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Misty examines the events that led to this inevitable family reunion and realizes the repercussions are worse than she or the Hawthornes ever imagined. The demons, and the fae, have come to collect.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

348 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

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Kat Healy

21 books63 followers

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5 stars
332 (57%)
4 stars
184 (31%)
3 stars
53 (9%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Delp (Fazio).
269 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2025
SO GOOD!

***This review will contain spoilers so please read at your own discretion.***

You guys. The 5th book has to be my favorite so far. I was not expecting what happened in this book to happen! The curse! It was put on her family’s grimoire by her OWN family. Ya’ll. We don’t know all the reasons yet but, we’re taking Meadow’s (Misty) side for right now. Her Grandmother has SO many secrets and while we have an inkling of what’s going on we truly don’t know the real reason yet.

I loved the fact that the beginning of this book was written in the past. The first few months before Meadows departure from her coven was really eye opening and shed a lot of insight into who she is as a person and I really enjoyed finding out about more of her character. Then we get right into a battle of her defending her home! And then bam! It’s her coven who’s shown up to battle! It was wild and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

But, what was really endearing was the fact that most of the people who she’s come to call friends in Redbud came to her defense and helped her defend her home and the grimoire. I was bawling my eyes out. And Arthur… sigh he’s such a good, solid guy. And I KNOW they have to be mates. All the signs are there.

If you love the paranormal world and found family then you’ll love this story.
Profile Image for Annie.
393 reviews
November 13, 2025
THAT is what I call a cliffhanger... The first part was a bit dull with all the flashbacks but the second half? Fuuuuuuuuck... I love this series omg.
Profile Image for Liz | lizzuplans.
563 reviews41 followers
June 23, 2024
A fabulous and very enjoyable read.

If you are reading this review and think, of course an ARC reader gives 5 stars because they have been given an ARC- dearest gentle reader, I am a strict reviewer and the 4.5 stars for this book are fully deserved in my opinion.

I started this series with 3 stars for the first three books and 4 stars for the fourth book, and this one: blew me away. Backstory, action, everything coming together, still enough to be discovered, great sass, prime lumbersnack moments.. love! Did not love the EVIL (pun intended) cliffhanger but I am sure Kat is working hard on book 6 (!) so I can continue reading very soon.

I loved the flashback to Meadow’s/Misty’s life with the rest of the Hawthornes. The way they all live together in what looks like harmony but the cracks are for sure appearing. All the various relationships and layers of… unrest were very nicely in the background of the story.
I was also really impressed with Meadow’s growth since moving into her farmhouse. Only a short amount of time has passed but gosh, she has become such a better stronger etc. person.

Perhaps not in the way she has not been able to see the bigger picture, but she is not to blame. The information in the last chapters had me on the edge of my seat and it had so many layers that I have so many questions while I already have so many answers. Very nice!

All the fuzzy feelings when Meadow and Arthur had THAT moment together (no not *that*, but still chef’s kiss for the slow burn).

4.5 stars rounded up.

I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Profile Image for Orini.
122 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
I am questioning my life choices as I sit here in complete and utter shock after finishing Muddled Magic. When did I decide that I would willingly put myself through such heart palpitating experiences? Reading is supposed to be calming and relaxing, but I am on the edge of my seat with this action-packed continuation of the Homesteader Hearth Witch series. My gasts are officially flabbered!

I loved how this book starts as we look into Meadows' past. We finally discover how and why she fled with the grimoire. Even in this half of the book, Healy makes these new characters memorable and unique. The flashback is its own perfect puzzle piece that has been missing since the beginning, finally clicking into place. It was such a natural and necessary deviation in the timeline. This memory really depicted Meadow as a nieve young woman who was just beginning to open her eyes to the lies she has been forced to believe.

By part two, we really get to see how much she has changed, grown, and adapted since running away that day. The action was non-stop! Right out of the gates, we are running! By the end of it, blood is spilled, secrets are revealed, and even more questions arise. And that ending, Oof! So good! I am stunned. Shocked, hanging onto this cliffhanger for dear life!
Profile Image for Rachel.
19 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2024
This series is such a cute read. I read this book as an ARC and am so grateful I had the chance. This specific book has a little more suspense crammed into 160 pages. I love the character growth and the built friendships. My only complaint with this book was that the flashback took up about 60% of the book, so I forgot where the 4th book ended and why everything jumped straight in when the book flashed back to present day. Other than that, I highly recommend reading the full series to get to this book!
Profile Image for Sam Blevins.
120 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2024
Finally the flashback!

Part one

Book 5 is split into two parts. The first part is a flashback to 4 months ago when meadow was still back at the estate and found out that her brother would be the next robed elder.

This is the flashback we've been needing since the beginning of the series. This flashback is a little bit darker than the rest of the series with more bullying. I kind of started to hate most of Meadows family from the flashback especially her brother. I really wish this flashback came sooner in the series it explains a lot that was being alluded to. It also explains what "big nasties" are. You could kind of infer that from the other parts of the stories but it wasn't exactly clear to me.

Part 2
Setting back into present time. Meadows family finally catches up to her. They meet her in the woods with the moon flowers and the crafting circle and eventually the shifters. We find out that Ame was actually bonded to Meadows grandma's sister but her grandma forced them to break the bond taking a piece of their hearts with them. We also find out there is more to the curse on the Grimoire then actually believed.

This book keeps getting darker and darker and a lot of secrets are alluding to something. I feel like Shari's presence means more once they meet the demon but I'm not completely sold on that idea. I also hate Grandma's character more and more because she will not explain anything.
572 reviews
July 15, 2024
Fool me twice, shame on you…

Now with a headline like that, you might be wondering why I would have given this review five stars. No mystery, there… You see I really, really, REALLY, dislike cliffhanger endings. AND KAT HEALY LEFT US HANGING, ONCE AGAIN. Bring out the torches and pitchforks, we need to go hunting!

In all respects, I am totally joking. Not in the darkest, coldest day in Hell would I ever advocate for going after an author, well, anyone, actually, no matter HOW much that person might really deserve it, having thrown a 2ND cliffhanger at his/her devoted readers… I mean, one could imagine such a reaction couldn’t you? Not us, of course, because we are far more enlightened than that, of course we are… Of course we are.

OK, all BS aside, this is an utterly astounding book, and I should know… This is my second read through before writing this review, because I apparently forgot to write one when I finished this book the first time. So I quickly reread it, and I am entirely enthralled by all the tiny details that I originally missed.

These are not standalone books, if you haven’t done so, start at the beginning, and you will not regret it it is, and believe me when I say that not once in my life, did I ever imagine that I would put the following words in a review about a book that i had actually read… But this is an amazing slow burn romance coupled with a bit of hidden bad-assery that makes these characters just a fraction too sweet, but never crossing the line into saccharine. LOL.

AND…. SINCE I JUST FINISHED READING THE BOOK., NO MATTER THAT IT IS THE SECOND TIME, I AM LEFT ON THOSE NOTORIOUS PINS AND NEEDLES EAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK that are ALWAYS THE NATURAL REACTION TO A CLIFF HANGER. Yes, I realize, that I am shouting, but did you realize I REALLY DISLIKE CLIFFHANGERS?

Sorry, Kat, but you earned it… Visualize me sticking my tongue out at you and blowing kisses at the same time, just not the kind that would make your husband jealous. Never that kind. Hurtful is not in my vocabulary, EVEN IF YOU GAVE US TWO CLIFFHANGERS IN A ROW!!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL ***trips over his own feet he’s laughing so hard ***
Profile Image for Ashley Bearrows.
74 reviews
April 17, 2025
I fall more in love with this series—and these characters—with every single book, and Muddled Magic is no exception. The Homestead Witch series has truly become my comfort read. It's my safe haven, the place I return to when I want to feel wrapped in warmth and wonder. But don’t mistake that comfort for blandness—this book is anything but boring.

In Muddled Magic, we finally get deeper insight into Meadow, our fierce and beloved FMC. We learn more about where it all started—her upbringing, her coven, her roots—and long-awaited family secrets begin to unfold. The questions we've been dying to ask about their grimoire and family history? We start to get answers, and they do not disappoint.

The found family vibes in this book are everything. I love them so much, I even named my sourdough starter Flora. There’s something magical and healing about fighting for the farmhouse with your chosen family and your blood—something that just hits right in the heart.

Kat Healy’s writing is so emotionally charged and immersive that it breathes life into every single character. They don’t feel like characters on a page—they feel like my friends, my family. In fact, this is one of only two books I’ve ever read where I genuinely wanted to knock on the cover and jump inside. That’s how real and dear this world has become to me.

I cannot express how much I appreciate having this series in my life. It’s magic, through and through.
Profile Image for Shannon Goewey.
70 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2024
Every time a Homesteader Hearth Witch book comes out, I think one of these has got to be a 4-star read. But nope, every time I finish one, it's an immediate 5 stars.

This book was slightly different from the others in the series, as it's split into two parts. In the first part, we finally learn everything that led up to Misty/Meadow stealing the family grimoire and fleeing to Redbud. It was fun getting to know her extensive family, while also seeing them support her after she gets disappointing news. Learning more of her background helps your understanding of who she is and why she is how she is.

The second part is back to the present day of the story, where we once again see those who care about Meadow step up to help and protect her. Almost all of the characters we've grown to love are there as her family finds her, and the confrontation that's been inevitable finally happens. We finally learn most of what's really going on, and while some of it I had started to suspect, I was still surprised by a lot of it and found myself gasping and on edge. And that ending...wow.

Muddled Magic continues the story of Meadow, her family, and her friends in yet another enjoyable story. These books are sweet, funny, intriguing, and never fail to put a smile on my face. The world building gets better every book, and I truly wish I could visit Redbud and its quirky, wonderful citizens.
Profile Image for Charlene (pageandplace).
316 reviews20 followers
June 28, 2024
Here we go again! Awesome read, so fun and I’m loving getting to know Misty better.

So the first part of the book is flashbacks to Meadows (Misty’s) past. We find out how she came to flee with the stolen family grimoire (finally)! And the dive into the past just makes you appreciate your family a bit more with how awful Meadow was treated by her family. So as we know, she hightailed it out of there to the town of Redbud. 🏠 🚘 🌹

Now fast forward to today, holy hearth alert 🔥
Hold on tight for this action sequence. Misty will need everyone- Sawyer, Llewelyn, the Hobs, Arthur and the crafting circle to assist with family nightmare! Again, you think your family is bad? How do they compare to this bunch???

We have now entered level 5, welcome to the playing field… demon fae!
I’ll just leave it at that and let you enjoy the action! 🐻 🕳️ OMG, a cliffhanger!

I seriously enjoy The Homestead Hearth Witch series and getting to know the characters. I’m completely invested and can’t wait for the next chapter! 🧙🏻‍♀️

Thank you to the author, Kat Healy, Booksprout and the publisher KattasticReads, for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,001 reviews
August 21, 2025
This series is awesome! Great mysteries and amazing characters.

Amazon synopsis:
This deadly secret is more than I bargained for.

I always knew the curse on the grimoire was perilous, but clearly not as dangerous as the one who put it there. Apparently they’re in the same category as the witches who just blew the hinges off my front door while I was in the middle of enjoying a stack of syrup-drenched pancakes: villain.

So with breakfast now doing its best Jackson Pollock impression all over my dining room walls, I’m beginning to notice a recurring theme about my life: quiet, cozy days of tea and quilts by the fireplace . . . interspersed with spurts of heart-hammering terror.

After that steamy night with Arthur, I guess I should’ve expected to be on the run. Again.

Though I have Sawyer, the Crafting Circle ladies, and that hunky lumbersnack of a shifter helping me this time, I’m not sure it’s going to be enough. The owner of the demonic half-heart has been summoned, and this infernal fae seeks only one thing: retribution.

And he’ll take the life of someone I love to get it.
Profile Image for Sarah A.
2,270 reviews19 followers
July 1, 2024
So book 4 left us on a pretty major cliffhanger and book 5 - well some questions will be answered and others just made more complex!
Yet again this adventure will keep you on the very edge of your seat.

The first half of this book is set in the past, revealing all that happened in the run up to Meadow leaving her family, her name and stealing away the family cursed grimoire and moving to small town farming land America.

We meet all of Meadow’s family and get to see who has been a good and bad influence on her and why she made some drastic decisions.

The second half - back to now (or the end of book 4) and all the favorite characters play their part as Meadow prepares for what is coming - or is already here!

Slight pg-13 romance! Love the crafting circle in their golden girls moments!
The story is wonderfully explored, beautifully written and so fabulously moving and full of surprises! A page turner to be sure!

Wait we have to wait how long for book 6???
Profile Image for Chrissy.
375 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2024
Great action packed story

💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Fantasy cozy mystery

Features:
🔮 A flashback to what Meadow's life was before she escaped her family compound. Llewellyn was right, her family aren't good people. 

🍏 Meadow's found family protecting her at all costs. 

🔮 Secrets about a demon curse unearthed.

 Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't as cozy as the others as it had A TON of action. The book was pretty much nonstop action/thrilling scenes. Still though, it was a great read. 

I loved that the crafting circle ladies and her two shifters protected her at all costs. Especially Shari given that she has encountered that kind of attacker before.  

This book was great as it answered a lot of questions from the previous books. Honestly, I'm kinda glad that Marten is out of the picture for now. So over his smugness. 
694 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2024
Oh, damn, this was excellent.

Looking at the series as a whole, I am really impressed by the slow and steady change in the tenor and tempo of the books. The series stated out with a really not-fleshed-out urgency and risk to Meadow (causing her to run, change her name, go to ground, and hide her powers) but with rather low-key threats to her cute homestead -- like annoyed pixies. The pace and peril slowly and steadily ramped up and now is in full-on battles.

The first 60% of the book fills in the story of why Meadow needed to flee, and what a harrowing tale that is. The rest of the book is a major battle in current time, and then ends on a hell of a cliffhanger.

I love everything about this gripping story. Hang on to your hats, it is quite a ride.

Profile Image for Deonna.
40 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2024
This entire series is beautifully written! Easy to visualize the characters and the scenery! I want the “I’m not a familiar” familiar cat! He is so adorable! There are shifters and Other magical beings that I love! I want a birdhouse now set up with cotton alls and fir for fairies to live in all year! I’ve named the little white spider in our kitchen Mrs. White because of the one in these books! Mine has all 8 of her legs though! The spells are really wonderful! I craved apple butter and cinnamon rolls while reading these books! Pages flew by and I thought about these people long after I put my device on its charger! I will read everything this author writes! 5 stars! Each book can be read as a stand alone but you’ll want more at The End!
Profile Image for stephanie cox.
1,168 reviews19 followers
July 28, 2024
This book packs a lot of suspense into its 160 pages. I appreciate the character development and the strong friendships that are highlighted. My only issue was that the flashback took up about 60% of the book, which made me forget where the fourth book left off and why the story jumped straight back into the present when the flashback ended.

Despite this, every book in the series so far has been incredibly engaging, drawing me in completely before delivering a satisfying conclusion. If you look at the entire series, they all are amazing as a whole and I would recommend this series to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy.
840 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2024
First things...fifth apparently

For all of the talk of first things first, we got the prequel for the first 63% of this book. It was interesting but it had the feeling of almost being too little too late. Luckily, the book as a whole was awesome. I love me our shifters. There's still a lot of questions to be answered. Marten...how dare you?! I don't know if I'm pleased or offended. Daphne, love your dog. Shari, you deserve your own series. Do you have one? I'm almost to the point I will have to wait. Noooooo! Flora, you are as amazing as you are tiny.
Profile Image for Suzy Ostapower.
520 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2024
Muddled Magic

I do love this series but I would have preferred to not have a prequel for the first half of the book since we’d already been told a majority of Meadow’s origin. And don’t get me started on the cliffhanger ending. I waited for this book. And basically got half a book. The prequel should have been separate. But as they say, everyone has an opinion. I will be watching for the next one, whenever that occurs. Oh, and it’s Charlaine Harris, not Charlene.
1,087 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2024
An exciting continuation of the series. The story goes into great detail the events that took place leading up to Meadow's escape with the grimoire. Shocking secrets are revealed when her family finally find her and it all end with another HUGE cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,962 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2024
Muddled Magic is book 5 of the Homesteader Hearth Witch series and is a good story. Great characters and worldbuilding, having some questions answered from previous books. This book does end on a cliffhanger. I await the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marti Barclay.
65 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
Excellent

I was very excited once I got into the book because I was hoping we'd get more of the back story and this book delivered. Loved that it didn't just end with Meadow's escape from the manor and continued by bringing in the characters we already know and love. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book.
5,450 reviews32 followers
July 5, 2024
This was another great addition to the series. The characters were endearing while the story line was engaging. I look forward to seeing what Kat has in store for us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,896 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2024
This book in the series looked back at her family and what brought her to the situation they are in now. It was heartwarming to see her new friends come to her defense although they have much less power. I hope she never goes back to her family. I love the life she has built.
Profile Image for TrixieB.
841 reviews16 followers
August 2, 2024
It gets an extra star because there was very little of Arthur talking. I could also do without the whole posturing of her belonging to Arthur and so Llewellen had to back off. Men and women are allowed to be friends get over it.
842 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
Great book

I really liked the way this book tells what Meadow went through to get away from her family to save them. I was on the edge of my seat needing to know what would happen next.
Profile Image for Kim Monroe.
6 reviews
September 13, 2024
ahhhh- the backstory

Just what we needed to fill in the blanks and bring this series full circle! I am fully engaged with this senators and I’m loving the family and friends dynamics!
Profile Image for Lexi Ott.
23 reviews
June 30, 2025
oh lordy lordy. The plot just keeps thickening! I totally called that the curse was because of something Grandma Hawthorne did. Loved part 2 of this book, but part 1 kind of dragged for me, I think it was just too much of the "before Meadow ran away" details. otherwise still loving the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
17 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2024
Fabulous!! Edge of your seat and so worth it.
Profile Image for Terri.
154 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
This was a delight. Well written, well plotted. About a family of hedge witches. This was book 5 but works as a standalone. On to book 1!
17 reviews
July 12, 2024
What a fun series!

These books are great, really well written.
The characters are compelling the story is exciting and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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