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WitchLight Trilogy #1
Witches on Parole
World-famous (and now retired) photographer Jenvieve Adams has a debt to repay-and a soft spot for modern witches who have lost their way. Or so she thinks, until they actually show up. Jennie is the newest guide for WitchLight, and her first two students are about to arrive. One is an obsessive psychologist with hidden layers under her repressed exterior. The other is a grown-up juvenile delinquent with a passion for words and a kick-ass biscuit recipe. Can Jennie help unlock their hearts?
421 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2011
185 people are currently reading
2012 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
April 5, 2012
By all rights I should hate all of Debora Geary's books. I should throw aside the Witch books (all of them: A Modern WitchA Hidden WitchA Reckless WitchWitches on ParoleWitches Under WayWitches in Flight) in distaste because everything is too fucking perfect.
But I don't. I love these books and I hate myself for it.
It took me until this book to begin to realize why I enjoy them so much. Its not because of the writing (which is fine, but nothing spectacular) or the characters. Its because I desperately want what they have. I'm not kidding about the characters. They all have the capacity and ability to love deeply and have patience in abundance. The new characters may have had difficult lives but they grow and bloom. And all of the established characters have money coming out of their asses.
They have community. And I want it. I don't mean I want these characters to come to life and be my friends. I mean I have never had much of a family (four people create love but not much of that family feeling) and I can finally admit that I would give my right kidney to have one. I want a huge group of people who love me and each other. Who are nearby and spend lots of time together. Who support and guide and meddle with each other.
These series' characters have this in spades. And what Geary does so well is convey that safety blanket to the reader. It should be cloying. It should be ridiculous. And maybe it is, but I can't see it that way. Well, I can, but all I can FEEL is longing. I've felt a lot for characters before : admiration, pain, fear, love. But I've never been jealous of them until now. Its why I'll continue to read these series: to feel for a minute what the characters have for a lifetime.
But I don't. I love these books and I hate myself for it.
It took me until this book to begin to realize why I enjoy them so much. Its not because of the writing (which is fine, but nothing spectacular) or the characters. Its because I desperately want what they have. I'm not kidding about the characters. They all have the capacity and ability to love deeply and have patience in abundance. The new characters may have had difficult lives but they grow and bloom. And all of the established characters have money coming out of their asses.
They have community. And I want it. I don't mean I want these characters to come to life and be my friends. I mean I have never had much of a family (four people create love but not much of that family feeling) and I can finally admit that I would give my right kidney to have one. I want a huge group of people who love me and each other. Who are nearby and spend lots of time together. Who support and guide and meddle with each other.
These series' characters have this in spades. And what Geary does so well is convey that safety blanket to the reader. It should be cloying. It should be ridiculous. And maybe it is, but I can't see it that way. Well, I can, but all I can FEEL is longing. I've felt a lot for characters before : admiration, pain, fear, love. But I've never been jealous of them until now. Its why I'll continue to read these series: to feel for a minute what the characters have for a lifetime.
October 22, 2017
I haven't read this author before and I also haven't read the series from which this one spins off of, but I plan to read more. This was another light fluffy paranormal book that I downloaded because it is almost Halloween. I liked this one. I liked that the two witches 'in need' were quite different. The attention to detail regarding their emotional health was well done. I also liked the support structure created by all the witches. This was a little on the sweet side, but I didn't mind that at all. I liked the new world the author gave me.
May 27, 2014
I'm going to stop protesting that I don't read fluffy, mushy stuff. It's disingenuous to claim now that I've read thirteen of Geary's books in the last couple of months; I know I won't quit until I've read everything in her Witch Central world. Geary's characters are too perfect, everything is sparkly beautiful, and there is always a fairy tale ending--things that usually make me gag and reach for Edgar Allan Poe or something dark to cut the sweetness.
