Leigh Goff

Writing Enchanting Ever-Afters

Tag Archives: Magic


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Thumbs Up on These Treats!

A recipe from Sharon Ledwith who shares her family’s recipe.

Cookies are high up on my family’s snack list. Heck, some would consider them a breakfast. These oatmeal cookies can be served as both. They are so easy to make, and you can use only chocolate chips, raisins, or leave out both if you prefer. Make the combo your own.

Did I mention these tasty morsels possess soft centers, crispy edges, and a mind-boggling chewy texture? Well, I just did. Wink. Face it. These cookies are a family favorite for a reason, and now they can be your family’s favorite, if you dare to wander into the uncharted territory of baking from scratch.

With a prep time of 15 minutes, chill time of 1 hour, and cook time of 10 minutes, they’re the perfect cookies for impromptu bake sales for your kids. Eat them either warm and fresh or prepare these treats in advance for family gatherings or a much-needed dessert when someone pops by unexpectedly. You’ll be glad you did.

Thumbs up Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour, leveled

½ tsp baking soda

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar

1 large egg

1½ tsp vanilla extract

1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup raisins

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium size bowl. Set aside.

Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes.

Add egg and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined, about 1 minute.

Blend in flour mixture and mix on low speed just until incorporated, about 30-60 seconds. Stir in the oats until combined.

Then add the chocolate chips and raisins and mix until well distributed. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Scoop 16 equal-sized balls (about 2 tablespoons/45g) of cookie dough, roll into even balls, and place 6-8 cookies, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart, on each prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes or until edges of the cookies are set and lightly browned, and the centers look under-baked, pale, puffy, and dry.

Remove baking sheet from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, or until firm enough to move. Transfer them to a wire rack and let cool completely. The cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

While you’re waiting for the cookie dough to chill, pop on the kettle or turn on the coffee pot and settle into your favorite chair with one of my books. May I suggest a nostalgic visit to mysterious Fairy Falls or perhaps go back in time with The Last Timekeepers? Just remember to keep some cookies for yourself. After all, you deserve a break from the craziness of the world.

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel adventure series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the award-winning teen psychic mystery series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, reading, researching, or revising, she enjoys anything arcane, ancient mysteries, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her spoiled hubby, and a moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her WEBSITE and BLOG. Look up her AMAZON AUTHOR page for a list of current books. 

BONUS: Download the free PDF short story The Terrible, Mighty Crystal HERE


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Champagne, Candles & Chapters — The Glam Author Life

Every evening I slip into something alluring, yet comfortable (even if no one sees it), light a ridiculous number of candles that smell like a Gilded Age library, pour a glass of something bubbly (or sparkling water with lemon if it’s a Monday), and open the laptop like it’s a book of magic.

The desk is cleared of chaos. Only the pretty notebook (a birthday gift from my sister) beside my MacBook Pro, the silver pen that makes every word feel important, and a vase of stunning peonies remain. Autumn🍂 playlist from Spotify on. 

I don’t wait for inspiration—I dress for it, and I create it around me. Because if I’m going to live inside my characters’ stories for hours, I might as well look and feel like the heroine of my own. And when the words finally start flowing? That’s the real glamour. The kind you can’t buy in a store, only earn one page at a time.

Now, go glam up your own space and grab one of my books. They’re designed to make your TBR stack look as fabulous as your nightstand.

What’s your favorite “main character” writing ritual? Drop it in the comments—I’m always collecting aesthetic inspiration.

Buy Link: AMAZON

ABOUT ME

Leigh Goff-150 RET

As a writer, I’m driven to create stories with courageous heroines who prove that true strength and beauty lie within. My stories are designed to sweep readers away, and maybe help them discover a little bit of themselves along the way.

