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Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1
Sprinkles and Sea Serpents
They say you can't go home again. . .oh, if only that were true.
Thanks to a series of unfortunate events - and one backstabbing frenemy - home is exactly where I'm headed. back to Winterspell Lake, the small community in Eastern Washington where magic runs rampant and humans are outlawed.
Faster than you can say hocus pocus I'm unpacking my bags and settling into the guest room of my parents' house, trying to ignore the creeping sensation that I'll never break free again.
The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town, a bakery filled with magical creations designed to enchant the taste buds and charm even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Luckily for me, I get the friends and family discount since my parents own the famous Sugar Shack. If I want room and board, I have to frost cupcakes and sling macaroons with the rest of the fam.
Unfortunately, things in Winterspell aren't all sugar cookies and rainbows. According to the local news, a dangerous sea serpent has claimed the lives to three missing girls. The journalist in me has to have a look for myself, and what I find is something far more deadly.
Something that makes me wish I'd stayed in the bakery.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 56 minutes
Thanks to a series of unfortunate events - and one backstabbing frenemy - home is exactly where I'm headed. back to Winterspell Lake, the small community in Eastern Washington where magic runs rampant and humans are outlawed.
Faster than you can say hocus pocus I'm unpacking my bags and settling into the guest room of my parents' house, trying to ignore the creeping sensation that I'll never break free again.
The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town, a bakery filled with magical creations designed to enchant the taste buds and charm even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Luckily for me, I get the friends and family discount since my parents own the famous Sugar Shack. If I want room and board, I have to frost cupcakes and sling macaroons with the rest of the fam.
Unfortunately, things in Winterspell aren't all sugar cookies and rainbows. According to the local news, a dangerous sea serpent has claimed the lives to three missing girls. The journalist in me has to have a look for myself, and what I find is something far more deadly.
Something that makes me wish I'd stayed in the bakery.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 56 minutes
Audible Audio
First published September 23, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 649 reviews
November 13, 2024
Note to self: stay away from decaf, diet, and gluten-free stories, it's hazardous to your mental health.
September 24, 2025
4 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: dead of winter but no talks of snow
One thing about me is I will read anything with a sea monster in it.
This was an interesting start to a new series. I wasn’t blown away by the characters or plot but I think it had some interesting concepts.
It was a book of almosts. It was almost a great mystery. Almost great characters. Almost unique powers, etc. Sadly, overall it just felt like it’s all been done before.
While the main character’s powers are unique enough, her curse was lacklustre.
I will continue with the series as I love a some good magical cozies especially with a love triangle.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: dead of winter but no talks of snow
One thing about me is I will read anything with a sea monster in it.
This was an interesting start to a new series. I wasn’t blown away by the characters or plot but I think it had some interesting concepts.
It was a book of almosts. It was almost a great mystery. Almost great characters. Almost unique powers, etc. Sadly, overall it just felt like it’s all been done before.
While the main character’s powers are unique enough, her curse was lacklustre.
I will continue with the series as I love a some good magical cozies especially with a love triangle.
January 15, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett is the first book in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries. Earlier in the year I listened to Grimoires and Gingerbread, book 1.5 in the series, which I enjoyed. Based on that I expected an enjoyable read. The story followed Rosella Midnight, aka Ella. An accusation of plagiarism and the loss of her job as a result forced her return to her hometown of Winterspell.
Treated like a pariah because of her unique powers she left home to reside in the non magical world. I didn’t blame for leaving, but I had issues with her cutting off her family. Her powers were considered a curse and persons feared her, but their fears were borne out of ignorance. I thought her powers were cool, especially when used to solve the mystery of three female joggers who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
I found the mystery underwhelming. It is not the type that will have you biting your nails. The best part of it all was the confrontation with the villain.
I liked Rosella when I interacted with her in Grimoires and Gingerbread. However, in this installment I saw a different side to her. A side which I disliked. She manipulated strangers to get what she wanted. However, she redeemed herself. What I admired about her was her love for animals and her tenacity and determination.
I enjoyed spending time with the secondary characters. It made me happy to see Rosella reunite with her family and friends. Her grandmother added a slice of humour to the story.
Orion, the monster hunter, who was brought in to assist with the case of the disappearing women, intrigued me. He had an air of mystery about him, and I was eager to learn more about him. I sensed a growing chemistry between him and Rosella.
I have to admit I did not enjoy Sprinkles and Sea Serpents as much as I did Grimoires and Gingerbread. Although it did not wow me, I thought it was a solid start to the series.
Amanda Ronconi did a wonderful job of giving life to the story. She enhanced my enjoyment of the story with her tone. She captured the mood of the characters perfectly and her voice for each was on point. One could always tell which character was speaking.
To conclude, Sprinkles and Sea Serpent provided a good escape. I enjoyed the world, and I am looking forward to my next visit to the town of Winterspell.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Treated like a pariah because of her unique powers she left home to reside in the non magical world. I didn’t blame for leaving, but I had issues with her cutting off her family. Her powers were considered a curse and persons feared her, but their fears were borne out of ignorance. I thought her powers were cool, especially when used to solve the mystery of three female joggers who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
I found the mystery underwhelming. It is not the type that will have you biting your nails. The best part of it all was the confrontation with the villain.
