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Stirring Up Trouble Trilogy #1
Stirring Up Trouble by Juli Alexander
What’s worse than lusting after my best friend’s on again off again boyfriend? How about my dad dating his mother, and my mom redesigning his bedroom for her show? With fate interfering so cruelly, can you really blame me for putting my magic potions to not-so-good use?I’m Zoe Miller, a fifteen-year-old witch with only one power-—a talent for potions. I have my life all mapped out. I plan to be a doctor and develop drugs to cure disease. We already have potions to help all kinds of symptoms, but none of them will get by the Food and Drug Administration. I mean, the government bureaucrats are not going to okay the ingestion of bat wings or unicorn horns. Luckily, fat-free margarine has already been found to be an adequate substitute for dead man’s toe. So, I really hold out hope that I can make things work. Looking for edible substitutions to use in the potions is my passion.Stirring Up Trouble is a Young Adult Romance.
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First published January 10, 2012
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August 24, 2015Book 1
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast read and funny too. Zoe is down to earth and I like her. I don't know about Jake yet, Milo is funny and I like his friendship with Zoe. . Zoe's mom is Kewl and she should date the 30 year old, why not? Anya is an annoying as hell. On to book 2!
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast read and funny too. Zoe is down to earth and I like her. I don't know about Jake yet, Milo is funny and I like his friendship with Zoe. . Zoe's mom is Kewl and she should date the 30 year old, why not? Anya is an annoying as hell. On to book 2!
October 11, 2013
If you're looking for a fun, young romance for a teenage girl to read (or if you yourself want to wax nostalgic), this is it! I'll tell you upfront, there's a lot of teenage kissing and a little bit of hand-wandering. Other than that, clean clean clean. Perfect for ages 13 and up.
Zoe is the magical daughter of a magical mom and a scientific dad. They're divorced. Zoe has one magical friend, Milo, and regular friends Anya, Jake (who used to date Anya), and Camille.
The book centers on Zoe figuring out what to do about her crush on Jake, how she's going to avoid getting into trouble with her magic, what to do with her annoying dad, and how she's going to balance her friendships when her girlfriends are a little crazy sometimes.
Juli does a WONDERFUL job writing realistic teenage dialogue, describing awkward relationships with parents, showing how a teenager's behavior doesn't always match her thoughts, and using magic as the vehicle for moral lessons (greed, selflessness, kindness, honesty).
The story is super fun, light, and funny. It's like a rom-com for teenagers with some potions and spells sprinkled in. I'm no teenager, but I loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe is the magical daughter of a magical mom and a scientific dad. They're divorced. Zoe has one magical friend, Milo, and regular friends Anya, Jake (who used to date Anya), and Camille.
The book centers on Zoe figuring out what to do about her crush on Jake, how she's going to avoid getting into trouble with her magic, what to do with her annoying dad, and how she's going to balance her friendships when her girlfriends are a little crazy sometimes.
Juli does a WONDERFUL job writing realistic teenage dialogue, describing awkward relationships with parents, showing how a teenager's behavior doesn't always match her thoughts, and using magic as the vehicle for moral lessons (greed, selflessness, kindness, honesty).
The story is super fun, light, and funny. It's like a rom-com for teenagers with some potions and spells sprinkled in. I'm no teenager, but I loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2016
I got this from the free collection of kindle books in Amazon (used to be, but right now it's not anymore free). I won't say it's not good, but it's just not for me. Genre is definitely very YA, as in high school, as in witches... Anyway, the definite turn off for me was that readers were left hanging at the end such that you'd be forced to buy the sequel (I won't though). I would have given these three stars if it's a stand-alone, not an unfinished story.
September 21, 2013
Cute characters and story!
October 31, 2016
Witches are real. They brew potions and do magic. They may also attend your high school. Zoe is a talented witch who loves working on her potions besides doing well in school. Her love life is a little chaotic considering that she's got a crush on her best friend's ex boyfriend. It gets worse when said ex boyfriend's mother starts dating her divorced father. The story runs through the ups and downs of Zoe's angst as she tries to figure out a way to deal with the emotional roller coaster that her life has become. Needless to say, there is also magical trouble brewing!
December 16, 2017
Adorabe read for a teenager
This was one of those cute stories about a likeable teen who has that high maintenance best friend, a crush on a guy who finally notices her as more than a friend, a cute, nerdy boy friend, but with a little twist. She's a witch, and when she uses her magic for personal gain, she pays a price for it. Literally.
This was one of those cute stories about a likeable teen who has that high maintenance best friend, a crush on a guy who finally notices her as more than a friend, a cute, nerdy boy friend, but with a little twist. She's a witch, and when she uses her magic for personal gain, she pays a price for it. Literally.
February 18, 2020
Seriously cute YA book with some teenage angst, some romance, and a little magic thrown in.
April 23, 2020
Really fun young adult book.
October 9, 2020
Cute
This is just adorable. They reminded me of me and my friends when we were that age. A fun read perfect for young teenagers and prey teens.
This is just adorable. They reminded me of me and my friends when we were that age. A fun read perfect for young teenagers and prey teens.
November 1, 2020
Stirring Up Trouble is the first book in the Stirring Up Trouble series by Juli Alexander. Since there are only two books out right now, start with this one.
This book was just an enjoyable read. Witches? Check. Humor? Check. A dog? Check. Sure there was some typical teenage angst/drama, but it was wholesome escapism from the horror we see on TV every day now. I liked that self-serving magic has visible ramifications. The main character is sweet, and you'll have no trouble rooting for her.