I have three published young adult novels–Koush Hollow, Bewitching Hannah, and Disenchanted. I’m a graduate from the University of Maryland, and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

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Fall Girl Dinner with a Southern Sip

There’s something about autumn evenings that calls for low-effort magic—the kind where you assemble a plate of seasonal snacks, mix a proper Southern cocktail, light a candle, and listen to a story that feels as layered and mysterious as the changing leaves.

Enter my perfect fall girl dinner, designed to pair with Koush Hollow. Picture this–a simple cheese boardwith:

  • Crisp apple slices (Honeycrisp or whatever’s local and in season) 
  • A wedge of creamy brie with a drizzle of honey
  • Thick slices of warm, crusty bread 
  • A scoop of toasted pecans with dark chocolate chips 
  • Handful of dried cranberries for that sweet-tart pop

No cooking required beyond a quick toast of the nuts, if you’re feeling fancy. Just assemble while listening to the audio version of Koush Hollow.  

The cocktail:

Hollow Harvest
In a rocks glass filled with ice, stir together: 

  • 2 oz bourbon 
  • 3 oz fresh apple cider 
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice 
  • ½ oz honey (or maple syrup) 
  • A dash of Angostura or cinnamon bitters

Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. It’s crisp, lightly spiced, and just mysterious enough.

Why does this pair so perfectly with the book? 

Jenna’s world is full of glittering secrets, bayou mysticism, and the uneasy beauty of a Southern town where nothing is quite as it seems. The dinner mirrors that vibe—simple on the surface, but with rich, contrasting flavors that linger. The crisp apples and earthy pecans nod to the natural world Jenna fights for, while the creamy cheese, hint of sweetness, and smoky-sweet bourbon cocktail echo the seductive pull of the Diamonds & Pearls. It’s the kind of plate (and glass) you can linger over while the story unfolds, perfect for those pages where the atmosphere thickens, and the truth starts to surface. BUY LINK

So dim the lights, queue up the book, and dig into both the snacks, the sip, and the story. Koush Hollow is waiting—along with its witches, secrets, and bayou magic.

Happy reading/listening (and sipping),

Leigh


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Autumn Magic in a Cup✨

There’s something spellbinding about the first crisp autumn afternoon. The air turns cooler, golden leaves crunch underfoot, and the only acceptable thing to do is to curl up with a steaming pumpkin spice latte while the world outside softens into that dreamy, half-enchanted haze.

That’s exactly the mood Disenchanted was made for. 

In Leigh Goff’s YA novel, sixteen-year-old Sophie carries the weight of a powerful witch bloodline she’s desperate to hide—until a dangerous encounter pulls her into forbidden territory, dark family secrets, and a love that could cost her everything. It’s witches, curses, ancestral magic, and that delicious tension of wanting someone you’re not supposed to want. Perfect fuel for those of us who live for stories that feel both cozy and a little dangerous. 

Picture this ideal fall ritual: 

  • A pumpkin spice latte (or oat-milk chai if you’re feeling fancy) cradled in both hands 
  • Oversized sweater that somehow smells like cinnamon and old books 
  • Soft fairy lights or a single candle flickering nearby 
  • Maybe a playlist of gentle indie folk or rainy-day piano 
  • And Disenchanted open on your lap or Kindle

Other ethereal fall favorites that pair beautifully — a walk through a golden-leafed park at dusk, cinnamon-sugar apple cider donuts, fuzzy socks that match the season’s mood, journaling under string lights, or simply staring out the window while the world turns amber. These small, sensory pleasures make the magic on the page feel even more alive.

Whether you’re thirteen and discovering your first witchy romance or older and still chasing that same flutter of enchanted possibility, Disenchanted delivers the perfect autumn escape—equal parts heart, heritage, and quiet defiance.

Grab your paperback or e-book copy here: Disenchanted

This season, treat yourself to the full ritual. Pumpkin spice in one hand, a story that lingers in the other. You deserve a little enchantment.