I liked Rosella when I interacted with her in Grimoires and Gingerbread. However, in this installment I saw a different side to her. A side which I disliked. She manipulated strangers to get what she wanted. However, she redeemed herself. What I admired about her was her love for animals and her tenacity and determination.
I enjoyed spending time with the secondary characters. It made me happy to see Rosella reunite with her family and friends. Her grandmother added a slice of humour to the story.
Orion, the monster hunter, who was brought in to assist with the case of the disappearing women, intrigued me. He had an air of mystery about him, and I was eager to learn more about him. I sensed a growing chemistry between him and Rosella.
I have to admit I did not enjoy Sprinkles and Sea Serpents as much as I did Grimoires and Gingerbread. Although it did not wow me, I thought it was a solid start to the series.
Amanda Ronconi did a wonderful job of giving life to the story. She enhanced my enjoyment of the story with her tone. She captured the mood of the characters perfectly and her voice for each was on point. One could always tell which character was speaking.
To conclude, Sprinkles and Sea Serpent provided a good escape. I enjoyed the world, and I am looking forward to my next visit to the town of Winterspell.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
February 7, 2024
This was an enjoyable book with a couple of unexpected twists and an interesting magical setup. Rosella Midnight is a witch, who can talk with animals. Other witches may talk to animals, but Rosella can actually communicate with them, and, if she were so inclined, might be able to control them. This leads many of the magical folk of her home town to regard her as cursed and to ostracise her. So, Rosella had left her hometown and magic behind, to make it as a journalist in the non-magical world.
After a number of years, and a calamitous (and undeserved) work incident leaving her jobless and skint, Rosella is forced to return home. Being a romantic cosy mystery book, you have the obligatory ex-boyfriend, to whom Rosella is still attracted (but knows any rekindling of their relationship would be a disaster), and (of course) the drop-dead gorgeous stranger, O’Ryan.
Predictably, antagonism sparks immediately between O’Ryan and Rosella. In her defence, he does have some cringe-worthy chat up lines. It would not be a spoiler to say their enmity does not last forever (after all the romance trope demands they fall for each other!).
Women have been going missing in the town, and the local police have been doing little to investigate, instead accusing an innocent entity of the abductions. And we all know that it is never the first suspect. Rosella wants to know what happened to the missing ladies, but just as importantly, wants to exonerate the accused. She works with O’Ryan – and the local animals – to solve the case.
The pace of the book picks up when the two start to work together, and at the same time, the predictability of the book decreases.
I listened to the book, and had some difficulties with the narrator’s voice, but the content of the book was more than enough to make me persevere with the audio book. I must add, that all the other reviews I’ve read, did highly rate the narrator – I am definitely in the minority there.
The story is clean, with little gore or unpleasantness, and does throw up some unexpected surprises. I would recommend it to anyone who likes cosy mysteries with dollops of romance and the supernatural.
After a number of years, and a calamitous (and undeserved) work incident leaving her jobless and skint, Rosella is forced to return home. Being a romantic cosy mystery book, you have the obligatory ex-boyfriend, to whom Rosella is still attracted (but knows any rekindling of their relationship would be a disaster), and (of course) the drop-dead gorgeous stranger, O’Ryan.
Predictably, antagonism sparks immediately between O’Ryan and Rosella. In her defence, he does have some cringe-worthy chat up lines. It would not be a spoiler to say their enmity does not last forever (after all the romance trope demands they fall for each other!).
Women have been going missing in the town, and the local police have been doing little to investigate, instead accusing an innocent entity of the abductions. And we all know that it is never the first suspect. Rosella wants to know what happened to the missing ladies, but just as importantly, wants to exonerate the accused. She works with O’Ryan – and the local animals – to solve the case.
The pace of the book picks up when the two start to work together, and at the same time, the predictability of the book decreases.
I listened to the book, and had some difficulties with the narrator’s voice, but the content of the book was more than enough to make me persevere with the audio book. I must add, that all the other reviews I’ve read, did highly rate the narrator – I am definitely in the minority there.
The story is clean, with little gore or unpleasantness, and does throw up some unexpected surprises. I would recommend it to anyone who likes cosy mysteries with dollops of romance and the supernatural.
July 6, 2022
I expected sea serpents and instead got blood magic exercise drama.
January 30, 2021
Rosella Midnight thinks she is up for a promotion when her boss calls her into the office and learns she is being fired for plagiarism after a fellow journalist steals her story and turns it in ahead of her. Then she has to cut loose the last string tying her to a former fiancé before packing her bags and headed to her dreaded home town where she is a pariah to most of the town and has for many years ghosted the ones who are family and friends. It was an interesting set up to the new series that spends a great deal of its time in a family-owned bakery where goodies kept me salivating.
The hidden magical town of Winterspell is full of magic and magical people, but there is also a killer on the loose. Rosella would rather track down clues than face any of the issues confronting her, but it is more than that. She senses the authorities are on the wrong track and talks their representative into giving her a few days to prove it. Meanwhile, her love life includes a recent break up, a reunion with her highschool sweetheart that is awkward, and a new possibility with her temporary detecting partner.
It took seven chapters and nearly all my patience before I could learn what exactly the curse was that made Rosella the town pariah and sent her bolting out of town and turning her back on everyone and everything there including a high school sweetheart, her best friends, and her own family. I have to say that I thought the townspeople definitely overreached and Rosella did as well. She did to those who loved her what the prejudiced people were doing to her. She even got snotty and manipulative with strangers to get her way- though, at least her motives were good. And, I couldn’t respect her or like her much as a result. I’ll have to see if further books raise my opinion of her as the series progresses.
But, I did love several aspects of the story. This new magical world the author created with the town of Winterspell and beyond to other hidden magical communities, the magical law enforcement including a certain handsome, capable monster hunter and wrangler. I loved the curse Rosella had that I actually thought was a powerful gift and so did her friends. I look forward to seeing her reconnect with her friends and her sisters. Rosella’s grandmother is a hoot and her family as a whole is going to be fun times.
The bulk of the book was setting up the series background, characters, and ongoing series plot, but there was a mystery. The mystery was engaging and had a good dangerous climax. It is also tied in to a bigger mystery that is part of the series arc. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Amanda Ronconi has narrated the author’s previous series and I was glad to hear a familiar voice take up the reins and tell this start to a new one. I enjoyed her animal voices as much as the human ones and how she caught the tone of the book.
All in all, I have mixed feelings about the heroine, but love the world and can’t wait to see where things go. This will definitely be one that paranormal cozy mystery fans should give a look at.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
The hidden magical town of Winterspell is full of magic and magical people, but there is also a killer on the loose. Rosella would rather track down clues than face any of the issues confronting her, but it is more than that. She senses the authorities are on the wrong track and talks their representative into giving her a few days to prove it. Meanwhile, her love life includes a recent break up, a reunion with her highschool sweetheart that is awkward, and a new possibility with her temporary detecting partner.
It took seven chapters and nearly all my patience before I could learn what exactly the curse was that made Rosella the town pariah and sent her bolting out of town and turning her back on everyone and everything there including a high school sweetheart, her best friends, and her own family. I have to say that I thought the townspeople definitely overreached and Rosella did as well. She did to those who loved her what the prejudiced people were doing to her. She even got snotty and manipulative with strangers to get her way- though, at least her motives were good. And, I couldn’t respect her or like her much as a result. I’ll have to see if further books raise my opinion of her as the series progresses.
But, I did love several aspects of the story. This new magical world the author created with the town of Winterspell and beyond to other hidden magical communities, the magical law enforcement including a certain handsome, capable monster hunter and wrangler. I loved the curse Rosella had that I actually thought was a powerful gift and so did her friends. I look forward to seeing her reconnect with her friends and her sisters. Rosella’s grandmother is a hoot and her family as a whole is going to be fun times.
The bulk of the book was setting up the series background, characters, and ongoing series plot, but there was a mystery. The mystery was engaging and had a good dangerous climax. It is also tied in to a bigger mystery that is part of the series arc. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Amanda Ronconi has narrated the author’s previous series and I was glad to hear a familiar voice take up the reins and tell this start to a new one. I enjoyed her animal voices as much as the human ones and how she caught the tone of the book.
All in all, I have mixed feelings about the heroine, but love the world and can’t wait to see where things go. This will definitely be one that paranormal cozy mystery fans should give a look at.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2023
2.5 stars
October 16, 2025
Cute. I enjoyed the world building.
February 29, 2024
Ničím neprekvapí, ale super rýchla jednohubka 😂 bolo to fakt fajn. A neznášam goodreads, že tu má túto obálku 😂
September 16, 2025
honestly one of the best examples of this so sort of trope and cozy mystery
for some odd reason this isn’t counting towards my challenge. so weird!
for some odd reason this isn’t counting towards my challenge. so weird!
December 1, 2023
She talks with animals! Yes!
But she’s also in love with/ wishing she was back with…. kind of everyone. I’ll still continue with the series. I love the supernatural worlds and magic systems that Danielle Garrett creates.
But she’s also in love with/ wishing she was back with…. kind of everyone. I’ll still continue with the series. I love the supernatural worlds and magic systems that Danielle Garrett creates.
June 11, 2025
2.5 out of 5 stars
It wasn't bad, I'm just not the target market. I went with the audiobook and the narrator did a good job, I might not have read it in another format. But still, this was good enough that it helped me stopped my recent dnf spell.
The setting was okay, the blood magic aspect was intriguing but it wasn't covered much. The mystery was a bit... too fast and kinda had no clues or red herrings. Or maybe that's just me who is very particular with my mystery novels. Still a fun and light read, I'd give it that.
