This may be really niche but I think if you enjoyed watching practical magic and the great British bake off then you should try this! Add in a dash of vampire diaries but specifically the episode where Bonnie and Damon are cursed to repeat a day in the 90s and this book fits right in! (I loved that episode and so this book felt inviting and cozy!) my only qualm would be that the writing felt slightly verbose at times and could have been shorter but like I said such a cozy read perfect for fall!
4.5 ⭐️ This was seriously the perfect witchy read to cozy up with. The autumn vibes were top tier, as were the actual plot and romance as well. The idea is so unique, and for Evie being in such a high stakes situation, I loved that there was a more fun aspect to the book with the baking and competition. The balance was perfect! My only complaint is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but it is still a satisfying ending that left me happy!
What a perfect fall read! 4.5 rounded up! Such a great story to immerse yourself into this spooky season! I really love the imagery the author implemented, it made envisioning this world so much more vivid and real! Grab your warm beverage and a cozy spot to dive into this enticing read
I was blessed with receiving the ARC version of the Witching Flour and I absolutely loved it. Here in Ohio we’re already experiencing some cool weather so this was the perfect book to start off my fall reads. If you’re looking for the perfect book to read while snuggled under a fall blanket with a pumpkin spiced coffee and a fall candle lit this is the book for you. The witching flour has the perfect fall town, witchy vibes, magic, some enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and of course a bad guy. There were actually some twists in this I wasn’t expecting that made it so fun. Such a fun and cozy read but it also had some spice 🌶️🌶️make sure to read bubble bubble toil and cuddle by her first! It’s a super quick read but definitely necessary to read first for the best experience!
I really loved the premise of this book and the fun fall vibes! WandaVision meets The Great British Baking Show meets Harry Potter -- thank you Shelby for the early copy and for allowing me to annotate this for you!
S. Frasher's novel, "The Witching Flour," is a spellbinding tale that masterfully blends cozy small-town charm with high-stakes magical intrigue. This enchanting story follows Evie, a talented baker with a hidden past, as she navigates life in the picturesque town of Autumnal Bay. Frasher's vivid prose brings the town to life, making it feel like a character in its own right, with its perpetual autumn ambiance and quirky residents. After all, happiness is always in season in Autumnal Bay.
The author's greatest strength lies in her character development and sensory experiences. Evie is a relatable and dynamic protagonist whose journey of self-discovery/identity will captivate readers from the first page to the last. She must discover what is rotten in Autumnal Bay before its too late, but that wouldn't be so hard if she could remember that she should be finding it out to begin with. Her chemistry with the enigmatic Milo is palpable, creating a romance that feels both magical and grounded in reality.
Frasher expertly weaves together multiple plot threads, balancing the cozy charm of a small-town baking competition with the looming threat of dark magic. The pacing is spot-on, with each chapter leaving readers eager for more. The antagonist, Gideon, is a formidable force that adds genuine tension and stakes to the story. I love his ever present vibe that gives our ever cheery residents a sinister twist.
What sets this book apart is its unique blend of genres. Imagine "WandaVision" meets "The Great British Bake Off," with a dash of Hallmark movie warmth - it's a combination that in Frasher's capable hands, becomes an irresistible concoction.
This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy their cozy mysteries with a hefty dose of magic, romance, and autumnal atmosphere. It's an ideal read for the spooky season, but its charm will undoubtedly captivate audiences year-round.
S. Frasher has crafted a world that readers will be reluctant to leave, filled with characters they'll grow to love. It is a promising story that marks the arrival of an exciting new addition to magical realism. It's a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love, community, and a good cup of pumpkin spice latte. Grab your fuzzy socks and a tasty baked good. You won't regret it!
I had high expectations for this book after reading the prequel-I was so invested in the story and couldn’t wait to dive in. The setup in Autumnal Bay and the Bake-Off atmosphere had a lot of potential, and I was hoping for another binge-worthy read.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be a disappointment for me. The plot felt overly long and repetitive, and I think the story could have been much shorter without losing anything important. Most of the book focused on setting the scene, with only a few key events scattered throughout. Then, when the big final fight finally arrived, it was over in just a handful of pages. After 400 pages of build-up, the climax-where everything is at stake for the magic world-was much too brief and left me wanting more.
On the positive side, I appreciated Milo’s character growth from the prequel. He owns his mistakes and is determined to make things right for Evie, which made him more compelling. As for Evie, she did get on my nerves at times, but mostly because of the curse and not her personality. By the end, she became more likable and sympathetic.
Overall, while there were some bright spots in the character development, the pacing and structure really let this book down for me.
OMG OMG OMG OMG, I don’t even know how to begin this review because I’m still processing everything that went down.
It was the perfect mix between a cozy autumn-vibe novel and a fantasy with a character-driven plot. There were super light and fun parts mixed with high tension and darker themes, and the author had us jumping from one to the other with such ease. It was honestly such a ride. And let me tell you, I enjoyed every second of it. Well, almost every second, because at some point I was praying some things wouldn’t happen… but where would the fun be if everything was just going on perfectly, right? I like books that make me feel things, that make me scream at the characters, then cry in angst while swooning at other times. That’s my thing, and if it’s yours, you’ll enjoy this too.
I would highly recommend reading the prequel (Bubble bubble toil and cuddle) before, so you get an overall feeling of the world and vibe. Though it’s not completely necessary, since there will be some flashbacks to let you know the important parts, I think even if it’s just to get the whole picture of Milo and Evie’s relationship story, give it a try.
I will end my review by saying that I love Milo and I will go down supporting all of his rights and wrongs, and nobody can change my mind.
overall rating 5/5 ⭐ spice rating 2/5 🌶️ (I’m using the books_and_crafts_jes spice rating, in case you wanna check it on insta)
Thank you to the author for the free copy. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. And will voluntarily convince all my girlfriends to read it too, because they need to (though they don’t know it yet).
The Witching Flour by S. Frasher is a great recipe of a romance novel for those that love magic, mystery, and a balanced mixture of sweet and spicy scenes that will make readers wish they had a soulmate to cuddle with. While the novel isn't perfect, this book is a fun spellbinding combination of The Great British Bake Off and Practical Magic.
What is the Book About?
The Witching Flour is set in Autumnal Bay, a cute town where every day feels like a perfect fall's day. Evangeline (Evie) Crawley, the main character, has participated in the annual Bake Off for years, but always came in second place right behind Circe, Evie's archrival and bully. But this year is different. With the Bake Off's prize money that could save her quaint bakery/cafe, her delicious recipes, and her new beau Oliver by her side, anything's possible. But something sinister is happening behind the scenes, and a man named Milo reaches out to Evie through her dreams, trying to get her to remember and break the curse. As the dreams continue, Evie struggles with continuous headaches, pressure from the Bake-Off, and conflicting feelings between the perfect Oliver and the mysterious Milo.
A Concise, Relatable, and Fun Ensemble
Frasher sets up her characters well; with only one page, you know the characters' personality and motivations. With just one page, she shows Evie's determined but playful personality, her aspirations with her cafe and the Bake Off, and her financial troubles. I relate to her because I love baking.
The side characters are memorable too, whether they are basic but relatable like Circe, mysterious yet honest like Milo, unsettlingly perfect like Oliver, or cartoonishly evil like Gideon. Some of the characters may come across as simple, but like a pinata cake, there is so much more to them and you should enjoy them as they are.
Immersive Atmosphere and Narrative Description
If Frasher's description skills are a part of a cake, they would be the creative and beautifully detailed decorations. She sets the scene with poignant details about Autumnal Bay: the satisfying crunch of a fallen leaf, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin in the air, and the fair lights setting a romantic glow. Frasher's writing taps into the senses, immersing you in the scene. Like how the building heat in the Bake-Off tent, the bright lights and the constantly roaring crowd make you feel Evie's anxiety. Narrative description is one of Frasher's best and most magical qualities.
Romance That Will Give Readers Cavities
There are a few spicy scenes to warm you up, but the romance is at its strongest with its softer moments. The little moments that matter in a relationship. For example, Evie is a picky eater, so when she's at a fancy party with fancy food, Oliver comes with fast food. What's more romantic than a thoughtful, edible gift? How about soft touches, slow dancing in a dreamy ballroom, and forehead touches? These moments show the true meaning of romance. The Witching Flour will seduce you with the spicy scenes, but the sweet moments will lovingly embrace you.
Some Imperfections in the Finished Product
While her descriptive and emotional writing skills are strong, the grammar and punctuation need work and another round or two of editing. There are sections with unfinished sentences, format errors, and using the wrong names. Frasher explained that the book was partially inspired by "The Great British Bake Off", especially one of the judges. There is one character, Mayor Dooley, that gave handshakes for especially delicious bakes. But near the end of the novel, the name switched to the real person's name.
A Mystery that Gives Too Much Away
Another aspect that needs more tweaking is the mystery. While I appreciate having Milo's point of view to make him more sympathetic, he gives too much away. Every time his point of view comes up, he talks about Evie and details of his betrayal. So when the betrayal is revealed, it doesn't have that emotional gut punch. Because it shows magic early on, every time Evie says something happens 'like magic', it feels like a blunt, constant hit on the head.
The Witching Flour Will Enchant Readers with Tricks and Treats
Even though the novel has imperfections through its grammar and lack of mystery, the fun story, relatable characters, and imaginative writing more than makes up for it. Readers will find themselves rooting for the main character, hoping she wins the Bake Off and break the curse at the same time. It may even get readers to think about their passions and what they can do to break curses in their own lives. Take a bite out of this decadent story and enjoy the spices and multiple layers it has to offer.
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Setting Dual POV/First Person Read in one sitting?: Yes!
Things to pair with this story: favorite autumn scented candle, favorite baked goodies, favorite autumn treat
This story is like the secret love child between WandaVision and Harry Potter, with this book favoring WandaVision's genes more. Apparently there was a book before this that I wasn't aware of, but in all honestly, I really loved reading this book as a stand alone and being just as unaware of the events and characters of book one as the FMC was. S. Frasher writes and reveals things to the reader, that if you chose to skip the prequel, you won't be missing anything critical - making the mystery of Autumnal Bay all that more exciting and mysterious!
The writing style of this book is absolutely beautiful! S. Frasher writes with such vividly descript language to immerse her readers into Autumnal Bay, trapping them within her carefully crafted town. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of scents and scenes, it's hard not to stop the book and go grab a muffin to nibble on. I may have went and got some apples and caramel dipping sauce upon completing this book.... I'm ready for autumn now.
The pacing of this book is nice. You will primarily follow Evie along as she prepares for the Bake-Off, but you are met with some hints of mystery as Frasher drops reminders that this is not a warm, cozy, mundane read, but is rather a paranormal, witchy book. This is amazingly done for readers who haven't, or choose not to, read the prequel first. Scenes don't feel too long or too short, and the plot is always moving forward in one way or another. It never lost my attention, and often pulled me back in to keep reading.
If you're ready for autumn, grab your favorite candle and cozy up, because this story was crafted as a love letter from S. Frasher to you.
A huge THANK YOU to the lovely Ohio author for the eARC of her fantastic book! I absolutely enjoyed it!
This book has all the cozy fall vibes and was a perfect read for the start of cooler weather here in Ohio! How could it not have cozy fall vibes when the characters live in a town called Autumnal Bay?! But there is some darkness lurking in this small perfect town.
The story follows Evie, who owns the local bakery/café in town, as she prepares for the yearly autumn bake-off, hoping to finally take the win and to save her café. Her long, lost crush from days past has returned to town as well, and as luck would have it, he has been dreaming of being with her too! Everything seems truly perfect...or so it seems...
If you like Wandavision with a twist of Great British Baking Show and a dash of enemies to lovers, fated mates, second chance romance, love triangle, battle for power, hidden identity, and Hallmark vibes, this book is absolutely for you!
The story was great, and it definitely had some twists that I was not expecting! This was a perfect start to my fall reading!
As soon as September hit I was ready to be in the fall mood and receiving this ARC was the perfect way to start my fall reads. This is a cozy witchy read that has left me absolutely speechless! S. Frasher did an amazing job with this book. The plot encompassed mystery with hints of a love story. Throughout my entire time reading I was completely hooked, each page left me wanting more to know what was happening in the small town of Autumnal Bay. As I learned of the curse plaguing Autumnal Bay and all of its community, I so desperately wanted to help Evie see what was happening (if only I could jump into the story and implant myself into the reality of Autumnal Bay). As Milo tried his best to recover what she had lost, you could see the love he has for her and her slowly remembering the one who she loves. I honestly don't know of what more to say without spoiling the story. There are so many amazing elements to this book and I thank S. Frasher for giving me the opportunity to be one of the firsts to read it before it has released.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good cozy fall read!
I adore this book but before I delve into it I want to say thank you to S. Frasher for letting me be a beta and act reader again. It is always a pleasure and I swear every book you write gets better and better! This one might just be my favourite/join favourite (it'll take a lot to beat Era of the Moon, go check that book out too!).
Wanda Vision meets Halloween town in a fabulous mix, a dash of deception, sprinkle of mystery and a slice of dream walking and you have baked the best festive read of 2024.
The imagery, writing style and character development is complete perfection. We get to follow Evie who's life is just a measurement away from being perfect. She has her own cafe, her perfect man, semi-perfect life and yet something doesn't feel quite right...this is when Milo comes along.
Trust me when I say as soon as you open this book you are thrown into the recipe and have to stay until your cooked (are the baking puns working? Can't blame me for trying).
So, what are you waiting for. It's time to snuggle up with this cosy read this autumn.
full review in the morning. it’s 1AM and i’m reeling. holy cow. just do yourself a favor and get this book.
I put off writing this review for far too long because I didn’t even know where to begin. this book promises wandavision vibes (I.e., a main character in a world that seems perfect but maybe isn’t all that it seems), witchy vibes, a small town bake off in the fall, it all seems perfect. and it is perfect…but it’s also so much more.
I would highly suggest reading the novella bubble bubble toil and cuddle before reading this book, but it definitely isn’t necessary. however, knowing what happened in the novella it made everything in this book hit so much harder.
I found myself mirroring Evie (our main character) a lot. I loved the small town, fall vibes but then I remembered the bigger picture and got stressed out that she wouldn’t be able to take on the big bad. I wanted her to remember so bad. I was so invested in a fictional character, like I felt like a real empath wanting her to live her best life and defeat the evil.
this book will make you happy. it will make you sad. it’ll stress you out. it’ll make you excited for autumn. it will make you want to be a witch. it’ll make you mourn the 10 years our characters lose.
tldr; it’s an amazing book. do yourself a favor and get it asap when it comes out on september 13.
This book was giving the best of fall vibes with a Halloween Town x Great British Baking Show theme but add some SPICE 🌶️
Autumnal Bay was the perfect fall town and all the residents were happy … or so it seems. Turns out the entire town is under a curse and one woman starts to regain her memories while struggling with her love for two men.
I absolutely ADORED this town. I could picture it perfectly. The magic and the curse were interesting and Evie’s feelings for Oliver and Milo will keep you reading.
Then the PLOT TWIST actually had me gasping out loud while I tried to wrap my head around it. I truly didn’t see that part coming.
I highly recommend this for a fall-themed witchy romantasy read. I hope we get to see more from this town and I can’t wait to check out the novellas that are associated with it.
4.5 stars rounded up. 2/5 spice level.
