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Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #1
Careful What You Witch For
Being the meekest Winchester witch is … tough.
For Clove Winchester, that has never more apparent than now. Sure, she’s got a new romance brewing with Sam Cornell – but her cousins Bay and Thistle are fighting her every step of the way on that front.
When her father approaches her with an opportunity to serve as an in-house psychic for the opening of his new inn, Clove jumps at the chance. It will be an opportunity for her and Sam to spend some much-needed time alone – and have some fun in the process.
Of course, since she’s a Winchester witch, nothing goes as planned.
When Thistle and Bay – and their respective boyfriends – show up for the weekend festivities, and the opening activities are interrupted by an avenging ghost, the new inn is in a precarious position.
That’s on top of Aunt Tillie’s efforts to undermine the soft launch – and she’s feeling particularly vindictive.
Can Clove and her cousins save the Dragonfly Inn? Or is Clove in for a mountain of misery?
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 20,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading.
For Clove Winchester, that has never more apparent than now. Sure, she’s got a new romance brewing with Sam Cornell – but her cousins Bay and Thistle are fighting her every step of the way on that front.
When her father approaches her with an opportunity to serve as an in-house psychic for the opening of his new inn, Clove jumps at the chance. It will be an opportunity for her and Sam to spend some much-needed time alone – and have some fun in the process.
Of course, since she’s a Winchester witch, nothing goes as planned.
When Thistle and Bay – and their respective boyfriends – show up for the weekend festivities, and the opening activities are interrupted by an avenging ghost, the new inn is in a precarious position.
That’s on top of Aunt Tillie’s efforts to undermine the soft launch – and she’s feeling particularly vindictive.
Can Clove and her cousins save the Dragonfly Inn? Or is Clove in for a mountain of misery?
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 20,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
829 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
290 books2,917 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 12, 2018
What a fun read! I love reading paranormal romance comedies and this fits the bill. Go now and buy it. You'll have a great time reading it.
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
January 25, 2022
Good little ghost adventure
This was about three witches going to their fathers inn and encounters a ghost. Aunt Tilly shows up causing trouble.
Even though it was good I was looking for a witch read that focused more towards adults. It was too young for my tastes.
This was about three witches going to their fathers inn and encounters a ghost. Aunt Tilly shows up causing trouble.
Even though it was good I was looking for a witch read that focused more towards adults. It was too young for my tastes.
June 29, 2015
Waited a long time to read one of the "Witching" books by Amanda Lee and I must say I am disappointed.
This book was all bickering (not snarky or sassy), but arguing between everyone in the book. No story. It could have been a good story about a ghost. But she only shows up fleetingly one third of the way into the book and then doesn't reappear until the last few pages. Then there is all of the PDA (public display of affection). It was just ridiculous and rude as it was in front of the girl's father. Have some respect and get a room. There was some half-hearted investigation into a murder that happened off set and the results were just thrown in. (Landon, one of the boyfriends happens to be FBI and can get all sorts of information without an open case, I'm assuming). ***WARNING SPOILERS*** Actually there nothing to spoil. The ghost who was murdered, is only half hanging around (she's a wisp - a ghost that's not all there). But when she does fully materialize there is absolutely no resolution. The person who went to jail for her murder, didn't do it, but spent thirty years there and dies. No redemption for him. The person who did do it has been dead for 20 years so no retribution for him. But he did suffer according to Lee's because he died from cancer. Are people that die from cancer being punished? (Even though the innocent guy had cancer, too) So why the heck is the ghost still hanging around? Is that the mystery?? And did I mention that the characters bickered throughout the whole book? Well if I did, get ready for me to mention it again because that's all I can say about this book. There was nothing else to it. I have two more of Lee's books sitting on my Kindle (so excited to read her work that I bought three - looks like that may have been a waste). I'll give them a try. But if I want to argue with someone, I'll just call my daughter. Not worth the money spent - very irritating. Need some substance for a good story and there isn't any here. 2 stars.
This book was all bickering (not snarky or sassy), but arguing between everyone in the book. No story. It could have been a good story about a ghost. But she only shows up fleetingly one third of the way into the book and then doesn't reappear until the last few pages. Then there is all of the PDA (public display of affection). It was just ridiculous and rude as it was in front of the girl's father. Have some respect and get a room. There was some half-hearted investigation into a murder that happened off set and the results were just thrown in. (Landon, one of the boyfriends happens to be FBI and can get all sorts of information without an open case, I'm assuming). ***WARNING SPOILERS*** Actually there nothing to spoil. The ghost who was murdered, is only half hanging around (she's a wisp - a ghost that's not all there). But when she does fully materialize there is absolutely no resolution. The person who went to jail for her murder, didn't do it, but spent thirty years there and dies. No redemption for him. The person who did do it has been dead for 20 years so no retribution for him. But he did suffer according to Lee's because he died from cancer. Are people that die from cancer being punished? (Even though the innocent guy had cancer, too) So why the heck is the ghost still hanging around? Is that the mystery?? And did I mention that the characters bickered throughout the whole book? Well if I did, get ready for me to mention it again because that's all I can say about this book. There was nothing else to it. I have two more of Lee's books sitting on my Kindle (so excited to read her work that I bought three - looks like that may have been a waste). I'll give them a try. But if I want to argue with someone, I'll just call my daughter. Not worth the money spent - very irritating. Need some substance for a good story and there isn't any here. 2 stars.
June 2, 2025
This was a bit surprising to me after reading the Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery series and the WWoftM Fantasy series, because all of those books - and there are 25 (19 in the Mystery series and 6 in the Fantasy one) - are all from Bay Winchester’s POV in the first person. This book was from Clove’s POV. And, I’m currently reading book 2 “Wicked Brew” and it’s from Thistle’s POV.
It’s actually kind of funny, to me anyway, because as I was on the second book of the Fantasy series I wondered what it’d be like to be in Thistle’s, Clove’s, and Aunt Tillie’s heads. I’ve only ever read about the witches based on Bay’s thoughts and feelings and her interpretations of others. It’s really neat to hear other people’s stories.
I’ve always thought Clove as such a whiny person and hated any time she was in a book. She’s such a kvetch! However, after reading this I felt differently. She wasn’t whiny. She simply likes to keep the peace and since she’s the youngest, it’s hard for her not to be treated as the baby.
In this read she’s still trying to get comfortable with the idea of her dad being in her life for the first time. Same with her cousins Bay and Thistle because their dad’s left the same time Clove’s did when they were just little girls.
So, when Clove’s dad invites her and Sam to his new bed and breakfast’s soft opening to perform a seance and read tarot cards, she agrees in order to try to spend time with her dad.
She quickly discovers she wasn’t the only couple invited. Bay and Landon, Thistle and Marcus were also invited by the ladies own fathers. The first night doesn’t go too well when the seance is successful and a spirit comes through. The seance was supposed to just be a performance for the other guests - a fake seance.
It’s up to the cousins to locate the spirit and banish her. Ain’t Tillie gets in on the action, too. There’s lots of wine, lots of arguing, and lots of snark.
Cute story.
Next is book 2 of 16 - Wicked Brew.
It’s actually kind of funny, to me anyway, because as I was on the second book of the Fantasy series I wondered what it’d be like to be in Thistle’s, Clove’s, and Aunt Tillie’s heads. I’ve only ever read about the witches based on Bay’s thoughts and feelings and her interpretations of others. It’s really neat to hear other people’s stories.
I’ve always thought Clove as such a whiny person and hated any time she was in a book. She’s such a kvetch! However, after reading this I felt differently. She wasn’t whiny. She simply likes to keep the peace and since she’s the youngest, it’s hard for her not to be treated as the baby.
In this read she’s still trying to get comfortable with the idea of her dad being in her life for the first time. Same with her cousins Bay and Thistle because their dad’s left the same time Clove’s did when they were just little girls.
So, when Clove’s dad invites her and Sam to his new bed and breakfast’s soft opening to perform a seance and read tarot cards, she agrees in order to try to spend time with her dad.
She quickly discovers she wasn’t the only couple invited. Bay and Landon, Thistle and Marcus were also invited by the ladies own fathers. The first night doesn’t go too well when the seance is successful and a spirit comes through. The seance was supposed to just be a performance for the other guests - a fake seance.
It’s up to the cousins to locate the spirit and banish her. Ain’t Tillie gets in on the action, too. There’s lots of wine, lots of arguing, and lots of snark.
Cute story.
Next is book 2 of 16 - Wicked Brew.
February 28, 2015
I have been teased again! This novella just elevated my craving even more. Darn...darn...darn! I want more of the Hemlock Cove's craziness. Come on Ms. Lee...bring on that witching-writing machine of yours faster than the usual. You're killing me. :)
September 15, 2018
Loved this short story.
Amanda M.Lee did it again.This one was a lot of fun. I only wish she said it was Wicked Witches of the Midwest book 5.5 so I would have read it in order.
Amanda M.Lee did it again.This one was a lot of fun. I only wish she said it was Wicked Witches of the Midwest book 5.5 so I would have read it in order.
July 23, 2025
Wild and wonderful Winchesters never disappoint
Hilarity and mayhem definitely times infinity follows the wackiness of the Winchester clan.
I love them to Reese’s pieces and chocolates galore - much like the fun of family drama, I enjoy it immensely and appreciate allll the more, ain’t gotta live it.
Clove, her cousins the spicy and sharp on the edges Thistle and Bay are called to participate in their dad’s opening of their bed and bepreskfast inn. Problem is,in their hometown. Where they walked out on their mom. AMD their childhood.
Makes it mighty tough to be all cheerleader and powerfully supportive pop princess x3 cheerleader, so when a ghost shows up during the seance unexpectedly it’s alllll Winchesters on deck to help soothe her, I.d. her and lay here to rest. Stat! And handle aunt tillie who shows up not wanted and causing teoubbbble faster than breathing, duh!
Oooooo booooyyyyyy, hum dinger of a weekend. Entertaining story, fun and funny and an absolutely worthwhile read
Hilarity and mayhem definitely times infinity follows the wackiness of the Winchester clan.
I love them to Reese’s pieces and chocolates galore - much like the fun of family drama, I enjoy it immensely and appreciate allll the more, ain’t gotta live it.
Clove, her cousins the spicy and sharp on the edges Thistle and Bay are called to participate in their dad’s opening of their bed and bepreskfast inn. Problem is,in their hometown. Where they walked out on their mom. AMD their childhood.
Makes it mighty tough to be all cheerleader and powerfully supportive pop princess x3 cheerleader, so when a ghost shows up during the seance unexpectedly it’s alllll Winchesters on deck to help soothe her, I.d. her and lay here to rest. Stat! And handle aunt tillie who shows up not wanted and causing teoubbbble faster than breathing, duh!
Oooooo booooyyyyyy, hum dinger of a weekend. Entertaining story, fun and funny and an absolutely worthwhile read
November 29, 2023
Clove gets a short
I was really hoping to see more competence from Clove in this story. Instead, she seems beaten down by her family's low expectations. She's good at organizing and buckling down and getting mindless chores done, and she gets to mediate a disputes. I didn't feel like I got any new insight into her character.
And Sam? Never have I read a story the romantic lead is so absent from. He doesn't even get to talk Clove into sex. He's mostly there to defend Clove from relatives who think they know what's best for her, and that half heartedly.
Mostly, this story is about Clove's relationship with her Dad.
I was really hoping to see more competence from Clove in this story. Instead, she seems beaten down by her family's low expectations. She's good at organizing and buckling down and getting mindless chores done, and she gets to mediate a disputes. I didn't feel like I got any new insight into her character.
And Sam? Never have I read a story the romantic lead is so absent from. He doesn't even get to talk Clove into sex. He's mostly there to defend Clove from relatives who think they know what's best for her, and that half heartedly.
Mostly, this story is about Clove's relationship with her Dad.
June 14, 2018
A seance, cursed wine, an out of control ghost and Aunt Tillie do not add up to a romantic stay.
Terrific short read but long on storyline. Clove and her boyfriend are expecting a romantic stay at the cousin's father's Inn. However that is not to be as the others are there and a seance gets out of hand. Mix in cursed wine and Aunt Tillie for a fun read about a ghost that cannot find peace. Great little read.
Terrific short read but long on storyline. Clove and her boyfriend are expecting a romantic stay at the cousin's father's Inn. However that is not to be as the others are there and a seance gets out of hand. Mix in cursed wine and Aunt Tillie for a fun read about a ghost that cannot find peace. Great little read.
July 27, 2018
Too Many Arguments
Story line was interesting, characters were somewhat individualized, and resolution was fine. However, FAR TOO MUCH of the novella revolved around arguing. Arguments become tiresome when reader wants plot to progress. After awhile, reader almost ceases to care about any of it. The best section involved Clove and her dad as they washed dishes and discussed Gracie. Very well done.
Story line was interesting, characters were somewhat individualized, and resolution was fine. However, FAR TOO MUCH of the novella revolved around arguing. Arguments become tiresome when reader wants plot to progress. After awhile, reader almost ceases to care about any of it. The best section involved Clove and her dad as they washed dishes and discussed Gracie. Very well done.
April 24, 2023
Clove's story
Ok so this short story was probably the best of the series so far. It got to the point, there was drama, laughter and a ghost. Very good short read.
Also the tone of the story was much better. Telling it from Clove's point of view was dare I say it, an easier read than telling it from Bay's point of view.
You have to read the rest of the stories before this one but I do recommend
Ok so this short story was probably the best of the series so far. It got to the point, there was drama, laughter and a ghost. Very good short read.
Also the tone of the story was much better. Telling it from Clove's point of view was dare I say it, an easier read than telling it from Bay's point of view.
You have to read the rest of the stories before this one but I do recommend
July 8, 2017
Clove finally got the spotlight
After reading the entire series, I am coming back to all of the short stories that was published between the books and its filling in holes. I am glad that Clove got the spotlight in this one, and shined brightly. There was a lot of bickering, but that is the Winchester's way. Kudos to the author!
After reading the entire series, I am coming back to all of the short stories that was published between the books and its filling in holes. I am glad that Clove got the spotlight in this one, and shined brightly. There was a lot of bickering, but that is the Winchester's way. Kudos to the author!
December 17, 2017
"Love transcends time"
Clove's story about the Dragonfly is heart warming. She attends the opening of the inn that her father and uncles own along with Sam, Bay, Landon, Thistle, and Marcus. Aunt Tillie also joins the festivities. Together they help a a ghost move on to a place of peace. I highly recommend reading this short. Thank you, Amanda Lee.
Clove's story about the Dragonfly is heart warming. She attends the opening of the inn that her father and uncles own along with Sam, Bay, Landon, Thistle, and Marcus. Aunt Tillie also joins the festivities. Together they help a a ghost move on to a place of peace. I highly recommend reading this short. Thank you, Amanda Lee.
April 11, 2018
Loved it!
Amanda Lee says her brand of humor may not be for everyone. Well, it’s for me. I have loved every one of her books that I’ve read. The Winchester family is hilarious, especially Aunt Tillie. I plan to read every book Amanda Lee has written. I look forward to many more laugh out loud moments as I do. Thank you for sharing you gift.
Amanda Lee says her brand of humor may not be for everyone. Well, it’s for me. I have loved every one of her books that I’ve read. The Winchester family is hilarious, especially Aunt Tillie. I plan to read every book Amanda Lee has written. I look forward to many more laugh out loud moments as I do. Thank you for sharing you gift.
February 13, 2019
Short & Sweet...
If you enjoying the series books it's worth reading the short novellas that fit inbetween.. I found it bit wierd to be reading from Cloves point of view but it was a good way to show a slightly different point of view to the Cousins relationships & Family Drama. It also answered a few 'niggles' I've had from the series books...
If you enjoying the series books it's worth reading the short novellas that fit inbetween.. I found it bit wierd to be reading from Cloves point of view but it was a good way to show a slightly different point of view to the Cousins relationships & Family Drama. It also answered a few 'niggles' I've had from the series books...
August 8, 2019
So far this is my least favorite installment. The storyline was not bad, my issue was with the narration. This book was done by a completely different narrator. Some of the characters were computerized voices, Aunt Tillie just sounded whiny and annoying. I don't know if I will continue the short stories if they were done by this narrator.
April 12, 2020
Short, but excellent!
This short story was so well done, I enjoyed it as much as the full length novels. That's saying something, because I am not usually a fan of short stories.
I especially liked getting a closer look at the dads and the history of their inn.
I am enjoying everything about this series!
This short story was so well done, I enjoyed it as much as the full length novels. That's saying something, because I am not usually a fan of short stories.
I especially liked getting a closer look at the dads and the history of their inn.
I am enjoying everything about this series!
December 16, 2020
Fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was nice to see the Winchesters from someone other than Bay's perspective. This time around the story is told from Clove's POV. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was nice to see the Winchesters from someone other than Bay's perspective. This time around the story is told from Clove's POV. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
June 3, 2018
I loved reading something from one of the other characters point of view. I very much noticed the difference Amanda conveyed when writing from Cloves POV. The snarky sarcasm that I enjoy, ever so much, also remains and that is one of the main reasons I enjoy reading them.
January 7, 2019
Clove's turn
I am so glad to hear Clove's voice in all of this. That she found Sam and sticks by him touches my heart.
Ain't Tillie is rotten as ever and the fathers have a small say too!
Good read!!
I am so glad to hear Clove's voice in all of this. That she found Sam and sticks by him touches my heart.
Ain't Tillie is rotten as ever and the fathers have a small say too!
Good read!!
January 22, 2019
QUIET DOES NOT EQUAL DUMB
How would you like being sandwiched between two very strong personalities? This always happens to Clove, but this time observation is needed. Not only that but a suite touch was the only way to go.
How would you like being sandwiched between two very strong personalities? This always happens to Clove, but this time observation is needed. Not only that but a suite touch was the only way to go.
January 24, 2019
It was interesting to read this novel through Clove's point of view, though I had a hard time remembering that it's Clove and not Bay. Usually, when POV's are switched, the tone changes. But not here. Well, pleaseant enough to read :)
April 16, 2019
Good read
Sometimes being away from home is an enlightening experience. The three young cousins spend the weekend with their boyfriends at the Dragonfly Inn . Aunt Tillie and a ghost 👻 arrive. Some people have all the luck.
Sometimes being away from home is an enlightening experience. The three young cousins spend the weekend with their boyfriends at the Dragonfly Inn . Aunt Tillie and a ghost 👻 arrive. Some people have all the luck.
May 13, 2021
Bay, Clove, Thistle and their boyfriends are invited to the Dragonfly for the weekend ( the dads hotel) but what with ghosts and aunt Tilly can the soft launch be uneventful you will have to read and see
October 20, 2021
The dads open an inn
This is a short novella about the 3 cousins, their boyfriends, their great-aunt, and their fathers, who are opening a new inn. It is an interesting story with ties to the past.
This is a short novella about the 3 cousins, their boyfriends, their great-aunt, and their fathers, who are opening a new inn. It is an interesting story with ties to the past.
December 24, 2021
Very cool short story!
Fun episode in the life and times of the younger Winchester witches, their dads, and, of couse, Aunt Tillie. No story would be complete without her meddling!
Fun episode in the life and times of the younger Winchester witches, their dads, and, of couse, Aunt Tillie. No story would be complete without her meddling!
November 14, 2022
Revenge
As always Amanda Lee has a wonderful story in this book!! ❤️ the Witches of the Midwest ways have a great theme in their stories!! Looking forward to my next read by Amanda Lee.
As always Amanda Lee has a wonderful story in this book!! ❤️ the Witches of the Midwest ways have a great theme in their stories!! Looking forward to my next read by Amanda Lee.
March 21, 2023
Good short
When I read a series and then there are books from someone else's point of view it always throws me off. However, I liked reading from Clove's eyes. She has a different outlook than Thistle and Bay.
When I read a series and then there are books from someone else's point of view it always throws me off. However, I liked reading from Clove's eyes. She has a different outlook than Thistle and Bay.
May 8, 2023
Good read
A short story from Clove's point of view around all three of the cousins' fathers' Inn. Also including a bit of Aunt Tillie. This book is short, sweet, and brings to light extended and blended family interactions and feelings. Highly recommend.
A short story from Clove's point of view around all three of the cousins' fathers' Inn. Also including a bit of Aunt Tillie. This book is short, sweet, and brings to light extended and blended family interactions and feelings. Highly recommend.
July 24, 2017
In the voice of Clove
Enjoyed this glimpse into the mind and personality of Clove. It's nice to see this story from a different perspective.
Enjoyed this glimpse into the mind and personality of Clove. It's nice to see this story from a different perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews