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Starfall Point #2
Big Witch Energy
Funny, heartwarming, and swoon-worthy witchy romantic comedy from bestselling author Molly Harper.
Caroline Wilton is “dying” to get off Starfall Point, but if she leaves the island, there’s a good chance she’ll literally die. For centuries, any Wilton who ventured off the island immediately perished in some freak accident. Caroline, like every Wilton before her, has accepted this curse and made peace with staying put and running the Wilted Rose Tavern. But thanks to her newfound magic and favorite coven of witches, Starfall Point has gotten a lot more exciting. And then there's Ben...
When gorgeous physician Ben Hoult—Caroline's high school sweetheart who left without so much of a goodbye—returns to the island to take over the medical clinic with two frustratingly likeable teenagers in tow, Caroline feels the calm waters of her life begin to churn. Practical, sensible Ben didn’t believe in her family curse then, and Caroline has no interest in trying to convince him now. Besides, Caroline has her hands full managing all of the ghosts she now has the special power to see—especially the angry woman in eighteen-century garb occupying her tavern with a menacing glare.
As Caroline and her witches grow their magic, they soon discover the angry family ghost as one of the island’s most sinister legends—information that could be the key to breaking the Wilton curse and finding lasting true love with Ben.
Caroline Wilton is “dying” to get off Starfall Point, but if she leaves the island, there’s a good chance she’ll literally die. For centuries, any Wilton who ventured off the island immediately perished in some freak accident. Caroline, like every Wilton before her, has accepted this curse and made peace with staying put and running the Wilted Rose Tavern. But thanks to her newfound magic and favorite coven of witches, Starfall Point has gotten a lot more exciting. And then there's Ben...
When gorgeous physician Ben Hoult—Caroline's high school sweetheart who left without so much of a goodbye—returns to the island to take over the medical clinic with two frustratingly likeable teenagers in tow, Caroline feels the calm waters of her life begin to churn. Practical, sensible Ben didn’t believe in her family curse then, and Caroline has no interest in trying to convince him now. Besides, Caroline has her hands full managing all of the ghosts she now has the special power to see—especially the angry woman in eighteen-century garb occupying her tavern with a menacing glare.
As Caroline and her witches grow their magic, they soon discover the angry family ghost as one of the island’s most sinister legends—information that could be the key to breaking the Wilton curse and finding lasting true love with Ben.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2023
304 people are currently reading
2440 people want to read
About the author
Molly Harper
61 books8,141 followersMolly Harper is the author of more than 40 romance titles including the Half-Moon Hollow series, the Mystic Bayou, the Starfall Point series, and her first murder mystery, A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR. She lives in Michigan with her family. For more information, go to www.mollyharper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
January 28, 2025
Oh how I missed the Starfall Point girls between books one and two of this series! This takes up where Big Witch Energy leaves off and jumps right in with expanding the mysteries and lore of Shaddow House and Starfall Point. I loved the addition of the Hoult family, and Ben and Caroline’s instalove felt sweet and believable with only brief exposition on their history. It left off again with a major cliffhanger epilogue that has me wishing Never Been Witched was out in paperback already!
May 7, 2025
Book 18 of the
2024 Read Your Hoard Challenge
My first purchase from our local romance bookstore, Slow Burn Books. I was excited to read this second-chance romance, featuring Caroline Wilton, one third of the Starfall witches coven. Her old flame, Ben Hoult, has returned to Starfall to be one of the town's doctors. He leaves behind the mainland and his ex-wife. He brings his two teenage kids and his unrequited love for Caroline.
The question becomes whether Caroline can deal with her depressed father, her bitter, overworked mother, and her two useless brothers. She and her mother are struggling to keep their bar, the Wilted Rose, going. She and Ben must navigate their past history, their family dynamics, and the current situation to see if they can rekindle their relationship.
Of course there are ghosts, magic, and mysteries to be solved. Riley, Caroline and Alice have witch business to keep them scrambling, especially when Ben's kids show some aptitude for magic. Ben, being a man trained in science, flounders a bit. It becomes obvious that the Wellings family is still lurking, trying to break into the Shadow Manor to steal the magical devices hidden in it.
Harper wraps up the Caroline and Ben question, while setting up the third book, which will obviously be devoted to Alice. Her controlling and judgmental grandparents have heard that she is actually getting a life and are on their way back to Starfall to put an end to that. Alice most definitely needs a knight in shining armor and I want to see who Harper produces for her. These books are pleasant to read, but IMO lack the charm of her Jane Jameson series; however, I still need to read the next installment.
My first purchase from our local romance bookstore, Slow Burn Books. I was excited to read this second-chance romance, featuring Caroline Wilton, one third of the Starfall witches coven. Her old flame, Ben Hoult, has returned to Starfall to be one of the town's doctors. He leaves behind the mainland and his ex-wife. He brings his two teenage kids and his unrequited love for Caroline.
The question becomes whether Caroline can deal with her depressed father, her bitter, overworked mother, and her two useless brothers. She and her mother are struggling to keep their bar, the Wilted Rose, going. She and Ben must navigate their past history, their family dynamics, and the current situation to see if they can rekindle their relationship.
Of course there are ghosts, magic, and mysteries to be solved. Riley, Caroline and Alice have witch business to keep them scrambling, especially when Ben's kids show some aptitude for magic. Ben, being a man trained in science, flounders a bit. It becomes obvious that the Wellings family is still lurking, trying to break into the Shadow Manor to steal the magical devices hidden in it.
Harper wraps up the Caroline and Ben question, while setting up the third book, which will obviously be devoted to Alice. Her controlling and judgmental grandparents have heard that she is actually getting a life and are on their way back to Starfall to put an end to that. Alice most definitely needs a knight in shining armor and I want to see who Harper produces for her. These books are pleasant to read, but IMO lack the charm of her Jane Jameson series; however, I still need to read the next installment.
October 22, 2023
The story is 3.5 stars, but I rounded down because of the dozens of "Rugelach" mispronounciations. It's a decent rom com with some alright character development. The teenagers being therapists to all the adults around them was a little much, but a good listen for running errands.
September 6, 2025
✨ Bookish Thoughts
I enjoyed this witchy romance for the most part. Ben and Caroline were a bit too wishy washy for me and their lack of communication got frustrating fast.
And on a side note I really really really HATE when authors make teenage characters overly mature and wise. They are teenagers not therapists giving their parents relationship advice 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
This was a 3.5 star read. I will continue the series.
💖 What to Expect
• Witchy magic
• Mean ghosties
• Second chance romance
• Cozy small town
• Found family
I enjoyed this witchy romance for the most part. Ben and Caroline were a bit too wishy washy for me and their lack of communication got frustrating fast.
And on a side note I really really really HATE when authors make teenage characters overly mature and wise. They are teenagers not therapists giving their parents relationship advice 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
This was a 3.5 star read. I will continue the series.
💖 What to Expect
• Witchy magic
• Mean ghosties
• Second chance romance
• Cozy small town
• Found family
December 4, 2023
Audiobook fluff puff. But enjoyable fluff puff. As I said in my review of book 1, I wouldn't waste actual book reading time on this, but it's great for listening in the car.
April 13, 2025
3.5 stars. 2nd book in the Starfall Point series. Ghost Whisperer vibes! Helping spirits pass over. Second chance love trope. I really loved this one. Through the series, pov’s change it’s fun! Same bad guy.
October 25, 2023
Harper's work is always light and fun, even when it delves into serious topics such as familial troubles. Amanda Ronconi's narration is a big plus to everything she works on. I vibe less with Teddy's narration. Enunciation is a good thing. It's a thing most musicians who get radio play should try. But if you shape all your words like an angsting ten year old going "I SaiD! I'm not going to be a fan.
