Witches Under Way

WitchLight Trilogy #2

by Debora Geary

Lizard and Elsie are under way, but the WitchLight journey isn't an easy one.

There are bumps and obstacles inside their own hearts.

There are meddling witches, helpful knitters, and a fearsome duo with water pistols.

And there is the greatest challenge of all... the one they will pick for each other.

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Romance

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2012

Reviews

[CatBookMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just couldn't stop with the first book in this series. These stories are well-written and so entertaining.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this even more than the first book in the trilogy. The first book was great, but it really mostly served to set the stage for this one. In this Elsie and Lizard got to soar... both figuratively and literally.

I laughed out loud on several occasions and had a lump in my throat more times than I can count - and more often than not the two happened at the same time... made for interesting bus reading, I'll tell you that! But the story isn't over yet, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Oh, and I'm totally in love with Freddie :)

[Una · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love this series though this one was not quite as good as the first, in my opinion. In this book we follow the two new witches through their insecurities and see them opening up to the inner person that is inside of them.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the WitchLight trilogy. I liked the first one a little more, but I still liked this one. These are light reads and the witch aspect isn't what I'd normally expect, but it worked. It is more Glinda, then Elphaba.

This little community of witches is supportive and positive as they go about doing good in the world and in the lives of each other as well as in the lives of the 'normal' folk. I like the way the author writes the dialogue. It is well written. It doesn't feel awkward and it adds great detail and purpose. That is a writing strength I admire.

[Joe Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dip into the world of Loving, Understanding and Caring between Old and Young, Fat and Skinny, Grumpy and Solicitous, but, certainly adorable characters. Two new characters, Elsie and Lizard, are added in this extension of the WitchLight Trilogy. Both are interesting if somewhat convoluted additions. They, although seemingly diametrically opposed, are paired together as support members for each other and are even given housing that they share. The unlikely result is a mutually positive experience for both of them and opportunities for growth abound. The normal cast of characters are present, Jamie and Nat, Lauren, Helga, Caro, Vero, Jeannie and finally the loveable Fire Witch Power Child, Aervyn. What a great cast and not a single downer among them. Debora has a miracle imagination to create the scenery and situations that she moves her characters through. It is all done with conscious and very apparent love. It is certainly fun to read about challenges but good things happening as the characters move through them. Debora is a master at creating the "Feel Good" story and still tying together the same bunch of needed support characters. Just another pleasure to read!

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a re-reader, the sort of person who happily returns to old favorites on dark nights and melancholy days when a bit of contentment is in order. Debora Geary's books offer the same comfort and (unexpected) familiarity the first time around, aided by their format: While the Witchlight trilogy focuses mostly on new protagonists, they're supported by the cast of the equally lovable Modern Witch series. Sure, you could criticize them for being light or fluffy, for making you feel so good, but to dismiss these books out of hand does a real disservice to the complex characters and the emotional wallop Geary manages to pack into each tasty serving. I've been devouring these the way Lauren goes through pints of Ben & Jerry's, and Witches Under Way is the best yet, like Half Baked or Phish Food. Can't wait for the conclusion of Lizard and Elsie's story next month.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

These WitchLight books are so fun and amazing. I wish I could live in their neighborhood because they really are kind and caring people with such good hearts. I loved watching Elsie and Lizard develops over the course of this book. They were pushed (lovingly) to their extremes so they could learn just what they were capable of. And boy, after that finale I can't see how it gets any better but I just checked the reviews for the next book in the series and it too tops the charts with 5 stars! I'm off to read it cause I'm totally and helplessly hooked!

[Linda Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gift these books are! They are so full of love and friendship, reading them is like going to a safe place. I can just relax into them like a bubble bath and enjoy the paths taken by Lizard and Elsie, and the nurturing community that makes their journeys possible. Warning: can make you crave cookies, biscuits, babies, and soft yarn.

[Estara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me till this book, I believe, but now I don't only like Lizard but also Elsie. Of course Josh is, like many other people in these series, too good to be true, but that's what pure comfort reads are for, at least for me. To wallow in optimism ^^

I also really like the age-positive depiction of older witches here, especially our ex-opera singer and her husband, who's an accountant ^^.

[Michele Reise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizard and Elsie's story continues as they both work at finding who they are supposed to be. This one had me crying like a baby at the end. As much as I love all Debora Geary's books this one is one of my favorites...and the only one of my favorites without Marcus in it.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it's actually a good thing that Debora Geary can't write as fast as I can read or I'd never leave the house again. :)

[Debora Geary]

My latest book :).

[Lenora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic continues in Debora Geary's amazing series. The magic is in her portrayal of the characters and the love inherent in the relationships.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches Under Way is the second book in the WitchLight trilogy by Debora Geary.

