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Smugglers and Secrets (Witches of the New Forest, Book 4): An Exciting Paranormal Romance and Ghostly Mystery
Escape to a world of magic, mystery, romance and adventure!
BOOK 4 (WITCHES OF THE NEW FOREST): SMUGGLERS AND SECRETS
The adventure continues with Ryder's story!
Samhain is approaching, and that can only mean one ghostly, paranormal activity is ramping up in the little village of Burley. Join Ryder for her new adventure, alongside the usual cast of characters including Hunter, Jack, Elspeth, Harriet, Dougal, and of course, Finnvarr, in this, the fourth book of the Witches of the New Forest series.
The pub is said to be haunted, and Ryder finds out first-hand that the old tales are true. Her own magickal powers are beginning to surface, and she starts her journey at full throttle (because, really, is there any other way for her to be?). She loves a good mystery, and finds herself smack dab in the middle of a ghostly one, with twists and turns that see her just struggling to keep up, let alone solve. As well, there is still trouble with the Hardwicks in the form of the handsome, yet decidedly unpleasant Xander Hardwick whom she keeps running into in the most unlikeliest of places. Determined to come into her own power, and find out just who she truly is, can she withstand the challenges that lie ahead?
A new mystery, romance, and spellbinding adventure awaits you in the New Forest!
Praise for Smugglers and Secrets and The Witches of the New Forest
"As soon as I discovered Joanna van der Hoeven’s world I read the first four books without a break. I couldn’t put them down. I read a lot of fantasy and witch fiction and non fiction and found a lot of new knowledge about magical practice and tradition which fascinated me. The presentation of the Fae adds another mystical layer to the narrative and if love to find out more about those characters. I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the next installment." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"Great story line, can't wait to read the next book, the story is getting interesting, the details throughout the book have been excellent leaving you wanting to continue reading till the early hours." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"As with the previous books in the series absolutely addictive couldn't put it down , brilliantly written and very imaginative, takes you from burley to another realm, highly recommended." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I am enjoying the series! I love how the author uses the actual historical folklore of the area where the story takes place. I can't wait to read the next book!" Amazon 5 star review (Canada)
"It's my wife's favorite book series. No other series does she wait so much for the next part. Otherwise, she won't read a book twice. She makes an exception in Witches of New Forest. Absolute secret tip, for anyone who is open to the topic." Amazon 5 star review (Germany)
"I have 4 books in the series & waiting anxiously for the 5th . It’s great read ." Amazon 5 star review (Australia)
BOOK 4 (WITCHES OF THE NEW FOREST): SMUGGLERS AND SECRETS
The adventure continues with Ryder's story!
Samhain is approaching, and that can only mean one ghostly, paranormal activity is ramping up in the little village of Burley. Join Ryder for her new adventure, alongside the usual cast of characters including Hunter, Jack, Elspeth, Harriet, Dougal, and of course, Finnvarr, in this, the fourth book of the Witches of the New Forest series.
The pub is said to be haunted, and Ryder finds out first-hand that the old tales are true. Her own magickal powers are beginning to surface, and she starts her journey at full throttle (because, really, is there any other way for her to be?). She loves a good mystery, and finds herself smack dab in the middle of a ghostly one, with twists and turns that see her just struggling to keep up, let alone solve. As well, there is still trouble with the Hardwicks in the form of the handsome, yet decidedly unpleasant Xander Hardwick whom she keeps running into in the most unlikeliest of places. Determined to come into her own power, and find out just who she truly is, can she withstand the challenges that lie ahead?
A new mystery, romance, and spellbinding adventure awaits you in the New Forest!
Praise for Smugglers and Secrets and The Witches of the New Forest
"As soon as I discovered Joanna van der Hoeven’s world I read the first four books without a break. I couldn’t put them down. I read a lot of fantasy and witch fiction and non fiction and found a lot of new knowledge about magical practice and tradition which fascinated me. The presentation of the Fae adds another mystical layer to the narrative and if love to find out more about those characters. I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the next installment." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"Great story line, can't wait to read the next book, the story is getting interesting, the details throughout the book have been excellent leaving you wanting to continue reading till the early hours." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"As with the previous books in the series absolutely addictive couldn't put it down , brilliantly written and very imaginative, takes you from burley to another realm, highly recommended." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I am enjoying the series! I love how the author uses the actual historical folklore of the area where the story takes place. I can't wait to read the next book!" Amazon 5 star review (Canada)
"It's my wife's favorite book series. No other series does she wait so much for the next part. Otherwise, she won't read a book twice. She makes an exception in Witches of New Forest. Absolute secret tip, for anyone who is open to the topic." Amazon 5 star review (Germany)
"I have 4 books in the series & waiting anxiously for the 5th . It’s great read ." Amazon 5 star review (Australia)
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
About the author
Joanna van der Hoeven
36 books120 followersJoanna van der Hoeven was born in Quebec, Canada. She moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village near the coast of the North Sea.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is currently enjoying writing fiction, and her Witches of the New Forest series has been wonderfully received.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is currently enjoying writing fiction, and her Witches of the New Forest series has been wonderfully received.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 25, 2026
A wonderful, witchy world you just want to get lost in.
As soon as I discovered Joanna van der Hoeven’s world I read the first four books without a break. I couldn’t put them down. I read a lot of fantasy and witch fiction and non fiction and found a lot of new knowledge about magical practice and tradition which fascinated me. The presentation of the Fae adds another mystical layer to the narrative and if love to find out more about those characters.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the next installment.
As soon as I discovered Joanna van der Hoeven’s world I read the first four books without a break. I couldn’t put them down. I read a lot of fantasy and witch fiction and non fiction and found a lot of new knowledge about magical practice and tradition which fascinated me. The presentation of the Fae adds another mystical layer to the narrative and if love to find out more about those characters.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the next installment.
November 12, 2025
Great book
Great story line, can't wait to read the next book, the story is getting interesting, the details throughout the book have been excellent leaving you wanting to continue reading till the early hours
Great story line, can't wait to read the next book, the story is getting interesting, the details throughout the book have been excellent leaving you wanting to continue reading till the early hours
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews