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Playing the Witch Card
Curl up with this cosy, witchy read from NYT bestselling author KJ Dell'Antonia. Practical Magic meets Chocolat in this spellbinding story of a bakery owner rediscovering her magic - and herself.
When Flair Hardwicke returns to the tiny town of Rattleboro to take over her grandmother's beloved bakery, she believes she's prepared for anything. All she needs is her daughter Lucie, and to get as far away from her cheating ex-husband as physically possible. But sweet treats weren't the only thing her grandmother was known for in Rattleboro, and as determined as Flair is to avoid it, a misbehaving deck of tarot card-shaped cookies draws her back into the web of family magic she's fought so hard to escape.
Even her first love is in town. Flair hasn't spoken to Jude Oakes, now a famous chocolatier, since he broke her heart at seventeen. When Flair finds she's accidentally summoned Lucie's father to Rattleboro under a curse she can't break, the recipe for Halloween chaos seems to be complete.
But not everything in Rattleboro is as it seems. As Flair's family is threatened, she is forced to put aside everything she thinks she knows about love, witchcraft, motherhood—and herself. Because Flair might think she's done with magic, but magic certainly isn't done with Flair.
When Flair Hardwicke returns to the tiny town of Rattleboro to take over her grandmother's beloved bakery, she believes she's prepared for anything. All she needs is her daughter Lucie, and to get as far away from her cheating ex-husband as physically possible. But sweet treats weren't the only thing her grandmother was known for in Rattleboro, and as determined as Flair is to avoid it, a misbehaving deck of tarot card-shaped cookies draws her back into the web of family magic she's fought so hard to escape.
Even her first love is in town. Flair hasn't spoken to Jude Oakes, now a famous chocolatier, since he broke her heart at seventeen. When Flair finds she's accidentally summoned Lucie's father to Rattleboro under a curse she can't break, the recipe for Halloween chaos seems to be complete.
But not everything in Rattleboro is as it seems. As Flair's family is threatened, she is forced to put aside everything she thinks she knows about love, witchcraft, motherhood—and herself. Because Flair might think she's done with magic, but magic certainly isn't done with Flair.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2023
193 people are currently reading
6431 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Dell'Antonia
6 books619 followersKJ Dell’Antonia is the author of the The Chicken Sisters, a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick and a timely, humorous exploration of the same themes she has long focused on in her journalism: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy and the need to value the people in front of us more than the ones in our phones and laptops, every single time.
Her next novel, In Her Boots, about the gap between the adults we think we have become, the child our mother will always see and our horrible fear that our mother is right, is coming Summer 2022 and is available for pre-order now.
She wrote and edited the Motherlode blog at the New York Times and is also the author of the viral essay Why I Didn't Answer Your Email and the book How to Be a Happier Parent. She is also known for being unexpectedly quarantined in China with three small children and her mother, which was much more novel in 2009 than it is now.
Her next novel, In Her Boots, about the gap between the adults we think we have become, the child our mother will always see and our horrible fear that our mother is right, is coming Summer 2022 and is available for pre-order now.
She wrote and edited the Motherlode blog at the New York Times and is also the author of the viral essay Why I Didn't Answer Your Email and the book How to Be a Happier Parent. She is also known for being unexpectedly quarantined in China with three small children and her mother, which was much more novel in 2009 than it is now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
November 16, 2023
Playing the Witch Card grew on me to the point where I liked it by the end. But the first half of the book is a slog to get through. It’s boring and messy, and if I hadn’t been reading an advance review copy, I wouldn’t have finished it.
But I’m glad I hung in there, because the second half is a huge improvement. Everything that’s wrong with the first 50% somehow manages to right itself, allowing the book to become the fun, witchy mother-daughter tale KJ Dell’Antonia intended it to be.
It just takes a lot of patience to get to the good stuff. Too much patience, probably. So I only recommend giving the book a try if you really want to read it.
My sincerest appreciation to KJ Dell'Antonia, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
But I’m glad I hung in there, because the second half is a huge improvement. Everything that’s wrong with the first 50% somehow manages to right itself, allowing the book to become the fun, witchy mother-daughter tale KJ Dell’Antonia intended it to be.
It just takes a lot of patience to get to the good stuff. Too much patience, probably. So I only recommend giving the book a try if you really want to read it.
My sincerest appreciation to KJ Dell'Antonia, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
April 3, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Playing the Witch Card is described as Practical Magic meeting the Gilmore Girls, so I was instantly drawn to this book. Unfortunately (for me), this book fell flat on both counts. The Practical Magic element I could get, but the Gilmore Girls part I couldn't. The first half of the book is very much a drag to get through and does pick up towards the end to become more fun and entertaining but I just couldn't get into this book at all which I was very disappointed with as I had high hopes.
Playing the Witch Card is described as Practical Magic meeting the Gilmore Girls, so I was instantly drawn to this book. Unfortunately (for me), this book fell flat on both counts. The Practical Magic element I could get, but the Gilmore Girls part I couldn't. The first half of the book is very much a drag to get through and does pick up towards the end to become more fun and entertaining but I just couldn't get into this book at all which I was very disappointed with as I had high hopes.
August 28, 2023
Picked this book up for the cozy fall vibes, plus I was promised practical magic meets Gilmore girls. Practical magic I get, Gilmore girls just it wasn’t there for me. I enjoyed the tarot aspect, but the book didn’t really even pickup until way past halfway. Honestly the first 30% I was just confused about what was going on, but it did pick up and was much more enjoyable. It’s a great Cozy fall vibe book, maybe it just missed the mark for me. It’s less of a romance, and more of women going through life together.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc In exchange for a review
Thanks to netgalley for the arc In exchange for a review
September 11, 2023
Full of family drama, Tarot, spells gone wrong, a Halloween festival and LOTS of tasty treats, this is my newest favorite K.J. Dell'Antonia book that gave the best Practical Magic vibes and was a perfect balance of action, romance and all things witchy! Good on audio narrated by Jesse Vilinsky too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
September 10, 2023
This book was about 40% longer than it needed to be. Lots of filler and fluff and unnecessary bits. Too much. All the din drowned out the actual story, which wasn’t bad. Just presented in a bad manner.
August 20, 2023
2.5 stars
Flair wants to let go of the cards but the cards won’t let go of her.
Before diving into the book I had seen that it was described as cosy, that it had Practical Magic vibes and the author herself described it as a grown up Gilmore Girls—all of which I’ll happily say rings true. Flair along with her daughter Lucie moves back to her childhood home, runs a bakery and tries to escape from the magic that has caused her much strife her entire life.
At times I did feel the narrative was too similar to Practical Magic and this made it feel somewhat predictable, though this wasn’t a major issue because there were some fantastic differences, such as the magical tarot cards. Though Flair’s strong reluctance to use the cards but then using them anyway became tedious.
I think the parts that affected my enjoyment the most was that a lot of the conflicts between the characters could have been resolved by them being more open with each other. Now I’m aware that this would take away from the drama and the often heated dynamics between a single mother, her daughter and her ex-husband but I think a touch of honesty would have gone a long way. For example we know Flair left her husband because he continually cheated, but Lucie was kept sheltered from knowing this about her father. I understand that Flair wanted to protect Lucie and not show her father in a bad light, but at thirteen years old, I think this was something Lucie should have been given the opportunity to understood this about her father. To see him in his true light. Having said that I did really enjoy Della’Antonia’s exploration of motherhood and the turbulent relationship between the women. Della’Antonia shows that there is no right or wrong recipe to motherhood. It is messy, complicated, and more often than not filled with pain, regret and fear.
So whilst there were parts that I did enjoy ultimately this one, unfortunately, just didn’t captivate me. However if you’re looking for a Halloween atmospheric read this would be perfect for you.
Flair wants to let go of the cards but the cards won’t let go of her.
Before diving into the book I had seen that it was described as cosy, that it had Practical Magic vibes and the author herself described it as a grown up Gilmore Girls—all of which I’ll happily say rings true. Flair along with her daughter Lucie moves back to her childhood home, runs a bakery and tries to escape from the magic that has caused her much strife her entire life.
At times I did feel the narrative was too similar to Practical Magic and this made it feel somewhat predictable, though this wasn’t a major issue because there were some fantastic differences, such as the magical tarot cards. Though Flair’s strong reluctance to use the cards but then using them anyway became tedious.
I think the parts that affected my enjoyment the most was that a lot of the conflicts between the characters could have been resolved by them being more open with each other. Now I’m aware that this would take away from the drama and the often heated dynamics between a single mother, her daughter and her ex-husband but I think a touch of honesty would have gone a long way. For example we know Flair left her husband because he continually cheated, but Lucie was kept sheltered from knowing this about her father. I understand that Flair wanted to protect Lucie and not show her father in a bad light, but at thirteen years old, I think this was something Lucie should have been given the opportunity to understood this about her father. To see him in his true light. Having said that I did really enjoy Della’Antonia’s exploration of motherhood and the turbulent relationship between the women. Della’Antonia shows that there is no right or wrong recipe to motherhood. It is messy, complicated, and more often than not filled with pain, regret and fear.
So whilst there were parts that I did enjoy ultimately this one, unfortunately, just didn’t captivate me. However if you’re looking for a Halloween atmospheric read this would be perfect for you.
October 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️ PLAYING THE WITCH CARD has been described as “Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic” and I’m hoping whoever made those comparisons is icing their muscles right now because half of that was a big stretch.
Aside from a small town setting and a mother daughter relationship, I didn’t find many similarities to Gilmore Girls. Maybe I’m being too tough of a critic but when the first sentence of a synopsis tells me I’m getting GG, I want GG!
As far as Practical Magic goes, I have to admit I haven’t watched it since I was a youth but the idea here is very similar. So similar in fact, that even though it’s been over 20 years since I’ve seen the movie I found the plot of this book way too predictable.
The pacing is very slow and the plot didn’t really pick up for me until the halfway mark. Overall this was a cute and cozy fall read but it just felt very surface level. I didn’t find the characters likable or details of the plot to be well fleshed out and I finished this yesterday but already forget almost everyone’s names.
Others might love this so please don’t let my negativity steer you away if you’re excited about it!
🎧the audiobook was cute!
Aside from a small town setting and a mother daughter relationship, I didn’t find many similarities to Gilmore Girls. Maybe I’m being too tough of a critic but when the first sentence of a synopsis tells me I’m getting GG, I want GG!
As far as Practical Magic goes, I have to admit I haven’t watched it since I was a youth but the idea here is very similar. So similar in fact, that even though it’s been over 20 years since I’ve seen the movie I found the plot of this book way too predictable.
The pacing is very slow and the plot didn’t really pick up for me until the halfway mark. Overall this was a cute and cozy fall read but it just felt very surface level. I didn’t find the characters likable or details of the plot to be well fleshed out and I finished this yesterday but already forget almost everyone’s names.
Others might love this so please don’t let my negativity steer you away if you’re excited about it!
🎧the audiobook was cute!
October 3, 2023
Thank god it’s over.
June 26, 2023
i SCREAMED when i got this approval.
thank you to putnam books and netgalley!!!
--
I feel like you don't need me to sell this to you. You already saw that this is a hybridized Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic and I'm here to tell you in that respect, it delivers.
Her husband has cheated again - this time with the babysitter - so Flair has no choice but to escape to a small Kansas town to the house and bakery that her grandmother left for her when she passed. She accepts the inheritance of house and business, but refuses to accept the family legacy of magic, mostly concentrated in a special deck of tarot cards passed on from mother to daughter.
Not going to lie to you, the first 60-70% of this was establishing background, yes, but it's mostly just vibes. We hear about a Jack Skellington decoration perched happily outside of the bakery that Flair wants no part in, we hear about her bad husband and the daughter that wants nothing to do with her mom. I don't know if I'd have been nearly as excited if I'd known that there was a kid involved in this, but I don't think that's the book's failing as much as my taste.
The real plot takes a good 50% to get going. Pacing was SUPER weird for me. We learn that there's a special Halloween event that Flair absolutely doesn't want to be a part of, we learn that she's making cookies without remembering why or when in the shape of cards from her family's tarot deck, then boom - her insane mother shows up with her husband in tow, bespelled, which puts a crimp in Flair's plan to reignite a flame with an old love from when she was younger.
The real winning factor of this book was the author's love for tarot, tarot interpretations, and readings. Though the magic system wasn't particularly fleshed out, the tarot magic was beautiful and interesting. I'd have loved more information about other powers. In fact, I'd have loved more information about the other characters overall - while we got a lot of info about Flair, I'm not sure I felt like I could successfully tell one character from the other.
The last 25% of this book really honed in on the Practical Magic vibes, by the way. Sometimes I wondered to myself if I though the book was even a little derivative at points.
That said, there was still a lot to love in this book, just don't go into it expecting romance with fantasy. It's very much a story about women and their family and it's perfect vibes for the Autumnal time of year. Instant preorder!
thank you to putnam books and netgalley!!!
--
I feel like you don't need me to sell this to you. You already saw that this is a hybridized Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic and I'm here to tell you in that respect, it delivers.
Her husband has cheated again - this time with the babysitter - so Flair has no choice but to escape to a small Kansas town to the house and bakery that her grandmother left for her when she passed. She accepts the inheritance of house and business, but refuses to accept the family legacy of magic, mostly concentrated in a special deck of tarot cards passed on from mother to daughter.
Not going to lie to you, the first 60-70% of this was establishing background, yes, but it's mostly just vibes. We hear about a Jack Skellington decoration perched happily outside of the bakery that Flair wants no part in, we hear about her bad husband and the daughter that wants nothing to do with her mom. I don't know if I'd have been nearly as excited if I'd known that there was a kid involved in this, but I don't think that's the book's failing as much as my taste.
The real plot takes a good 50% to get going. Pacing was SUPER weird for me. We learn that there's a special Halloween event that Flair absolutely doesn't want to be a part of, we learn that she's making cookies without remembering why or when in the shape of cards from her family's tarot deck, then boom - her insane mother shows up with her husband in tow, bespelled, which puts a crimp in Flair's plan to reignite a flame with an old love from when she was younger.
The real winning factor of this book was the author's love for tarot, tarot interpretations, and readings. Though the magic system wasn't particularly fleshed out, the tarot magic was beautiful and interesting. I'd have loved more information about other powers. In fact, I'd have loved more information about the other characters overall - while we got a lot of info about Flair, I'm not sure I felt like I could successfully tell one character from the other.
The last 25% of this book really honed in on the Practical Magic vibes, by the way. Sometimes I wondered to myself if I though the book was even a little derivative at points.
That said, there was still a lot to love in this book, just don't go into it expecting romance with fantasy. It's very much a story about women and their family and it's perfect vibes for the Autumnal time of year. Instant preorder!
July 15, 2024
I found this book boring. I was hoping for Gilmore Girls vibes but it doesn't have the humor and wit that I was expecting. I was not into the practical magic storyline at all. There were a lot of unnecessary details in this book. I skimmed a lot of it just to get through. I don't like to DNF books but I really wanted to DNF this one. I can get the appeal of the cozy fall book but it's just not my thing.
September 13, 2023
Happy Book Birthday to Playing the Witch Card by my personal fave, KJDellantonia! I cannot thank PutnamBooks enough for sending an early copy my way! 💋
Noted as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, I can atleast nod my head in agreement with the cozy, homegrown feel of Practical Magic. I've never watched Gilmore Girls (I saw that look) so I can't say if it hits the mark. What I do know is that I loved seeing KJ get into her witchy spirit with this new release.
🧹 Curses
🧹 Generational Witchery
🧹 Second Chance Romance
🧹 Halloween Time
🧹 Family Bonds
I'd start by saying that I wouldn't classify this as a romance. There is a little chemistry in this one but the real meat and potatoes comes from three generational witches (grandmother, mother, daughter) and how magic is viewed through their experiences and how it's shaped their lives. Flair has buried it deep and refuses to accept it's presence in her life. As a mother, she tries to protect her daughter from the neglect she went through when her own mother dabbled. Keeping her daughter far for from it and living a normal life.
Not that easy in a hometown flowing with power and hidden secrets. What unfolds is a slow building backstory of Flair's past and present life and an unexpected curse that brings everything she wants to be FAR away from, right to her doorstep. The curse and unpredictable mother were icing on the cake.
KJ always ties in real life struggles in her books and I liked how this one really focuses on letting go, acceptance, communication and working together. Even the mother/daughter dynamic that frustrated me fit the story well. I did feel a little better communication was warranted between the adults and a little less extra info in the build up would have made this even smoother in the plot flow. The ending action scenes were an excellent touch and not what I was expecting.
I'm hoping KJ continues with the witchy vibes. It's definitely a twist I loved adding to my collection! True rating 3.5/5.
Noted as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, I can atleast nod my head in agreement with the cozy, homegrown feel of Practical Magic. I've never watched Gilmore Girls (I saw that look) so I can't say if it hits the mark. What I do know is that I loved seeing KJ get into her witchy spirit with this new release.
🧹 Curses
🧹 Generational Witchery
🧹 Second Chance Romance
🧹 Halloween Time
🧹 Family Bonds
I'd start by saying that I wouldn't classify this as a romance. There is a little chemistry in this one but the real meat and potatoes comes from three generational witches (grandmother, mother, daughter) and how magic is viewed through their experiences and how it's shaped their lives. Flair has buried it deep and refuses to accept it's presence in her life. As a mother, she tries to protect her daughter from the neglect she went through when her own mother dabbled. Keeping her daughter far for from it and living a normal life.
Not that easy in a hometown flowing with power and hidden secrets. What unfolds is a slow building backstory of Flair's past and present life and an unexpected curse that brings everything she wants to be FAR away from, right to her doorstep. The curse and unpredictable mother were icing on the cake.
KJ always ties in real life struggles in her books and I liked how this one really focuses on letting go, acceptance, communication and working together. Even the mother/daughter dynamic that frustrated me fit the story well. I did feel a little better communication was warranted between the adults and a little less extra info in the build up would have made this even smoother in the plot flow. The ending action scenes were an excellent touch and not what I was expecting.
I'm hoping KJ continues with the witchy vibes. It's definitely a twist I loved adding to my collection! True rating 3.5/5.
Read
January 11, 2024DNF
July 3, 2025
dnf & 50% - Gilmore Girls meets unreasonable main character who apparently really likes to suffer and complain about it in the process: Oh no, I’ve got some real cool magical abilities, woe is me!! I don’t want to use them because magic is bad. I don’t like to have agency over my own life because that’s exhausting >:(
YIKES!
YIKES!
October 3, 2024
Cute, witchy, predictable Halloween story that is very reminiscent of Practical Magic, with a dash of Gilmore Girls vibes.
October 5, 2023
This is a paranormal romance about a woman named Flair who doesn’t want her magic. She’s got a daughter and wants to raise her without witchcraft, because she’s seen the trouble her mother has gotten into mixing romance and magic. Flair inherited her grandmother’s house and the family bakery, and now she’s back in her hometown just in time for the Halloween festivities. Her first love is back in town too, and she’s not sure what to do about him.
After the tarot cookie cards she bakes come alive, Flair realizes that not everyone in town means her well, and someone is not who she appears to be. It all comes to a head on Halloween, when Flair finds out that “she might have given up on magic but it hasn’t given up on her”.
If you like a paranormal romance you’ll enjoy this book! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
After the tarot cookie cards she bakes come alive, Flair realizes that not everyone in town means her well, and someone is not who she appears to be. It all comes to a head on Halloween, when Flair finds out that “she might have given up on magic but it hasn’t given up on her”.
If you like a paranormal romance you’ll enjoy this book! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
October 17, 2023
This novel REALLY dragged on for me - it felt like way too much was going on. I wanted to like it, but around the 70% mark, I was just ready for it to be wrapped up in a bow and done. If I wasn’t OCD about finishing all books I start, I feel like this would’ve been a DNF contender. I did enjoy the tarot aspect, which I’ve always found fascinating, but the immense amount of filler in this book made it difficult to get through. I see the Gilmore Girls vibe for sure, so I can say that that aspect held true. And I wouldn’t classify this book in the “romance” category - small hints here and there, but that’s not the main goal of this story (in my eyes, anyways).
January 19, 2024
I might’ve dipped into the holiday reads recently, but I’m back with my next witchy read, and I’m so excited for this one after enjoying the author’s previous book, The Chicken Sisters.
Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic in the latest novel from the New York Timesbestselling author of The Chicken Sisters
She gave up on magic. But magic didn’t give up on her.
Three generations of magic. Two rogue exes. One Tarot deck.
The perfect recipe for chaos.
*many thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted copy for review
Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic in the latest novel from the New York Timesbestselling author of The Chicken Sisters
She gave up on magic. But magic didn’t give up on her.
Three generations of magic. Two rogue exes. One Tarot deck.
The perfect recipe for chaos.
*many thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted copy for review
October 3, 2023
Fantastic story , I was prepared to enjoy this, but didn’t realise how much iwould be engrossed, that I wouldn’t want to leave it’s pages, I haven’t laughed so much or thoroughly enjoyed a witch based fantasy/paranormal read in a long time. I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more by KJ Dell’Antonia
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
When I saw that Playing the Witch Card was on NetGalley, I requested it so fast! Practical Magic meets Gilmore girls is the witchy vibe of 2023! There is something about that small town witch that just does it for me. In this book you get yourself a comfy cozy fantasy. Imagine baking tarot cookies that accidently unleashes your magic?? Sounds like a good time... until it isn't. I enjoyed mama Flair, and I felt for her when her daughter is moody, and her ex-husband is a cheating scum bag. I mean sometimes being a mom is so hard. If you're looking for a fall book with magic that makes you want to curl up with a knit blanket, open your windows, and listen to the winds howling in the background, pick this one up! Playing the Witch Card is out 9/12/23.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC and giving me the chance to read and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC and giving me the chance to read and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
September 12, 2023
Highlights:
Small town setting
Witchy/Halloween vibes
Magical Tarot cards
Mother/daughter relationship
Second chance (mature) romance.
Playing the Witch Card has a fun witchy premise, perfect for the fall season. I wanted to love this book, but it didn't quite work. I found the story confusing because I struggled with the writing style, especially in the beginning. The main focus is on the mother/daughter relationship and moving on after divorce. I wanted more romance, but romance was not the main focus. Also, the romance is very chaste. The premise of a witchy small town and magical Tarot cards were my favorite parts of the book. I recommend Playing the Witch Card to readers looking for a Halloween-themed women's fiction with a touch of romance.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Small town setting
Witchy/Halloween vibes
Magical Tarot cards
Mother/daughter relationship
Second chance (mature) romance.
Playing the Witch Card has a fun witchy premise, perfect for the fall season. I wanted to love this book, but it didn't quite work. I found the story confusing because I struggled with the writing style, especially in the beginning. The main focus is on the mother/daughter relationship and moving on after divorce. I wanted more romance, but romance was not the main focus. Also, the romance is very chaste. The premise of a witchy small town and magical Tarot cards were my favorite parts of the book. I recommend Playing the Witch Card to readers looking for a Halloween-themed women's fiction with a touch of romance.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
September 21, 2023
Flair Hardwicke and her daughter Lucie move to Rattleboro to start a new life after Flair's marriage falls apart. The choice of locations is based on an inheritance from Flair's grandmother. With a home and a shop where Flair can open a bakery it is the obvious choice. But, Flair's business seems to be foundering even though she is an accomplished baker. At the same time, Lucie is having trouble making friends. Lucie wants to go back to St. Louis and live with her Dad. All of this, seems insurmountable to Flair, but she refuses to give up.
When the matriarch of the town requests (or demands) that Flair participate in the town Halloween celebration, it seems that things are looking up. But suddenly, Flair's family heritage with Tarot cards creates problems for Flair.
If that isn't enough, her estranged mother shows up with Flair's ex-husband in the trunk of the car.
Will Flair be able to sort out all of the issues without resorting to using the Family Tarot deck which has always seemed to cause more trouble than good?
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam,and KJ Dell'Antonia for the for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
When the matriarch of the town requests (or demands) that Flair participate in the town Halloween celebration, it seems that things are looking up. But suddenly, Flair's family heritage with Tarot cards creates problems for Flair.
If that isn't enough, her estranged mother shows up with Flair's ex-husband in the trunk of the car.
Will Flair be able to sort out all of the issues without resorting to using the Family Tarot deck which has always seemed to cause more trouble than good?
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam,and KJ Dell'Antonia for the for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
September 7, 2023
The description said it will feel like Gilmore Girls with some Practical Magic involved. I couldn’t agree more. It gave me all the Gilmore Girls feelings and that is what we all need for the fall.
Flair’s family is surrounded by magic, which she refused to accept as she got older. Her grandmother had passed and left her with a bakery in a small town in Kansas. She wasn’t sure what to do with it at first. She then took it as an opportunity to escape with her daughter to get away from her cheating husband.
The small town in Kansas takes Halloween very seriously with trails and Halloween decor all over town. Flair was told she had to make treats for the trail so she decided to make sugar cookie tarot cards. That was my favorite part. You really got to see Flair shine when she was handing out the cookie tarot cards to customers.
This is a great book to get you in the spooky season.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Flair’s family is surrounded by magic, which she refused to accept as she got older. Her grandmother had passed and left her with a bakery in a small town in Kansas. She wasn’t sure what to do with it at first. She then took it as an opportunity to escape with her daughter to get away from her cheating husband.
The small town in Kansas takes Halloween very seriously with trails and Halloween decor all over town. Flair was told she had to make treats for the trail so she decided to make sugar cookie tarot cards. That was my favorite part. You really got to see Flair shine when she was handing out the cookie tarot cards to customers.
This is a great book to get you in the spooky season.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
revisit-later
April 25, 2024A "dnf for now," because it's literally been sitting in my "currently reading" for months without much progress. I loved the concept and I honestly liked the writing well enough too, but it's just not scratching whatever mood reader itch that I've had. So I'm going to put it in my "revisit later" shelf and we'll try again some other time.
November 17, 2024
This may be a me problem. I was falling asleep most nights trying to read it. 3rd act conflict came so close to the end that everything was wrapped up in 1 chapter.
October 11, 2023
A cute and witchy read that had a bit of a slow start but the middle and end held my attention. Decent characters and a creative plot line centered around family, lore and witchiness. Throw in the baked goods and lattes plus a Halloween setting and it’s an excellent fall read.
Read
September 1, 2023DNF @ 33%
September 30, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up!
A fun, cozy, Halloween-y read! It definitely helped that I was teaching myself to read Tarot while also reading this, so I enjoyed seeing the cards mentioned in this story.
A fun, cozy, Halloween-y read! It definitely helped that I was teaching myself to read Tarot while also reading this, so I enjoyed seeing the cards mentioned in this story.
October 30, 2023
Cozy witchy magic is not my usual genre, but I'm a fan of K.J. and gave this one a try. It was all that I was hoping it would be - light, sweet, and a good mood-setter for Halloween, with just enough magic. It wasn't lost on me (and I appreciated) that all the strong characters - and almost all of the characters at all - were women, and they held all the power in their relationships and the town.
December 3, 2023
Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell'Antonia. Pub Date: September 12, 2023. Rating: 3 stars. If you're looking for a cozy fall novel, this is the book for you. Set in a small town around Halloween, this novel has a touch of magic, family, love, loss and fall spirit all wrapped into one story. This novel is about second chances and change with the backdrop of fall vibes. It's an easy read that would pair nicely with a pumpkin coffee and a fall scented candle. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #playingthewitchcard #netgalley
April 3, 2023
Magically chaotic!
Flair Hardwicke is just trying to survive - starting over in the town she grew up in with her daughter after separating from her unfaithful husband. Taking over her grandmothers bakery shouldn't be too difficult, right?
WRONG! Enter an overwhelming Halloween festival, nosey townspeople, an old flame, a cursed (almost) ex husband, an eccentric overbearing mother and an ancient big bad magical doomsday - it's a bit overwhelming to say the least! Full of baked goods, an “Emily Gilmore” vibes mother, teenage hysterics and a budding romance - Playing the Witch Card was a fun and unique read!
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP
Putnam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Flair Hardwicke is just trying to survive - starting over in the town she grew up in with her daughter after separating from her unfaithful husband. Taking over her grandmothers bakery shouldn't be too difficult, right?
WRONG! Enter an overwhelming Halloween festival, nosey townspeople, an old flame, a cursed (almost) ex husband, an eccentric overbearing mother and an ancient big bad magical doomsday - it's a bit overwhelming to say the least! Full of baked goods, an “Emily Gilmore” vibes mother, teenage hysterics and a budding romance - Playing the Witch Card was a fun and unique read!
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP
Putnam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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