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Witchlight Magical Mysteries #0.5
Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage
Beatrix thought she’d left magic behind – until it came knocking on her door.
Being a private investigator wasn’t supposed to be complicated. I expected cheating spouses and missing pets like BonBon, a kidnapped ‘pure-bred Schnoodle’ with a ruby-studded collar. What I didn’t expect was a desperate elf on my doorstep, begging for help to find her missing parents. Nor did I think that my search would drag me back into the magical world I’d tried so hard to leave behind.
I’m Beatrix Stonehaven, empath, martial artist and a magical dud in a long line of exceptional witches. But when a routine case reveals a demon lurking in the shadows, it’s clear that even my mediocre magic might not be enough. Between tracking the elf’s missing loved ones, dodging the secrets of my past and dealing with a stray pup who may be smarter than I am, I’ve got my hands full.
With a knack for finding trouble and a lifetime of kicking butt, I’m diving headfirst into a tangled web of magic, mystery and mayhem because ‘simple’ cases don’t exist in my line of work – and the stakes are always higher than they seem.
Perfect for fans of strong heroines, adorable animal sidekicks and heart-racing urban fantasy, Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage is a whirlwind of action, charm and supernatural surprises. Each book has a self-contained mystery, plenty of humour, and a slow-burn fade-to-black romance to swoon over.
Being a private investigator wasn’t supposed to be complicated. I expected cheating spouses and missing pets like BonBon, a kidnapped ‘pure-bred Schnoodle’ with a ruby-studded collar. What I didn’t expect was a desperate elf on my doorstep, begging for help to find her missing parents. Nor did I think that my search would drag me back into the magical world I’d tried so hard to leave behind.
I’m Beatrix Stonehaven, empath, martial artist and a magical dud in a long line of exceptional witches. But when a routine case reveals a demon lurking in the shadows, it’s clear that even my mediocre magic might not be enough. Between tracking the elf’s missing loved ones, dodging the secrets of my past and dealing with a stray pup who may be smarter than I am, I’ve got my hands full.
With a knack for finding trouble and a lifetime of kicking butt, I’m diving headfirst into a tangled web of magic, mystery and mayhem because ‘simple’ cases don’t exist in my line of work – and the stakes are always higher than they seem.
Perfect for fans of strong heroines, adorable animal sidekicks and heart-racing urban fantasy, Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage is a whirlwind of action, charm and supernatural surprises. Each book has a self-contained mystery, plenty of humour, and a slow-burn fade-to-black romance to swoon over.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2025
723 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
January 26, 2025
What an captivating prequel with promises of an amazing series in the making. Beatrix, an empath witch from the strong Stonehaven family line, Guardians of the Eternal Flame, left Witchlight Cove after her grandmother caused damage in their community (what we still will learn) and lives in the human world as a P.I. and martial arts instructer. In her 1st case she has to find BonBon, a missing dog, which end in finding a puppy and encountering a demon. Then a traumatised teen leads her to a search for elves, with puppy in tow who curbs her haywire empathy shields being shattered with positive vibes and a frosted cottage. I was totally rooting for puppy staying who is definitely going to be a character of note. I'm definitely signing up for this series as the combined writing skills definitely are awesome.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you.
March 28, 2025
Cute intro to a new series Ms. Harris and Ms. Stone are collaborating on. Nothing really hits me as amazingly unique or different from other UF series… well, except Eva the adorable puppy. :)
July 4, 2025
What lovely books.
This series is just such a treasure. Fantastic characters, great world building and a good solid plot. I loved the origin story. I read the series before I realized there was an 0.5 book.
Since I am a dog person, I especially loved her part of the story.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, you need to read the series.
This series is just such a treasure. Fantastic characters, great world building and a good solid plot. I loved the origin story. I read the series before I realized there was an 0.5 book.
Since I am a dog person, I especially loved her part of the story.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, you need to read the series.
February 4, 2025
A fun, cosy urban fantasy prequel to what promises to be an entertaining new series. Beatrix is an empath, running away from her heritage and hiding out in the human world. However, the supernatural won't leave her alone for long. An interesting, slightly abrasive heroine and the world's smartest puppy team up to find a customer's lost parents. Read in one sitting. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
January 21, 2025
Wow ~ Exciting and entertaining!! I love Beatrix!! She is a witch born into an ancestral line of amazing witches, though her only magic seems to be Empathy. She left her hometown filled with magic and works as a PI and Martial Arts teacher in the Human world. It pays the rent and keeps her out of trouble, but shes lonely. Suddenly, shes attacked by a demon on a case for a missing Bon-Bon and discovers a teenage Elf at her front door searching for her family. The world of magic draws her in again! This book has everything I love, Magic, Monsters, Mystery, and Puppies!! FIVE STARS!
February 16, 2025
You had me at empathic Private investigator.
Beatrix has some investigating to do finding a missing pet. Not looking for another case, one lands slap bang on her doorstep. An elf who parents have gone missing. Bea is going to be very busy.
We get some lovely backstory hints in this prequel novella for witchlight magical mysteries series.
Can't wait to dig more into it as the series progresses. Our main character Beatrix Stonehaven is a kick ass, empowering character who is being pulled back in the magical world they thought was a distant memory.
With the edition on an animal sidekick that might be more than meets the eye. It's going to be wonderful to see how their lives change now that they have found each other.
Loved the interactions between Bea and some of the side characters. They feel like they have a well worn bond and that's great stepping into a new series. Some emotional moment and and some amusing moments to round this book out so beautifully. Loving forward to seeing where this all goes.
Favourite quote -
'Nothing ever goes wrong when it starts out with a climb on a bin.'
Beatrix has some investigating to do finding a missing pet. Not looking for another case, one lands slap bang on her doorstep. An elf who parents have gone missing. Bea is going to be very busy.
We get some lovely backstory hints in this prequel novella for witchlight magical mysteries series.
Can't wait to dig more into it as the series progresses. Our main character Beatrix Stonehaven is a kick ass, empowering character who is being pulled back in the magical world they thought was a distant memory.
With the edition on an animal sidekick that might be more than meets the eye. It's going to be wonderful to see how their lives change now that they have found each other.
Loved the interactions between Bea and some of the side characters. They feel like they have a well worn bond and that's great stepping into a new series. Some emotional moment and and some amusing moments to round this book out so beautifully. Loving forward to seeing where this all goes.
Favourite quote -
'Nothing ever goes wrong when it starts out with a climb on a bin.'
February 12, 2025
Bellatrix has been trying to steer clear of the magical world since she left her hometown of Witchlight Cove, but when Orla, an elf, comes to her for help with finding her missing parents, she has to agree. As the magic reels her in, she uses her wit, connections and surprising new allies to figure out not only what happened to Orla's parents, but also her other client's missing dog, a French Schnoodle Bon named BonBon. Funny, smart and captivating, this is a great start to Heather and Ella's new series!
January 21, 2025
P.i. Beatrix has a boring missing dog case and the minute she wishes for a more interesting case one shows up at her front door. An elven couple has gone missing and their daughter is desperate to find them. Bea doesn't want to get pulled back into the magical world but she can't abandon a child in need. As she is investigating danger is around every corner and being alone is not safe anymore. Very interesting first in series I can't wait for the next book!
January 31, 2025
Such a lovely book with two intersecting plotlines: Beatrix’s journey to find her canine companion and her search for a missing elf’s parents. It was a quick read, but it left a strong impression of Beatrix as a character. I can’t wait to read more about this empathic private investigator!
January 26, 2025
Ok I was immediately intrigued with the main character and the whole plot, but then you add in Orla and Eva? Hooked! Really great start to the story, eager for more!! Highly recommend reading!
February 28, 2025
At 100 pages, this intro novella, to a whole new series, was exciting! This was an introduction to the FMC and how she gets her puppy! With several adventures in there, too! (Also, this would not be a book, Heather G. Harris is a part of; if there wasn't a puppy as one of the main characters! I am looking forward to the upcoming full-length novel in this series!
February 28, 2025
Too short to be 5 stars but I’m really looking forward to the next book. I loved Beatrix and the pup in this and can’t wait to see what adventures they get up to.
February 21, 2025
Audiobook narrated by
Alyse Gibbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to say, Heather G Harris has become one of my favourite authors.
She's authentic to her craft, and her love of writing shines through in every book.
This felt like an appetiser for more to come.
And I am her for it.
Only 3 stars because it was really short. But I guess I want every book from Heather to be 30 hours of reading happiness!
Alyse Gibbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to say, Heather G Harris has become one of my favourite authors.
She's authentic to her craft, and her love of writing shines through in every book.
This felt like an appetiser for more to come.
And I am her for it.
Only 3 stars because it was really short. But I guess I want every book from Heather to be 30 hours of reading happiness!
March 6, 2025
3.5 stars. The book was good but this series isn't for me.
February 20, 2025
I’m such a fan of Ella Stone’s previous books. Heather G Harris’ Other series are my go-to comfort reads. Needless to say when I found out about this co-write, I was over the moon. Well, let me tell you…it did not disappoint. This is a prequel, so obviously a quick read but it’s an action-packed quick read! Beatrix is the FMC who refers to herself as a magical dud but I feel like she is actually anything but a dud. It starts out with a dog napping but quickly turns into something much more! Can’t wait for more of this new magical series!!
January 21, 2025
When a book starts with 'It was probably wrong to wish for a murder or a proper kidnapping' I KNOW I'm going to sink into the read like a stone in water! And gosh did I ever! What a captivating read! What an enthralling tale! What a fabulous cowrite by two fabulous authors!
Beatrix is a PI, hiding from the magical community she stems from, and a successful PI at that. I loved her from the onset, a 'broken' young lady surrounded by broken things. Her skills in magic are...defective, her car is defective or, at best, temperamental, the plants in her home are defective, but her brain is anything but! She's so smart and caring, well, she IS an empath. Her character is so extremely likeable, she comes across strong yet vulnerable, with a whole lot of hidden truths the authors keep tantalisingly enshrouded, teasing me, alluding to a rocky past with snippets that sets my juices on high alert for more!
For now,. I was more than content with what I DID read, a fabulous novella, giving me an awesome taste of who Beatrix is and some of her capabilities. Not just magical, although, she does appear magically stunted, her physical fight skills are very impressive. What else is very impressive is how immersive this story was. Unputdownable from the very first sentence, I read it in a jiffy. Besides the excellent depiction of Beatrix, her thoughts, her deeds, her inner turmoil, I totally and completely fell in love with the cutest, cleverest little pup alive!
It seems a relatively easy task to find a missing dog, right? Wrong! What Beatrix discovers is far more neferious in nature and the authors superbly drew in the supernatural with the 'normal' world, never skipping a beat in this fast-paced and action filled read. A sign, to me, of exceptional storytelling, is the ringer of emotions I'm put through and I experienced a plethora of emotions! The sadness, the adrenaline rush, the 'aaah sweet', the joy, to the 'NO!!!!' wound itself through me like a vine. So, a missing doggie leads to a demon, leads to a cute pup, leads to an elf asking for help, leads to an even more shocking revelation, and it's all so seamlessly exciting to follow, to feel every ioto of this tale deep within me.
I have read both these authors individually but good golly, together, they are dynamite! Their storytelling is superb, enticing, riveting and compelling to say the least! This is only a taste of what's to come and I'm frothing at the mouth for more!
Beatrix is a PI, hiding from the magical community she stems from, and a successful PI at that. I loved her from the onset, a 'broken' young lady surrounded by broken things. Her skills in magic are...defective, her car is defective or, at best, temperamental, the plants in her home are defective, but her brain is anything but! She's so smart and caring, well, she IS an empath. Her character is so extremely likeable, she comes across strong yet vulnerable, with a whole lot of hidden truths the authors keep tantalisingly enshrouded, teasing me, alluding to a rocky past with snippets that sets my juices on high alert for more!
For now,. I was more than content with what I DID read, a fabulous novella, giving me an awesome taste of who Beatrix is and some of her capabilities. Not just magical, although, she does appear magically stunted, her physical fight skills are very impressive. What else is very impressive is how immersive this story was. Unputdownable from the very first sentence, I read it in a jiffy. Besides the excellent depiction of Beatrix, her thoughts, her deeds, her inner turmoil, I totally and completely fell in love with the cutest, cleverest little pup alive!
It seems a relatively easy task to find a missing dog, right? Wrong! What Beatrix discovers is far more neferious in nature and the authors superbly drew in the supernatural with the 'normal' world, never skipping a beat in this fast-paced and action filled read. A sign, to me, of exceptional storytelling, is the ringer of emotions I'm put through and I experienced a plethora of emotions! The sadness, the adrenaline rush, the 'aaah sweet', the joy, to the 'NO!!!!' wound itself through me like a vine. So, a missing doggie leads to a demon, leads to a cute pup, leads to an elf asking for help, leads to an even more shocking revelation, and it's all so seamlessly exciting to follow, to feel every ioto of this tale deep within me.
I have read both these authors individually but good golly, together, they are dynamite! Their storytelling is superb, enticing, riveting and compelling to say the least! This is only a taste of what's to come and I'm frothing at the mouth for more!
February 15, 2025
"Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage" follows Beatrix Stonehaven, a private investigator with a past. She is an empath with some other skills, a person who comes from a long line of witches, but unfortunately did not inherit their gifts, and as such, left that life.
Now she helps others as an investigator, at the start of the book, she is trying to find a missing dog (a pure bred "Schnoodle") with a ruby studded collar.
However, when a young elf turns up on her doorstep, desperate for help to find her missing parents, Beatrix can't help but drop everything to help the young girl.
Things get nasty when she tries to find the missing dog, she is drawn into something far darker than she ever expected, and Beatrix has to fight for her life. But she finds a surprising little ally in her fight.
As she searches for the young elf's parents, Beatrix is pulled into the world of magic, a world that she has tried so hard to avoid for years. But now, to save not only the lives of the elves, but her own, she is going to have use all of the skills she has.
The main character of Beatrix is wonderfully told, she is a troubled person, having fled her past. We get to learn pieces of what has happened to her in this prequel (no spoilers), and do learn that she is not as adept in magic as those in her family, but she is an empath. She loves her martial arts, which gives her some additional skills as a PI.
The world-building is fantastic in the story, there is a combination of a ‘known’ magical system, but with some slight additions for the authors own tweaks, just to add some flavour to the story. They have taken some interest with the crime aspects of the story, paying attention to crime scene aspects, giving the story some authenticity, which is always great when reading a mystery series.
This is a fantastic story of mystery, magic, with a wonderful lead character and as the story progresses, we pick up some other brilliant characters as well.
As a prequel, this is a wonderful introduction to Beatrix, providing us some background into her life, as well as a great Urban Fantasy story that acquaints us to the series that is to come.
Another exceptional read from the minds of Harris and Stone, and an absolute must read!!
Now she helps others as an investigator, at the start of the book, she is trying to find a missing dog (a pure bred "Schnoodle") with a ruby studded collar.
However, when a young elf turns up on her doorstep, desperate for help to find her missing parents, Beatrix can't help but drop everything to help the young girl.
Things get nasty when she tries to find the missing dog, she is drawn into something far darker than she ever expected, and Beatrix has to fight for her life. But she finds a surprising little ally in her fight.
As she searches for the young elf's parents, Beatrix is pulled into the world of magic, a world that she has tried so hard to avoid for years. But now, to save not only the lives of the elves, but her own, she is going to have use all of the skills she has.
The main character of Beatrix is wonderfully told, she is a troubled person, having fled her past. We get to learn pieces of what has happened to her in this prequel (no spoilers), and do learn that she is not as adept in magic as those in her family, but she is an empath. She loves her martial arts, which gives her some additional skills as a PI.
The world-building is fantastic in the story, there is a combination of a ‘known’ magical system, but with some slight additions for the authors own tweaks, just to add some flavour to the story. They have taken some interest with the crime aspects of the story, paying attention to crime scene aspects, giving the story some authenticity, which is always great when reading a mystery series.
This is a fantastic story of mystery, magic, with a wonderful lead character and as the story progresses, we pick up some other brilliant characters as well.
As a prequel, this is a wonderful introduction to Beatrix, providing us some background into her life, as well as a great Urban Fantasy story that acquaints us to the series that is to come.
Another exceptional read from the minds of Harris and Stone, and an absolute must read!!
January 26, 2025
As a fan of Heather's Other Realm series, I just had to snap up an ARC copy of this prequel to this new series and I was definitely not disappointed! I loved it, even though it was a short read, it was so fun and so much was packed into it as well.
Beatrix Stonehaven is a PI and an empath. Having left her magical home community after her parents died and her grandmother did something pretty bad by all accounts (we still have to find out about that in the upcoming series!), she longs for an interesting case, something more gritty than investigating cheating husbands or finding a missing loved dog!
The missing dog case ended up being a lot more complicated than just finding a missing pup! Beatrix also gains her own pup as a result, but the huge case, one she has been dying to get, is one that thrusts her right back into the magical world. She could say no, of course, but who can say no to a sweet young elf, who is desperately missing her lost parents. This case brings back some unhappy memories for Beatrix, who will do anything to help relieve the pain this young elf is going through. A pain she knows only too well!
Beatrix was a fun character to read and I know we will definitely get to know her more as the series progresses, but Eva was such a sweet little thing! I think there's more to Eva than being just a simple retriever pup! She seemed to know exactly what to do and understand what she was asked as well.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Beatrix Stonehaven is a PI and an empath. Having left her magical home community after her parents died and her grandmother did something pretty bad by all accounts (we still have to find out about that in the upcoming series!), she longs for an interesting case, something more gritty than investigating cheating husbands or finding a missing loved dog!
The missing dog case ended up being a lot more complicated than just finding a missing pup! Beatrix also gains her own pup as a result, but the huge case, one she has been dying to get, is one that thrusts her right back into the magical world. She could say no, of course, but who can say no to a sweet young elf, who is desperately missing her lost parents. This case brings back some unhappy memories for Beatrix, who will do anything to help relieve the pain this young elf is going through. A pain she knows only too well!
Beatrix was a fun character to read and I know we will definitely get to know her more as the series progresses, but Eva was such a sweet little thing! I think there's more to Eva than being just a simple retriever pup! She seemed to know exactly what to do and understand what she was asked as well.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
January 29, 2025
This novella just got better and better as it went along! As a prequel, it's all about worldbuilding and character development and I think the authors have crafted something new and very appealing here.
There were hints at the beginning of the story about Bea's, the FMC, early life and more concrete information towards the end - it was all very intriguing and alluded to grief and loss, hints perhaps of emotional storylines to come? A few other characters mentioned were clearly important to her so it will be interesting to learn what sort of role they will play in her future because two sounded like strong, determined women themselves - the sort of females these authors are known for writing extraordinarily well - while others were human law enforcement officers kept ignorant of the magical world they were skirting around. I saw them as a magnetic mix of people, with loads of on-page potential. There's a rescue puppy too, which tugged at my heartstrings and had me goofy-grinning!
The magicals seemed to be witches, shifters and fae. It's going to be a fun ride if they continue to hold the foreground of the narrative. Both authors are experienced at producing top-shelf urban fantasy stories and I know I can trust their twisty imaginations to produce something great here.
This was a wonderful introduction to a new series and I'm wriggling with anticipation to read more!
There were hints at the beginning of the story about Bea's, the FMC, early life and more concrete information towards the end - it was all very intriguing and alluded to grief and loss, hints perhaps of emotional storylines to come? A few other characters mentioned were clearly important to her so it will be interesting to learn what sort of role they will play in her future because two sounded like strong, determined women themselves - the sort of females these authors are known for writing extraordinarily well - while others were human law enforcement officers kept ignorant of the magical world they were skirting around. I saw them as a magnetic mix of people, with loads of on-page potential. There's a rescue puppy too, which tugged at my heartstrings and had me goofy-grinning!
The magicals seemed to be witches, shifters and fae. It's going to be a fun ride if they continue to hold the foreground of the narrative. Both authors are experienced at producing top-shelf urban fantasy stories and I know I can trust their twisty imaginations to produce something great here.
This was a wonderful introduction to a new series and I'm wriggling with anticipation to read more!
February 12, 2025
I've been a fan of Heather G. Harris for some time, and I've really enjoyed her collaborations with Jilleen Dolbeare. I wasn't familiar with Ella Stone's work, but I thought I'd take a chance with this ARC, a prequel into a new series, the Witchlight Magical Mysteries.
Beatrix Stonehaven, an empath who left her witch community for reasons that should develop as the series continues, is trying to pay her rent working as a private investigator in the human world. Initially, she's hired for what seems as rather mundane (boring, in Beatrix's mind) task, trying to find a lost dog named BonBon. But then a more interesting case comes her way. It's a missing persons case, but one that winds up connecting Beatrix with the magical world again: finding the missing parents of teenage elf Orla. Unfortunately, time is of the essence in locating Orla's parents, but Beatrix will need to juggle her more exciting case with finding BonBon as well.
There are some painful memories Beatrix has to relive now that she's reconnected with the magical and some magical mayhem is afoot, but generally this novella is a cosy detective story blended with magic and urban fantasy. What more could I want? I look forward to reading the first full novel in the series to experience more adventures with Beatrix and discover Beatrix's backstory (particularly details about her grandmother).
Beatrix Stonehaven, an empath who left her witch community for reasons that should develop as the series continues, is trying to pay her rent working as a private investigator in the human world. Initially, she's hired for what seems as rather mundane (boring, in Beatrix's mind) task, trying to find a lost dog named BonBon. But then a more interesting case comes her way. It's a missing persons case, but one that winds up connecting Beatrix with the magical world again: finding the missing parents of teenage elf Orla. Unfortunately, time is of the essence in locating Orla's parents, but Beatrix will need to juggle her more exciting case with finding BonBon as well.
There are some painful memories Beatrix has to relive now that she's reconnected with the magical and some magical mayhem is afoot, but generally this novella is a cosy detective story blended with magic and urban fantasy. What more could I want? I look forward to reading the first full novel in the series to experience more adventures with Beatrix and discover Beatrix's backstory (particularly details about her grandmother).
January 22, 2025
This quick read novella is a prequel for what already promises to be a must read series.
Ella Stone is a new to me author, but I am already a huge fan of Heather G Harris, both in her own right and as a co-author with Jilleen Dolbeare, so I was set to be impressed and I was certainly not disappointed!
Beatrix is a P.I. with success in the hunt for missing pets, tracking the activities of cheating spouses etc, but longs for something meatier to get her teeth into. As the saying goes, be careful for you wish for…
As well as being a P.I. Beatrix also comes from a magical background, from which she has isolated herself. She feels that her magical abilities aren’t very good and, having suffered a huge loss, she chooses to live a non-magical life, alone in her small flat, with a temperamental/run down car and a love of martial arts.
Everything changes when a young elf turns up at her flat, needing help to find her missing parents.
I’m excited to learn more about Beatrix, her background and family and why she feels she is a magical dud. I’m also loving the idea of a furry sidekick and wondering if there might be more to that than meets the eye. Lots of mysteries to be explored as the series continues.
Next book please!
Ella Stone is a new to me author, but I am already a huge fan of Heather G Harris, both in her own right and as a co-author with Jilleen Dolbeare, so I was set to be impressed and I was certainly not disappointed!
Beatrix is a P.I. with success in the hunt for missing pets, tracking the activities of cheating spouses etc, but longs for something meatier to get her teeth into. As the saying goes, be careful for you wish for…
As well as being a P.I. Beatrix also comes from a magical background, from which she has isolated herself. She feels that her magical abilities aren’t very good and, having suffered a huge loss, she chooses to live a non-magical life, alone in her small flat, with a temperamental/run down car and a love of martial arts.
Everything changes when a young elf turns up at her flat, needing help to find her missing parents.
I’m excited to learn more about Beatrix, her background and family and why she feels she is a magical dud. I’m also loving the idea of a furry sidekick and wondering if there might be more to that than meets the eye. Lots of mysteries to be explored as the series continues.
Next book please!
February 4, 2025
P.I. Beatrix is living a relatively normal life in the human world after abandoning the magical world following the death of her parents and a yet unknown act committed by her grandmother. She’s doing pretty well investigating cheating spouses and finding lost pets, but wouldn’t mind a more challenging case. Little did she know that she would get more than she bargained for when a young elf, Orla, knocks on her door asking for help finding her missing parents. Unable to deny her, Beatrix finds herself abruptly thrown back into the magical world.
This collaborative prequel is an exciting start to a promising new series. I loved the main character, Beatrix, she’s strong yet still so unsure of herself but she definitely shows the depths of her empathy in the way she deals with Orla and Eva. I of course loved Eva. She’s so precocious and stalwart and seems like the perfect sidekick for Beatrix. The truth of what led Beatrix to this point in life is still unknown to us and I can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for us. Overall this is a great introduction to the new series with just the right amount of world building and character development to leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next book.
This collaborative prequel is an exciting start to a promising new series. I loved the main character, Beatrix, she’s strong yet still so unsure of herself but she definitely shows the depths of her empathy in the way she deals with Orla and Eva. I of course loved Eva. She’s so precocious and stalwart and seems like the perfect sidekick for Beatrix. The truth of what led Beatrix to this point in life is still unknown to us and I can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for us. Overall this is a great introduction to the new series with just the right amount of world building and character development to leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next book.
January 22, 2025
Heather G Harris has partnered up once more this time with Ella Stone to bring us a new heroine, a PI in London with the early hint of a troubled past. However when a young elven teenage girl turns up at her door asking for help to find her missing parents, Bea finds herself unable to say no.
While on her way to the parents last known location, Bea gets a top off about her latest case stops off at the possible location and comes away with a smart seemingly empathic and very clever puppy, which she plans to return after finding the missing parents.
The hints at Bea's past have me eager for more and also to see what trouble her next investigations will get her into. As it’s got Heather's name on the cover and a very smart animal companion it’s almost guaranteed that trouble of some kind won’t be far behind. Unfortunately I haven’t read any of Ella's other books yet but as soon as I finish reading my current series, I'll be checking them out whilst waiting for the first book in this series.
While on her way to the parents last known location, Bea gets a top off about her latest case stops off at the possible location and comes away with a smart seemingly empathic and very clever puppy, which she plans to return after finding the missing parents.
The hints at Bea's past have me eager for more and also to see what trouble her next investigations will get her into. As it’s got Heather's name on the cover and a very smart animal companion it’s almost guaranteed that trouble of some kind won’t be far behind. Unfortunately I haven’t read any of Ella's other books yet but as soon as I finish reading my current series, I'll be checking them out whilst waiting for the first book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
What a fantastic new world and group of characters, making this prequel an amazing start to a new series!
Beatrix's empath abilities are handy since she is a PI who solves crimes for a living. Well, lately it has been more small things like catching cheating spouses. However, in this book, we get to delve into magic and, with the help of her cute sidekick, she was able to solve the main case.
In the prequel, we find out that Beatrix has already had to experience some not-so-great things in life and the fact she has grown and overcome them is something I really love! She is a strong FMC and I am sure she will become a force to be reckoned with.
I am looking forward to book 1 in the series and seeing how the relationships grow between the characters...so much so, I already pre-ordered my copy! This is another "must read" co-written by Heather G. Harris who is an automatic purchase author for me! The way she and Ella Stone combined their talents to create a cohesive Urban Fantasy world is just amazing to me!
Beatrix's empath abilities are handy since she is a PI who solves crimes for a living. Well, lately it has been more small things like catching cheating spouses. However, in this book, we get to delve into magic and, with the help of her cute sidekick, she was able to solve the main case.
In the prequel, we find out that Beatrix has already had to experience some not-so-great things in life and the fact she has grown and overcome them is something I really love! She is a strong FMC and I am sure she will become a force to be reckoned with.
I am looking forward to book 1 in the series and seeing how the relationships grow between the characters...so much so, I already pre-ordered my copy! This is another "must read" co-written by Heather G. Harris who is an automatic purchase author for me! The way she and Ella Stone combined their talents to create a cohesive Urban Fantasy world is just amazing to me!
January 25, 2025
Beatrix is a PI and on a case to find a missing or possibly kidnapped fancy dog. She is regrouping at her condo when there is a knock on her door and she is swamped with another person's emotions. Opening that door opens her back up to the world of magic that she ran away from years ago when she faced her own tragedy. However, looking into the face of a needy teenager, she refuses to allow her to meet the same fate she did. We learn lots in our prequel for Bea in this new team writing and man did they pack lots of history and trauma for our girl in there. It's a new world and new foes to track down, but lucky for our new lady Bea, she has a new puppy that helped her solve a case and may also help chase her own demons away too. I look forward to where this all goes!!
"No one should feel scared to be out walking alone. I saw it as a privilege to empower my women, especially the ones that carried that fear."
"No one should feel scared to be out walking alone. I saw it as a privilege to empower my women, especially the ones that carried that fear."
February 2, 2025
This prequel novella is a fun read that introduces us to Beatrix, a PI who determinedly avoinds all things magical despite being an empath with (according to her defective magic). You see Bea who has left her home WItchlight Cove - a magical community - after mysterious bad actions by her grandmother which are alluded to but not shared and she doesn’t want to risk being drawn back.
But she is bored by her missing pet and cheating partner cases. Well Bea’s boredom is immediately challenged when her missing dog case leads her to an adorable puppy companion who is surpisingly smart and able to assist Bea with her empathic overwhelm and a teenage Elf at her door desperate for help finding her missing parents.
There is a lot of potential here and I can’t wait to find out more about Beatrix, her family and past and of course see her and Eva solving mysteries.
I received an ARC but all view expressed are my own.
But she is bored by her missing pet and cheating partner cases. Well Bea’s boredom is immediately challenged when her missing dog case leads her to an adorable puppy companion who is surpisingly smart and able to assist Bea with her empathic overwhelm and a teenage Elf at her door desperate for help finding her missing parents.
There is a lot of potential here and I can’t wait to find out more about Beatrix, her family and past and of course see her and Eva solving mysteries.
I received an ARC but all view expressed are my own.
February 18, 2025
Beatrix Stonehaven is one self-sufficient, totally put-together, fine-flying solo private investigator... And if you believe that one, I’ve got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
Trix is a magical empath with a knack for solving mysteries. Having left the magical city of Witchlight after the death of her parents, she thought she was all done with magic and just making it day after day in the busy world of mundane London. But when a young girl named Orla appears at her front porch begging Beatrix to find her parents, who have been missing for over a week, she learns that maybe, just maybe, magic isn’t done with her.
With her paw-tner Eva by her side, she’s going to do what needs to be done; there’s mysteries to solve down those dark London alleys.
“Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage” is the prequel novella introducing Heather G. Harris and her new partner in rhyme, Ella Stone’s new series, “The Witchlight Magical Mysteries.” Trix is an immediately engaging and endearing character; the writing is spot-on; the world-building is downright magical; and the story just flies off the pages that the reader won’t be able to put down. I really enjoyed it, highly recommend it, and look forward to the rest of the series being published! Also, if the listened word is more your flavor, get your mitts on the audiobook narrated by Alyse Gibbs!
I received a free copy of this ebook/audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trix is a magical empath with a knack for solving mysteries. Having left the magical city of Witchlight after the death of her parents, she thought she was all done with magic and just making it day after day in the busy world of mundane London. But when a young girl named Orla appears at her front porch begging Beatrix to find her parents, who have been missing for over a week, she learns that maybe, just maybe, magic isn’t done with her.
With her paw-tner Eva by her side, she’s going to do what needs to be done; there’s mysteries to solve down those dark London alleys.
“Secrets of the Frostbound Cottage” is the prequel novella introducing Heather G. Harris and her new partner in rhyme, Ella Stone’s new series, “The Witchlight Magical Mysteries.” Trix is an immediately engaging and endearing character; the writing is spot-on; the world-building is downright magical; and the story just flies off the pages that the reader won’t be able to put down. I really enjoyed it, highly recommend it, and look forward to the rest of the series being published! Also, if the listened word is more your flavor, get your mitts on the audiobook narrated by Alyse Gibbs!
I received a free copy of this ebook/audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2025
Beatrix Stonehaven is a witch but not a powerful one, all she has is empathy, great martial art skills and a knack for being a PI. She left her hometown of Witchlight ten years ago after a magical disaster that killed her parents. Unable to do any magic worth mentioning, she became a PI.
While working on a case of a missing or kidnapped dog, she is also approached by a young elf whose parents are missing. Promising to herself she will look into that once she finishes with the dog case, Bea gets some leads to a location with a lot of locked up dogs.
While this solves her case, she also ends up with a golden retriever puppy, Eve, who seems much more intelligent than normal.
Going to the last place the parents were seen; Bea discovers a small house covered in ice. She must use her brains and the pup to solve this case.
This is a well written, fast, easy read with a bit of action, suspense and surprises.
As the owner of a golden retriever, I’m in love with Eve.
Great read.
While working on a case of a missing or kidnapped dog, she is also approached by a young elf whose parents are missing. Promising to herself she will look into that once she finishes with the dog case, Bea gets some leads to a location with a lot of locked up dogs.
While this solves her case, she also ends up with a golden retriever puppy, Eve, who seems much more intelligent than normal.
Going to the last place the parents were seen; Bea discovers a small house covered in ice. She must use her brains and the pup to solve this case.
This is a well written, fast, easy read with a bit of action, suspense and surprises.
As the owner of a golden retriever, I’m in love with Eve.
Great read.
January 24, 2025
What a fantastic comfy collaboration novella from two brilliant authors!! It starts out with Beatrix as a PI, which right off the bat tells me there is going to be a mystery to be solved and I love mysteries. Bea left the magical world behind in hopes of having a normal human life but this changes when she is hired to do a mundane job, or so it seems mundane, of finding a lost dog. She is quickly brought back into the magical world when an elfin child shows up on her doorstep asking for help in finding her missing parents. Bea can’t turn her down and off she goes in her rust bucket and along the way she most likely has found her very best friend, and she is such a good girl !!
Everything in this book makes you feel good all over. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the hopefully many of a series.
Everything in this book makes you feel good all over. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the hopefully many of a series.
January 27, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for the latest collaborative books series between Heather G Harris and Ella Stone, whilst it is different from the other collaboration from Heather G Harris it holds great promise.
The series leads with the introduction of Beatrix Stonehaven, a private eye who is anything but your typical sleuth. As an urban fantasy novel, with a magical twist, the story promises a blend of mystical creatures & unexpected challenges.
Beatrix soon finds herself drawn into more bizarre and magical mysteries as the book goes from the mundane to the mystical. Whilst the premise of the story sets the scene for exciting adventures ahead with her trusty sidekick, I personally found it a little slow in the beginning but it built the foundation of what I believe will be another epic collaboration and has left me wanting more.
The series leads with the introduction of Beatrix Stonehaven, a private eye who is anything but your typical sleuth. As an urban fantasy novel, with a magical twist, the story promises a blend of mystical creatures & unexpected challenges.
Beatrix soon finds herself drawn into more bizarre and magical mysteries as the book goes from the mundane to the mystical. Whilst the premise of the story sets the scene for exciting adventures ahead with her trusty sidekick, I personally found it a little slow in the beginning but it built the foundation of what I believe will be another epic collaboration and has left me wanting more.
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