So, why am I captivated by Geary's characters when I find most chick-lit/romance nauseating, unrealistic, and, frankly, boring? It's the love. Not the silly eyelash-batting kind of love--it's the deep caring of community. Also, Geary's world isn't restricted to the 16-23-year age bracket that most modern novels seem fixated on--as if children and the elderly don't exist. Babies and grandparents are treated with the same respect and caring that is generally reserved for the young heroes and heroines of most modern tales.
Witches on Parole showcases that sense of community and love when two young misfit witches are taken in by Witch Central as they work through the issues that block them from living fulfilled, happy lives. They are included in the "family" from the four-year-old who shares his cookies with Lizard to the eighty-year-old who teaches Elsie how to knit. This first installment of the trilogy comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but the rest of the series needs to be read for full enjoyment.
So, why am I captivated by Geary's characters when I find most chick-lit/romance nauseating, unrealistic, and, frankly, boring? It's the love. Not the silly eyelash-batting kind of love--it's the deep caring of community. Also, Geary's world isn't restricted to the 16-23-year age bracket that most modern novels seem fixated on--as if children and the elderly don't exist. Babies and grandparents are treated with the same respect and caring that is generally reserved for the young heroes and heroines of most modern tales.
Witches on Parole showcases that sense of community and love when two young misfit witches are taken in by Witch Central as they work through the issues that block them from living fulfilled, happy lives. They are included in the "family" from the four-year-old who shares his cookies with Lizard to the eighty-year-old who teaches Elsie how to knit. This first installment of the trilogy comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but the rest of the series needs to be read for full enjoyment.
November 24, 2023
Couldn't resist another in this series, and it doesn't disappoint. Ms Geary writes stories that convince you that her characters are real people you might meet if you just could get to their house. They have real-life problems and solve them with love, understanding, a bit of magic, and, of course, cookies.
These are well-written, well-edited, and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
These are well-written, well-edited, and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2011
I received this as a gift. I doubt that I would have read it otherwise. As it is, it was an entertaining book. Witches live among us, sub rosa, and have an organization called Witchlight, which apparently is some kind of mentoring program for witches. Two young adult witches are assigned to a mentor witch: Lizard -tattooed, pierced, brilliant cook, and perpetually running from "jerkwads" that she has somehow hooked herself up with and a passion for big words; and Elsie, a psychologist who is looking for a service opportunity to help her with "transference" issues in her practice.
My mother enjoyed this as a fluff piece, and it is a fine fluff piece. I am broken, though, and I can't disengage my critical brain. So the fact that the tattooed, pierced Lizard who is participating by court order is more readily accepted and nurtured than "stick-up-the-butt" Elsie is a bit offensive and reminds me of my objections to the second Anne of Green Gables book. The most honest moment in this book, for me, is when the witches "push" Elsie to break out of her self-imposed rules shell and she has a massive psychic panic attack. Her mentor begins to wonder if she isn't pushing too hard.
There were good things in this book, and I love the idea of a community working together to help each person become the best that they can be, but people should be able to make that choice. It sometimes hurts (if not outright sucks) when someone chooses to be less than their best, but it remains their choice to make.
On the upside, I did learn something awesome about a better way to look for a great home than just bedrooms and square feet.
My mother enjoyed this as a fluff piece, and it is a fine fluff piece. I am broken, though, and I can't disengage my critical brain. So the fact that the tattooed, pierced Lizard who is participating by court order is more readily accepted and nurtured than "stick-up-the-butt" Elsie is a bit offensive and reminds me of my objections to the second Anne of Green Gables book. The most honest moment in this book, for me, is when the witches "push" Elsie to break out of her self-imposed rules shell and she has a massive psychic panic attack. Her mentor begins to wonder if she isn't pushing too hard.
There were good things in this book, and I love the idea of a community working together to help each person become the best that they can be, but people should be able to make that choice. It sometimes hurts (if not outright sucks) when someone chooses to be less than their best, but it remains their choice to make.
On the upside, I did learn something awesome about a better way to look for a great home than just bedrooms and square feet.
