Steph Ziders has been dreaming up stories for a long time. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Master's in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. After teaching for 12 years, she found a new way to share her stories by writing them. Steph lives in New York with her husband and three children. When she isn't writing, you can find her playing video games, binge-watching, and "out-coloring" her children.
For a complete bio and fun facts about Steph, visit her website!
✨ Secret of a Witch by Steph Ziders ✨ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. It had the perfect mix of mystery, magic, and romance and I devoured every single page. What I loved: 🪄 The atmosphere was magical and eerie in the best way. Every scene was written so vividly that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters ❤️ The romance was beautifully woven into the story without overshadowing the mystery. Everyone deserves their very own Cade because he absolutely stole my heart 🔮 The twists kept me guessing and when the secrets were finally revealed I was completely blown away Final thoughts: Secret of a Witch was enchanting, gripping, and impossible to put down. Steph Ziders created a world that felt spellbinding and real all at once. If you love books full of secrets, magic, swoony romance, and characters you cannot stop thinking about this one is an absolute must read
I had loved books about witches since I read Harry Potter in middle school. The title drew me into the story, followed by the blurb and the cover. I liked the way that this book was written, and the way that the story progressed. I was so captivated by the story that I didn’t even notice how much time had passed. Every page had me wondering what was going to happen with Shay next. There were few times when I had a bad feeling of what was going to happen. I liked the way that the story kept you guessing. I love the world-building, and the way that Steph described everything; I imagined myself in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
I found myself being able to connect with most of characters, especially Shay. I cannot even begin to imagine having to deal with everything that she did. The mix of fantasy, romance and mystery intertwined in this story perfectly. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat; guessing, and of course I was wrong every time. Dean was one of the characters I didn’t like. I had a bad feeling about him from the beginning. Sometimes, there was something wrong with the way that he acted. Cade, I had mixed feelings about. There were times I liked him, but other times I was hesitant about him. I was eager to find out what would happen between him and Shay.
Mildred, I think I loved her as much as Shay. I loved her humor. I found myself laughing a few times at the things that she did or said. In general, this book had everything I love about witches, and I would highly recommend it. I’m eager to see what the author has in store for us next.
I fell in love with this book and its characters almost immediately. The writing itself is beautiful but the characters themselves drew me in.
Mildred is HILARIOUS and definitely my favourite character. I had a feeling I’d love her the moment a cat who could talk to the fmc was introduced. She’s got sass and you can’t help but love her.
The relationships between the characters were another highlight of this book. The familial bonds between the women and the support they gave to Shay is something that I both envied and loved. Women supporting women is a central theme of this book.
I relate to the main character, Shay, a lot and really appreciate the detail in which she was written. Her need to control what she could in a life full of chaos really hit me and the way she felt like she had to put everyone else’s needs before hers felt like I was looking in a mirror.
Thank you for writing this story, I highly recommend reading it if you like witchy books and strong women and sassy, talking cats 🩵
Secrets of a Witch by Steph Ziders is a spellbinding journey that captures the perfect blend of magic, emotion, and destiny. From the very first page, I was hooked by the generational curse that has haunted the Whitley family for centuries—and the breathtaking moment it finally begins to unravel. Watching that cycle of pain and secrecy be broken was both empowering and deeply emotional.
I adored the concept of being able to tell others who their soulmate is—such a beautiful, selfless gift. But what made it even more powerful was the heroine’s fear when her own sighting arrives. That mix of courage and vulnerability made her feel so real and relatable.
The worldbuilding was enchanting—the calming crystals, the energy of Ipswich, and, of course, the spicy witch trapped in a cat’s body (absolute scene-stealer!) added the perfect touch of humor and heart.
Steph Ziders has created something truly special here: a story about love, legacy, and learning to trust fate—even when it terrifies you. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already counting the days until the next book in the series! 🖤✨
I really enjoyed this story. It was intriguing from the very beginning, and I was constantly curious to see how Shay would figure everything out. The ending was absolutely fascinating! Steph Ziders had some excellent ideas for how to wrap up the book, and I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next!
I also loved the support Shay received from the people around her (friends and family) Harmony felt like a truly golden friend: loyal, caring, and always there to listen. I found the way Mildred was able to communicate particularly interesting. It was the first time I’d read a novel where you can understand and in some way interact with an animal, and I thought it was such a unique touch.
And of course, I really appreciated Shay as the FMC. She came across as strong, independent, intelligent, and open-minded. She genuinely seems to care about the people in her community and has a good heart.
If you love Wiccan lore and culture, soulmate tropes, a slow burn, and a hard-headed FMC, this is one for you. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the growth of our main character, Shay. Cade was a wonderfully supportive MMC. Harmony was a well-written best friend. Mildred was great comic relief. I adored every one of these characters (aside from our disgusting antagonist). It was also nice to see a positive and caring relationship across generations between Shay, her mother, and her grandmother. Overall, this was a great read, and I highly recommend picking it up.