May 3, 2025
“The idea of her making her life on the island with someone else”
Oh like he did, with a whole ass wife and two children???
Oh like he did, with a whole ass wife and two children???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
I love the interactive ghosts! And romance on top of witches, magic, ghosts, secrets and people trying to steal magical items! Yes please! What a great read! The banter is funny too!
December 16, 2023
Big Witch Energy continues the story of magic and three new witches on Starfall Point, a small island off the coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Although the book continues the series-arching plot surrounding Shadow House, the story focuses on long-time island resident, Caroline, one of the three new witches. Caroline’s family is cursed and cannot leave the island for more than a day or they die, so instead of heading to college, Caroline said goodbye to her high school love, Ben, and stayed to work at the family’s bar. Nearly 20 years later, Ben returns to the island, moving his kids and himself back into his childhood home.
Ben and Caroline’s romance is sweet; neither quite getting over their romance despite the time and separation. However, there is some baggage from when they were younger, and the couple needs to work through it. Ben’s kids love Caroline and embrace the magic and quirkiness of Shadow House. It’s all pretty easy and fun. And while both kids come across a bit too mature for their age, it’s a bit off-putting when Josh, the younger of the two, gives his dad spot-on relationship advice.
I enjoy the expanding mythology of magic surrounding Shadow House, although there are still way more questions than answers. I like how the magic is bringing this found family closer together. It is good that Ben finds out about the ghosts and magic early on, especially since his kids seem to possess some abilities. I like that Edison (first book) now has a “mundane bro” to chat with about the magic.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating third person POVs of Caroline and Ben. Hamilton voices Ben’s POVs. His voice is pleasantly deep and fitting for the large doctor. He adjusts for gender with some success, as his voice is pretty deep. His accented voices are very successful. Ronconi brings her usual, upbeat enthusiasm to the role of Caroline. She also adjusts appropriately for gender, accent, and age. Both narrators don’t make a huge distinction between characters of the same gender, and at times during dialogue I could get confused as to who was speaking.
I found myself engaged in the story and romance of Big Witch Energy and enjoy the quaint island setting. The story is not over, and with how this one ends, I worry for Alice, the group’s third and final member.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
Ben and Caroline’s romance is sweet; neither quite getting over their romance despite the time and separation. However, there is some baggage from when they were younger, and the couple needs to work through it. Ben’s kids love Caroline and embrace the magic and quirkiness of Shadow House. It’s all pretty easy and fun. And while both kids come across a bit too mature for their age, it’s a bit off-putting when Josh, the younger of the two, gives his dad spot-on relationship advice.
I enjoy the expanding mythology of magic surrounding Shadow House, although there are still way more questions than answers. I like how the magic is bringing this found family closer together. It is good that Ben finds out about the ghosts and magic early on, especially since his kids seem to possess some abilities. I like that Edison (first book) now has a “mundane bro” to chat with about the magic.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating third person POVs of Caroline and Ben. Hamilton voices Ben’s POVs. His voice is pleasantly deep and fitting for the large doctor. He adjusts for gender with some success, as his voice is pretty deep. His accented voices are very successful. Ronconi brings her usual, upbeat enthusiasm to the role of Caroline. She also adjusts appropriately for gender, accent, and age. Both narrators don’t make a huge distinction between characters of the same gender, and at times during dialogue I could get confused as to who was speaking.
I found myself engaged in the story and romance of Big Witch Energy and enjoy the quaint island setting. The story is not over, and with how this one ends, I worry for Alice, the group’s third and final member.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
November 12, 2024
The entertaining, teenaged sibling banter in this story was so true-to-life!
August 15, 2024
Que horrible esa manía de las autoras de escribir second chance en donde la protagonista en los años de separación no vivió su vida, mientras que el hombre se la pasó de maravilla.
La familia es Caroline está maldita, aquellos que salen de la isla terminan muertos, por lo tanto desde pequeña sabe que nunca podrá irse. Ella y Ben fueron novios hasta que él tuvo que irse a la universidad, se supone que estaba enamoradísimo de ella, sin embargo, al poco tiempo se casó con otra, tuvo hijos, fue feliz hasta que se divorció porque la esposa le fue infiel. Mientras tanto la pobre Caroline no continuo sus estudios porque no había universidad en la isla, por consiguiente se hizo cargo del negocio familiar, como no quería a volver a pasar por un desamor terminó teniendo puras aventuras por 20 años hasta que regreso Ben y conectó con los hijos de este como si fueran de ella. 🙄
En resumen, Caroline no pudo tener sueños ni aspiraciones, no se caso, no tuvo hijos, no hizo nada de su vida hasta que regresó su caballero blanco. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
¿Por qué siempre la mujer tiene que poner su vida en pausa? ¿Era mucho pedir que Caroline tuviera novios e incluso llegara a amar a alguien, que tuviera sueños y se dedicara a lo que le gustara?
La familia es Caroline está maldita, aquellos que salen de la isla terminan muertos, por lo tanto desde pequeña sabe que nunca podrá irse. Ella y Ben fueron novios hasta que él tuvo que irse a la universidad, se supone que estaba enamoradísimo de ella, sin embargo, al poco tiempo se casó con otra, tuvo hijos, fue feliz hasta que se divorció porque la esposa le fue infiel. Mientras tanto la pobre Caroline no continuo sus estudios porque no había universidad en la isla, por consiguiente se hizo cargo del negocio familiar, como no quería a volver a pasar por un desamor terminó teniendo puras aventuras por 20 años hasta que regreso Ben y conectó con los hijos de este como si fueran de ella. 🙄
En resumen, Caroline no pudo tener sueños ni aspiraciones, no se caso, no tuvo hijos, no hizo nada de su vida hasta que regresó su caballero blanco. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
¿Por qué siempre la mujer tiene que poner su vida en pausa? ¿Era mucho pedir que Caroline tuviera novios e incluso llegara a amar a alguien, que tuviera sueños y se dedicara a lo que le gustara?
March 12, 2025
I love the whole Coven! These are so very delightful.
October 30, 2023
Big Witch Energy
Starfall, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: #Scarathlon / continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: AudiblePlus
Dates Read: 10/24/23 - 10/28/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Amanda Ronconi and Teddy Hamilton
The Characters:
Caroline Wilton
Ben Hoult
Riley, Alice, Mina, Josh, Plover
The Story:
I had a much better time in Starfall this go round. I loved Ben, Mina and Josh. The kids cracked me up so much and Ben’s extra caring character was swoon worthy to me. I also like the way the coven has evolved. I love the way they depend on and protect each other.
The Random Thoughts:
Starfall, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: #Scarathlon / continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: AudiblePlus
Dates Read: 10/24/23 - 10/28/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Amanda Ronconi and Teddy Hamilton
The Characters:
Caroline Wilton
Ben Hoult
Riley, Alice, Mina, Josh, Plover
The Story:
I had a much better time in Starfall this go round. I loved Ben, Mina and Josh. The kids cracked me up so much and Ben’s extra caring character was swoon worthy to me. I also like the way the coven has evolved. I love the way they depend on and protect each other.
The Random Thoughts:
November 19, 2023
On the surface it’s about…
a woman who’s part of a covent of witches, who suffers a curse that won’t allow her to leave her small town, and who falls back into love with her high school boyfriend.
But it’s actually about…
accepting your family as they are.
It was awesome that…
the author leans into the difficulty of writing teenagers and then goes way, way past it by making them talk like lawyers.
The big beautiful themes:
-found families
-family history
-emotionally distant mothers and fathers
-spoiled brothers
-small towns
-finding purpose
-forgiving others
What this taught me about how to be good is…
we should take care of other people.
What this taught me about how to die is…
the effect we have on others lingers long after we’re gone.
