The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven Banbury

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven Banbury, 322 pages

From the MARC: "On Halloween, it is always wise to expect the unexpected... But no amount of planning could have prepared Eve for that particular night. Fleeing an unpleasant orphanage, she's saved by someone who she never believed was real... the fabled Pumpkin King himself. Throwing caution aside, Eve accepts the offer to become his daughter and is whisked away to the misty Hallowell Valley -- home to witches and vampires, ghosts and goblins, and all that go bump in the night. But just when she believes she's found her place among the undead, a sinister scheme unearths itself, threatening to take everything from Eve unless she can stop it."

Hallowell Valley was a wonderful place to visit. The characters, even the ghosts, are substantial. Following Eve on her adventures felt like living in Halloweentown, which was a fervent daydream of younger me. And it ends with some wholesome found family feels.  

 

Undead and Unsure by Mary Janice Davidson

Undead and Unsure by Mary Janice Davidson - 320 pages
12th book in the Undead series

Betsy, Queen of the Vampires, has killed Satan which has now put her half-sister Laura (the Anti-Christ) in charge of Hell since Satan was Laura's mother.  In true ditzy diva Betsy fashion she attempts to mend fences with Laura by staging a family Thanksgiving at the mansion with all the usual Scooby gang of vampires, ghouls, pregnant friends and whatnot.  This book continues the snarky pop culture tone that is what makes this series such a fun read but Betsy is getting more and more unlikeable in each book.  This highlight of the minimal plot is finally finding out the truth behind Jessica's epic pregnancy and Betsy finally taking a little responsibility for her actions.    

Undead and Unstable by MaryJanice Davidson

Undead and Unstable by MaryJanice Davidson - 336 pages
Undead / Queen Betsy Book 11

The dark fun continues in the latest entry in this popular series.  Vampire queen Betsy is heartbroken over the suicide of her best friend / roommate Marc.  Betsy recently returned from visits to both Hell and an apocalyptic future so that has her reeling as well.  This may sound like a massive downer, but the snark level in Betsy's handling of these events makes for a hilarious light read.  Think of Sookie Stackhouse meets Stephanie Plum!