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The Witch of Belladonna Bay
It's the trouble you aren't expecting that gets you. And it's all around you, Bronwyn, it's all around you like the air.…
Bronwyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen hasn't set eyes on the red dirt of Magnolia Creek, Alabama, for fourteen years - not since her mama died. But with her brother, Patrick, imprisoned for the murder of her childhood best friend, and her eccentric father, Jackson, at his wits' end while her eleven-year-old niece, Byrd, runs wild, Bronwyn finds herself once again surrounded by ancient magnolia trees and the troubled family she left behind. She becomes immersed in a whirlwind of mystery and magic as she tries to figure out what really happened that fateful night her friend died. And as her bond with Byrd deepens, Bronwyn must face the demons of her past in order to unravel her family's uncertain future.
In Suzanne Palmieri's thrilling new novel, The Witch of Belladonna Bay , readers will learn if love and magic are enough to bring a broken family back together.
Bronwyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen hasn't set eyes on the red dirt of Magnolia Creek, Alabama, for fourteen years - not since her mama died. But with her brother, Patrick, imprisoned for the murder of her childhood best friend, and her eccentric father, Jackson, at his wits' end while her eleven-year-old niece, Byrd, runs wild, Bronwyn finds herself once again surrounded by ancient magnolia trees and the troubled family she left behind. She becomes immersed in a whirlwind of mystery and magic as she tries to figure out what really happened that fateful night her friend died. And as her bond with Byrd deepens, Bronwyn must face the demons of her past in order to unravel her family's uncertain future.
In Suzanne Palmieri's thrilling new novel, The Witch of Belladonna Bay , readers will learn if love and magic are enough to bring a broken family back together.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2014
32 people are currently reading
4190 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Palmieri
12 books362 followersSuzanne Palmieri is the author of The Witch of Bourbon Street, The Witch of Belladonna Bay, and The Witch of Little Italy. She is also the co-author (as Suzanne Hayes) of Empire Girls and I'll Be Seeing You. Writer. Lost Witch. Mermaid.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
August 26, 2014
Leaving home when she was seventeen, after her mothers death and a fight with her father, Wynn moves from the sultry south to the north. She has a relationship with Ben, who hopes to marry her, but she is called back home when a young niece that she has never met, needs her. The younger brother she left behind is now in prison for killing Wynn's best friend of her youth and possibly for the death of her young son.
It was very easy to be drawn into this story, the characters and the descriptions were just fantastic. The hot, humid weather, cold lemonade, magnolia trees, and a young Byrd, aged eleven who is a wonderful little girl with an old soul. There is southern charm, and a whole lot of magic. There are spirits who talk and try to guide the way. Young love and a huge mystery that must be solved.
A novel about finding ones self as Wynn finally learns, "If you're broken, be broken. If you're crazy, be crazy, If you're opinionated, yell your opinions from the rooftop. If you have strange ways? See it as a blessing, not a curse."
A novel about forgiveness, coming to terms with the past. Ultimately a novel about coming home again.
It was very easy to be drawn into this story, the characters and the descriptions were just fantastic. The hot, humid weather, cold lemonade, magnolia trees, and a young Byrd, aged eleven who is a wonderful little girl with an old soul. There is southern charm, and a whole lot of magic. There are spirits who talk and try to guide the way. Young love and a huge mystery that must be solved.
A novel about finding ones self as Wynn finally learns, "If you're broken, be broken. If you're crazy, be crazy, If you're opinionated, yell your opinions from the rooftop. If you have strange ways? See it as a blessing, not a curse."
A novel about forgiveness, coming to terms with the past. Ultimately a novel about coming home again.
December 26, 2016
First, I feel I would be remiss if I did not provide a disclaimer.
Here is my disclaimer: http://006point7ekgo.wordpress.com/20...
Now onto the good stuff!
Part of my love for this book comes from that protective gene so many of us have. I love this book like I love kids who have been part of my life for years. They're not my kids but they're partly my responsibility because I know them and love them. That's what I feel toward this book - it's not mine, but I'm still protective of it. Isn't that the definition of "fangirl"?
At any rate, this by no means makes the book meritless. Suzanne is a master of the moment - she can describe a place in time, complete with surroundings, characters, emotions, and turn it into a shining diamond, something you want to look at then re-examine so you can see and re-see each faceted, framed instant. She writes some seriously beautiful words and creates some heartbreakingly delightful characters.
I adore Byrd. I have loved her since the first time I read her. She's just a little mess of wonderful and snottiness, of sweet, spicy, and sour. She's a handful, a brat, a wild little thing, and she's made of all the best childhood memories. She is, hands-down, my favorite part of this entire story.
My favorite chapter? Chapter 21. For me, this chapter with the ghosts and the letter from Stella, it's like a twist tie. It's not really part of the story until that moment and then it winds around and holds everything together. I want you to know that I HATED Stella until this chapter happened. Afterward, well, I'll accept those Amores now that there's one I like.
There's a strong underlying mother/daughter theme woven throughout. This speaks to me because, like many daughters, I have had issues with my mother and I understand the longing to be a beloved child. Part of this theme shows up in an aunt/niece relationship which is also meaningful to me because of my strong relationships with both of my nieces. To me, this was all bittersweet and delicious.
So with all this gushing, you'd think there's be five stars up there, right?
Well, not quite.
I had two problems with this book, one that Suzanne is probably tired of hearing about and the other that re-manifested while reading this published, printed, real-life version.
First: Naomi.
I have always had a problem with Naomi. I know why she's there, her story is important in that it gives another side to what we wouldn't get from Wyn's or Byrd's perspectives. However, she never seemed to fit in. Her parts kick me out of the narrative and I wind up feeling I'm reading something entirely different.
Funny aside: After this went to publication, Suzanne told me (this is not verbatim), "Oh, I figured out how to fix the problem with Naomi" and I was all, "HOW? She's IMPOSSIBLE!" and she told me and I said, "Riiiight. Yes! That is exactly what would have fixed the whole thing." Unfortunately, it was too late and Naomi got to stay and she continues to irk me.
Second: The Mystery.
Specifically the Carter/Paddy part of The Mystery. I followed everything else except for how those two play into it; they create more suspicion in my mind, more questions, more "Wait, no...that doesn't make sense because..." Chapter 29 is my least favorite; to me, it seemed like a weak link, a glossed-over explanation but one that isn't satisfying. I mean, I know what it means and where it's going but it didn't convince me, didn't give me the feeling of "Yes. This is exactly right and everything just fell into place. Mystery solved!"
I don't have a lot of scribbles in my Book of Manuscript Notes during that part so I don't know what I felt the first few times I looked at it but Carter/Paddy felt weak and wobbly this time around.
Two minor things but they're enough to keep that fifth star at bay.
These are issues that may not bother other readers. If none of that sounds troublesome to you and you love light mysteries cushioned in tales of families, ghosts, addiction, unhealthy relationships, coming home, finding oneself, and some soft romance (not soft-core "romance", just soft romance) I strongly suggest reading this, perhaps during summer vacation while lying in a hammock under some trees.
____________________
Original thoughts:
I cannot wait for this to come out in real-time. I need to read the end product before I give any stars because I need to see how it really looks on paper before I give my final thoughts. I can tell you, though, it will be 4 or 5 stars.
At this point, I can recommend this story to those who love Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, readers who liked the ambience of The Secret Life of Bees even though this is nothing like that, really, except for the folks with problems who live in the south and love the land around them, and, as with The Witch of Little Italy, fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Adriana Trigiani.
Here is my disclaimer: http://006point7ekgo.wordpress.com/20...
Now onto the good stuff!
Part of my love for this book comes from that protective gene so many of us have. I love this book like I love kids who have been part of my life for years. They're not my kids but they're partly my responsibility because I know them and love them. That's what I feel toward this book - it's not mine, but I'm still protective of it. Isn't that the definition of "fangirl"?
At any rate, this by no means makes the book meritless. Suzanne is a master of the moment - she can describe a place in time, complete with surroundings, characters, emotions, and turn it into a shining diamond, something you want to look at then re-examine so you can see and re-see each faceted, framed instant. She writes some seriously beautiful words and creates some heartbreakingly delightful characters.
I adore Byrd. I have loved her since the first time I read her. She's just a little mess of wonderful and snottiness, of sweet, spicy, and sour. She's a handful, a brat, a wild little thing, and she's made of all the best childhood memories. She is, hands-down, my favorite part of this entire story.
My favorite chapter? Chapter 21. For me, this chapter with the ghosts and the letter from Stella, it's like a twist tie. It's not really part of the story until that moment and then it winds around and holds everything together. I want you to know that I HATED Stella until this chapter happened. Afterward, well, I'll accept those Amores now that there's one I like.
There's a strong underlying mother/daughter theme woven throughout. This speaks to me because, like many daughters, I have had issues with my mother and I understand the longing to be a beloved child. Part of this theme shows up in an aunt/niece relationship which is also meaningful to me because of my strong relationships with both of my nieces. To me, this was all bittersweet and delicious.
So with all this gushing, you'd think there's be five stars up there, right?
Well, not quite.
I had two problems with this book, one that Suzanne is probably tired of hearing about and the other that re-manifested while reading this published, printed, real-life version.
First: Naomi.
I have always had a problem with Naomi. I know why she's there, her story is important in that it gives another side to what we wouldn't get from Wyn's or Byrd's perspectives. However, she never seemed to fit in. Her parts kick me out of the narrative and I wind up feeling I'm reading something entirely different.
Funny aside: After this went to publication, Suzanne told me (this is not verbatim), "Oh, I figured out how to fix the problem with Naomi" and I was all, "HOW? She's IMPOSSIBLE!" and she told me and I said, "Riiiight. Yes! That is exactly what would have fixed the whole thing." Unfortunately, it was too late and Naomi got to stay and she continues to irk me.
Second: The Mystery.
Specifically the Carter/Paddy part of The Mystery. I followed everything else except for how those two play into it; they create more suspicion in my mind, more questions, more "Wait, no...that doesn't make sense because..." Chapter 29 is my least favorite; to me, it seemed like a weak link, a glossed-over explanation but one that isn't satisfying. I mean, I know what it means and where it's going but it didn't convince me, didn't give me the feeling of "Yes. This is exactly right and everything just fell into place. Mystery solved!"
I don't have a lot of scribbles in my Book of Manuscript Notes during that part so I don't know what I felt the first few times I looked at it but Carter/Paddy felt weak and wobbly this time around.
Two minor things but they're enough to keep that fifth star at bay.
These are issues that may not bother other readers. If none of that sounds troublesome to you and you love light mysteries cushioned in tales of families, ghosts, addiction, unhealthy relationships, coming home, finding oneself, and some soft romance (not soft-core "romance", just soft romance) I strongly suggest reading this, perhaps during summer vacation while lying in a hammock under some trees.
____________________
Original thoughts:
I cannot wait for this to come out in real-time. I need to read the end product before I give any stars because I need to see how it really looks on paper before I give my final thoughts. I can tell you, though, it will be 4 or 5 stars.
At this point, I can recommend this story to those who love Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, readers who liked the ambience of The Secret Life of Bees even though this is nothing like that, really, except for the folks with problems who live in the south and love the land around them, and, as with The Witch of Little Italy, fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Adriana Trigiani.
April 7, 2015
I am now officially a HUGE fan of Suzanne Palmieri. I read The Witch of Little Italy and was so intrigued and pleased that I had to get Belladonna Bay right after I was done. This book to me, far exceeds The Witch of Little Italy..
I, like many, adore books set in the South. I live in Oregon and have never set foot in the South. Thanks to Dorthea Benton Frank, Anne Rivers Siddons, Pat Conroy, and Mary Alice Monroe I am so enchanted by the Souths' love of their land, their customs, and their past.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay has everything I could want in a book. A heroine who is flawed, feisty, and lost. Like most Chick Lit books about the South, this is a story about going home. Only home has a mysterious island, ghosts galore, magic, addiction, a murder mystery, a lost love, and strained Mother/Daughter relationship....
You will fall in love with Byrd, the young girl who is contains so much mystery and magic that it is hard to remember she is a little girl. I was fascinated by her characters and pray she makes an appearance in future books.
And let me tell you, any future books written by Suzanne Palmieri will be pre ordered the minute it is released. If you are in that stage where you just want to read something so good you cannot stand to go to work, or cook dinner... this is the one to get. Then let me know if you loved it as much as I did.
Edit... I just changed my rating from four to five stars because I have found myself thinking of this book and have pre ordered this Authors New book! Since its been 7 months and I've read nearly 70 books since I believe a five star rating is deserved.
I, like many, adore books set in the South. I live in Oregon and have never set foot in the South. Thanks to Dorthea Benton Frank, Anne Rivers Siddons, Pat Conroy, and Mary Alice Monroe I am so enchanted by the Souths' love of their land, their customs, and their past.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay has everything I could want in a book. A heroine who is flawed, feisty, and lost. Like most Chick Lit books about the South, this is a story about going home. Only home has a mysterious island, ghosts galore, magic, addiction, a murder mystery, a lost love, and strained Mother/Daughter relationship....
You will fall in love with Byrd, the young girl who is contains so much mystery and magic that it is hard to remember she is a little girl. I was fascinated by her characters and pray she makes an appearance in future books.
And let me tell you, any future books written by Suzanne Palmieri will be pre ordered the minute it is released. If you are in that stage where you just want to read something so good you cannot stand to go to work, or cook dinner... this is the one to get. Then let me know if you loved it as much as I did.
Edit... I just changed my rating from four to five stars because I have found myself thinking of this book and have pre ordered this Authors New book! Since its been 7 months and I've read nearly 70 books since I believe a five star rating is deserved.
March 5, 2016
Bronwyn is called home to take care of her niece Byrd while getting to the bottom of the murder her brother is accused of. Along the way she needs to deal with all the reasons why she ran away from home at 17 while at the same time try keeping her family together.
The story is told in first person from the main characters Bronwyn, her niece Bryd and her dead mother Naomi.
Most of the characters were well described and relatable but I had a little bit of a problem with Byrd.
Now she is the quintessential sassy southern girl on the brink of womanhood. Running wild, mouthing off to anyone who dares cross her, while just waiting for someone to see past the hard front and love her. I have come across versions of Byrd in other southern books but in this story Byrd was just a little bit too much of everything. She is too precocious, too wise for her years. It started grating on me a bit just how much her community allowed her to get away with. If felt forced. Yes I know this story is full of magic and you need to be able to suspend your disbelief a little but somehow I could never completely immerse myself into this story.
The ending also felt a bit mashed up and not worth the build-up that preceded it.
This book is full of southern charm and magic – I normally love both these elements but somehow it didn’t completely work for me.
The story is told in first person from the main characters Bronwyn, her niece Bryd and her dead mother Naomi.
Most of the characters were well described and relatable but I had a little bit of a problem with Byrd.
Now she is the quintessential sassy southern girl on the brink of womanhood. Running wild, mouthing off to anyone who dares cross her, while just waiting for someone to see past the hard front and love her. I have come across versions of Byrd in other southern books but in this story Byrd was just a little bit too much of everything. She is too precocious, too wise for her years. It started grating on me a bit just how much her community allowed her to get away with. If felt forced. Yes I know this story is full of magic and you need to be able to suspend your disbelief a little but somehow I could never completely immerse myself into this story.
The ending also felt a bit mashed up and not worth the build-up that preceded it.
This book is full of southern charm and magic – I normally love both these elements but somehow it didn’t completely work for me.
May 30, 2014
Another magical masterpiece by Suzanne Palmieri...I am a huge fan of all of Suzanne's books. Loved, loved, loved the Witch of Little Italy. And if I didn't know any better, I'd say Suzanne was following me around. Because I lived in NY, and while I can't prove it was an Amore sister, I did go to have my cards read a few times by a little old Italian lady in a smock who got up from the cards once or twice to go stir the vat of sauce in the kitchen. And having transplanted to Florida, and just finished the Witch of BellaDonna Bay, which just happens to take place in the South. And the magic in the South feels different, it's deeper, earthier. I loved this book. There was so much of "me" in it, I identified with many of the characters and situations. (I've collected mermaids for most of my life, too, go figure...) I think that's why I love SP's writing, her books speak to me. The characters are wonderful, average,and (like most of us) flawed. The mystery unfolds through their different narrations. It kept me completely spellbound. The themes of love, loss, the fact that everyone is both good and evil, learning to forgive, to live with your mistakes and regrets..they are the things most of us struggle with in our daily , dare I say, mundane lives. That's also what I appreciate about Suzanne's stories...the magic is such a natural part of life. She reminds me that even in a "mundane" life, magic exists. You don't have to "glow" to realize that you've made a serious connection with another human. Maybe you DO glow, and maybe that's what love is. Magic. Oh I just gave myself goosebumps.
Many of the published reviews I've seen put this book on their "Summer Reads" list. And while I can't deny it's a wonderful book to read at the beach or poolside (with a nice cold beverage, of course) it's not your "typical" summer reading fare. It's more substantial, a book you will think about for a long time. At least I know I will.
Many of the published reviews I've seen put this book on their "Summer Reads" list. And while I can't deny it's a wonderful book to read at the beach or poolside (with a nice cold beverage, of course) it's not your "typical" summer reading fare. It's more substantial, a book you will think about for a long time. At least I know I will.
January 1, 2015
"I was Southern Belle mixed with rattlesnake. My venom hurt people."
Bronwyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen is a layered character who is pretty normal considering the dysfunction she found herself growing up around. Not only was the relationship with her parents a source of heartache and contempt but growing up with "shine" in her blood didn't make things any easier. When she goes back to her hometown after 14 long years away, Brownwyn is forced to confront her past in order to not only save her brother from his wrongful imprisonment but to protect her precocious niece, Byrd, from forces supernatural and otherwise threatening to hurt her.
While this is a departure from the romance-fueled books I read I found myself enjoying this story for the magic and suspense and the whodunit style of the story. Not only was I constantly second guessing what was going to happen but I found myself pleasantly shocked and heartbroken over the twists that Brownwyn, Byrd and the rest of the Whalen family encountered along this journey.
One of the biggest strengths of this novel, besides Byrd, Bronwyn's precocious niece, was the Southern-Gothic tone in which this story was told. Lush in imagery, Magnolia Creek felt like a place I could have visited based on descriptions alone. I found myself wanting to sit on a a wrap-around porch, sippin' sweet tea as I read along.
I did have a few issues that I ultimately feel could have been resolved had I read previous novels this author wrote that touched on other characters featured in this book. I feel like I didn't exactly grasp the true understanding of Brownwyn's "shine" or magic. It was more or less explained on the vague side of things and I had to re-read a few key parts to make sure I didn't miss out on what exactly was going on. Also the multiple POV's, including a few from Brownwyn's dead mother, while informative kind of took me out of the present story.
Despite a few hickups and a lack of romance (I can't help it. There was romance but a little more would have went a long way) I really enjoyed this book. Not only did I enjoy the author's writing style but the characters, especially Byrd, were well written and full of depth and the story constantly kept me on my toes. The Witch of Belladonna Bay is a story about family and forgiveness with a touch of magic and a hint of Southern charm.
4 stars*
*ARC provided by St. Martins Griffin in exchange for an honest review*
April 8, 2014
*GoodReads Giveaway*
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to read such amazing books. So I was very happy with this book that I needed to write my review in Tagalog, here it goes....Madami na ako nabasa lalo na about people with strange ways pero this one is different hindi puro magic but also talked about relationship with family hindi puro imbento. Siguro ung iba hindi naniniwala sa hula pero sabi nga nila you have to believe for it to work.I was lucky to be given an Arc copy and I really love it.
*SPOILER!!FF are lines from the book:*
-Nothing you ever worry over actually happens. It's the trouble you aren't expecting that gets you.
-The things we hold closest to our hearts are the things we just can't seem to see.
-Whatever a person does,they should have a second chance at happiness and redemption. As long as they remember it ain't about other people. It's about forgiving yourself from the inside out.
-EVERYONE HAS A DARK SIDE.
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to read such amazing books. So I was very happy with this book that I needed to write my review in Tagalog, here it goes....Madami na ako nabasa lalo na about people with strange ways pero this one is different hindi puro magic but also talked about relationship with family hindi puro imbento. Siguro ung iba hindi naniniwala sa hula pero sabi nga nila you have to believe for it to work.I was lucky to be given an Arc copy and I really love it.
*SPOILER!!FF are lines from the book:*
-Nothing you ever worry over actually happens. It's the trouble you aren't expecting that gets you.
-The things we hold closest to our hearts are the things we just can't seem to see.
-Whatever a person does,they should have a second chance at happiness and redemption. As long as they remember it ain't about other people. It's about forgiving yourself from the inside out.
-EVERYONE HAS A DARK SIDE.
April 8, 2017
Of I could give this book six stars, I would. It's an absolutely beautiful literary work and it's one if those amazing books that sticks with you. I learned something from this book. Something about love, something about family, something about loyalty, and something about trust. The different perspectives are Ms. Palmieri's hallmark, and she does it with such grace and ease. I loved this book. Simply and truly.
March 3, 2014
Fans of Suzanne Palmieri will not be disappointed with her forthcoming novel. The lovely, magical feel to her writing is still front and center in The Witch of Belladonna Bay, and Palmieri brings us on a new journey of discovery and learning to love oneself - this time with a bit of mystery.
This is the third novel from Suzanne Palmieri, the second published under her name, and each story gets better and better.
This is the third novel from Suzanne Palmieri, the second published under her name, and each story gets better and better.
October 28, 2017
Forced at times. Things wrapped up just a little tooooo smoothly. Byrd seemed much older than her years. But there were some deep thoughts interwoven which struck a chord in me. And I do like a story with ghosts.
October 2, 2019
An engrossing read about magic, families & things we do...or don't do...for love.
The story is told by three characters:
Wyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen, returns to Magnolia Creek, Alabama after 14 years away. With no contact with her family in that time, she comes home to find her brother Patrick imprisoned for murder & with an eleven-year-old niece to care for...
...niece Byrd is a wild spirit & the magic that has come down through the maternal line is strong in her.
Finally Naomi, Wyn's mother, tells her story from beyond the grave.
The mystical theme works beautifully throughout the story as aunt & niece try & solve the murder & get Patrick exonerated from a crime they know he could not have committed. As well as the magic that weaves in & out, there's other hints of the supernatural. Naomi isn't the only ghost residing in the Whalen's home & I particularly liked Mary, the little girl forever stirring gumbo. And what about the mysterious mist that hangs over Belladonna Bay....
A lovely story about family, forgiveness & the power of love...& magic of course! Just slightly disappointed that the author decided to end it the way she did for Wyn.
The story is told by three characters:
Wyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen, returns to Magnolia Creek, Alabama after 14 years away. With no contact with her family in that time, she comes home to find her brother Patrick imprisoned for murder & with an eleven-year-old niece to care for...
...niece Byrd is a wild spirit & the magic that has come down through the maternal line is strong in her.
Finally Naomi, Wyn's mother, tells her story from beyond the grave.
The mystical theme works beautifully throughout the story as aunt & niece try & solve the murder & get Patrick exonerated from a crime they know he could not have committed. As well as the magic that weaves in & out, there's other hints of the supernatural. Naomi isn't the only ghost residing in the Whalen's home & I particularly liked Mary, the little girl forever stirring gumbo. And what about the mysterious mist that hangs over Belladonna Bay....
A lovely story about family, forgiveness & the power of love...& magic of course! Just slightly disappointed that the author decided to end it the way she did for Wyn.
October 12, 2019
This is the second book I've read by Suzanne Palmieri, and thankfully I enjoyed this one more than The Witch of Little Italy.
Byrd is a spitfire, and a fierce character, she's probably my favorite, followed by the calm assuredness of Minny.
Jackson, Wyn's father is probably my least favorite, because he drinks his way through life and that's no way to live.
The two books I've read so far by this author have had shrouds of secrecy and mystery. This one seems more sinister than in the prior book I read. It did keep me guessing for a bit, just because I was so engrossed in the bond between Wyn and Byrd, and their magic.
There are some plot holes for me, like Ben supposedly being Bronwyn's caretaker. Minerva was Wyn's mother's caretaker and never left, but Ben does leave. I get why he would, because of the circumstances that happen toward the end of the story, but if Caretakers aren't meant to leave, then he shouldn't have.
Plus I really don't like the plot point of baby Jamie. I can't say more without spoiling the story, but I think it's wierd.
The darkness of some of the story could bother some people, but it makes for a good read. While this wasn't spectacular, I enjoyed the slow, Southern setting and the interweaving of magic.
Byrd is a spitfire, and a fierce character, she's probably my favorite, followed by the calm assuredness of Minny.
Jackson, Wyn's father is probably my least favorite, because he drinks his way through life and that's no way to live.
The two books I've read so far by this author have had shrouds of secrecy and mystery. This one seems more sinister than in the prior book I read. It did keep me guessing for a bit, just because I was so engrossed in the bond between Wyn and Byrd, and their magic.
There are some plot holes for me, like Ben supposedly being Bronwyn's caretaker. Minerva was Wyn's mother's caretaker and never left, but Ben does leave. I get why he would, because of the circumstances that happen toward the end of the story, but if Caretakers aren't meant to leave, then he shouldn't have.
Plus I really don't like the plot point of baby Jamie. I can't say more without spoiling the story, but I think it's wierd.
The darkness of some of the story could bother some people, but it makes for a good read. While this wasn't spectacular, I enjoyed the slow, Southern setting and the interweaving of magic.
May 3, 2014
I just stumbled across Suzanne Palmieri from another authors posting on Facebook and have now read all 3 of her books: I'll be Seeing You, The Witch of Little Italy. She is fantastic. Her stories are rich and painted with wonderful colors that make them come alive. I feel like I felt when I was a child and listened to the radio....Visualization is so important when you read, and very few authors accomplish this..... I want to have dinner on the porch of the Big House, sleep in the play house that Byrd fixed up, dance with the fireflies barefoot in the grass. Magic, pure magic! Thank you for another wonderful book. Not to mention that these wonderful people are added to my family....How lucky am I .
June 2, 2014
Such a wonderful book.. I never wanted it to end. I would have been content just hearing about the rest of their lives.. It broke my heart at times but yet made me happy all over again.. I was impressed by Suzanne's writing abilities and I cannot wait to get my hands on her other novels.
'It seems to me, that whatever a person does, they should have a second chance in happiness and redemption. As long as they remember it ain't about other people. It's about forgiving yourself from the inside out.'
'It seems to me, that whatever a person does, they should have a second chance in happiness and redemption. As long as they remember it ain't about other people. It's about forgiving yourself from the inside out.'
May 13, 2014
Suzanne Palmieri has done it again in her second book of The Lost Witch Series! A spellbinding tale set in the backdrop of the romantic (and hauntingly mystical) south, full of quirky and kooky characters--You will simply fall in love with little Byrd Whalen. A poignant tale which will have you giggling, squirming, and tearing up in ALL the right spots!!!!
June 28, 2014
As I neared the end of the book, I found myself with a satisfied feeling, thinking "this is my kind of book." The characters are so well drawn, so detailed, without being over-wrought. The magic is perfect and the essence of living in the south is, well, also perfect. The turns of phrase, the ease and acceptance of the people all echoed my own experience perfectly. This book is a treasure.
August 15, 2018
It was an easy read but the story jumped around and left some loose threads. It also had questionable plot lines and incidents, like serving bourbon to children, children murdering other children with belladonna, incest, and money solving everything. I didn’t dislike it; I just didn’t like it. Neutral.
April 14, 2014
I won this book through Good Reads. I loved this book! It's full of spirits and people who can talk to spirits, of magic and murder but also love and forgiveness. I plan on reading Suzanne Palmieri's earlier books because of this book!
May 23, 2014
Love, magic, home, surrender, compassion. And a murder mystery.
Reading Suzanne's work is like taking a master class. It is delicious.
Reading Suzanne's work is like taking a master class. It is delicious.
June 26, 2021
I have no idea where I even got this book but it has been sitting in a pile of books I just carry from one place to the other and FINALLY I started reading this pile of books as it literally contains the last physical books I own...I am down to one final book after this. Anyway, this was a great time for me to read this book as it appears to be about the general area I just moved to a month ago. If I had read it earlier, I would have no idea about the places the author talks about. As it is, right when I was reading it, my husband and I took a drive to Gulf Shores and I got to go through some of the areas in the book and I got to see the house at the end of 49 which is where the house in the book was supposed to be. It isn't somebody's house in real life but a place people can visit...I will go one day because I have a feeling Esther the tree might also really exist. :) Anyway, I loved the book and I loved the characters...I will be adding more books by this author. :)
June 11, 2014
Four stars: A beautifully written, magical story that reminds us we are all flawed, and no matter how far you run, your roots will find you.
Wyn has spent the last fourteen years running far away from the South and from the pain of her life. After Wyn's mother died, she was constantly on the move, until she found Ben. For the past seven years, Wyn has lived comfortably and at peace in the North. She hasn't seen or spoken to her family since the night she left, even though her father sends her money and a letter every month. Everything changes when the phone rings. Jackson, Wyn's dad, calls to tell her she must come home. Her younger brother, Paddy, is in jail for supposedly murdering Wyn's one time best friend. Jackson needs Wyn to come home and sort out the mess and help him take care of Byrd, the niece she has never met. Can Wyn return home?
What I Liked:
*This is my first book by Ms. Palmieri and I don't think it will be my last. I was enchanted by the lovely, true to life writing. This is a character driven book with a bit of magical realism that exposes how we are all flawed, and that we all have the propensity for great love and happiness or evil and sadness. Good and evil do walk hand and hand. A beautifully written story that you should experience for yourself.
*The characters are the heart and soul of this book. Wyn and Byrd will take your hand and pull you into their world. Byrd especially has a voice like no other. At eleven years old, Byrd is wise far beyond her years, precocious, unique and magical. Byrd is unlike anything other character, she is charming and obnoxious, lovable and irritating all in the same package. She has a magical soul which allows her to read minds and see the future. I was drawn to Byrd's unique voice and I loved getting to know her. Wyn, on the other hand, is a lost woman. One who has run far away and tried to forget her past and her roots, but the problem is you can't forget your roots, and they will come calling. Once Wyn returns home, she must confront the pain of the past and let go of her hard feelings toward her family. She must fix things for the brother she promised to always take care of, and once again come face to face with her first love. As Byrd and Wyn come together, they learn to love, forgive and live. It was easy to completely fall in love with these two characters. Alongside, Wyn and Byrd is Naomi, a ghost, and the mother of Wyn. Naomi has been trapped since her death, trying to make amends for the mistakes in her life. She was all kinds of interesting.
*I enjoyed the setting. This is set in a small Alabama town with plenty of mystery, magic and superstition. I liked the lore and legend surrounding Belladonna Island and the stories regarding the mist. I am always charmed by books set in the Deep South and this one was no exception to that rule. How I would love to spend an afternoon nestled beneath Esther the ancient Magnolia tree.
*The murder mystery while strong ends up playing second fiddle to the character driven plot. After getting to know the three women, I did find myself invested in trying to figure out who murdered Charlotte. While this story line seemed more like an after thought, it was suspenseful, and I was puzzled as to who committed the crime until I reached the shocking reveal.
*The ending wraps everything up with no dangling questions or loose ends. The book closes on a happy positive note that will leave you feeling good. I so appreciate a nice solid ending.
And The Not So Much:
*I struggled a bit with the romance. Even though I could see the why and how, I thought it came out of nowhere and I was a bit perplexed by the way it all worked out. The romantic aspect is an afterthought and it is not the focus of the story, so not a big deal.
*I didn't have a complete grasp on the role of the keepers. I didn't understand how they were chosen, and what their task was? Finally, why could Ben leave was his job done?
*The whole thing with Carter was a bit weird too. I didn't quite get the why and how of that whole situation at the end.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay is a beautifully written, character driven novel that explores what it means to come home, face your past, forgive and learn to live and love again. If you enjoy books with gorgeous writing and strong characters with a dash of magic, this is a must read.
I was in awe of the writing!
Favorite Quotations:
"Everyone has a dark side. I can see it like a shadow behind them all the time."
"I'd loved him with no safety net."
"We can change anything if we are brave enough to make hard decisions."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Wyn has spent the last fourteen years running far away from the South and from the pain of her life. After Wyn's mother died, she was constantly on the move, until she found Ben. For the past seven years, Wyn has lived comfortably and at peace in the North. She hasn't seen or spoken to her family since the night she left, even though her father sends her money and a letter every month. Everything changes when the phone rings. Jackson, Wyn's dad, calls to tell her she must come home. Her younger brother, Paddy, is in jail for supposedly murdering Wyn's one time best friend. Jackson needs Wyn to come home and sort out the mess and help him take care of Byrd, the niece she has never met. Can Wyn return home?
What I Liked:
*This is my first book by Ms. Palmieri and I don't think it will be my last. I was enchanted by the lovely, true to life writing. This is a character driven book with a bit of magical realism that exposes how we are all flawed, and that we all have the propensity for great love and happiness or evil and sadness. Good and evil do walk hand and hand. A beautifully written story that you should experience for yourself.
*The characters are the heart and soul of this book. Wyn and Byrd will take your hand and pull you into their world. Byrd especially has a voice like no other. At eleven years old, Byrd is wise far beyond her years, precocious, unique and magical. Byrd is unlike anything other character, she is charming and obnoxious, lovable and irritating all in the same package. She has a magical soul which allows her to read minds and see the future. I was drawn to Byrd's unique voice and I loved getting to know her. Wyn, on the other hand, is a lost woman. One who has run far away and tried to forget her past and her roots, but the problem is you can't forget your roots, and they will come calling. Once Wyn returns home, she must confront the pain of the past and let go of her hard feelings toward her family. She must fix things for the brother she promised to always take care of, and once again come face to face with her first love. As Byrd and Wyn come together, they learn to love, forgive and live. It was easy to completely fall in love with these two characters. Alongside, Wyn and Byrd is Naomi, a ghost, and the mother of Wyn. Naomi has been trapped since her death, trying to make amends for the mistakes in her life. She was all kinds of interesting.
*I enjoyed the setting. This is set in a small Alabama town with plenty of mystery, magic and superstition. I liked the lore and legend surrounding Belladonna Island and the stories regarding the mist. I am always charmed by books set in the Deep South and this one was no exception to that rule. How I would love to spend an afternoon nestled beneath Esther the ancient Magnolia tree.
*The murder mystery while strong ends up playing second fiddle to the character driven plot. After getting to know the three women, I did find myself invested in trying to figure out who murdered Charlotte. While this story line seemed more like an after thought, it was suspenseful, and I was puzzled as to who committed the crime until I reached the shocking reveal.
*The ending wraps everything up with no dangling questions or loose ends. The book closes on a happy positive note that will leave you feeling good. I so appreciate a nice solid ending.
And The Not So Much:
*I struggled a bit with the romance. Even though I could see the why and how, I thought it came out of nowhere and I was a bit perplexed by the way it all worked out. The romantic aspect is an afterthought and it is not the focus of the story, so not a big deal.
*I didn't have a complete grasp on the role of the keepers. I didn't understand how they were chosen, and what their task was? Finally, why could Ben leave was his job done?
*The whole thing with Carter was a bit weird too. I didn't quite get the why and how of that whole situation at the end.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay is a beautifully written, character driven novel that explores what it means to come home, face your past, forgive and learn to live and love again. If you enjoy books with gorgeous writing and strong characters with a dash of magic, this is a must read.
I was in awe of the writing!
Favorite Quotations:
"Everyone has a dark side. I can see it like a shadow behind them all the time."
"I'd loved him with no safety net."
"We can change anything if we are brave enough to make hard decisions."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 23, 2014
If it had not been for my participating in the BookSparks 2014 Summer Reading Challenge, I would not have likely encountered Suzanne Palmieri's The Witch of Belladonna Bay. I don't typically gravitate towards mysteries or stories with supernatural elements and Palmieri's story has both, with a heavy dose of family drama thrown in for good measure.
The story follows Bronwyn, a photographer living in New York, who has been called home to Alabama to take care of her eleven year old niece, Byrd, after Byrd's father has been jailed for murder. As a teenager, Bronwyn ran far away from her life in Alabama, which included a mother who died of an opium overdose and an alcoholic father. To add another layer of trouble, the females in Bronwyn's family are witches and have various powers that they wish to keep concealed. When Bronwyn returns home, she becomes a mother figure to the free-spirited, wild-child Byrd and tries to absolve her brother of the murder that he did not commit.
There is a lot going on in this story. It's definitely not short of either characters or plot. If anything, Palmieri could have scaled back on both to make a stronger story. I'm still not sure why Bronwyn's fiancé from New York, Ben, was critical to the story? I also didn't need to know all of the information about Byrd's mother. It was too much excess to keep track of and it bogged down the pacing. The style frequently shifted as well. Sometimes it was incredibly serious and at other times, it read like a soft-boiled detective novel. I wish that it had erred more on the side of serious literature.
What I really enjoyed about the story was the beautiful setting of Alabama and Belladonna Bay. There are lush descriptions in this very atmospheric novel. It's often beautiful. I really loved both Bronwyn and Byrd as individuals and their relationship to one another. I was very close to my aunt who recently passed away and reading this story about the relationship between an aunt and niece, had a healing element for me. Byrd, with her eccentricity, is a fun character. I could tell that Palmieri really cared about these characters and the world that she has created, it shone through in her writing.
I wanted more backstory scenes with Bronwyn as a child. These were my favorite parts of the story. Palmieri has set up such a rich family history plagued with very serious problems, that I wanted more here and less of the present. The murder mystery was far less interesting than the emotional content of the story.
Overall, this was a good book. Palmieri is now on my radar and if the subject matter caught my eye, I would give another book of hers a shot. I would recommend The Witch of Belladonna Bay as a vacation summer read. You'll want to take this and read it while sunbathing poolside with a cocktail, preferably something with bourbon.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
The story follows Bronwyn, a photographer living in New York, who has been called home to Alabama to take care of her eleven year old niece, Byrd, after Byrd's father has been jailed for murder. As a teenager, Bronwyn ran far away from her life in Alabama, which included a mother who died of an opium overdose and an alcoholic father. To add another layer of trouble, the females in Bronwyn's family are witches and have various powers that they wish to keep concealed. When Bronwyn returns home, she becomes a mother figure to the free-spirited, wild-child Byrd and tries to absolve her brother of the murder that he did not commit.
There is a lot going on in this story. It's definitely not short of either characters or plot. If anything, Palmieri could have scaled back on both to make a stronger story. I'm still not sure why Bronwyn's fiancé from New York, Ben, was critical to the story? I also didn't need to know all of the information about Byrd's mother. It was too much excess to keep track of and it bogged down the pacing. The style frequently shifted as well. Sometimes it was incredibly serious and at other times, it read like a soft-boiled detective novel. I wish that it had erred more on the side of serious literature.
What I really enjoyed about the story was the beautiful setting of Alabama and Belladonna Bay. There are lush descriptions in this very atmospheric novel. It's often beautiful. I really loved both Bronwyn and Byrd as individuals and their relationship to one another. I was very close to my aunt who recently passed away and reading this story about the relationship between an aunt and niece, had a healing element for me. Byrd, with her eccentricity, is a fun character. I could tell that Palmieri really cared about these characters and the world that she has created, it shone through in her writing.
I wanted more backstory scenes with Bronwyn as a child. These were my favorite parts of the story. Palmieri has set up such a rich family history plagued with very serious problems, that I wanted more here and less of the present. The murder mystery was far less interesting than the emotional content of the story.
Overall, this was a good book. Palmieri is now on my radar and if the subject matter caught my eye, I would give another book of hers a shot. I would recommend The Witch of Belladonna Bay as a vacation summer read. You'll want to take this and read it while sunbathing poolside with a cocktail, preferably something with bourbon.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
June 18, 2014
Oh, my gosh, stunning. The writing had a mystical quality to it, haunting at times, dreamlike and with a subtle tension held throughout the telling of the tale. THE WITCH OF BELLADONNA BAY is a story of love, forgiveness, fear, and redemption; a story of things “obtuse” and things long-buried; a story about coming home to face your past.
At the center of the story are two characters, both with varying degrees of mystical powers called “shine.” Bronwyn “BitsyWyn” Whalen, and a little girl named Byrd share alternating chapters, interrupted a few times with passages from a deceased relative, Bronwyn’s mother, Naomi, who died of an opium overdose. Tragedy follows the Whalen family and the death of Charlotte “Lottie” and the implicated murderer shake the family like never before.
Having left her home in Magnolia Creek fourteen years ago, Bronwyn must return to play mother to eleven-year-old Byrd while trying to solve the murder of her childhood best friend, Lottie, and free her brother, Paddy, who is implicated in the murder.
The mist that covers Belladonna Bay island haunts everyone and hovers over the story like an ominous entity. The mist as story device was well-executed culminating in observations about love, fear and curses. I also enjoyed references to Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s THE LITTLE PRINCE woven throughout.
I was mesmerized by this book and hung on every word trying to figure out what happened on that fateful night. The chapters (I think there were only three?) written from Naomi’s point-of-view felt a bit out-of-place in a book that bounced nicely back and forth between Bronwyn and Byrd. I would have preferred the Naomi chapters be lifted. That said, I loved the play on mermaids and pirates in the passages about Naomi and her husband Jackson. I also wondered how essential the Ben character was to the story, but I didn’t wonder about that much. He was very charming and served to anchor us in Bronwyn’s present life before she was called back home.
It was a powerful read alternating between the tormented Bronwyn playing the reluctant sleuth and the seemingly innocent Byrd’s view of the world. As a child and therefore ‘unreliable narrator,’ Byrd was drawn at times as innocent as her young age; at other times, more wise than the adults in the tale. The use of a child as a main character was provocative because it stood in juxtaposition to our views of good and bad in this world.
Wonderful summer read. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To see the complete review or to discover more great books, visit my book blog at www.julievalerie.com
At the center of the story are two characters, both with varying degrees of mystical powers called “shine.” Bronwyn “BitsyWyn” Whalen, and a little girl named Byrd share alternating chapters, interrupted a few times with passages from a deceased relative, Bronwyn’s mother, Naomi, who died of an opium overdose. Tragedy follows the Whalen family and the death of Charlotte “Lottie” and the implicated murderer shake the family like never before.
Having left her home in Magnolia Creek fourteen years ago, Bronwyn must return to play mother to eleven-year-old Byrd while trying to solve the murder of her childhood best friend, Lottie, and free her brother, Paddy, who is implicated in the murder.
The mist that covers Belladonna Bay island haunts everyone and hovers over the story like an ominous entity. The mist as story device was well-executed culminating in observations about love, fear and curses. I also enjoyed references to Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s THE LITTLE PRINCE woven throughout.
I was mesmerized by this book and hung on every word trying to figure out what happened on that fateful night. The chapters (I think there were only three?) written from Naomi’s point-of-view felt a bit out-of-place in a book that bounced nicely back and forth between Bronwyn and Byrd. I would have preferred the Naomi chapters be lifted. That said, I loved the play on mermaids and pirates in the passages about Naomi and her husband Jackson. I also wondered how essential the Ben character was to the story, but I didn’t wonder about that much. He was very charming and served to anchor us in Bronwyn’s present life before she was called back home.
It was a powerful read alternating between the tormented Bronwyn playing the reluctant sleuth and the seemingly innocent Byrd’s view of the world. As a child and therefore ‘unreliable narrator,’ Byrd was drawn at times as innocent as her young age; at other times, more wise than the adults in the tale. The use of a child as a main character was provocative because it stood in juxtaposition to our views of good and bad in this world.
Wonderful summer read. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To see the complete review or to discover more great books, visit my book blog at www.julievalerie.com
September 3, 2016
I’ve always been that type of person who believes that there is something more out there. By that I mean I never doubt the unknown. Sometimes there are things that can’t be explained and just are. This is why I really enjoyed The Witch of Belladonna Bay; it has love, family, mysteries and magic. Yes I said magic and by that it’s really just that whole aura of something else out there, however it’s not that spooky kind of scary but more mysterious.
It’s the story of Bronwyn and her return to her hometown to deal with the aftermath of her brothers’ arrest for killing her best friend. She hasn’t been home since her mother died and has never met her niece. She has this ability that she got from her mom and she doesn’t like it. She ran away after her mom died of basically an overdose and her dad isn’t any better since he’s an alcoholic.
She came back home to find the real reason and person who killed her old friend. There are a couple of people who could’ve done it. There’s her brother who was seeing her friend, Bronwyn’s ex who is her friends step brother and even her niece Byrd. Byrd is one of my favorite characters in this story. She has an ire of mystery to her; she has this magic as all the females in the family seen to have but her abilities seem to run the strongest. She sees things and can talk to dead people. While people in the small town love her they are also scared of her.
Wyn’s homecoming also has her having to deal with ghost of her mother. They never had the greatest of relationships. Wyn felt her mom loved her addiction more than her and her brother while her mom knows that she let the drugs take over her life. Her mother can’t rest until she tries to make up for her mistakes.
What I really enjoyed was the whole who done it. I love a good mystery, and this one has layers upon layers. Just when you think you figured something out, something surprises you. I LOVE IT!
Although this was a bit unconventional of a read for me it’s one I’m so glad I read. It’s a beautiful story and I love the whole family aspect of it. Nothing is more important than family rather good or bad they are the core of who we are. To mend the fractured pieces could be the start of a beautiful thing. This is one book that casts a wonderful spell of a tale that I know you will enjoy.
It’s the story of Bronwyn and her return to her hometown to deal with the aftermath of her brothers’ arrest for killing her best friend. She hasn’t been home since her mother died and has never met her niece. She has this ability that she got from her mom and she doesn’t like it. She ran away after her mom died of basically an overdose and her dad isn’t any better since he’s an alcoholic.
She came back home to find the real reason and person who killed her old friend. There are a couple of people who could’ve done it. There’s her brother who was seeing her friend, Bronwyn’s ex who is her friends step brother and even her niece Byrd. Byrd is one of my favorite characters in this story. She has an ire of mystery to her; she has this magic as all the females in the family seen to have but her abilities seem to run the strongest. She sees things and can talk to dead people. While people in the small town love her they are also scared of her.
Wyn’s homecoming also has her having to deal with ghost of her mother. They never had the greatest of relationships. Wyn felt her mom loved her addiction more than her and her brother while her mom knows that she let the drugs take over her life. Her mother can’t rest until she tries to make up for her mistakes.
What I really enjoyed was the whole who done it. I love a good mystery, and this one has layers upon layers. Just when you think you figured something out, something surprises you. I LOVE IT!
Although this was a bit unconventional of a read for me it’s one I’m so glad I read. It’s a beautiful story and I love the whole family aspect of it. Nothing is more important than family rather good or bad they are the core of who we are. To mend the fractured pieces could be the start of a beautiful thing. This is one book that casts a wonderful spell of a tale that I know you will enjoy.
January 29, 2016
I have a few disconnected thoughts about this book.
1. I'm not sure I ever really connected with any of the characters. Byrd's voice didn't really ring true for me and Bronwyn was a wimp. In this day and age (and it seemed like it was meant to take place in the present), how can you not keep up with your sibling in some way? Not seeing photos of Byrd on facebook? Not even texting and saying "Happy wedding day"? Seems to me that was pretty selfish of her.
2. There were a slew of lazy typos in this book. Whalen was spelled "Walen" at least once, commas were in place of periods and there was another word missing a letter that should have been caught by spellcheck. It made this book seem more amateur than it should have.
3. The Ben/Grant thing didn't really work for me either. Apparently she is in love with Grant all this time but hasn't really thought about him in 14 years? And Ben just kind of shows us, all of a sudden being a "caretaker" for Wyn the past seven years? And how could Wyn and Ben not talk about their pasts at all in that time? That didn't ring true to me either.
4. The Southern location was fun and I could hear the dialogue twanging in my head but I couldn't visualize Belladonna Bay. It was called an island, but it sounded like characters could simply walk over there. And now the mist that was over it is over the town? Odd. I guess the writing has to be really strong for me to love a magic-realism story.
5. The ending seemed weird to me too. Jamie killed his mom and then no one sees this little boy in more than 6 months even though he's back and forth collecting supplies from town? I just couldn't get behind a 12-year-old son killing his mom because she had "smelly feet."
1. I'm not sure I ever really connected with any of the characters. Byrd's voice didn't really ring true for me and Bronwyn was a wimp. In this day and age (and it seemed like it was meant to take place in the present), how can you not keep up with your sibling in some way? Not seeing photos of Byrd on facebook? Not even texting and saying "Happy wedding day"? Seems to me that was pretty selfish of her.
2. There were a slew of lazy typos in this book. Whalen was spelled "Walen" at least once, commas were in place of periods and there was another word missing a letter that should have been caught by spellcheck. It made this book seem more amateur than it should have.
3. The Ben/Grant thing didn't really work for me either. Apparently she is in love with Grant all this time but hasn't really thought about him in 14 years? And Ben just kind of shows us, all of a sudden being a "caretaker" for Wyn the past seven years? And how could Wyn and Ben not talk about their pasts at all in that time? That didn't ring true to me either.
4. The Southern location was fun and I could hear the dialogue twanging in my head but I couldn't visualize Belladonna Bay. It was called an island, but it sounded like characters could simply walk over there. And now the mist that was over it is over the town? Odd. I guess the writing has to be really strong for me to love a magic-realism story.
5. The ending seemed weird to me too. Jamie killed his mom and then no one sees this little boy in more than 6 months even though he's back and forth collecting supplies from town? I just couldn't get behind a 12-year-old son killing his mom because she had "smelly feet."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! I knew I would. I loved The Witch of Little Italy. In this novel, Palmieri writes even closer to my heart- in the south. Bronwyn left Alabama at age 16, the night of her mother's funeral. Daughter of a wealthy, privileged family plagued with addiction (her father to alcohol, her mother to opium), Bronwyn runs away from her life and the only people she has ever known and loved. She is also running away from a supernatural heritage- the women in her family are all witches. Fourteen years later, she is in a loving interracial relationship in upstate New York. A successful photojournalist, she has truly left her past life behind. Then, she gets a call from her father asking her to return home. Her brother has been sent to prison for murdering her best friend from childhood. Her niece, who possess more supernatural power than anyone knows how to handle, is running wild. Bronwyn returns to her childhood home to face the ghosts of her past (literally) and to find the truth that will set her brother free. In order to do this, she must face her past and accept her own supernatural abilities.
This is an amazing story, full of surprising twists and turns. The setting adds to the supernatural mystery. I could not put this book down! Palmieri's books are believable. The supernatural element blends flawlessly into the story, making it intriguing and intoxicating. Now for the sad part...we have to wait until she finishes the net one.
Read this book if...
*you love southern fiction
*you love books with a supernatural element
This is an amazing story, full of surprising twists and turns. The setting adds to the supernatural mystery. I could not put this book down! Palmieri's books are believable. The supernatural element blends flawlessly into the story, making it intriguing and intoxicating. Now for the sad part...we have to wait until she finishes the net one.
Read this book if...
*you love southern fiction
*you love books with a supernatural element
May 22, 2014
Tonight, I finished the book. I try to be brutally honest in my reviews because I do not want someone else to tell me what a great book they read and find it to be a disaster.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay is nowhere near a disaster. There are intricate plots at play from the past and present but it never jumps around where you do not know where you are. I really did try to read it slowly but I couldn't. I had to know what happened to the characters that I had an invested interest in. I had sat up late at night reading their story.
I cannot say anything bad about this book except that it would be nice to know what happens a few years later at Magnolia Creek when the characters are older. I can imagine them but I would never be able to tell the tale as well as Susanne Palmieri.
Thank you again for another immensely readable and truly enjoyable story.
Previously**********************************
This is silly but I am reading this book slowly. I want to savor each page because I know that there will be another one at some point - but not soon. I will start reading and then I think - I'd better stop and think about the plot or analyze the characters. I know - silly me. I just can't bear to finish it quickly.
The Witch of Belladonna Bay is nowhere near a disaster. There are intricate plots at play from the past and present but it never jumps around where you do not know where you are. I really did try to read it slowly but I couldn't. I had to know what happened to the characters that I had an invested interest in. I had sat up late at night reading their story.
I cannot say anything bad about this book except that it would be nice to know what happens a few years later at Magnolia Creek when the characters are older. I can imagine them but I would never be able to tell the tale as well as Susanne Palmieri.
Thank you again for another immensely readable and truly enjoyable story.
Previously**********************************
This is silly but I am reading this book slowly. I want to savor each page because I know that there will be another one at some point - but not soon. I will start reading and then I think - I'd better stop and think about the plot or analyze the characters. I know - silly me. I just can't bear to finish it quickly.
June 28, 2014
This is not a romance book, there is romance in the book but I would not call this romance. This is a story of magic and mystery. The mystery of who killed Charlotte is the main plot. There were a lot of twists and until almost the very end I did not have any idea who the killer was. I had many ideas, went through most of the characters, but never came up with who really did it until the very end.
I loved the characters and the special magic they all seemed to have. Byrd was of course my favorite. Such a precocious child, who was so much older than her years. She seemed to know everyone and what everyone was doing or, many times, going to do. I found myself wanting to pull her close and keep her safe. She needed a mother, since her died, to keep her out of the danger that seemed to be calling for her at every turn of the page. When Bronwyn returned to her home and to Byrd I was sure that this was the roll that Bronwyn would step into.
There was a lot happening in this novel, both with the characters and the plot. This is a story that I will recommend. Suzanne Palmieri is an author that I will be on the lookout for more from.
I loved the characters and the special magic they all seemed to have. Byrd was of course my favorite. Such a precocious child, who was so much older than her years. She seemed to know everyone and what everyone was doing or, many times, going to do. I found myself wanting to pull her close and keep her safe. She needed a mother, since her died, to keep her out of the danger that seemed to be calling for her at every turn of the page. When Bronwyn returned to her home and to Byrd I was sure that this was the roll that Bronwyn would step into.
There was a lot happening in this novel, both with the characters and the plot. This is a story that I will recommend. Suzanne Palmieri is an author that I will be on the lookout for more from.
May 19, 2014
What could be better for summer than a wtichy tale of mystery and romance set between the beautiful beaches of Alabama and the mystic coasts of the north eastern waters.
Though lighter than what I am normally inclined to read and with some things that make it good, rather than great, what caries the story is that Plmieri draws you into the characters and the mystery of the story.
Magic and ghosts are a very real part of this book, but so is the importance of finding and being true to one's self, the beauty and terror of eccentricity and the difficulty of familial realtionships.
I had the pleasure of tucking into this just before the weather broke into any sun, and found taht I deliberately left my copy at home so that I wouldn't be tempted to sneak away from my desk to read it when I ought to be working
Light, enchanting, told from viewpoints of the living and the dead but not yet moved on, this is a perfectly de*light*ful read for those hopping on a plane, sitting on the beach, or simply tucking their legs under a blanket on a cool summer evening.
Though lighter than what I am normally inclined to read and with some things that make it good, rather than great, what caries the story is that Plmieri draws you into the characters and the mystery of the story.
Magic and ghosts are a very real part of this book, but so is the importance of finding and being true to one's self, the beauty and terror of eccentricity and the difficulty of familial realtionships.
I had the pleasure of tucking into this just before the weather broke into any sun, and found taht I deliberately left my copy at home so that I wouldn't be tempted to sneak away from my desk to read it when I ought to be working
Light, enchanting, told from viewpoints of the living and the dead but not yet moved on, this is a perfectly de*light*ful read for those hopping on a plane, sitting on the beach, or simply tucking their legs under a blanket on a cool summer evening.
June 11, 2014
I. received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Bronwyn Whalen left home at the age of 17, after her mother passed away. She'd stayed away until she received a phone call from her father after 14 years. Her little brother was in a world of trouble, accused of murdering Wyn's best friend Lottie, and her son Jaime. Why returns home determined to prove her brother's innocence and take care of niece she's never met. Unfortunately,, in order to accomplish this, she needs to come to terms with her past, accept who she is and embrace the future.
This was a great story about redemption, forgiveness and love. I loved the stubbornness of the Whalen women. The mystery of who murdered Lottie kept me engrossed to the very end. It's a great story of embracing who you are, no matter how different that may be. A beautiful and bittersweet story of love and loss. One of the best summer reads thus far this year!
Bronwyn Whalen left home at the age of 17, after her mother passed away. She'd stayed away until she received a phone call from her father after 14 years. Her little brother was in a world of trouble, accused of murdering Wyn's best friend Lottie, and her son Jaime. Why returns home determined to prove her brother's innocence and take care of niece she's never met. Unfortunately,, in order to accomplish this, she needs to come to terms with her past, accept who she is and embrace the future.
This was a great story about redemption, forgiveness and love. I loved the stubbornness of the Whalen women. The mystery of who murdered Lottie kept me engrossed to the very end. It's a great story of embracing who you are, no matter how different that may be. A beautiful and bittersweet story of love and loss. One of the best summer reads thus far this year!
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