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Hexes Go Well with Tequila : A Lost Souls Novel
From the moment Ursula Cambridge, a 38-year-old woman from the Midwest, realizes she’s become invisible in her life and relationship, she and her Irish Wolfhound, Casper get a magical invitation to live in The Lost Souls House in Salem, Massachusetts.
There, she finds herself immersed in a magical town, living in a house with a graveyard that hosts the lost souls, one of Salem’s mysteries that keeps the town and tourists guessing, and some would do anything to keep their dark origin a mystery.
As she struggles to find her footing in this town, four women come around her, showing her the importance of community, friendship, and magical camaraderie when they wake up with more than margarita hangovers and find that their playful graveyard hexes worked.
When Ursula bumps into the town bachelor who is rumored to be cursed, she tries to steer clear of his unreasonably grumpy disposition but finds herself drawn to his surly, yet vulnerable, teenage niece Bess, who forms an attachment to Ursula.
Thrown into the middle of a modern-day witch hunt, Ursula has to navigate a mysterious world of magic and mystery, political warfare, and passionate tension with the man who has sworn off women, who bears a striking resemblance to the paper towel Brawny Man. Hexes Go Well With Tequila will bring you on a whimsical journey of found family, and found self, uncovering a centuries-old mystery of ten lost souls and fighting for invisible women.
There, she finds herself immersed in a magical town, living in a house with a graveyard that hosts the lost souls, one of Salem’s mysteries that keeps the town and tourists guessing, and some would do anything to keep their dark origin a mystery.
As she struggles to find her footing in this town, four women come around her, showing her the importance of community, friendship, and magical camaraderie when they wake up with more than margarita hangovers and find that their playful graveyard hexes worked.
When Ursula bumps into the town bachelor who is rumored to be cursed, she tries to steer clear of his unreasonably grumpy disposition but finds herself drawn to his surly, yet vulnerable, teenage niece Bess, who forms an attachment to Ursula.
Thrown into the middle of a modern-day witch hunt, Ursula has to navigate a mysterious world of magic and mystery, political warfare, and passionate tension with the man who has sworn off women, who bears a striking resemblance to the paper towel Brawny Man. Hexes Go Well With Tequila will bring you on a whimsical journey of found family, and found self, uncovering a centuries-old mystery of ten lost souls and fighting for invisible women.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2024
68 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 31, 2024
4.5/⭐️ 1/🌶️ I received an early copy of this novel. It came just in time for summer ending and fall beginning in just a month. This reminded me of Practical Magic meets Sweet Magnolia and I so enjoyed it.
The FMC is in her late 30’s and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. It was funny yet had deep elements to it. As a childfree woman by choice I appreciated a particular excerpt from the story that I think many could relate to. Not just someone childfree by choice but so many variations of women going through this phase in their life. It showed all different women how each one had different feelings towards parenthood. It is extremely rare to see all the variations of choices women could make and it was very relatable. I found the connections between the friends so fun to read and the MMC was broody along with delicious.
The spice was a pleasant surprise I was not expecting at all! But always welcome for me in books. The only element that kept it from being a 5 star for me personally was the beginning the pacing was slow. When it picked up though it picked up and I finished it quickly soon after. I do recommend this- it will be coming out September 24th. Happy reading!
The FMC is in her late 30’s and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. It was funny yet had deep elements to it. As a childfree woman by choice I appreciated a particular excerpt from the story that I think many could relate to. Not just someone childfree by choice but so many variations of women going through this phase in their life. It showed all different women how each one had different feelings towards parenthood. It is extremely rare to see all the variations of choices women could make and it was very relatable. I found the connections between the friends so fun to read and the MMC was broody along with delicious.
The spice was a pleasant surprise I was not expecting at all! But always welcome for me in books. The only element that kept it from being a 5 star for me personally was the beginning the pacing was slow. When it picked up though it picked up and I finished it quickly soon after. I do recommend this- it will be coming out September 24th. Happy reading!
September 4, 2024
I am so upset...that this is over. I am so happy this lived up the excitement I felt when I saw this Author was having sign-ups for ARCs. And even more excited when I got one! (Sorry this review is late cause I have had the ARC in my email since August 23rd 😱) Anyway, I digress.
This was such a fun, cozy, thrilling, emotional, and heartwarming ride from beginning to end. I felt so connected through the whole book and highlighted MANY passages. As a middle/elder Millenial this book made me feel "seen," as the FMC refers to throughout. Witchy vibes, a doggo companion (and some cats), female community, spicyness, mysterious town history, hidden antagonists, and recipes that need to be put in a corresponding cookbook (especially Crystal's "deadly" margaritas), Grumpy/Sunshine-ish, HEA. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spicy scale 👀 with tension building (some may call semi slow burn). Any woman over 30, and maybe some younger, who have been through some ish can definitely relate and I say this is a must read! So go read this when it gets published!
This was such a fun, cozy, thrilling, emotional, and heartwarming ride from beginning to end. I felt so connected through the whole book and highlighted MANY passages. As a middle/elder Millenial this book made me feel "seen," as the FMC refers to throughout. Witchy vibes, a doggo companion (and some cats), female community, spicyness, mysterious town history, hidden antagonists, and recipes that need to be put in a corresponding cookbook (especially Crystal's "deadly" margaritas), Grumpy/Sunshine-ish, HEA. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spicy scale 👀 with tension building (some may call semi slow burn). Any woman over 30, and maybe some younger, who have been through some ish can definitely relate and I say this is a must read! So go read this when it gets published!
November 20, 2024
I genuinely loved this book!
There are only a couple of things I hold issues with, which I will go into, but regardless of that, i think this is an amazing story that I 100% recommend! So let's get into it!
The Good:
This book felt like equal parts, Rachel Harrison's Cackle and Alix E. Harrow's The Once and Future Wishes mixed with an attempted sprinkle of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe.
The sisterhood, the new beginnings, the found family, the emphasis on friendship, love, pain, fear, and the beautifully damaging struggle that is being a woman. There were parts that made me genuinely feel, and for that, the story was spectacular! The political elements were also a bit on the nose for our current climate, which I think put me on edge more than normal 😅
The magic was delightful, and it brought back such deep and profound connections to the women of our past. It somehow managed to remind you of the importance of the female community while bringing you back to yourself as a person and the importance of being seen.
Also, the main FMC was vocally childfree by choice, BUT all of the women in her circle had their own stories. Childlessness, pregnancy loss, dreams of adoption, it beautifully summarized that no matter what choices we make, they should be honored by ourselves and others and we are still women, and whole, regardless of which choice we make.
Absolutely amazing!
The Cons
This first one is super minor, which could have been corrected with easy editing. Basically, there were scene changes without page breaks, which caused my brain to skip a bit and have to recenter myself in the scene, but again, that's no biggy.
Where I did struggle was with the romance subplot. The author writes the bad men SO WELL, as if she knew enough of them to write them perfectly (i mean... don't we all?) But when it came to writing a good man, there was a disconnect. The last chapter with him was beautiful, but leading up to that, it was almost like she just... knew what a good man was in theory.
The dialogue at times felt off, and the physical interactions kept feeling predatory. Especially considering the FMCs character development, his approach should have completely put her off and sent up red flags. Even with the whole curse thing, it never felt comfortable or safe (at least not until the very end).
Honestly, the main story was so rich that I feel like we could have left the whole romamce subplot out and focused on independence and sisterhood.
This is a super small part of the book so I still recommend reading it!
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes
There are only a couple of things I hold issues with, which I will go into, but regardless of that, i think this is an amazing story that I 100% recommend! So let's get into it!
The Good:
This book felt like equal parts, Rachel Harrison's Cackle and Alix E. Harrow's The Once and Future Wishes mixed with an attempted sprinkle of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe.
The sisterhood, the new beginnings, the found family, the emphasis on friendship, love, pain, fear, and the beautifully damaging struggle that is being a woman. There were parts that made me genuinely feel, and for that, the story was spectacular! The political elements were also a bit on the nose for our current climate, which I think put me on edge more than normal 😅
The magic was delightful, and it brought back such deep and profound connections to the women of our past. It somehow managed to remind you of the importance of the female community while bringing you back to yourself as a person and the importance of being seen.
Also, the main FMC was vocally childfree by choice, BUT all of the women in her circle had their own stories. Childlessness, pregnancy loss, dreams of adoption, it beautifully summarized that no matter what choices we make, they should be honored by ourselves and others and we are still women, and whole, regardless of which choice we make.
Absolutely amazing!
The Cons
This first one is super minor, which could have been corrected with easy editing. Basically, there were scene changes without page breaks, which caused my brain to skip a bit and have to recenter myself in the scene, but again, that's no biggy.
Where I did struggle was with the romance subplot. The author writes the bad men SO WELL, as if she knew enough of them to write them perfectly (i mean... don't we all?) But when it came to writing a good man, there was a disconnect. The last chapter with him was beautiful, but leading up to that, it was almost like she just... knew what a good man was in theory.
The dialogue at times felt off, and the physical interactions kept feeling predatory. Especially considering the FMCs character development, his approach should have completely put her off and sent up red flags. Even with the whole curse thing, it never felt comfortable or safe (at least not until the very end).
Honestly, the main story was so rich that I feel like we could have left the whole romamce subplot out and focused on independence and sisterhood.
This is a super small part of the book so I still recommend reading it!
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes
August 5, 2025
Das perfekte Buch um spooky season offiziell zu starten.
Sehr sympathische Hauptfigur, tolle Nebenfiguren, starke Freundschaften und das perfekte Setting in Salem.
Von den politischen Inhalten war ich überrascht - aber zum Glück im positiven.
Das einzige was mich nicht so überzeugen konnte war die Romanze - da gab es mir zu wenig positive Interaktion um überhaupt das Gefühl zu haben, dass er sie mag.
Ging dann von 0 auf 100 und ich konnte das null nachvollziehen - war einfach auch keine Chemie zu spüren. Die Sexszene bzw. der Dialog war überraschend und fand es passte nicht zum Rest vom Buch.
Sehr sympathische Hauptfigur, tolle Nebenfiguren, starke Freundschaften und das perfekte Setting in Salem.
Von den politischen Inhalten war ich überrascht - aber zum Glück im positiven.
Das einzige was mich nicht so überzeugen konnte war die Romanze - da gab es mir zu wenig positive Interaktion um überhaupt das Gefühl zu haben, dass er sie mag.
Ging dann von 0 auf 100 und ich konnte das null nachvollziehen - war einfach auch keine Chemie zu spüren. Die Sexszene bzw. der Dialog war überraschend und fand es passte nicht zum Rest vom Buch.
September 12, 2024
Hexes Go Well with Tequila feels like the warmest, coziest hug wrapped in laughter, sisterhood, and just the right splash of magic! If you’re someone who believes in lifting up others, rooting for a better world, and empowering women to be unapologetically themselves, then buckle up, because this book is calling your name!
I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud, and yes, I definitely found myself raging at some parts—it's that kind of rollercoaster, and I loved every second. This stunning debut from Ehrsam captures the struggles and triumphs women face when they dare to shake off society’s limitations. It’s a heartfelt reminder that no woman should ever shrink herself to fit anyone else’s mold. The sisterhood in this story isn’t perfect (and thank goodness for that!), but it shows how women can grow stronger together, and it left me wishing I could be part of The Lost Souls House myself. Oh, and let's not forget the steamy, swoon-worthy Brawny Man. I mean, can we get more of that, please?
I’m already packing my bags and hoping for an invite to this magical world—because let’s face it, we all need more of this kind of adventure in our lives. I’m counting down the days until LeAnna takes us back to Salem for the next wild ride!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes because, honestly, I couldn't stop highlighting:
“Her words were bold and unwavering, not meant to make them uncomfortable, but not holding back truth.”
“The world and the magic inside of it knows this secret: women who shed their insecurities and fears, stepping out of them like unwanted clothes, are dangerous. And if those women found each other and grasped hands, the naked truth of being human, embracing their power as women… that was more than dangerous. It was possibly catastrophic.”
“It felt like magic, the kind made by humans letting go of control and fear together.”
I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud, and yes, I definitely found myself raging at some parts—it's that kind of rollercoaster, and I loved every second. This stunning debut from Ehrsam captures the struggles and triumphs women face when they dare to shake off society’s limitations. It’s a heartfelt reminder that no woman should ever shrink herself to fit anyone else’s mold. The sisterhood in this story isn’t perfect (and thank goodness for that!), but it shows how women can grow stronger together, and it left me wishing I could be part of The Lost Souls House myself. Oh, and let's not forget the steamy, swoon-worthy Brawny Man. I mean, can we get more of that, please?
I’m already packing my bags and hoping for an invite to this magical world—because let’s face it, we all need more of this kind of adventure in our lives. I’m counting down the days until LeAnna takes us back to Salem for the next wild ride!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes because, honestly, I couldn't stop highlighting:
“Her words were bold and unwavering, not meant to make them uncomfortable, but not holding back truth.”
“The world and the magic inside of it knows this secret: women who shed their insecurities and fears, stepping out of them like unwanted clothes, are dangerous. And if those women found each other and grasped hands, the naked truth of being human, embracing their power as women… that was more than dangerous. It was possibly catastrophic.”
“It felt like magic, the kind made by humans letting go of control and fear together.”
October 1, 2025
Maybe I'm being harsh, but I thought this was super disappointing, and the writing honestly wasn't good. Long run on sentences that were genuinely difficult to follow. Using pronouns instead of names which was really confusing.
September 30, 2024
I was pleased to receive an ARC copy of "Hexes Go Well With Tequila", and moved it to the top of my list to read. Finding myself almost immediately between books, I dove in, and I was not disappointed. Magic makes an early appearance, the characters are believable and fun, and the romantic story has just the right amount of spice without crossing over the line of too much. There is drama and enough touches of evil to add interest, with good ultimately triumphant. I loved the garden magic that winds throughout the story, and was pleased that magic is not sold as the only answer to life's problems.
I was left satisfied and feeling good by the ending, while still wanting to know the stories of the other wonderful characters.
I cheerfully recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read, and will be impatiently waiting for a sequel.
I was left satisfied and feeling good by the ending, while still wanting to know the stories of the other wonderful characters.
I cheerfully recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read, and will be impatiently waiting for a sequel.
October 17, 2024
This book is EVERYTHING! The vibes. The female friendships. Oh the female friendships. A million freaking stars for the female friendships. The brawny man. The magical house. The food mentioned in this book. (I am so hoping for a Lost Souls Cookbook in the future!) A woman in her 30s coming home to herself. Also it takes place in Salem, Massachusetts. This book is the perfect cozy magical book. I loved it.
September 14, 2024
3.8 ⭐️ Just finished the ARC for this one and I thought it was a great fall vibes witchy book. My only dislike was it does have a lot of politics in it which I was not expecting and I typically read to get away from what’s going on in the world so I dont like politics in my books. I also didn’t agree with a decision to use/ rely on a hex to win an election but outside of that I thought it had great female friends, grumpy main characters, recovering from past relationships, and a really cool house. I like how the author can articulate strong feelings that I’m sure most of us have felt but have never been able to put into words. In particular this quote "I have felt lonely for so long that being around people is like walking out of a dark theater you've been trapped in for two hours and into the sunlight. It's shocking and blinding.” As an introvert who has been on maternity leave 3 times in the past 4 years I felt this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
"Have you ever just, not felt seen? Like, you're somehow a walking ghost in your own life?"
Then you need to read this book.
"They answered an unexpected invitation to an unexpected adventure and the thrill was so strong, coursing through her entire body, that she felt certain that even if this was the most dangerous mistake she had ever made, the hours of absolute thrumming excitement made it worth it."
"...the rage of women who were done with the battles waged against them, and ready to wage war to finish it."
This book made me feel seen and heard.
📖 I loved the plot, found it interesting and compelling. I appreciate that the author leaves it up to the reader to take the story at face value, but invites you to ponder the various aspects long after you finish the book.
I love that this book talks about the many strengths (and struggles) of being a woman. It also brings up book banning and many other important topics.
Themes: the strength of women,
sexism, racism, xenophobia, feminine rage,
✍️🏼 Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive, without veering into purple. Interesting and fun turns of phrases interspersed with sharp wit and interesting discourse from different points of view.
⏳️ I thought the pacing was great. Shorter chapters and an interesting plot make for a pretty quick read that's perfect for Spooky Season.
👥 The cast of characters is diverse, well developed, and a lot of fun. I love their personalities and we get a variety of backstories. I look forward to reading further installments so that I get more indepth backgrounds on some less main characters.
I love the relationship between Jenson and his niece, Bess. I don't love the reason she spends so much time with him, or course, but their relationship is special and beautiful.
💞 It's slooow burn, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I always appreciate (and prefer) when an author takes the time to show their relationship grow and develop, evolve. From their meet cute on to more, I absolutely loved their frenemies banter.
🌶 There's only one full event, but it's delicious. There are a few dialogue lines that, if you're a good girl (wink wink), you'll quite enjoy. The spice is well written, well placed/timed, and realistic.
📚 To me, it made me feel like I was reading about one of Sabrina Spellman's aunts, except she starts with no knowledge/understanding of magic or witches.
Then you need to read this book.
"They answered an unexpected invitation to an unexpected adventure and the thrill was so strong, coursing through her entire body, that she felt certain that even if this was the most dangerous mistake she had ever made, the hours of absolute thrumming excitement made it worth it."
"...the rage of women who were done with the battles waged against them, and ready to wage war to finish it."
This book made me feel seen and heard.
📖 I loved the plot, found it interesting and compelling. I appreciate that the author leaves it up to the reader to take the story at face value, but invites you to ponder the various aspects long after you finish the book.
I love that this book talks about the many strengths (and struggles) of being a woman. It also brings up book banning and many other important topics.
Themes: the strength of women,
sexism, racism, xenophobia, feminine rage,
✍️🏼 Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive, without veering into purple. Interesting and fun turns of phrases interspersed with sharp wit and interesting discourse from different points of view.
⏳️ I thought the pacing was great. Shorter chapters and an interesting plot make for a pretty quick read that's perfect for Spooky Season.
👥 The cast of characters is diverse, well developed, and a lot of fun. I love their personalities and we get a variety of backstories. I look forward to reading further installments so that I get more indepth backgrounds on some less main characters.
I love the relationship between Jenson and his niece, Bess. I don't love the reason she spends so much time with him, or course, but their relationship is special and beautiful.
💞 It's slooow burn, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I always appreciate (and prefer) when an author takes the time to show their relationship grow and develop, evolve. From their meet cute on to more, I absolutely loved their frenemies banter.
🌶 There's only one full event, but it's delicious. There are a few dialogue lines that, if you're a good girl (wink wink), you'll quite enjoy. The spice is well written, well placed/timed, and realistic.
📚 To me, it made me feel like I was reading about one of Sabrina Spellman's aunts, except she starts with no knowledge/understanding of magic or witches.
October 2, 2024
I am obsessed with this book. I need more books about 38 year old FMC! Ursula, the main character, described so many things that I personally have been feeling lately. The hot flashes (why are these starting alreadly), the waking up at 3 AM (I thought it was anxiety), and the need for deep conversations with females and developing those female friendships.
How was she nearly forty years old and standing on the stopp of a new house in a new town and completely drawing a blank on how to be even the tiniest bit friendly? What do women do when they get together?
I struggle so much with making friends as an adult because I want to have deep, meaningful conversations. I dont want chitchat. I want to know your darkest fears and deepest dreams.
Crystal is the kind of woman I want to grow up to be. Please, goddess, let me become Crystal in a few years.
"Any woman worth her salt could be categorized as 'something rlse'."
And then LeAnna sealed the deal by writing in small town politics and how it affects (effects? Idk dude) everyone.
"Darling, men challenging people's rights to breathe, read, vote, procreate or.not is the oldest villain story in history."
Come for the Witches, stay for the slow burn and spice, and then share with your coven because everyone needs this book.
How was she nearly forty years old and standing on the stopp of a new house in a new town and completely drawing a blank on how to be even the tiniest bit friendly? What do women do when they get together?
I struggle so much with making friends as an adult because I want to have deep, meaningful conversations. I dont want chitchat. I want to know your darkest fears and deepest dreams.
Crystal is the kind of woman I want to grow up to be. Please, goddess, let me become Crystal in a few years.
"Any woman worth her salt could be categorized as 'something rlse'."
And then LeAnna sealed the deal by writing in small town politics and how it affects (effects? Idk dude) everyone.
"Darling, men challenging people's rights to breathe, read, vote, procreate or.not is the oldest villain story in history."
Come for the Witches, stay for the slow burn and spice, and then share with your coven because everyone needs this book.
October 9, 2024
Oh, my heart.
First and foremost, I have to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to LeAnna Ehrsam for entrusting me with an ARC copy of her wonderful debut novel.
You ever read one of those books that feels like it was written just for you? And when you’re done, you just want to hug the book to your heart because you know it will permanently live in a special place in your reader soul? Because that was this book for me.
I loved everything about this book. From the grumpy Brawny Man MMC to the immersive autumn vibes to the mouth-watering descriptions of food & drinks to the wonderfully uplifting female relationships in this story. I honestly probably highlighted half of this book while reading on my Kindle. Is this book the next literary classic? Maybe not. But this brave, heartfelt debut is literally THE PERFECT witchy fall read that begs to be read this time of year. I cannot express how much I loved this story and these characters, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next Lost Souls story coming next spring!
First and foremost, I have to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to LeAnna Ehrsam for entrusting me with an ARC copy of her wonderful debut novel.
You ever read one of those books that feels like it was written just for you? And when you’re done, you just want to hug the book to your heart because you know it will permanently live in a special place in your reader soul? Because that was this book for me.
I loved everything about this book. From the grumpy Brawny Man MMC to the immersive autumn vibes to the mouth-watering descriptions of food & drinks to the wonderfully uplifting female relationships in this story. I honestly probably highlighted half of this book while reading on my Kindle. Is this book the next literary classic? Maybe not. But this brave, heartfelt debut is literally THE PERFECT witchy fall read that begs to be read this time of year. I cannot express how much I loved this story and these characters, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next Lost Souls story coming next spring!
September 29, 2024
If i could say one thing about this book is JUST BUY IT NOW. No but for real im obsessed with this book and out of all the witchy books ive read this is by far my favorite. I love the dynamics of this book. I love Ursula's character. Her kind of started over, finding new friends and family and her growth was great.
The coven ladies omg they were hilarious, amazing and super diverse! I loved how supportive they were with eachother and willing to help Ursula in anyway.
I also was in love with the magical house, mixed with the fury companions and the cemetery walks, the drunk Hex meet ups with the ladies really had me cracking up. If you're a fan of practical magic this had ALL of those vibes!
Lastly the towns most (cursed) eligible bachelor AKA brawny man lookalike. I absolutely adored their accidental run ins, the banter between him and Ursula was hilarious, and although he was grumpy he was also super likable. I loved that the romance wasn't the main theme of this book and that it was more of a bonus. And although it wasn't super spicy i will say the one spice seven had me sweating! To This is absolutely a must read and you should definitely add this to your spooky season reads!
And if you don't follow @leewriter19 you def should because she's hilarious .
The coven ladies omg they were hilarious, amazing and super diverse! I loved how supportive they were with eachother and willing to help Ursula in anyway.
I also was in love with the magical house, mixed with the fury companions and the cemetery walks, the drunk Hex meet ups with the ladies really had me cracking up. If you're a fan of practical magic this had ALL of those vibes!
Lastly the towns most (cursed) eligible bachelor AKA brawny man lookalike. I absolutely adored their accidental run ins, the banter between him and Ursula was hilarious, and although he was grumpy he was also super likable. I loved that the romance wasn't the main theme of this book and that it was more of a bonus. And although it wasn't super spicy i will say the one spice seven had me sweating! To This is absolutely a must read and you should definitely add this to your spooky season reads!
And if you don't follow @leewriter19 you def should because she's hilarious .
August 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! It’s our September 24th!
Want a modern day Salem witch hunt with a magical house and all the fall vibes? Look no further!
Short Synopsis:
Ursula receives a magical invitation to move into The Lost Souls House in Salem. After not feeling seen in her relationship, she decides to pack and go.
My Thoughts:
This was a total vibe. I adored Ursula and how she has real struggles and baggage of a 38-year-old woman. She was spunky, kind and makes mistakes - but owns up to them. The found family in this one was just perfect. 🥰 I loved the friend group so much. But honestly 15-year-old Bess was my favorite. That girl is a force and 36-year-old me wants to be friends with her. It’s a fun witchy book for your fall reading.
What You’ll Find:
🎃 Fall vibes
👻 Magical house
🪄 Hexes
👯♀️ Found family
🔥 Modern day witch hunt
🤓 FMC in her 30s
💝 Minor romance subplot
Want a modern day Salem witch hunt with a magical house and all the fall vibes? Look no further!
Short Synopsis:
Ursula receives a magical invitation to move into The Lost Souls House in Salem. After not feeling seen in her relationship, she decides to pack and go.
My Thoughts:
This was a total vibe. I adored Ursula and how she has real struggles and baggage of a 38-year-old woman. She was spunky, kind and makes mistakes - but owns up to them. The found family in this one was just perfect. 🥰 I loved the friend group so much. But honestly 15-year-old Bess was my favorite. That girl is a force and 36-year-old me wants to be friends with her. It’s a fun witchy book for your fall reading.
What You’ll Find:
🎃 Fall vibes
👻 Magical house
🪄 Hexes
👯♀️ Found family
🔥 Modern day witch hunt
🤓 FMC in her 30s
💝 Minor romance subplot
August 29, 2024
I heard about this book on social media and had it only my wish list. I was able to receive an ARC and after reading a third of it, I immediately pre-ordered a paperback. This book is absolutely delightful! It has strong women, magic, and a dash of romance - what’s not to like? Although it’s certainly a cozy read, there is a lot of depth to the main character, a woman who acknowledges that she’s lonely and unhappy when she receives a magical invitation to move to Salem. There, she not only finds more magic waiting for her, she finds strong female friends who support her as she rebuilds herself. I absolutely loved it and look forward to enjoying the next book in this series!
July 29, 2025
Well wasn’t this perfectly cozy and adorable and filled with beautiful prose and the kind of wisdom that usually comes to women after their mid-30’s.
A woman in her late 30’s feeling unseen and starting over.
The Irish Wolfhound named Casper.
A mysteriously magical house in Salem that comes with a graveyard to oversee.
Four new friends find her and enjoy strong margaritas in the graveyard at midnight, casting accidental hexes.
The sexy and cursed Brawny paper towel man.
A religious powerhouse running for mayor against the divorced, childless woman.
Discovery of the true history of the mysterious house and the town of Salem.
Dive into this story and experience the power women who truly see one another have against toxic masculinity.
A woman in her late 30’s feeling unseen and starting over.
The Irish Wolfhound named Casper.
A mysteriously magical house in Salem that comes with a graveyard to oversee.
Four new friends find her and enjoy strong margaritas in the graveyard at midnight, casting accidental hexes.
The sexy and cursed Brawny paper towel man.
A religious powerhouse running for mayor against the divorced, childless woman.
Discovery of the true history of the mysterious house and the town of Salem.
Dive into this story and experience the power women who truly see one another have against toxic masculinity.
September 6, 2024
This book has a FMC who gets a magical invitation to be the caretaker of a magical house (and property) at a critical time in her life. She meets women who become her friends and found family even though they are all different ages and backgrounds, and we're shown the power and importance of female friendships. ❤️ There is also a slow burn romance that develops between her and the town's "cursed" grumpy guy, who looks like the Brawny paper towel guy. I really enjoyed the book and appreciated the opportunity to get an ARC copy. (Also learned that you can add a splash of bourbon to your (vanilla) sleepytime tea! 🤔🤣 Can't belive I never thought of that!)
October 3, 2024
This is a must read. LeAnna Ehrsam takes you into a wonderfully cozy fall setting in Salem with a hint of magic and a dash of spice. She perfectly depicts what it's like as an adult female to make new friends and allow yourself to "be the burden" we are all afraid of being. The group of women she created could be any one of us with real life struggles. Their blossoming friendship whilevdealing with small town drama and rumors is heart-warming 🥰 and we can't forget about our grumpy Brawny Man 🫠
August 30, 2024
Thjs book is rich with fall witchy vibes, messy characters and lovely, real and raw friendships. I loved the setting (obviously!) and the beauty of women gathering to right some wrongs. I would absolutely recommend!!
August 13, 2025
A warm hug of a witchy book celebrating the supportive community that women can build. Spice is 🌶️ (and late, chapter 28) so there is some romance, but at core this is a character growth(rebirth?) story; some self-help vibes but not enough to turn me off. Could probably use a bit of editing overall but I really enjoyed the writing nonetheless.
She knew this feeling, being told that she was silly, little, not even worth the importance of being seen.
February 9, 2025
I loved this. I loved the older protagonist going through a coming of age type arc, and I loved the setting and especially loved the house. There were a few clunky spots to me, but I expect that in a debut. I cannot wait for the rest of this series ✨
January 3, 2025
This was my first start to finish book of 2025 and I am so happy it was.
I laughed out loud and cried while reading this book and it really hit home on a few things.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves rom coms.
I laughed out loud and cried while reading this book and it really hit home on a few things.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves rom coms.
November 4, 2024
This is a great seasonal read! What starts out as a cozy, much-ado-about-nothing kind of story, maintains its coziness but develops into much, much more. Is the writing ground-breaking and poetic? Not quite, haha. But I so enjoyed reading about a 38 year old woman with dark, witchy interests and her band of feminist friends (coven, actually.) This so neatly depicts that true masculinity is divined through feminism and while we have much to do in the way of ridding the world of incels and Old White Men Seeking Power™️, it is through women like Ursula, Jen, Tilly, Kelsea and Crystal that there is hope. Also, Jenson Lancaster and a kitchen island. That’s all I will say. 🥵
How fitting that I finished this book right after casting my vote for the 2024 Presidential election. One guess who I’m rooting for. 😘
How fitting that I finished this book right after casting my vote for the 2024 Presidential election. One guess who I’m rooting for. 😘
September 25, 2024
4.5 Witchy Stars
This is seriously the perfect fall read for any woman who digs witchy vibes - if you haven't chosen your October bookclub book yet, here you go! I enjoyed so many aspects of this story. I felt seen as a woman in general (also as one in my upper 30's) in so many ways. If you have ever not felt seen - you will feel seen in this story, and I hope this lights a fire for you, because YOU are important and deserve to feel seen!
What an amazing reminder of how we are not in competition - we can empower one another, being that support without judgment - a beautiful example of sisterhood.
I could not stop cracking up over all the alternate names for cats - apathetic murder puff *might* be my fav.
The Brawny Man would need a 12-pack of paper towels to wipe me up off the floor, he did not disappoint! I also love that Ehrsam wrote an alternate closed-door "mocktail" version for those who prefer it.
This made me want to whip up some yummy fall food (seriously, this needs a corresponding cookbook!), redecorate my house, and gather my girls for some drunken graveyard hexing.
I was practically highlighting every other page, but here is one of the many lovely quotes:
"There was nothing else quite like a group of women allowing each other to heal in their presence by simply being."
🖤Fall witchy vibes
🖤Magical Realism
🖤Found Family & Self
🖤Cursed Grumpy vs Not Quite Sunshine
🖤FMC in Upper 30's
🖤Sisterhood
🖤Drunk Graveyard Hexing
🖤Animal Companions
Thank you, Leanna Ehrsam for this ARC! I cannot wait for the next book!
This is seriously the perfect fall read for any woman who digs witchy vibes - if you haven't chosen your October bookclub book yet, here you go! I enjoyed so many aspects of this story. I felt seen as a woman in general (also as one in my upper 30's) in so many ways. If you have ever not felt seen - you will feel seen in this story, and I hope this lights a fire for you, because YOU are important and deserve to feel seen!
What an amazing reminder of how we are not in competition - we can empower one another, being that support without judgment - a beautiful example of sisterhood.
I could not stop cracking up over all the alternate names for cats - apathetic murder puff *might* be my fav.
The Brawny Man would need a 12-pack of paper towels to wipe me up off the floor, he did not disappoint! I also love that Ehrsam wrote an alternate closed-door "mocktail" version for those who prefer it.
This made me want to whip up some yummy fall food (seriously, this needs a corresponding cookbook!), redecorate my house, and gather my girls for some drunken graveyard hexing.
I was practically highlighting every other page, but here is one of the many lovely quotes:
"There was nothing else quite like a group of women allowing each other to heal in their presence by simply being."
🖤Fall witchy vibes
🖤Magical Realism
🖤Found Family & Self
🖤Cursed Grumpy vs Not Quite Sunshine
🖤FMC in Upper 30's
🖤Sisterhood
🖤Drunk Graveyard Hexing
🖤Animal Companions
Thank you, Leanna Ehrsam for this ARC! I cannot wait for the next book!
June 8, 2025
This is not the type of book I typically gravitate towards but witchcraft and tequila I can definitely mess with so I figured I’d give it a shot and surprisingly I really liked it! Well most of it… I could’ve done without the romance aspect, I especially hate the asshole turned lover trope, but I was glad that didn’t encompass too much time and that the focus was really on Ursula finding her “coven” and herself. The strong sense of female camaraderie was (at risk of sounding super cheesy here) heartwarming and inspiring and it almost made me a little emotional to see these women unconditionally lifting each other up. Not sure I’ll continue with the rest of the series but glad I read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
"Have you ever just, not felt seen? Like, you're somehow a walking ghost in your own life?"
Then you need to read this book.
"They answered an unexpected invitation to an unexpected adventure and the thrill was so strong, coursing through her entire body, that she felt certain that even if this was the most dangerous mistake she had ever made, the hours of absolute thrumming excitement made it worth it."
"...the rage of women who were done with the battles waged against them, and ready to wage war to finish it."
This book made me feel seen and heard.
📖 I loved the plot, found it interesting and compelling. I appreciate that the author leaves it up to the reader to take the story at face value, but invites you to ponder the various aspects long after you finish the book.
I love that this book talks about the many strengths (and struggles) of being a woman. It also brings up book banning and many other important topics.
Themes: the strength of women,
sexism, racism, xenophobia, feminine rage,
✍️🏼 Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive, without veering into purple. Interesting and fun turns of phrases interspersed with sharp wit and interesting discourse from different points of view.
⏳️ I thought the pacing was great. Shorter chapters and an interesting plot make for a pretty quick read that's perfect for Spooky Season.
👥 The cast of characters is diverse, well developed, and a lot of fun. I love their personalities and we get a variety of backstories. I look forward to reading further installments so that I get more indepth backgrounds on some less main characters.
I love the relationship between Jenson and his niece, Bess. I don't love the reason she spends so much time with him, or course, but their relationship is special and beautiful.
💞 It's slooow burn, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I always appreciate (and prefer) when an author takes the time to show their relationship grow and develop, evolve. From their meet cute on to more, I absolutely loved their frenemies banter.
🌶 There's only one full event, but it's delicious. There are a few dialogue lines that, if you're a good girl (wink wink), you'll quite enjoy. The spice is well written, well placed/timed, and realistic.
📚 To me, it made me feel like I was reading about one of Sabrina Spellman's aunts, except she starts with no knowledge/understanding of magic or witches.
Thank you to @leewriter19 and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Then you need to read this book.
"They answered an unexpected invitation to an unexpected adventure and the thrill was so strong, coursing through her entire body, that she felt certain that even if this was the most dangerous mistake she had ever made, the hours of absolute thrumming excitement made it worth it."
"...the rage of women who were done with the battles waged against them, and ready to wage war to finish it."
This book made me feel seen and heard.
📖 I loved the plot, found it interesting and compelling. I appreciate that the author leaves it up to the reader to take the story at face value, but invites you to ponder the various aspects long after you finish the book.
I love that this book talks about the many strengths (and struggles) of being a woman. It also brings up book banning and many other important topics.
Themes: the strength of women,
sexism, racism, xenophobia, feminine rage,
✍️🏼 Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive, without veering into purple. Interesting and fun turns of phrases interspersed with sharp wit and interesting discourse from different points of view.
⏳️ I thought the pacing was great. Shorter chapters and an interesting plot make for a pretty quick read that's perfect for Spooky Season.
👥 The cast of characters is diverse, well developed, and a lot of fun. I love their personalities and we get a variety of backstories. I look forward to reading further installments so that I get more indepth backgrounds on some less main characters.
I love the relationship between Jenson and his niece, Bess. I don't love the reason she spends so much time with him, or course, but their relationship is special and beautiful.
💞 It's slooow burn, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I always appreciate (and prefer) when an author takes the time to show their relationship grow and develop, evolve. From their meet cute on to more, I absolutely loved their frenemies banter.
🌶 There's only one full event, but it's delicious. There are a few dialogue lines that, if you're a good girl (wink wink), you'll quite enjoy. The spice is well written, well placed/timed, and realistic.
📚 To me, it made me feel like I was reading about one of Sabrina Spellman's aunts, except she starts with no knowledge/understanding of magic or witches.
Thank you to @leewriter19 and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2025
⭐ 4 Stars
Hexes Go Well with Tequila by Leanna Ehrsam
This book was so close to being a 5 star read for me. Honestly, for most of the story I was ready to give it 6 stars if that were possible. But after taking time to reflect, my honest rating is 4 stars.
This book made me think, and I love when a story does that. I picked it up because I love witchy stories set in Salem, MA and because I enjoy the author’s social media presence and vibe. I also love supporting indie authors whose work feels intentional and heart centered.
Who This Book Is For:
This story is a great fit for readers who love stories about women, their friendships, and witchy magical realism with a touch of raw honesty. It’s especially for readers who enjoy found family, magic, and community. It will likely resonate with heterosexual women who enjoy a romance with a man who has that “Brawny Paper Towel Man” energy 💪🏻.
If you’re drawn to stories about women coming into their own power, this book will probably speak to you.
Who I Am as a Reader:
It’s important to understand my reading lens. I primarily read sapphic fiction, especially cozy fantasy, romantasy, and contemporary sapphic stories. I prefer sapphic spice and have mostly stepped away from hetero romance because I’ve been surrounded by it all my life. At this point, I want to read what feels authentic to me.
I also approach books through a feminist lens while still being open to multiple perspectives. I gave this book a chance because I’d heard it focused on strong female friendships and a coven-like community. I’m glad I did, and I do plan to continue the series.
The Storyline:
The story follows a 38-year-old woman who leaves her unfulfilling life in the Midwest with her dog to care for a magical house in Salem. What she finds is a group of women of all ages who support each other fiercely.
This part of the story was absolutely my favorite. I loved reading about these women and the community they created. The friendships were the heart of the book, and I actually wish the plot had focused even more on that. Stories that center women’s friendships are powerful, and we need more of them.
Subplots:
There’s a political subplot that mirrors current real-world issues, and it was handled well. There’s also a romance subplot, and that’s where the story lost me a bit.
The Romance (Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️):
As a sapphic reader, I want to be fair in how I talk about a heterosexual romance. My initial reaction was that the romance seemed to contradict the larger message of the book. So much of the story focuses on women reclaiming their independence after feeling hurt or controlled by men. Introducing a male love interest who pursues the FMC so intensely felt out of place with that theme.
The spice scenes were uncomfortable for me. The kissing and intimacy were very aggressive, and at times it felt predatory rather than passionate. I actually saw another reviewer describe it with those exact words, and I agree. Some scenes could even be triggering for survivors of sexual assault. While I recognize that the dynamic might appeal to many straight readers, it didn’t feel safe or empowering to me. It changed the tone of the story.
To be fair, I can see how the romance may have been intended to help the FMC feel seen and desired after years of being invisible. That is a valid arc. But for me, it clashed with the larger feminist message of women finding strength in themselves and their friendships. If the romance had been written more gently, I likely would have rated this higher. If it had not been included at all, this would have been an easy 6 star book for me.
The Magical Realism:
I loved the magical house and garden. That’s one of my favorite tropes, and I wish I could live in a house like that. I also loved the way the story touched on women healing women, even across generations and through spirits. Those moments were beautiful and powerful.
The Tarot Cards:
The recurring tarot cards were such a wonderful addition to the story and worked as a great motif. I only wish they had been developed further. There was so much potential to let these cards deepen the story’s emotional thread and tie everything together more strongly.
The Writing Style:
Some reviewers commented on the writing style, and I honestly don’t agree with the negative takes. I’m not a professional writer, so I don’t pretend to critique craft at that level, but the prose felt simple and clear to me. It flowed well and was easy to read.
The only thing that stood out to me was the lack of clear scene breaks within chapters, which sometimes made them feel like they ran together. It wasn’t a major issue, just something noticeable.
Final Thoughts:
This book gave me a lot to think about, and that alone says something about its power. I loved the friendships, the setting, the magical house, and the tarot motif. The romance didn’t fit the way I hoped it would, but there is so much potential here.
I want to gently encourage the author to consider exploring stories about women where the “romance” is about self love and self acceptance, and where the power comes from within themselves and their friendships, and not focusing on relationships with men. We need more stories like that. I think this author has the potential for that!
If the romance had been gentler, this would have been a 5 star read for me. Without the romance, it would have been a 6 star. I’ll be continuing the series and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
🐕🐈✨📖🧙🏼♀️🥰🪄🏠
Hexes Go Well with Tequila by Leanna Ehrsam
This book was so close to being a 5 star read for me. Honestly, for most of the story I was ready to give it 6 stars if that were possible. But after taking time to reflect, my honest rating is 4 stars.
This book made me think, and I love when a story does that. I picked it up because I love witchy stories set in Salem, MA and because I enjoy the author’s social media presence and vibe. I also love supporting indie authors whose work feels intentional and heart centered.
Who This Book Is For:
This story is a great fit for readers who love stories about women, their friendships, and witchy magical realism with a touch of raw honesty. It’s especially for readers who enjoy found family, magic, and community. It will likely resonate with heterosexual women who enjoy a romance with a man who has that “Brawny Paper Towel Man” energy 💪🏻.
If you’re drawn to stories about women coming into their own power, this book will probably speak to you.
Who I Am as a Reader:
It’s important to understand my reading lens. I primarily read sapphic fiction, especially cozy fantasy, romantasy, and contemporary sapphic stories. I prefer sapphic spice and have mostly stepped away from hetero romance because I’ve been surrounded by it all my life. At this point, I want to read what feels authentic to me.
I also approach books through a feminist lens while still being open to multiple perspectives. I gave this book a chance because I’d heard it focused on strong female friendships and a coven-like community. I’m glad I did, and I do plan to continue the series.
The Storyline:
The story follows a 38-year-old woman who leaves her unfulfilling life in the Midwest with her dog to care for a magical house in Salem. What she finds is a group of women of all ages who support each other fiercely.
This part of the story was absolutely my favorite. I loved reading about these women and the community they created. The friendships were the heart of the book, and I actually wish the plot had focused even more on that. Stories that center women’s friendships are powerful, and we need more of them.
Subplots:
There’s a political subplot that mirrors current real-world issues, and it was handled well. There’s also a romance subplot, and that’s where the story lost me a bit.
The Romance (Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️):
As a sapphic reader, I want to be fair in how I talk about a heterosexual romance. My initial reaction was that the romance seemed to contradict the larger message of the book. So much of the story focuses on women reclaiming their independence after feeling hurt or controlled by men. Introducing a male love interest who pursues the FMC so intensely felt out of place with that theme.
The spice scenes were uncomfortable for me. The kissing and intimacy were very aggressive, and at times it felt predatory rather than passionate. I actually saw another reviewer describe it with those exact words, and I agree. Some scenes could even be triggering for survivors of sexual assault. While I recognize that the dynamic might appeal to many straight readers, it didn’t feel safe or empowering to me. It changed the tone of the story.
To be fair, I can see how the romance may have been intended to help the FMC feel seen and desired after years of being invisible. That is a valid arc. But for me, it clashed with the larger feminist message of women finding strength in themselves and their friendships. If the romance had been written more gently, I likely would have rated this higher. If it had not been included at all, this would have been an easy 6 star book for me.
The Magical Realism:
I loved the magical house and garden. That’s one of my favorite tropes, and I wish I could live in a house like that. I also loved the way the story touched on women healing women, even across generations and through spirits. Those moments were beautiful and powerful.
The Tarot Cards:
The recurring tarot cards were such a wonderful addition to the story and worked as a great motif. I only wish they had been developed further. There was so much potential to let these cards deepen the story’s emotional thread and tie everything together more strongly.
The Writing Style:
Some reviewers commented on the writing style, and I honestly don’t agree with the negative takes. I’m not a professional writer, so I don’t pretend to critique craft at that level, but the prose felt simple and clear to me. It flowed well and was easy to read.
The only thing that stood out to me was the lack of clear scene breaks within chapters, which sometimes made them feel like they ran together. It wasn’t a major issue, just something noticeable.
Final Thoughts:
This book gave me a lot to think about, and that alone says something about its power. I loved the friendships, the setting, the magical house, and the tarot motif. The romance didn’t fit the way I hoped it would, but there is so much potential here.
I want to gently encourage the author to consider exploring stories about women where the “romance” is about self love and self acceptance, and where the power comes from within themselves and their friendships, and not focusing on relationships with men. We need more stories like that. I think this author has the potential for that!
If the romance had been gentler, this would have been a 5 star read for me. Without the romance, it would have been a 6 star. I’ll be continuing the series and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
🐕🐈✨📖🧙🏼♀️🥰🪄🏠
March 21, 2025
Please. Do a part two. I need the girl and learn how to make margaritas!
September 2, 2024
4.5⭐ rounded up to 5. This was the perfect book to say goodbye to summer and helloooo to the fall season—my favourite. A solid debut from LeAnna Ehrsam; I would definitely read more from this author.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for honest feedback.
❤️ Atmosphere and witchy vibes
❤️ Loveable, well-rounded characters
❤️ Sensitive and wise writing about problems women face on a daily basis
❤️ Political intrigue with a feminist twist
❤️ Unexpected (and steamy!) spice
❌ Slightly slow start
❌ Some confusing / under-edited parts
Trigger warnings: misogyny, sexism, bullying, gaslighting, drink spiking, abortion, domestic abuse, child abandonment, murder (off-page).
Plot:
Ursula has felt invisible for a long time. When she receives a magical invitation to live in Salem, she leaves everything behind (except her doggo Casper, of course). But there is a catch: she will need to keep company to the house’s lost souls, and finding footing in the town might be harder than she expected due to the house’s reputation. Ursula soon finds friendship and magical camaraderie with four local women… and bumps into the town bachelor, who is said to be cursed. Everything starts to go downhill when a local political figure starts a witch hunt as part of his mayoral campaign.
If you love all of this, don’t look any further: fall vibes, cozy mystery, new beginnings, a modern-day witch hunt, a nurturing and protective magical house, sisterhood and found family, healing from a toxic relationship, witchy rituals and funny hexes, political intrigue with a feminist twist, animal companions, MCs in their late 30s, and, finally, hate-to-love small-town romance (although, with its 45K population, Salem doesn’t quite fit the bill). After a slight struggle at the very beginning, I wasn’t able to put it down. I’d say this novel is more atmosphere/characters than plot, but that was perfectly fine with me.
Characters:
For such a short novel, there were many characters—and they all felt distinctive and well rounded. Being in my late 30s myself, I was happy to follow an FMC I could strongly relate to. My favourite characters had to be Bess and Jenson (an honourable mention goes to Sulphur). Jenson had me at tall, dark, handsome, and grumpy… and protective and helpful and handy. (However, I have to admit I had to Google what the hell is a Brawny Man, because we don’t have those paper towels in Canada.) I enjoyed the romance and the spice, and loved how it was an important part, but not the main plot.
Writing:
I really enjoyed Ehrsam’s lush, evocative, and sharp prose. She created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere right from the start, and I was amazed at how the mood could go from cozy/witchy to mysterious/creepy in the blink of an eye. There was some world-class banter as well! However, I thought there were too many clothing descriptions, and that some parts were a slightly confusing due to under-editing (e.g., missing words, stacked personal pronouns).
Follow me on Instagram: @bibi.reads.writes
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for honest feedback.
❤️ Atmosphere and witchy vibes
❤️ Loveable, well-rounded characters
❤️ Sensitive and wise writing about problems women face on a daily basis
❤️ Political intrigue with a feminist twist
❤️ Unexpected (and steamy!) spice
❌ Slightly slow start
❌ Some confusing / under-edited parts
Trigger warnings: misogyny, sexism, bullying, gaslighting, drink spiking, abortion, domestic abuse, child abandonment, murder (off-page).
Plot:
Ursula has felt invisible for a long time. When she receives a magical invitation to live in Salem, she leaves everything behind (except her doggo Casper, of course). But there is a catch: she will need to keep company to the house’s lost souls, and finding footing in the town might be harder than she expected due to the house’s reputation. Ursula soon finds friendship and magical camaraderie with four local women… and bumps into the town bachelor, who is said to be cursed. Everything starts to go downhill when a local political figure starts a witch hunt as part of his mayoral campaign.
If you love all of this, don’t look any further: fall vibes, cozy mystery, new beginnings, a modern-day witch hunt, a nurturing and protective magical house, sisterhood and found family, healing from a toxic relationship, witchy rituals and funny hexes, political intrigue with a feminist twist, animal companions, MCs in their late 30s, and, finally, hate-to-love small-town romance (although, with its 45K population, Salem doesn’t quite fit the bill). After a slight struggle at the very beginning, I wasn’t able to put it down. I’d say this novel is more atmosphere/characters than plot, but that was perfectly fine with me.
Characters:
For such a short novel, there were many characters—and they all felt distinctive and well rounded. Being in my late 30s myself, I was happy to follow an FMC I could strongly relate to. My favourite characters had to be Bess and Jenson (an honourable mention goes to Sulphur). Jenson had me at tall, dark, handsome, and grumpy… and protective and helpful and handy. (However, I have to admit I had to Google what the hell is a Brawny Man, because we don’t have those paper towels in Canada.) I enjoyed the romance and the spice, and loved how it was an important part, but not the main plot.
Writing:
I really enjoyed Ehrsam’s lush, evocative, and sharp prose. She created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere right from the start, and I was amazed at how the mood could go from cozy/witchy to mysterious/creepy in the blink of an eye. There was some world-class banter as well! However, I thought there were too many clothing descriptions, and that some parts were a slightly confusing due to under-editing (e.g., missing words, stacked personal pronouns).
Follow me on Instagram: @bibi.reads.writes
August 26, 2024
I feel very lucky to have been able to read this book as an ARC. This is what I want in a book.
A FMC who's in her late 30's, dealing with the awkwardness of making new friends, discovering herself again, and learning that being vulnerable is a strength.
This is the witchy book of the year. For me, anyway. We're in Salem, it’s autumn, and there's a magical house. There's also coffee, margaritas, and witch hunts. Add to that folk tales, history, and a mystery to be solved and we have been gifted an amazing book.
Our main character Ursula finds herself done; with fitting in, with making herself smaller, with being less, with trying not being seen to please those around her, with everything in her current situation and she takes up an invitation to relocate to Salem. There she rediscovers what friendships are, what it is to be seen, and the importance of taking up space – not just for herself, but for those around her.
A lot of lines in this book resonated with me - I felt very seen. Each woman Ursula befriends came with her own tale and shared part of herself. These stories rang familiar so watching her let go and grow was beautiful. Seeing her surrounded by a growing group of friends was heart-warming.
But there is more in here if you look beyond the beauty of character growth and development (you can tell that loved this element). There is a history to the magical house that Ursula moves into, a mystery to be solved. There’s patriarchy to be addressed. Secrets that must be unearthed. And I honestly could not put this book down for the final chapters – it was so cleverly written!
Everything came together so well in this book – nothing felt left behind, or like a loose thread. This is an author who knows the right time to tie off the right ends .
Also, the way the characters communicate in this book is amazing. I love it when people talk to each other in open ways in books. And maybe because a lot of our characters are actual adults, we get that.
The slow burn in this book is … *sigh* ... perfect. It hits just right. I wanted things to happen earlier, but again, this author pulled the strings to this relationship together at just the right time.
Just. Brilliant! This was an amazing book!
Oh look, I wrote an essay on loving this! Whoops!
A FMC who's in her late 30's, dealing with the awkwardness of making new friends, discovering herself again, and learning that being vulnerable is a strength.
This is the witchy book of the year. For me, anyway. We're in Salem, it’s autumn, and there's a magical house. There's also coffee, margaritas, and witch hunts. Add to that folk tales, history, and a mystery to be solved and we have been gifted an amazing book.
Our main character Ursula finds herself done; with fitting in, with making herself smaller, with being less, with trying not being seen to please those around her, with everything in her current situation and she takes up an invitation to relocate to Salem. There she rediscovers what friendships are, what it is to be seen, and the importance of taking up space – not just for herself, but for those around her.
A lot of lines in this book resonated with me - I felt very seen. Each woman Ursula befriends came with her own tale and shared part of herself. These stories rang familiar so watching her let go and grow was beautiful. Seeing her surrounded by a growing group of friends was heart-warming.
But there is more in here if you look beyond the beauty of character growth and development (you can tell that loved this element). There is a history to the magical house that Ursula moves into, a mystery to be solved. There’s patriarchy to be addressed. Secrets that must be unearthed. And I honestly could not put this book down for the final chapters – it was so cleverly written!
Everything came together so well in this book – nothing felt left behind, or like a loose thread. This is an author who knows the right time to tie off the right ends .
Also, the way the characters communicate in this book is amazing. I love it when people talk to each other in open ways in books. And maybe because a lot of our characters are actual adults, we get that.
The slow burn in this book is … *sigh* ... perfect. It hits just right. I wanted things to happen earlier, but again, this author pulled the strings to this relationship together at just the right time.
Just. Brilliant! This was an amazing book!
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