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Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan
Aggie has reached that “certain age” - in her case, a thousand years or so, give or take a decade.
After centuries of bringing kings to their knees, running a small-town cafe isn’t how she imagined her life would pan out. Now, thanks to the machinations of the false vegan from across the road, she risks losing even that. And just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, along comes her old friend, Babs, in her House-on-chicken-legs, ready to ruffle some feathers with her unique blend of borscht, tough love and alcohol.
But everybody has a secret - the grocer who hides his loneliness behind a cheery smile, the neighbour crippled by debt and grief, and the young woman who jumps at her shadow - and before Aggie can help anyone else, she has demons of her own to lay to rest. Can she confront her past to save her future? What is the ‘Vegan’ really hiding? Will Babs ever let her have the last word?
Raucous, rowdy, and heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measures, Babs and Aggie is a magical tale of love, loss and the comfort of a friendship forged through food, laughter and a LOT of slivovica.
After centuries of bringing kings to their knees, running a small-town cafe isn’t how she imagined her life would pan out. Now, thanks to the machinations of the false vegan from across the road, she risks losing even that. And just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, along comes her old friend, Babs, in her House-on-chicken-legs, ready to ruffle some feathers with her unique blend of borscht, tough love and alcohol.
But everybody has a secret - the grocer who hides his loneliness behind a cheery smile, the neighbour crippled by debt and grief, and the young woman who jumps at her shadow - and before Aggie can help anyone else, she has demons of her own to lay to rest. Can she confront her past to save her future? What is the ‘Vegan’ really hiding? Will Babs ever let her have the last word?
Raucous, rowdy, and heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measures, Babs and Aggie is a magical tale of love, loss and the comfort of a friendship forged through food, laughter and a LOT of slivovica.
- GenresFiction
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 9, 2025
I've enjoyed Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan so much. Hazel Hitchins made an excellent work mixing up comedy, drama, and magic, I was enthralled from start to end.
Aggie has some trouble with her cafè neighbour, he wants her gone. He's almost suceeded until Babs comes and reminds Aggie who she is, giving her strength and slivovica.
I loved Babs, she is a force of nature, she comes into the people lives to make them better with her cooking and drinks. She is funny and humorous, but she is also empathetic. Aggie has lost her groove, she feels down and older, but after Babs intervention she shows new sides of herself, she is very kind and caring. I liked their friendship, it's easy and they support each other.
Here we have a good story for the soul. Through the pain and the sad events that Aggie has to face, it's clear the message that often it doesn't need an army to win battles, but only the right people in your corner.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 1, 2025
This was everything I needed in a book and more! It had me giggling, crying, cringing, shaking with anger, the works! All of the characters were so well thought out but for me, Babs stole the show! I loved her hilarious comments and personality, plus her ability to produce a bottle of Slivovica at any given moment! The vegan truly was the perfect balance to the characters, but I can’t say any more without spoilers! Overall, I truly loved this book and have already been recommending it to practically everyone! I’m just hoping that there will be more Babs and Aggie adventures in the future!
February 21, 2025
"I heard House arrive before I saw it – the click and scrape of claws on concrete cut through the double glazing."
This book was so much fun! So cozy and comforting at times. As someone who grew up on Babayaga fairytales and cartoons, I never expected to ever love that character. But somehow Babs is likeable while not exactly the good kind of witch, and yet, I fell in love with her almost instantly. As the title says, there's the good, Aggie, the bad, Babs, and the Vegan, and somehow I ended up hating that character and was rooting for the Babayaga and her friends.
Whenever I hear Babayaga, I imagine her house on chicken legs, so here the House is her familiar, and I loved the House even more than other characters. I want to have the House in my life.
"House is not shed. House is my heartbeat, my darling one, who provides me with home and warmth and care." ... "House rattled pots and pans to remind me to eat and bundled me in blankets when it was time to sleep."
How can you not love the House!
Book starts with the mention of a dead cat in the freezer, and momentarily I got worried that it would not be my kind of book, but that cat was a familiar who was killed by the nasty "Vegan" and he kept getting worse and worse and I hated how he claimed to be a vegan and did all those things. Thankfully there was a balance in vegan characters, Sophie was amazing, and the way Babs who usually cooked and ate nonvegan food, made sure that Sophie was well fed with delicious plant-based meals, made me love her even more. I wished she would feed me, actually.
Century old witches living in modern day and using modern things is exactly my kind of fantasy, and the way they kept bickering and still helping eachother, I honestly teared up a little several times.
Death of a familiar is hard for the witch and was hard for me, but they all had eachother and these kind of friendships hatch something new.
A cozy witchy story with heart and hearty meals in almost every chapter was exactly what I needed right now.
This book was so much fun! So cozy and comforting at times. As someone who grew up on Babayaga fairytales and cartoons, I never expected to ever love that character. But somehow Babs is likeable while not exactly the good kind of witch, and yet, I fell in love with her almost instantly. As the title says, there's the good, Aggie, the bad, Babs, and the Vegan, and somehow I ended up hating that character and was rooting for the Babayaga and her friends.
Whenever I hear Babayaga, I imagine her house on chicken legs, so here the House is her familiar, and I loved the House even more than other characters. I want to have the House in my life.
"House is not shed. House is my heartbeat, my darling one, who provides me with home and warmth and care." ... "House rattled pots and pans to remind me to eat and bundled me in blankets when it was time to sleep."
How can you not love the House!
Book starts with the mention of a dead cat in the freezer, and momentarily I got worried that it would not be my kind of book, but that cat was a familiar who was killed by the nasty "Vegan" and he kept getting worse and worse and I hated how he claimed to be a vegan and did all those things. Thankfully there was a balance in vegan characters, Sophie was amazing, and the way Babs who usually cooked and ate nonvegan food, made sure that Sophie was well fed with delicious plant-based meals, made me love her even more. I wished she would feed me, actually.
Century old witches living in modern day and using modern things is exactly my kind of fantasy, and the way they kept bickering and still helping eachother, I honestly teared up a little several times.
Death of a familiar is hard for the witch and was hard for me, but they all had eachother and these kind of friendships hatch something new.
A cozy witchy story with heart and hearty meals in almost every chapter was exactly what I needed right now.
February 26, 2025
I went into this expecting a cosy tale about two older ladies, who just happen to be witches...but, it was so much more than that! The comedic moments had me roaring (especially Babs - LOVED her!), the subtle hints at who they truly were, were dropped in nicely until we had the historical back stories which blew my mind, the familiar side characters - yay for House (and the lovely surprise at the end), and just the relationship between the women. I gobbled it right up. But the story was exemplary too, the Vegan made a great villain, and tried his best to thwart the witches, leading to some great readable moments.
I hope there will be more from Babs and Aggie, but if not, I look forward to what Hitchins publishes next!
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC by the author, but the opinions and rating are all my own.
I hope there will be more from Babs and Aggie, but if not, I look forward to what Hitchins publishes next!
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC by the author, but the opinions and rating are all my own.
February 28, 2025
What an amazing read!
This is one of those feel good reads that has you feeling so warm and fuzzy by the time you put it down. Packed with fun and quirky characters that are easy to love, I felt attached to Aggie and Babs almost instantly and these two kept me more than entertained through out this read.
Get ready for an adventure because this novel is packed with it, there was never a dull chapter or a time when I felt I could put this down, I was stuck in from the start, while there were some more emotional scenes I felt like they were more than balanced out with funny scenes that kept this feeling just the right amount of light hearted.
This is one of those feel good reads that has you feeling so warm and fuzzy by the time you put it down. Packed with fun and quirky characters that are easy to love, I felt attached to Aggie and Babs almost instantly and these two kept me more than entertained through out this read.
Get ready for an adventure because this novel is packed with it, there was never a dull chapter or a time when I felt I could put this down, I was stuck in from the start, while there were some more emotional scenes I felt like they were more than balanced out with funny scenes that kept this feeling just the right amount of light hearted.
February 16, 2025
My first foray into cosy fantasy, and it's official, I LOVE it 😍 Especially when the setting is a cute little cafe and the characters are so fun. Babs and Aggie are a brilliant pair. Does anyone remember the cafe from Fleabag? That was the one I pictured for this book 😂
However, the characters may have been fun, but the storyline was brutally emotional at times. Three things in particular made me feel really upset for these lovely fictional characters, and one happens right at the start. And we may or may not have got our happily ever after at the end... you'll have to read it to find out yourself, but it was definitely the right ending.
I didn't expect this book to touch me as much as I did, I honestly just expected a lot of witchy frivolity. I can't wait to see where Babs and Aggie go next and what happens to them. And this is one of those series where I want a spin-off book from another character's perspective of their life (Sophie)!!
A really easy read.
However, the characters may have been fun, but the storyline was brutally emotional at times. Three things in particular made me feel really upset for these lovely fictional characters, and one happens right at the start. And we may or may not have got our happily ever after at the end... you'll have to read it to find out yourself, but it was definitely the right ending.
I didn't expect this book to touch me as much as I did, I honestly just expected a lot of witchy frivolity. I can't wait to see where Babs and Aggie go next and what happens to them. And this is one of those series where I want a spin-off book from another character's perspective of their life (Sophie)!!
A really easy read.
March 19, 2025
This new adult fantasy book is a charming story about a witchy old woman named Aggie, who's being targeted by the grumpy boyfriend of a shop owner across from her cafe. When her old friend Babs comes to help her, they set their sights on bringing this grumpy vegan down. The story is filled with colourful characters, humour, heartfelt moment and a lightheartedness that make for a perfect cozy fantasy story.
I found this story unique, unpredictable, comforting, whimsical and endearing. Cozy fantasy isn’t always up my alley, often I find them predictable and leaning more YA/immature but this one was quite enjoyable.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
I found this story unique, unpredictable, comforting, whimsical and endearing. Cozy fantasy isn’t always up my alley, often I find them predictable and leaning more YA/immature but this one was quite enjoyable.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
March 3, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Babs & Aggie The Good, the Bad & The Vegan' by Hazel Hitchins
This is Hazel's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! It is also the first book in Hazel's 'The Slippers and Sorcery Chronicles' series and I hope to the witches that she is busy writing her next book as I type this as I NEED it in my life yesterday!!
'Babs & Aggie The Good, the Bad & The Vegan' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Hazel discusses/includes domestic abuse although no violent scenes are written about.
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, LAUGH OUT LOUD AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! MY FAVOURITE READ OF 2025
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing author Hazel Hitchins!! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this stunning page turner, went to add the rest of her books to my wish list and realised that it is actually her debut book!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel it is and if THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! The descriptions, the characters and the absolutely brilliant and hilarious storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how funny and heart warming this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love romance, humour, feel good books, fake vegans, ice cream, borscht, slivovica, comedy, witches, familiars… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive and stunning page turner!!! I mean I have read loads of books this year but THIS book has just shot to my favourite book of 2025 and I will be very surprised if anyone manages to knock it off that spot!! I have got to admit that my main reason for picking this book up, and this is going to make you laugh, is because of the title including 'and the vegan'. Well, the fact that I am vegan made me just need to read this book and that is without taking into the gorgeous cover and the wonderful synopsis! In this absolutely gorgeous book we meet witches Babs and Aggie. Aggie runs a café but when she loses her familiar Misty she is struggling. However, her close friend Bab's comes to help turning up with her familiar House on Chicken Legs. Babs helps Aggie out at the café but when the bully and horrid 'vegan' who runs the health shop opposite with his wife starts causing problems Babs doesn't understand why Aggie hasn't already taken care of him. However, when his girlfriend Sarah turns up upset and they follow the Vegan into a meeting things start taking a dramatic turn for the worse. Will Babs & Aggie be able to teach the Vegan a lesson before anyone else gets hurt? Will Sarah discover Aggie's secret from the past? Well, if you want to more then you will just have to grab your copy of this absolutely fabulous page turner today and I can absolutely GUARANTEE you will not regret it! With a storyline ram packed with friendship, humour, witches, magic, walking houses, alcohol, food and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for??? I must admit I am not typically a fan of "witch" books but I absolutely LOVED this one which I think is helped by the fact that although Babs and Aggie are witches Aggie lives an everyday life running a café and i found it to be more of a cosy read than a mythical one. There is some heartbreak and domestic abuse is mentioned but Hazel weaves the heartache and difficult topics into this beautiful storyline and nothing is mentioned more than it needs to be for the storyline. This book is a real genuine pick me up and will definitely turn any frown upside down!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Hazel's fantastic writing skills and vivid descriptions will transport the reader into Aggie's café where they will see everything that is going on around them, taste the borscht and slivovica (is vegan) and fall in love with Babs, Aggie, House and most of the amazing and larger than life characters! I know I did! I was genuinely absolutely mind blown when I realised that this is actually Hazel's DEBUT novel as it is written as if it is her 100th!! If this is what she came up with for her debut then I cannot wait to see how this series continues on!! This is one of those fantastic books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Hazel will whisk you away with the storyline!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! Be warned to stay away from hot drinks while reading this as there are so many laugh out loud moments that, if you are anything like me, you will actually end up with a coffee fountain after making the mistake of drinking it while reading and coming across an absolutely hilarious moment!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant read that will make your day brighter!
Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you get lost in this laugh out loud, addictive page turner!!
I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Hazel has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Babs and Aggie throughout. I absolutely loved meeting them and was rooting for them throughout. I loved watching the personalities and confidence change and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, weaknesses, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all, well, almost all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Hazel brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Hazel truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in her debut book and cannot wait for the next book
Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous, hilarious and unputdownable stunner ❤️ Hazel welcome to my favourite author list as well as for writing my FAVOURITE READ OF 2025!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT GUARANTEED SUCCESS!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will sweep you away, make you laugh out loud and fall in love with Babs & Aggie!!
#BabsAndAggieTheGoodTheBadAndTheVegan #TheSlippersAndSorceryChronicles #HazelHitchins #Troubador #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@HazelHitchins @Troubador @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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Review for 'Babs & Aggie The Good, the Bad & The Vegan' by Hazel Hitchins
This is Hazel's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! It is also the first book in Hazel's 'The Slippers and Sorcery Chronicles' series and I hope to the witches that she is busy writing her next book as I type this as I NEED it in my life yesterday!!
'Babs & Aggie The Good, the Bad & The Vegan' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Hazel discusses/includes domestic abuse although no violent scenes are written about.
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, LAUGH OUT LOUD AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! MY FAVOURITE READ OF 2025
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing author Hazel Hitchins!! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this stunning page turner, went to add the rest of her books to my wish list and realised that it is actually her debut book!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel it is and if THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! The descriptions, the characters and the absolutely brilliant and hilarious storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how funny and heart warming this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love romance, humour, feel good books, fake vegans, ice cream, borscht, slivovica, comedy, witches, familiars… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive and stunning page turner!!! I mean I have read loads of books this year but THIS book has just shot to my favourite book of 2025 and I will be very surprised if anyone manages to knock it off that spot!! I have got to admit that my main reason for picking this book up, and this is going to make you laugh, is because of the title including 'and the vegan'. Well, the fact that I am vegan made me just need to read this book and that is without taking into the gorgeous cover and the wonderful synopsis! In this absolutely gorgeous book we meet witches Babs and Aggie. Aggie runs a café but when she loses her familiar Misty she is struggling. However, her close friend Bab's comes to help turning up with her familiar House on Chicken Legs. Babs helps Aggie out at the café but when the bully and horrid 'vegan' who runs the health shop opposite with his wife starts causing problems Babs doesn't understand why Aggie hasn't already taken care of him. However, when his girlfriend Sarah turns up upset and they follow the Vegan into a meeting things start taking a dramatic turn for the worse. Will Babs & Aggie be able to teach the Vegan a lesson before anyone else gets hurt? Will Sarah discover Aggie's secret from the past? Well, if you want to more then you will just have to grab your copy of this absolutely fabulous page turner today and I can absolutely GUARANTEE you will not regret it! With a storyline ram packed with friendship, humour, witches, magic, walking houses, alcohol, food and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for??? I must admit I am not typically a fan of "witch" books but I absolutely LOVED this one which I think is helped by the fact that although Babs and Aggie are witches Aggie lives an everyday life running a café and i found it to be more of a cosy read than a mythical one. There is some heartbreak and domestic abuse is mentioned but Hazel weaves the heartache and difficult topics into this beautiful storyline and nothing is mentioned more than it needs to be for the storyline. This book is a real genuine pick me up and will definitely turn any frown upside down!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Hazel's fantastic writing skills and vivid descriptions will transport the reader into Aggie's café where they will see everything that is going on around them, taste the borscht and slivovica (is vegan) and fall in love with Babs, Aggie, House and most of the amazing and larger than life characters! I know I did! I was genuinely absolutely mind blown when I realised that this is actually Hazel's DEBUT novel as it is written as if it is her 100th!! If this is what she came up with for her debut then I cannot wait to see how this series continues on!! This is one of those fantastic books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Hazel will whisk you away with the storyline!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! Be warned to stay away from hot drinks while reading this as there are so many laugh out loud moments that, if you are anything like me, you will actually end up with a coffee fountain after making the mistake of drinking it while reading and coming across an absolutely hilarious moment!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant read that will make your day brighter!
Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you get lost in this laugh out loud, addictive page turner!!
I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Hazel has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Babs and Aggie throughout. I absolutely loved meeting them and was rooting for them throughout. I loved watching the personalities and confidence change and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, weaknesses, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all, well, almost all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Hazel brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Hazel truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in her debut book and cannot wait for the next book
Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous, hilarious and unputdownable stunner ❤️ Hazel welcome to my favourite author list as well as for writing my FAVOURITE READ OF 2025!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT GUARANTEED SUCCESS!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will sweep you away, make you laugh out loud and fall in love with Babs & Aggie!!
#BabsAndAggieTheGoodTheBadAndTheVegan #TheSlippersAndSorceryChronicles #HazelHitchins #Troubador #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@HazelHitchins @Troubador @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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April 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I am a shallow person, so as soon as I read this book’s title, I wanted to read it. It’s as simple as that. I am pretty satisfied with the end result because I enjoyed this one quite a lot. Sure, I am not so happy with a couple of the choices the author made here, but all in all, I had a good time with this one, and I am quite happy with the book as a whole.
First things first, our MCs are old ladies! And okay, they are quite old, but try to not say that in their faces, please. Babs and Aggie are two great protagonists, and their relationship is just so good. I am always so happy to see friendships like this one in books. I think we need more of them!
And that’s not all. Because Babs is one of the best retellings of Baba Yaga ever. You just need to meet her. (Mind me, I am not saying that Aggie is a less good character; she is amazing too, but I don’t know a lot about the character who is inspiring her, and all in all, she is great, but Babs is Babs.) And House!!
Oh my, you need to read this book just to meet them! (I don’t really know which pronouns to use here, so I will go with they/them).
And we also have some good secondary characters around, that help the book feel more wholesome. Babs and Aggie stole the scene, that’s true, but the secondary characters are really good too. And it is nice to see good people trying their best, even when they have problems (and their biggest problem is a despicable being who is a waste of oxygen more than a man).
The book is quite cozy, but it is, at the same time, so sad and heartwrenching in some moments (and here is where I wasn’t so happy with the author’s choices. I mean, I can understand the reasons behind them. I am not saying that they don’t make sense, but I think that they weren’t really necessary. We already have quite a lot of emotional impact as it is. And I know that this sounds pretty vague, but I don’t want to give any spoilers, so if you want to know what I am talking about, you have to read the book. Sorry, not sorry!). But this hurt is well-balanced with humour and kindness. There were some scenes that were hilarious, and all in all, I think that we have a bit of everything in this book.
It is not so long, and it is a really fast read. Once started, I was totally captivated and my feelings were all over the place, and I didn’t want to put it down. Because yes, sometimes I was so mad at it (the Vegan is really a waste of oxygen, there is no gentle way around it), but it is also heartwarming; it gives off some really heartwarming community vibes, and some parts are really, really fun!
So… if you are in the mood for something cozy, with a great emotional impact, some older protagonists (and just saying here, but we have other mythical beings made an appearance, and one of them made me crack up so bad!! It may be because one of them is from Italian folklore, but still… It’s worth mentioning, even if I won’t say more), hilarious scenes and some heartwarming moments, and a beaufiul feeling of community, you should give this one a try.
Just keep in mind that it has more sad moments than other cozy books around!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I am a shallow person, so as soon as I read this book’s title, I wanted to read it. It’s as simple as that. I am pretty satisfied with the end result because I enjoyed this one quite a lot. Sure, I am not so happy with a couple of the choices the author made here, but all in all, I had a good time with this one, and I am quite happy with the book as a whole.
First things first, our MCs are old ladies! And okay, they are quite old, but try to not say that in their faces, please. Babs and Aggie are two great protagonists, and their relationship is just so good. I am always so happy to see friendships like this one in books. I think we need more of them!
And that’s not all. Because Babs is one of the best retellings of Baba Yaga ever. You just need to meet her. (Mind me, I am not saying that Aggie is a less good character; she is amazing too, but I don’t know a lot about the character who is inspiring her, and all in all, she is great, but Babs is Babs.) And House!!
Oh my, you need to read this book just to meet them! (I don’t really know which pronouns to use here, so I will go with they/them).
And we also have some good secondary characters around, that help the book feel more wholesome. Babs and Aggie stole the scene, that’s true, but the secondary characters are really good too. And it is nice to see good people trying their best, even when they have problems (and their biggest problem is a despicable being who is a waste of oxygen more than a man).
The book is quite cozy, but it is, at the same time, so sad and heartwrenching in some moments (and here is where I wasn’t so happy with the author’s choices. I mean, I can understand the reasons behind them. I am not saying that they don’t make sense, but I think that they weren’t really necessary. We already have quite a lot of emotional impact as it is. And I know that this sounds pretty vague, but I don’t want to give any spoilers, so if you want to know what I am talking about, you have to read the book. Sorry, not sorry!). But this hurt is well-balanced with humour and kindness. There were some scenes that were hilarious, and all in all, I think that we have a bit of everything in this book.
It is not so long, and it is a really fast read. Once started, I was totally captivated and my feelings were all over the place, and I didn’t want to put it down. Because yes, sometimes I was so mad at it (the Vegan is really a waste of oxygen, there is no gentle way around it), but it is also heartwarming; it gives off some really heartwarming community vibes, and some parts are really, really fun!
So… if you are in the mood for something cozy, with a great emotional impact, some older protagonists (and just saying here, but we have other mythical beings made an appearance, and one of them made me crack up so bad!! It may be because one of them is from Italian folklore, but still… It’s worth mentioning, even if I won’t say more), hilarious scenes and some heartwarming moments, and a beaufiul feeling of community, you should give this one a try.
Just keep in mind that it has more sad moments than other cozy books around!
March 14, 2025
So, I think writing cozy fantasy--fantasy with a low stakes plot focused on domesticity and interpersonal relationships up to and including romance--is probably pretty hard to write. I say this because a lot of the cozy fantasy I've seen is cute and kind of fluffy. The worldbuilding is light, airy and sugary. This is not a negative assessment, sometimes light and airy is just the thing you need.
Babs & Aggie is cozy fantasy, but the fluffy pastry conceals dark chocolate mousse. Our protagonists are Aggie, an immortal witch who used to be known as Black Aggie. She currently owns a cafe and is having to deal with a "Vegan" who has been causing trouble for her business, as well as causing trouble for other businesses in the same marketplace. After the death of her familiar Misty, she ends up contacting her friend Babs (who is better known as "Baba Yaga") to ask for help.
Together, Babs and Aggie get to work finding out what the Vegan (who is not a Vegan at all) is up to, and foiling his various attempts to ruin Aggie's business and the businesses of her neighbors. There are some interesting twists and turns of plot, and revelations about Aggie's past and a deadly mistake she made. The pacing is a little loose due to the cozy nature of the story, but the eventual revelation of what the Vegan is up to and the escalating series of events that leads to said fake-Vegan's defeat successfully builds tension and suspense. Then there are several cool down chapters where it's clear that things have turned out for the better despite everything.
This was an engaging book, with fun interpretations of characters from mythology and fairy tales. Hitchins' writes both witch characters sympathetically--re-spinning backstories, while not taking out any of the 'scary fairytale witch' out of the equation-- and creates a fascinating "old girl's club" of immortal witches having complicated lives and relationships.
This review was based on a galley copy received from NetGalley.
Babs & Aggie is cozy fantasy, but the fluffy pastry conceals dark chocolate mousse. Our protagonists are Aggie, an immortal witch who used to be known as Black Aggie. She currently owns a cafe and is having to deal with a "Vegan" who has been causing trouble for her business, as well as causing trouble for other businesses in the same marketplace. After the death of her familiar Misty, she ends up contacting her friend Babs (who is better known as "Baba Yaga") to ask for help.
Together, Babs and Aggie get to work finding out what the Vegan (who is not a Vegan at all) is up to, and foiling his various attempts to ruin Aggie's business and the businesses of her neighbors. There are some interesting twists and turns of plot, and revelations about Aggie's past and a deadly mistake she made. The pacing is a little loose due to the cozy nature of the story, but the eventual revelation of what the Vegan is up to and the escalating series of events that leads to said fake-Vegan's defeat successfully builds tension and suspense. Then there are several cool down chapters where it's clear that things have turned out for the better despite everything.
This was an engaging book, with fun interpretations of characters from mythology and fairy tales. Hitchins' writes both witch characters sympathetically--re-spinning backstories, while not taking out any of the 'scary fairytale witch' out of the equation-- and creates a fascinating "old girl's club" of immortal witches having complicated lives and relationships.
This review was based on a galley copy received from NetGalley.
March 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for a copy of this book!
Babs and Aggie: the Good, the Bad, and the Vegan (Babs and Aggie) is a heart wrenching, laugh out loud tale of two grandmother-aged witches who have a problem. A Vegan problem, that is. Aggie runs a cafe and the man across the street (lovingly referred to as the Vegan) wants her - and the rest of the store owners - out. But Aggie, with the help of Babs, isn’t going down without a fight. This book will have you asking: how many witches does it take to stop a Vegan villain?
Babs and Aggie is a little outside of my usual genre but I was intrigued by the book’s description and I was not disappointed. The plot and characters read like a cozy British crime/mystery show but has the heart of a phoenix. I laughed, cried, and wanted to throw my iPad against the wall while reading. I really felt immersed in the story and was quite sad when it ended. Babs and Aggie have the making for a cozy series - like Agatha Christie’s Poirot - and luckily GoodReads does have this book ticked as the first in a series.
Hazel Hitchins’ ability to craft very real, very distinct characters is phenomenal. I could perfectly imagine how Babs spoke and could feel the depths of Aggie’s distress. The book definitely falls under the cozy fantasy category, but don’t let it fool you! Babs and Aggie grapple with guilt, loss, domestic violence, and finding hope in the muck.
In the interest of balance, I should say that my only criticism was that I felt the middle of the story dragged a bit. This may have been because of how slowly I was reading it, but I thought I should at least mention it. Regardless, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment nor from the book’s emotional impact.
Babs and Aggie: the Good, the Bad, and the Vegan (Babs and Aggie) is a heart wrenching, laugh out loud tale of two grandmother-aged witches who have a problem. A Vegan problem, that is. Aggie runs a cafe and the man across the street (lovingly referred to as the Vegan) wants her - and the rest of the store owners - out. But Aggie, with the help of Babs, isn’t going down without a fight. This book will have you asking: how many witches does it take to stop a Vegan villain?
Babs and Aggie is a little outside of my usual genre but I was intrigued by the book’s description and I was not disappointed. The plot and characters read like a cozy British crime/mystery show but has the heart of a phoenix. I laughed, cried, and wanted to throw my iPad against the wall while reading. I really felt immersed in the story and was quite sad when it ended. Babs and Aggie have the making for a cozy series - like Agatha Christie’s Poirot - and luckily GoodReads does have this book ticked as the first in a series.
Hazel Hitchins’ ability to craft very real, very distinct characters is phenomenal. I could perfectly imagine how Babs spoke and could feel the depths of Aggie’s distress. The book definitely falls under the cozy fantasy category, but don’t let it fool you! Babs and Aggie grapple with guilt, loss, domestic violence, and finding hope in the muck.
In the interest of balance, I should say that my only criticism was that I felt the middle of the story dragged a bit. This may have been because of how slowly I was reading it, but I thought I should at least mention it. Regardless, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment nor from the book’s emotional impact.
October 10, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan is a very funny shopfront cozy mystery (and series starter) by Hazel Hitchins. Released 28th Feb 2025 by Troubadour, it's 258 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents.
Immortal witches of legend, Babs and Aggie have at turns been friends, frenemies, nemeses, or all three at once. Babs (and her chicken clawed house/familiar) show up to help Aggie find her groove. Aggie just wants to keep her head down and run a village cafe and keep a low profile, which is difficult with an animated hut squatting in one's garden.
The humor is warm, quite wabbly/wobbly, and a lot of *fun*; there are flashes of wit similar to Tom Holt (although it's absolutely not derivative, there's just something about mythological people in everyday mundane situations and the comedy that ensues that has a similar vibe). Although it is very cozy and adorable, there are some content issues for death of a pet (off-page, prior to the start of the story), domestic abuse and assault.
Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, for fans of cozy fantasy, or for a buddy read. There's currently no publishing information available for book 2 so it could be a while.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan is a very funny shopfront cozy mystery (and series starter) by Hazel Hitchins. Released 28th Feb 2025 by Troubadour, it's 258 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents.
Immortal witches of legend, Babs and Aggie have at turns been friends, frenemies, nemeses, or all three at once. Babs (and her chicken clawed house/familiar) show up to help Aggie find her groove. Aggie just wants to keep her head down and run a village cafe and keep a low profile, which is difficult with an animated hut squatting in one's garden.
The humor is warm, quite wabbly/wobbly, and a lot of *fun*; there are flashes of wit similar to Tom Holt (although it's absolutely not derivative, there's just something about mythological people in everyday mundane situations and the comedy that ensues that has a similar vibe). Although it is very cozy and adorable, there are some content issues for death of a pet (off-page, prior to the start of the story), domestic abuse and assault.
Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, for fans of cozy fantasy, or for a buddy read. There's currently no publishing information available for book 2 so it could be a while.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 28, 2025
One of the few five stars of the year, right here. Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad, and the Vegan is one of those stories I’m sad to let go. Yes, it’s that good.
First of all, the plot itself. I had so much fun reading it: the fairytale elements are there, mixed up with cozy and fantasy. The result is astounding. We get to follow folklore witches getting through a rough patch in their centuries-long lives—a rough patch that has the potential to become catastrophic. Aggie is the main point of view, first person, but she’s written in a masterful, engaging way. Hitchins really knows how to handle a first, hands down.
The cast of characters is not that big (another plus, if you ask me), and it’s so well-crafted. Vegan is nasty to the bone, even if he has his own motives. Margot and Burt act as a solid soundboard, while Sophie is a bit too kind-hearted for my tastes, but still a greatcharacter. My favorite, tho? Babs. Babs and her House. Please tell me there’s a sequel planned featuring her as a main pov?
I so don’t agree with a few decisions Aggie makes, and that’s okay. There’s no need to be on the same page with characters to enjoy a book; what’s important here is that a reader can still get behind the author, following along with ease. Here, the rhythm and flow help in that department, too. Excellent pacing, phenomenal style! And since we’re talking technical now, Hitchins’ grasp on grammar deserves so much praising.
I couldn’t really find any flaw worth mentioning. There’s a wrong word, and that’s it.
5 stars on GR, well deserved.
First of all, the plot itself. I had so much fun reading it: the fairytale elements are there, mixed up with cozy and fantasy. The result is astounding. We get to follow folklore witches getting through a rough patch in their centuries-long lives—a rough patch that has the potential to become catastrophic. Aggie is the main point of view, first person, but she’s written in a masterful, engaging way. Hitchins really knows how to handle a first, hands down.
The cast of characters is not that big (another plus, if you ask me), and it’s so well-crafted. Vegan is nasty to the bone, even if he has his own motives. Margot and Burt act as a solid soundboard, while Sophie is a bit too kind-hearted for my tastes, but still a greatcharacter. My favorite, tho? Babs. Babs and her House. Please tell me there’s a sequel planned featuring her as a main pov?
I so don’t agree with a few decisions Aggie makes, and that’s okay. There’s no need to be on the same page with characters to enjoy a book; what’s important here is that a reader can still get behind the author, following along with ease. Here, the rhythm and flow help in that department, too. Excellent pacing, phenomenal style! And since we’re talking technical now, Hitchins’ grasp on grammar deserves so much praising.
I couldn’t really find any flaw worth mentioning. There’s a wrong word, and that’s it.
5 stars on GR, well deserved.
March 18, 2025
BOOK 8/52 READ FOR THE 52 BOOK CHALLENGE 2025
PROMPT 21: CHARACTER'S NAME IN THE TITLE.
Based {kind of} on Baba Yagga, the witch of Slavic folktales who resides in, you guessed, a house on chicken legs. Almost without exception I loved everything about this clever, witty story of century old witches living in the modern day.
Packed chock-a-block with whimsical, colourful characters {and yes, I include the house in this}, the story focusing on some of their stories whilst teasing us with other's ... in anticipation of another book? Please, please tell me there will be other books, I'd love to see further books, perhaps told from some of the other characters' points of view.
Amused that the villain of the story is a 'vegan', the comedic moments are simply sublime. And yet for all of that, the author does not shy away from serious issues, addressing forms of abuse in many of its guises; physical, mental and financial.
All in all, a touching and engaging read that is at once fantastical and yet oddly real. So far its my favourite read of 2025.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
PROMPT 21: CHARACTER'S NAME IN THE TITLE.
Based {kind of} on Baba Yagga, the witch of Slavic folktales who resides in, you guessed, a house on chicken legs. Almost without exception I loved everything about this clever, witty story of century old witches living in the modern day.
Packed chock-a-block with whimsical, colourful characters {and yes, I include the house in this}, the story focusing on some of their stories whilst teasing us with other's ... in anticipation of another book? Please, please tell me there will be other books, I'd love to see further books, perhaps told from some of the other characters' points of view.
Amused that the villain of the story is a 'vegan', the comedic moments are simply sublime. And yet for all of that, the author does not shy away from serious issues, addressing forms of abuse in many of its guises; physical, mental and financial.
All in all, a touching and engaging read that is at once fantastical and yet oddly real. So far its my favourite read of 2025.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
December 17, 2024
As a "woman of a certain age" and a huge fan of Baba Yaga, I was incredibly excited to see what Hazel Hitchins would do with the premise described in Babs and Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan. I was not disappointed. Babs sees right through Aggie's initial emergency to the deeper despair she's been trying to ignore, and through huge doses of love, mischief, and borscht pulls her back into her true power (in more ways than one).
Aggie's neighbors need a boost, and Babs has their backs as well - but will everyone catch her when she falls? Hope for magic when the gals bring their old crew into play; you just might get it.
I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud and for how long I cried. The Good, the Bad and the Vegan is a roller coaster of an adventure and I cannot wait to read the next installment. I'm sure where Babs and Aggie are, a hilarious romp awaits.
IMPORTANT TW: this book addresses multiple facets of abuse - physical, financial, and mental. If this is something you are healing from, read with appropriate support available.
Disclosure: I read this book as a member of the author's ARC team. All opinions are my own - and they are glowing for a reason.
Aggie's neighbors need a boost, and Babs has their backs as well - but will everyone catch her when she falls? Hope for magic when the gals bring their old crew into play; you just might get it.
I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud and for how long I cried. The Good, the Bad and the Vegan is a roller coaster of an adventure and I cannot wait to read the next installment. I'm sure where Babs and Aggie are, a hilarious romp awaits.
IMPORTANT TW: this book addresses multiple facets of abuse - physical, financial, and mental. If this is something you are healing from, read with appropriate support available.
Disclosure: I read this book as a member of the author's ARC team. All opinions are my own - and they are glowing for a reason.
March 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a delightful surprise, and truly a story for the soul. The blend of magic, real life, and deep emotion was perfectly executed, making it an enchanting read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Aggie, the main character, is so relatable—her centuries of experience and current small-town café life create a unique, grounding contrast. Watching her navigate challenges, especially with the scheming vegan across the street, was both entertaining and heartwarming. But the real star of the show is Babs! Hilariously funny, full of life, and surprisingly empathetic, Babs brought so much energy and love to the story. Her magical House-on-chicken-legs and witty antics were a true highlight.
Hazel did an incredible job blending the old with the modern, making every character’s journey feel real and meaningful. The way the story explores hidden secrets and personal growth really resonated with me.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series—this one left me eagerly anticipating more adventures with Aggie and Babs! If you're looking for a magical, heartwarming read, this is it!
Aggie, the main character, is so relatable—her centuries of experience and current small-town café life create a unique, grounding contrast. Watching her navigate challenges, especially with the scheming vegan across the street, was both entertaining and heartwarming. But the real star of the show is Babs! Hilariously funny, full of life, and surprisingly empathetic, Babs brought so much energy and love to the story. Her magical House-on-chicken-legs and witty antics were a true highlight.
Hazel did an incredible job blending the old with the modern, making every character’s journey feel real and meaningful. The way the story explores hidden secrets and personal growth really resonated with me.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series—this one left me eagerly anticipating more adventures with Aggie and Babs! If you're looking for a magical, heartwarming read, this is it!
April 12, 2025
Feel-good mundane fantasy with an elderly main character.
When Aggie's familiar is killed by a nasty neighbour, her world gets shook up by her explosively supportive friend Babs.
If you are a more mature reader and are tired of angsty teen heroes in your fantasy and you want a good dose of comfort, lots of food, the protection of your street corner, this is the perfect read.
I like the idea, and I like even more that this is a friendship story, not a romance, but I found the contrast between the overly sweet people with no clue and their over-brimming desire to be good and helpful versus the outrageously evil and petty ones very jarring. It required me to suspend way more of my belief than the fantasy elements. It is meant to be exaggerated to make you laugh... but I found the humour too heavy-handed handed and I didn't like most characters, finding the "good" ones too limp. The only character to shine in Babs in a sea of indifferent faces, and you truly wonder why she bothers so much and with such vigor.
I wanted to like this one, but it just didn't hit for me, felt a bit like those 90s lunch time B movies aimed at housewives.
When Aggie's familiar is killed by a nasty neighbour, her world gets shook up by her explosively supportive friend Babs.
If you are a more mature reader and are tired of angsty teen heroes in your fantasy and you want a good dose of comfort, lots of food, the protection of your street corner, this is the perfect read.
I like the idea, and I like even more that this is a friendship story, not a romance, but I found the contrast between the overly sweet people with no clue and their over-brimming desire to be good and helpful versus the outrageously evil and petty ones very jarring. It required me to suspend way more of my belief than the fantasy elements. It is meant to be exaggerated to make you laugh... but I found the humour too heavy-handed handed and I didn't like most characters, finding the "good" ones too limp. The only character to shine in Babs in a sea of indifferent faces, and you truly wonder why she bothers so much and with such vigor.
I wanted to like this one, but it just didn't hit for me, felt a bit like those 90s lunch time B movies aimed at housewives.
May 4, 2025
Sometimes a book comes along that gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it ~ and Babs and Aggie were that for me. I've got to be honest, this isn't a book I would usually pick up but a nudge from a well-meaning friend and I was hooked.
Babs and Aggie have been friends for forever, okay, not quite forever but certainly a few centuries and they've reached that age where their tolerance of hurt and other people's is at an all-time low. Oh, did I happen to mention that our two inestimable heroines are witches?? Sorry, slipped my mind ~ brain fog is a terrible thing!
This book has it all ~ it made me cry, laugh out loud, almost at the same time. And it's definitely one of my books of 2024.
So if you're looking for a book to uplift your spirits, this could be right up your street
Babs and Aggie have been friends for forever, okay, not quite forever but certainly a few centuries and they've reached that age where their tolerance of hurt and other people's is at an all-time low. Oh, did I happen to mention that our two inestimable heroines are witches?? Sorry, slipped my mind ~ brain fog is a terrible thing!
This book has it all ~ it made me cry, laugh out loud, almost at the same time. And it's definitely one of my books of 2024.
So if you're looking for a book to uplift your spirits, this could be right up your street
March 13, 2025
Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan by Hazel Hitchins is a delightful blend of humor and heart, weaving a story that captivates from the first page. Aggie, a former powerful figure now running a small-town café, faces challenges from a rival vegan while grappling with her own past. Enter her eccentric friend Babs, and you have a recipe for chaos, camaraderie, and healing.
The characters are richly crafted, each hiding their struggles behind charming façades, making for a relatable and engaging read. Hitchins masterfully balances raucous antics with poignant moments of introspection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of friendship over food and laughter. This one is sure to leave readers both laughing and feeling reflective.
The characters are richly crafted, each hiding their struggles behind charming façades, making for a relatable and engaging read. Hitchins masterfully balances raucous antics with poignant moments of introspection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of friendship over food and laughter. This one is sure to leave readers both laughing and feeling reflective.
February 28, 2025
A funny, touching, and engaging story with a glorious voice in the form of Aggie's first-person narration. The characters are individual and brilliant, with their own stories. Some of those stories come out in this book, some are teased for future books, and a couple (I suspect) may never be revealed on the page at all - and yet they exist.
Hazel Hitchins has created a world that is familiar and fantastical and utterly real. We recognise the characters in our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues... and ourselves.
To say more would be a spoiler, and this book is not one you want spoiled. Go. Read. Enjoy.
Hazel Hitchins has created a world that is familiar and fantastical and utterly real. We recognise the characters in our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues... and ourselves.
To say more would be a spoiler, and this book is not one you want spoiled. Go. Read. Enjoy.
January 3, 2025
Sometimes a book comes along that gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it ~ and Babs and Aggie were that for me. I've got to be honest, this isn't a book I would usually pick up but a nudge from a well-meaning friend and I was hooked.
Babs and Aggie have been friends for forever, okay, not quite forever but certainly a few centuries and they've reached that age where their tolerance of hurt and bulls**t is at an all-time low. Oh did I happen to mention that our two inestimable heroines are witches?? Sorry, slipped my mind ~ brain fog is a terrible thing!
This book has it all ~ it made me cry, laugh out loud, almost at the same time. And it's definitely one of my books of 2024.
So if you're looking for a book to uplift your spirits, this could be right up your street
Babs and Aggie have been friends for forever, okay, not quite forever but certainly a few centuries and they've reached that age where their tolerance of hurt and bulls**t is at an all-time low. Oh did I happen to mention that our two inestimable heroines are witches?? Sorry, slipped my mind ~ brain fog is a terrible thing!
This book has it all ~ it made me cry, laugh out loud, almost at the same time. And it's definitely one of my books of 2024.
So if you're looking for a book to uplift your spirits, this could be right up your street
February 2, 2025
What a fabulous story, I was gripped all the way through. I felt each emotion of the characters and thought I was there with them. I could read it over again and still giggle at the same parts. #bemorebabs
March 11, 2025
A little disjointed at times but a fun read overall. The word vegan is used kinda in a strange way. The characters were fun and the ending was satisfying. Witches, curses, familiars, etc.
August 31, 2025
Amazing characters and so witty. Loved it from start to finish and can't wait for the duo's next adventure. :)
April 1, 2025
The most original treasure of a book. I have just finished it and want to begin again! This story is a celebration of friendship, sisterhood, and all round zest for life.
I want to be friends with Babs and Aggie, and I have fallen madly in love with house!
I cried twice. I laughed out loud multiple times. I had to pause to reflect and regroup at one very special moment that touched my heart. I just wish I could give it 10 stars.
I want to be friends with Babs and Aggie, and I have fallen madly in love with house!
I cried twice. I laughed out loud multiple times. I had to pause to reflect and regroup at one very special moment that touched my heart. I just wish I could give it 10 stars.
February 17, 2025
My eye was caught by the intriguing blurb for Book 1 in The Slippers and Sorcery Chronicles series, Babs & Aggie: The Good, The Bad and The Vegan. I envisaged witchcraft, fun and mayhem so I could not resist, and I was not disappointed.
The story is narrated by Aggie, a witch whose powers have all but deserted her. In her time of need, her long-time friend Babs arrives with her positive mental attitude, a guiding hand, her borscht and tops it off with plenty of alcohol.
I loved this amusing story which took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Some parts are a little disturbing while others had me laughing out loud, usually at something Babs had said or done.
I need a Babs in my life!
I highly recommend Babs & Aggie: The Good, The Bad and The Vegan. Babs and Angie are both great characters and I look forward to their next adventure.
The story is narrated by Aggie, a witch whose powers have all but deserted her. In her time of need, her long-time friend Babs arrives with her positive mental attitude, a guiding hand, her borscht and tops it off with plenty of alcohol.
I loved this amusing story which took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Some parts are a little disturbing while others had me laughing out loud, usually at something Babs had said or done.
I need a Babs in my life!
I highly recommend Babs & Aggie: The Good, The Bad and The Vegan. Babs and Angie are both great characters and I look forward to their next adventure.
March 17, 2025
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me feeling every emotion from laughter to anger. I absolutely adored Babs and Aggie. Babs was my particular favourite though as she had a very no nonsense approach to life and certainly doesn’t mince her words!
This book is described as a Cosy Fantasy which I can’t say I’d read before but I really enjoyed it. There was also a mystery element to it as the two Witches work together to uncover what ‘The Vegan’ has been up to as he has been systematically sabotaging Aggie’s life with devastating consequences.
I’d definitely be open to reading more by this Author as it was a lovely break from some of the more complicated fantasy books. It was a very relaxing read filled with humour, but at the same time explored some difficult and emotional topics too.
{AD - I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.}
This book is described as a Cosy Fantasy which I can’t say I’d read before but I really enjoyed it. There was also a mystery element to it as the two Witches work together to uncover what ‘The Vegan’ has been up to as he has been systematically sabotaging Aggie’s life with devastating consequences.
I’d definitely be open to reading more by this Author as it was a lovely break from some of the more complicated fantasy books. It was a very relaxing read filled with humour, but at the same time explored some difficult and emotional topics too.
{AD - I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.}
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