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Stormbound: A Welsh Witch Paranormal Mystery
The sea remembers what people forget.
Cate Morgan has questions. Why did her mother flee this Welsh coastal town thirty years ago and never look back? What happened here that she refuses to speak of? Taking the harbourmaster job in Môrlan feels less like a career move and more like the only way she'll ever find out.
Within days of arriving, Cate finds herself drawn into a circle of witches who practise a magic she recognises in her bones — older and stranger than anything she taught herself: a baker who reads the truth beneath words, a forensic pathologist who speaks with the dead, a blacksmith who forges protection into iron, and a powerful witch with an Otherworld hound. They don't know her mother. But someone in Môrlan does. Someone who's been burying secrets for decades.
The closer Cate gets to the truth, the more dangerous the questions become. Because whatever happened to her mother thirty years ago is still happening.
Stormbound is a paranormal mystery rooted in Welsh folklore, set on the wild Pembrokeshire coast. Perfect for readers of TJ Green, Genevieve Jack, and anyone who’s ever wanted to move to a harbour town and start over.
Cate Morgan has questions. Why did her mother flee this Welsh coastal town thirty years ago and never look back? What happened here that she refuses to speak of? Taking the harbourmaster job in Môrlan feels less like a career move and more like the only way she'll ever find out.
Within days of arriving, Cate finds herself drawn into a circle of witches who practise a magic she recognises in her bones — older and stranger than anything she taught herself: a baker who reads the truth beneath words, a forensic pathologist who speaks with the dead, a blacksmith who forges protection into iron, and a powerful witch with an Otherworld hound. They don't know her mother. But someone in Môrlan does. Someone who's been burying secrets for decades.
The closer Cate gets to the truth, the more dangerous the questions become. Because whatever happened to her mother thirty years ago is still happening.
Stormbound is a paranormal mystery rooted in Welsh folklore, set on the wild Pembrokeshire coast. Perfect for readers of TJ Green, Genevieve Jack, and anyone who’s ever wanted to move to a harbour town and start over.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2026
About the author
Toria Howell
9 books2 followersToria Howell writes atmospheric paranormal fiction rooted in the folklore of the British Isles — the kind of stories where ancient creatures stir beneath coastal waves and old magic lingers in the landscape. Her books span paranormal romance and cosy mystery, drawing on the real myths and legends of Cornwall, Wales, and beyond rather than anything found in a Hollywood special effects department.
A cunning woman herself, Toria brings an insider's understanding of folk magic to her writing — no sparkly wands or dramatic midnight rituals required. Born in the UK but shaped by life in several countries, Toria writes with British spelling and slightly confused pronunciation. She finds inspiration in mist-covered hills, crumbling castles, local gossip, and the peculiarities of rural life—some of which find their way into her books if she’s not paying attention.
When she isn't dreaming up ways to weave selkies, Cŵn Annwn, and standing stones into love stories and mysteries, she can be found in her home in the Welsh Valleys with a cup of tea, a good book, and her two black cats, Salem and Nyx, who are far more destructive than they sound. When she’s not writing, Toria’s most likely reading in a patch of sun, manipulating the weather for better driving conditions, or losing horrendously at tri-dominoes to her family, though she maintains that she's improving.
A cunning woman herself, Toria brings an insider's understanding of folk magic to her writing — no sparkly wands or dramatic midnight rituals required. Born in the UK but shaped by life in several countries, Toria writes with British spelling and slightly confused pronunciation. She finds inspiration in mist-covered hills, crumbling castles, local gossip, and the peculiarities of rural life—some of which find their way into her books if she’s not paying attention.
When she isn't dreaming up ways to weave selkies, Cŵn Annwn, and standing stones into love stories and mysteries, she can be found in her home in the Welsh Valleys with a cup of tea, a good book, and her two black cats, Salem and Nyx, who are far more destructive than they sound. When she’s not writing, Toria’s most likely reading in a patch of sun, manipulating the weather for better driving conditions, or losing horrendously at tri-dominoes to her family, though she maintains that she's improving.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 15, 2026
Wales is one of my favorite places, so I am always excited to read things set there. Toria Howell captures the personality of Wales perfectly in Stormbound, and reading her book made me feel like I was back there again.
I also really enjoyed the story and following along with Cate Morgan as she unravels the mystery of what happened to her mother. She makes friends along the way, and those friends become staunch supporters and allies in her quest. Each member of her found family has a unique magic that complements the others when they combine forces.
The story has magic, mystery, and just a little romance, all perfectly blended. There is a lot of potential for more stories with these characters. Many mysteries are hinted at that could be explored in future books, and I look forward to reading them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also really enjoyed the story and following along with Cate Morgan as she unravels the mystery of what happened to her mother. She makes friends along the way, and those friends become staunch supporters and allies in her quest. Each member of her found family has a unique magic that complements the others when they combine forces.
The story has magic, mystery, and just a little romance, all perfectly blended. There is a lot of potential for more stories with these characters. Many mysteries are hinted at that could be explored in future books, and I look forward to reading them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2026
Stormbound
Stormbound is a spellbinding paranormal mystery set in a Welsh harbor town. The town has been the scene of mysterious forces that have appeared periodically over the years. The new Harbor Master, Cate, came to town to learn how her mother's visit there years ago changed her personality. She senses a malevolence that she cannot identify. But, when one day she is propelled by forces she does not understand, people in the town reach out to her.
The powerful set of characters helps drive this tale. They all have powers beyond the norm: including Haf, the baker, who can see one's true self; Dai ,the iron maker, as strong as his forged product; Sam, the waterman, steadfast and fearless. Also pivotal are Sara, the healer, and her police officer husband, Thomas. They all turn to the woman with the most powerful magic around, Non, and her dog-like creature from the underworld who has perceptions of his own.
Drawing from Welsh folklore and tales of the sea, the author presents a compelling mystery set in a spare town, where people used to put their heads down and go to work, that is, until various property-owning people gradually become less than themselves.
As she investigates, Cate must resist a force she does not understand. As she reaches out, her friends build protection and work to identify the source of this spell. Once identified, it needs to be excised without harming Cate. She and Sara visit her mother in the care home where she now lives, to determine the forces that have made her complacent and compliant. They learn that the same type of forces are binding both women, with Cates just becoming active.
Then, of course, the next challenge is how their good magic can overcome this black magic. They believe they must also find the source, which seems to be based somewhere or with someone in the waterside town. Other strengths of nature rise against their quest, with powerful storms and angry seas battering the coast. The spirits have been angered.
I enjoyed this mystery and encourage you to read it to learn how Cate and her friends investigate. How do they meet those from the underworld? What clues do they use to identify the source of evil? Unravel this and many other questions as you take the time to enjoy this tale.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and have reviewed
it honestly.
Stormbound is a spellbinding paranormal mystery set in a Welsh harbor town. The town has been the scene of mysterious forces that have appeared periodically over the years. The new Harbor Master, Cate, came to town to learn how her mother's visit there years ago changed her personality. She senses a malevolence that she cannot identify. But, when one day she is propelled by forces she does not understand, people in the town reach out to her.
The powerful set of characters helps drive this tale. They all have powers beyond the norm: including Haf, the baker, who can see one's true self; Dai ,the iron maker, as strong as his forged product; Sam, the waterman, steadfast and fearless. Also pivotal are Sara, the healer, and her police officer husband, Thomas. They all turn to the woman with the most powerful magic around, Non, and her dog-like creature from the underworld who has perceptions of his own.
Drawing from Welsh folklore and tales of the sea, the author presents a compelling mystery set in a spare town, where people used to put their heads down and go to work, that is, until various property-owning people gradually become less than themselves.
As she investigates, Cate must resist a force she does not understand. As she reaches out, her friends build protection and work to identify the source of this spell. Once identified, it needs to be excised without harming Cate. She and Sara visit her mother in the care home where she now lives, to determine the forces that have made her complacent and compliant. They learn that the same type of forces are binding both women, with Cates just becoming active.
Then, of course, the next challenge is how their good magic can overcome this black magic. They believe they must also find the source, which seems to be based somewhere or with someone in the waterside town. Other strengths of nature rise against their quest, with powerful storms and angry seas battering the coast. The spirits have been angered.
I enjoyed this mystery and encourage you to read it to learn how Cate and her friends investigate. How do they meet those from the underworld? What clues do they use to identify the source of evil? Unravel this and many other questions as you take the time to enjoy this tale.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and have reviewed
it honestly.
March 27, 2026
Stormbound
For anyone that likes magic and Wales this is a must read. I'm not the fastest reader but I read it so quickly I surprised myself. I can't wait for the next installment to see what the gang does next. It's heartfelt and draws you on so quickly 5⭐
For anyone that likes magic and Wales this is a must read. I'm not the fastest reader but I read it so quickly I surprised myself. I can't wait for the next installment to see what the gang does next. It's heartfelt and draws you on so quickly 5⭐
April 17, 2026
This was a really atmospheric paranormal suspense mystery.
It is the first book in the series.
I loved the characters. They all gelled together in a fascinating way.
I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is the first book in the series.
I loved the characters. They all gelled together in a fascinating way.
I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2026
Stormbound is a warm and immersive entry into the world of cozy paranormal mystery, offering a refreshing and deeply personal take on magic. One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its portrayal of magic as an innate ability, something that flows naturally from within a witch rather than relying on external tools or spoken incantations. This approach gives the story a more intimate, almost instinctual feel, making the magic system both believable and uniquely engaging.
Equally captivating is the rich sense of place woven throughout the novel. The inclusion of Welsh words and folklore grounds the story in its setting, adding texture and authenticity. These cultural elements don’t just serve as background detail; they enhance the atmosphere and deepen the reader’s connection to the world Howell has created.
At its heart, Stormbound is driven by its characters. The cast is genuinely lovable, and their dialogue feels natural and unforced, making their relationships easy to invest in. There’s a comforting familiarity to their interactions, as though you’re stepping into a community you’d happily spend time in. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain—it invites you in, creating a place you’d like to visit and people you’d love to know.
With its blend of mystery, magic, and heart, Stormbound is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It leaves a lasting impression not through grand spectacle, but through its charm, authenticity, and emotional warmth. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Equally captivating is the rich sense of place woven throughout the novel. The inclusion of Welsh words and folklore grounds the story in its setting, adding texture and authenticity. These cultural elements don’t just serve as background detail; they enhance the atmosphere and deepen the reader’s connection to the world Howell has created.
At its heart, Stormbound is driven by its characters. The cast is genuinely lovable, and their dialogue feels natural and unforced, making their relationships easy to invest in. There’s a comforting familiarity to their interactions, as though you’re stepping into a community you’d happily spend time in. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain—it invites you in, creating a place you’d like to visit and people you’d love to know.
With its blend of mystery, magic, and heart, Stormbound is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It leaves a lasting impression not through grand spectacle, but through its charm, authenticity, and emotional warmth. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews