contained a single sentence: “I’ll wait forever if I have to.” It was signed by Dante, a man I didn’t know.

Out of simple curiosity, I wrote back to ask him what exactly he was waiting for. His reply? “You.” I told the mystery man he had the wrong girl. He said he didn’t. I said we’d never met, but he said I was wrong. We went back and forth, exchanging letters every week that grew increasingly more intimate. Then one day, the letters stopped. When I found out why, it was already too late. Dante was at my doorstep…

📚Buy the Book: Amazon; Waterstones; TG Jones; Bookshop.


Final Thoughts

While Pen Pal didn’t become an instant favourite, it was an intriguing, emotional story with flashes of real passion and a haunting undertone. Perfect if you like your romance served with a side of mystery and heartbreak.

Have you read Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger? I’d love to hear what you thought—especially if you discovered it through BookTok too!

Image of a woman standing between two men who are partly in shadow. All are wearing black clothes and look mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Kills (The Redcliffe Novels) ” #2 by Catherine Green.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE short story from the Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green. Click here

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, book promotion, book review, books, ebooks, love paranormal romance, loves books, paranormal romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment