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Water: A cozy paranormal romance
REMEMBER YOU ARE WATER
Nora Taylor had a perfect life. Until she didn’t. After receiving a life-changing phone call on her twenty-first birthday, Nora is drawn to an island off the Oregon Coast to seek out answers surrounding her birth. Shell Island, the Salem of the West.
CRY. CLEANSE. FLOW.
Strange things begin to happen the moment she sets foot on the island. Plagued by animal attacks and nightmares, the strangest moment of all is when two local witches claim that she is one of them. The only normal one among them is Jasper. Sweet, sexy, unexpectedly helpful Jasper- the island's librarian. The more Nora learns about herself, the more she learned about him. Jasper made it harder and harder for Nora to do what she does run.
LET GO.
Searching for answers, Nora discovers that all is not what it seems, and Shell Island could very well be the key to unlocking her past, and her future.
Nora Taylor had a perfect life. Until she didn’t. After receiving a life-changing phone call on her twenty-first birthday, Nora is drawn to an island off the Oregon Coast to seek out answers surrounding her birth. Shell Island, the Salem of the West.
CRY. CLEANSE. FLOW.
Strange things begin to happen the moment she sets foot on the island. Plagued by animal attacks and nightmares, the strangest moment of all is when two local witches claim that she is one of them. The only normal one among them is Jasper. Sweet, sexy, unexpectedly helpful Jasper- the island's librarian. The more Nora learns about herself, the more she learned about him. Jasper made it harder and harder for Nora to do what she does run.
LET GO.
Searching for answers, Nora discovers that all is not what it seems, and Shell Island could very well be the key to unlocking her past, and her future.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
13 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
E.H. Demeter
23 books34 followersE.H. Demeter was born in Oregon City, Oregon, though she now makes her home in South Carolina, with her husband and two children, where she can be found to hate the heat and love the rain.
The written word has been a draw since her early years, and she is seldom found without a notebook in hand. Writing is her passion, and her goal is to share her words, thoughts, and opinions with the world. She is a lover of books, hot tea, and sweets – much to the dismay of her waistline.
She grew up reading fantasy and romance novels, and finds that is where most of her inspiration lies, though her love of the young adult genre has also sparked creative fires.
She currently has four publications available. She can be found on social media ( Links provided on the stay connected page), and encourages readers to reach out to her.
The written word has been a draw since her early years, and she is seldom found without a notebook in hand. Writing is her passion, and her goal is to share her words, thoughts, and opinions with the world. She is a lover of books, hot tea, and sweets – much to the dismay of her waistline.
She grew up reading fantasy and romance novels, and finds that is where most of her inspiration lies, though her love of the young adult genre has also sparked creative fires.
She currently has four publications available. She can be found on social media ( Links provided on the stay connected page), and encourages readers to reach out to her.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 11, 2023
I was eagerly awaiting the next release from E. H. Demeter after reading Suddenly, I Do, last year and Water did not disappoint! I was so excited to receive an ARC copy!
I was hooked by the setting almost immediately. Shell Island is an island off the Oregon coast that really comes alive throughout the story. The setting is crucial to Water and I felt like I really got to know the island, the town, and its people alongside Nora. If you have a soft spot for the PNW, you’ll love Shell Island! I loved even the more mundane moments of the characters going to markets or bakeries because of how real the setting felt to me. Come for the witches and stay for the cozy, magical, PNW island!
Speaking of Nora, I found her to be a very relatable protagonist. She’s forced to grapple with a lot of new information that totally shatters her worldviews throughout the book, but she comes into herself and her power in such a satisfying way in the finale. She is real, and flawed, but someone you want to see succeed. The relationships she builds on Shell Island advance her development in a meaningful way, too, which I found very satisfying. The love interest, Jasper, is a hot librarian - need I say more?
Overall, if you love anything witchy, gorgeous and cozy settings, hot librarians, female empowerment, and some spice, this book is for you!
I was hooked by the setting almost immediately. Shell Island is an island off the Oregon coast that really comes alive throughout the story. The setting is crucial to Water and I felt like I really got to know the island, the town, and its people alongside Nora. If you have a soft spot for the PNW, you’ll love Shell Island! I loved even the more mundane moments of the characters going to markets or bakeries because of how real the setting felt to me. Come for the witches and stay for the cozy, magical, PNW island!
Speaking of Nora, I found her to be a very relatable protagonist. She’s forced to grapple with a lot of new information that totally shatters her worldviews throughout the book, but she comes into herself and her power in such a satisfying way in the finale. She is real, and flawed, but someone you want to see succeed. The relationships she builds on Shell Island advance her development in a meaningful way, too, which I found very satisfying. The love interest, Jasper, is a hot librarian - need I say more?
Overall, if you love anything witchy, gorgeous and cozy settings, hot librarians, female empowerment, and some spice, this book is for you!
May 11, 2023
Water by E.H Demeter is book one in the series, The Witches of Shell Island. Holy Smokes was this an amazing addicting book to read! I absolutely loved everything about this book to the point when I started, I didn’t put my kindle down until I finished. Even then I sat there still wanting more… It was fantastic.
The story centers around Nora, a woman who thought she had an amazing life where nothing could top it. But all good things must come to an end. I loved the mystery and intrigue that sent her to an island… called Shell Island (which is described to be the Salem of the West. When she gets there really bizarre things begin happening and then she’s informed she’s a witch. Could things get any crazier. Why yes, they can! Enter Jasper, the island’s librarian…he seems to be the only good thing since coming here. But now she’s learning things about herself she never knew and she’s also learning more about Jasper. The conclusion she finds herself coming too… maybe things aren’t as crazy as she originally thought. I don’t think I have the words to convey how great this book was to read! There was so much packed into this novel and I still found myself wanting it to never end. I can’t wait to read more from this series and from the author in general.
Final review
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The amazing world and plot
5 out of 5 water 💧💧💧💧💧
The story centers around Nora, a woman who thought she had an amazing life where nothing could top it. But all good things must come to an end. I loved the mystery and intrigue that sent her to an island… called Shell Island (which is described to be the Salem of the West. When she gets there really bizarre things begin happening and then she’s informed she’s a witch. Could things get any crazier. Why yes, they can! Enter Jasper, the island’s librarian…he seems to be the only good thing since coming here. But now she’s learning things about herself she never knew and she’s also learning more about Jasper. The conclusion she finds herself coming too… maybe things aren’t as crazy as she originally thought. I don’t think I have the words to convey how great this book was to read! There was so much packed into this novel and I still found myself wanting it to never end. I can’t wait to read more from this series and from the author in general.
Final review
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The amazing world and plot
5 out of 5 water 💧💧💧💧💧
December 12, 2024
I loved this book! A great book that kept me interested in the whole time. Even tho I predicted something correctly I still was surprised when it happened! Good plot, love the romance, and the setting. I can’t wait for the next book!
May 10, 2023
Had the pleasure of doing an advance read of this.
The major problem that I have with it is that the sequel is not done already. I want more of the story with Nora and the rest of the witches.
The major problem that I have with it is that the sequel is not done already. I want more of the story with Nora and the rest of the witches.
September 7, 2025
A book where I'm hoping for a sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of elemental magic set on an island that sounds too beautiful to be true. I love how the fmc found herself in new and totally unexpected circumstances. The way the sequence played out with her birth mother and the villian... I need to know what happened to the villian at the end of the story and if there will be a sequel. The book was nonstop movement and I loved the pace and dialog. Overall, it was a good time and I really enjoyed getting to know Nora and Jasper.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of elemental magic set on an island that sounds too beautiful to be true. I love how the fmc found herself in new and totally unexpected circumstances. The way the sequence played out with her birth mother and the villian... I need to know what happened to the villian at the end of the story and if there will be a sequel. The book was nonstop movement and I loved the pace and dialog. Overall, it was a good time and I really enjoyed getting to know Nora and Jasper.
October 15, 2024
When I started reading this book, I was a little apprehensive. It is outside my usual books and, if you've read my other reviews you'll see, I'm not one to stray from what I know and love. I am here to tell you all that not only am I a new fan of Ms. E.H. Demeter, but I am also in love with the story she has decided to share with the world.
We start out this lovely story with Nora, our FMC. Girl has found out some dark truths and has decided to venture to Shell Island and get answers. Here, we meet a very diverse and beautifully written cast of characters. Including out MMC, Jasper. To tell you that this book has me looking at sweater vests differently is a SERIOUS understatement. I mean, I thought nerds were hot before but DAMN! Mr. Librarian takes it to a whole new level that had me grinning, giggling, and gasping every time he and Nora were close to one another. To say the spice was spicy in all the best ways, well, that's not saying nearly enough.
Not only does this book give us the smut and mush, it has a plot and story that is both compelling and intriguing. I'm not going to go into details, since I want you to read it of course, but I will say there is a big bad that you will definitely be joining me in despising. He is dark, devious, and downright awful to our girl. Every step of their little dance gives more questions than answers, so by the time you are at the end you feel yourself wanting to shake the book for more. Dude, the cliffhanger. That's all I'm saying. :D
All in all, Water is the perfect balance of comfy and dark. It's spicy and sweet, wicked and beautiful, and gives me serious Charmed and Practical Magic vibes. If you love books with magic, mystery, and hundred year old curses, this is your cup of tea. Go out and get this book before our benevolent author finishes book 2. You're gonna want to know what's up, there's no doubt about that!
We start out this lovely story with Nora, our FMC. Girl has found out some dark truths and has decided to venture to Shell Island and get answers. Here, we meet a very diverse and beautifully written cast of characters. Including out MMC, Jasper. To tell you that this book has me looking at sweater vests differently is a SERIOUS understatement. I mean, I thought nerds were hot before but DAMN! Mr. Librarian takes it to a whole new level that had me grinning, giggling, and gasping every time he and Nora were close to one another. To say the spice was spicy in all the best ways, well, that's not saying nearly enough.
Not only does this book give us the smut and mush, it has a plot and story that is both compelling and intriguing. I'm not going to go into details, since I want you to read it of course, but I will say there is a big bad that you will definitely be joining me in despising. He is dark, devious, and downright awful to our girl. Every step of their little dance gives more questions than answers, so by the time you are at the end you feel yourself wanting to shake the book for more. Dude, the cliffhanger. That's all I'm saying. :D
All in all, Water is the perfect balance of comfy and dark. It's spicy and sweet, wicked and beautiful, and gives me serious Charmed and Practical Magic vibes. If you love books with magic, mystery, and hundred year old curses, this is your cup of tea. Go out and get this book before our benevolent author finishes book 2. You're gonna want to know what's up, there's no doubt about that!
May 18, 2024
A Magical Adventure
In this novel Demeter makes a leap into witchcraft with a woman that’s never been exposed to that world. Which is great for the reader because then they too are also exploring a brand new world with her and it helps them find their footing.
Nora is a strong protagonist not afraid to express herself, especially her anger, which leads to some fun surprises of what she’s capable of. Her navigation of the twists and turns of her life led to some plot twists I didn’t see coming. Which I did try to guess throughout and I was happy to say I was ultimately foiled in the end.
Her love interest, Jasper, is what most of us would want, a sexy librarian who could 100% pin Nora against a wall, not that we get to see him do that but oh boy do you get to see some other things.
Overall this was a fun little jaunt in into a world of witchcraft and romance spun around adventure and true danger for Nora. I would recommend this to anyone that likes the movie ‘Practical Magic’ because it has that fun atmosphere and some good female friends throughout.
In this novel Demeter makes a leap into witchcraft with a woman that’s never been exposed to that world. Which is great for the reader because then they too are also exploring a brand new world with her and it helps them find their footing.
Nora is a strong protagonist not afraid to express herself, especially her anger, which leads to some fun surprises of what she’s capable of. Her navigation of the twists and turns of her life led to some plot twists I didn’t see coming. Which I did try to guess throughout and I was happy to say I was ultimately foiled in the end.
Her love interest, Jasper, is what most of us would want, a sexy librarian who could 100% pin Nora against a wall, not that we get to see him do that but oh boy do you get to see some other things.
Overall this was a fun little jaunt in into a world of witchcraft and romance spun around adventure and true danger for Nora. I would recommend this to anyone that likes the movie ‘Practical Magic’ because it has that fun atmosphere and some good female friends throughout.
May 14, 2023
Demeter is a master of tensions ebbing and flowing (much like water itself). The descriptions in this book are enchanting and suck the reader right into the pages with Nora and Jasper (swoon).
Nora is an FMC that's different to the ones I've read lately and it's a breath of fresh air. I loved watching her grow throughout the book and really make ap lace for herself on Shell Island. I adored the magic and getting to see her perspective on everything going on with those witches.
Jasper is everything I could want out of my next book husband and I can't wait top get even more of him and Nora in the next book.
Nora is an FMC that's different to the ones I've read lately and it's a breath of fresh air. I loved watching her grow throughout the book and really make ap lace for herself on Shell Island. I adored the magic and getting to see her perspective on everything going on with those witches.
Jasper is everything I could want out of my next book husband and I can't wait top get even more of him and Nora in the next book.
May 14, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book and found myself thoroughly engaged with the characters and the plot. I loved the supporting characters at least as much as the mc. They were well-developed and likable. Demeter does a great job weaving character insights into a fast-moving storyline! I recommend this book if you enjoy witchcraft, romance and suspense/mystery. I had a hard time putting it down!
May 14, 2023
witches of shell
I enjoyed this book a lot. There were some elements that were slightly confusing. The story read like a YA romance novel which I was 100% ok with. But then the spice was like super spicy and threw me off. I think if it would have been just YA it prob would have been a 5 for me. The spicy scenes were really good, just slightly out of place. But other than that the story was incredible. The pace was perfect and I loved the characters.
I enjoyed this book a lot. There were some elements that were slightly confusing. The story read like a YA romance novel which I was 100% ok with. But then the spice was like super spicy and threw me off. I think if it would have been just YA it prob would have been a 5 for me. The spicy scenes were really good, just slightly out of place. But other than that the story was incredible. The pace was perfect and I loved the characters.
August 15, 2025
This is an amazing witchy read!! The romance is great and you root for the couple the entire time! I LOVE Jasper!! 🥵
The story is captivating and full of twists and turns. I don’t think a single one of my theories was correct! This author kept me guessing in the BEST way!!
LOVE this book! Love the characters, love the world, can’t wait to read the next one!!
🌶️🌶️ - 2 spicy scenes, and they're great!!
The story is captivating and full of twists and turns. I don’t think a single one of my theories was correct! This author kept me guessing in the BEST way!!
LOVE this book! Love the characters, love the world, can’t wait to read the next one!!
🌶️🌶️ - 2 spicy scenes, and they're great!!
May 11, 2023
I had the pleasure of beta and arc reading this book!
This book is filled with magic and finding out family secrets. Nora is smart, easily likable, and her love interest, Jasper, is absolutely devine.
If you like adult fiction with spice, witchy magic, and uncovering family secrets then I highly recommend this book!!
This book is filled with magic and finding out family secrets. Nora is smart, easily likable, and her love interest, Jasper, is absolutely devine.
If you like adult fiction with spice, witchy magic, and uncovering family secrets then I highly recommend this book!!
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Being a PNW resident, I love when the setting is my own backyard. And this was beautifully written to do us justice. The way relationship with Nora and Jasper, the hot librarian, was so cute you were cheering for them the whole time.
My favorite aspect was the water element. It was so unique and thoroughly thought out. I look forward to the next one!!
My favorite aspect was the water element. It was so unique and thoroughly thought out. I look forward to the next one!!
May 11, 2023
This book is really good. It's a fast read. It gets you in and you want to find out what's going on, you care about the characters... I wanna know what happens next! Can't wait for next in the series!!
September 30, 2024
A delightful mixture of charmed, practical magic with a sprinkle of true blood. I was hooked from the very start, so much so I will be impatiently awaiting book 2! If you love found family and everything witchy don't hesitate to read this book!
September 13, 2024
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I fell in love with Nora, Louisa, cerli, Jasper and Irene. This was an incredible story with plot twist and love. Looking forward to the second book.
November 17, 2024
I cannot wait for the second book and to learn more about Nora and the rest of the group on Shell Island. A great read! I couldn't put it down once I started reading.
November 28, 2024
Wow this book drew u in from start to finish xxx definitely recommend xxx
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed it! Looking forward to the next one to get more background story on the characters and find out who the 4 are.
June 9, 2023
I had the true privilege of getting an advanced copy of this wonderful book. 🖤
As someone who has grown up often by oceanside towns and fervently in the Pacific Northwest of USA, E. H. Demeter perfectly encapsulates not just the ambience and the feel of the West Coast, but does a great job on capturing the unique traits of people from here.
"Water" opens up with us following Nora, she is the type of girl we've all known, lost, and seeking some type of solace in her wandering, she's beautiful, and has some really strange occurrences going on around her as she shows up on Shell Island hoping to figure out her roots after some new revelations are dropped on her.
Nora navigates new bonds, trying to repair hurt feelings, and make connections with those on Shell Island while trying to find herself. In a true coming of age story, laced with magic throughout it, The Witches of Shell Island bring with them questions and secrets to a world that Nora has never known.
As someone who has grown up often by oceanside towns and fervently in the Pacific Northwest of USA, E. H. Demeter perfectly encapsulates not just the ambience and the feel of the West Coast, but does a great job on capturing the unique traits of people from here.
"Water" opens up with us following Nora, she is the type of girl we've all known, lost, and seeking some type of solace in her wandering, she's beautiful, and has some really strange occurrences going on around her as she shows up on Shell Island hoping to figure out her roots after some new revelations are dropped on her.
Nora navigates new bonds, trying to repair hurt feelings, and make connections with those on Shell Island while trying to find herself. In a true coming of age story, laced with magic throughout it, The Witches of Shell Island bring with them questions and secrets to a world that Nora has never known.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews