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Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #4
You Only Witch Once
It’s the summer of 2002, and Winnie Winchester is a normal mother. She has the same highs, the same lows, and the same fears as any other mother of a fourteen-year-old girl. Of course, since she’s a witch – and her daughter can talk to ghosts – those fears are amplified to an unnatural degree.
When camp counselor Donna Wilder goes missing, Winnie volunteers her services (and those of her sisters and persnickety aunt) so the Winchester witches can take over the extended weekend camp.
Local police detective Terry Davenport is running the boys’ camp across the lake, and everyone is looking forward to a weekend of fun and frolicking.
It’s all going as planned until Bay Winchester does what she always does and sees a ghost. Like a stack of dominoes, things start falling and normal childhood hijinks turn into days of torture for Bay and her cousins, Clove and Thistle.
That’s on top of a visit from second-cousin Rosemary, who has the personality (and warmth) of a snake. The girl immediately aligns herself with Bay’s sworn enemy, which means things are going to be bad before they get even worse.
Bay is on a mission to help the ghost cross over, and it’s up to her mother and family to make sure she doesn’t get hurt in the process.
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set back in time so you can't read it out of order. It is approximately 25,000 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.
When camp counselor Donna Wilder goes missing, Winnie volunteers her services (and those of her sisters and persnickety aunt) so the Winchester witches can take over the extended weekend camp.
Local police detective Terry Davenport is running the boys’ camp across the lake, and everyone is looking forward to a weekend of fun and frolicking.
It’s all going as planned until Bay Winchester does what she always does and sees a ghost. Like a stack of dominoes, things start falling and normal childhood hijinks turn into days of torture for Bay and her cousins, Clove and Thistle.
That’s on top of a visit from second-cousin Rosemary, who has the personality (and warmth) of a snake. The girl immediately aligns herself with Bay’s sworn enemy, which means things are going to be bad before they get even worse.
Bay is on a mission to help the ghost cross over, and it’s up to her mother and family to make sure she doesn’t get hurt in the process.
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set back in time so you can't read it out of order. It is approximately 25,000 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.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
431 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
311 books2,916 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 93 reviews
June 3, 2025
Some evil, but there sure is some sweet
This was soooo sweet! Ok, I'm not talking about the evil 2 prissy girls that can't seem to find goodness within, I am talking about the relationships by several people. There is one in particular though... that is the one that had literal tears coming out of me. There was a build up and we (the readers) all knew what could happen, but it wasn't until the very end it was confirmed. Awe!
Loved this. By the way, this is from Winnie's (Bay's mom) first person POV. This takes place in the past and we get to know a lot about the personalities of Bay, Thistle, Clove, Marnie, Twila, Winnie, Chief Terry,,,, many people, actually. This is an important book of the Midwest Witch 3-part series witchdom.
This was soooo sweet! Ok, I'm not talking about the evil 2 prissy girls that can't seem to find goodness within, I am talking about the relationships by several people. There is one in particular though... that is the one that had literal tears coming out of me. There was a build up and we (the readers) all knew what could happen, but it wasn't until the very end it was confirmed. Awe!
Loved this. By the way, this is from Winnie's (Bay's mom) first person POV. This takes place in the past and we get to know a lot about the personalities of Bay, Thistle, Clove, Marnie, Twila, Winnie, Chief Terry,,,, many people, actually. This is an important book of the Midwest Witch 3-part series witchdom.
February 1, 2022
Just blah
This one was about the girls mother's and for me was not as noticing as the others stories so far. I just couldn't stay infected or connect with the characters.
This one was about the girls mother's and for me was not as noticing as the others stories so far. I just couldn't stay infected or connect with the characters.
April 29, 2016
This was an interesting book about a family of witches. They were running a weekend long camp for young girls. Things got pretty interesting with witches around. The curse had me laughing and it would definitely be a great lesson for bullies everywhere to learn- LOL.
I am definitely intrigued and I will be looking for more books in this series. Since this seems to be book 4 maybe I should start back at 1.....
I am definitely intrigued and I will be looking for more books in this series. Since this seems to be book 4 maybe I should start back at 1.....
September 12, 2015
Another good Witchy story
I always enjoy Amanda Lee's books, and this was another good one. Now I'm looking forward to the next one!
I always enjoy Amanda Lee's books, and this was another good one. Now I'm looking forward to the next one!
September 27, 2019
This is a story from Winnie's point of view and from the past when Bay was 14 and was being made to go to a four-day camp. She doesn't want to go. That's bad enough but Lila and Rosemary, two very nasty girls, are also going to be there. So will Aunt Tillie.
There is, of course, no way that is going to work well and things get very interesting, especially when the two nasty girls find out just what Aunt Tillie can do to stop bullying behavior.
Complicating matters, though, is Bay talking to a ghost she can see (something which others her age have bullied her for) and she wants to help the ghost so that makes overall matters even more difficult.
There is, of course, no way that is going to work well and things get very interesting, especially when the two nasty girls find out just what Aunt Tillie can do to stop bullying behavior.
Complicating matters, though, is Bay talking to a ghost she can see (something which others her age have bullied her for) and she wants to help the ghost so that makes overall matters even more difficult.
June 14, 2018
The punishment really fits the crime
Awesome. The aunts have volunteered to run the girls camp when the original organiser goes missing. What can go wrong? Everything when you take 30 young girls (which include Bay's chief tormentor and their estranged cousin), ghosts and Aunt Tillie. Will everyone survive intact and will the truth about the organisers disappearance be revealed. This is the beginning of the romance between Bay and her FBI hunk and the revenge wraught by Aunt Tillie is the thing of legends.
Awesome. The aunts have volunteered to run the girls camp when the original organiser goes missing. What can go wrong? Everything when you take 30 young girls (which include Bay's chief tormentor and their estranged cousin), ghosts and Aunt Tillie. Will everyone survive intact and will the truth about the organisers disappearance be revealed. This is the beginning of the romance between Bay and her FBI hunk and the revenge wraught by Aunt Tillie is the thing of legends.
December 2, 2023
historic
The story takes place when Bay and Thistle are young girls. Well, each short story has a different narrator, this is the first one that has one of the moms doing the narration. It is told for the perspective of Winnie, who is Bay’s mom. The moms are running the girls’ camp while the chief, before he is chief, is running the boys’ camp. And the mom’s evil cousin and Aunt Tillie’s evil sister are re-introduced as characters. Or maybe introduced. I am reading these out of order from the main books.
The story takes place when Bay and Thistle are young girls. Well, each short story has a different narrator, this is the first one that has one of the moms doing the narration. It is told for the perspective of Winnie, who is Bay’s mom. The moms are running the girls’ camp while the chief, before he is chief, is running the boys’ camp. And the mom’s evil cousin and Aunt Tillie’s evil sister are re-introduced as characters. Or maybe introduced. I am reading these out of order from the main books.
February 22, 2024
Never start a fight for spite
Bay's Mother agreed to take over the girls short summer camp. Out of nowhere her great aunt shows up with Rosemary, her granddaughter, neither of them lives in the area. So why show up? When Rosemary immediately allies with Bay's nemesis Lila, things start to pop. Literally, poison oak mysteriously appears on the ones who lie, plot and have ill intent. It's spelled to get worse as intentions do. But who created the spell? And who is the dark haired boy from the other camp who is interested in Bay and swears he'll be back?
Bay's Mother agreed to take over the girls short summer camp. Out of nowhere her great aunt shows up with Rosemary, her granddaughter, neither of them lives in the area. So why show up? When Rosemary immediately allies with Bay's nemesis Lila, things start to pop. Literally, poison oak mysteriously appears on the ones who lie, plot and have ill intent. It's spelled to get worse as intentions do. But who created the spell? And who is the dark haired boy from the other camp who is interested in Bay and swears he'll be back?
August 26, 2020
Cute and short
This is a good trip down memory lane; it's interesting to see how little has truly changed for the Winchester gang. Teenager Bay has plenty of angst to deal with, including having her mom as her camp counselor, the usual mean girl shenanigans, and an uncommunicative ghost. The mystery is a bit anticlimactic, but at least she gets to meet a cute, kind boy! I'm just disappointed that Lila and Rosemary didn't cry!
This is a good trip down memory lane; it's interesting to see how little has truly changed for the Winchester gang. Teenager Bay has plenty of angst to deal with, including having her mom as her camp counselor, the usual mean girl shenanigans, and an uncommunicative ghost. The mystery is a bit anticlimactic, but at least she gets to meet a cute, kind boy! I'm just disappointed that Lila and Rosemary didn't cry!
May 12, 2023
Good read
This short story basically goes into detail about the year the Winchester cousins went to summer camp. It was also the summer that Bay and Landon briefly met when they were almost teenagers at the camp. But they won't be reunited until further in the future. It's also the camp experience where evil cousin Rosemary and evil Lila torment Bay. Read to see what happens to really mean girls. Highly recommend.
This short story basically goes into detail about the year the Winchester cousins went to summer camp. It was also the summer that Bay and Landon briefly met when they were almost teenagers at the camp. But they won't be reunited until further in the future. It's also the camp experience where evil cousin Rosemary and evil Lila torment Bay. Read to see what happens to really mean girls. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2019
Camptime, Campfires, and Smores
Bay, Clove and Thistle spend a week at camp in Hemlock Cove. The head camp counselor, Donna, is missing, so Great Aunt Tillie and her three nieces head out to camp, becoming camp counselors.
Time to canoe, swim in the lake, talk to a ghost and tell scary stories around the campfire.
Bay, Clove and Thistle spend a week at camp in Hemlock Cove. The head camp counselor, Donna, is missing, so Great Aunt Tillie and her three nieces head out to camp, becoming camp counselors.
Time to canoe, swim in the lake, talk to a ghost and tell scary stories around the campfire.
December 22, 2020
Fun.
This story is told by Winnie. It was fun to read. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. It was interesting to see the Winchesters as teens. Plus, we get to see another perspective of their mothers. I look forward to reading more of these fantastic shorts.This book is definitely worth reading.
This story is told by Winnie. It was fun to read. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. It was interesting to see the Winchesters as teens. Plus, we get to see another perspective of their mothers. I look forward to reading more of these fantastic shorts.This book is definitely worth reading.
January 14, 2021
Once
Summer camp and the Mother's are going to be chaperones because the camp councillor has disappeared and
Terry has charge of the boys camp across the lake. Aunt Willa, Aunt Tillie's sister has brought her grand niece and a friend to the camp (as spies no doubt). Hilarity ensued as you might have guessed!
Summer camp and the Mother's are going to be chaperones because the camp councillor has disappeared and
Terry has charge of the boys camp across the lake. Aunt Willa, Aunt Tillie's sister has brought her grand niece and a friend to the camp (as spies no doubt). Hilarity ensued as you might have guessed!
May 7, 2021
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Lee it's sarcastic, dry humor oddly works for these characters leaving me wanting more. This is as it says a short story...and , for me it was a good place to start...I can't wait to read a longer book about the Winchester Witches and all they get witchy with Lol
July 16, 2017
Great
Everyone goes to camp and the usual witch fun begins. I have mostly read the books in which the girls were grown so it was fun to read one from Winnies point of view and they are kids
Everyone goes to camp and the usual witch fun begins. I have mostly read the books in which the girls were grown so it was fun to read one from Winnies point of view and they are kids
May 2, 2018
As Good as the rest!
Each of the ‘Wicked Witches of the Midwest’ books. Have been delightfully entertaining. So far the short versions are just as good. I am enjoying seeing each story form a different person in the family.
Each of the ‘Wicked Witches of the Midwest’ books. Have been delightfully entertaining. So far the short versions are just as good. I am enjoying seeing each story form a different person in the family.
February 4, 2019
DREADED SUMMER CAMP!!!
Everyone has horror stories about having to go to the camp, but most find something good about it. Bay was no exception. She got to solve a mystery while dealing with her nemesis.
Everyone has horror stories about having to go to the camp, but most find something good about it. Bay was no exception. She got to solve a mystery while dealing with her nemesis.
August 30, 2020
Good read
Yeah all teenagers have hormones that turn them into unrecognizable beings, some recover, some just learn to hide what they are. 🤷♀️wisdom takes insight through experience and compassion for others. Read and see what you think 👍💜
Yeah all teenagers have hormones that turn them into unrecognizable beings, some recover, some just learn to hide what they are. 🤷♀️wisdom takes insight through experience and compassion for others. Read and see what you think 👍💜
November 1, 2021
Teenage cousins at camp
The Winchester women have to lead a weekend camp. Lila and Rosemary plot against the girls. Bay sees a ghost. I love the curse - when the evil girls lie or act like ... themselves, the "poison oak" gets worse.
The Winchester women have to lead a weekend camp. Lila and Rosemary plot against the girls. Bay sees a ghost. I love the curse - when the evil girls lie or act like ... themselves, the "poison oak" gets worse.
Read
December 26, 2021Summer Camp... oh, what fun!
S'mores, cabins, bonfires, and ghost stories! What could possibly go wrong? The destructive duo of Lila and Rosemary cause all kinds of mayhem. Loved it!
S'mores, cabins, bonfires, and ghost stories! What could possibly go wrong? The destructive duo of Lila and Rosemary cause all kinds of mayhem. Loved it!
February 5, 2022
One of my favorites ❤
This was a fun story. Seeing the older Winchester ladies from earlier times was great. It explains a bit more about how they are now. I loved the surprise at the end. Some things are meant to be.
This was a fun story. Seeing the older Winchester ladies from earlier times was great. It explains a bit more about how they are now. I loved the surprise at the end. Some things are meant to be.
November 14, 2022
Karma
Oh how wonderful that the teens came to getting a time to be miserable ! Their own making! Family can come in all types and meanest!! Good book great characters! Enjoyable!!
Oh how wonderful that the teens came to getting a time to be miserable ! Their own making! Family can come in all types and meanest!! Good book great characters! Enjoyable!!
January 8, 2024
Bay meets Landon at camp
This story is from Winnie's point of view. She has to run a summer camp with her sisters. There's a ghost and teen drama. The counselors do a terrible job. Hotdogs twice? Zero planned evening entertainment? No discipline? What were they thinking?
This story is from Winnie's point of view. She has to run a summer camp with her sisters. There's a ghost and teen drama. The counselors do a terrible job. Hotdogs twice? Zero planned evening entertainment? No discipline? What were they thinking?
July 19, 2017
I love it!
July 16, 2017
This was such a cute short! I think it's probably my favorite...and I really want Terry and Winnie to get together.
February 15, 2018
I love these little shorts about the witches.
September 6, 2018
Good Read
Oh the level of teenage mischief in camp and to have the two evils be friends against Bay and her being busy trying to help a ghost.
Oh the level of teenage mischief in camp and to have the two evils be friends against Bay and her being busy trying to help a ghost.
June 4, 2019
Great book
Landon meet Bay at camp when they where 14 is cute . I’m glad Aunt Tilly gave both Lila and Rosemary the poison oak
Landon meet Bay at camp when they where 14 is cute . I’m glad Aunt Tilly gave both Lila and Rosemary the poison oak
August 30, 2019
Awesome
I love the camp setting. Lila was never nice. It’s really great that Bay and Landon met when they were kids.
I love the camp setting. Lila was never nice. It’s really great that Bay and Landon met when they were kids.
March 31, 2020
Loved it
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews