I just finished Hour of the Pumpkin Queen, and I loved every page of it! If you haven’t heard of this series, it’s essentially fanfiction in published form—following Sally Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas as she steps into her role as Pumpkin Queen. It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and full of cozy Halloween charm.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Book 1: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen
Sally is navigating her new life alongside Jack. While he thrives on being the extroverted, larger-than-life Pumpkin King, Sally is deeply introverted and unsure of herself. The story follows her as she balances his big personality with her own need for quiet, while also stepping into a position of leadership she never asked for. - Book 2: Hour of the Pumpkin Queen
Set a year later, Sally is trying to do it all—keeping traditions alive, carrying the weight of expectations, and shouldering responsibilities she doesn’t want to burden Jack with. Of course, it all becomes too much. This story beautifully explores how she learns that she doesn’t have to handle everything on her own, and that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
As an introvert myself, I found Sally’s journey so relatable. Her inner conflict of wanting to do things well while simultaneously longing for peace and quiet felt very true-to-life. Plus, the tender romance between Jack and Sally is woven throughout with such care. There’s no spice here—just pure, comforting love.
And can we talk about the atmosphere? These books ooze cozy Halloween vibes. From pumpkin patches to magical mishaps, they’re the kind of reads you curl up with under a blanket, candle flickering nearby.
If you’re into character-driven stories, gentle romance, or books that feel like seasonal fanfiction in the best way, I can’t recommend this series enough. Now the real question is—will there be a third book? I, for one, am crossing my fingers that Sally’s story continues.
Have you read The Pumpkin Queen books yet?
Elizabeth Yuen 