The Accidental Witch

The Accidental Witch #1

by Jessica Penot

Phaedra Michaels is a small town psychologist who is beginning to lose hope. Two of her patients at the local hospital in Dismal, Alabama have just killed themselves, she’s still reeling from her divorce and what turned out to be a disastrous marriage, and her father has died, leaving her without any notion of who her real mother is.

Just as Phaedra decides to commit herself to a serious drinking problem and an eating disorder, or two, a mysterious spell book arrives in the mail. Feeling desperate, Phaedra uses it to cast spells to save her fading patients. Suddenly, good things start happening. Phaedra’s patients begin to get better and she even starts dating the sexy doctor from the hospital.

Phaedra is so happy she doesn't notice the small things that start to go wrong in Dismal, or the dark creatures slithering out of the shadows near her house. When Phaedra finally realizes her spells have attracted every card-carrying demon from hell, she has no choice but to accept help from a slightly nerdy, 500 year-old warlock with a penchant for wearing super hero T-shirts and a knack for getting under Phaedra’s skin. Now, if only she could get the hang of this witch thing, she might be able to save her town.

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

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2013

About the author

I am a counselor and writer who lives in Alabama with my dogs, cats, children, and other strange creatures. I am an autistic therapist and autism advocate that loses herself in hyperfixations and glimmers and writes books about them.

Reviews

[Nan Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, creepy fun!

What a fun read. I loved how well Ms. Pinot drew the reader into the story, loved the gothic, southern atmosphere, loved the way the character of Phaedra grew and changed. I especially loved Fred and am desperately curious about his back story. I'm hoping there's a book two coming sooner or later. Preferably sooner! 😊

[Alysa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll be honest and say I didn't finish the book.

I was optimistic going in but from the first sign of bad editing my hope started to dwindle "I was one of five therapists....I never really saw the other five therapists..."

I wasn't comfortable with how she described her patients as crazies and her description of her overweight patient completely turned me off.

[Bookish Satty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.

Firstly I would like to thank the author and the tour organizers for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.

I really enjoyed reading this story a lot. The concept is great and the blurb interested me and I'm so glad to say that the whole story didn't disappoint me at all rather it fascinated me.

The world building is awesome and I really got involved in this story and became part of the fantastic surroundings that the author presented here through her skilled words and writing style.

The characters are great and after a long time I got to be a part of a woman's journey who isn't a teenager or a college goer and has some realistic problems rather than high school politics and plastic [mean girls] nemesis. The trouble and depression through which Phaedra is suffering made my heart ache for her and this fact made her more and more believable. A disastrous marriage and the load of work made her life hell until she got some magic spell books. Well that isn't unbelievable, right? Who knows someday maybe we would end up getting magic spell books mailed. LOL!!!

The concept is fresh and the suspense regarding the outcome of the spell usage on Phaedra's life as well as on the lives of the town people really kept me hooked in. Will Phaedra be able to get things on track? What will she do? Will the 500 year old Warlock be any good to get help from?

A whole lot of suspense and mystery will keep you busy and you'll turn the pages on and on till there is no more left to turn. I didn't want this story to end and really enjoyed a little detour than my usual teen reads and I would never ever regret my decision of picking up this awesome-sauce book. Go for it guys, you will love it!!!

[Anna Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see this being a great Charmed episode.

[Karin Corneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decided to give this one a shot as it was a .99 cent grab from Kobo. All things considered, it was actually a really good story. I was hooked from the first page and finished it rather qucikly. Why the 3 stars? Well, the writing bothered me a little. Best I can say is that it seemed very basic and was extremely repetitive in some areas. I also found the character development rather rushed, she seemed very accepting when she learned she was a witch and even more so when then news of her mother came about. I just didn't quite believe that's how things would have gone down. But hey, this is just my opinion. Overall, I really did enjoy it. It was a quick read that I jumped into and couldn't put down. Will I continue with the rest of the series, probably not. But all in all I enjoyed it.

[Stacey Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to "really like" this book but had to hold back a little due to the typos and grammatical errors. I'd give it a 3 1/2 if that was available. But just for the sake of entertainment, though, the sarcastic, humorous point of view of the protagonist and the unique setting of a medical/psychiatric situation for "magic" made it a quick, fun, and generally compelling read. In fact, I wouldn't mind a sequel to hear more of Fred's story and see what he has up his sleeve regarding Phaedra, magic, spells, witches, and warlocks all situated within the fairly innocuous setting of an everyday small town.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually averse to reading books with titles like this. There is so much trash out there written for emotion and softcore for women with titles like this. I must have gotten a good review somewhere and took a chance on this.
To my surprise, the story was well written with convincing elements of being a psychologist in a small town and all that entails and being give a fantastic gift that enables her to really help her patients. Of course, complications ensue but they are also intelligently handled with a story that moves smoothly along. While there are love interests, we are spared the kinds of purple prose I have read in other novels with names like this. Recommended.

[Margaret Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!

The Accidental Witch had me spellbound (pun intended). Phaedra just wants to help others. After receiving a spell book in the mail, she decides to see what will happen. Not believing at first that the spells will work, she casts a few spells to help her patients. When they do work, she casts more. She soon finds she is in over her head. With her friend Diane, and a warlock named Fred, they battle to save her small town of Dismal. Phae learns more about herself and her family than she wants. This story pulled me in and kept me wanting to finish it. Very different, but greatly written.

[Debb White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could use a editor, but we'll worth your time...

This is my first book by Me Penot but will differently not be my last. I was a little jaded and not sure I wanted to read another "witch" book. But this was so much more. I will have to agree with another reviewer who pointed out that all of the caricatures are shown to be good and bad, as well as having faults. I think I could relate to them better because of that. I have already purchased another of her books, Circe and am so looking forward to starting it.

[Sandra Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good Story

I have become wary of titles with 'witch' in them because they're often poorly written with a boring plot. This book is different: it's well plotted, has lively characters, and a thoroughly satisfying ending. I recommend this book for just plain entertainment.

[John Easom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware the responsibility of the magic within.

A lovely story that hints at an inner truth that we may, without realizing, have magic within us. Love for ourselves first and foremost allows us to use our magic for others. This is the hidden message that is ably told in this enjoyable tale.

[Janice E. Ryberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific story with witches and demons! 4.8 stars

I've enjoyed this story very much and had no expectations since I was not familiar with this author. Maybe that is why I am so excited; I love finding new authors! I hope you have a chance to enjoy this story and the colorful characters.

[Djilan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*
I enjoyed the book. At a certain moment I was expecting demons to pop up every second, so the tension was well built-up.

Pheadra her discovery of witchcraft and how it developed was nicely written. I do would like to know more about Fred. We just got a tip of the veil around him lifted and I'm ready to read more about him in book two :D

[Louis Henke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Witch is a great read. The story has many twists and turns that I never saw coming. I loved the way the characters develop and grow throughout the book. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something changed that kept me guessing. I highly recommend The Accidental Witch.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

Witches and demons, what a combination.

I liked the main characters. She is human, wanting to help people and her town.

I wonder if there will be more books following her and Fred's exploits.

[Marydelp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different witch story

I almost quit reading this book. Then the other witch joined the story and it got really interesting. Not your normal story. It will book your interest.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidental enjoyment

The story was a slow start, I almost stopped. The story line does take a good twist that kept my attention till the end. I would recommend this to someone seeking a light read.

[Rick Kargaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced

Dismal is a depressing name for the town which is the settling for most of this story. It sets a mood and highlights the uniqueness of the main characters home. A good fast paced paranormal novel.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Phoenix in Alabama

Phaedre is a mistreated woman with a PHD in psychology who works at an out of the way hospital helping the mentally needy to cope. She is in a rut until she receives a book of magical spells. This opens a can of worms that she must deal with.

[Loeta F Cardwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Provocative and interesting read with an unexpected ending. A young womans desire to help others reveals the truth about herself.

[mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Fun, tense, and mysterious! Loved it!

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Witch

Wow, what a strong story. It went from mild to explosive. To start the story seemed calm but it grew and grew strong. Very interesting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, interesting, already bought book 2

[Foxtofferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an easy and exciting read, I instantly got the second book after finishing.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stopped reading 50% through

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Witchy Romp

I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased the 2nd in series about halfway thru reading! Really fun story, well written, interesting heroine. Great for fans of Stookie Stackhouse series.

[Melanie Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Accidental Witch was a nice, easy read. It was fairly short, only 276 pages, and read very smoothly. I enjoyed the world that Jessica Penot created very much and would really like to see more of her work. However, it is a good thing I did not judge a book by its cover in this case. The concept for the cover was ok, but the artwork was kind of cheesy. But the cover doesn’t affect the story so let’s move on!

Phaedra Michaels is a middle aged, divorced, psychologist with very few friends, who has made mistakes in her past but hasn’t really been letting it her affect her too badly. Though she has been drinking a lot, stopped exercising, and apparently lives off of Animal Crackers and Diet Cola. Ok, maybe she’s been affected just a little bit. She focuses more on her patients health and happiness than she does on her own, which I can identify with because I do that with people as well. It’s a distraction from the reality that is life.

Phaedra works on the psych ward at the local hospital with a staff of under qualified and under motivated people. The way they are described makes it sound like a pretty crappy place to work. The employees seem worse than the patients! Most of them are only there because a job is a job to them. There doesn't seem to be any sort of compassion for other human beings from the majority of the staff or administration.

She has no real family. Her mother left when she was very young, and her father recently passed away. Her father was a very religious and abusive man and so was Phaedra’s step-mother. She was not treated well growing up, and I think this caused problems for her as an adult, trying to learn how to have proper relationships. She has a few close friends, but not many, and she lives alone in the local “haunted house”, which she is restoring. I think the house sounds awesome, and would be happy to live there with there. As long as she gets rid of her demon friends.

The Accidental Witch focuses on Phaedra’s journey from boring, lonely, divorcee, to super powerful witch with a boyfriend, trying to free her town from the nasty demons that she has accidently summoned with her magic, who are sucking the life out of her town.

I don’t see how anyone could become an “accidental” witch. Generally speaking, I think you would need to intentionally start casting spells. Most of the time, a spell doesn’t just pop out of nowhere unless you have done something previously to start the ball rolling. Light a candle, read something out loud from a creepy old book while you are alone instead of to yourself like a normal person, SOMETHING must happen for that first spell to be cast. So I did think it was kind of silly that the characters in this book kept claiming she had accidently done this or that, when I was under the impression that she was very intentionally trying to help her patients. I’m thinking the “Accidently” part of the title may refer more to the side effects that occur due to her untrained magic use.

It is interesting to me who all in town turns out to be a witch or has a power of one sort or the other, and what the real story behind her mother is. I think you will like the storyline. I know that I did. I can’t really complain about anything other than I think a character or two could be left out and no one would notice. Maybe give a little bit more details about the main characters and such, but they really do ok as they are. I think I would like to have known more about Diane, as she seems like a pretty interesting character, and I would have like to get a better developed back story for Phaedra's house.

I enjoyed this book and it was fun to read. Phaedra has a witty sense of humor that kept me laughing at the appropriate times. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good witchy, magic filled book that is looking to pass a rainy (or snowy!) afternoon.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Erth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my style.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

I caught the first mistake on page two.

I was one of five therapists that covered the psychiatric floor. I never really saw the other five therapists.

I ignored it. I mean, the writing wasn't as stilted as it is in a lot of e-books I've downloaded, and the premise sounded interesting. I wish I hadn't, though, because it was all downhill from there

Maybe that's not quite fair. For the first, oh, maybe third of the book, I wouldn't have called what I was reading terrible. It was a bit on the boring side – not only was it not going to change my life, it wasn't really even going to keep me up past my bedtime – but “uninspired” does not necessarily equal “bad.”

But then it fell apart...and for some unfathomable reason, I read to the last page. (Actually, that might explain why the tone of this review is going to be hostile; had it just been unforgivably crappy from the very beginning, I could've DNFed it and gone on my merry way.)

I could talk about the mistakes that started building like an avalanche rolling downhill, picking up debris and broken wildlife carcasses as it goes. The author (and editor...really, whoever you are, you should be ashamed of yourself) proved she couldn't count on page two, and she seemed determined to show us that she couldn't write, either. We have the spelling errors:

“Heals” instead of “heels”
“Bare” instead of “bear”
“Bare foot” instead of “barefoot”

We have run-on sentences, we have odd phrasing, and we have so many comma errors I don't know what to do with myself. Oh, and there was also more not-paying-attention stuff, like the instance where Phaedra, the main character, gets a bottle of prescription pills from the friend who just coincidentally happened to have them on her at the moment (and the explanation for this was given right then – it's not like the author seeded a plausible reason earlier), and then injects another character with the drug. FYI: unless one is carrying a heroin delivery system in one's purse, one can't inject pills.

I might have been able to overlook the mistakes (OK, yeah, probably not) had either the story or the characters been a little more engaging. The plot was all over the place, the characters didn't act realistically (One example of many: Phaedra finds an intruder in her house at one point. She reacts with indignation, but then seconds later she's meek and apologetic.), the dialogue was a little too staccato to be realistic, and everyone bickered with each other. Like little kids. So many instances when a normal character would be reacting with fear saw these characters responding with sarcasm and snark. I have a feeling the author was trying to show us how badass they all were, but really, it just made everyone look immature and bratty.

I could point out more specifics; there were a few things that struck me as so incredibly implausible it's not even funny, but to describe them, I'd be venturing into spoiler territory.

Really, this is a badly-written book. You know, I'd say the author actually has potential. The idea behind the story wasn't terrible. (Of course, given how derivative it was, that's almost a given.) There were even a few impressive bits – there's one antagonist, at the end, who did some pretty horrific things. Nevertheless, this book was not ready to be published and both the developmental editor and the proofreader ought to give the author her money back. If they're not all embarrassed to have their names on this book, then they're in the wrong line of work.