Secrets in the Woods – YA Paranormal

~Abby Woodland

When the Hawkins family moves into their new home – Ashbrooke Manor – it seems like the perfect fresh start. Beautiful, historic, and partially furnished with relics left behind by the previous owners, the house holds the kind of charm that makes you wonder why it was ever abandoned. The realtor, Helen, casually mentions the attic’s old belongings are harmless, brushing off the kids’ suspicion with a half-joking “no ghosts up there.” But as the family settles in, it becomes clear: something isn’t quite right.

The first red flag? No one will deliver pizza to their address. The second? A haunting porcelain doll Ella finds at a local antique shop – one with a disturbingly familiar tree-like face eerily similar to photos she’d seen in the house. The shopkeeper claims it belonged to a little girl who once lived in their new home.

Back at the manor, the doll begins to move on its own. At first, Ella suspects her brothers of playing pranks. But soon, the weird dreams start. Whispers of secrets buried deep in the walls of Ashbrooke Manor begin to surface. And the siblings must decide: uncover the truth and confront the sinister presence… or try to convince their parents to leave before it’s too late.

Abby Woodland masterfully crafts a story with relatable, down-to-earth teen characters that will resonate with younger readers – while still keeping older readers flipping pages late into the night. Her pacing is tight, the tension constant, and the atmosphere chilling without being overwhelming.

Secrets in the Woods is a perfect entry point into the paranormal genre for young adult readers. It’s spooky enough to raise goosebumps, but not so dark it deters the faint of heart. It’s a quick read, able to keep the attention of even the youngest readers. For fans of eerie mysteries and haunted house tales, this book is a satisfying, spine-tingling ride. I would absolutely love to see this turn into a series – I honestly can’t get enough of Ella, James and Sam!

Thank you to Abby Woodland for sending me a copy of Secrets in the Woods. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own opinion. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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