Trick of the Light: A Cozy Witch Romantic Fantasy with Midlife Magic and Comedy

by Ivy Spellman

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 9, 2026

Reviews

[Reda]

Trick of the Light is a prequel for a new series by Ivy Spellman, an author I've come to really enjoy for her whimsy and the fact that she writes stories about people in their 40s and 50s, which is a breath of fresh air for the genre! I have really loved her Hot Flashes and Hexes series, and was expecting more of the same with this series. I was wrong.

For one thing, the prose in this Birchwood Lake series is completely different. Whereas the heroines in the Hexes series have narratives that are open and quirky, this book was very stilted in its narrative. I think it was supposed to convey the standoffishness of the heroine, but it really just read as terse. Like the romance authors who write really hard-charging heroes as constantly thinking in four-word sentences. Also, this series covers topics of grief and loss, but with the terseness of the narrative, the treatment of these themes feels shallow. The whole premise is an interesting one, but honestly, I had a hard time staying in the story because I just didn't find it enjoyable to read.

Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

[Vicki Wayne]

This is my second series from this author, and I am just as excited for what this series might have to offer! This series, however, is a little bit deeper and darker, and not quite as funny. Our main character, Erin, is a specialty witch, and she never stays in one place for very long. This makes for quite a lonely existence, and although she is very good at what she does, the author helps us feel all the things alongside her. The little town is full of other witches, all with their own craft, and I appreciate the acceptance and tolerance the author builds into the non-witch characters, so it feels like there is a true balance and peace in this little town. I appreciate the wit and sarcasm that Charlie brings to this story, and it is clear that this is his protection mechanism, to save him from his grief and feelings. I was drawn into this story and these two characters. I can't wait to see what happens to them next.

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

[Stacy71]

Erin Cassiday is a witch who helps people’s loved ones move on. She travels to where she is needed. Charlie Larson is in her hometown clearing his recently deceased grandmother’s cottage. Grandma was a member of Erin’s coven, so she is going to help him get her settled, while she is also in town to help a friend with an old lodge that’s magic is barely holding.

This book is a prequel to The Witches of Birchwood Lake series. It introduces Erin and Charlie and their budding romance which caught both by surprise. This was a quick read and seemed to just lay the foundation for the new upcoming series. I will have to read the first book to see if it develops into the type of series I have enjoyed from Ivy in the past.

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

[Samantha]

Review of an advanced copy

This is my first time reading anything by this author and I was pleasantly surprised! Trick of The Light is about a young lady who travels where she needed, doing the things she must do with her crow who has a tendency to steal things.

There is death and Erin’s help is needed. Charlie must clean out. A cottage that belong to his grandmother and to say it has quirks is an understatement. I enjoyed the witchy theme and the characters were fun and full of life! Each one had a role that even though it might have been small it all tied together very nicely. I will continue with the series to see what happens in this small town.

[Erika Pollard]

Such a cozy little sneak peek into this series, full of magic, grief, healing, and purpose. This is the second Ivy Spelling book I've read, and I believe I'm officially hooked! She has a way of mixing whimsical prose with humor, though a bit dry at times, that hits just right. I loved how this touches on the grief we feel after losing a loved one, how their home or belongings still hold a piece of them and tell a story, and how our own regrets can sometimes keep us from appreciating those small reminders. Ivy's characters are lovable and magical. I'm very much looking forward to diving into the rest of her books!

[tre.wandereads]

So because it's a prequel, it was short and easy to read. I think it was a bit unnecessary though, and we should have just gone straight to the novel. That being said, it was still a good and entertaining read

[Savannah]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well written and relatable with a very cozy and comforting story. I love this whole series and can't wait to see what's next. A fantastic comfort read that I would recommend to anyone who is tired of the picture perfect pinterest stories.