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Why August Feels Like the Most Enchanted Month

August hits different. The sun is still blazing, but there’s a shift in the air—like the world is whispering secrets right before everything changes. Summer isn’t quite over, yet fall is already casting its shadow. It’s the ultimate liminal month, and if you ask me, it’s pure witchy magic.

First, there’s the golden-hour glow. The light gets thicker, almost honeyed, turning ordinary backyards into magical realms. Late-summer storms roll in with dramatic flair, thunder cracking like spells being cast. Then comes the harvest energy—Lammas vibes on August 1, when traditions say the first loaves are baked and the veil feels just a little thinner. Even the nights start stretching, hinting that cozy, mysterious season is coming.

And don’t forget that back-to-school electricity. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, fresh starts… it’s basically ritual preparation. You’re shedding your summer skin and stepping into a new chapter, which is exactly what magic is all about—transformation.

This is precisely why August is the perfect time to dive into DISENCHANTED, my YA fantasy novel. In a world where enchantments rule and star-crossed love runs deep, my protagonist, Sophie, discovers that breaking free of a true love curse is harder than it seems. And similar to Sophie’s magic, sometimes the enchantments dissipate when you least expect it, like when the season shifts—when the light changes and you’re forced to see things as they really are. August captures that exact moment: the beautiful, uneasy, exciting space between what was and what’s next.

If you’re craving a story full of hidden magic, reluctant heroes, and a swoony romance, DISENCHANTED is your late-summer spell. Perfect for reading on a warm evening when the crickets are loud, and the sky still holds that last bit of light.

Grab a copy here, light a candle (or just turn on your reading lamp), and let August work its witchy charm on you before the leaves start turning! ✨


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End of Summer Checklist: Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin

Summer is slipping away like fireflies at dusk—make these final weeks count. Before the books pile up and the alarm clocks return, carve out time for joy, mystery, and gentle self-care. Here’s your enchanted end-of-summer checklist.

✨ Magic

  • Watch the sunrise or sunset with intention—journal what you want to release and what you want to call in for the new semester.
  • Take a full-moon walk and whisper your dreams to the night sky.
  • Read Disenchanted, Bewitching Hannah, and Koush Hollow—these spellbinding stories are the perfect bridge between summer magic and academic focus. Aim to finish all three before syllabi land in your inbox. BUY LINK

❤️ Romance

  • Plan a dreamy date night: picnic under the stars, stargazing with a loved one, or a sunset drive with the perfect playlist.
  • Write a love letter (to yourself or someone special) sealed with wax and a pressed flower.
  • Dance barefoot in the grass or living room with your summer fling to slow, sultry music—no audience required.

🧖‍♀️ Renewal

  • Declutter your space and wardrobe—make room for fresh energy and cozy fall layers.
  • Treat yourself to a DIY spa day: face mask, herbal bath, and your favorite playlist.
  • Meal prep nourishing foods and hydrate like the magical being you are.

Print this list, check it off with colorful pens, and savor every golden moment. Summer’s end isn’t goodbye—it’s a soft transition into a new chapter filled with possibility. You’ve got this. Now go make it memorable. 🌙


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Red, White, and Enchanted: Celebrating America’s 250th Through the Streets of Wethersfield

As fireworks light up the summer sky and we prepare to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there’s no better time to revisit the historic towns that built this nation. One of those living pieces of American history is Wethersfield, Connecticut—one of the oldest settlements in the state, rich with colonial charm, Revolutionary spirit, and yes… a touch of witchcraft lore. In honor of this milestone Independence Day, I’m thrilled to spotlight Disenchanted, a captivating YA novel steeped in the very soil where early Americans forged their identities, faced their fears, and sometimes paid the ultimate price for being different.

A Forbidden Love. A Dark Curse. An Impossible Choice.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie descends from a powerful line of Wethersfield witches, but keeping her unpredictable magic hidden is becoming nearly impossible. When a dangerous thief tries to tear a mysterious heirloom necklace from her throat, she’s rescued by the one boy she’s forbidden to want: Alexavier Mather, descendant of the man who once sent her ancestor to the gallows. Their connection is as electric as it is cursed. As old family secrets claw their way into the present, Sophie must awaken the dangerous power sleeping within her diamond charm. But unlocking the truth means confronting the blood-stained pasts of both their families—and risking far more than her heart. Because some curses are born of true love… and breaking this one might cost Sophie her soul. 