******SPOILERS AHEAD******
The ending scene with Mother Goddess and Mammon was a very satisfying supernatural conclusion. I appreciated the demonic foreshadowing with Dean's aura, as well as the Whitley connection through the ages.
Secrets of a Witch is a sweet fantasy romance that has it all. Danger, spells, soul mates, a little town in need of saving and of course a talking cat!
Writing style is a good mix of suspense and fun making it an enjoyable read. Each aspect is well plotted so the pacing is consistent and easy to follow. It is full of interesting Wiccan details like Tarot and crystals that keeps the magic alive.
The women are strong and powerful, just like a coven should be. It is always good to read about women supporting each other and strong friendships that withstand the turmoils of the plot. Shay makes a fantastic FMC as she is brave and headstrong but able to admit fault and seek support from her family. And luckily for us (and Mildred 🐈⬛) there’s some handsome men thrown in there too!
So come for the crystals and spells, stay for the fire …
I’m obsessed! This book combines wonderful elements such as witches, warlocks, tarot magic, and a charming town that radiates Salem vibes. Her main characters chemistry sizzles so much it almost comes off the pages! Amazing read and keeps you spellbound well after you’ve closed the book.
I’m going to start off by saying that this book was impeccable! I read it so quickly, completely engrossed, and loved every minute! I don’t often like contemporary books. Generally speaking, I lean more towards books that take me to entirely new worlds, full of magic and adventure, but I LOVED Secrets of a Witch.
The characters were so well written, each with their own unique personalities that made them relatable and real.
First, I have to write about my absolute favourite character… Mildred! This feisty little kitty is amazing! I absolutely loved her sassy nature, and she says all the things the reader is thinking! The relationship between Mildred and Shay is amazing. I can only imagine how fun it was for Steph to write this character. I might have to start a poll for Steph to write a prequel that tells the story of Mildred’s life!
I also loved Shay. Her tenacity in the face of adversity was admirable, if maybe a little unnecessary. That girl really needs to learn how to accept help from those around her. That being said, it is this determination that makes Shay such a relatable character. Shay’s growth as a character, and as a Wiccan woman is wonderful to read. Seeing her grow into her powers, and learn to let those around her in, was truly inspiring. She teaches us that it doesn’t make us any less strong to ask for help.
Now onto the MMC, Cade. He is an absolute dreamboat and everyone deserves to have the love and support that this man exudes. Although he gives off an “alpha” attitude, he also gives an aura or safety and trust. He is a massive green flag and clearly has a lot of respect for our FMC. The relationship between Shay and Cade was so well written without taking away from the plot of the story. It was a beautiful side plot that oozed sexual tension.
The inclusion of Wiccan Lore was not only fascinating but brilliant, seamlessly woven into the narrative and deepening my understanding of this mystical practice. I now find myself wanting to learn absolutely everything about it! From the history of Wicca to practical spells and rituals, my curiosity has been ignited. If anyone has any tips or resources to recommend, just send a comment my way! I am eager to dive deeper into this enchanting world and explore all it has to offer.
Secrets of a Witch was a wonderfully magic book that transported you into the life of a practising Wiccan Witch. There was some amazing tension and twists throughout the story, that really kept me hooked. I cannot wait to read more books from Steph Zider! If you like witchy tales with a splash of romance and a sassy feline companion, this book is definitely for you! Don’t forget to come back and tell me your thoughts if you decide to read!
This enchanting 4-star read masterfully blends witches, warlocks, tarot magic, and small-town charm reminiscent of Salem, delivering a spellbinding experience that lingers long after the final page. Set in the mystical town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, the story follows Shay Whitley, a fiercely independent psychic and the last of the powerful Whitley coven, as she grapples with a dark family secret that threatens everything she holds dear—including her heart. The chemistry between the characters sizzles with intensity, especially with the irresistible firefighter Cade, while her snarky, talking cat Mildred adds humor and heart. With secrets unraveling and magic crackling on every page, this book is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and witchy fun.
A witchy book with a hot firefighter and talking cat is definitely a good set up for me. Secrets of a Witch is a great balance of cozy fantasy, mystery, romance, and the paranormal. The world building sucked me in with the quaint, Autumn, small-town feel. The coven of witches with different magical abilities combined with nature, crystals, and tarot is weaved very naturally into the story.
I enjoyed the love-triangle romance. The FMC’s thoughts and emotions while navigating her feelings are very relatable and realistic. The chemistry between FMC and MMC is fantastic. The side characters are fantastic and Mildred is so funny. I’d love to read more about her story. The old witches were a riot and I kinda want to hang out with them.
Shay is as stubborn as someone can be. She tries so hard to control every aspect of her life that she almost loses the very thing she wished for as a teenager. Her soul mate. Why? Because of a mysterious family curse that is more than what it seems. Ipswich is a town where witches and Quaints (non-magical folks) live side by side in peace. Enter in a new transplant and jealousy sparks amongst something darker. Mildred is a breath of fresh air with her boy crazy sass. Kind of reminds me of Salem. Overall I did enjoy Secrets Of A Witch. There were a few details that didn't really add any depth to the story, but aside from that, the author did a great job at a witchy tale with powerful women. Love Hecate.
Such a nice energy in this story ! I felt giddy like I was watching an episode of Charmed. The characters are a delight, friends and foe alike. A love interest made to make you salivate: firefighter (it always works for me irl), with tattoos (same) and a motorcycle 💀
Don't let me started on Mildred the cat: best magical animal companion ever ! She's also the perfect girlfriend and sidekick, treading pep talks for incendiary quotes.
The story runs at a nice rhythm and we are delighted with the witty dialogs, Mildred's sass, and warm wiccan and witchy vibes.
I definitely recommend this romance for Halloween if you want a break from other darker subjects.
✨ 4/5 stars ✨ Just finished Secrets of a Witch by Steph Ziders and omg… what a ride. I loved the mix of eerie small-town vibes and slow-burning magic — it honestly gave me chills in a few scenes. The main character’s struggle to control her power felt so real, especially after that twist halfway through (no spoilers, but 👀).
A couple of slow moments, but I was hooked by the ending. If you love dark magic, family secrets, and that “what’s really going on here?” tension, definitely check it out. 🖤
I had no doubt that I would love this book. It’s truly the perfect witchy book to read during spooky season. Steph does such a great job building this incredible scene and town. You feel like you’re a part of it. I loved the coven and the strong women on every page. I loved Cade and Shay and watching them navigate healing their own personal insecurities while letting each other in. This was an easy 5 ⭐️’s.
✨️✨️✨️ Okay, I really enjoyed this book. It gave me the perfect balance of modern day witchy vibes for the season without seeming too over the top. I love how the romance didn't overshadow the mystery and witchy vibes in the book. Shay (FMC) is a witch with the coolest powers and Cade (MMC) is a quaint (basically a muggle IYKYK) who is a hot fire fighter who blows into town and captures the attention of Shay. Will they be soul mates? Or will they let their own beliefs get in the way? Side note- the star of the book was Midlred 🐈⬛️, she had me cracking up!
Shay and Cade are a wonderful couple as you watch them grow and allow the other inside. Mildred is a fantastic true witches cat and I love the flavor that she adds. The world build is fantastic and I love how everything is interconnected and a true little world. The coven is what you would expect of a book dealing with witches, strong women and fantasticly witchy.
Secrets of a Witch” by Steph Zider 🕯️ This book was definitely a page-turner — Shay had me screaming, Dean absolutely sucked 😤, and Cade… OMG 😮💨🔥 but can we talk about Mildred?! She was the real MVP — hilarious, chaotic, and stole every scene 😂. Perfect read for spooky season 👻💫 — witches, drama, laughs, and twists you won’t see coming!
This book had the perfect witchy spooky season vibes. Such a great read for October. Shay Whitley is faced with some intense decisions in this book. Forced to choose between her heart and her brain while dealing with magic and potions along the way!
Perfect spooky season read! This book was charming and magical with a good helping of spice. You will fall in love with the entire cast of characters. My favorite is Mildred...a sassy cat that will keep you laughing. The setting definitely gave me Gilmore Girls vibes, which I loved!
I highly recommend you add this to your Fall TBR. You won't be disappointed!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫The Secrets of a Witch by Steph Ziders
If you’re looking for the perfect fall, witchy read, this one is a must add to your list! You’ve got small town cozy (totally Gilmore Girls vibes), tight knit community, family curses, hot motorcycle riding firefighters, spellbinding magic, and a talking cat! Honestly, this book had everything you’d want without too much scare. Yes, you’ll get all the witchy spells, curses, and readings with a side of mystery, pining, a little spice, and fierce loyalty. The FMC is so relatable that you feel everything Shay is dealing with; her internal and external battles. I was so connected to these characters and this story that I binged this in a day.
Ohhh! I really love a cozy witch story right before Halloween. Do you want to add family drama and secrets, small town vibes, spice and witchy elements? You got me. When I first read the blurb about this book, I knew I would enjoy it exactly the way I did. I very much identify with Shay when it comes to the whole “𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦” type of thing, and then very much doing so. Steph wrote so smoothly and made this book an enjoyable kind of magic for this time of year. I loved Mildred and the old bunch of witches in town. I also identify with that old sassiness. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, charm, and self-discovery wrapped in a witchy, autumnal glow. Secrets of a Witch is the kind of story that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. Comforting, a little spicy, and just the right amount of enchanting.