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A Season of Small Spells: Sometimes the smallest wishes lead you home
A cosy, comforting small-town romance set in the Scottish Highlands — full of friendship, autumn vibes, gentle healing, and a slow-burn love story.
There’s a hint of the extraordinary woven through everyday life — the kind of magic that feels like fate, timing, and a wish whispered over coffee.
When heartbreak brings Lisa Munro back to the village she once ran from, she isn’t sure what comes next. Living with her sharp-tongued mum and sleeping beneath her teenage posters wasn’t part of the plan — but sometimes starting over looks nothing like we imagined.
Then she meets Yasmin, a warm, slightly odd neighbour who believes in wishes, signs, and tiny everyday miracles. And when Lisa writes down four small hopes for her life, things begin to shift in unexpected ways.
✨ A horsebox café.
✨ A second chance at love.
✨ A brooding man next door with unreadable eyes.
✨ And maybe a little bit of magic.
As autumn settles over the loch and Halloween approaches, Lisa discovers that sometimes coming home is the most magical thing of all.
Poignant, funny and quietly enchanting — A Season of Small Spells is perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley.
Perfect for readers who love cosy autumn romances, small-town charm, and just a hint of quiet magic — now just 99p/99c for a limited time.
There’s a hint of the extraordinary woven through everyday life — the kind of magic that feels like fate, timing, and a wish whispered over coffee.
When heartbreak brings Lisa Munro back to the village she once ran from, she isn’t sure what comes next. Living with her sharp-tongued mum and sleeping beneath her teenage posters wasn’t part of the plan — but sometimes starting over looks nothing like we imagined.
Then she meets Yasmin, a warm, slightly odd neighbour who believes in wishes, signs, and tiny everyday miracles. And when Lisa writes down four small hopes for her life, things begin to shift in unexpected ways.
✨ A horsebox café.
✨ A second chance at love.
✨ A brooding man next door with unreadable eyes.
✨ And maybe a little bit of magic.
As autumn settles over the loch and Halloween approaches, Lisa discovers that sometimes coming home is the most magical thing of all.
Poignant, funny and quietly enchanting — A Season of Small Spells is perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley.
Perfect for readers who love cosy autumn romances, small-town charm, and just a hint of quiet magic — now just 99p/99c for a limited time.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Claire Gillies
6 books40 followersClaire Gillies is a Scottish author of heartfelt, uplifting fiction filled with warmth, wit, and a touch of mischief.
A Highlander born and raised, she now lives by the sea with her family, between forest and shore, where she drinks too much coffee and dreams up new stories of love, friendship, and hope.
When she’s not writing, Claire’s likely swimming in the sea, wandering the woods, or making flower wreaths for her front door. She loves history, costume dramas, and bold colour — and she’s quietly opinionated about cake (moist or nothing!).
💌 Find her online at www.clairegillies.com and follow for updates, book news, and glimpses of her Highland life.
A Highlander born and raised, she now lives by the sea with her family, between forest and shore, where she drinks too much coffee and dreams up new stories of love, friendship, and hope.
When she’s not writing, Claire’s likely swimming in the sea, wandering the woods, or making flower wreaths for her front door. She loves history, costume dramas, and bold colour — and she’s quietly opinionated about cake (moist or nothing!).
💌 Find her online at www.clairegillies.com and follow for updates, book news, and glimpses of her Highland life.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 30, 2025
I'm starting on the cosy autumn reads, and this was the perfect start!
Newly released this month from a local author. It's like a cup of warm coffee and a blanket. I loved it!
Lisa returns back home to the Highlands after her flash life in Australia turns sour. Readjusting is hard, finding a job, living back with her mum.... facing the home without her dad and coming to terms with grief.
She befriends the local odd bod, Yasmin, and after a couple campfire wishes, we meet Sam, and the feelings are feeling. 🫣
Sam is an actor hiding away from the life he use to love... the ex-girlfriend he thought he loved and now back where he use to visit his wee gran.... then he met Lisa....
The sweet story of restarting and finding your passion, readjusting to life, and realising the plan doesn't always work. And that is perfectly fine.
Such a good read now the summer days are disappearing. 🍂
Newly released this month from a local author. It's like a cup of warm coffee and a blanket. I loved it!
Lisa returns back home to the Highlands after her flash life in Australia turns sour. Readjusting is hard, finding a job, living back with her mum.... facing the home without her dad and coming to terms with grief.
She befriends the local odd bod, Yasmin, and after a couple campfire wishes, we meet Sam, and the feelings are feeling. 🫣
Sam is an actor hiding away from the life he use to love... the ex-girlfriend he thought he loved and now back where he use to visit his wee gran.... then he met Lisa....
The sweet story of restarting and finding your passion, readjusting to life, and realising the plan doesn't always work. And that is perfectly fine.
Such a good read now the summer days are disappearing. 🍂
September 3, 2025
There is nothing cozier than Claire’s books !