This book was just an enjoyable read. Witches? Check. Humor? Check. A dog? Check. Sure there was some typical teenage angst/drama, but it was wholesome escapism from the horror we see on TV every day now. I liked that self-serving magic has visible ramifications. The main character is sweet, and you'll have no trouble rooting for her.
June 1, 2013
YA paranormal chick lit with witches and magic potions
Fifteen-year-old Zoe and her mother are witches living in Knoxville, Tennessee. They are descended from a lineage of alchemists who were granted the gift of making magical potions from the ancient Greek god, Zeus. Unlike her mother and grandmother, who have no particular talent or interest in making potions, Zoe is a potions prodigy. Not only can she concoct classic, time-tested potions, but she experiments and develops new twists. Her magnum opus is devising multiple, viable substitutions for toad slime, a crucial-but-disgusting ingredient in thousands of potions.
Magical potions can do almost anything imaginable, including making someone rich, slender, recover from serious illness--or turn into a lovesick fool. There's one big catch, though: witches have to use their magic selflessly for others. If they employ it for their own personal benefit, there is a dangerous price to pay. The witch sprouts facial deformities commensurate in their eyesore quotient with the size of the witch's ill-gotten gains, and her health also suffers. In short, any witch foolhardy enough to continue long term with self-serving magic will eventually end up as an abysmally ugly corpse.
Zoe's father is a brilliant, nuclear physicist and non-witch who doesn't believe entirely in magic, but over the years he has enthusiastically aided Zoe with her potion experiments, with the same tight protocols he utilizes for his own research at work. But her dear, dependable dad blew up their family, and his relationship with Zoe, a year ago when he dumped her mother for another woman. Not long ago her father's girlfriend dumped Dad as well. But instead of coming back to Mom, he has started dating someone else. And to Zoe's horror, it's someone she knows--the mother of one of her tenth-grade classmates, Jake.
Zoe has been secretly in love with Jake for years, to no avail, because until very recently, he was her best friend Anya's boyfriend. Suddenly, Anya drops Jake for another boy, but before Zoe has a chance to date Jake herself, the craziness of their parents' romance gets in the way.
Zoe is an extremely sympathetic heroine. I loved the way she uses her magic for others and her goals for her future life as a witch.
This is a terrific, paranormal, chick lit novel, with a fun romance between Zoe and Jake.
This isn't a comedy that merely offers an occasional smile to the reader. In fact, there are frequent laugh-out-loud moments generated by the need for Zoe and her mother, and later their visiting witch friends, to keep their magic secret from non-magical friends. The climax occurring on Halloween is wonderful, with tons of comic, magical mayhem.
All the threads of this story are tied up in a satisfying way at the end, but there is a strong setup for a sequel, and I for one cannot wait to read it.
This book is a "clean read," appropriate for readers as young as 11 or 12, but it is a clever enough story that all ages will enjoy it.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Fifteen-year-old Zoe and her mother are witches living in Knoxville, Tennessee. They are descended from a lineage of alchemists who were granted the gift of making magical potions from the ancient Greek god, Zeus. Unlike her mother and grandmother, who have no particular talent or interest in making potions, Zoe is a potions prodigy. Not only can she concoct classic, time-tested potions, but she experiments and develops new twists. Her magnum opus is devising multiple, viable substitutions for toad slime, a crucial-but-disgusting ingredient in thousands of potions.
Magical potions can do almost anything imaginable, including making someone rich, slender, recover from serious illness--or turn into a lovesick fool. There's one big catch, though: witches have to use their magic selflessly for others. If they employ it for their own personal benefit, there is a dangerous price to pay. The witch sprouts facial deformities commensurate in their eyesore quotient with the size of the witch's ill-gotten gains, and her health also suffers. In short, any witch foolhardy enough to continue long term with self-serving magic will eventually end up as an abysmally ugly corpse.
Zoe's father is a brilliant, nuclear physicist and non-witch who doesn't believe entirely in magic, but over the years he has enthusiastically aided Zoe with her potion experiments, with the same tight protocols he utilizes for his own research at work. But her dear, dependable dad blew up their family, and his relationship with Zoe, a year ago when he dumped her mother for another woman. Not long ago her father's girlfriend dumped Dad as well. But instead of coming back to Mom, he has started dating someone else. And to Zoe's horror, it's someone she knows--the mother of one of her tenth-grade classmates, Jake.
Zoe has been secretly in love with Jake for years, to no avail, because until very recently, he was her best friend Anya's boyfriend. Suddenly, Anya drops Jake for another boy, but before Zoe has a chance to date Jake herself, the craziness of their parents' romance gets in the way.
Zoe is an extremely sympathetic heroine. I loved the way she uses her magic for others and her goals for her future life as a witch.
This is a terrific, paranormal, chick lit novel, with a fun romance between Zoe and Jake.
This isn't a comedy that merely offers an occasional smile to the reader. In fact, there are frequent laugh-out-loud moments generated by the need for Zoe and her mother, and later their visiting witch friends, to keep their magic secret from non-magical friends. The climax occurring on Halloween is wonderful, with tons of comic, magical mayhem.
All the threads of this story are tied up in a satisfying way at the end, but there is a strong setup for a sequel, and I for one cannot wait to read it.
This book is a "clean read," appropriate for readers as young as 11 or 12, but it is a clever enough story that all ages will enjoy it.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
December 6, 2013
I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review..
this was a very quick read, it was cute, and i needed something simple..
