Category: Contemporary

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

RewitchedRewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 17, 2024

Belladonna “Belle” Blackthorn is a witch from a very powerful magical family. Belle came into her powers at 15, but has maintained a primarily non-magical life, she does use small incantations but for the most part she hasn’t really embraced her magic and has pretty much taken it for granted. She works at a charming little bookstore and lives with her best friend (who doesn’t know she is a witch), she is content but doesn’t take any risks. So, when she gets visit from Rune, a warlock in her coven, she learns that on her thirtieth birthday, she must present herself to the coven to undergo the EquiWitch trial, and be judged worthy of keeping her powers, she is understandably thrown for a loop.

The trial doesn’t go well, but thanks to a loophole, Belle is given a second chance to prove herself to the coven, but the catch is that she will have only 30 days to prepare or risk losing her powers for good. Her magical mentor has a shady past and may or may not have killed his brother, but upon meeting Artorius “Arty” Day, she can’t believe he could be the villain the coven leaders said he is. With Arty’s help Belle delves into magic and realizes how much she wants to keep her powers. But when things turn dark, she may have to give up her magic to keep the people she loves safe.

This was a charming, well-written witchy story with wonderful characters and a happy ending. I loved Belle, she is caught between two worlds and at thirty still hasn’t decided what she is doing with her life. I loved watching her rediscover the thrill of magic and moving outside of her comfort zone. Overall, this was a good read with likable characters, secrets, magic, danger, shocking revelations, dear friends and family, an annoyingly good-looking warlock and a spectacular ending. This is my first time reading this author, and while I felt the story dragged a bit at times and I would have enjoyed a bit more romance, overall, I enjoyed her writing style and am looking forward to her next book.

Murder in Mercy by Anne Cleeland

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Murder in Mercy

Barbara’s rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #21
Publication Date: 3/16/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 208

I have been captivated by this series since the beginning, and I always anxiously await each new release. I love all of the eccentric, quirky characters, and I can hardly wait to see what Acton gets up to next – and how Doyle thwarts him. There are always witty and serious moments that combine to present an excellent story.

We have met the victim in previous books – the twice-widowed Mrs. Birdsong – who just doesn’t seem to have much luck choosing husbands. Both of her husbands were villains, with the last one trying to poison her before he died. While he didn’t succeed, someone did, and the investigation now belongs to Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and Special Officer Vadik Gabriel.

Doyle and Gabriel have no readily discernible clues to follow, and decide their investigation should follow two paths. One path would take them back through the investigation of the art theft ring Mrs. Birdsong’s husband was involved in, and the other would be to see if there is a hidden heir somewhere looking to inherit her considerable wealth. The path is a crooked one with red herrings and surprises along the way. Of course, Acton sticks his finger into the mix to make things even more confusing.

I enjoyed the book, and the mystery is a good one, but this is not my favorite book of the series. There just wasn’t as much of the ‘hold your breath’ tension as in previous books. I think it gave us hints of stories to come with the Savoie brothers, which could be interesting.

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