Blending forbidden romance, simmering family legacies, and supernatural suspense, Disenchanted brings the hidden magic and resilient spirit of early America to life in the historic streets of Wethersfield. It’s the perfect summer read for anyone who loves their history with a spark of the extraordinary—especially during this landmark 250th anniversary year when we celebrate both the light and shadows of our shared past. Whether you’re spending the Fourth exploring Connecticut’s colonial gems or relaxing with a book between barbecues and parades, Disenchanted invites you to fall under its spell! BUY LINK

A Special Dedication

This post is lovingly dedicated to my dear writer friend, Sloane Taylor, who recently passed away. Sloane was a talented author, a passionate cook, and a warm spirit who brought joy to so many through her blog and her recipes. Her love for creating delicious meals that brought people together mirrored the heartfelt connections found in the pages of Disenchanted.

In her honor, I invite you to explore her wonderful holiday cookbook, Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire. Filled with 113 taste-tempting recipes that are perfect for celebrating life’s special moments.

Thank you, Sloane, for the laughter, the inspiration, and the recipes that will continue to warm kitchens and hearts for years to come. You will be deeply missed.

👉 Buy Sloane Taylor’s *Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire* on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

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☑️ Your Glam Girl Summer Checklist

🌞Radiant Skin Ritual— Start every morning with a full skincare moment. Apply vitamin C serum, SPF glow, and a touch of highlighter. Bonus points for a moon-charged rose quartz face roller.

🌞Witchy Wardrobe Refresh— Flowy maxi dresses, sparkly accents, delicate gold jewelry that catches the light (and maybe a few crystal pieces for that extra aura). Dress like the main character you are.

🌞Golden Hour Magic— Chase sunsets, host candlelit picnics with your closest friends, and practice a intention-setting under the stars.

🌞Slow-Burn Summer Reads— Nothing beats escaping into a spellbinding story. Add Bewitching Hannah to your stack immediately (Buy Link Below).

🌞Signature Scent & Playlist— Curate a sultry summer fragrance and a playlist full of dreamy, atmospheric tracks for those late-night drives and contemplative moments.

🌞Fierce Friendship Check-In— Plan a girls’ night filled with tarot, laughter, and deep conversations, the kind that remind you who your real allies are.

🌞Power Moves Only— Journal your goals, try something that scares you, and embrace the version of you that’s a little darker, bolder, and undeniably magnetic.

BUY LINK

One must rise. One must die.

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her life hiding the dark power stirring inside her. When an ancient prophecy awakens, her magic turns hungry and unstoppable. Thrust into a dangerous world of hidden rivals, shifting alliances, and deadly secrets, Hannah must decide who she can trust — especially when it comes to W, the breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past as shadowed as her own, he could be her salvation… or her destruction.

Glamorous, tense, and utterly spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah is the ultimate summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a powerful heroine you’ll root for from page one. If you love stories that mix glamour with dark magic and heart-pounding tension, this is your sign to grab a copy and dive in.

🌞Tag your glam witch besties and tell me which checklist item you’re doing first! Happy summer, beautiful. May your days be golden and your magic untamed✨. 


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Pack Your Bags (No Passport Needed!)✈️✨

3 Epic Magical Destinations Waiting for YOU in Books📚

Wethersfield, Connecticut – Curses, Ancient Bloodlines & Hidden Power 🏠✨First stop, a historic New England town where the past doesn’t just haunt you—it tries to control you. In Disenchanted, 16-year-old Sophie is dealing with wild, unpredictable gifts and a mysterious heirloom necklace that pulses with dangerous magic. One wrong move and centuries-old curses could destroy everything. Picture cobblestone streets hiding family secrets, haunted graveyards whispering forgotten spells, and a girl fighting to break free from her bloodline’s grip. If you love stories where history collides with explosive magic, small-town drama, and a protagonist figuring out who she really is… this is your portal. Warning: you might never want to leave.

Ready to ditch reality and dive headfirst into worlds packed with curses, secrets, and seriously powerful magic? Books are your ultimate escape ticket—zero suitcases, zero airport drama, and 100% pure adventure. If you’re craving small-town mysteries, coastal thrills, or bayou supernatural vibes, these three reads will teleport you straight into the action. Let’s go!

Annapolis, Maryland – Waterfront Magic, Rivalries & Destiny ⛵🌊⚡Next up, sail into the moody, breathtaking waterfront of Annapolis in Bewitching Hannah. Here, 16-year-old Hannah gets pulled into an ancient prophecy that could change everything. Hidden rivals, magic waking up inside her, and a high-stakes game where one wrong choice could cost her everything. Imagine kissing a star-crossed love under stormy skies, coven meetings in the shadow of the historic statehouse, and a girl discovering she’s way more powerful than she ever imagined. Fast-paced tension, beautiful maritime vibes, and that delicious “who can I even trust?” energy—this book is pure adrenaline for anyone who loves prophecies, rivalries, and swoony romance.

Koush Hollow, Louisiana – Bayou Secrets, Dark Waters & Rebel Energy 🐊🌿🔮 Last (but definitely not least), plunge into the misty, mystical bayou near New Orleans in Koush Hollow. When 16-year-old Jenna returns, she walks straight into exclusive social circles, environmental mysteries, and waters hiding way more than alligators. Beneath the Spanish moss and humid nights lies a battle for truth, power, and doing what’s right in a town built on secrets. There’s a forbidden romance, too. If you’re into rich, atmospheric worlds, strong heroines who refuse to back down, and stories where magic and real-world stakes collide—this one will pull you under (in the best way).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, some snacks, and your next favorite escape. These books don’t just tell stories—they transport you. No passport. No limits. Just pure magic. Which destination are you packing for first? Drop your pick below—I need to know! 📖🌍

BUY LINK


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A Glam Summer Reading Pick: Bewitching Hannah 

If you’re hunting for the perfect summer read that’s equal parts addictive, romantic, and dangerously magical, look no further than Bewitching Hannah.

One must rise. One must die. 

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her entire life suppressing the dark, restless power humming in her veins. But when an ancient prophecy awakens, foretelling the rise of a deadly young witch and the brutal death of another, her hidden magic begins to stir — and it’s hungry. Suddenly thrust into a lethal game of dark magic, hidden rivals, and shifting alliances, Hannah must confront secrets that could destroy everything she loves. 

Enter W, the mysterious, breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past even darker than her own, he might be her salvation… or her downfall. In a world where trust can be fatal, Hannah quickly learns that no one is who they seem, not even the boy she’s falling for.

Glamorous, tense, and spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah delivers everything you want in a summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a protagonist who’s both powerful and deeply relatable. 

Perfect for:

  • Teens who love strong heroines, dark romance, and witchy vibes
  • Moms who enjoy reading the same books as their daughters (hello, epic mother-daughter discussions!)
  • Fans of Serpent & Dove, The Cruel Prince, and These Violent Delights

Whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or curled up with iced coffee on the porch, this newly relaunched edition is the glamorous escape you’ve been waiting for.

One prophecy. Two fates. No second chances. 

Bewitching Hannah is out now on Amazon — grab your copy today and let the magic pull you under. Have you started reading yet? Drop your favorite witchy or dark fantasy read in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re obsessed with this summer! Happy reading.

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

CLICK FOLLOW ON THE HOMEPAGE & JOIN THE ENCHANTED COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, NEWS, AND UPDATES!