Zoe is a witch. not like the typical witches that you read about. Her mother is also a witch, but the funny thing is that she sucks at it. See when you are a witch you have to choose between using spells or potions. Both Zoe and her mother picked Potions. The thing with witches it once you use a potion there is always a price to pay. So, Zoe and her mother do a lot of community service to help "pay for their actions" sometimes when you feel like are helping someone, you still get punished for it.
Zoe has a best friend name Anya. She has been dating this guy Jake for over 3 years. Zoe loves Jake. she is always the third wheel, but goes along with it because she is in love. Well, the best thing happens. Jake and Anya break up. Now, Zoe has to decide if she should be brace and ask Jake out and risk her friendship or let it ride to see what happens. Anya already moved on with a guy named Brad. He has a history of blowing thru girls, but at the moment they were happy. Jake started talking to Zoe more, and for some reason was making Anya's green eyed monster show up.
Well, what could possibly go wrong with a budding relationship right? during class Jake mentions how mad he is that his mother is dating again. Zoe explains to Jake that she is not to found of her father's dating either. Jake names the current boyfriend of his mother and long and behold it is Zoe's dad. how horrible is that. The man that Zoe loves is now in a dating circle with her family. Jake gets this perfect plan to make their parents angry, and Zoe cannot say no because she loves him.
Meanwhile, Zoe's mother is a famous tv show host she. She does makeover to houses and bedrooms. She decided that she was also going to fix Jake's bedroom because a last minute cancel leaves her desperate. Little did Zoe know that her mother would become best friend's with her ex's lover.
You will find Zoe in a bind when she makes a love spell to keep brad and Anya together. She has to find a way to work off her punishment, and also find a way to make Jake fall in love with her. Anya will fight with Zoe when she finds Jake and her kissing.
Relationships will be tested when Zoe's witch friend comes to visit. Milo is now grown up. he grew a couple feet and slimmed down. he is now hot. Zoe cannot stop looking at him. She finds herself torn between to men, and she will have to choose what she wants the most. This book continues, but their is no cliffhanger so enjoy!
this was a very quick read, it was cute, and i needed something simple..
Zoe is a witch. not like the typical witches that you read about. Her mother is also a witch, but the funny thing is that she sucks at it. See when you are a witch you have to choose between using spells or potions. Both Zoe and her mother picked Potions. The thing with witches it once you use a potion there is always a price to pay. So, Zoe and her mother do a lot of community service to help "pay for their actions" sometimes when you feel like are helping someone, you still get punished for it.
Zoe has a best friend name Anya. She has been dating this guy Jake for over 3 years. Zoe loves Jake. she is always the third wheel, but goes along with it because she is in love. Well, the best thing happens. Jake and Anya break up. Now, Zoe has to decide if she should be brace and ask Jake out and risk her friendship or let it ride to see what happens. Anya already moved on with a guy named Brad. He has a history of blowing thru girls, but at the moment they were happy. Jake started talking to Zoe more, and for some reason was making Anya's green eyed monster show up.
Well, what could possibly go wrong with a budding relationship right? during class Jake mentions how mad he is that his mother is dating again. Zoe explains to Jake that she is not to found of her father's dating either. Jake names the current boyfriend of his mother and long and behold it is Zoe's dad. how horrible is that. The man that Zoe loves is now in a dating circle with her family. Jake gets this perfect plan to make their parents angry, and Zoe cannot say no because she loves him.
Meanwhile, Zoe's mother is a famous tv show host she. She does makeover to houses and bedrooms. She decided that she was also going to fix Jake's bedroom because a last minute cancel leaves her desperate. Little did Zoe know that her mother would become best friend's with her ex's lover.
You will find Zoe in a bind when she makes a love spell to keep brad and Anya together. She has to find a way to work off her punishment, and also find a way to make Jake fall in love with her. Anya will fight with Zoe when she finds Jake and her kissing.
Relationships will be tested when Zoe's witch friend comes to visit. Milo is now grown up. he grew a couple feet and slimmed down. he is now hot. Zoe cannot stop looking at him. She finds herself torn between to men, and she will have to choose what she wants the most. This book continues, but their is no cliffhanger so enjoy!
October 25, 2013
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
This book... I just loved it SO much! There are so many great things about it that I just need to tell you!!
What initially caught my attention about this book was the witchy magical stuff (duh), but there was also something else that caught my attention: the stepsiblings/stepsiblings-to-be forbidden love! I don't know what it is about this, but I just LOVE it!
And then there's the little detail of Zeus (as in the Greek god!!!) giving them their witchy powers... I was so pleasantly surprised! There are two things that I absolutely love in a book: Greek mythology and witches, and this one just happened to have both! *squeals*
There was one thing that reminded me of Charmed (I LOVE that show!)... the rule that they cannot use their powers for personal gain, or else. Just like in Charmed, the consequences were just too funny! I mean, warts? *snorts* And then there are the Halloween Hiccups when they're powers go haywire on this day... Also funny :) It was a fantastic Halloween read! So if you are looking for something in the Halloween spirit, this is the book for you!
Anyway, I really love a book that can make me laugh, and this one was just a really fun read!
I really liked Zoe and Jake... Oh, that pair of mischievous teenagers. It all started when they wanted to make they're parents miserable... "Will you go to the fall dance with me and then make out with me until we scare the hell out of our parents?" --Jake to Zoe. LOL
I also really liked Zoe's mom... Sometimes she acted like such a teenager herself, and it was hilarious!
Anya, on the other hand, I disliked very much. She was very narcissistic and I honestly did not know why Zoe kept on being friends with her. She really annoyed me. Zoe's other friend Milo, though, I really liked, and not only because he's apparently super gorgeous ;) I'd really like to see more of him. Oh! And the fact that while Zoe is very good with spells, while Milo is potion inclined I thought was very cool and unique. I really liked that every individual witch is good in either one or the other... I've never read anything like this before!
Stirring Up Trouble had a fantastic story with amazing characters, a splash of romance, and a whole lot of magical goodness that will keep you laughing for hours! This is definitely a MUST-read, especially during this Halloween season!
This book... I just loved it SO much! There are so many great things about it that I just need to tell you!!
What initially caught my attention about this book was the witchy magical stuff (duh), but there was also something else that caught my attention: the stepsiblings/stepsiblings-to-be forbidden love! I don't know what it is about this, but I just LOVE it!
And then there's the little detail of Zeus (as in the Greek god!!!) giving them their witchy powers... I was so pleasantly surprised! There are two things that I absolutely love in a book: Greek mythology and witches, and this one just happened to have both! *squeals*
There was one thing that reminded me of Charmed (I LOVE that show!)... the rule that they cannot use their powers for personal gain, or else. Just like in Charmed, the consequences were just too funny! I mean, warts? *snorts* And then there are the Halloween Hiccups when they're powers go haywire on this day... Also funny :) It was a fantastic Halloween read! So if you are looking for something in the Halloween spirit, this is the book for you!
Anyway, I really love a book that can make me laugh, and this one was just a really fun read!
I really liked Zoe and Jake... Oh, that pair of mischievous teenagers. It all started when they wanted to make they're parents miserable... "Will you go to the fall dance with me and then make out with me until we scare the hell out of our parents?" --Jake to Zoe. LOL
I also really liked Zoe's mom... Sometimes she acted like such a teenager herself, and it was hilarious!
Anya, on the other hand, I disliked very much. She was very narcissistic and I honestly did not know why Zoe kept on being friends with her. She really annoyed me. Zoe's other friend Milo, though, I really liked, and not only because he's apparently super gorgeous ;) I'd really like to see more of him. Oh! And the fact that while Zoe is very good with spells, while Milo is potion inclined I thought was very cool and unique. I really liked that every individual witch is good in either one or the other... I've never read anything like this before!
Stirring Up Trouble had a fantastic story with amazing characters, a splash of romance, and a whole lot of magical goodness that will keep you laughing for hours! This is definitely a MUST-read, especially during this Halloween season!
March 1, 2012
In one word, this book is “cute.” It was a fun beach worthy read. Nothing too complicated. I knew I would like this book when I read that the witches that use self-serving potions to shed a few pounds or grab the attention of the local hottie would “suffer” (i.e. turn into the hideous witches you’re used to reading about). I could totally relate to the characters’ desire to suffer with a hairy, green wart for thinner hips.
The characters were hard to connect with. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth with the majority of the characters in the book. Anya was super-self absorbed and pretty unlikeable, but I’m certain that was intentional. Jake seemed alright. Typical teenage boy. I would like to see him grow a bit more in the upcoming books. Zoe was unique and likable. Yes, she’s a witch. But she’s a self-conscious humanitarian witch. Her goal in life is to become the scientist that cures cancer. Pretty awesome.
The plot was pretty straight forward. Young teenage witch has a crush on her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Young teenage witch’s parents complicate her love life. Young teenage witch has a colossal mishap and gets in trouble. It’s fairly predictable, but still enjoyable. It seems like the majority of the conflict is going to occur in the next book, at least that’s the impression I got from the ending. Since our poor witch got into a bit of trouble, she has to have a magic tutor. Except, her tutor isn’t what she expects. You might think that a 95 year-old wizard would look like one of the California raisins from the 80s, but he doesn’t. Seems he got into a tad bit of trouble himself when he traded his old self for a super hottie body. So, like I said, the plot will thicken in the next book.
As I said, this was a “cute” read. It was quick and fun, and didn’t require a lot of effort on my part. I was turning the pages pretty quickly because I enjoyed the story. If you want a fun book to read while taking a break from the zombie and dystopian books currently flooding the market, then you would enjoy Stirring Up Trouble.
The characters were hard to connect with. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth with the majority of the characters in the book. Anya was super-self absorbed and pretty unlikeable, but I’m certain that was intentional. Jake seemed alright. Typical teenage boy. I would like to see him grow a bit more in the upcoming books. Zoe was unique and likable. Yes, she’s a witch. But she’s a self-conscious humanitarian witch. Her goal in life is to become the scientist that cures cancer. Pretty awesome.
The plot was pretty straight forward. Young teenage witch has a crush on her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Young teenage witch’s parents complicate her love life. Young teenage witch has a colossal mishap and gets in trouble. It’s fairly predictable, but still enjoyable. It seems like the majority of the conflict is going to occur in the next book, at least that’s the impression I got from the ending. Since our poor witch got into a bit of trouble, she has to have a magic tutor. Except, her tutor isn’t what she expects. You might think that a 95 year-old wizard would look like one of the California raisins from the 80s, but he doesn’t. Seems he got into a tad bit of trouble himself when he traded his old self for a super hottie body. So, like I said, the plot will thicken in the next book.
As I said, this was a “cute” read. It was quick and fun, and didn’t require a lot of effort on my part. I was turning the pages pretty quickly because I enjoyed the story. If you want a fun book to read while taking a break from the zombie and dystopian books currently flooding the market, then you would enjoy Stirring Up Trouble.