Best read…
despite the annoying title.
a woman who’s part of a covent of witches, who suffers a curse that won’t allow her to leave her small town, and who falls back into love with her high school boyfriend.
But it’s actually about…
accepting your family as they are.
It was awesome that…
the author leans into the difficulty of writing teenagers and then goes way, way past it by making them talk like lawyers.
The big beautiful themes:
-found families
-family history
-emotionally distant mothers and fathers
-spoiled brothers
-small towns
-finding purpose
-forgiving others
What this taught me about how to be good is…
we should take care of other people.
What this taught me about how to die is…
the effect we have on others lingers long after we’re gone.
Best read…
despite the annoying title.
September 13, 2024
Random notes taken while reading this..
•Need to incorporate the phrase “magical hooha” into my everyday vernacular because I loved it when the gals in this book would use it.
•single dad-high school crush-second chance-
•Ben’s teenage kids so intelligent they bicker like lawyers or college professors
•Need to incorporate the phrase “magical hooha” into my everyday vernacular because I loved it when the gals in this book would use it.
•single dad-high school crush-second chance-
•Ben’s teenage kids so intelligent they bicker like lawyers or college professors
October 21, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. the teenagers really made this book for me. They were hilarious.
August 3, 2025
Ben being jealous of Plover had me cackling
September 20, 2025
A little slow at the start, but it picked up. Juvenile snark, magic and a happy ending.
November 12, 2024
This cute fall read is perfect for paranormal romance lovers. It is part of a series, and I highly recommend reading the first book so it makes sense! I find this series heavy on the magical plot and lighter on the romance, so if you're looking for something super swoony, this probably isn't for you.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
Story 4 stars. Narration 5 stars
I realized not far into this book that I had read book 1 in this series already. So that was a good thing. I enjoyed the listen and the story. It takes place on an island on Lake Huron, much like Mackinaw Island in real life which just happens to be where my favorite vacation took place years ago. Anyway, that made it more fun as I could picture it so easily. This island is home to both a huge haunted house as well as at least one of the local bars.
Three witches on the island are now a coven and based at the huge haunted house. The ghosts walk freely there and communicate with the ladies. That was fun. Ben and his teenagers move back into his family’s old house next door to the haunted house. Newly divorced, he’s happy to finally live near his old girlfriend from school, Caroline. Caroline is one of the witches. Ben is not aware and has not seen her in many years. As always, I enjoyed the author’s characters and the narration. It was a fun listen as usual with any of this authors books. Rom-Com’s are definitely her calling.
I realized not far into this book that I had read book 1 in this series already. So that was a good thing. I enjoyed the listen and the story. It takes place on an island on Lake Huron, much like Mackinaw Island in real life which just happens to be where my favorite vacation took place years ago. Anyway, that made it more fun as I could picture it so easily. This island is home to both a huge haunted house as well as at least one of the local bars.
Three witches on the island are now a coven and based at the huge haunted house. The ghosts walk freely there and communicate with the ladies. That was fun. Ben and his teenagers move back into his family’s old house next door to the haunted house. Newly divorced, he’s happy to finally live near his old girlfriend from school, Caroline. Caroline is one of the witches. Ben is not aware and has not seen her in many years. As always, I enjoyed the author’s characters and the narration. It was a fun listen as usual with any of this authors books. Rom-Com’s are definitely her calling.
October 24, 2024
I started out thinking it was going to be way better that the first. Officially it is 2.5 ⭐️ so yea better. These are not romance books. It reads like a middle school ghost mystery. If you took out one spicy scene and a few f words you could it over to a 6th grader. The romance popped up again w no build up AT ALL. the 3rd act break up also seemed so out of no where and resolved way too quickly. The villain at the end gave me major Scooby Doo vibes. And I hate the villain epilogues. I also hate that eventually I’m going to read the 3rd one bc I want Alice’s story.
