Season of Secrets

Molly and Hannah move to the countryside to live with their grandparents after their mother's death. During their first autumn there, Molly encounters a mysterious man being chased through the woods at night. The man appears again throughout the changing seasons, and Molly begins to recognize his connection to ancient myths and the cycles of nature. As she tries to help him, she must also navigate her grief and her family's struggle to rebuild their lives. Her quest to understand the wild man intertwines with her journey to accept loss and change. The story draws on folklore and the rhythms of the natural world while exploring how a child processes difficult emotions and finds hope in unexpected places.

Readers call this book a sensitive exploration of grief and healing through folklore. Parents and teachers report it resonates with children ages 9-12 who are dealing with loss. Readers appreciate: - The blend of realism and magical elements - The authentic portrayal of family dynamics - The accessible way it handles difficult themes - The atmospheric winter and woodland scenes Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the fantasy elements confusing - A few note it may be too intense for sensitive children Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (40+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.0/5 (25+ ratings) "A book that doesn't talk down to children about grief" - Teacher review on Goodreads "Beautiful writing but moves too slowly" - Parent review on Amazon "The magical scenes felt out of place" - Children's librarian review

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🍂 "Season of Secrets" blends ancient British folklore with contemporary issues, specifically incorporating elements of the Wild Hunt and the Green Man myths. 🌳 Author Sally Nicholls wrote this book when she was just 25 years old, having already published her award-winning debut novel "Ways to Live Forever." ⭐ The book tackles complex themes of grief and family relationships through a magical realism lens, making difficult subjects accessible to young readers aged 9-12. 🌙 The story's seasonal structure follows the Celtic wheel of the year, with events unfolding from autumn through spring, mirroring ancient pagan calendars. 👧 The protagonist's experience of moving to live with grandparents after a parent's death was partly inspired by letters Nicholls received from readers of her first book who had gone through similar situations.