October 28, 2012
Read the full review at Witchmag's boekenplank
This is a very “fluffy” book. Although it’s entertaining, it has no real depth. It also felt more like a preview of the real story, where you get to know the characters and what’s happening, than the real thing. Even with the big, important scene at the end (that was a bit different from what I expected) it didn’t feel like the ending, more like the prologue was over and the real would start. And it couldn’t really grab my attention, therefore I’ll call this a “fluffy” book, since I still liked reading it.
I really liked the no-self serving part. I’ve often read stories where you can use magic as you like, so it was refreshing to read a story where it has dire consequences. You’ll think twice before using it for your own good, otherwise you’ll be a “real” witch. I loved that part ^^ And loved even more that you have to do good deeds to remove all the effects. It’s such a good way to redeem yourself ^^
I loved reading about Zoe, although she did feel a bit older than her fifteen year. Especially when it came to love. I wasn’t like that at all when I was that age. Okay I had some crushes, but kisses like that….. I might be a bit too innocent Aside from that aspect, she is a great gall and not prone to do the most stupid things when under stress. Although she did manage to screw up in a big time, it was not really her fault and very funny, so I’ll forgive her ^^
Conclusion: 3 hearts. It’s a fluffy book to read. A compelling read, without much depth. I like the main characters although they didn’t feel like they were 15 year olds. This book felt more like a prologue than the real thing, so I’m very curious were the next book will bring me ^^
This is a very “fluffy” book. Although it’s entertaining, it has no real depth. It also felt more like a preview of the real story, where you get to know the characters and what’s happening, than the real thing. Even with the big, important scene at the end (that was a bit different from what I expected) it didn’t feel like the ending, more like the prologue was over and the real would start. And it couldn’t really grab my attention, therefore I’ll call this a “fluffy” book, since I still liked reading it.
I really liked the no-self serving part. I’ve often read stories where you can use magic as you like, so it was refreshing to read a story where it has dire consequences. You’ll think twice before using it for your own good, otherwise you’ll be a “real” witch. I loved that part ^^ And loved even more that you have to do good deeds to remove all the effects. It’s such a good way to redeem yourself ^^
I loved reading about Zoe, although she did feel a bit older than her fifteen year. Especially when it came to love. I wasn’t like that at all when I was that age. Okay I had some crushes, but kisses like that….. I might be a bit too innocent Aside from that aspect, she is a great gall and not prone to do the most stupid things when under stress. Although she did manage to screw up in a big time, it was not really her fault and very funny, so I’ll forgive her ^^
Conclusion: 3 hearts. It’s a fluffy book to read. A compelling read, without much depth. I like the main characters although they didn’t feel like they were 15 year olds. This book felt more like a prologue than the real thing, so I’m very curious were the next book will bring me ^^
October 24, 2013
am a big sucker for books that incorporate paranormal lives with normal teenage ones, so this was a perfect fit for me. This book was incredibly entertaining, from the little additions of what a teenage witch's life would be like to the mishaps Zoe would get herself into. The way Juli Alexander added details about how Zoe was a gifted potions maker who was researching for replacements for ingredients normally used in potions from the supermarket added a bit of seasoning to a recipe for a normal life. Not to mention the various interesting twists that are lead me along. I was reading this the night before a big test when I should have been studying, but I honestly could not put it down.
There were some parts that I wasn't a fan of though. It doesn't seem as if many of the plot twists are anything else besides a guy potentially ruining Zoe's relationship with Jake. And although this may seem like an insignificant detail, Jake's character is one that I can't figure out, considering the creepy descriptions of his face (such as a "leer" mentioned in the story) when he and Zoe kissed. Also, Zoe's friend seems to be just a character used as a filler- someone only created for the reader to dislike. It would have been a little bit more interesting if she actually had a role in the next book besides the annoying-and-indecisive-and-unreliable-best-friend-that-everyone-dislikes. I also didn't see much of a change in Zoe's character.
This is a great read for people who are just looking for a quick, enjoyable read. It's not mind provoking or life changing, but it's amusing and most definitely guarantees a few laughs.
There were some parts that I wasn't a fan of though. It doesn't seem as if many of the plot twists are anything else besides a guy potentially ruining Zoe's relationship with Jake. And although this may seem like an insignificant detail, Jake's character is one that I can't figure out, considering the creepy descriptions of his face (such as a "leer" mentioned in the story) when he and Zoe kissed. Also, Zoe's friend seems to be just a character used as a filler- someone only created for the reader to dislike. It would have been a little bit more interesting if she actually had a role in the next book besides the annoying-and-indecisive-and-unreliable-best-friend-that-everyone-dislikes. I also didn't see much of a change in Zoe's character.
This is a great read for people who are just looking for a quick, enjoyable read. It's not mind provoking or life changing, but it's amusing and most definitely guarantees a few laughs.
August 25, 2012
A very cute read that kept me engaged enough that I would read a sequel, but definitely a book that was lacking in a few key areas. What I was most looking forward to was some world-building, as the book pretty clearly leaps into a simple, but interesting notion of magical give and take at the start, but very little gets fleshed out over the course of the book. Where did the Council come from, for instance? We know that magic is often genetic, but how much of a community is there? What type of witches do there exist, and has there been anyone who is capable of straddling the divisive lines in terms of their abilities? There are a lot of questions which remain hanging, which isn't terribly surprising given the choice of a fifteen-year-old as narrator, but it still leaves one feeling as though something's lacking by the end. Additionally, although this again isn't terribly surprising given the youth of the narrator, the characters are all pretty one-dimensional and their motivations aren't always easy to pin down.
One highlight of the book, however, was the way the narrator dealt with the divorce of her parents. As someone whose parents are currently in the middle of separating, I found the narrator's musings pretty true to life there.
I enjoyed the tone of the book, and again it was a read that kept me engaged throughout its pages. Not bad for the YA genre, although not the most memorable book either.
One highlight of the book, however, was the way the narrator dealt with the divorce of her parents. As someone whose parents are currently in the middle of separating, I found the narrator's musings pretty true to life there.
I enjoyed the tone of the book, and again it was a read that kept me engaged throughout its pages. Not bad for the YA genre, although not the most memorable book either.
November 25, 2012
Mrs. Beamer's Review:
I was in the mood for a fluffy, light-hearted read...with no paranormal, fantasy, ect. stuff. SO...when I started the book and immediately discovered the main character has magical powers, I almost stopped reading. So glad I didn't! This book was perfect for my mood at the time. The magic does not distract from the current-ness of this book. It reads with a very modern tone. I was transported back to my high school days and reminded of the good and the bad that goes along with that time. I laughed out loud several times at the witty dialect. Zoe is a breath of fresh air as a (slightly) normal teen just trying to live her life. She crushes on a boy friend...spats with her best friend...has uncomfortable moments with her parents...all the typical teenage stuff you would expect. I found the magic really took a back seat to the other story lines. In fact, I thought the element added to the quirky and fun nature of the book. Through Zoe's magic, the author ties in morality and karma quite nicely! B-U-T-......I read the last page and yelled NO!!!!! The story just cut off. After some fast research, I learned the author is working on a sequel. YES!! Can't wait to read it :) "Stirring Up Trouble" is a clean, fun read... Great series starter!!
Mrs. Beamer’s advisory rating: 0-5 (0=none, 5=lots)
Language: 0
Violence: 0
Sexual Content: 0
Drugs/Alcohol: 0
Potential Controversial Topics: none
I was in the mood for a fluffy, light-hearted read...with no paranormal, fantasy, ect. stuff. SO...when I started the book and immediately discovered the main character has magical powers, I almost stopped reading. So glad I didn't! This book was perfect for my mood at the time. The magic does not distract from the current-ness of this book. It reads with a very modern tone. I was transported back to my high school days and reminded of the good and the bad that goes along with that time. I laughed out loud several times at the witty dialect. Zoe is a breath of fresh air as a (slightly) normal teen just trying to live her life. She crushes on a boy friend...spats with her best friend...has uncomfortable moments with her parents...all the typical teenage stuff you would expect. I found the magic really took a back seat to the other story lines. In fact, I thought the element added to the quirky and fun nature of the book. Through Zoe's magic, the author ties in morality and karma quite nicely! B-U-T-......I read the last page and yelled NO!!!!! The story just cut off. After some fast research, I learned the author is working on a sequel. YES!! Can't wait to read it :) "Stirring Up Trouble" is a clean, fun read... Great series starter!!
Mrs. Beamer’s advisory rating: 0-5 (0=none, 5=lots)
Language: 0
Violence: 0
Sexual Content: 0
Drugs/Alcohol: 0
Potential Controversial Topics: none
December 16, 2012
I read a lot of books, and honestly, I don't give many 5 stars. To really get my A rating, a book has to be good. I mean Cassandra Clare or Jennifer L Armentrout good. This book was the first I've read by Juli Alexander, and while she is a much different author than CC or JLA, I really enjoyed her book. The story is a teen paranormal, but also plausible, assuming the rules she has built for her world are true. I enjoyed the characters, especially the main character, Zoe. She is strong, intelligent, and not really overly nerdy, despite being something of a science (and potions) geek. Her mom was all kinds of awesome, the kind of mom everyone wishes they had, with the same being said for her best friend Milo. I found her best friend Anya a bit annoying, but by the end of the book, Zoe begins to realize that she's not really the bff she thought. I had a little bit of trouble getting behind her love interest, Jake, in the beginning. He seemed a bit self-absorbed, and it irritated me a bit that Zoe was OK with him using her to make Anya and their parents upset. However, he did start to grow on me by the end of the book. I think there's hope for him yet. I would have to say my favorite aspects of the book were Zoe's interactions with her mother and Milo, and the humor woven throughout (there were actually laugh-out-loud moments for me). All in all, a very enjoyable book. I read it in one sitting and immediately bought the second one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2012
*I received an e-book copy from author*
Zoe Miller takes after her mother…she’s a witch. Unfortunately that was not enough to keep her parents together. They are divorced because her dad had an affair with his lab assistant. She’s very good about making potions and is constantly trying to find substitutes for unsavory ingredients, like toad slime. If that doesn’t beat all, she’s in love with her best-friend, Anya’s, ex-boyfriend. They are constantly making up and breaking up. She’s hoping this time for good. She wants to be more than friends but doesn’t know how to tell Anya.
Zoe thought it couldn’t get any worse. Apparently, the new girl that her dad’s dating is Jake’s mother. She does end up kissing Jake at the movies to make Anya. Will Zoe just stir up some more trouble with Anya and even more with Jake?
I felt bad that her parents are divorced. Things like that are never easy to go through or having feelings for your best-friend’s ex-boyfriend. I’m not for sure if I would have felt as badly as Zoe did. Anya’s a real witch. I really liked that self-serving potions resulted in punishments, but I think what happens/ can happen on Halloween is a little extreme. I really liked Jake and hope to read more about him in the future.
Zoe Miller takes after her mother…she’s a witch. Unfortunately that was not enough to keep her parents together. They are divorced because her dad had an affair with his lab assistant. She’s very good about making potions and is constantly trying to find substitutes for unsavory ingredients, like toad slime. If that doesn’t beat all, she’s in love with her best-friend, Anya’s, ex-boyfriend. They are constantly making up and breaking up. She’s hoping this time for good. She wants to be more than friends but doesn’t know how to tell Anya.
Zoe thought it couldn’t get any worse. Apparently, the new girl that her dad’s dating is Jake’s mother. She does end up kissing Jake at the movies to make Anya. Will Zoe just stir up some more trouble with Anya and even more with Jake?
I felt bad that her parents are divorced. Things like that are never easy to go through or having feelings for your best-friend’s ex-boyfriend. I’m not for sure if I would have felt as badly as Zoe did. Anya’s a real witch. I really liked that self-serving potions resulted in punishments, but I think what happens/ can happen on Halloween is a little extreme. I really liked Jake and hope to read more about him in the future.
October 14, 2012
This was a great little YA. No sex scenes, no blood, no heavy-duty paranormal. A few spells here and there make a book fun, right? Well, in this case they do. Even an object lesson or two is given in how and why Zoe can cast spells. That was a fun little twist.
It was nice reading about a teenager who has close relationships with both parental units even though her father has left her mother.
Her parents had been split up for a while, but Zoe was still dealing with the aftereffects. She wasn't acting out, she wasn't dressing outlandishly to get male attention.
Part of the conflict of the book centers around Zoe's father dating the single mother of Zoe's own love interest. Zoe dealt with this in the way any teenager (or child of any age, even a 40-y-o) would with it, denial, manipulation to get it to stop and then a resignation to the situation with as little attitude as possible.
If you are still reading to your kids, this would be a great story for any age from 10 or so on up. There is some kissing between the teenageers and the parents (teenagers kissing teenagers; parents kissing parents, of course) and a few allusions to ick factors in the teenagers' minds about their parents, but they are really mild.
It was nice reading about a teenager who has close relationships with both parental units even though her father has left her mother.
Her parents had been split up for a while, but Zoe was still dealing with the aftereffects. She wasn't acting out, she wasn't dressing outlandishly to get male attention.
Part of the conflict of the book centers around Zoe's father dating the single mother of Zoe's own love interest. Zoe dealt with this in the way any teenager (or child of any age, even a 40-y-o) would with it, denial, manipulation to get it to stop and then a resignation to the situation with as little attitude as possible.
If you are still reading to your kids, this would be a great story for any age from 10 or so on up. There is some kissing between the teenageers and the parents (teenagers kissing teenagers; parents kissing parents, of course) and a few allusions to ick factors in the teenagers' minds about their parents, but they are really mild.
July 16, 2012
For my full review, please check out our blog! http://mysistersbookshelf.com/elizabe...
I thought this book was great! I especially love Zoe’s mom. Their relationship is awesome. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore Zoe too. Anyway, Zoe has been in love with Jake for the longest time, so when he wants to pretend to date her to teach their parents a lesson, what’s a girl to do? You’d think being witch would help things, but it seems to complicate in unforseen ways too. Anyway, the best description of this book is cute. If you’re looking for something deep or meaningful, find a different book. If you want something light and airy, this book is great. I did feel like it was aimed at a little younger age group than the YA I’ve been reading recently and that I read in general. In other words, I would have no problem letting a middle schooler read this. I’ll warn you, it does have an obvious set up for a sequel, but it did not bother me in the least.
I thought this book was great! I especially love Zoe’s mom. Their relationship is awesome. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore Zoe too. Anyway, Zoe has been in love with Jake for the longest time, so when he wants to pretend to date her to teach their parents a lesson, what’s a girl to do? You’d think being witch would help things, but it seems to complicate in unforseen ways too. Anyway, the best description of this book is cute. If you’re looking for something deep or meaningful, find a different book. If you want something light and airy, this book is great. I did feel like it was aimed at a little younger age group than the YA I’ve been reading recently and that I read in general. In other words, I would have no problem letting a middle schooler read this. I’ll warn you, it does have an obvious set up for a sequel, but it did not bother me in the least.
December 3, 2013
Stirring Up Trouble is a breath of fresh air in the YA paranormal and witch genre! It is laugh out loud funny and full of young teenage romance! And let me clarify here, it is full of clean romance ( no sexual situations thank you!) which this blogger appreciates! Zoe is a fifteen year old witch who lives with her recently divorced mom. Unfortunately her Dad left her mom for his lab assistant! Zoe's relationship with her Mom is one of the best parts of the book. I loved the awkwardness of certain situations Zoe found herself in (no spoilers here) that just seemed so real to what could happen in life. The teenage crushing and best friend issues will resonate with teens and those of us who remember being teenagers not so long ago! I was easily drawn into the story and once I began, it was very hard for me to put it down! (Darn it when life gets in the way of my reading!) I highly recommend Stirring Up Trouble to any YA or paranormal reader; you won't be disappointed!
I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.
February 29, 2012
Zoe Miller isn't your typical teenager. Teen Witch, yes. Bad, no. Zoe uses her powers with potions to do good in the world and she wants to become a doctor when she grows up. She enjoys experimenting to find cures and substitutions for dead man's toe or frog slime. But Zoe has her typical teenage problems too. Like her dad suddenly getting involved with the mother of the boy she's been crushing on for years, but Jake was dating her best friend Anya so he was off limits until Anya broke up with him. Now he's free and their parents are dating. Could things get any worse? Of course they can.
Ms. Alexander weaves a fun and entertaining story that has the reader rooting for Zoe from page one. The colorful cast of characters adds spice to the story and she sets up the perfect opening for a second book with Zoe and her work with Dr. Finnegan. I hope this happens because I definetly look forward to reading more.
Ms. Alexander weaves a fun and entertaining story that has the reader rooting for Zoe from page one. The colorful cast of characters adds spice to the story and she sets up the perfect opening for a second book with Zoe and her work with Dr. Finnegan. I hope this happens because I definetly look forward to reading more.
August 9, 2012
The pace is a little too fast, but not so much that it's hard to keep up. I liked the writing, most of the characters, I loved Zoe's relationship with her mom. That said, throughout most of the book I kept wondering WHAT was the point of them being witches? There was nothing happening that made being witches make sense. The world building was sorely lacking to explain everything, and the events that were thrown in just left me with more questions than answers. For example, does Halloween affect EVERY underage witch and wizard, or just Zoe and Milo?
Basically, take away the witch aspect, and it will be a typical teen romance, which was pretty disappointing to me since I was expecting more "witchy" stuff.
It's a good book to read if only Alexander would decide which genre she wants to write in.
Basically, take away the witch aspect, and it will be a typical teen romance, which was pretty disappointing to me since I was expecting more "witchy" stuff.
It's a good book to read if only Alexander would decide which genre she wants to write in.
March 12, 2012
STIRRING UP TROUBLE is YA at its best. It was charming, lacked vulgarity, major sexual situations and had a great story line. I loved that Alexander wrote a story that focuses on friendships and relationships of teens in a new and interesting way. The books highlights choices and consequences in a fun way and whimsical way...mix a spell that is self serving...bad things can happen. I just loved that!! As a mother, I also loved that Alexander created a story that focused on a positive parent relationship. Zoe spoke with her mother about the difficult things that were going on in her life and that helped Zoe work through the situations. I have already told my friends with teen girls that they should have their daughters read this book. This book was a pleasure to read and one that I am so excited to share with all of you. I highly recommend STIRRING UP TROUBLE!
August 23, 2012
More like 4.5 stars! Just so you know (because I didn’t when I read it), this is the first book in a series. I download a lot of freebies and they tend to be one of a series, so I’ve probably got at least 12 storylines leaving me hanging right now waiting on the next books! I was sooo not looking for another one when I started this book. I have to say though, I am not sorry I read it and yes, I am very much looking forward to the next edition.
The best way to describe this book is – GREAT FUN! Ms. Alexander creates some great characters, who, simply said, have a lot of character! I loved getting to know them and they certainly had me laughing out loud more than a few times. The cute chemistry between the h/h was wonderful and kept me smiling. It was a fun read and although I didn’t pay anything for it, I certainly wouldn’t have been disappointed if I had.
The best way to describe this book is – GREAT FUN! Ms. Alexander creates some great characters, who, simply said, have a lot of character! I loved getting to know them and they certainly had me laughing out loud more than a few times. The cute chemistry between the h/h was wonderful and kept me smiling. It was a fun read and although I didn’t pay anything for it, I certainly wouldn’t have been disappointed if I had.
November 28, 2015
Out Of The Cauldron
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Trouble's Brewing!
Zoe has been in love with Anya's boyfriend Jake forever! Too bad Anya's been her best friend since kindergarten... But things may be looking up for her now that Anya dumped Jake. If the reguar teen drama isn't enough, Zoe happens to be a witch with an incredible talent for potions. The drawback to magical talent is any self serving spell causes uglification... The bigger the spell the bigger the detrimental side effects right up to death. How is she supposed to get through her highschool career as a typical teen of divorce much less as a teen witch?
***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers who enjoy a little magic in their young adult romantic comedies with a dash of mystical hijinks and mayhem :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Trouble's Brewing!
Zoe has been in love with Anya's boyfriend Jake forever! Too bad Anya's been her best friend since kindergarten... But things may be looking up for her now that Anya dumped Jake. If the reguar teen drama isn't enough, Zoe happens to be a witch with an incredible talent for potions. The drawback to magical talent is any self serving spell causes uglification... The bigger the spell the bigger the detrimental side effects right up to death. How is she supposed to get through her highschool career as a typical teen of divorce much less as a teen witch?
***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers who enjoy a little magic in their young adult romantic comedies with a dash of mystical hijinks and mayhem :)
October 13, 2013
Zoe is a regular teenager in a lot of ways - second fiddle to a more glamorous best friend, crushing on this best friend's hunky boyfriend, trying to cope with her parents' matrimonial troubles. Regular in most ways except one. She's also a teenage witch. The trouble is that she can't use her powers for her own benefit, unless she wants to contend with horrible retribution that could take the form of anything from embarrassing appearance changes to unstoppable hiccups.
Otherwise a regular teen drama, this story adds generous doses of supernatural humour. All the characters are likeable and well-shaded, except perhaps Anya, the spoilt best friend who comes across as cardboard and caricatured.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward the next one in the series - Trouble's Brewing. I got this book from NetGalley
Otherwise a regular teen drama, this story adds generous doses of supernatural humour. All the characters are likeable and well-shaded, except perhaps Anya, the spoilt best friend who comes across as cardboard and caricatured.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward the next one in the series - Trouble's Brewing. I got this book from NetGalley
March 2, 2012
This was a very enjoyable book. The witty remarks and great characters kept me laughing and curling my toes. Zoe is a wonderfully created character who is a real teenager with real teenager problems - of course with the addition of being a witch. She is funny and smart and all around fun. Jake is a realistic character who is sweet and romantic. The other side characters create an enjoyable and full world that support the main characters and the plot as it moves along. The plot goes along very well, though it left me wishing I had the next book in hand. Altogether this was a humorous and fun book with some great romance in it.
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