September 13, 2025
✨ The wind whipped around us, cold and biting, but it couldn’t break the spell we’d woven. ✨
How beautifully written is this story. Two people trying to escape their past, trying to hide their wounds and in the process finding themselves and becoming stronger.
It is an atmospheric story where the emotions of the characters are intertwined with the wild beauty of the landscapes and are covered by a veil of mystery.
It is an ideal choice to start your autumn reading adventures.
How beautifully written is this story. Two people trying to escape their past, trying to hide their wounds and in the process finding themselves and becoming stronger.
It is an atmospheric story where the emotions of the characters are intertwined with the wild beauty of the landscapes and are covered by a veil of mystery.
It is an ideal choice to start your autumn reading adventures.
September 21, 2025
This is a cosy, autumnal read, perfect for this changing weather and curling up under a blanket with a cuppa. If you like coffee, even better, you will be in good company with Lisa and Yasmin!
I really loved this setting. Claire's books are always set in fictional Highland villages and this sounded like another wonderful place to retreat to.
We meet Lisa, tucking tail and returning home to Scotland from Australia and her failed marriage. A chance encounter with a stranger in the woods and fortunes start improving, but not always in ways Lisa was expecting. Sam, on the other hand, is hiding away just hoping that no-one recognises him after a red-carpet showdown over an ex. Together, they make some magic sparks start to fly.
The romance is a sweet, closed door affair. It will leave you feeling warm and hopeful.
There are some tough issues mentioned which could upset some readers, but I believe they are treated sensitively and well thought through.
I would have loved an epilogue, just a little in the future to see how things went for some of the characters, if any peace could be made between some, and what the future looks like for others. That's just my preference in a book though and it still ended in a wonderful way.
A lovely read that I would absolutely recommend.
I really loved this setting. Claire's books are always set in fictional Highland villages and this sounded like another wonderful place to retreat to.
We meet Lisa, tucking tail and returning home to Scotland from Australia and her failed marriage. A chance encounter with a stranger in the woods and fortunes start improving, but not always in ways Lisa was expecting. Sam, on the other hand, is hiding away just hoping that no-one recognises him after a red-carpet showdown over an ex. Together, they make some magic sparks start to fly.
The romance is a sweet, closed door affair. It will leave you feeling warm and hopeful.
There are some tough issues mentioned which could upset some readers, but I believe they are treated sensitively and well thought through.
I would have loved an epilogue, just a little in the future to see how things went for some of the characters, if any peace could be made between some, and what the future looks like for others. That's just my preference in a book though and it still ended in a wonderful way.
A lovely read that I would absolutely recommend.
September 28, 2025
A Season Of Small Spells
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great autumnal/halloween cosy read, absolutely perfect for this time of year.
Lisa Munro had never planned to come home to the Scottish Highlands and have to move back into her family home with her mum who she has never really formed a strong bond with.
Lisa's life before was based in Australia happily married to her husband but not all was as it seemed... packing her bags one day and flying back to Scotland was the only way to save herself and help heal from her grief.
In walks Yasmin who is Lisa's somewhat magical and eccentric neighbour. One night both meet and Yasmin gets Lisa to write down four wishes she wants to achieve on the night of a new moon.... as autumn and halloween approach the Scottish Highlands begin to come together for Lisa.
Whilst building her new life she must remember not to fall head over heals for the very guarded and handsome man next door.
Will Lisa's four wishes come true, will a relationship with her mum ever come together and will she get her happily ever after?
My first book by this author and I can highly recommend it, a great read 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great autumnal/halloween cosy read, absolutely perfect for this time of year.
Lisa Munro had never planned to come home to the Scottish Highlands and have to move back into her family home with her mum who she has never really formed a strong bond with.
Lisa's life before was based in Australia happily married to her husband but not all was as it seemed... packing her bags one day and flying back to Scotland was the only way to save herself and help heal from her grief.
In walks Yasmin who is Lisa's somewhat magical and eccentric neighbour. One night both meet and Yasmin gets Lisa to write down four wishes she wants to achieve on the night of a new moon.... as autumn and halloween approach the Scottish Highlands begin to come together for Lisa.
Whilst building her new life she must remember not to fall head over heals for the very guarded and handsome man next door.
Will Lisa's four wishes come true, will a relationship with her mum ever come together and will she get her happily ever after?
My first book by this author and I can highly recommend it, a great read 📚
September 19, 2025
I have the perfect cozy read for you all friends! I had the absolute privilege of reading the latest novel by one of my favorite indie authors before anyone else, and let me tell you, it got me in the mood for a cozy autumn season!
🍁 A Season of Small Spells by @clairegillies_ brings all the best parts of Fall. The scenic Scottish countryside, delicious coffee, a touch of magic, a handsome man next door.
☕️ Lisa Munro tries to flees from heartbreak back to her small Scottish hometown. She finds a friend in Yasmin, who might be a little bit magical and challenges her to write down wishes that might magically come true. Lisa starts her own coffee shop, meets the hunky guy next door, and gets swept into the town’s autumn festivities. Filled with second chances, romance, and a little magic, this book has everything you need to immerse yourself in the cozy vibes of Fall.
🍁 A Season of Small Spells by @clairegillies_ brings all the best parts of Fall. The scenic Scottish countryside, delicious coffee, a touch of magic, a handsome man next door.
☕️ Lisa Munro tries to flees from heartbreak back to her small Scottish hometown. She finds a friend in Yasmin, who might be a little bit magical and challenges her to write down wishes that might magically come true. Lisa starts her own coffee shop, meets the hunky guy next door, and gets swept into the town’s autumn festivities. Filled with second chances, romance, and a little magic, this book has everything you need to immerse yourself in the cozy vibes of Fall.
September 15, 2025
Right from the very beginning i absolutely fell in love with this wonderful, warm & cosy story, it was full of the most lovely Autumnal vibes and was perfect to read at this time of year.
It was wonderfully written and i really could picture myself in amongst the Scottish Highlands and it definitely put me in the mood for Autumn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy, romantic comedy with its Halloween vibes, second chances, unexpected love, finding new friends, fresh starts, finding what you want from life and for magical wishes when we need them most…..
It was wonderfully written and i really could picture myself in amongst the Scottish Highlands and it definitely put me in the mood for Autumn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy, romantic comedy with its Halloween vibes, second chances, unexpected love, finding new friends, fresh starts, finding what you want from life and for magical wishes when we need them most…..
September 10, 2025
After a heartbreak in Australia, Lisa Munro moves back home to the Scottish Highlands to live with her mum. She feels a bit lost at first, but then she gets to know her neighbour Yasmin, who asks her to write down four wishes before she decides what to do next.
Looking for work, Lisa answers a job ad and meets Sam. Sam has some secrets that Lisa doesn't know of. At the same time she is working for Sam, she also buys an old horsebox and turns it into a cosy little coffee business. It turns out to be a success.
Slowly, she starts to heal, find her footing, and even open her heart again.
This book is such a perfect read for autumn. It’s about starting over, new friendships, and a sprinkle of magic. I loved every bit of it.
Looking for work, Lisa answers a job ad and meets Sam. Sam has some secrets that Lisa doesn't know of. At the same time she is working for Sam, she also buys an old horsebox and turns it into a cosy little coffee business. It turns out to be a success.
Slowly, she starts to heal, find her footing, and even open her heart again.
This book is such a perfect read for autumn. It’s about starting over, new friendships, and a sprinkle of magic. I loved every bit of it.
September 12, 2025
I've enjoyed all of Claire's books. This is a stand-alone book and has a really warm, cosy autumnal feel to it.
Lisa Munro has returned to her native Scotland following the breakdown of her marriage. The story follows her as she navigates single life and healing in her hometown. Along the way, she makes new friends and new opportunities and a mysterious actor who has recently moved to the area. A real feel-good story for the autumn.
Lisa Munro has returned to her native Scotland following the breakdown of her marriage. The story follows her as she navigates single life and healing in her hometown. Along the way, she makes new friends and new opportunities and a mysterious actor who has recently moved to the area. A real feel-good story for the autumn.
October 17, 2025
3.5 stars
A Season of Small Spells is a fun and warmhearted read perfect for the autumn season.
Lisa needs a second chance and coming home might just be the thing she needs to regroup even if it doesn’t feel like that to begin with.
Reconnecting with old friends and some new gives Lisa the chance to build her confidence again and it was wonderful seeing her have a go.
The alternative pov chapters between Lisa and Sam were a great way to keep the story flowing and the chemistry between the two of them was there from the start.
Jasmin was a favourite of mine - kind and considered, and a little bit witchy, she was such a support to Lisa and I loved their friendship
A Season of Small Spells is a fun and warmhearted read perfect for the autumn season.
Lisa needs a second chance and coming home might just be the thing she needs to regroup even if it doesn’t feel like that to begin with.
Reconnecting with old friends and some new gives Lisa the chance to build her confidence again and it was wonderful seeing her have a go.
The alternative pov chapters between Lisa and Sam were a great way to keep the story flowing and the chemistry between the two of them was there from the start.
Jasmin was a favourite of mine - kind and considered, and a little bit witchy, she was such a support to Lisa and I loved their friendship
November 7, 2025
A Season of Small Spells
This is an uplifting and inspiring story. Our past has a way of effecting our present happiness. The characters are likeable funny and supportive. I enjoyed this book and I hope this review is helpful.
This is an uplifting and inspiring story. Our past has a way of effecting our present happiness. The characters are likeable funny and supportive. I enjoyed this book and I hope this review is helpful.
November 6, 2025
loved this one very much. It is the perfect autumn book, coziness in perfection!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews