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A Renaissance Faire Mystery #7
Bewitching Boots
Jessie is thrilled when she finds Bill Warren, an old fashioned shoemaker, and he agrees to come back to Renaissance Village with her. She’s not so thrilled when claims to have elf magic, and he falls for Princess Isabelle. The dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. Now, Jessie must find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
10 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books646 followersaka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 11, 2023
At a slightly magical permanent Ren Fair theme park, our sleuth brings in an old fashioned cobbler, who claims he has elf magic. The local "princess" seems to fall for him, even though he is a bit long in the tooth for her, and she is well known for being obnoxious. Like all obnoxious people in cozies, soon enough, she is offed, and ye olde cobbler is the prime suspect.
Our sleuth starts poking around, finds some secrets, and encounters some magic.
Not bad, but the magic stuff really wasn't needed.
Our sleuth starts poking around, finds some secrets, and encounters some magic.
Not bad, but the magic stuff really wasn't needed.
February 25, 2015
My partner and I are both huge fans of the Renascence Fairs. When our kids were small we'd take them every year to the one held in Tuxedo NY. We've even attended the one that is held in late summer/fall up near Cape Cod.
Jessie is an amazing character who is still learning about her gift (which she appears to not believe in)and is always surprised when she has premonitions or visions. Bill the newest character is an amazing cobbler whose gift of elfin magic makes all the footwear he makes give the new owners almost the gift of flight.
I'm in love with the series and can't wait for the next one to appear.
Jessie is an amazing character who is still learning about her gift (which she appears to not believe in)and is always surprised when she has premonitions or visions. Bill the newest character is an amazing cobbler whose gift of elfin magic makes all the footwear he makes give the new owners almost the gift of flight.
I'm in love with the series and can't wait for the next one to appear.
August 8, 2014
4 STARS
I like Renaissance Faire Mystery series I have only read three of them before Bewitching Boots. I saw this was coming out soon so I was looking for other ebooks in the series I had. I could not find Treacherous Toys on my kindle on my nook. I looked in pdf's on my computer going crazy because I know I had read it that the author had sent it to me. Then I remembered oh I actually had received a book in the mail.
I was looking at buying this I had forgotten I had signed up for my blog to review it. Excited to get it yesterday so I read and enjoyed it.
It has tons of fun characters in different period of costumes. They are having auditions at the Renaissance Faire right now. It has ghosts and magic and murders now at the faire too. Lots of comedy, action, drama fill the pages.
There is a new exhibit opening in the museum at the Renaissance Faire. A cobbler has come and is going to make shoes and sell his shoes.
Princess Isabelle wants the cobbler Bill to make her a pair of dancing shoes. She flirts with bill and he promises her shoes.
Bill Warren a cobbler believes his shoes are made with elfin magic. He believes that his magic is out of control and his shoes killed Princess Isabelle.
Jessie is now married to Chase. They live in a magic apartment over the jail. She is in charge of the museum and getting new exhibits. She found Bill and brought him to the Renaissance Faire. Jessie does not believe it is Bill's fault that Isabelle died.
Chase the bailiff he is in charge of the security at the Renaissance Village and works with the police when they need to be called in. He used to date Princess Isabelle when Jessie came first to work there.
Wanda used to work at the Faire she was not a nice lady. She is a ghost that is dyed blue and naked. Jessie is one of the lucky ones that can see and hear her. She brings a lot of humor to the story.
I would love to go to the Renaissance Village it sounds fun to visit and a hoot to live and work their.
Renaissance Village the workers can't not use phones, electricity, and modern clothing while the village is open. They act and talk in costume of their characters.
They have a castle with actors playing the royal family with servants and their every need taken care of.
So far I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by Joyce and Jim Lavene.
I like Renaissance Faire Mystery series I have only read three of them before Bewitching Boots. I saw this was coming out soon so I was looking for other ebooks in the series I had. I could not find Treacherous Toys on my kindle on my nook. I looked in pdf's on my computer going crazy because I know I had read it that the author had sent it to me. Then I remembered oh I actually had received a book in the mail.
I was looking at buying this I had forgotten I had signed up for my blog to review it. Excited to get it yesterday so I read and enjoyed it.
It has tons of fun characters in different period of costumes. They are having auditions at the Renaissance Faire right now. It has ghosts and magic and murders now at the faire too. Lots of comedy, action, drama fill the pages.
There is a new exhibit opening in the museum at the Renaissance Faire. A cobbler has come and is going to make shoes and sell his shoes.
Princess Isabelle wants the cobbler Bill to make her a pair of dancing shoes. She flirts with bill and he promises her shoes.
Bill Warren a cobbler believes his shoes are made with elfin magic. He believes that his magic is out of control and his shoes killed Princess Isabelle.
Jessie is now married to Chase. They live in a magic apartment over the jail. She is in charge of the museum and getting new exhibits. She found Bill and brought him to the Renaissance Faire. Jessie does not believe it is Bill's fault that Isabelle died.
Chase the bailiff he is in charge of the security at the Renaissance Village and works with the police when they need to be called in. He used to date Princess Isabelle when Jessie came first to work there.
Wanda used to work at the Faire she was not a nice lady. She is a ghost that is dyed blue and naked. Jessie is one of the lucky ones that can see and hear her. She brings a lot of humor to the story.
I would love to go to the Renaissance Village it sounds fun to visit and a hoot to live and work their.
Renaissance Village the workers can't not use phones, electricity, and modern clothing while the village is open. They act and talk in costume of their characters.
They have a castle with actors playing the royal family with servants and their every need taken care of.
So far I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by Joyce and Jim Lavene.
August 9, 2014
Bewitching Boots is book 7 in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series. I absolutely love this series and I really need to go back and read some of the earlier books. I've only read the one prior to this and it was fantastic.
If you've been to a Renfest, you'll feel right at home at the Village and the cast of characters is super quirky. I love the Cobbler, Bill, who takes center stage in this book because of the slippers he made for Princess Isabelle who dies shortly after receiving them.
There are a lot of people that didn't care for the Princess but not many that would kill to get rid of her, so finding out whodunit isn't all that easy here, though early on the Lavene's do give you a clue as to who it might be, you just have to pay attention. There are a few potential suspects along the way, along with poor Bill.
I loved his elf magic and the quirks of his boots when too much magic is involved.
Jessie is also dealing with rumors about her new hubby, Chase and that adds a little bit of drama to the story that isn't murder related.
The ever blue ghost, Wanda, is still around and just as fun, freaky and obnoxious as ever. She has to be my favorite ghost.
I really love the mix of paranormal, magic and mystery of this series, as well as the setting. The Lavene's really know how to craft a great mystery, that is fun and keeps you guessing.
My only gripe with this story is when Jessie refers to some cosplayers as dressing like different versions of Dr. Who. As a huge Whovian, I cringed, because the character is The Doctor not Doctor Who. So that bugged me, but it didn't affect my love of the story.
If you've been to a Renfest, you'll feel right at home at the Village and the cast of characters is super quirky. I love the Cobbler, Bill, who takes center stage in this book because of the slippers he made for Princess Isabelle who dies shortly after receiving them.
There are a lot of people that didn't care for the Princess but not many that would kill to get rid of her, so finding out whodunit isn't all that easy here, though early on the Lavene's do give you a clue as to who it might be, you just have to pay attention. There are a few potential suspects along the way, along with poor Bill.
I loved his elf magic and the quirks of his boots when too much magic is involved.
Jessie is also dealing with rumors about her new hubby, Chase and that adds a little bit of drama to the story that isn't murder related.
The ever blue ghost, Wanda, is still around and just as fun, freaky and obnoxious as ever. She has to be my favorite ghost.
I really love the mix of paranormal, magic and mystery of this series, as well as the setting. The Lavene's really know how to craft a great mystery, that is fun and keeps you guessing.
My only gripe with this story is when Jessie refers to some cosplayers as dressing like different versions of Dr. Who. As a huge Whovian, I cringed, because the character is The Doctor not Doctor Who. So that bugged me, but it didn't affect my love of the story.
August 6, 2014
Great Series!!
This book is the 8th book in the A Renaissance Faire Series and it is just as good if not better than the other books. This book can actually be read as a standalone, but of course it is best if you read the other books in the series. Jessie is now running the museum at the Renaissance Village which is located in Myrtle Beach, SC. She has recruited a new shoemaker to come live and work in the Village. Princess Isabella comes in to get a new pair of shoes made especially for her by the new shoemaker. When Princess Isabella ends up dead after falling from her castle terrace, the first suspect is the new shoemaker. It doesn't help the investigation when the shoemaker confesses to the murder, because he says he put too much elf magic in the magic shoes he made for the Princess. Now Jessie must find the real killer before someone else ends up murdered. This book has it all, romance, mystery and suspense. I especially loved that the village is located in Myrtle Beach, which is close to where I live. I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This book is the 8th book in the A Renaissance Faire Series and it is just as good if not better than the other books. This book can actually be read as a standalone, but of course it is best if you read the other books in the series. Jessie is now running the museum at the Renaissance Village which is located in Myrtle Beach, SC. She has recruited a new shoemaker to come live and work in the Village. Princess Isabella comes in to get a new pair of shoes made especially for her by the new shoemaker. When Princess Isabella ends up dead after falling from her castle terrace, the first suspect is the new shoemaker. It doesn't help the investigation when the shoemaker confesses to the murder, because he says he put too much elf magic in the magic shoes he made for the Princess. Now Jessie must find the real killer before someone else ends up murdered. This book has it all, romance, mystery and suspense. I especially loved that the village is located in Myrtle Beach, which is close to where I live. I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
August 16, 2014
Jessie Morton is thrilled when she finds Bill Warren, an old fashioned shoemaker, and he agrees to come back to Renaissance Faire Village with her. She’s not so thrilled when claims to have elf magic, and he falls for Princess Isabelle. The dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. Now, Jessie must find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Do you believe in magic? Bill Warren believes and after this story you may believe magic really happens at the Renaissance Faire.
This is one of my favorite cozy series. I love visiting Adventureland’s Ren Faire because there is always fun mixed in with the mystery.
This story starts out after Jessie and Chase’s wedding and already rumors are spreading that they are breaking up. Chase is training new knights and Jessie is wrapped up with the museum but as soon as they find time they are going to nip those rumors in the bud. When Princess Isabelle is found dead catching the killer becomes their #1 priority. Detective Almond is trying to catch a killer with Chase’s assistance but Jessie is doing her own investigation.
All our favorite characters are back including Wanda, the blue ghost, and they are joined by some great new characters too! It is that time of year when new people are auditioning to became actors or acts at the faire and there are some very unusual “creatures” roaming the cobblestones.
The story is so well written and contains such vivid detail that you feel like you are right there and all the drama is happening right around you. You can almost taste the jumbo turkey legs and ale, hear the minstrels playing all over the grounds and smell the bread the monks are baking. I can clearly see the jousting matches and the secret tunnels in the castle. There are also some things that only certain people can see like a certain dragon and we get to see them all through Jessie’s eyes.
The Lavenes are excellent storytellers. Mystery, humor, romance, with a bit a paranormal are all blended together perfectly. This entire series has been pure pleasure to read.
I recommend highly everything written by these authors. You just can’t go wrong with a Joyce and Jim Lavene mystery. (Or a J.J. Cook or an Ellie Grant, yep, that’s them too!)
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Do you believe in magic? Bill Warren believes and after this story you may believe magic really happens at the Renaissance Faire.
This is one of my favorite cozy series. I love visiting Adventureland’s Ren Faire because there is always fun mixed in with the mystery.
This story starts out after Jessie and Chase’s wedding and already rumors are spreading that they are breaking up. Chase is training new knights and Jessie is wrapped up with the museum but as soon as they find time they are going to nip those rumors in the bud. When Princess Isabelle is found dead catching the killer becomes their #1 priority. Detective Almond is trying to catch a killer with Chase’s assistance but Jessie is doing her own investigation.
All our favorite characters are back including Wanda, the blue ghost, and they are joined by some great new characters too! It is that time of year when new people are auditioning to became actors or acts at the faire and there are some very unusual “creatures” roaming the cobblestones.
The story is so well written and contains such vivid detail that you feel like you are right there and all the drama is happening right around you. You can almost taste the jumbo turkey legs and ale, hear the minstrels playing all over the grounds and smell the bread the monks are baking. I can clearly see the jousting matches and the secret tunnels in the castle. There are also some things that only certain people can see like a certain dragon and we get to see them all through Jessie’s eyes.
The Lavenes are excellent storytellers. Mystery, humor, romance, with a bit a paranormal are all blended together perfectly. This entire series has been pure pleasure to read.
I recommend highly everything written by these authors. You just can’t go wrong with a Joyce and Jim Lavene mystery. (Or a J.J. Cook or an Ellie Grant, yep, that’s them too!)
October 16, 2014
I enjoy going to Ren Faires so a cozy mystery set at one caught my attention. I've read Lavene before but not any of the books in this series. That wasn't a problem though, the book worked well as a stand-alone. I wasn't prepared for the book to be a paranormal cozy mystery; I have a love/hate relationship with those. Most I've read didn't work for me; either the paranormal aspect doesn't work or the cozy mystery aspect falls apart. Happily, that wasn't the case here.
The new cobbler at the Faire (and I loved the debate and misunderstandings around the words cobbler and shoemaker) claims to be the descendant of an elf and to have real magic. Does he? The book never actually tells us, but drops little hints for the reader to draw their own conclusion. There are some paranormal events involving ghosts that work well and are mostly believable. The Lavenes smoothly blend the paranormal aspects into the story and while they're important, they don't overwhelm the story.
Jessie and her husband Chase are appealing; sweet but not overly so, multifaceted, and with differing opinions, they felt like the neighbors next door. They are also newlyweds and Jessie harbors some insecurities about her husband's fidelity when she discovers that he's training a new knight who happens to be female and he didn't mention it to her. As they deal with that, they also have a murder and several attacks to contend with. There are red herrings, clever clues, smart little touches, and details that provide a wonderful picture of the background workings at a Ren faire. I enjoyed learning about Faires and will look at the one I attend with a new perspective.
I really enjoyed "Bewitching Boots". It was fun, enjoyable, humorous, and kept me guessing.
The new cobbler at the Faire (and I loved the debate and misunderstandings around the words cobbler and shoemaker) claims to be the descendant of an elf and to have real magic. Does he? The book never actually tells us, but drops little hints for the reader to draw their own conclusion. There are some paranormal events involving ghosts that work well and are mostly believable. The Lavenes smoothly blend the paranormal aspects into the story and while they're important, they don't overwhelm the story.
Jessie and her husband Chase are appealing; sweet but not overly so, multifaceted, and with differing opinions, they felt like the neighbors next door. They are also newlyweds and Jessie harbors some insecurities about her husband's fidelity when she discovers that he's training a new knight who happens to be female and he didn't mention it to her. As they deal with that, they also have a murder and several attacks to contend with. There are red herrings, clever clues, smart little touches, and details that provide a wonderful picture of the background workings at a Ren faire. I enjoyed learning about Faires and will look at the one I attend with a new perspective.
I really enjoyed "Bewitching Boots". It was fun, enjoyable, humorous, and kept me guessing.
August 5, 2014
I have to be honest: even though this is one of my favorite series, I'm rather behind on the books. I'm behind on all my favorite series. For the last few years (yes, years) I've been concentrating on reading elementary level books. I'm an elementary librarian with 3 book clubs. Love my job. Love the books I read for it, but I do miss my favorites.
Bewitching Boots is volume 8 in the series. However, you can easily read Bewitching Boots as stand alone read. (Though I highly recommend that you read them all.) The characters are well developed and likable. I adore Jesse. She's level headed, even if she does tend to get caught up in murder often. She's intensely loyal, the kind of person I would want on my side. As I mentioned before, one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is that it really feels as if you are there with the characters. I especially felt this way while reading Bewitching Boots. Of course that could be because it's Ren Fair time in this part of Colorado. I've been to the local Ren Fair a few times and while it's fun, I think I'd rather visit Jesse's. Of course, I'd rather they skipped the dead bodies. :)
Overall, this is a very engaging read, perhaps my favorite of the series so far. It's a quick read. If you are looking for one last entertaining end of summer read (well for me it's the end of summer), then you should run to the nearest book store and grab a copy.
Bewitching Boots is volume 8 in the series. However, you can easily read Bewitching Boots as stand alone read. (Though I highly recommend that you read them all.) The characters are well developed and likable. I adore Jesse. She's level headed, even if she does tend to get caught up in murder often. She's intensely loyal, the kind of person I would want on my side. As I mentioned before, one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is that it really feels as if you are there with the characters. I especially felt this way while reading Bewitching Boots. Of course that could be because it's Ren Fair time in this part of Colorado. I've been to the local Ren Fair a few times and while it's fun, I think I'd rather visit Jesse's. Of course, I'd rather they skipped the dead bodies. :)
Overall, this is a very engaging read, perhaps my favorite of the series so far. It's a quick read. If you are looking for one last entertaining end of summer read (well for me it's the end of summer), then you should run to the nearest book store and grab a copy.
August 6, 2014
Oh my gosh did I love meeting Bill the newest member to the Renaissance Village the new shoemaker. You also learn about his elven history. When Princess Isabelle comes into his shoppe for a pair of shoes Bill is smitten with the Princess and promises to bring her shoes to her at the Castle.
No long after this incident the Princess is found dead, having fallen over the balcony of the Castle. The last person she saw was the shoemaker did he do in Princess or was it someone else with an axe to grind as Isabelle has wronged alot of men at the village? Or could it have been on of her ladies that walk around with the Princess? It's up to Jessie, and all her friends and family at the Village to help figure out who did in the Princess and why? Or will it be too late and Jessie will join the Princess?
This book was incredible so much going on. The shoemaker angle was great, so was meeting the new training knights the Chase was training, there was on in particular I really enjoyed but you will have to pick up this book to find who it was? I also enjoyed the way Jessie relates to the ghost Wanda and Isabelle and how she works through the various characters to figure who the killer was! If you haven't picked up the series yet you are really missing out and need to check out this series! Can't wait for the next book in the series! Keep up the great work in the Village can't wait to return to see what everyone is up to next!
No long after this incident the Princess is found dead, having fallen over the balcony of the Castle. The last person she saw was the shoemaker did he do in Princess or was it someone else with an axe to grind as Isabelle has wronged alot of men at the village? Or could it have been on of her ladies that walk around with the Princess? It's up to Jessie, and all her friends and family at the Village to help figure out who did in the Princess and why? Or will it be too late and Jessie will join the Princess?
This book was incredible so much going on. The shoemaker angle was great, so was meeting the new training knights the Chase was training, there was on in particular I really enjoyed but you will have to pick up this book to find who it was? I also enjoyed the way Jessie relates to the ghost Wanda and Isabelle and how she works through the various characters to figure who the killer was! If you haven't picked up the series yet you are really missing out and need to check out this series! Can't wait for the next book in the series! Keep up the great work in the Village can't wait to return to see what everyone is up to next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2014
Bewitching Boots, A Renaissance Faire Mystery by Joyce and Jim Lavene
Bewitching Books is a fantastic fun read. I don’t normally read books like this but have read the whole series and loved each book. Joyce and Jim Lavene write with such humor, I appreciate their clean style and funny characters that come to life. Chase and Jessie continue their adventures at the Renaissance Village this time with Bill the cobbler with Elf magic. Cobbler as in shoemaker and not pies. Bill decides to give up his elf magic after he believes he accidentally caused the death of snobby Princess Isabelle. It’s no wonder someone killed her but Jessie knows in her heart it was not Bill. Join Jessie and Chase as they set out to find the real killer. I promise you a surprise ending, I never saw coming. I give Bewitching Boots 5 stars and know anyone that like humor, mystery and a good storyline will love this book and series.
I want to give a high-five to the authors Joyce and Jim Lavene and publisher for bringing compelling books that are entertaining and has you laughing out loud. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for the authors and publishers generosity.
Bewitching Books is a fantastic fun read. I don’t normally read books like this but have read the whole series and loved each book. Joyce and Jim Lavene write with such humor, I appreciate their clean style and funny characters that come to life. Chase and Jessie continue their adventures at the Renaissance Village this time with Bill the cobbler with Elf magic. Cobbler as in shoemaker and not pies. Bill decides to give up his elf magic after he believes he accidentally caused the death of snobby Princess Isabelle. It’s no wonder someone killed her but Jessie knows in her heart it was not Bill. Join Jessie and Chase as they set out to find the real killer. I promise you a surprise ending, I never saw coming. I give Bewitching Boots 5 stars and know anyone that like humor, mystery and a good storyline will love this book and series.
I want to give a high-five to the authors Joyce and Jim Lavene and publisher for bringing compelling books that are entertaining and has you laughing out loud. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for the authors and publishers generosity.
July 24, 2014
This story picks up about a year after Chase and Jessie's wedding in Murderous Matrimony. Jessie has recently recruited an old-fashioned cobbler (shoemaker), Bill Warren, for the village, and is also featuring him as an attraction in her museum until his shoppe is ready. When Princess Isabella comes to visit and view his wares, she instantly requests him to make her a special pair of slippers. Bill appears to be quite taken with the flirtatious Princess Isabella, and Jessie is concerned about his emotional fallout when Isabella dumps him like all of her previous beaux. Her fear comes to fruition when Isabella is murdered and Bill is the prime suspect. Jessie feels a responsibility to Bill and sets out to prove his innocence and find the actual murderer. Along the way she has to deal with elf magic, the ghost Wanda and a new ghost in the village. I love this series because not only does the Village provide a unique flair, but the characters are quirkly and memorable. I look forward to reading more about Chase and Jessie and their adventures in the Renaissance Village. Disclosure: I was provided an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2014
I think I would really love to visit the Renaissance Village, it sounds like a very intriguing and interesting place. Dodging the resident, mischievous ghost would be a problem, though. I really enjoyed this cozy. It kept my attention from the very beginning and it kept me guessing, I had no idea who the killer was, and I really like that in a cozy. The writing, as always with Jim and Joyce, was excellent and made this a very easy read. Jessie is a very determined sleuth, she will try to clear her friends, no matter what might happen to her.
If you are a fan of the Renaissance period and you love a great cozy mystery, then this is a great book for you. It is filled with intriguing and eccentric characters that will have you laughing at times. Great job, Jim and Joyce.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
July 26, 2014
Once again, Jim and Joyce Lavene have a hit on their hands. Bewitching Boots is #7 in the Renaissance Faire series. I know that Jim and Joyce are big fans of Renaissance Faires and I imagine that they do a lot of their research there. The characters in the series have grown so much since the 1st book came out. It's almost hard to believe that Lady Jessie has finally married. With the addition of new characters, this is a series that I will never tire of.
HUZZAH
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
HUZZAH
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
February 26, 2015
I really love this fun Renassiance Faire mystery series! The characters are fun and quirky, and the setting makes for a different approach to everything. In this one, Jessie and Chase have been married for a year when Princess Isabelle falls to her death after the newest member of the community makes her a pair of shoes, using his "elf magic." But is it really his fault? And who is the new knight that Chase has to train how to joust, and is she a threat to his marriage?
July 21, 2014
Bewitching Boots by Joyce and Jim Lavene
This book can be read as a stand alone book, even though it is #7 in the series! There are appealing characters and it is a really good light mystery to relax with. I couldn’t put it down. This book caught my attention right away and it has a great cover and title. The story itself did not disappoint either. I really enjoyed it, from start to finish.
This book can be read as a stand alone book, even though it is #7 in the series! There are appealing characters and it is a really good light mystery to relax with. I couldn’t put it down. This book caught my attention right away and it has a great cover and title. The story itself did not disappoint either. I really enjoyed it, from start to finish.
June 4, 2018
Seriously?
There was so much going on, so much supposition.....
The main character, Lady Jessie was Weak, she didn't know herself, she didn't trust herself, she was supposedly highly intuitive (she could see & talk to ghosts) but too dumb to make use of her gifts or even acknowledge & use those gifts. In my opinion, based on the fact that this is the 6th book in this series and there is magic all around her, she's either a loser or else she is incredibly stupid & naive or maybe even all the aforementioned.
So, this series takes place in a permanent Renaissance Faire Village. Jessie is the curator of the museum & married to the Village Bailiff, Chase. Chase was once the swain of Princess Isabel, a really beautiful, shallow, mean-spirited woman and Isabel has never forgiven him for marrying Jessie.
Chase is also in charge of training the tournament knights; the newest knight, Katerina (a red headed fiery beauty) has her sights set on Chase which causes trouble in "Adventureland".
Then much to the surprise of Adventureland's inhabitants, Isabel flies off her terrace and dies after putting on magical dancing shoes, made by the new Cobbler who happens to have "elf magic"....
At the same time, Isabel's swain, is messing with another woman, Rita, from the castle kitchen. Rita was in the garden smoking when Isabel hit the ground & died in front of her. Rita later is also attacked.
Isabel's ghost shares visions w/ Jessie until Jessie is able to deal with the murderer.... and then when all is said & done, Isabel apologizes to Jessie? What kind of Carp is that?
I Hated this book. I hated the characters (no redeeming or likable qualities). I hated the laissez-faire writing. I hated the story lines.
So how about a Minus - Star?
There was so much going on, so much supposition.....
The main character, Lady Jessie was Weak, she didn't know herself, she didn't trust herself, she was supposedly highly intuitive (she could see & talk to ghosts) but too dumb to make use of her gifts or even acknowledge & use those gifts. In my opinion, based on the fact that this is the 6th book in this series and there is magic all around her, she's either a loser or else she is incredibly stupid & naive or maybe even all the aforementioned.
So, this series takes place in a permanent Renaissance Faire Village. Jessie is the curator of the museum & married to the Village Bailiff, Chase. Chase was once the swain of Princess Isabel, a really beautiful, shallow, mean-spirited woman and Isabel has never forgiven him for marrying Jessie.
Chase is also in charge of training the tournament knights; the newest knight, Katerina (a red headed fiery beauty) has her sights set on Chase which causes trouble in "Adventureland".
Then much to the surprise of Adventureland's inhabitants, Isabel flies off her terrace and dies after putting on magical dancing shoes, made by the new Cobbler who happens to have "elf magic"....
At the same time, Isabel's swain, is messing with another woman, Rita, from the castle kitchen. Rita was in the garden smoking when Isabel hit the ground & died in front of her. Rita later is also attacked.
Isabel's ghost shares visions w/ Jessie until Jessie is able to deal with the murderer.... and then when all is said & done, Isabel apologizes to Jessie? What kind of Carp is that?
I Hated this book. I hated the characters (no redeeming or likable qualities). I hated the laissez-faire writing. I hated the story lines.
So how about a Minus - Star?
May 15, 2022
Jessie has invited a cobbler who claims to have elf magic have an exhibit at the museum.
What I enjoyed:
* Bill, the cobbler was a good addition
* I also really liked Katharina, who became the first female jouster
What could have been better:
* Mystery was meh
What I enjoyed:
* Bill, the cobbler was a good addition
* I also really liked Katharina, who became the first female jouster
What could have been better:
* Mystery was meh
April 30, 2025
Fast, fun read. I've read most of the books in this series, but there were a few the library didn't have. I loved the "elf magic" and the jousting scenes were really good.
September 12, 2014
I received an ARC of Bewitching Boots (Renaissance Faire Mystery Book 8) by Joyce and Jim Lavene in exchange for an honest review. This book is every bit as good as the others in the series. I love reading about the Renaissance Fair Village. The bits of paranormal that occurred in the last two installments I believe have only added to this charming cozy mystery series.
This story begins after Chase and Jessie’s wedding in Murderous Matrimony. Jessie Morton is ecstatic when she finds Bill Warren, who is an old fashioned shoemaker or cobbler, and agrees to come back to Renaissance Faire Village with her. Jessie features him as an attraction in her museum until his shoppe is ready. However, she isn’t so thrilled that he claims to have elf magic and makes shoes and boots imbued with his elf magic. Bill becomes quite taken with Princess Isabella when she visits and requests him to make her a special pair of slipper. Then the dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. He is accused of her murder because he was the last one to see her when he delivered her slippers.
Lady Jessie is determined to find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction. She feels responsibility to Bill and sets out to prove him innocent and find the real murder. She is actively looking at all the usual cast of the wacky characters, both magical and even the mundane in Renaissance Village. In addition, she has to deal with elf magic, ghostly Wanda and another new ghost in the village. This book is a really good cozy read that I didn’t want to end. With some turns and twists it ends with the revealing of the murderer.
I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves a good cozy read with a Renaissance flair and quirky characters.
This story begins after Chase and Jessie’s wedding in Murderous Matrimony. Jessie Morton is ecstatic when she finds Bill Warren, who is an old fashioned shoemaker or cobbler, and agrees to come back to Renaissance Faire Village with her. Jessie features him as an attraction in her museum until his shoppe is ready. However, she isn’t so thrilled that he claims to have elf magic and makes shoes and boots imbued with his elf magic. Bill becomes quite taken with Princess Isabella when she visits and requests him to make her a special pair of slipper. Then the dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. He is accused of her murder because he was the last one to see her when he delivered her slippers.
Lady Jessie is determined to find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction. She feels responsibility to Bill and sets out to prove him innocent and find the real murder. She is actively looking at all the usual cast of the wacky characters, both magical and even the mundane in Renaissance Village. In addition, she has to deal with elf magic, ghostly Wanda and another new ghost in the village. This book is a really good cozy read that I didn’t want to end. With some turns and twists it ends with the revealing of the murderer.
I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves a good cozy read with a Renaissance flair and quirky characters.
August 15, 2014
I've been to Scarborough Renaissance Faire in Waxahachie, TX, a couple of times, but could not conceive of a place where the staff live it every day. That is the first nice surprise in this latest installment of Joyce and Jim Lavene's Renaissance Faire Mysteries, entitled, "Bewitching Boots".
The shop's name refers to the handmade works of art by the cobbler (no, not apple or cherry...a funny running gag) Bill Warren. He claims they are made with the help of his 'elf magic'. You can almost hear Jessie's eyes rolling; that is, until she has to body tackle a customer whose new purchases have quite literally run away with her. Ok, so maybe it is a little hard to fathom Jessie's disbelief in elf magic, considering she talks to the naked, blue-skinned (from dye), red-haired ghost of one of the victims from an earlier installment of the series.
"Bewitching Boots" is part fantasy, part reality; part murder, part mayhem, and full-on, flat-out entertaining! The authors need to distill and bottle whatever it is that keeps these wonderful stories flowing out of their quills (a little Renaissance humor there). Joyce and Jim Lavene are amazing storytellers; may they continue for a long, LONG time.
(Disclosure: I received an e-copy of Bewitching Boots in return for the unbiased review.)
The shop's name refers to the handmade works of art by the cobbler (no, not apple or cherry...a funny running gag) Bill Warren. He claims they are made with the help of his 'elf magic'. You can almost hear Jessie's eyes rolling; that is, until she has to body tackle a customer whose new purchases have quite literally run away with her. Ok, so maybe it is a little hard to fathom Jessie's disbelief in elf magic, considering she talks to the naked, blue-skinned (from dye), red-haired ghost of one of the victims from an earlier installment of the series.
"Bewitching Boots" is part fantasy, part reality; part murder, part mayhem, and full-on, flat-out entertaining! The authors need to distill and bottle whatever it is that keeps these wonderful stories flowing out of their quills (a little Renaissance humor there). Joyce and Jim Lavene are amazing storytellers; may they continue for a long, LONG time.
(Disclosure: I received an e-copy of Bewitching Boots in return for the unbiased review.)
January 7, 2015
I have followed this series from the very beginning, and I love it! I am a little disappointed in how the series has changed to become more of a paranormal mystery. Don't get me wrong.. I enjoy those aspects as well, but if our protagonist is going to become more involved with magic, ghosts and discover her own "powers" then she needs to own it and not be half in - half out.
*Possible Spoilers* (but not really)
She knows that magic is real - she is living in a magically enhanced apartment, has seen a dragon, regularly interacts with a ghost... but yet she won't admit that elf magic could be real? And instead of trying to figure out what her powers are... we just brush over it. I hope the next book picks up a little more because I love the Renaissance Village and the people who live there ...
*Possible Spoilers* (but not really)
She knows that magic is real - she is living in a magically enhanced apartment, has seen a dragon, regularly interacts with a ghost... but yet she won't admit that elf magic could be real? And instead of trying to figure out what her powers are... we just brush over it. I hope the next book picks up a little more because I love the Renaissance Village and the people who live there ...
December 27, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
August 26, 2014
Joyce and Jim Lavene continue their series of Renaissance Faire activity. The introduction of Bill the cobbler aka shoemaker with "elf magic" adds a new avenue to the character list. Lady Jessie continues to provide us with amusement as she experiences the continued vision of Wands's Ghost. When Princess Isabella is found dead in the garden under her balcony, it is a mystery as to who make have killed her. Add to the mix of Detective Amond into the investigation and you will find you are unable to put this book down.
December 7, 2015
Cobbler At The Faire
A visit to the Renaissance Faire finds Jessie opening an exhibit at the Arts Museum by a cobbler. He meets Princess Isabella and makes slippers for her. She is later found dead and Jessie is afraid for her cobbler. Chase is busy handling all the problems of the Faire and training new knights. There is a lot of paranormal activity in the book but not as much in MURDEROUS MATRIMONY. Rumors are saying that Chase and Jessie are having marital problems. Will they breakup?
A visit to the Renaissance Faire finds Jessie opening an exhibit at the Arts Museum by a cobbler. He meets Princess Isabella and makes slippers for her. She is later found dead and Jessie is afraid for her cobbler. Chase is busy handling all the problems of the Faire and training new knights. There is a lot of paranormal activity in the book but not as much in MURDEROUS MATRIMONY. Rumors are saying that Chase and Jessie are having marital problems. Will they breakup?
July 11, 2019
Jessie and Chase are now married, but that doesn't keep other women from fawning over him. Princess Isabelle is one of them, and the new trainee jouster is another. Jessie is busy helping the new shoemaker---not cobbler! into village life, when Isabelle falls to her death from a balcony at the castle. Was Isabelle pushed off by a jealous lover, or did the shoemaker really mean it when he said her new slippers would make her fly?
I am really sad that the authors are no longer around to continue this series. I love the setting of the Renn Fair village.
I am really sad that the authors are no longer around to continue this series. I love the setting of the Renn Fair village.
November 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book more than #6 which introduced magic and ghosts to the story. The series has changed to less of examples of what a Reaissance faire is to more of a ghost/spirit story. In this book Jessie finds a shoemaker who has magic so that the shoes he makes an make people leap, dance and jump. He falls for the faire's princess and makes her shoes. When she is found dead, Jessie has to prove he didn't do it.
April 23, 2016
Another fun romp at the Renaissance Faire
Jessie and Chase solve another murder mystery at the faire with humor and despite all the interesting characters getting in their way. Detective Diamond is his usual annoying self and Wanda creates havoc. I so enjoy my escapes into this unique world. The addition of Bill the “Cobbler" (that’s a shoemaker, not a dessert), brings another element of magic to the Village. This series never disappoints.
Jessie and Chase solve another murder mystery at the faire with humor and despite all the interesting characters getting in their way. Detective Diamond is his usual annoying self and Wanda creates havoc. I so enjoy my escapes into this unique world. The addition of Bill the “Cobbler" (that’s a shoemaker, not a dessert), brings another element of magic to the Village. This series never disappoints.
September 9, 2014
Joyce and Jim did it again. Another great book in the renaissance series. A great read and I found myself alongside Jessie and Chase, seeing what they were seeing. I was easily transported to the Renaissance Faire where I found myself wanting to live.
October 22, 2014
This series is one of my favorites. The main characters work at a permanent Renaissance Faire in Myrtle Beach. This one involves a new crafter, a cobbler, who claims to have elf magic in his family. The princess is murdered, and Jessie and Chase have to find the killer.
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