What do you think?
Rate this book
Myrtlewood Mysteries
The Witches of Holloway Road: A Myrtlewood Mysteries Standalone
Ursula is reeling from a bad break-up when she seeks refuge in the mystical Holloway Road.
Nestled in a cozy cottage with a lush garden and an abundance of bookshelves, Ursula hopes for a peaceful escape. But strange occurrences quickly unravel, leaving her feeling as though she's being watched.
Unusual visions of a mysterious purple-haired woman and out-of-season plants add to her unease. As she becomes acquainted with the enigmatic Rowan and his eccentric house truck, Ursula begins to suspect that he may hold the key to understanding the bizarre happenings in this enchanting world.
When a mysterious and bewitching stranger arrives in town, Ursula must delve into her family's history, the power of magic, and her own identity to protect everything she cares about. Join Ursula on a journey of self-discovery and love in a witchy tale set in the captivating world of the Myrtlewood Mysteries.
A cozy witchy story with a dash of sweet polyamorous romance!
Nestled in a cozy cottage with a lush garden and an abundance of bookshelves, Ursula hopes for a peaceful escape. But strange occurrences quickly unravel, leaving her feeling as though she's being watched.
Unusual visions of a mysterious purple-haired woman and out-of-season plants add to her unease. As she becomes acquainted with the enigmatic Rowan and his eccentric house truck, Ursula begins to suspect that he may hold the key to understanding the bizarre happenings in this enchanting world.
When a mysterious and bewitching stranger arrives in town, Ursula must delve into her family's history, the power of magic, and her own identity to protect everything she cares about. Join Ursula on a journey of self-discovery and love in a witchy tale set in the captivating world of the Myrtlewood Mysteries.
A cozy witchy story with a dash of sweet polyamorous romance!
Audible Audio
Published April 16, 2024
370 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 31, 2025
Definitely a quick, cozy read but I almost added it to my DNF list. I think this story had a lot of potential…and I love world building/setting the scene but a big portion of this felt like a student trying to reach a word count.
December 31, 2023
I have never ventured into any of Iris Beaglehole’s books, until yesterday when I grabbed a short story book off my shelf to fill the day with a new adventure before the new year.
Though I have heard good things about the Myrtlewood series and this was supposed to be a glimpse and short story of that world?
And what a long short story it was, I almost fell asleep reading it more than once, and definitely passed out in the later chapters.
I love books with magic and love, but there was no introduction to the characters, no character development all of a sudden you have a mysterious story of a young woman named ursula, a strange witch named Hazel, and a man named Rowan all of a sudden fighting an evil dark mange and falling in love?
There really is no rhyme or reason with this story/book and maybe it’s because i should have thrown myself into the Myrtlewood world first. Hearing it was a standalone I didn’t think I would have to but you’re just thrown into a story that feels like there should be more context.
The ending was actually the best part not because it ended but because there was finally action, some love and a reason.
Probably won’t re-read and I wouldn’t recommend to a friend
Though I have heard good things about the Myrtlewood series and this was supposed to be a glimpse and short story of that world?
And what a long short story it was, I almost fell asleep reading it more than once, and definitely passed out in the later chapters.
I love books with magic and love, but there was no introduction to the characters, no character development all of a sudden you have a mysterious story of a young woman named ursula, a strange witch named Hazel, and a man named Rowan all of a sudden fighting an evil dark mange and falling in love?
There really is no rhyme or reason with this story/book and maybe it’s because i should have thrown myself into the Myrtlewood world first. Hearing it was a standalone I didn’t think I would have to but you’re just thrown into a story that feels like there should be more context.
The ending was actually the best part not because it ended but because there was finally action, some love and a reason.
Probably won’t re-read and I wouldn’t recommend to a friend
August 24, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Perfect short cozy witchy vibes with a great story about finding yourself.
This book is a stand-alone but fits into the World of the Myrtlewood Mysteries series, which I'm adding to my list.
-cozy vibes
-soul mates
-finding yourself/self-acceptance
Perfect short cozy witchy vibes with a great story about finding yourself.
This book is a stand-alone but fits into the World of the Myrtlewood Mysteries series, which I'm adding to my list.
-cozy vibes
-soul mates
-finding yourself/self-acceptance
October 21, 2024
This book has alot of potential and I think would be excellent but for me personally it was just to slow to start and I ended up DNF. The characters seemed to be very interesting and it could be somthing I come back to one day. I got up to 25%.
March 18, 2025
Don’t read if you’re over 15
September 17, 2023
boring
Love her but this book was waaaay too long. Repetitive. No character conversation. Why do I care. Not a fan of this storyline. Going back to myrtlewood
Love her but this book was waaaay too long. Repetitive. No character conversation. Why do I care. Not a fan of this storyline. Going back to myrtlewood
October 5, 2025
⭐ 4.5 stars
I picked up Witches of Holloway Road at the recommendation of someone who’s read the entire Myrtlewood Mysteries series — and suggested I read this before Book 7. I’m so glad I did!
There was a lot I loved about this little story, but I can also understand why some readers DNF’d it. The first 30–35% felt repetitive, and it seemed like the plot wasn’t going anywhere for a bit. It was clear early on that the FMC was feeling uncertain and anxious in a new place — a magical one she wasn’t yet ready to acknowledge. I think that arc could have been covered in one or two chapters instead of stretching through the first third. Because of that slow start, I’m docking a half star.
✨ But hang in there. Once the story hits the 40–50% mark, it really finds its stride — and I couldn’t put it down after that!
What truly worked for me was the character development, the friendships, and the soul-deep romantic connections. Iris Beaglehole didn’t rely on physical intimacy to show romance; she focused on emotional and spiritual connection, which I loved.
There’s no spice in this story — and honestly, I preferred it that way. The lack of explicit scenes made the emotional and mystical threads shine more brightly. I imagine some readers may have rated it lower for that reason, but I thought it was perfect.
I also really loved the depth of the magic in the latter part of the book. The final spell required the FMC to face her shadow — to understand and accept every part of herself before she could fully claim her power. That message resonated deeply with me. It was such a powerful reminder that, in our own lives, we can’t access our true “magic” without confronting our own shadows — our fears, judgments, and the parts of ourselves we try to avoid. That inner work allows for compassion and transformation, and I thought Beaglehole captured that beautifully.
The cozy, magical cottage setting on a secretive, enchanted street was absolutely my dream — and the neighbor’s familiar cat was such a fun touch. I also love stories where the FMC slowly discovers she comes from a long line of witches — an adult “coming-of-age” where she claims her magic and her identity.
And my favorite part — it pleasantly surprised me as a “why choose” story! The FMC finds herself in love with both a woman and a man, and it’s handled with such grace and heart. This isn’t a reverse harem; it’s a tender, emotionally grounded take on connection and choice, with more focus on soul bonds than on physical relationships. I loved that.
Yes, the pacing starts slow, but it’s worth the patience. By the end, I was completely charmed and could easily see lovely sequels spinning out from this story.
Now I’m off to read Book 7, Formidable Magic, to see how everything ties together! 🪄
I picked up Witches of Holloway Road at the recommendation of someone who’s read the entire Myrtlewood Mysteries series — and suggested I read this before Book 7. I’m so glad I did!
There was a lot I loved about this little story, but I can also understand why some readers DNF’d it. The first 30–35% felt repetitive, and it seemed like the plot wasn’t going anywhere for a bit. It was clear early on that the FMC was feeling uncertain and anxious in a new place — a magical one she wasn’t yet ready to acknowledge. I think that arc could have been covered in one or two chapters instead of stretching through the first third. Because of that slow start, I’m docking a half star.
✨ But hang in there. Once the story hits the 40–50% mark, it really finds its stride — and I couldn’t put it down after that!
What truly worked for me was the character development, the friendships, and the soul-deep romantic connections. Iris Beaglehole didn’t rely on physical intimacy to show romance; she focused on emotional and spiritual connection, which I loved.
There’s no spice in this story — and honestly, I preferred it that way. The lack of explicit scenes made the emotional and mystical threads shine more brightly. I imagine some readers may have rated it lower for that reason, but I thought it was perfect.
I also really loved the depth of the magic in the latter part of the book. The final spell required the FMC to face her shadow — to understand and accept every part of herself before she could fully claim her power. That message resonated deeply with me. It was such a powerful reminder that, in our own lives, we can’t access our true “magic” without confronting our own shadows — our fears, judgments, and the parts of ourselves we try to avoid. That inner work allows for compassion and transformation, and I thought Beaglehole captured that beautifully.
The cozy, magical cottage setting on a secretive, enchanted street was absolutely my dream — and the neighbor’s familiar cat was such a fun touch. I also love stories where the FMC slowly discovers she comes from a long line of witches — an adult “coming-of-age” where she claims her magic and her identity.
And my favorite part — it pleasantly surprised me as a “why choose” story! The FMC finds herself in love with both a woman and a man, and it’s handled with such grace and heart. This isn’t a reverse harem; it’s a tender, emotionally grounded take on connection and choice, with more focus on soul bonds than on physical relationships. I loved that.
Yes, the pacing starts slow, but it’s worth the patience. By the end, I was completely charmed and could easily see lovely sequels spinning out from this story.
Now I’m off to read Book 7, Formidable Magic, to see how everything ties together! 🪄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
Great new series!
Iris has continued her world building! This time in New Zealand. Reading and picturing the beautiful landscape and fauna and flora is an integral part of this book. It promotes longing and the desire for one to go home and be comfortable. If you're a nerd like me, you look up all the unfamiliar things and become entranced by them.
While it "seems" to start slow, it's not really doing so. It's building up to the action, and building a wonderful landscape and mystery in your mind. It's dropping all kinds of subtle hints that you will look back on and remember.
Our heroine goes home to her grandmother's after a bad breakup to house sit while said grandma is on "vacation". Little does she realize that going home will unlock a whole new world, a mystery, and even a chance at new love.
Now, I will say, for those that aren't big on romance, that it's somewhat integral to the story, it's not a constant or in your face deal. It's shy, subtle and endearing and fits perfectly.
So all in all, a great read, highly recommended. You can not go wrong with this author or her books.
Iris has continued her world building! This time in New Zealand. Reading and picturing the beautiful landscape and fauna and flora is an integral part of this book. It promotes longing and the desire for one to go home and be comfortable. If you're a nerd like me, you look up all the unfamiliar things and become entranced by them.
While it "seems" to start slow, it's not really doing so. It's building up to the action, and building a wonderful landscape and mystery in your mind. It's dropping all kinds of subtle hints that you will look back on and remember.
Our heroine goes home to her grandmother's after a bad breakup to house sit while said grandma is on "vacation". Little does she realize that going home will unlock a whole new world, a mystery, and even a chance at new love.
Now, I will say, for those that aren't big on romance, that it's somewhat integral to the story, it's not a constant or in your face deal. It's shy, subtle and endearing and fits perfectly.
So all in all, a great read, highly recommended. You can not go wrong with this author or her books.
November 3, 2023
I was quite disappointed by this story. The characters were bland and uninteresting. Ursula's responses to the things happening around her were ridiculous and unrealistic. There was very little character development. I would have preferred a story about her grandmother and aunt, who actually seemed to have some kind of personality.
The writing didn't have a good flow to it. It felt like it had originally been written from Ursula's point of view and then changed at the last minute and not fully edited.
The writing didn't have a good flow to it. It felt like it had originally been written from Ursula's point of view and then changed at the last minute and not fully edited.
January 4, 2024
Not my favourite
I like the Myrtlewood series rather more than this one... as a "coming into her powers" book it feels a bit too presumptuous... there's no real battle for reality, Ursula accepts things or dismisses things as imagined it far too easily and without questions...
The BFF and the Ex were weakly drawn and not believable in the roles they were given... all rather poorly constructed and so unlikeable that Ursula's relationships with them seem too unlikely to be viable.
I like the Myrtlewood series rather more than this one... as a "coming into her powers" book it feels a bit too presumptuous... there's no real battle for reality, Ursula accepts things or dismisses things as imagined it far too easily and without questions...
The BFF and the Ex were weakly drawn and not believable in the roles they were given... all rather poorly constructed and so unlikeable that Ursula's relationships with them seem too unlikely to be viable.
March 9, 2024
What a great sidestep from Myrtlewood!
This was a great little jaunt sideways to explore the magic of new Zealand while having the connection to Myrtlewood through Ursula's aunta who knee Galdy Thorn!! I love the cross pollinating of stories!! Just a fun quick read but I have to say that Alastair was really a horrifying character. His presence in this book really added a different level of terror !! Scary dude!! This new little group of connected souls seem like they are laying the groundwork for more adventures!! I hope so!
This was a great little jaunt sideways to explore the magic of new Zealand while having the connection to Myrtlewood through Ursula's aunta who knee Galdy Thorn!! I love the cross pollinating of stories!! Just a fun quick read but I have to say that Alastair was really a horrifying character. His presence in this book really added a different level of terror !! Scary dude!! This new little group of connected souls seem like they are laying the groundwork for more adventures!! I hope so!
April 25, 2024
Magical
I have read many of Iris's books and love the tales she spins with their real characters and real scenarios. It is great not to have the flash and gaudness that inbues many stories, with simple and believable settings. Love her books, especially the NZ references, after spending a significant part of my teenage years there and influenced who I became. Love that fighting the good fight doesnt always need swords, guns and flashy kung fu, just love and serious magic. 🕯❤️ 😘
I have read many of Iris's books and love the tales she spins with their real characters and real scenarios. It is great not to have the flash and gaudness that inbues many stories, with simple and believable settings. Love her books, especially the NZ references, after spending a significant part of my teenage years there and influenced who I became. Love that fighting the good fight doesnt always need swords, guns and flashy kung fu, just love and serious magic. 🕯❤️ 😘
November 8, 2024
Oh boy. I bought this in a 2-for-1 sale on Audible. I completely understand why, though, it was on sale. I'm unsure who the target audience was, but this had to be written for young teens.
This juvenile novel focuses on a girl coming to age with the realization that she has magical powers passed down through her genes. She falls in love with the girl and the boy in the book, and somehow, they all end up together. It was predictable. There was minimal character growth for any of the characters. The conflict was about a banished witch.
It was just not written very well.
This juvenile novel focuses on a girl coming to age with the realization that she has magical powers passed down through her genes. She falls in love with the girl and the boy in the book, and somehow, they all end up together. It was predictable. There was minimal character growth for any of the characters. The conflict was about a banished witch.
It was just not written very well.
May 24, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this book.
It's a shorter tale than others I've read, but I loved the characters and I like Beaglehole's style of writing anyway, having read other novels within the Myrtlewood series.
The world building was somewhat lacking, which is a shame, especially as the title made such a big deal about it being in New Zealand.
Overall, I am pleased with it, though, and I would recommend it!
It's a shorter tale than others I've read, but I loved the characters and I like Beaglehole's style of writing anyway, having read other novels within the Myrtlewood series.
The world building was somewhat lacking, which is a shame, especially as the title made such a big deal about it being in New Zealand.
Overall, I am pleased with it, though, and I would recommend it!
November 24, 2023
Mystery and Magic
Another lovely book from Iris.
I do hope that there is the story of Hazel, Ursula and Rowan and their adventures on their travels.
These novels are always filled with magic and life and quaint little villages. I especially liked how you included all the small touches of New Zealand to this novel.
Everything I read from Iris is just delightful, if you are in a book slump read one of her novels and you will feel recharged again.
Another lovely book from Iris.
I do hope that there is the story of Hazel, Ursula and Rowan and their adventures on their travels.
These novels are always filled with magic and life and quaint little villages. I especially liked how you included all the small touches of New Zealand to this novel.
Everything I read from Iris is just delightful, if you are in a book slump read one of her novels and you will feel recharged again.
September 2, 2023
Iris Beaglehole is the master of magical mysteries
Another thoroughly marvellous and spellbinding read from Iris, new characters & places. A departure from The Thorn series but interwoven nicely with some of the characters from that series.
I enjoyed every page of this modern story and cannot wait for the next development.
Another thoroughly marvellous and spellbinding read from Iris, new characters & places. A departure from The Thorn series but interwoven nicely with some of the characters from that series.
I enjoyed every page of this modern story and cannot wait for the next development.
November 2, 2023
Absolutely adorable are the only two words that I come up with to sum up this book. This is a quick and easy read with lots of intrigue. I found the character building and plot to be great and the romance story here was super refreshing. I had never heard of this author before or the series but I will be on hunt for more as I am so intrigued by this world now.
March 19, 2024
Hooked from the start
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was fun and suspenseful and kept me intrigued.
I thought the ending too abrupt though. It wrapped up too fast and in an unrealistic manner to me. I guess that's why it's fiction. Lol
I'll definitely get the next one though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was fun and suspenseful and kept me intrigued.
I thought the ending too abrupt though. It wrapped up too fast and in an unrealistic manner to me. I guess that's why it's fiction. Lol
I'll definitely get the next one though.
March 30, 2024
Gre storyline
This is for all fans of fantasy stories who don't mind a little bisexual attraction. The setting is beautifully described and the characters believable. As an old pedant the little careless errors of grammar and syntax annoyed me a bit but overall it is thoroughly enjoyable.
This is for all fans of fantasy stories who don't mind a little bisexual attraction. The setting is beautifully described and the characters believable. As an old pedant the little careless errors of grammar and syntax annoyed me a bit but overall it is thoroughly enjoyable.
July 14, 2024
The storyline was ok if a bit repetitive. What was harder to get past was the poor editing. I'm not grammer or spelling police in any regard, but there were just incorrect words used throughout. Even wrong characters identified as speakers. (Esme was in Bermuda so how is she the one asking a question in Wellington?) That had me putting the book down more than any else.
August 24, 2024
Modern witchy love
Loved this book about facing us true nature of attractions and finding your magical place in live with. I loved how it slots in as a side book to Myrtlewood Mysteries. Great characters with an openness to modern romances that I've rarely come across in the 100s of books I've read to date. A must read for Myrtlewood fans
Loved this book about facing us true nature of attractions and finding your magical place in live with. I loved how it slots in as a side book to Myrtlewood Mysteries. Great characters with an openness to modern romances that I've rarely come across in the 100s of books I've read to date. A must read for Myrtlewood fans
October 19, 2024
Immerse yourself in a tale of enchantment, camaraderie, love, and victory. While this narrative weaves into the larger tapestry of the Myrtlewood Mysteries universe, it stands proudly on its own. It's the kind of heartwarming story that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of herbal tea—a delightful companion to your moments of relaxation and enjoyment.
December 29, 2024
I can’t wait…
OhMyHell… Iris you are BRILLIANT!
I’ve never read a single book from cover to cover until I found your “Myrtlewood Mysteries” and “Crone”series’s and now this one… I’ve read every single one and waiting for the next one to drop in January… please please, please tell me there are more coming.
Have a blessed day
Annie
OhMyHell… Iris you are BRILLIANT!
I’ve never read a single book from cover to cover until I found your “Myrtlewood Mysteries” and “Crone”series’s and now this one… I’ve read every single one and waiting for the next one to drop in January… please please, please tell me there are more coming.
Have a blessed day
Annie
January 2, 2025
The light of the waxing harvest moon slipped silkily over the ivy that clung to the weatherboard of the cottage near the end of Holloway Road. Light flickered through the windows.
This was the first sentence of this book. I almost quit right then, but I decided to give it a chance. I made it to page 9.
This was the first sentence of this book. I almost quit right then, but I decided to give it a chance. I made it to page 9.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Love this book!
As someone who’s lived in Wellington for the past 26 years, it’s such a lovely treat to read a book set in this city. I loved the way you painted Wellington and can follow with my mind’s eye where Ursula, Rowan and Hazel went around the city. I really enjoyed the storyline too and loved how it concluded.
As someone who’s lived in Wellington for the past 26 years, it’s such a lovely treat to read a book set in this city. I loved the way you painted Wellington and can follow with my mind’s eye where Ursula, Rowan and Hazel went around the city. I really enjoyed the storyline too and loved how it concluded.
July 4, 2025
Just kinda meh.
Pros:
I did really appriciate the polyamory, it's hard to find good represention. The love story was my favorite part of the book and I was delighted to find that it did not include any infidelity, like so many authors do. Overall a very good representaion.
Cons:
The character development was rushed. I didn't really feel like her coming to believe in magic made sense.
Pros:
I did really appriciate the polyamory, it's hard to find good represention. The love story was my favorite part of the book and I was delighted to find that it did not include any infidelity, like so many authors do. Overall a very good representaion.
Cons:
The character development was rushed. I didn't really feel like her coming to believe in magic made sense.
November 24, 2025
Great Book
Though i started kind of backwards reading the Crone books then the Myrtlewood Mysteries, I enjoyed all the books. I did not feel that even though i was introduced to the characters out of order that i did not know who they were. I hope to read more of the adventures of Ursula Hazel and Rowan.
Though i started kind of backwards reading the Crone books then the Myrtlewood Mysteries, I enjoyed all the books. I did not feel that even though i was introduced to the characters out of order that i did not know who they were. I hope to read more of the adventures of Ursula Hazel and Rowan.
April 1, 2023
Sweet Lovely Discovering-Yourself Story
This is a lovely story with blossoming magic, friends, romance, and triumph. This book ties into the World of the Myrtlewood Mysteries, but is a stand-alone story. It is a wonderful, feel-good book and great to have with a cup of (herbal) tea, enjoy!
This is a lovely story with blossoming magic, friends, romance, and triumph. This book ties into the World of the Myrtlewood Mysteries, but is a stand-alone story. It is a wonderful, feel-good book and great to have with a cup of (herbal) tea, enjoy!
April 1, 2023
wow, what an exciting read.
Well, I’ve just finished this and I find myself wanting more. I hope we get to see more of Ursula and her new friends soon.
A brilliant start to a hopefully new series x
Well, I’ve just finished this and I find myself wanting more. I hope we get to see more of Ursula and her new friends soon.
A brilliant start to a hopefully new series x
July 2, 2023
A very nice warm and comforting read
and a good introduction to the new players in the Myrtlewood series of books. I enjoyed every word. There might be a spin-off story here about the NZ coven.
and a good introduction to the new players in the Myrtlewood series of books. I enjoyed every word. There might be a spin-off story here about the NZ coven.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews