The Coffee House Witch & The Unwelcome Guest

by Ariana Jade, Arizona Tape

Not all is well in the Cobblestones.

While life with the grumpy cat might have settled for Cassie, it's not going to stay peaceful for long. A source of negative energy shows up to disrupt her life and it's going to take more than a simple cleansing to get rid of it.
****
The Coffee House Witch & The Unwelcome Guest is book 4 in the Cobblestone Coven series and it follows witch Cassiopeia and her return to her hometown. It's a cozy fantasy with a sapphic romance in a magical world with talking animals and lots of light-hearted banter.

Genres: Fantasy

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coffee House Witch & The Unwelcome Guest is the fourth installment in the Cobblestone Coven series by Ariana Jade.
It was delightful! I was so glad to see things moving along with Cassie and Faye. I am enjoying the slow burn between these best friends as their relationship develops.
Sweet, grumpy Balthazar is the star of the show, and he behaves suspiciously out of character.
An unwelcome guest highlights Cassie's struggles with self-worth.
Cassie makes solid strides in figuring out what she wants and needs during this transition period after her return to the Cobblestones. A few disruptions force her to evaluate her views on risk versus reward. It might be time to take some chances and maybe leave out the finger guns.
The Cobblestones is such a cozy, comfortable place to settle in, and I adore Cassie, Faye, Betty, Balthazar, and Gran. Oh, my goodness, what a precious ending! I definitely felt the warm and fuzzies as this chapter of Cassie's life wrapped up. I look forward to whatever comes next.
I have read several series and standalones by this author, and I am a fan. Their books are short and sweet. Some have a little spice, but all feature lovely characters and happy endings.
#startingover #bestfriendstolovers #talkingcats #witch #familiars #toxicparent #wonderfulgrandparent #foundfamily #oppositesattract #slowburn #returnhome #smalltown #queernormative #HFN #serialseries #sweetnospice
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Autumn Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and cozy witchy tale set in the small town of Cobblestone.

We follow Cassie, her grumpy cat unfamiliar and best friend Faye as they go about with their daily activities and the occasional weird happenings that happens, which they judge with coffee and cake.

An all round fun and enjoyable story about growing attractions, unwanted company and emotional adulting.

Thank you to the author for this free ebook.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really like this series so far and this was a great installment in this series. Cassie has a lot to deal with in this book, an unwelcome guest is back in town and stirs up some old trauma, she doesn’t know how to tell Faye she's in love with her and then there's the grumpy cat Balthazar who she wants to stay as her familiar.

This book felt like an important one with everything that's going on and some good progression made on all the plot lines. I liked seeing Cassie grow and change throughout this book and it was wonderful to see her figure things out and stand up for what she wanted.

I liked seeing her interact with Faye more and trying to figure out how to tell her she's in love with her. I liked that there wasn't a big romantic perfect gesture about this, but instead they sort of stumble into it awkwardly. I also liked reading more about Balthazar and Cassie and was eager to see if he would agree to stay as her familiar if Cassie actually managed to ask him. Balthazar is such a grumpy cat, which is fun to read about, and there's something heartwarming about the way they interact and when he is nice.

The scenes with the unwelcome guest were hard to read. It was clear there was a lot of bad memories associated with this person and I just felt so bad for Cassie. I am glad she had her grandma in her corner willing to stand up for her.

To summarize: I really enjoyed reading this book. There are various different plot lines going on and plenty of progression with all of them. I liked reading more about Cassie and seeing how she changes throughout the series and eventually figures out what she wants and how to communicate this. I liked seeing her interact with Faye, the two are so cute together and I was eager to see how and when Cassie would tell Faye she's in love with her. I also like reading about Cassie interacting with Balthazar and hoped Cassie would tell him she wanted him to stay as her familiar and whether he would agree to that. The last chapter of the book was really good and I am eager to see where things go next.

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie and Faye work towards confessing their feelings for one another in this installment of the "Cobblestone Coven" series.

After clearing out Balthazar's owner's estate, Balthazar is feeling adrift. Cassie is doing her hardest to support him, but she wishes that Balthazar would choose to stay with her as her familiar. Meanwhile, Cassie's estranged mother flies back into her life once more, all while Cassie is trying to grapple with her feelings for her childhood best friend, Faye. Life isn't going great for Cassie, but she's determined to turn that around.

I've really been enjoying my time in the Cobblestones, and it was such a relief to see that Cassie and Faye are finally going to be going on an official date in the next book. I love a slow burn, but these two really needed to figure their feelings for each other out.

Seeing Cassie and Balthazar's bound grow stronger in this one was a highlight for me. In the last book, Cassie helps Balthazar deal with his grief, and in this one, she is helping him figure out what his new normal is going to look like. They might not agree on much, but that doesn't mean that they don't care for one another.

Cassie also has to deal with her mother, who is very condescending and a bit off the walls. Cassie still struggles to stand up for herself around her mother, but it's so heartwarming to see her support system come to her aide when she needs it.

Overall, "The Coffee House Witch & the Unwelcome Guest" was another fun installment in the "Cobblestone Coven" series. It's great experiencing the growth of these characters and watching them all grow closer together with one another. I'm super excited to check out Cassie and Faye's date in book five as well as all of Balthazar's snarky comments surrounding it.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. And wasn’t entirely what I was expecting going in to it. It’s an absolutely adorable story. Cassie is such a relatable character and her struggles really resonate with me. Balthazar might be my favorite. He’s such a grumpy kitty. And of course the interactions between him and Cassie are so entertaining to read. This book really took us on a journey and I was all in for the ride. Watching the way connections and characters grow and develop was endearing. It was so sweet to see Cassie trying to figure out how to tell Faye she loves her. Things are messy and awkward and it’s so very them. And that unwelcome guest…definitely unwelcome. I wanted to protect Cassie from all that came from that visit. Overall this book and the series as a whole is so cozy and sweet and very entertaining. I will be reading more as they come.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Cassie is struggling to come clean about her feelings for best friend Faye, she has a few additional problems as well. First up is Balthazar’s uncharacteristic pleasantness. Just what is up with this orphaned familiar, and can Cassie convince him to stay with her? Then there’s a visit from Cassie’s emotionally abusive and absentee mother causing conflict with gran in the coffee house. Will Cassie come clean with Faye and learn to stand up to her mother?

Ariana Jade’s charming Cobblestone Coven series continues with some nice progress for Cassie. The arrival of her mother emphasizes why Cassie is the way she is and we see the growth she is making to come into her own person. I think many people can relate to Cassie’s difficulties in saying what she wants or feels clearly and the problems that arise when you don’t. We also get some fun interactions between Cassie and Balthazar as he attempts to go through Familiar registration. I really like how his grieving of his former witch was carried out and that he has agency to choose a new bond. There’s some awkward yet sweet moments between Cassie and Faye as the truth comes out with a nice pay off as they move their friendship towards romance.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Cassie and Faye are just two idiots in love and I think they’re so adorable in the obliviousness. And then there’s Balthazar trying to be a polite boy for the adoption agency and then ended up causing trouble AND Cassie’s awful mother comes to visit. It was a lot going on but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I am loving this series, it’s cozy and light and the lead characters are lovely. I’m excited to see where Cassie and Faye’s relationship goes next.

Spice: Just kisses/❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Content Warning: Toxic parent

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt sorry for Cassie and having to put up with her mother. Her mother is kind of disrespectful towards both Cassie and her grandmother. I am glad that things are progressing between Cassie and Faye. I had to giggle with Balthazar spilling the beans to Faye about how Cassie feels. And then Cassie actually taking it further with confirming it. And poor Balthazar and the associacion lady, that was a dumpster fire situation.

I can't wait for the next book to see what happens with them all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this was my first book in the series, but I'm definitely jumping in to read the rest now! Cassie seems really sweet (although her inner monologue is quite sassy!), and I was cheering for her to confess her feelings the entire time. Her and Faye seem like they would make a really cute couple! Balthazar is absolutely hysterical, and I'm looking forward to reading more about him as well. Also, I hope Cassie's mom gets struck by lightening.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad that Tuna Girl (Cassie) got the strength to finally give her mother the boot outta the shop & asked her to buckle up her ideas of treating her right.....
Then finally telling her best friend Faye, that her feelings are the truth.... that she loves her!!
This sweet story tore at my heart when Cassie gave into her feelings. It's a very special, loving story that was a great telling into the in's & out's of Cassie's life & what is going on atm.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this next story in the Cobblestone Coven Series.

As the title suggests an unwelcome guest or two comes to town and turns Cassie into an anxious ball, well more anxious than usual.

It was fun reading about Balthazar being Balthazar, Betty's sweet cuddles, both cats' amusing innocence at times, Faye and Cassie interactions, and poor Cassie second guessing everything.

I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of this very cute series. Cassie is a very lovable character still finding her way in this “game” of life. It’s very fun following along as she discovers her love for where she grew up. And learning the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. And of course there is still the very lovable grumpy cat Balthazar. (He’s my favorite 😍).
Looking forward to the next installment. 😸

[Ashibooh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my favourite book in the series so far. I loved to see how Cassie is growing and how she was finally able to stand up for herself. Also can't wait to see how her relationship with Faye progresses. Balthazar as always was a snarky delight - when he said him being rude is not his problem but Cassies? Loved it!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest instalment in the Cobblestone Coven series is a brilliant read. It was so nice to have grumpy Balthazar to read about again, and to find out more about Cassie’s relationship with her mum. And I LOVED the ending - I literally shouted out loud! Can’t recommend this series enough, and I am sooo looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next!!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are reading the series, this really is a turning point book. Cassie shows a lot of personal growth, we understand more about why her confidence was so stunted growing up, and she takes positive steps in her relationships. This is a light hearted romcom, but the author really showed the evolution of someone moving past their childhood traumas and into a healthy adulthood.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy, short and delightful. Also lesbian representation.
A library witch and a non-book lover who ends into reading, that's it.

If you're looking for something quick, romantic with a witchy atmosphere, this is for you.


✨️She was so beautiful and fun, but it was more than that. Having her near me felt comfortable and easy, like we'd known each other for ages.✨️

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read as our favorite grumpy cat starts acting strangely, and our favorite coffee house witch has to open herself up to those she cares most about. Loved the real feels this story stirred up.

[Amberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! I am obsessed with Balthazar and can’t wait to see how his relationship with Cassie continues to develop.
I also can’t wait to see how things go with Faye-about time for a move to be made! 😊
Ugh her mom SUCKS! Thank goodness for Gran

[Sophie Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. It's cosy and magical but also reminiscent of daily life. The battle for Cassie to admit her feelings to Faye is reasonable and relatable, even if the talking familiars are not (I wish!)

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying the Cobblestone Coven series. I can’t wait until we delve more into Cassie’s magic and how Balthazar will influence that portion of her life.

“Thank you, Vampari Press, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I'm glad Cassie is getting courage and not just giving in. Her mother is not supportive. However I like how things are progressing with Faye and hopefully Balthazar will agree to be her familiar.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, maybe Cassie is coming into her own. I hope so, for her own sake. A lot happened. She finely blew her top. I think she needed to do that. Stand up for herself. I love the cat. So full of himself. But he does know what he wants.

[Stacie (Bookswithstacie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story in the Cobblestone coven series. I love these cozy stories, I love how it's written.
Following Cassie, Faye and Balthazar feels like catching up with friends.
It's just so good. I honestly do love this series. I want Balthazar
I can't wait to continue the series.

[TaniaRina Valdespino]

RELEASING TOMORROW!!!

[Odette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed that, I had a lot of emotions throughout. I wish cassie had said so much more to her mum on multiple occasions but I guess there’s still time and that ending made me smile so much.

[Kristene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really LOVED this book in the series! This series is just everything I want cozy fantasy to be! It is warm, magical, and grounded in relationships that feel real without ever becoming overwhelming. I especially love the sapphic representation, the small magical town atmosphere, and the way each book leaves me feeling comforted and wanting more.

Balthazar just steals the show for me and that's okay! I love him! The relationship between him and the main character is such a core part of what makes this series so special to me.

These are the kinds of books I genuinely look forward to reading. The tone, pacing, and length are exactly what I want when I pick up a cozy fantasy.

This book really showed how much the main character has grown. I loved seeing her become more self-aware and confident, especially when facing past hurt.

The moment of Balthazar becoming her familiar was so sweet and felt completely earned. And the development of her relationship with her best friend was predictable, but in the cozy way we all look forward to! I am so excited to see where it goes next!

✨ Such a rewarding continuation that makes me even more excited for the next book!

[Jacqueline Halle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Cobblestone Coven series with more of Gran, antique girl and tuna girl. I'm definitely here for more Balthazar the sassy bow tie wearing snarky cat.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful installment further develops the main characters’ relationship while maintaining a deliciously paranormal tone with a hint of Ariana Jade’s signature spicy writing.

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy for Cassie

I'm happy for Cassie, that things are going better, and her life is turning around. Even building her inner strength up.

[Samantha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really cute thanks for the great read and I’m glad that Cassie finally admitted her feelings to her friend Faye!