April 22, 2024
1.5
??? How does the book gets so many good reviews?? The plot, the mythology, the character development, none of these made sense. ALL the relationships were going way too fast to be realistic, the reactions/internal thought process didn't make any sense to me and don't get me started on the writing style (cheesy, clumsy etc).
The only reason I finished it was Amanda Ronconi, which was also the only good thing about it, sorry to say this.
??? How does the book gets so many good reviews?? The plot, the mythology, the character development, none of these made sense. ALL the relationships were going way too fast to be realistic, the reactions/internal thought process didn't make any sense to me and don't get me started on the writing style (cheesy, clumsy etc).
The only reason I finished it was Amanda Ronconi, which was also the only good thing about it, sorry to say this.
September 4, 2024
I can't get enough of Molly Harper's witchy romances!
Caroline and Ben are the epitome of star-crossed lovers who have finally come back to each other when Ben moves his two teenagers to the tiny island of Starfall Point. Only a few problems: Caroline is part of a coven of witches, Ben's children might also have some magic of their own, and Caroline can't leave the island due to a family curse. Besides that? Totally ready to dive back into their relationship, right?
Caroline and Ben are the epitome of star-crossed lovers who have finally come back to each other when Ben moves his two teenagers to the tiny island of Starfall Point. Only a few problems: Caroline is part of a coven of witches, Ben's children might also have some magic of their own, and Caroline can't leave the island due to a family curse. Besides that? Totally ready to dive back into their relationship, right?
December 16, 2023
Notes:
Currently on Audible + Books 1 & 2
The last quarter of the book had a fast pace & fun riot of scenes. I thought the first half was dull setup for the current couple pairing. I enjoyed this one more because it fleshed out the setting and characters that were established in book 1.
Good popcorn rom.
Currently on Audible + Books 1 & 2
The last quarter of the book had a fast pace & fun riot of scenes. I thought the first half was dull setup for the current couple pairing. I enjoyed this one more because it fleshed out the setting and characters that were established in book 1.
Good popcorn rom.
August 31, 2024
This series is a good mix of magic and mystery with a dash of romance. I’m happy to hear that there’s another book coming up in the series.
November 1, 2023
absolutely loving these books, especially for halloween. i wish the third book would get here sooner!
The setting makes me so nostalgic for the summers my family would spend in Michigan. I've said many times that second chance romances aren't my favorite by any means. However, it's special cases like this one that are the exceptions. When the reasoning for the first breakup is something like a familial curse preventing one of them from leaving the island, and she doesn't want him to give up on his dreams or creating his own life, NOW I'm interested! And when he finally comes back, already divorced so there's no cheating, NOW I'M INVESTED. That's a second chance that I will allow and root for. And then the ghostly plot that spans across all of the books keeps me hooked in, I want to know how that ends so badly! I'm ready for book 3 now, Molly Harper! 👏👏
The setting makes me so nostalgic for the summers my family would spend in Michigan. I've said many times that second chance romances aren't my favorite by any means. However, it's special cases like this one that are the exceptions. When the reasoning for the first breakup is something like a familial curse preventing one of them from leaving the island, and she doesn't want him to give up on his dreams or creating his own life, NOW I'm interested! And when he finally comes back, already divorced so there's no cheating, NOW I'M INVESTED. That's a second chance that I will allow and root for. And then the ghostly plot that spans across all of the books keeps me hooked in, I want to know how that ends so badly! I'm ready for book 3 now, Molly Harper! 👏👏
October 31, 2025
Mina knew all of that how!!? And don’t even get me started on the two dumb brothers. Caroline’s mother was so pathetic and poor Caroline was way more reasonable than I would be. But this is cute and i enjoyed it even though there were a few holes.
dnf
July 8, 2025Gonna have to DNF cause I just don’t care about anything going on
September 11, 2024
Another great read from Molly Harper.
I love the Starfall series. It's light and funny while also having that great who-done-it air.
I love the Starfall series. It's light and funny while also having that great who-done-it air.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews