October's Harvest

by Charity Williams

After the disappearance of a teenage girl’s father, she discovers that her small religious community has been worshipping something dark and sinister in this twisted tale that reads like Children of the Corn meets The Lottery . When October Harbuck’s father disappears one evening, she is devastated. After all, her father was the one to convince her community’s leader and prophet, Josef Walsh, to allow her and her little brother, Brayley, to stay after they were found abandoned as small children. But on the anniversary of her father’s disappearance, the prophet appears at her doorstep with plans to marry her mother. This prompts October to reinvestigate her father’s disappearance as she realizes that the prophet’s proposal has ulterior motives. Armed with a skeleton key that can unlock any door in the community, October unlocks the dark history of her community’s origins and learns of her sinister connection to the community and the “god” that they worship.

274 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2020

Reviews

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read. I had a few late nights of reading because I *had* to know what happened next. The characters were interesting and the cult concept was intriguing. I would have liked to know more about it as well as a bit more depth to the characters. It had some solid twists and turns and was an overall enjoyable read. I look forward to more by this author as she will definitely grow as a writer.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good creepy cult story.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.

[LJ🥀👻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually loved this book. It had a slow start, but it definitely picked up. I couldn’t put it down. I would’ve given it 5 stars, but I felt like the ending was just a tad bit rushed. I hated what happened to Braylee, and I wish we could’ve read on until everyone was out of the fence, and then had a little update on everyone. But again, overall it was a great read. Obviously perfect for October.

[Dagnija · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was exciting, tragic, filled with mystery and secrets. It pulled me in and I was on the edge for the main characters. It had a good character build. The ending tho felt a bit rushed, some questions were left unanswered, but I truly enjoyed the whole story

[Dallas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Jamie Testa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Hated the cliffhanger ending but loved how the story was coming along. Wish it would have been a bit longer

[Whitney Cooksey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a wild ride. Not sure I love the ending, but I couldn’t put this one down.

[Crystal Counelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was written well. I did feel like he ending was a little rushed, but I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.

[The Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

October’s Harvest by Charity Williams was a fantastic read. I was gripped from the start and finished the book within a day as I couldn’t put it down. Charity’s writing is clear, concise, and flowed incredibly well. The books protagonist, October, is a fiery, strong-willed, loyal character and a force to be reckoned with. You are rooting for her and for her success from the start. All the characters’ descriptions and dialogue between one another are believable and convincing. You see which characters have history, respect, and love for one another. And you see which characters hold vitriol and anger toward one another. The book does not lag at any point, there is steady, interesting sequences coupled with fast-paced action and twists and turns at every point. I didn’t notice anything wrong with editing or proofreading, it’s layout is very professional. The book left me reeling from shock, sadness, and euphoria all in one. The book is an immaculate critique of political power, racial inequalities, religious hierarchies, and blindly following traditions no matter how horrifying they may be. Charity also shows how friendship, loyalty, and determination always threaten to overthrow those who are harmful.

I award 5 stars. (Rebecca Wade Feb 2024)

“Secrets were always better told around the dead. The dead couldn’t tell.”

October’s Harvest will not disappoint horror fiction fans. I was often struck by Charity William’s ability to encapsulate the reader in her world of darkness, uncertainty, and mystery. This deeply unsettling and tense tale of revelation, escape, and mystery will make the skin crawl.
I enjoyed the tension and atmosphere of October’s Harvest, especially the terrifying imagery…
“Her body was engulfed in flames. Her stance made her look like a burning angel. The crowd
screamed as everyone got out of her path.”

We thought this book deserved more than five stars.

Note: Paperback Version was reviewed.