Tag Archives: witches

Bad Spells, Good Books: In Charm’s Way & The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

23 Aug

In Charm’s Way
by Lena Harper
In Charm’s Way is the fourth in the supernatural romance Witches of Thistle Grove series; although not necessary to be read in order, you will have some spoilers for previous books if you read this one first. I had been looking forward to hearing about the resolution of Delilah Harlow’s story since the events of Back in a Spell, released this past January. In that novel another witch’s out of control spell causes Delilah once perfect recall to be damaged. Now she struggles to regain her memory and her sense of self. She is helped by her new charming raven familiar Montalban. Delilah spends much of her time working at her family’s magical book store, so if you are a book worm like me you will likely identify with this clever introvert. If you are someone who generally doesn’t read romance, but loves fantasy, I’d still highly recommend this series since the interesting world building with the magical town and complex, well developed characters will have you hooked. Though of course it wouldn’t be a Thistle Grove story without romance in this case it comes in the form of the Catriona Quinn, a beautiful “monster hunter” with an unusual lineage.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
by Breanne Randall
Coming soon on September 19, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is Breanne Randall’s first novel to be published, but hopefully not her last. Fellow fans of the magical realism of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Allen Addison will want to check this one out. Sadie Revelare is happy working with her grandmother at their small café, A Peach in Thyme, but then everything seems to start to unravel when her first love returns to town and her grandmother reveals some serious medical news. Sadie believes that these heartbreaks are a side effect to the power she wields. When her estranged twin brother returns further family secrets are revealed and it will take all the Revelare’s and their communities efforts to save them. I enjoyed the whimsical magic details mixed in with the more serious topics of the story. Sadie’s best friend lives with bipolar disorder and her brother suffers from depression and although neither is explored in depth since they are secondary characters, it provided representation of those living with the condition, and Sadie herself discusses plans to see a therapist for grief counseling. You’ll be left craving some of the delicious drinks and treats that are mentioned in the story, so it is lucky that each chapter ends with a recipe from Sadie’s grandmother so you can try it for yourself just BYOM (bring your own magic). I made the Chocolate Pecan Pie (good for healing strength and longevity) and the Cherry Cheese Pie (helps ensure the peace, good for family gatherings) for our Fourth of July celebration this year.

I received advanced copies of both novels from Netgalley and the publishers in order to provide you with honest reviews.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager




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Winter Kissed Fantasies: Back in a Spell and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries

4 Jan

Back in a Spell
by Lana Harper
Newly published Back in a Spell, is the third in Lana Harper’s Witches of Thistle Grove series; although it refers back to events and characters from the previous books, it is still possible to enjoy this charming novel on its own. Nineva Blackmoore isn’t just a lawyer whose powerful family owns a medieval theme park and other local businesses, she is also secretly a witch. A year after her fiancé, Sydney, dumps her, her best friend encourages her to go on a date with a nonbinary hottie picked from a dating app. Morty Gutierrez is quirky, laid back, and spontaneous nothing like the usually tightly controlled Nineva, but she thinks that might just be what she needs to get over her ex and bring some excitement into her life. Unfortunately although there is an attraction, their first date doesn’t go as well as planned. But if they aren’t meant to be together than why is Morty suddenly gaining powers, something that typically only happens when a witch is a committed relationship? Then Nineva’s magic begins to surge, which her power hungry mother and grandmother think they can use to gain control. I enjoyed that the story is not simply about Nineva’s unfolding relationship with Morty, but also her struggle to decide whether she will chose the selfish path her family has laid out for her or if she can find the strength to break away. Set during the snowy winter, this would be a great book to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate. Fantasy and romance fans will both be spellbound. You can enjoy another blog post for fans of witchy romances here.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
by Heather Fawcett
Out next week is another read perfect for capturing winter’s chill, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is about Emily Wilde who is a professor of Dryadology and has gone to a remote Scandinavian island to study “the hidden ones” one of the most elusive groups of fairies for her encyclopedia. Her studies feel midway between a sociologist and a zoologist with the faeries being depicted as mimicking humans in some ways, but in others feeling completely alien in nature with their behaviors and emotions. Emily is one of those academics who feels more comfortable studying in remote locations with her canine companion, Shadow, than trying to awkwardly interact with other humans. When her only friend, Wendell Bambleby, a fellow researcher and academic rival shows up on the island, she is both annoyed and slightly relieved. As Emily’s suspicions about Wendell grow, she also finds herself falling for the insufferable enigmatic charmer. I enjoyed how the study of fairies is depicted in such a serious and thoughtful way as if it were indeed a real area of scholarship. The island is also captured in such detail, you’ll be wanting to up your thermostat as Emily explores its frozen woods. This novel should appeal to fans of Discovery of Witches and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Fawcett is able to build a sense of peril for the main characters, while still having moments of humor. Highly recommended to both Fantasy, Romance, and General Fiction Fans. For those who can’t wait for the next in this, her first adult series, Fawcett has several charming YA and Middle Grade novels to chose from including The School Between Winter and Fairyland.

I received copies of the books for review in advance from NetGalley and the publishers.

Written by:
Aimee Harris

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