Darby's Magic

Texas Plains #3

by Annie Curtis, Charlene Tess, Judi Thompson

Is Darby O’Shea a witch or a beautiful woman with magical powers?

When Darby moves to Christmas, Texas, to manage the local restaurant, she soon runs into trouble with a nosy neighbor who accuses her of practicing witchcraft, growing marijuana, and trying to poison her son. Darby even has a one-eyed black cat.

Reed Vincent is the new police chief whose quiet life is disrupted when he becomes his nephew’s guardian while his brother is overseas in the military. 

The new responsibility has brought Reed everything he didn’t want—stress, conflict, and a growing concern for his nephew’s welfare after the boy gets involved with the wrong crowd.
 
When Darby moves across the street from Reed, their instant attraction blossoms into something unexpected. But he is wary of romance. His ex-wife left him with a distrust of relationships, and he vowed to never be hooked again.

This charming small-town romance will make the reader fall in love and believe in Darby’s magic. 

This is Book 3 in the Texas Plains series. The books in the series are linked and many of your favorite characters from the other books reappear, but each book can easily be read as a standalone. 

Get your copy today. Read for free on Kindle Unlimited.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an interesting story line. The author moves the story fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and brings a sweet romance along the way. She brings humor and a great dialogue and delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darby and Reed's Story . . .

Reed Vincent is the Chief of Police whose beautiful new neighbor, Darby O'Shea, is someone he definitely wants to avoid as he feels an immediate attraction to her. She’s being called a witch, and he can almost believe that, and is accused of a number of things the town chooses to speculate on. Despite his best efforts, however, their paths keep bringing them together. Darby likes it here and is hoping the people in the small town will begin to get to know her better and will be willing to accept her here, most especially the good-looking Chief of Police she keeps running into. Do they have a chance together? Could she help take some of the pain out of his heart and fill it with love instead?

This was a cute story line. Darby seems so sweet, and her knowledge of herbs plays right into the witchy theme the town is imagining surrounds her. Can she make some new friends and find a way to fit in? Grab your copy and enjoy seeing the small town vibe begin to work its charm.

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Problems but things resolve — engaging read

I was delighted to get this brand new book, the 3rd in the Texas Plains series. Having lived in Lubbock, I can well imagine the area while reading. These stories are uplifting in the end, anyway. Reed’s new neighbor (Darby) was beautiful and the kind of woman he wanted to avoid from now on. But their lives keep crossing, at first in part due to her cat. The town gossip advises against talking to the woman, but they do talk. I appreciate the humor and Texas lingo. Darby is knowledgeable about herbs and plants to help things like nausea. I learned a few things. She is intuitive, as well. Enjoyably, Max and Genevieve are part of the story, again. The teens have some problems to resolve, which they do. The main characters are all fine people, and we can trust the story to be worthwhile reading.

I think these books would also make great movies. Someone, make this a movie!

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story to read. About Darby who has something magical about her, is very empathic and often knows something before it happens. About Reed who takes care of his 16-year-old nephew. 16-year-old Evan who is struggling with the fact that his mother has left him and his father is on a military mission. Evan who has the wrong friends and then they do something that affects Darby. Darby is the only one who has faith in him despite his mistakes. And his uncle Reed, who is in a relationship with Darby, doesn't believe Evan can change. Darby who always sees the good in others even though others try to put her in a bad light. Darby realizing that Reed might not be the one after all.
Can the town of Christmas offer them the opportunity to be everything to each other?

Wonderfully novel. Recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed, chief of police, lives across the street from Darby, the lady just moving in. A few townspeople have dubbed her a witch due to her ability with herbs and their traits as remedies. She also has a one-eyed black cat, so more rumors. Reed is taken with her, but has a nephew to look after and a past that has him gun shy about relationships. The characters are strong and determined, and not willing to let go of the rules they set up for themselves. Surprises and twists cause situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Things can change very suddenly as situation arise. Loved the ending and can not wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed's the Chief of Police. His guarded heart keeps love away, but he's up to help anyone. Now he's got a gorgeous new neighbor that's reported to be a witch and slightly crazy. He's also forced to take in a troubled nephew. Phew, life is a lot more complicated now. Darby is different, always has been. She was led to this beautiful small town and just hopes that soon the people there will see her heart and let her in...including the handsome lawman across the street.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a sweet, small town romance with plenty of humor. Reed has his hands full when Darby moves to town. She is a problem that he cannot decide if he wants or not. Darby is drawn to the Chief as much as he is to her. The story will have you smiling throughout thanks to the cat, their attraction, small town gossip and her witchy ways.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being accused of many things sets Darby out to prove everyone wrong. Is she a witch or not? Maybe a person of understanding, compassion, and common sense goes a long way to make things right for many people.
Foster kids, kids with parents deployed, and a single law-enforcement officer with a lot of pain inside from a past relationship play a major part in this book.
Nicely done.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Plains Series Book Three a well written story that held my interest until the end. Darby O’Shea moves to Christmas, Texas and meets Reed Vincent the new police chief and his nephew Evan. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. These two had chemistry and where just meant to be together. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this storyline. Great read that I could not put down. Loved the chemistry between these two. Will read more by this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.