Category: Romance

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Sleigh Bells Ring
CHARACTERS: Annie & Tate
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Celebrate the season with this sparkling holiday romance, perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Dorthea Benton Frank, and Nancy Thayer!

Ranch manager Annie McCade thought her twin niece and nephew could join her at the Angel View Ranch for Christmas with her absent employer being none the wiser. But when the ranch’s owner, Tate Sheridan, shows up out of the blue, Annie’s plans are upended. Soon she finds herself helping Tate make a Christmas to remember for his grieving and fractured extended family.

Sleigh Bells Ring is the latest heartwarming, festive Christmas story by New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Hey Hallmark!!! You need to be looking at this novel by RaeAnne Thayne. Everything about this story is perfect for a made for TV movie.

This is a story about two women who come home for different reasons. One to move on and one to help others move on. Brie is needing to move on from her father’s death decades ago and coming home to the family ranch. Annie wants to give her niece and nephew a wonderful Christmas on the ranch. But when Annie’s childhood crush shows up everything changes.

What a delightful read but then Thayne never disappoints and puts even more of her love into her Christmas writings.

Perfect book to enjoy this Holiday season.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dark Tarot by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Tarot
SERIES #: Dark #31
CHARACTERS: Sandu & Adalasia
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/09/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sandu Berdardi continues to exist only to protect his people. An ancient Carpathian, his entire long life has been dedicated to honor above all else. He knows his time has passed, especially since he has not been able to find his lifemate — the anchor to keep him sane in a world he no longer understands. But just as he truly starts to give up hope, a voice reaches out to him in the night and his world explodes into color.

Adalasia enters Sandu’s mind seamlessly, as if she has been a part of him forever. While she can see the shape of things to come in her deck of cards, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. The true course of Sandu’s quest remains unclear, with danger waiting at every turn. She cannot see everything the future holds, but she does know it is a journey they will take together.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts This is the 31st… YES! 31st! In the Dark series (part of the Carpathian series) and how this author keeps the books fresh and entertaining and wanting to read the next one as soon as the reader is done with this one is a mystery.

This story is filled with action, romance, sacrifice and travel. The story takes place in countless states in America and many countries around the world. Sandu has been in a few recent novels and I am so glad that we finally got his story. And Adalasia is perfect for him.

Feehan delivers the best in the series in a while and that is saying something. Feehan never disappoints.

While I would say that yes you can read this story as a stand alone (sorta) but I really recommend that you read the entire series so you understand the Carpathian dynamic.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Wit And Wisdom of Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

TITLE: The Wit And Wisdom of Bridgerton
SERIES #: Bridgerton Collection
CHARACTERS: The Bridgerton Family
AUTHOR: Julia Quinn
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/09/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes a highly designed, colorful collection of quotes, wit, and wisdom from Lady Whistledown and the most memorable characters of the much-loved Bridgerton books, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

A collection of the most dramatic, romantic, and memorable quotes from the charming characters of the Bridgerton world, The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton is the perfect gift for fans of the Bridgerton series and the groundbreaking Shondaland/Netflix adaptation. With her signature wink and nod, Lady Whistledown herself will act as readers’ familiar and trusted guide, introducing each character’s most memorable quotes.

Each chapter in the book will highlight a different character from the Bridgerton series and include a new introduction from Lady Whistledown, quotes from the character, and things other characters have said about them over the course of the entire series. Fans will get a 360-degree view of each of their favorite personalities, with new commentary and takeaways from Lady Whistledown.

From Daphne, to Simon, to Penelope, to Colin, fans will enter the Bridgerton world in a completely new way with a fresh and intimate perspective of each character. Readers will relive the twists and turns of the books, taking (or not taking) the advice on love, family, etiquette, and fashion from the most beloved and unforgettable voices from Bridgerton. With an introduction from the creator of the Bridgerton world and #1 NYT Bestselling author Julia Quinn, The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton is a highly designed keepsake and unique addition to the Regency-set series.

REVIEW:

What a fun read. The book is filled with wonderfully delightful quotes from each character and even what other characters had to say about them.

This is a great companion book to the series.

I will say it is hard to say much about this book because it is not a novel. It is a mix of each book in the series. But if you are a fan of the series via books or NetFlix this is a must have.

Personal Note: I can’t even tell you how many shirts I want to have made with some of these quotes!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mistletoe In Juneau by Dahlia Rose

TITLE: Mistletoe In Juneau
CHARACTERS: Danni & Declan
AUTHOR: Dahlia Rose
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/19/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A heartwarming holiday romance from Hallmark and USA Today bestselling author Dahlia Rose that’s perfect for fans of Rochelle Alers and Debbie Macomber.

Danni’s a social media influencer who’s way out of her element. She sort-of broke up with her boyfriend-slash-manager, and she escaped her fast-paced life in New York to spend Christmas with an old friend in Juneau, Alaska. Danni takes in the beauty of the scenery and the warmth of the community…and she’s drawn to the local sheriff.

Before Declan was the sheriff, he was in the Army. An IED explosion cost him his leg…and his fiancée, who couldn’t deal with the injury. He knows Danni’s a city girl, while he loves the Alaskan wilderness. Could two very different people find what their hearts are looking for?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I couldn’t wait to read this book for the holidays. I lived in Alaska, though a different city, so I felt I already had a connection but I really had to force myself to get into this story. When I did I enjoyed it.

The story is one we have heard a million times. She needs a break from a crazy life. He has been burned before so has no desire to fall from another outsider. But sparks fly anyway.

Once I got into the story it was much better. There is good and bad in this story but romance is like that.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin

TITLE: The Last Goodnight
SERIES #: Blood Ties #1
CHARACTERS: Kade & Ellie
AUTHOR: Kat Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A thrilling new suspense novel from the bestselling author of The Perfect Murder that fans of Jayne Ann Krentz and Laura Griffin won’t want to miss! A cold case is heating up, and with another body on his hands, one rancher is hot on the trail of a killer…and protecting another woman in the crosshairs.

When Kade Logan said goodbye to his estranged wife eight years ago, he never thought it would be the last time he saw her alive. Now her car has been hauled out of a nearby lake and Kade is determined to track down the man who murdered her. Enter Eleanor Bowman, a talented private investigator who’s about to stir up a hornet’s nest on his Colorado ranch.

With old scandals still buzzing about his late wife’s many affairs and new violence erupting, Kade is faced with the discovery of another beautiful woman’s body. Are the two killings linked? Who is the man who seduced, then murdered both victims? Ellie believes they are dangerously close to the truth.

From corporate Denver high-rises to posh Vail mansions, Kade and Ellie sense the killer is closing in again, and this time Ellie is the target. Kade must risk everything to save the woman he’s coming to love—before she becomes the next one to die . . .

REVIEW:
I will admit this is a romantic suspense so the idea is easy. He needs help. She is a PI. They each have a past. Sparks Fly. Bam = romantic suspense.

But I really enjoyed this book. The characters are written really well. I liked both Kade and Ellie. Kade is a cowboy who lost his wife eight years ago and he is done with waiting for answers. He wants to move on but can’t until he gets info. Ellie is strong willed and independent.

I love the way both of them were written. They have depth and character. The suspense was interesting as well. I liked the case that Ellie takes on and how she handles it.

Really good story to start a new series. Looking forward to more in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: Dear Santa
CHARACTERS: Lindy & Carmichael
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/19/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A special holiday wish list brings about hope, love, and second chances in this nostalgic novel from the queen of Christmas stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up–but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.

Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic–especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate–Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

In Dear Santa, Debbie Macomber celebrates the joys of Christmas blessings, old and new.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I picked this up from NetGalley from their “Christmas In July” release and I am sad that I did. Why? Because I read it in July too. And Debbie Macomber makes the holidays come to life and I kept looking around wondering where my tree and decorations were. As with ALL of Macomber’s Christmas novels this one needs to be turned into a Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movie.

In this story Lindy returns home for the holidays. Her man and best friend were cheating on Lindy and her job just wasn’t doing it for her anymore so she now has two weeks to get some love from home and reset her mind. While home she finds some old letters she wrote to Santa and it makes her take a look inside her heart. And now all these years later it is time to write to Santa again.

And of course we can’t forget that this is Debbie Macomber that is telling the story so while Dear Santa has a lesson in it that we all need to take to heart it also has romance. And Macomber tells a great romance.

Another great story perfect for the season.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Village by Annie Rains

TITLE: The Christmas Village
SERIES #: Somerset Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Lucy & Miles
AUTHOR: Annie Rians
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains delivers a tender trade paperback romance that will appeal to readers with its warmth and bestselling themes!

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother’s bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent’s winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.

When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he’s grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn’t make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he’d give anything to get back in Lucy’s good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?

REVIEW:
Lucy comes back to Somerset Lake when her mom gets sick and passes away. She needs to get things in order and wants to get a tenant to help with some of the medical bills left by her mother. But of course it can’t just be a stranger that moves in. It’s her ex, Miles. And the sparks all these years later are still embers waiting to be ignited.

This is a sweet holiday romance by Rains. I have not read the first in the series and didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not having read it.

The town of Somerset Lake is so welcoming and perfect for a holiday romance. The festivities of the town make you wish you could join in.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews A Brambleberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: A Brambleberry Summer
SERIES #: The Women Of Brambleberry House #6
CHARACTERS: Rosa & Wyatt
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/29/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A new season leads to a new beginning in New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne’s latest heartwarming romance!

Will the secrets of her past…

Prevent her from having the future she’s always wanted?

Rosa Galvez’s attraction to Officer Wyatt Townsend is as powerful as the moon’s pull on the tides. But with her past, Rosa knows better than to act on her feelings. When Wyatt and his adorable son become Brambleberry House’s newest tenants, Rosa finds her resolve slipping. Her solo life slowly becomes a sun-filled family adventure—until dark secrets threaten to break like a summer storm.

REVIEW:
I can sum up this book perfectly. Our minds read more into our past than what is real. Rosa has a past and she believes Officer Wyatt could never be interested in her with a past like hers. But when Wyatt and Logan, his young son, need a place to stay Rosa lets them stay at one of the apartments at Brambleberry House. The funny thing is Rosa’s past isn’t even something she should have been worried about.

I loved Rosa. Wyatt was great and the connection between him and Rosa was slow and sweet. But mostly I enjoyed Rosa with Logan. The characters are just delightful in the story.

I love the writing of RaeAnne Thayne. She puts so much emotion into her books that you feel you are there in Cannon Beach, Oregon. This is the 5th in the series but can be a stand alone but then as a fan of Thayne’s I am not sure why any lover of the romance genre wouldn’t want to read everything she has written.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Book Of Magic by Alice Hoffman

TITLE: The Book Of Magic
SERIES #: Practical Magic #2
CHARACTERS: The Owens Family
AUTHOR: Alice Hoffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Master storyteller Alice Hoffman brings us the conclusion of the Practical Magic series in a spellbinding and enchanting final Owens novel brimming with lyric beauty and vivid characters.

The Owens family has been cursed in matters of love for over three-hundred years but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work.

A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love.

The Book of Magic is a breathtaking conclusion that celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series but this is actually book #4.
Magic Lessons 0.1
The Rules Of Magic 0.2
Practical Magic 1.0
The Book Of Magic 2.0

The book starts with a recap of the Owens family history. There is more than the movie can portray.

Sally hasn’t told her daughters about the family history of witches. But she needs to tell them now since Kylie has fallen in love AND has heard the beetle’s omen. Kylie travels around the world to figure out how to break the curse that Maria Owen placed.

I really hope we get a follow up movie to the original with Bullock and Kidman. The movie is a staple for me in October and I can imagine the actresses reprising their roles to bring the next book by Alice Hoffman to life.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale by Karen Schaler

TITLE: A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale
CHARACTERS: Kaylie & Alexander
AUTHOR: Karen Schaler
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/05/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From “A holiday publishing darling” (Entertainment Weekly) and Emmy Award-winning writer of Netflix’s hit rom-com A Christmas Prince comes this heartwarming, feel-good Christmas romance about the power of believing in yourself to find your happily ever after…

A charming Christmas village, a storybook castle, a royal ball, and a gorgeous prince are the last things New York City reporter Kaylie Karlyle expects to find on her holiday freelance assignment to Europe. But when the family she’s interviewing turns out to be the royal family of Tolvania, Kaylie has a meltdown when the quirky queen wants her to write a Christmas fairy tale for the spunky, young princess. Kaylie must battle the princess’s father, who doesn’t trust the media, and her own insecurities about writing anything beyond the news.

To spark inspiration for the fairy tale, the queen recruits the prickly Prince Alexander to show Kaylie the family’s most spectacular royal holiday traditions. And sparks definitely fly when the only thing Kaylie and the prince agree on is that they’re both more “bah humbug” than “ho, ho, ho.”

But somewhere between sleigh rides and snow angels, merrymaking and mistletoe, upside-down Christmas trees, and a legendary Christmas crown, Kaylie and the prince open their hearts to Christmas and start believing in themselves and each other. It’s a real-life fairy tale in the making until Kaylie discovers a secret about a royal Christmas heirloom that jeopardizes everyone’s happily ever after. Can the magic of the season save this holiday happy ending?

Bonus Content: Includes delicious royal Christmas recipes and holiday activities.

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is an uplifting, inspiring Christmas romance that’s filled with heart and hope and will appeal to fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and RaeAnne Thayne.

REVIEW:
As the holiday season comes into bloom don’t we all wish about getting away to a beautiful snow covered fairy tale castle complete with a royal family? Ok maybe we do not go that into depth but doesn’t it sound great?

Kaylie is a journalist but loses her job and is invited to write a fairy tale about a royal family. While she doesn’t really fall into “holiday spirits” she figures “Why not?”. So off she goes.

This is a delightful read that really will put you into the holiday spirit. The description of the castle puts you right into the middle of the family home.

I love reading holiday/Christmas romance’s and when I read “will appeal to fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and RaeAnne Thayne” I grabbed the title since all three are high on my fav authors list (Mallery being at the top) and I agree. This story really does beg you to pull up a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and a fireplace surrounded by twinkling lights lighting the pages.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow

TITLE: A Lot Like Christmas
SERIES #: Blue Moon #2
CHARACTERS: Jessica & Mitch
AUTHOR: Jennifer Snow
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This Christmas season, love comes where you least expect it.

For Jessica Connolly, there is no better place than her coastal hometown of Blue Moon Bay. She has a wonderful family, supportive best friends, and a successful bakery on Main Street. Unfortunately, every time she designs one of her ex-boyfriends’ wedding cakes, she’s reminded just how unlucky she is with love…and that she’s a good luck charm for men to find their happily ever after. With someone else. The minute they break up. So she’s decided to be done with love.

Dr. Mitch Jameson is more comfortable traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders than staying in one place. He just needs to survive the holidays in his small hometown before he can leave again. The beautiful, intriguing bakery owner with an aversion to dating might be just who he needs to occupy his restless heart.

From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too?

Each book in the Blue Moon Bay series is STANDALONE:
* A Lot Like Love
* A Lot Like Christmas

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts What if you were a good luck charm… In love… For others.. Not yourself… Well that is what Jessica is known for. She has dated men who find their real loves right after dating her. And to make matters worse they all want Jessica to make their wedding cakes. Hooked yet? You should be.

Not hooked yet? Ok what if you are a doctor who is on a break from Doctors Without Borders and is forced to go home to your family and are counting down the days until you can go back to Cambodia and then you meet an adorable baker and suddenly one month isn’t long enough since there is a deadline until you head back to where you are most needed. Hooked now?

What if I said all of this happens during the merriest time of the year. Now you are hooked! Jessica and Mitch are delightful together. I loved all the emotions they went through and including family issues, PTSD and self awareness.

I read this is July but part of me wished I had waited until the Christmas season when I could have sat under a cozy blanket with a cup of hot cocoa and had some me time because this is a great story to get you into the mood for romance and the holidays.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

TITLE: The Orphan Witch
CHARACTERS: Persephone May
AUTHOR: Paige Crutcher
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A deeper magic. A stronger curse. A family lost…and found.

Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.

After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.

Answers. Family. Home.

And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoyed this book. Persephone is so easy to like and care for. She has always been the odd ball out. Nothing seemed like where she should be. Foster homes and group homes seem like a stop over because soon she will need to leave once the weird stuff starts happening again. When Persephone moves to NC she learns much about herself and her history.

There is so much in this book. Curses, feuds, different dimensions, and the Library Of The Lost. Paige Crutcher did a great job with what I believe is her first novel. I enjoyed the background characters and Wile Isle. I imagine Persephone is the type of witch every little girl believes she is when she dresses up for Halloween and thinks “What if I were really a witch?”.

I really hope there is more to this novel and it becomes a series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts