Bewitched Moon: Emergence

by C. R. Stephens

Samantha Luna Thorp, a witchy yoga instructor with a deep connection to the moon, has been having nightmares. Her idyllic life in Madison, Wisconsin has been disrupted by the realization that her boyfriend, Dan, isn't the sweet guy she thought he was. On the night of the August full moon, Sam and her bestie, Ashley, attend a kegger in their hometown. When Dan disappears from the party without a word, the girls accept a ride from a handsome stranger.
In the aftermath of an ugly discovery, Sam embarks on a journey of self-exploration. As she finds herself caught between feelings for two different people, her path to happiness is hindered by her own insecurities and Dan's ongoing harassment. Sam seeks counsel from the two women who raised her—her mom and grandmother—but she refuses to turn to her estranged father, even though he may be the only person on the planet who can truly help her.

Main coming of age, female sexuality and empowerment, friendship, love vs. lust, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, and modern paganism (moon rituals, herbs, crystals, tarot divination, pagan sabbats.)

Content explicit language, on-the-page sex, narcissistic emotional abuse, suicide

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2023

Reviews

[Taylor Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bewitched Moon was definitely an enjoyable read. The story follows Sam yoga instructor and resident witch through different phases of growth, self reflection, and evolving relationships. This story really emphasized the importance of communication and accountability to build and foster healthy relationships. Through mistakes, misunderstandings and misguided assumptions we follow along as Sam learns to open her heart and mind to relationships she may have never considered before and to trust herself after walking away from a toxic relationship turned dangerous.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

It took me less than 24 hours to read this book.. I could not put it down. I felt Sam's pain, her anger,and her love. I loved the twists, it was written so well I felt like I was watching each scene unfold. The heat and electricity between Cameron and Sam tore at my heart as I read and every time I felt they were going to get together there was another twist. The universe seemed to be against them. The ending left me wanting more. I really hope there is a sequel.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pleasurable read, Samantha aka Sam is at the helm of the story, being a certified yoga instructor she leads her life her own way. She is a genuine and lively character living in the perils of young adult life.

There's a lot going on in her life but most importantly, the story stays true to her character. Living a presumptuous life, she is finding her way through an independent life.

While making decisions, Sam sometimes supresses her own feelings and sometimes she lets it out explicitly which is her specific trait. Her life is a learning curve of an unforgettable experience like all of us have.

The story starts with Sam trying to get away from a dying relationship with a man named Dan which she finds better to end on her own term when time comes. Blessing follows the loss so she finds an honest and generous man next, but not everything goes according to her wishes.

This book covers a lot, it sets example for friendship between Ashley and Sam, a love story between Sam and Cameron, and her relationship with her father and other family members.

A blend of all is something that gives this novel a touch of authencity. Sam believe in horoscope matchups and spritual brightness is something that keeps her moving ahead despite the difficulties.

All around, this is really good read, there's a lot that goes through in a young person's life and Sam's story can be an ideal reflection of it. Definitely, recommended to anyone who's looking to have a pleasurable read in chick-lit genre.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. R. Stephens has done a fabulous work and created a heart warming and refreshingly pleasant story line in "Bewitched Moon- Emergence". The title and cover photo of the novel is totally befitting and suitable.
It's about Samantha, a Yoga Instructor, having an intriguing relationship with the moon itself. The story picks up pace from the very first page and keeps the reader wanting more.It is quite an addictive plot revolving around the struggles, upheavals, dilemmas, emotional crossroads faced by the protagonist. It highlights a very strong message that misunderstandings in any relationship are heightened due to lack of communication.
The narrative is simple, crisp and in first form, making it all the more relatable. An equally enjoyable climax giving a strong message that "we shall never let others to define who we will be" and it is better to walk away from toxic relationships.

[Maleena]

C. R. Stephens knowledge of crystals, tarot, and all things spiritual fly off the pages in this book! Calling all witchy friends! This is for anyone who's been through some hard things and have come out on the other side. Sam's trauma with her narcissistic ex boyfriend has caused her to second guess every man after him. Insert Cameron, the good guy. Sam's feelings and pull towards him is undeniable. But because of her past, she's skeptical. She heavily relies on the universe's signs and the moon to help navigate the important things in her life. The story really stresses the importance of finding yourself, communication, and being true to who you are. The spiritual aspect hit close to home for me. I couldn't put the book down. As someone who has been through trauma and abuse, this was tastefully written and extremely well done!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall solid story with vibrant and relatable characters: the 20-something with quirky habits, dependable roommate, exotic love interests, supportive family. The setting in Madison, Wisconsin was right on. Several serious relationship situations were written with sincerity and empathy. It's written in first-person present-tense (not my favorite POV), but I can certainly see the story continuing as a planned trilogy or at least a follow up novel. Contains explicit sexual content.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written. I liked the world building and the tightly knitted plot. The Mc is likeable and fleshed out.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Sue M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I am not a person who is into or familiar with all the witchy stuff but the story carried me through and I learned a lot. Great read, fun story, looking forward to the next one!

[Jaylen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were things done in this book which were unexpectedly more adult than I thought, others not so much. It had a lot more complex relationships that Samantha as the protagonist goes into while others issues in some are left on the surface level. From the start to end it was a ride of emotional levels I wasn't prepared for done in time jumps of weeks over nine months. It of course happens in the pivotal time where she is 20 and makes it to 21. Being spiritual pagan her decisions and maturity on some issue's, especially with familiar and love or sexual based relations, where based on her trust in the universe, connection with the moon and herself. A solid growth happens after she makes a break or lets go of complications from her past which is not easy but a beautiful thing to change.

All that said this was done well enough to be considered good by my impossible standards, even though I was indifferent but understood the reasons Sam acted the way she did at many points in the book. Often with explanation right up front and other times I had to have patience for her the openness of her actions. Being someone that is spiritual myself this felt very easy and relaxing to read through but also frustrating and super awkward at certain moments with the upbeat then quick lows the next chapter. They were long winded but it did not disturb me enough to be of major impact for this standalone. And for that alone ,not to mention the variety of growth and change Bewiitched Moon was a decent read.