It wasn't bad, I'm just not the target market. I went with the audiobook and the narrator did a good job, I might not have read it in another format. But still, this was good enough that it helped me stopped my recent dnf spell.
The setting was okay, the blood magic aspect was intriguing but it wasn't covered much. The mystery was a bit... too fast and kinda had no clues or red herrings. Or maybe that's just me who is very particular with my mystery novels. Still a fun and light read, I'd give it that.
March 26, 2021
I received a free audiobook copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
I listened to one of Danielle Garret's books before, which was also narrated by Amanda Ronconi and as I enjoyed that one I decided to give this new series a try. Sprinkles and Sea Serpents follows the story of Rosella Midnight who returns to her hometown of Winterspell after losing her job and boyfriend. She has no money so she returns home to regroup. Instead she gets involved in a mystery.
I liked Rosella's unique gift/ powers. While she sees it as a curse I thought it was a pretty cool power and I especially liked how she managed to use it during the mystery to help solve it. Unfortunately most of the town seems to hate her for it and I thought it was a bit much, especially when you find out what she can do and why the town hates her.
The start of this one felt a bit slow to me, with a lot of background info and not all of it as relevant or interesting to me. I ended up setting the narration speed a bit higher which helped a lot. I was a bit slow to get into this book and it's definitely one of those books that gets better the further you get.
While I wasn't as invested in the mystery at the start I actually quite liked how it got resolved. The mystery didn't really seem to go anywhere for a long time without any solid leads, but there was an interesting twist at the end and I liked the scene at the end where they solve it.
It took me some time to warm up to Rosella. I liked her love for animals and also how she wanted to solve this mystery. It made sense how she got interested in the mystery and I also liked how her reporter skills were a good fit for it. But then in other scenes I didn't really like how she acted. I also felt like she was still very much trying to find her way and I think she might turn more likable once she finds her place and grows more confident with her abilities.
There are quite a lot of side characters, but it was relatively easy to remember who was who. There is Rosella's family, two potential love interests as well as some towns folk. There is a bit of a love triangle with two possible love interests for Rosella and I kept going back and forth with me guess as to whom she would end up with. Guess we'll see in future books. She definitely has a connection with both of them.
What really added to my enjoyment of this book was the narrator. She did an awesome job with this book. Everyone had a different voice and the voices really add to the characters. I especially liked her voice for grandma Rose.
To summarize: While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I had hoped, it was a solid start to this new series and it's definitely worth getting in audio as the narration is awesome. This book had a bit of a slow start for me and I had trouble getting into the story. The whole book was a bit like that with scenes that really worked for me and others I didn't care for. The mystery was a bit slow to start with no big clues and hints, but I liked the twist at the end and how Rosella resolved the mystery. I didn't really like Rosella at first, but grew to like her a bit more as the story progressed. I like her love for animals and how dedicated she is to solving the mystery, but she could act a bit unlikable as well. There are plenty of side character to bring the town to life as well as two potential love interest. The narrator was awesome and I liked all the different voices she did.
I listened to one of Danielle Garret's books before, which was also narrated by Amanda Ronconi and as I enjoyed that one I decided to give this new series a try. Sprinkles and Sea Serpents follows the story of Rosella Midnight who returns to her hometown of Winterspell after losing her job and boyfriend. She has no money so she returns home to regroup. Instead she gets involved in a mystery.
I liked Rosella's unique gift/ powers. While she sees it as a curse I thought it was a pretty cool power and I especially liked how she managed to use it during the mystery to help solve it. Unfortunately most of the town seems to hate her for it and I thought it was a bit much, especially when you find out what she can do and why the town hates her.
The start of this one felt a bit slow to me, with a lot of background info and not all of it as relevant or interesting to me. I ended up setting the narration speed a bit higher which helped a lot. I was a bit slow to get into this book and it's definitely one of those books that gets better the further you get.
While I wasn't as invested in the mystery at the start I actually quite liked how it got resolved. The mystery didn't really seem to go anywhere for a long time without any solid leads, but there was an interesting twist at the end and I liked the scene at the end where they solve it.
It took me some time to warm up to Rosella. I liked her love for animals and also how she wanted to solve this mystery. It made sense how she got interested in the mystery and I also liked how her reporter skills were a good fit for it. But then in other scenes I didn't really like how she acted. I also felt like she was still very much trying to find her way and I think she might turn more likable once she finds her place and grows more confident with her abilities.
There are quite a lot of side characters, but it was relatively easy to remember who was who. There is Rosella's family, two potential love interests as well as some towns folk. There is a bit of a love triangle with two possible love interests for Rosella and I kept going back and forth with me guess as to whom she would end up with. Guess we'll see in future books. She definitely has a connection with both of them.
What really added to my enjoyment of this book was the narrator. She did an awesome job with this book. Everyone had a different voice and the voices really add to the characters. I especially liked her voice for grandma Rose.
To summarize: While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I had hoped, it was a solid start to this new series and it's definitely worth getting in audio as the narration is awesome. This book had a bit of a slow start for me and I had trouble getting into the story. The whole book was a bit like that with scenes that really worked for me and others I didn't care for. The mystery was a bit slow to start with no big clues and hints, but I liked the twist at the end and how Rosella resolved the mystery. I didn't really like Rosella at first, but grew to like her a bit more as the story progressed. I like her love for animals and how dedicated she is to solving the mystery, but she could act a bit unlikable as well. There are plenty of side character to bring the town to life as well as two potential love interest. The narrator was awesome and I liked all the different voices she did.
October 26, 2024
Garrett writes one hell of a cozy fantasy mystery.
December 29, 2023
DONT know if it’s the audiobook or me
December 17, 2024
I love these types of cozy mysteries and I eat them up like candy! The even better part is they don't give me a tummy ache! This is not my first time picking up a Danielle Garrett book and it will not be my last. She does such a good job of setting the scene, growing the characters, and keeping the story engaging while keeping it cute, clean, and fun!
This series focuses on Rosella Midnight who returns home to Winterspell Lake after losing her job in Portland. A journalist by trade she has to start back at the family bakery until she can find a new job. I enjoyed the transition back home. If anyone has ever returned to their hometown after attempting to flee and start a new life this book nails that feeling of not belonging anymore.
I've read a few reviews on this book that mention not being a fan of Rosella in this first book. She didn't really bother me. But I am always willing to give a character a chance for growth, especially in a book series. I have read too many where the characters in the end of the series are so much better than their initial meeting and had I quit because they were a tad annoying I'd have truly missed out! I am already on book 3 of the series and I have already seen a change in her. I love Rosella and can't wait to read more of her adventures.
I am on the fence for the male main lead. I know who it is going to be but doesn't mean I'm not rooting for them both. In one corner, we have the hometown hunk. The former high school sweetheart that still makes her heart flutter and the butterflies dance around a little. There is the comfort in knowing who and what he offers and him knowing your past as well. In the other corner, we have the ruggedly handsome monster hunter. Upside he's funny and sweet with a wild job that gives him that extra allure. We shall see who takes the heart trophy in the battle of the FMC's love.
If you haven't read this and need a cute story I highly recommend. Happy Reading!
This series focuses on Rosella Midnight who returns home to Winterspell Lake after losing her job in Portland. A journalist by trade she has to start back at the family bakery until she can find a new job. I enjoyed the transition back home. If anyone has ever returned to their hometown after attempting to flee and start a new life this book nails that feeling of not belonging anymore.
I've read a few reviews on this book that mention not being a fan of Rosella in this first book. She didn't really bother me. But I am always willing to give a character a chance for growth, especially in a book series. I have read too many where the characters in the end of the series are so much better than their initial meeting and had I quit because they were a tad annoying I'd have truly missed out! I am already on book 3 of the series and I have already seen a change in her. I love Rosella and can't wait to read more of her adventures.
I am on the fence for the male main lead. I know who it is going to be but doesn't mean I'm not rooting for them both. In one corner, we have the hometown hunk. The former high school sweetheart that still makes her heart flutter and the butterflies dance around a little. There is the comfort in knowing who and what he offers and him knowing your past as well. In the other corner, we have the ruggedly handsome monster hunter. Upside he's funny and sweet with a wild job that gives him that extra allure. We shall see who takes the heart trophy in the battle of the FMC's love.
If you haven't read this and need a cute story I highly recommend. Happy Reading!
March 2, 2021
Rosella (Ella) Midnight is having a rough time: she recently split with her fiancé and just lost her reporting job because another person stole her work. Out of time and money, Ella makes the journey home to Winterspell Lake, after living on her own for over years. Winterspell is a magical community hidden in Eastern Washington, where no humans are allowed. She is considered cursed and an outcast because she has a powerful magical gift which includes the ability to communicate with animals.
Once Ella is back home, we meet her family and longtime friends. She works at her parent’s sweet shop to help out but also build up her nest egg so she can leave again. She soon finds out about the disappearance of three young women being attributed to a sea serpent in the lake. Using her gift, Ella speaks to the serpent and discovers there is more going on. Luckily, the monster-hunter brought in by the Warden of the Realm believes her, and together they investigate.
Oh, I really liked listening to Sprinkles and Sea Serpents. It’s totally new and separate from Ms. Garrett’s other paranormal series. Based on this first book, I would classify the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries as more urban fantasy mystery than cozy mystery. There is a darker edge to the mystery and characters than those in the Beechwood Harbor universe. I was worried about bleed-over from her other works, but I didn’t detect any when reading Sprinkles and Sea Serpents.
Ella is a complex character who doesn’t really know where she fits or what she wants in life. She is uncomfortable at home and with her magic because of the stigma associated with her powers. At the same time, she doesn’t fit in the human world, having to hide who she is. I do adore her family, who loves and accepts her, and her childhood friend Matty provides unconditional love. Ella has to learn how to move past those who don’t understand her and accept that she’s a wonderful person. She starts to see this when spending time with newcomer, O’Ryan (Ryan), the monster-hunter. He believes in her and seems to genuinely like and value her, including her gifts. I imagine will get lots more of Ella discovering herself as the series progresses.
Ella is heavily invested in discovering what happened to the missing girls, presumed eaten by the sea serpent. She sees an injustice and needs to correct it. Even though I figured out the WHO of whodunit from the second the character was introduced (I’m just very suspicious), it was fun watching Ella and Ryan piece it together. It’s a solid mystery that appears to serve as an introduction to something bigger and more sinister.
Narration: Between Molly Harper’s and Danielle Garrett’s books, I’ve been listening to Amanda Ronconi portray countless rom-com, paranormal leading ladies for years, and I am always impressed. Right from the start of this one, I noticed a slight change in Ms. Ronconi’s narrator voice from Holly and Scarlett (I’ve been listening to a LOT of Ms. Garrett’s books). Ella is going through a rough patch, and Ms. Ronconi’s voice suits the mood of the character. Since Ella can speak with animals, there are a number of distinct voices for the different species she hears, and each is fitting, from a noble but aging owl, to a nervous dog. Her male characters are generally deeper and masculine. One big stand out for me was her portrayal of the local Scottish bartender, nailing his brogue.
Overall, I enjoyed Sprinkles and Sea Serpents, with its new world and the darker tone. It’s still “cozy,” but with an edge. I am excited to follow Ella on her journey of discovering her place in the world. I like the blossoming friendship with Ryan and watching her reconnect with her friends and family back home, and look forward to finding out what comes next.
Rating: B+
Narration: B+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Once Ella is back home, we meet her family and longtime friends. She works at her parent’s sweet shop to help out but also build up her nest egg so she can leave again. She soon finds out about the disappearance of three young women being attributed to a sea serpent in the lake. Using her gift, Ella speaks to the serpent and discovers there is more going on. Luckily, the monster-hunter brought in by the Warden of the Realm believes her, and together they investigate.
Oh, I really liked listening to Sprinkles and Sea Serpents. It’s totally new and separate from Ms. Garrett’s other paranormal series. Based on this first book, I would classify the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries as more urban fantasy mystery than cozy mystery. There is a darker edge to the mystery and characters than those in the Beechwood Harbor universe. I was worried about bleed-over from her other works, but I didn’t detect any when reading Sprinkles and Sea Serpents.
Ella is a complex character who doesn’t really know where she fits or what she wants in life. She is uncomfortable at home and with her magic because of the stigma associated with her powers. At the same time, she doesn’t fit in the human world, having to hide who she is. I do adore her family, who loves and accepts her, and her childhood friend Matty provides unconditional love. Ella has to learn how to move past those who don’t understand her and accept that she’s a wonderful person. She starts to see this when spending time with newcomer, O’Ryan (Ryan), the monster-hunter. He believes in her and seems to genuinely like and value her, including her gifts. I imagine will get lots more of Ella discovering herself as the series progresses.
Ella is heavily invested in discovering what happened to the missing girls, presumed eaten by the sea serpent. She sees an injustice and needs to correct it. Even though I figured out the WHO of whodunit from the second the character was introduced (I’m just very suspicious), it was fun watching Ella and Ryan piece it together. It’s a solid mystery that appears to serve as an introduction to something bigger and more sinister.
Narration: Between Molly Harper’s and Danielle Garrett’s books, I’ve been listening to Amanda Ronconi portray countless rom-com, paranormal leading ladies for years, and I am always impressed. Right from the start of this one, I noticed a slight change in Ms. Ronconi’s narrator voice from Holly and Scarlett (I’ve been listening to a LOT of Ms. Garrett’s books). Ella is going through a rough patch, and Ms. Ronconi’s voice suits the mood of the character. Since Ella can speak with animals, there are a number of distinct voices for the different species she hears, and each is fitting, from a noble but aging owl, to a nervous dog. Her male characters are generally deeper and masculine. One big stand out for me was her portrayal of the local Scottish bartender, nailing his brogue.
Overall, I enjoyed Sprinkles and Sea Serpents, with its new world and the darker tone. It’s still “cozy,” but with an edge. I am excited to follow Ella on her journey of discovering her place in the world. I like the blossoming friendship with Ryan and watching her reconnect with her friends and family back home, and look forward to finding out what comes next.
Rating: B+
Narration: B+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
August 29, 2025
i actually really like this book way more than i thought i was going to🥹 it’s such a cute lil mystery storyline with a major tease of romance because of all the flirting👀
Ella is the outcast witch who discovers that someone is being wrongfully accused of a crime when she visits her hometown😌 she sets out to discover who really committed the crimes with the hot monster hunter Orion (and flirts with him lowkey)😍😛
i wish there was a little bit more romance in this book whether it be with Orion or Jake, but it was still cute🥰
loved it🫶🏼💕
~
✨✨✨✨/ 4 stars
/ 0 spicy peps
Ella is the outcast witch who discovers that someone is being wrongfully accused of a crime when she visits her hometown😌 she sets out to discover who really committed the crimes with the hot monster hunter Orion (and flirts with him lowkey)😍😛
i wish there was a little bit more romance in this book whether it be with Orion or Jake, but it was still cute🥰
loved it🫶🏼💕
~
✨✨✨✨/ 4 stars
/ 0 spicy peps
October 14, 2024
Wow i loved this Witchy read
A magical town.... A handsome monster hunter, a hunky first love, a wicked cool grandma who collects book boyfriends - a sea serpent living in the lake and an animal whisperer two sisters a bakery, where missing girls is the towns mystery
A magical town.... A handsome monster hunter, a hunky first love, a wicked cool grandma who collects book boyfriends - a sea serpent living in the lake and an animal whisperer two sisters a bakery, where missing girls is the towns mystery
July 15, 2024
Great light story! Funny too.
January 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I wasn’t expecting such a compelling mystery in this little witchy novel.
Some moments were kind of awkward with the ex romance scenarios but the rest was pretty good!
I wasn’t expecting such a compelling mystery in this little witchy novel.
Some moments were kind of awkward with the ex romance scenarios but the rest was pretty good!
April 9, 2025
3.2 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). Started out a little rocky, but ended up pretty good. I may just explore more of this series.
December 25, 2023
2.5 stars. If it’s possible for a book to be both cute and dumb at the same time, then this is it.
Another book with good characters, good potential, then became totally ridiculous.
I’ve read Danielle Garrett’s books before and have liked them, so I was surprised with this series.
Another book with good characters, good potential, then became totally ridiculous.
I’ve read Danielle Garrett’s books before and have liked them, so I was surprised with this series.
October 7, 2024
The first half of this book was all telling and no showing. I understand that the author wanted to set the stage, but she did it by having the MC simply tell us everything, and that got old fast. Once the action started, the book got a bit better. I liked the magical world that the author created. I love the communicating with animals thing. There is a lot of potential here, including a juicy love triangle.
Amanda Ronconi narrated this book. She is fantastic.
Amanda Ronconi narrated this book. She is fantastic.
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars
As always with the Danielle Garrett - Amanda Ronconi duo, I had a great time and lots of laughs with Sprinkles and Sea Serpents. I had been waiting to read it for the 2nd book to come out, but I guess it's delayed so I decided to just go for it. And of course, I wish the 2nd book was out so I could keep reading!
I love Rosella (or Ella) and her special ability only endears me further. However, that she considers it a curse and that it's made her a pariah in the magical community seems a bit much. Unless the rumors of it's potential reach are real - in which case, she'd be pretty bad ass. I don't see any signs of that thus far though and she's really one of the weakest in terms of magical ability around actually. I don't want to spoil what her "curse" is, but she's got a soft spot for animals and I love the role animals played in this book.
I also got a kick out of her family - most especially her romance novel reading grandmother. She frequently says slightly inappropriate or unexpected things and is a real hoot. And then there's the love interest(s). No actual romance has happened yet, but you've got an ex-fiance, a first love and the new guy (Orian) each having their moments (to be be fair, I don't expect the ex-fiance to show up in the future) - so there's potential as the series progresses.
The mystery is solid - I did guess it, but in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way that surprised me when it turned to out to be correct. And, perhaps more importantly, I enjoyed the getting to that moment. A small, nosy, magical town is a great setting for sleuthing.
As I mentioned, Amanda Ronconi narrated this book and she's one of my all-time favorite narrators, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed every moment of this listen. I look forward to more.
As always with the Danielle Garrett - Amanda Ronconi duo, I had a great time and lots of laughs with Sprinkles and Sea Serpents. I had been waiting to read it for the 2nd book to come out, but I guess it's delayed so I decided to just go for it. And of course, I wish the 2nd book was out so I could keep reading!
I love Rosella (or Ella) and her special ability only endears me further. However, that she considers it a curse and that it's made her a pariah in the magical community seems a bit much. Unless the rumors of it's potential reach are real - in which case, she'd be pretty bad ass. I don't see any signs of that thus far though and she's really one of the weakest in terms of magical ability around actually. I don't want to spoil what her "curse" is, but she's got a soft spot for animals and I love the role animals played in this book.
I also got a kick out of her family - most especially her romance novel reading grandmother. She frequently says slightly inappropriate or unexpected things and is a real hoot. And then there's the love interest(s). No actual romance has happened yet, but you've got an ex-fiance, a first love and the new guy (Orian) each having their moments (to be be fair, I don't expect the ex-fiance to show up in the future) - so there's potential as the series progresses.
The mystery is solid - I did guess it, but in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way that surprised me when it turned to out to be correct. And, perhaps more importantly, I enjoyed the getting to that moment. A small, nosy, magical town is a great setting for sleuthing.
As I mentioned, Amanda Ronconi narrated this book and she's one of my all-time favorite narrators, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed every moment of this listen. I look forward to more.
March 20, 2023
This was a good debut, I did not warm up to Rosella for quite a while into the book and it took quite a bit into the book before her “curse” was actually revealed which was not really bad. She’s able to hear and speak to animals, which was an anomaly. Having moved back home to Whisperspell after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend, she’s working at the family store but journalism is in her blood. When she learns three joggers have gone missing, she sets out to solve their disappearance and write the story while dodging a monster Hunter and her first ex-fiancé.
October 10, 2020
A wonderful start to a new series! Rosella Midnight returns home to the town of Winterspell and to her parents home. Trying to find her way in a town both familiar and different. When the disappearance of three young women is blamed on a Sea Serpent, Rosella uses her talent to find out the truth. An interesting mystery, characters that include family, friends and a love interest, I enjoyed this book very much.
October 4, 2023
Wowza! While waiting for another book to drop in a previous review series I thought I'd give this ago. I really like Danielle Garretts books. She can world build and story build very nice. I really enjoyed this book and first installment.
We follow Rosella Midnight as she navigates her personal life and a mystery of her hometown. She is currently going through the dumps in her life in Portland and must basically move back home. When she does she finds out that some of the women in town are going missing. Now she must use her "cursed" power to help her find out what is going on.
Mystery wise: The mystery was really good. Rosella we find out has been outcasted by her town due to her power. Which you dont find out until a couple chapters in. When you finally find out what it is, Its like wow that wasnt a big deal. She also is just trying to rebuild after she went through a monster of a whirlwind at her job. She moves back home to work at her familys sweet shop. (I wish the shop was more into the book. it's mentioned but not as much). The mystery was good and finding out the who done it sets up the book for a series adventure. I'm excited to find out.
Relationship wise: Rosella broke up with her Portland boyfriend. She moves back and we see her interact with her family and they are a bunch of fun characters. Her former high school sweetheart is there and its rocky meet up. There is a potential love triangle. O'Ryan is hunter hired by the warden to hunt a problem. The relationship sorta gets flirtatious but Its still early being the first book. I am curious to see which path Rosella takes.
All in all, it's a really good book and definitely reccomend!
We follow Rosella Midnight as she navigates her personal life and a mystery of her hometown. She is currently going through the dumps in her life in Portland and must basically move back home. When she does she finds out that some of the women in town are going missing. Now she must use her "cursed" power to help her find out what is going on.
Mystery wise: The mystery was really good. Rosella we find out has been outcasted by her town due to her power. Which you dont find out until a couple chapters in. When you finally find out what it is, Its like wow that wasnt a big deal. She also is just trying to rebuild after she went through a monster of a whirlwind at her job. She moves back home to work at her familys sweet shop. (I wish the shop was more into the book. it's mentioned but not as much). The mystery was good and finding out the who done it sets up the book for a series adventure. I'm excited to find out.
Relationship wise: Rosella broke up with her Portland boyfriend. She moves back and we see her interact with her family and they are a bunch of fun characters. Her former high school sweetheart is there and its rocky meet up. There is a potential love triangle. O'Ryan is hunter hired by the warden to hunt a problem. The relationship sorta gets flirtatious but Its still early being the first book. I am curious to see which path Rosella takes.
All in all, it's a really good book and definitely reccomend!
October 31, 2024
As the name implies, this book is complete brain candy best consumed around Halloween. Is there any substance in the reading? No. Is it a fun, mindless, witchy story to blast through in the fall? Yup.
I stumbled across this free option on Audible and listened to it pretty quickly. It's fairly short. I loved the unapologetic approach to whimsy and magic. I rolled my eyes multiple times over the magnetic draw this woman has to every male in her life. Here there be love squares. Possibly hexagons. Time will tell.
I'd rate this a PG for adult humor, themes, and some swearing. Overall, pretty tame.
Original review posted 10/30/24.
I stumbled across this free option on Audible and listened to it pretty quickly. It's fairly short. I loved the unapologetic approach to whimsy and magic. I rolled my eyes multiple times over the magnetic draw this woman has to every male in her life. Here there be love squares. Possibly hexagons. Time will tell.
I'd rate this a PG for adult humor, themes, and some swearing. Overall, pretty tame.
Original review posted 10/30/24.
September 4, 2025
This was a rather fun start to a new mystery series. Ella, our main character, has lost her job, has broken up with her fiancee, and is broke. So, she's heading back to her hometown of Winterspell, a magical town filled with witches. It seems Ella is considered a monster by most of the townspeople. We don't learn why immediately, but eventually her special magical powers are revealed.
Ella doesn't want to stick around in Winterspell, and hopes to raise money quickly so she can once more live in the non-magical world. However, she gets sucked in to a mystery in town when she learns three women have gone missing.
While the mystery is eventually resolved, we're left with a potential cliffhanger in that something evil may be going on in Winterspell. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series to see what happens with Ella and the rest of her family and friends.
Ella doesn't want to stick around in Winterspell, and hopes to raise money quickly so she can once more live in the non-magical world. However, she gets sucked in to a mystery in town when she learns three women have gone missing.
While the mystery is eventually resolved, we're left with a potential cliffhanger in that something evil may be going on in Winterspell. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series to see what happens with Ella and the rest of her family and friends.
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