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
2.5 stars? I want to rate this more highly because I really liked the premise, but it felt like the premise got lost behind the romance (among other things), which I did not enjoy. I didn't actually care about the romance, so I found it pretty gross, and I felt like the book was at least 100-150 pages too long for its content. I would have been interested in a lot more background, maybe real flashbacks to Gabalter. I also thought the baking competition would be quite fun, but it was thrown by the wayside pretty early on. Again, really interesting premise (which I remained intrigued by), but buried in a lot of execution that I didn't enjoy.
An interesting and unique cozy, witchy romantasy! This book has the perfect fall vibes!
Nearly 500 pages filled with a curse, a second chance romance, witches, warlocks, familiars, perfect fall town (or is it?), bake-off competition, and a dark vengeful villain. The pace is steady, and the writing is gripping. The vibe is cozy and mysterious with splashes of steamy scenes.
Evie & Milo were super cute. I loved their soul-bond and how their story played out. As for secondary characters, I loved Josephine (Joey). She was so corky and ready to battle!
“I would come for you in every lifetime. In different times or different bodies, my soul would still know yours and come to it no matter the cost.”
This was such a sweet, cozy read! It is perfect for the fall! I loved getting to continue reading about Milo and Evie’s story and to make things even more interesting the little love triangle when Oliver came onto the scene!
I have yet to read a book by S. Frasher that I haven’t liked, and can’t recommend this fun fall read enough!!
This is the perfect read to dive into as the fall season begins! With its vibrant world, from its charming streets lined with jack-o-lanterns, to the deeper mysteries lurking beneath the surface. The mix of cozy small-town vibes with a touch of magic and suspense really brings the story to life. The magical elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, and the added romance doesn’t detract from the cozy atmosphere.
If you're looking for a cozy paranormal romance with a touch of intrigue and plenty of autumn charm, The Witching Flour will definitely satisfy your cravings!
Such a cozy book! I love how relaxed i felt when reading it, and Milo? Absolutely loved him the moment he was mentioned. Evie is such a relatable character for once I fully agreed with a character. She knew something was off a few times and instead of being like most fmc's she was suspicious and didn't just write it off and I absolutely love that. She knew some of the things she did and thought were not the best and she owned it. This book had me addicted I loved every second of it it really was like a breathe of fresh air almost like a reset button.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok if you haven’t watched Wanda vision, i definitely think you should. Also read the prequel before diving into this awesome book. This was perfect. I’m a huge marvel fan and I love how S Frasher pulled Wanda vision themes into this book.
Perfect Halloween witchy read for the fall. Continuing Evie and Milo story was perfect and I loved the thriller mystery vibes of this too!
Such a great, cozy, fall fantasy that manages to mix modern culture with magical elements. Frasher's attention to spices and baking technicalities was a surprise, and I absolutely loved jumping on the baking journey with Evie. Great twists throughout, and I can't wait to read more about this couple and their magical adventures!
I'm so grateful I was given the opportunity to be a beta reader for this book and even received an ARC!
I absolutely loved this, magic, baking and autumn vibes what else does one want!! I don't want to give any spoilers bet the story was cute and contains lots of twists!
Let me start with the fact that the premise of the books was great. Though I’m not sure why it had to be two books. But the unnecessarily verbose and repetitive descriptions, as well as the spelling mistakes and words used incorrectly made for a frustrating read.
If you could look up the perfect mashup between Once, Lost, Winter Soldier, WandaVision, and The Great British Bake Off, you would find this book in the middle of that complex Venn diagram. Delightful read.
I absolutely adored this book! It’s basically The Great British Bake-off meets Wandavision with hints of Gilmore girls. I loved Evie so much and ughhh everything about this book was phenomenal. This is the perfect fall book!
alright i just wanted a cozy witchy little fantasy with small town halloween town vibes now im over here stressing at 2 am if she is gonna win the bake off, it isn't fair
but it is cute and kinda stressful but what a cute fall read
Might have been the circumstances as I read Bubble Bubble Toil and Cuddle first and didn’t realise that it was a prequel so this felt very very long to me, maybe extra long, because I wanted the conclusion from the beginning. But I do think it lagged quite a bit.