November 26, 2014
This has to be one of the worst books I've ever read. I don't know how I finished it. I guess I thought it would get better?
Problems I have with this book:
1. Nothing ever happens.
2. Jennie is supposed to be this amazing, wise mentor, but she has two other people do all the work and only complains about how horrible things are going.
3. This is this happiest, fakest book I've ever read. It reminds me of that perky person that you hate because they never get upset about anything.
4. The name Lizard.
5. Lizard constantly calling herself and her actions stupid.
6. Nat is a pregnant yoga instructor who constantly does handstands.... Pregnant yogis should not be doing lots of handstands or inversions. Yoga 101.
7. Why didn't we ever find out anything about Elsie's or Lizard's past? That was getting interesting, and then it was just dropped.
8. Everything about Jennie was annoying.
9. The horrible emails. They made me want to scratch my eyeballs out.
Things that made me give this book one star instead of zero:
1. I actually like Nat despite her doing handstands while pregnant.
2. Jamie and Ayven (spellng?) are adorable.
That's pretty much it.
Problems I have with this book:
1. Nothing ever happens.
2. Jennie is supposed to be this amazing, wise mentor, but she has two other people do all the work and only complains about how horrible things are going.
3. This is this happiest, fakest book I've ever read. It reminds me of that perky person that you hate because they never get upset about anything.
4. The name Lizard.
5. Lizard constantly calling herself and her actions stupid.
6. Nat is a pregnant yoga instructor who constantly does handstands.... Pregnant yogis should not be doing lots of handstands or inversions. Yoga 101.
7. Why didn't we ever find out anything about Elsie's or Lizard's past? That was getting interesting, and then it was just dropped.
8. Everything about Jennie was annoying.
9. The horrible emails. They made me want to scratch my eyeballs out.
Things that made me give this book one star instead of zero:
1. I actually like Nat despite her doing handstands while pregnant.
2. Jamie and Ayven (spellng?) are adorable.
That's pretty much it.
November 18, 2015
Ah Witch Central. I'm going to attempt to explain my love of these series. Probably a mistake, but here goes. There is plenty to not like, especially for a girl who grew up reading the classics and falling head over heels for them. Not a ton of plot, no really deep hidden themes. The poetry is sort of meh. Some funny, lovable characters, but that's about it. This series in particular doesn't even really excel at the actual writing (gets a little repetitive on occasion) On the surface.
And yet I devour these books. I read and reread. And every time they make me yearn to be a part of them. To eat Nutella cookies with a teleporting four year old. To take a hip opener yoga class, no matter how terrible they supposedly are. To find a knitting circle and to feel the yarn call to me. To be that open and generous and to be surrounded by a community that is that way as well. Everyone loves with everything they have, even when it's hard. It's not something that makes the books feel more "real." In my experience, love is usually a lot more complicated than that. But hey, maybe all I really need is to move to Berkeley. :)
And yet I devour these books. I read and reread. And every time they make me yearn to be a part of them. To eat Nutella cookies with a teleporting four year old. To take a hip opener yoga class, no matter how terrible they supposedly are. To find a knitting circle and to feel the yarn call to me. To be that open and generous and to be surrounded by a community that is that way as well. Everyone loves with everything they have, even when it's hard. It's not something that makes the books feel more "real." In my experience, love is usually a lot more complicated than that. But hey, maybe all I really need is to move to Berkeley. :)
Read
September 19, 2011My newest :-).
September 20, 2017
I will admit I thought I had picked up a easy read YA book. To my grateful surprise I found myself transported away by this book. I gave it five stars due to the fact that the writing made me feel. I felt the frustration, the anguish, and yes even the yarn in my hands.
Read
February 6, 2025Fun book!
February 17, 2024
Badly written , full of psycho babble and generally a good way to lose IQ points. Decent way to numb out anxiety.
May 23, 2013
And then I started this series, which really should be included in the Modern Witch line, it's just that it centers on only two of the Witch Central ladies, real estate maven mind witch Lauren and world-renowned photographer Jenvieve/Jenny and their witch mentees (and it introduces all kinds of other cool characters).
Actually this whole trilogy should be read before the third Modern Witch book and before the Wedding snippet, because Lauren is Devin-less (she doesn't even know him here, not really - has only seen him once at Jamie's wedding) the whole series through.
I enjoyed seeing women from such different backgrounds finding their way in life, dealing with each other without trying to force the other into molds, even if it was difficult, mentor and mentee learning from each other, etc. I loved seeing more of Natalie and Jamie, again.
But really, everyone found their perfect place. It took time, this time three books and I enjoyed reading them all, the characters grew dear to me - but it's probably the most fairy-tale storyline Geary has written as well. Everyone is well-meaning if misguided. Everyone works at understanding. All financial and emotional problems get addressed and solved and it's like standing under a warm shower - nice for a time, but you'd overheat if you didn't turn it off at some point and got out and dried off (or if you had the nerve, switched to cold water and back to warm ^^).
Actually this whole trilogy should be read before the third Modern Witch book and before the Wedding snippet, because Lauren is Devin-less (she doesn't even know him here, not really - has only seen him once at Jamie's wedding) the whole series through.
I enjoyed seeing women from such different backgrounds finding their way in life, dealing with each other without trying to force the other into molds, even if it was difficult, mentor and mentee learning from each other, etc. I loved seeing more of Natalie and Jamie, again.
But really, everyone found their perfect place. It took time, this time three books and I enjoyed reading them all, the characters grew dear to me - but it's probably the most fairy-tale storyline Geary has written as well. Everyone is well-meaning if misguided. Everyone works at understanding. All financial and emotional problems get addressed and solved and it's like standing under a warm shower - nice for a time, but you'd overheat if you didn't turn it off at some point and got out and dried off (or if you had the nerve, switched to cold water and back to warm ^^).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2011
I am a little late getting my review up but I finally had a few moments to post. I have read the first two books in the Modern Witch series and of loved both of them so when I found out about this new little project from Debora I was ecstatic! I read this book over a chilly weekend and absolutely loved it! Another Home Run in my opinion. Poor Jenny is all I have to say because she has her hands full with her new students. To say what comes around goes around is very true as Jenny is now realizing as both Lizzy and Elsie pasts to overcome just like she did. I was great to be able to learn more about Jenny after meeting her in the first book in series. Lizzy and Elsie are polar opposites in every aspect of their lives and will not only challenge each other and Jenny but they will challenge the entire California crew. I was so glad to have more of Lauren, Nat and Jamie and also my favorite punk witching Aervyn. (no story is complete with out Aervyn and his love for cookies) Debora have a unique talent for developing awesome characters in her stories that will draw you into their lives and make you feel like they have become your friends. I can't wait to see how these new ladies develop and grow. Once Elsie finally lets her walls down she is going to smolder!
Until the next installment I will be going through some serious Aervyn and Jamie withdraw LOL..
Until the next installment I will be going through some serious Aervyn and Jamie withdraw LOL..
October 9, 2011
2011Review: Witches on Parole by Debora Geary
5 STARS
I really like her stories. How their is so many characters who we get to see again in each book. A lot of the characters we see are back in new way. Plus we get to meet two new characters,Lizzard shows up for training at 2:00 am a couple of days early. Lizzard has a mind of her own, she is a mind witch. She had a choice of prison or witchlight community service. She is smart, good cook has lots of tattoos and piercings.
Elsie is a good psychologist but she is dealing with a lot of stress so she took off 3 months to do community service with witchlight. She is a know-it-all, uptight person thats hard to connect to others. She refuses to be tested by Jamie. She thinks she is earth witch. Jamie thinks she is also a fire witch.
This is Aunt Jenny's first time with training for witchlight. She figures she will get Nat to have Elsie work with her in her joga classes and Lauren to work with Lizzard in her real estate office and help build up her selfesteem.
Its fun to see Elsie and Lizzard meeting and being made part of the community. They make mistakes along the way and make lot of new friends.
really enjoy this series of books and look for more to come out.
5 STARS
I really like her stories. How their is so many characters who we get to see again in each book. A lot of the characters we see are back in new way. Plus we get to meet two new characters,Lizzard shows up for training at 2:00 am a couple of days early. Lizzard has a mind of her own, she is a mind witch. She had a choice of prison or witchlight community service. She is smart, good cook has lots of tattoos and piercings.
Elsie is a good psychologist but she is dealing with a lot of stress so she took off 3 months to do community service with witchlight. She is a know-it-all, uptight person thats hard to connect to others. She refuses to be tested by Jamie. She thinks she is earth witch. Jamie thinks she is also a fire witch.
This is Aunt Jenny's first time with training for witchlight. She figures she will get Nat to have Elsie work with her in her joga classes and Lauren to work with Lizzard in her real estate office and help build up her selfesteem.
Its fun to see Elsie and Lizzard meeting and being made part of the community. They make mistakes along the way and make lot of new friends.
really enjoy this series of books and look for more to come out.
March 20, 2013
Surprisingly delightful and even more surprisingly meaningful.
The story takes place in a slightly altered reality where witches live amongst us. They aren't public, but they are there. Sometimes even witches have problems with the law, at work, in their personal life - and with witches, these problems can have serious consequences - and the witch community has an organization called WitchLight to help these lost witches. The lost witches are Lizard and Elsie. Lizard is actually on parole, and WitchLight is the lesser of the evil options available. Elsie, a successful psychologist, chooses WitchLight as a way to take stock of her life.
This book takes a light tone and initially I was on the lookout for some romance to break out, but the only romance was each of these young women with herself. Elsie seemed like she was in control of her life but was really missing out on life completely. Lizard was completely out of control and so missing out on joy. They aren't 'fixed' but they are given the choice to explore and become who they are.
No idea why I bought the book - it was a kindle deal, but even that isn't enough for me to just buy something. I'm pretty sure I know who was talking through this story and hopefully I was listening.
The story takes place in a slightly altered reality where witches live amongst us. They aren't public, but they are there. Sometimes even witches have problems with the law, at work, in their personal life - and with witches, these problems can have serious consequences - and the witch community has an organization called WitchLight to help these lost witches. The lost witches are Lizard and Elsie. Lizard is actually on parole, and WitchLight is the lesser of the evil options available. Elsie, a successful psychologist, chooses WitchLight as a way to take stock of her life.
This book takes a light tone and initially I was on the lookout for some romance to break out, but the only romance was each of these young women with herself. Elsie seemed like she was in control of her life but was really missing out on life completely. Lizard was completely out of control and so missing out on joy. They aren't 'fixed' but they are given the choice to explore and become who they are.
No idea why I bought the book - it was a kindle deal, but even that isn't enough for me to just buy something. I'm pretty sure I know who was talking through this story and hopefully I was listening.
September 25, 2011
Some of you may remember my book reviews of A Modern Witch and A Hidden Witch, so I was please to be given the chance to read and review the author’s newest book Witches on Parole: Unlocked (A Modern Witch trilogy, book 1)
Those who have read Geary’s other books will be please to find some of the same characters in this fisrt book of the new spin-off series. The modern witchy themes are present, as is Geary’s flair for crafting page-turning, first-rate books.
In Witches on Parole we meet two new witched in need of some guidance. Enter the Witchlight program. Part community service for the magically inclined and part service organization, Witchight and it’s members offer more than witchly guidance and a fresh start. They offer the chance to become part of the family, so to speak. I don’t want to give to many details away, but I’ll just say that Geary is a Fab writer with a “gift” of her own. She pens creative, engaging books that drawn a reader in while giving us characters that start to feel like family. And now I’m hooked on this series as well as the original Modern Witch series.
Gee, my reading list seems to be growing by leaps and bounds lately!
Those who have read Geary’s other books will be please to find some of the same characters in this fisrt book of the new spin-off series. The modern witchy themes are present, as is Geary’s flair for crafting page-turning, first-rate books.
In Witches on Parole we meet two new witched in need of some guidance. Enter the Witchlight program. Part community service for the magically inclined and part service organization, Witchight and it’s members offer more than witchly guidance and a fresh start. They offer the chance to become part of the family, so to speak. I don’t want to give to many details away, but I’ll just say that Geary is a Fab writer with a “gift” of her own. She pens creative, engaging books that drawn a reader in while giving us characters that start to feel like family. And now I’m hooked on this series as well as the original Modern Witch series.
Gee, my reading list seems to be growing by leaps and bounds lately!
December 14, 2011
Holy Freaking Cow – I am soooo happy that I went on Amazon at exactly the right time to find this book. I laughed, I cried, I busted out laughing, and I fell in love (and ordered the rest of her books lol).
I was sucked in from the very beginning of the story and started caring about the characters from the first few pages. I love the view from a camera insights that Jennie is so fond of and it makes me want to pull my camera back out to start snapping pictures again.
Lizard was the perfect underdog in the underdog role with her copious vocabulary delighted and enthused me (I will admit to start a texting word circle with my friends and we are getting the witchlets involved too). While it took me longer to warm up to Elsie, I don’t like such wound up tightwads, but it is indeed a treat to watch her shatter that shell.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this delightful story.
I was sucked in from the very beginning of the story and started caring about the characters from the first few pages. I love the view from a camera insights that Jennie is so fond of and it makes me want to pull my camera back out to start snapping pictures again.
Lizard was the perfect underdog in the underdog role with her copious vocabulary delighted and enthused me (I will admit to start a texting word circle with my friends and we are getting the witchlets involved too). While it took me longer to warm up to Elsie, I don’t like such wound up tightwads, but it is indeed a treat to watch her shatter that shell.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this delightful story.
December 18, 2011
I know I sound like a broken record, but I've loved everything this author has written! I purchased this one for a vacation. I wanted to be sure I had something "fun" to read on vacation - something that was guaranteed to make me smile, and make me forget about "real life" for a while. This fit the bill perfectly.
This is sort of a spin-off from the Modern Witch series, featuring a lot of the same characters I've already fallen in love with, but focusing on two new witches. As with all the others, these characters feel so real, so genuine. This book had less romance than some of them, but every bit as much heart. Oh to have friends like these people in real life!
I will say that the only thing about this book I'm not crazy about is the cover. I will buy anything by this author now, sight unseen - but if I saw this cover in a book store, I don't think it would grab me. Other than that, Ms. Geary has hit another home run, as far as I'm concerned.
This is sort of a spin-off from the Modern Witch series, featuring a lot of the same characters I've already fallen in love with, but focusing on two new witches. As with all the others, these characters feel so real, so genuine. This book had less romance than some of them, but every bit as much heart. Oh to have friends like these people in real life!
I will say that the only thing about this book I'm not crazy about is the cover. I will buy anything by this author now, sight unseen - but if I saw this cover in a book store, I don't think it would grab me. Other than that, Ms. Geary has hit another home run, as far as I'm concerned.
April 30, 2012
I think I'm giving up on this book. I rarely don't finish a book, but I've been reading this one for like 3 weeks and I'm only half way done. I typically finish books within a week of reading them.
I really like the characters. I like the writing and voice. Everything seems realistic, the characters, their responses, their conversations...but that's where my enjoyment ended. NOTHING happened. I enjoyed the beginning, there was still some suspense to keep me interested. After a while though, the book was jammed full of fire witches, yoga, and knitting. There was nothing to really keep me going. I liked the characters, and I wanted to see if they were able to better themselves, but I guess I didn't care enough to keep going.
So. 2 stars for characters, writing, and realism, minus 3 stars for being extraordinarily boring.
I really like the characters. I like the writing and voice. Everything seems realistic, the characters, their responses, their conversations...but that's where my enjoyment ended. NOTHING happened. I enjoyed the beginning, there was still some suspense to keep me interested. After a while though, the book was jammed full of fire witches, yoga, and knitting. There was nothing to really keep me going. I liked the characters, and I wanted to see if they were able to better themselves, but I guess I didn't care enough to keep going.
So. 2 stars for characters, writing, and realism, minus 3 stars for being extraordinarily boring.
June 24, 2012
I'm not sure I would have picked up this book without a recommendation, as it didn't sound quite like my sort of thing ... but a friend (the also outstanding author, Nathan Lowell) recommended Ms. Geary's books highly and mentioned this one. I read it and, I have to say, I loved it.
Debora Geary spins a tale filled with rich and compelling characters, in a community you kind of wish you could be a part of, and you don't really want to leave, so you stay up until 4am reading and get 2 hours of sleep before work the next day. Oops.
I'm now in the process of reading my fourth Debora Geary book.
Debora Geary spins a tale filled with rich and compelling characters, in a community you kind of wish you could be a part of, and you don't really want to leave, so you stay up until 4am reading and get 2 hours of sleep before work the next day. Oops.
I'm now in the process of reading my fourth Debora Geary book.
October 1, 2011
Another loving book where the characters reach out to each other in pure love. Misfits are kindly brought along by extremely understanding role models and contrasting characters are played off each other with each benefiting from the unique understanding and insight that the other possesses. Deborah has a unique ability to describe extremely close families in a manner where it appears that the loving interrelations are the most natural state for witches and humans. It makes you want to reach out and find a witch community to associate with!
April 2, 2024
First book in this spin-off series to "A Modern Witch" and every bit as charming :) I didn't care much for Elsie (except when she started knitting! That got my fingers twitching as well :) ), but I simply adored Lizard. I also really liked seeing more of Lauren and Nat's lives outside WitchCentral. Lauren's especially. Her work as a realtor - especially once she realized she was a mind witch - fascinates me :)
Of course I'll jump straight on to the next book in the series - I could hardly do anything else :)
Of course I'll jump straight on to the next book in the series - I could hardly do anything else :)
January 27, 2022
I think this book may have got me hooked!
Despite not reading any of these before, I couldnt wait to start at the beginning and find out more.
I even paid to download to my kindle rather than wait for a price drop (well, Christmas was an expensive month!)
Would recommend to anyone, especially those who secretly like the Mills N Boon as well as Magic stuff. The family ties and love and general homeliness that comes through is so lovely to read, the magic is just an added exciting bonus!
Despite not reading any of these before, I couldnt wait to start at the beginning and find out more.
I even paid to download to my kindle rather than wait for a price drop (well, Christmas was an expensive month!)
Would recommend to anyone, especially those who secretly like the Mills N Boon as well as Magic stuff. The family ties and love and general homeliness that comes through is so lovely to read, the magic is just an added exciting bonus!
January 6, 2012
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, and cannot wait to read the next in the series, as well as the original series this spun off.
February 17, 2014
It's great to have Elise and Lizards backstory...makes the subsequent A Modern Witch series make more sense. Only 2 more to go... I will miss this series when I have to wait for books to be released.
November 21, 2020
Witches on Parole is the first book in the WitchLight trilogy by Debora Geary.
It’s hard for me to say, but I didn’t so fully enjoy this series as I did A Modern Witch. It was a great introduction into this hidden depth. In both Elsie’s and Lizard’s true beginnings within their community.
Lizard I had already come to love. She’s easier to see at first. More vibrant and outspoken. So in a lot of ways she over shadowed her co-star of this tale. I, however, think they played well off of each other. And it would have been interminably harder for them to evolve so thoroughly in such a short amount of time if they hadn’t been side by side for the journey. I spent a lot time searching for answers into her depths.
Elsie was definitely harder to connect with. In some ways her character doesn’t seem to have been portrayed as fully or clearly. And this is a big part of what held me back in adoring this work as thoroughly as the rest in this universe. She fought her own inner struggles. But without a full book committed to her turmoil and self exploration it was hard to really see past the surface for a troubling amount of the book.
I’m stumbling over the juxtaposition of appreciating the balance between these two characters, and the inequality in their representation. I’m hoping the rest of the trilogy assuages my seeking heart. Maybe by that point the emails blanketing, and somewhat interrupting the flow of the story, will more smoothly connect with the rest of the book for me.
It’s hard for me to say, but I didn’t so fully enjoy this series as I did A Modern Witch. It was a great introduction into this hidden depth. In both Elsie’s and Lizard’s true beginnings within their community.
Lizard I had already come to love. She’s easier to see at first. More vibrant and outspoken. So in a lot of ways she over shadowed her co-star of this tale. I, however, think they played well off of each other. And it would have been interminably harder for them to evolve so thoroughly in such a short amount of time if they hadn’t been side by side for the journey. I spent a lot time searching for answers into her depths.
Elsie was definitely harder to connect with. In some ways her character doesn’t seem to have been portrayed as fully or clearly. And this is a big part of what held me back in adoring this work as thoroughly as the rest in this universe. She fought her own inner struggles. But without a full book committed to her turmoil and self exploration it was hard to really see past the surface for a troubling amount of the book.
I’m stumbling over the juxtaposition of appreciating the balance between these two characters, and the inequality in their representation. I’m hoping the rest of the trilogy assuages my seeking heart. Maybe by that point the emails blanketing, and somewhat interrupting the flow of the story, will more smoothly connect with the rest of the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
This is #1 in the WitchLight trilogy, but apparently it's a spin-off of another Geary series. She assumes you know many of the characters, which I did not.
I enjoyed the book once I got caught up in the storyline, but I was constantly annoyed by her reoccurring characters. They were all just so perfect - supportive, caring, kind. And yes, those are nice qualities, but pretty much all of the characters are like that it can get tiresome.
I enjoyed the book once I got caught up in the storyline, but I was constantly annoyed by her reoccurring characters. They were all just so perfect - supportive, caring, kind. And yes, those are nice qualities, but pretty much all of the characters are like that it can get tiresome.
May 23, 2024
I found this book and its characters endearing. It feels like the author loved all the characters and gave them a large place to live and grow within the pages. Therefore, instead of having one or two main characters, we got a handful of them, which I was happy about.
The story is cute and uplifting, and I will have a look at the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the audiobook, and the reader does a great job, immersing the listener into this carefully crafted slice-of-life story.
The story is cute and uplifting, and I will have a look at the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the audiobook, and the reader does a great job, immersing the listener into this carefully crafted slice-of-life story.
July 12, 2024
3.75✨’s
This is a supremely cozy read with a very light plot. The witchy vibes are minimal, although everyone is a witch with different abilities.
At times the elder characters were a tad too perfect in their words and actions and it came off as a bit cheesy. Yet, I remember watching “The Good Witch” on television and it has similar elements, and that is what made both stories feel cozy and safe.
This is a supremely cozy read with a very light plot. The witchy vibes are minimal, although everyone is a witch with different abilities.
At times the elder characters were a tad too perfect in their words and actions and it came off as a bit cheesy. Yet, I remember watching “The Good Witch” on television and it has similar elements, and that is what made both stories feel cozy and safe.
August 14, 2020
Fantastic fantasy depiction of modern witches - makes me want to get in tune with my own watery side. Lots of wisdom about how people think and what they need. I'm a sucker for stories about people helping others find themselves and community. Highly recommend this book for Wiccans, Pagans, and other such witchy people.
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