This book was carried on the wings of Lizard’s poetry. I cried buckets for those two monumental breakthroughs in this characters journey. Freddie’s Bus and Stupid were both beautiful and gut-wrenching, and that deadly combination is what has etched them into my soul. Such beautiful words that, I think, speak to so many.

I’m glad to say that in these pages we discovered so much more about the co-stars of this series. And it highlighted both of them so equally, almost as if each moment they fought each other and buoyed each other to accomplish their own acceptance and growth. Jennie and Geary have a lot in common in that regard. This story’s feel is exactly the opposite of this previous: No one over shone, and neither would have been so beautifully crafted without the other as its contrast.

I sit here hoping they both find love and happiness. That they continue to fight their own demons and unearth the place they truly belong. And that when they do they’re just as daring and unafraid to take it.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are easy to listen to, with nice magic and found family. I dinged this one because I got tired of the emotional Italian stereotype. Also, I'm not sure if this went over the line into the only (I think) person of color is mystical and wise and a patient helper territory, because everyone in the book has those qualities to some degree. (I might be overthinking.)

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please don’t stop

I love all of these books. I’m a fan of series books. You get to fall in love with characters that weave in and out. Meet new faces that just add another layer to the loom of life. These books make me feel that magic really can be in everyday life. Full of laughter, fear, crying and looking at your own future.

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable follow up. It's great to see a story about witches that doesn't include anyone going evil with power. Side thought, these witches sure eat a lot of bacon and linguine, and they are all straight. Where are all the lesbians and vegans that make up the majority of covens?

[Myca Irvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really not the writing or the characters (which are fun and clever) it’s the community! I love it! I want to live in a world where people just walk in the door when they smell spaghetti. I wish the world was like this. We would have a far greater world if we all lived like this!

[Father · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sublime. Superb. Evocative.

I love the adventures I get to go on via Debora Geary's witches. Too gobsmacked to think of seven more words.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

This book like all of her others made me feel balanced and loved . I wish she were still writing

[Carmen Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Must read the series, happy,funny, full of love and family . I thoroughly enjoyed all the books written. Can't wait to read the next book

[Sofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning dragged. But somewhere in the middle, the words opened up with emotions. And then came the ending, the Bright Glorious ending that is really a beginning of something better...

[August Schau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The challenge that overcoming our own image of ourselves is frequently the most difficult to face.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly a fun read. Highly recommend.

[Deserthomemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, heart warming story.

[Mandolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Debora Geary novel is like being wrapped in the warmest, softest knitted quilt infused with all the love and magical care of its maker. Each book reinforces the importance of community in our lives. As another great author once said, "no man is an island." Geary's novels underscore that important truth and bring to life a vibrant community, peopled by loving witches that support and encourage each other through even the most difficult of trials. Her characters have a way of worming their way into the reader's heart, making you wish for your own set of similar guides to get you through life's challenges. In this novel, it's Elsie and Lizard who are once again faced with obstacles that will bring them to the ends of themselves and force them to choose, once and for all, whether or not they'll stay chained to their old self-destructive habits or will find the courage to drop their chains and become the women - and witches - they were meant to be. For Elsie, that means letting go of her rules and regulations and letting herself be silly and fun. For Lizard, it means finally acknowledging her own value as an intelligent and poetic person. For both of them, it will be a journey of tears and heartache, laughter and light - a journey that will mold them together even as it shapes them into the unique, beautiful people they were meant to be. But it's a journey neither would survive without the backing of the loving community around them. Armed with yummy pasta sauce, homemade quilts, and lots of pink glitter, their cheerleaders and mentors are quite willing to face that challenge, even if it may push them out of their own comfort zones and force them to reevaluate their own lives in the process.

Can I ever praise Debora enough? No! There's just no way for me to describe the way her books make me feel. Luckily, she does it well enough for me: Reading them gives me "Little-boy-dancing-in-a-mud-puddle pleasure"! With descriptions like that and characters that I wish were part of my own family, is it any wonder that I devour her books in one sitting? Thank you, thank you, thank you again, Debora, for another great book. I am anxiously awaiting the next!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:Witches Under Way by Debora Geary
5 STARS
It seamed liked I had to wait along time for this second book in the Witch Light Trilogy. It was worth the wait. If you have not picked up any of the series you need to check them out. They are a community of characters working and helping each other in the witching world.
Its fun to read and I get lost in thier stories.
This second story starts a few days after end of first book. Lizard is making soup for all the sick witches with Gina hadding herbs and Aervyn age 4 is delivering it by teleporting right in the kitchens of those sick. The young witchlings heal faster than the older ones.
Lizard is still working for Lauren and is getting ready to start collage, sell her first house by herself and lots of growing opportunities that she faces and yet to come.
Elsie starts out still at yoga but soon leaves. She is getting voice lessons from a opera singer. Elsie is willing to try new things from slowly to faster she grows in her playful side. Elise needs help to being silly and people wrote ideas or challanges that are put in a jar for her to do. Her first one is to ride an wild decorated bike out in public.
Lizard and Elsie have become good friends who are for each other. Having met at beginning of their WitchLight sentence and made to share living quarters. You want to root them on some of thier journeys. Also want to see where they go next.
Thier is more of the knitting circle ladies, water fights that make you want to join and laughter and tears. Dressing up fashion shows and new babies to love. I had a smile on most of the book and still smile as I think of different events in the book. I was given this book for free in exchange of past reviews.
1/28/2012 PUB Fireweed Publishing

[Angela Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

Bang up job, as usual. I love all of Debora's Witch books because reading about Witch Central is like floating in the ocean. It's warm and sunny, there are ups and downs but you just keep floating along. Her pacing is always consistent, and the witches who are central to the story are always helped along by all the other witches in Berkley. And in this one, helped by some of the mortals too.

Once when Elsie was working on her fire power, they discovered a little baby boy (mortal born) was a fire witch. I also adore that the fire witches seem to be drawn to knitting, and knitting in their warm colors of red, yellow and orange.

This book touched me more than any others because I have some similar issues and frustrations that both Elsie and Lizard have. With Elsie, realizing she never really had her childhood, and missing out on all that silliness and color. I absolutely fell in love with Elsie in this book. She showed tremendous courage in facing her..."stick-up the butt" self.

Lizard is forced to do a few things outside her comfort zone. But basically it all boils down to her realizing she is worth the effort other people wish to make for her. She is well loved, regardless of her hard exterior, now she needs to learn how to accept it.

This is a trilogy, so there is just one more book. *can't wait!* But I was glad to see A Modern Witch is a series...and there are going to be 9 total. So now I'm waiting for #4 in that one too. It's like a soap opera that doesn't leave you feeling grimy after. I just adore all the characters and if this were a real place I'd go there in a heartbeat!

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is worth a different cover, because along with the title, can be misleading. And 'this, a beautiful story that speaks of witches, but the real magic is the writer. Lizard and Elsie, two young women and witches, who gather together under the guidance of Jennie to explore their power and overcome their fears and insecurities. Lizard works as a realtor and attended summer courses at the university, Elsie back no longer works for Nat, the yoga teacher but continues to take voice lessons. It 's quite difficult to tell the synopsis of this book because even though a development, the story seems to be composed of many small events that mark the progress of those girls. Lizard at the university she attended a course in poetry and will recite his poems, laying bare his soul while. Meanwhile, he sells his first house on Josh, young and rich, it seems to be attracted to her and her potential. Elsie is facing its past, severe education, the father's abandonment and should seek the answers within themselves. Neither is single, the classic congreca of witches, is here replaced by a generous community that helps and supports each member. We see little of the classic magic in this book, the real miracle is done by the people, their love, their respect, their solidarity and Elsie Lizard guide on their journey. We cry a little reading, because there are touching scenes and suggestive, but they are tears from the everyday positive emotions because those situations described are real problems and joyous events that may occur every day and it is inevitable not to be involved, participate, tremble and rooting for the protagonists. Magical, colorful, joyful, intense, poetic, are just a few words to describe the manner described by Debora Geary.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It can be disconcerting to discover an intensely spiritual connection to a book that would qualify as mind-candy (really nice candy, naturally). Having discovered God in the pages of Heidi, and furthered my understanding with Michael Gruber, Jimmy Paz and Mrs. Paz, I am not really surprised that he knows exactly where I am most likely to listen. And listen I did while reading this book.

The journey of Elsie, Lizard and Witch Central continues - really, it picks up right where the first book left off. There are more real estate deals, more biscuits, more music, but new adventures for both women. Elsie is learning to like the other parts of her - the fire witch parts, I guess - and to discover what fun is. I love the spaghetti breakfast event, with the Silly Jar - notes of silly things she should do from all of the people who love her most. I think she is surprised at how difficult "silly" and "fun" can be; that both require some practice and that she has had very little. Her demanding passions of knitting and music continue to absorb, but she adds new delights, like riding a sparkly bicycle and exploding mud-volcanoes. I don't need much help with silly, but a great deal of assistance with 'fun' and 'demanding passion'. Reading is a rather undemanding passion, like breathing.

I also loved the dare assignment where each woman gave the other a 'challenge' meant to push them out of their comfort zone. It is worth experiencing Elsie's dare - the description of her reaction was, for me, breathtaking and I will admit that I cried. It isn't always comfortable when God talks to you...

Outside of the personal journey through the book, the women are strong, the men are not wimps because of it, and the whole magic-witch thing is really cool.