Lovers and Lies (Witches of the New Forest, Book 5): An Exciting Paranormal Romance and Ghostly Mystery

by Joanna van der Hoeven

Escape to a world of magic, mystery, romance and adventure!

BOOK 5 (WITCHES OF THE NEW FOREST): LOVERS AND LIES

Ryder is struggling to cope with all the newfound magick that she suddenly possesses. A rift between the two sisters threatens; will they be able to reestablish their sisterly bond? The enmity between the magickal families of Burley is escalating, creating even more tension in the small community. Ghostly activity is also ramping up throughout the village, and the smugglers’ mystery only deepens. As well, what will happen, if anything, between Fionnbharr and his new fascination? Join Ryder and the usual cast of characters on their latest adventures—the New Forest awaits you!

If you

A feisty heroine coming into her own power
Witchy fiction
Small-town/village setting
Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Ghostly mystery
Fae

then this is the book, and the series, for you!

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2026

About the author

Joanna 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.

Reviews

[Giselle Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

Excellent series keeps you wanting more.
Really great characters and the plot is really good.
The different spells throughout are really interesting.
A definite great read.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first couple of books in this series but this one not so much. Nothing really happened and we didn't get any answers. It seemed to be just filler. I will definitely get the next book but I hope there will be some happenings in there.

[Bobbi Crooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book

Such a great story as always. So much depth and intrigue. cannot wait for the next book in the series

[Christine Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I thoroughly enjoyed reading more of the magical families of the new forest. I am looking forward to reading their next adventure.

[Linda Buttigieg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just boring and twee. Glad to shelve this one...nowhere really to go forward with this tale...

[Ann Gloyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, like all the others in this series so far. Can't wait for the next one.