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Witch of the Cards
Fiera was born a sea witch with no inkling of her power. And now it might be too late.Witch of the Cards is historical, supernatural romantic suspense set in 1932 on the Jersey shore. Twenty-two year-old Fiera has recently left the Brooklyn orphanage where she was raised, and works in Manhattan as a nanny. She gets a lucky break when her boss pays for her short vacation in Asbury Park. One evening, Fiera and her new friend Dulcie wander down the boardwalk and into Peter Dune’s Tarot & Séance, where they attend a card reading. Fiera has always had an unsettling ability to know things before they happen and sense people’s hidden agendas. She longs to either find out the origin of her powers or else banish them because as is, they make her feel crazy. When, during the reading, her energies somehow bond with Peter Dune’s and form an undeniable ethereal force, a chain of revelations and dangerous events begin to unspool. For one, Fiera finds out she is a witch from a powerful sea clan, but that someone is out to stop her blossoming power forever. And though she is falling in love with Peter, he also has a secret side. He’s no card reader, but a private detective working to expose mediums. Despite this terrible betrayal, Fiera must make the choice to save Peter from a tragic Morro Cruise boat fire, or let him perish with his fellow investigators. Told in alternating viewpoints, we hear Fiera and Peter each struggle against their deep attraction. Secrets, lies, even murder, lace this dark fantasy.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2016
21 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stine
31 books642 followersCatherine Stine is a USA Today bestselling author of urban, paranormal and historical fantasy. Her novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books. Catherine's newest historical fantasy, Witch of the Wild Beasts, was a second prize winner in the Romance Writers' Sheila Contest.
She loves spending time with her beagle, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening on her deck, and meeting readers at book events. Catherine suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her when she was a child.
She loves spending time with her beagle, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening on her deck, and meeting readers at book events. Catherine suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her when she was a child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 25, 2016
Witch of the Cards
By: Catherine Stine
5 out of 5 stars
The story Witch of the Cards by Catherine Stine is a Historical/Occult book. Fiera has recently left a Brooklyn orphanage where she was raised to work as a nanny in Manhattan. She receives a bonus from her boss, a short vacation to Asbury Park. She and her new friend Dulcie end up in Peter Dune’s Tarot and Séance parlor. Fiera seems to know things before then happen and can sense people’s hidden agendas. Meeting Peter Dune she finds her energies merging with Peter’s which set off a chain of revelations and dangerous events. Fiera finds out things about herself that she has always been searching for, such as the truth of her abilities. It seems however that Peter has his own secrets. Once they are revealed, Fiera has a choice to make, save the man she has this attractions to or say nothing. Which way will she choose?
I love historical fiction books. Then to have one on the subject with witches, Tarot cards and Séance’s is even better. It is told from the POV of both Fiera and Peter. This is one book that is hard to put down. The strange attraction that Peter and Fiera feel for each other and the secrets that Peter is keeping are enough to end any relationship. This books story and characters are well written and kept my eyes buried in the book until the finish.
If you love a book that will keep you up till all hours of the morning and is a dark fantasy book set in 1932, this is one story you don’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
By: Catherine Stine
5 out of 5 stars
The story Witch of the Cards by Catherine Stine is a Historical/Occult book. Fiera has recently left a Brooklyn orphanage where she was raised to work as a nanny in Manhattan. She receives a bonus from her boss, a short vacation to Asbury Park. She and her new friend Dulcie end up in Peter Dune’s Tarot and Séance parlor. Fiera seems to know things before then happen and can sense people’s hidden agendas. Meeting Peter Dune she finds her energies merging with Peter’s which set off a chain of revelations and dangerous events. Fiera finds out things about herself that she has always been searching for, such as the truth of her abilities. It seems however that Peter has his own secrets. Once they are revealed, Fiera has a choice to make, save the man she has this attractions to or say nothing. Which way will she choose?
I love historical fiction books. Then to have one on the subject with witches, Tarot cards and Séance’s is even better. It is told from the POV of both Fiera and Peter. This is one book that is hard to put down. The strange attraction that Peter and Fiera feel for each other and the secrets that Peter is keeping are enough to end any relationship. This books story and characters are well written and kept my eyes buried in the book until the finish.
If you love a book that will keep you up till all hours of the morning and is a dark fantasy book set in 1932, this is one story you don’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 25, 2016
Enjoyable paranormal romance set on the Jersey Shore in 1934.
While romance is not my genre, I do love historical fantasy, especially novels featuring real people and events, with the supernatural portrayed as a secret undercurrent or cause. So I loved the inclusion of the famous Moro Castle shipwreck as a key plot element. Salvador Dali and Bela Lugosi playing bit parts? Fabulous.
The 1930s setting is well-researched and convincing. The bleakness of the Great Depression, and the glittering remnants of the Jazz Age, all come vividly to life. Catherine Stine has a gift for sparkling language and knows how to tell a good story.
While romance is not my genre, I do love historical fantasy, especially novels featuring real people and events, with the supernatural portrayed as a secret undercurrent or cause. So I loved the inclusion of the famous Moro Castle shipwreck as a key plot element. Salvador Dali and Bela Lugosi playing bit parts? Fabulous.
The 1930s setting is well-researched and convincing. The bleakness of the Great Depression, and the glittering remnants of the Jazz Age, all come vividly to life. Catherine Stine has a gift for sparkling language and knows how to tell a good story.
August 12, 2016
So I jumped into the book without reading the back content and just judged it by the amazingly beautiful cover. Thankfully, the beauty didn't stop there!
I loved the setting of this book. It felt nostalgic with it's 1930's Jersey shore feel.
I felt the characters were fun and Mr. Dune was dreamy. I loved the little twists and turns, and liked how the author took historically accurate events (prohibition) and mixed them with magic.
I loved the setting of this book. It felt nostalgic with it's 1930's Jersey shore feel.
I felt the characters were fun and Mr. Dune was dreamy. I loved the little twists and turns, and liked how the author took historically accurate events (prohibition) and mixed them with magic.
April 7, 2019
Witch of the Cards was part historical fiction part supernatural fantasy and overall a fun read. The 1930s comes to life pretty well in this, including a spin on the famous Morro Castle shipwreck, which I always think it's cool when authors mix in real events. The characters do use a lot of old lingo which at first sounded silly but it was just adding to the feel. Fiera and Peter were both very likable characters, there were a few things that didn't feel well explained but the book moves along at a good pace with a few surprises to keep it interesting.
March 25, 2016
Let me begin by saying that cover! 10/10. I would read this book just for that cover.
Normally I love historical fiction but somehow this era was a bit strange for me. I don't know if things were that different back then but the dialogue and reactions seemed a bit unnatural to me which is my only problem with this book. We have people reacting "meh" to completely horrific supernatural occurrences and some characters cough... Dulcie....cough are just convenient. Using a friend for her status and then pretending to feel guilty about it.. tsk tsk just not very nice.
I found it a bit hard to get into at first. I felt like our main character, Ivy, had so much more to her but we were just shown a little peek and had to guess the rest. Maybe that's why it was difficult to connect with her. I like that it doesn't take long before the real action begins. We have plenty of things to gasp over. Some things were downright creepy. The mystery element was well done in my opinion.
Although our main characters accomplished great feats of magic and everything was fine and dandy in the end for everyone (Well, except the nasty villain) they acted weirdly at really important times especially Peter. Opal was the one character that did not disappoint. She was more likable and inspiring than Ivy or Peter. I did enjoy reading Peter's POV though. His back story was well developed.
I don't know if this will be a series so the unanswered questions are pretty annoying. Who was Ivy's father? What was the villain's back story? What about the rest of her sea clan? Why was the villain was after all those kids? The kids are actually what I was most confused about. Their mystery kept me going but in the end, no one mentioned them. I think I am missing something. What about the Circle? I mean the kids and the Circle were actually the key mysteries in the beginning and middle but somehow everyone forgot about them in the end. We were given a slight peek of the Circle in the end but no explanation for it. The villain didn't seem to operate alone so what happened to the villain's for a lack of a better word..henchmen. We were never really told enough about the taffy which was so important in the beginning.
These questions make me feel like the book was unfinished. I found the story refreshing and thrilling.
(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Normally I love historical fiction but somehow this era was a bit strange for me. I don't know if things were that different back then but the dialogue and reactions seemed a bit unnatural to me which is my only problem with this book. We have people reacting "meh" to completely horrific supernatural occurrences and some characters cough... Dulcie....cough are just convenient. Using a friend for her status and then pretending to feel guilty about it.. tsk tsk just not very nice.
I found it a bit hard to get into at first. I felt like our main character, Ivy, had so much more to her but we were just shown a little peek and had to guess the rest. Maybe that's why it was difficult to connect with her. I like that it doesn't take long before the real action begins. We have plenty of things to gasp over. Some things were downright creepy. The mystery element was well done in my opinion.
Although our main characters accomplished great feats of magic and everything was fine and dandy in the end for everyone (Well, except the nasty villain) they acted weirdly at really important times especially Peter. Opal was the one character that did not disappoint. She was more likable and inspiring than Ivy or Peter. I did enjoy reading Peter's POV though. His back story was well developed.
I don't know if this will be a series so the unanswered questions are pretty annoying. Who was Ivy's father? What was the villain's back story? What about the rest of her sea clan? Why was the villain was after all those kids? The kids are actually what I was most confused about. Their mystery kept me going but in the end, no one mentioned them. I think I am missing something. What about the Circle? I mean the kids and the Circle were actually the key mysteries in the beginning and middle but somehow everyone forgot about them in the end. We were given a slight peek of the Circle in the end but no explanation for it. The villain didn't seem to operate alone so what happened to the villain's for a lack of a better word..henchmen. We were never really told enough about the taffy which was so important in the beginning.
These questions make me feel like the book was unfinished. I found the story refreshing and thrilling.
(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
August 20, 2016
Witch of Cards opens by introducing the readers to Fiera, a twenty-two year old from Manhattan who is taking a vacation in Asbury Park. While there she joins paths with her new friends Dulcie, Opal, Peter, and Tim. The thing about Fiera is that she is special, but she has no clue just how special she truly is. This book will take you on a wild ride of seances, tarot cards, and intuition.
I really don’t know where to start with this book, so let’s look at the positives first. The premise of this book is pretty amazing (no spoilers because this was written on the blurb), Fiera is a twenty-two year old woman who was raised as an orphan who ends up finding out that she is a sea witch. She has no idea that there is anything different about herself but when she meets her new friends her power starts to manifest and grow. If you like books about the occult and magic, this is something you should pick up. Likewise if you like period works, pick this book up today!
This book was actually a really slow start for me. It took me about four times of picking it up before I really got to it. Honestly, for me there was no action or story line movement until about halfway through the book. I don’t know much about the author, but it seemed like there was only explanation for about half of what happens in the book, and I had the ending pegged by about half way through the book. I was just reading it to see exactly how she would play it out. I also thought that her main character lacked depth.
All of the stylistic stuff aside, this book was set in the 1930’s. Now, my grandfather was alive in the 30’s playing as a jazz musician in some of the illegal bars, those stories always fascinated me; BUT the dialogue in this book was very distracting for me. We all know there are certain sayings and slang that happens at certain times but almost every piece of conversation had some period slang in it. It really took away from the writing for me.
All in all, if you are a historical occult fan, or a conspiracy theorist then you would probably really like this book.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 for a decent story line with OK execution.
Happy reading!
I really don’t know where to start with this book, so let’s look at the positives first. The premise of this book is pretty amazing (no spoilers because this was written on the blurb), Fiera is a twenty-two year old woman who was raised as an orphan who ends up finding out that she is a sea witch. She has no idea that there is anything different about herself but when she meets her new friends her power starts to manifest and grow. If you like books about the occult and magic, this is something you should pick up. Likewise if you like period works, pick this book up today!
This book was actually a really slow start for me. It took me about four times of picking it up before I really got to it. Honestly, for me there was no action or story line movement until about halfway through the book. I don’t know much about the author, but it seemed like there was only explanation for about half of what happens in the book, and I had the ending pegged by about half way through the book. I was just reading it to see exactly how she would play it out. I also thought that her main character lacked depth.
All of the stylistic stuff aside, this book was set in the 1930’s. Now, my grandfather was alive in the 30’s playing as a jazz musician in some of the illegal bars, those stories always fascinated me; BUT the dialogue in this book was very distracting for me. We all know there are certain sayings and slang that happens at certain times but almost every piece of conversation had some period slang in it. It really took away from the writing for me.
All in all, if you are a historical occult fan, or a conspiracy theorist then you would probably really like this book.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 for a decent story line with OK execution.
Happy reading!
April 10, 2016
Ivy is a nanny on a summer holiday in Asbury, New Jersey, in 1932. She often has premonitions and feels strangely attracted to the ocean, even though this is her first visit. Ivy knows nothing of the circumstances of her birth, other than her birth name, Fiera. When psychic Peter Dune calls her by that name during a séance and later gives her a deck of Tarot cards, Fiera embarks on a journey to discover her origins and her destiny.
The story is told from the points-of-view of both Fiera and Peter. This leads to some repetition, as we sometimes see the same events from both perspectives. This author creates a great sense of atmosphere, capturing the voice and the mood of the nation during the Depression and Jazz Age. She includes historical references to Asbury Park, Hooverville, designer Elsa Schiaparelli, artist Salvador Dali, actress Irene Ware, actor Bela Lugosi, and the Morro Castle cruise liner. And she cleverly weaves supernatural fiction with a real-life tragedy.
While this story is complete, the ending hints at adventures to come.
Warnings: sexual references, mild sex scenes, alcohol consumption, drug use.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 April): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The story is told from the points-of-view of both Fiera and Peter. This leads to some repetition, as we sometimes see the same events from both perspectives. This author creates a great sense of atmosphere, capturing the voice and the mood of the nation during the Depression and Jazz Age. She includes historical references to Asbury Park, Hooverville, designer Elsa Schiaparelli, artist Salvador Dali, actress Irene Ware, actor Bela Lugosi, and the Morro Castle cruise liner. And she cleverly weaves supernatural fiction with a real-life tragedy.
While this story is complete, the ending hints at adventures to come.
Warnings: sexual references, mild sex scenes, alcohol consumption, drug use.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 April): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
March 20, 2016
I have received this book at the goodreads lovers of paranormal group for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Depending on the novel beginnings for me are a toss up, some books are so bogged down with descriptions I find myself having trouble getting into the story. Witch of the cards dived right into the main character Ivy's world, as she walked into a tarot card reading and started her journey in the first few paragraphs of the book.
I enjoyed the novel as it does stand out from most books in this genre. The timeline of 1932 was great, it was fun to have characters wearing 30's fashion and being in the prohibition era was interesting.
Ivy and Peters dialog was smooth and there romance although quick for my taste was adorable and built well. The novel also has a very interesting plot and did surprise me more then once which kept me reading.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes! I finished it in two days because I did really enjoy it. It was an easy light read, written very well.
I don't know how to put this into words however I will try. The book moves at a wonderful pace, the sentence structure is strong and descriptive without being boring and to much.
Depending on the novel beginnings for me are a toss up, some books are so bogged down with descriptions I find myself having trouble getting into the story. Witch of the cards dived right into the main character Ivy's world, as she walked into a tarot card reading and started her journey in the first few paragraphs of the book.
I enjoyed the novel as it does stand out from most books in this genre. The timeline of 1932 was great, it was fun to have characters wearing 30's fashion and being in the prohibition era was interesting.
Ivy and Peters dialog was smooth and there romance although quick for my taste was adorable and built well. The novel also has a very interesting plot and did surprise me more then once which kept me reading.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes! I finished it in two days because I did really enjoy it. It was an easy light read, written very well.
I don't know how to put this into words however I will try. The book moves at a wonderful pace, the sentence structure is strong and descriptive without being boring and to much.
May 12, 2016
This is my first time reading any book by Catherine Stine but it most certainly won't be the last! Witch of the Cards is well written, Taking place in the 1930s in New Jersey on the shores of Asbury Park. Author's attention to detail throws it back in that time and you feel yourself on the boardwalk exploring and experiencing the Jersey shore from that era.
Times are hard 1932 and Ivy is bestowed a weeks vacation paid by her employer down the shore. Ivy befriends Dulcie, and immediately the 2 are enjoying some fun on the boardwalk. A twist of destined fate lands the two of them a seat in a room for a séance in a little shop off the boardwalk. A power is tapped from within that will soon be unleashed. Ivy's infant name Fiera is exposed leaving her vulnerable to someone who knows her lineage and powers before they even begin to develop. Someone wants that power to themselves but will need what only Fiera can possess. Can Fiera use her powers to save the ones she cares about most and rid the boardwalk of the evil looming to destroy in the name of evil? Read it to find out!
Times are hard 1932 and Ivy is bestowed a weeks vacation paid by her employer down the shore. Ivy befriends Dulcie, and immediately the 2 are enjoying some fun on the boardwalk. A twist of destined fate lands the two of them a seat in a room for a séance in a little shop off the boardwalk. A power is tapped from within that will soon be unleashed. Ivy's infant name Fiera is exposed leaving her vulnerable to someone who knows her lineage and powers before they even begin to develop. Someone wants that power to themselves but will need what only Fiera can possess. Can Fiera use her powers to save the ones she cares about most and rid the boardwalk of the evil looming to destroy in the name of evil? Read it to find out!
March 20, 2016
This was the first read 2 review book I ever received.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy and also for sending the copy to me so quickly.
When I read about the plot, I was immediately interested in it. I've always found magic and witches interesting, but I haven't come across a book about those topics that seemed as interesting and refreshing as Witch of the Cards in a long time.
I really enjoyed reading about Fiera, her character was very well developed and likeable.
The minor characters are interesting to read about too, especially Opal and I would love to find out more about her development.
That being said, I was really drawn into the story and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for something different and refreshing in the genre.
I received this book at the Goodreads Lovers of Paranormal group for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy and also for sending the copy to me so quickly.
When I read about the plot, I was immediately interested in it. I've always found magic and witches interesting, but I haven't come across a book about those topics that seemed as interesting and refreshing as Witch of the Cards in a long time.
I really enjoyed reading about Fiera, her character was very well developed and likeable.
The minor characters are interesting to read about too, especially Opal and I would love to find out more about her development.
That being said, I was really drawn into the story and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for something different and refreshing in the genre.
I received this book at the Goodreads Lovers of Paranormal group for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 14, 2016
Witch of the Cards takes you on a journey through both the fantastic boardwalk backdrop, to the Park Avenue Mansions and into the dark, sad reality of Hoover Towns. For a History buff interested in the era, it is a feast of knowledge. The budding romance between Peter and Fiera is good too! The book is a slow burner at first but by the middle it picks up the pace. The sea witch element is good too. I haven’t read anything involving “good” sea witches, so that was a nice new element for me. Ultimately this is a story about love and friendship,which is really all a gal needs. I’m giving it a 4 out of 5 Stars and am recommending it as a Beach Read, or since “Winter is Coming” a nice read to get you in a beachy mood! I would recommend this for Adults and older teens due some of the love scenes and paranormal aspects. So if you don’t like those things, move on to the next read.
full review on http://bibliogalblog.com
full review on http://bibliogalblog.com
May 25, 2016
THIS RIGHT HERE!
Not only was Witch of the Cards magical, it had depth, character development and AMAZING chemistry!
Set in a time when things that are different are frowned upon, I felt that the author did a phenomenal job of balance each aspect of this book. Fiera is by far one of my favorite female leads ever....she killed it on every level in this book. Her confidence grew as the plot thickened, but she never let the unsettling fact that her abilities were growing cause her nerves to sway. Fiera knows what she's destine to be, who she's destine to be, and that's why I love her determination to figure out every single surrounding her.
I want so badly to just spew my feelings all over the pages of my blog, but there isn't enough time, and we'd be here all.day.long.....so just take my word for it, this book NEEDS to be in your life!!
4/5
July 3, 2016
This was such an awesomely fun read! It took me a few pages to wander into the 1930's, with its lingo and other details, but then Stine wraps the reader into a fabulous world filled with intrigue and interest. I have heard about the paranormal hunters--those out to shut down the sham mediums out to fleece people, and found that angle to be quite interesting, especially when they come up against a real witch: Fiera. I loved the friendships Fiera forms and the relationships beyond just the romantic one. And then there's Alyse, who is one freaky villain (I won't say more due to spoilers, but yikes!). There were a few spots where the timeline caught me up a bit ("had that only been the day before" kind of stuff), but mostly that was easily overlooked. In the end, this was a really fun read, and I quickly devoured it! Highly recommended beach read :)
April 12, 2016
I received this book for a read to review through The Lovers of Paranormal group.
I would first like to thank the author Catherine Stine for sending this through the mail for me and sending it so quickly at that!
This was such a fun read! It took me two days, and i would for sure recommend this to my friends!
First of all the cover is absolutely beautiful. It drew me in! Witch of the Cards is a paranormal romance/historical romance set in 1934 on the jersey shore. This was such a unique, fast read. The point of view switches throughout the book, but Peter was my favorite to read.
I love the love story between Peter and Fiera. I would love to read another book on these characters!
I would first like to thank the author Catherine Stine for sending this through the mail for me and sending it so quickly at that!
This was such a fun read! It took me two days, and i would for sure recommend this to my friends!
First of all the cover is absolutely beautiful. It drew me in! Witch of the Cards is a paranormal romance/historical romance set in 1934 on the jersey shore. This was such a unique, fast read. The point of view switches throughout the book, but Peter was my favorite to read.
I love the love story between Peter and Fiera. I would love to read another book on these characters!
July 12, 2016
Magical!
Fiera has some upsets so she moves and starts working at a tarot card reading shop. Where she starts learning a lot of new a magical things about herself. She also falls in love and makes two new best friends. Loved it. Can't wait to see what's next.
Fiera has some upsets so she moves and starts working at a tarot card reading shop. Where she starts learning a lot of new a magical things about herself. She also falls in love and makes two new best friends. Loved it. Can't wait to see what's next.
October 4, 2020
Twenty-two year-old Ivy Lorena is the nanny for Mrs. Cothbert’s spoiled young son on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. When her employer gives her a rare week vacation along the Jersey Shore, Ivy is overjoyed. Even though she grew up in a Brooklyn, NY orphanage, she had rarely seen the ocean nor learned how to swim. All of that will soon change.
Ivy quickly makes friends with Dulcie, a rich girl from Madison, New Jersey and as the duo walk along the boardwalk, they note a sign in a window celebrating the owner’s first month in business—a card reading. Normally, Ivy wouldn’t try something like this, but it’s vacation time and she’s looking for adventure, more than she could ever imagine.
It’s the summer of 1932. America was deep into the Great Depression with bread lines snaking around blocks and the homeless camping out in parks. Catherine Stine’s historical novel, Witch of the Cards, offers a suspenseful story of the occult as well as an enchanting love story.
During that first séance we meet most of the cast of characters. Peter Dune is the proprietor of Tarot and Séance. He is extremely handsome and Ivy is drawn to him immediately. He is also not who he says he is. His assistant, Opal is a teenage girl with wise but sad eyes in need of a mentor. Latecomer to the séance, businesswoman Alyse Bone, is beautiful as well as mysterious.
Ivy hopes the card reading will give her a clue into her unknown origin and strange abilities she tells no one about. Hint to reader: Ivy was not disappointed.
In her 268-page thriller, written in Ivy’s voice, author Catherine Stine does a superb job keeping readers on the edge as Ivy learns her real birth name, Fiera, and her powers of intuition were inherited from a woman no one would want to call “Mom”.
Witch of Cards is one novel readers will have trouble putting down.
Ivy quickly makes friends with Dulcie, a rich girl from Madison, New Jersey and as the duo walk along the boardwalk, they note a sign in a window celebrating the owner’s first month in business—a card reading. Normally, Ivy wouldn’t try something like this, but it’s vacation time and she’s looking for adventure, more than she could ever imagine.
It’s the summer of 1932. America was deep into the Great Depression with bread lines snaking around blocks and the homeless camping out in parks. Catherine Stine’s historical novel, Witch of the Cards, offers a suspenseful story of the occult as well as an enchanting love story.
During that first séance we meet most of the cast of characters. Peter Dune is the proprietor of Tarot and Séance. He is extremely handsome and Ivy is drawn to him immediately. He is also not who he says he is. His assistant, Opal is a teenage girl with wise but sad eyes in need of a mentor. Latecomer to the séance, businesswoman Alyse Bone, is beautiful as well as mysterious.
Ivy hopes the card reading will give her a clue into her unknown origin and strange abilities she tells no one about. Hint to reader: Ivy was not disappointed.
In her 268-page thriller, written in Ivy’s voice, author Catherine Stine does a superb job keeping readers on the edge as Ivy learns her real birth name, Fiera, and her powers of intuition were inherited from a woman no one would want to call “Mom”.
Witch of Cards is one novel readers will have trouble putting down.
October 28, 2016
*NOTICE: I received this book from eBook Discovery. This is my voluntary, independent, and honest review.* Witch of the Cards is a fascinating chimera of a novel. The same intriguing cast of characters populate two interwoven plot lines. One story is a historical romance set in NYC and the Jersey shore during the Great Depression. Young orphanage graduate Ivy works as a nanny for a wealthy family. While on a vacation she meets a spiritualist/Tarot reader named Peter. The romance sparks, the obstacles to true love appear, and the final resolution happens just in the nick of time. A wealth of period detail (including dialogue) and well-written characters (even the secondary ones), combined with marvelously descriptive narrative, more than makes up for the standard love story plot. The other story, inextricably woven into the first, is the paranormal coming-of-age tale of Fiera, young water witch, discovering her true identity and coming into her true heritage and powers. Barely able to understand and control her powers at first, she must learn quickly before those who would steal her powers can find and destroy her. Absinthe, hallucinogen-laced candy, flying Tarot cards and other witches and magical creatures help create this mesmerizing alternate place-out-of-time where Fiera's struggle plays out. The genius of author Catherine Stine lies in her own near-magical ability to weave these two tales together so seamlessly, while paying meticulous attention to details of time, place, and character. (One mention of a string bikini was the only slip-up I found.) The downside here is that such complexity and detail come at the expense of pacing - this novel moves very slowly, especially in the beginning. Persist, fellow readers: Witch of the Cards is worth it.
January 5, 2021
Witch of the Cards is about Ivy/Fiera a NYC Nanny in the 20's who discovers she has hidden talents.
This was an OK book for me, even though it wasn't super long, it felt like it was, which isn't the best.
The writing was very descriptive and colorful, but it seemed like some of the action was a bit contrived. It may be that this just wasn't my genre, I do like fantasy and Sci-Fi, but this wasn't quite in that "world-building" kind of genre I prefer.
Not a bad book, but didn't make me want to pick up another like it.
This was an OK book for me, even though it wasn't super long, it felt like it was, which isn't the best.
The writing was very descriptive and colorful, but it seemed like some of the action was a bit contrived. It may be that this just wasn't my genre, I do like fantasy and Sci-Fi, but this wasn't quite in that "world-building" kind of genre I prefer.
Not a bad book, but didn't make me want to pick up another like it.
March 16, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Catherine Stine and I will definitely be reading more!
This book was amazing. The 1930s aesthetic was stunning and the characters worked perfectly against their setting. Fiera is so easy to love and her development along with everyone else's was a joy to see.
The way the story flows is brilliant and I absolutely did not expect it to end the way it did.
An absolutely magical book in every aspect!
This book was amazing. The 1930s aesthetic was stunning and the characters worked perfectly against their setting. Fiera is so easy to love and her development along with everyone else's was a joy to see.
The way the story flows is brilliant and I absolutely did not expect it to end the way it did.
An absolutely magical book in every aspect!
October 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book. The story kept you guessing until the end! Witchcraft was front and center. Tarot was a prop. Great character development on the main characters. I would read this book again!
December 31, 2023
Easy to read, held my interest throughout. Likable characters with an interesting plot. I recommend this book.
January 16, 2017
Ivy has no idea who she really is. Growing up in an orphanage and being lucky enough to find a job she enjoys as a nanny is all she knows. She is so lucky that her employer sends her to the Jersey Shore for an expenses paid vacation. I felt the insecurities that she had to have felt. She felt as if she were a fraud because she was enjoying a vacation but she wasn’t as well off as those she is surrounded by in the upscale hotel. But her vacation was fun-filled until she is talked into sitting in on a séance at an occult shop. Peter is an undercover agent working towards ridding the world of con artists that prey upon those who have lost loved ones and takes their fortunes in exchange for connecting the living with the dead. When Ivy sits at the séance table, the unexpected happens. Her true name is revealed, Fiera, as well as her hidden powers and it flagged her as one of the bad guys that Peter was hired to expose.
I loved how Fiera was pulled into the mystery of her powers and she sets herself to find out all that she can. She throws herself into it wholeheartedly and is crushed when it costs her everything that gave her a sense of security. The emotions swelled from the book and surrounded me with everything she was feeling as she wandered the streets of New York. What I couldn’t wrap my mind around was the love story between Ivy/Fiera and Peter. She was entranced by him but he was using her feelings to get closer to her in order to expose her as a con attempting to lure people in with her power over the cards. It felt more as if he was ensorcelled into loving her than actually falling in love with her. Even if the love story felt a bit contrived, the magical battle between Ivy/Fiera and her very alive and estranged mother was interesting. A bit more time focusing on learning her powers as well as a better written and engaging love story could have made this book more interesting and would have helped it keep my attention instead of me fighting to keep turning the pages.
I loved how Fiera was pulled into the mystery of her powers and she sets herself to find out all that she can. She throws herself into it wholeheartedly and is crushed when it costs her everything that gave her a sense of security. The emotions swelled from the book and surrounded me with everything she was feeling as she wandered the streets of New York. What I couldn’t wrap my mind around was the love story between Ivy/Fiera and Peter. She was entranced by him but he was using her feelings to get closer to her in order to expose her as a con attempting to lure people in with her power over the cards. It felt more as if he was ensorcelled into loving her than actually falling in love with her. Even if the love story felt a bit contrived, the magical battle between Ivy/Fiera and her very alive and estranged mother was interesting. A bit more time focusing on learning her powers as well as a better written and engaging love story could have made this book more interesting and would have helped it keep my attention instead of me fighting to keep turning the pages.
December 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Tarot, séance, and forbidden love on the Jersey shore drive Catherine Stine’s novel Witch of the Cards. The standalone book takes place in depression-era Asbury Park. Ivy, fortunate enough to have gainful employment as a nanny for a Manhattan socialite, is vacationing courtesy of her employer. While enjoying the beach life, Ivy meets the alluring Peter Dune, proprietor of Peter Dune’s Tarot and Séance, a newly opened shop on the boardwalk. But when Ivy and her companion Dulcie seek some harmless entertainment at one of Dune’s séances, Ivy’s life rapidly and dramatically unravels.
Stine is incredibly imaginative. At times, however, I had difficultly following the action. Some scenes read like a psychedelic fantasy; colourful, creative, but altogether overwhelming. I enjoyed the setting and historical aspects of the book. History and supernatural fiction make for an interesting and refreshing combination. The era of prohibition, restraint, and propriety add to the angst of the book and create effective tension. I found the dialogue, though historically appropriate, a little too awkward for my taste. I kept thinking my elderly mother in law would really enjoy this book.
The cover design for this book is attractive and glamourous, but not really indicative of the book’s content. However, if you’re looking for a change of pace, and enjoy historical fiction, check out Witch of the Cards. It was a curious read with some truly whimsical details.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2016/04/bo...
Tarot, séance, and forbidden love on the Jersey shore drive Catherine Stine’s novel Witch of the Cards. The standalone book takes place in depression-era Asbury Park. Ivy, fortunate enough to have gainful employment as a nanny for a Manhattan socialite, is vacationing courtesy of her employer. While enjoying the beach life, Ivy meets the alluring Peter Dune, proprietor of Peter Dune’s Tarot and Séance, a newly opened shop on the boardwalk. But when Ivy and her companion Dulcie seek some harmless entertainment at one of Dune’s séances, Ivy’s life rapidly and dramatically unravels.
Stine is incredibly imaginative. At times, however, I had difficultly following the action. Some scenes read like a psychedelic fantasy; colourful, creative, but altogether overwhelming. I enjoyed the setting and historical aspects of the book. History and supernatural fiction make for an interesting and refreshing combination. The era of prohibition, restraint, and propriety add to the angst of the book and create effective tension. I found the dialogue, though historically appropriate, a little too awkward for my taste. I kept thinking my elderly mother in law would really enjoy this book.
The cover design for this book is attractive and glamourous, but not really indicative of the book’s content. However, if you’re looking for a change of pace, and enjoy historical fiction, check out Witch of the Cards. It was a curious read with some truly whimsical details.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2016/04/bo...
August 4, 2016
At the Jersey shore having a break from her nanny job, Fiera tugs her new friend Dulcie into a occult shop for a seance. There she meets the mysterious and handsome Peter Dune. What he utters that evening is strange and awakens her hidden past. Fiera has powers of her own, and her new talents are attracting attention she doesn't know she wants. Her feelings grow for Peter even though he's keeping a massive secret from her. Will Fiera be able to master her powers or will she lose everything to magic, including her own life?
A marvelous historical dark fantasy. The author did a fabulous job of creating atmosphere. The 1930s boardwalk, the dress, the language, the people. I found myself thinking it was the bee's knees and craving saltwater taffy. It set the perfect atmosphere for a tale rife with the paranormal and suspense. And while magic was an important part, it was the characters that themselves that made the story. Peter fascinated me and I could see why he was enraptured by Fiera. The tension between them was sizzling! Lots of interesting side characters that I would have loved to learn more about.
A must read for those who like a bit of magic with their historical fiction. 4.5 stars for Witch of the Cards!
A marvelous historical dark fantasy. The author did a fabulous job of creating atmosphere. The 1930s boardwalk, the dress, the language, the people. I found myself thinking it was the bee's knees and craving saltwater taffy. It set the perfect atmosphere for a tale rife with the paranormal and suspense. And while magic was an important part, it was the characters that themselves that made the story. Peter fascinated me and I could see why he was enraptured by Fiera. The tension between them was sizzling! Lots of interesting side characters that I would have loved to learn more about.
A must read for those who like a bit of magic with their historical fiction. 4.5 stars for Witch of the Cards!
May 18, 2016
Witch of the Cards is a fascinating read. The pages really come to life thanks to great characters and rich historical detail. The book is about Ivy, who grew up in an orphanage and knew nothing about her origins. She knew she had a bit of a sixth sense, though, and on a trip to Asbury Park at the Jersey Shore, she discovers why. She was born Fiera, a sea witch. She also discovers the dark story of her birth and is confronted by a powerful enemy. At the same time, she has to decide if she can trust the man she wants.
I enjoyed this book. Fiera is a strong female protagonist who faces her fear, and I'm always a sucker for that. The writing is so good, with cool little details that bring scenes and characters to life, as when Fiera described her boss as difficult because she wants the "furniture polished twice a week at ten am sharp and only with her castoff stockings so the mahagony wouldn't scratch."
The cameos of famous people like Salvador Dali were tons of fun, and so were the action sequences. They were trippy and vivid and I loved them. I also enjoyed Fiera's connection to the sea and its creatures. If you like plots with magic and romance, I think you'll like this book.
I enjoyed this book. Fiera is a strong female protagonist who faces her fear, and I'm always a sucker for that. The writing is so good, with cool little details that bring scenes and characters to life, as when Fiera described her boss as difficult because she wants the "furniture polished twice a week at ten am sharp and only with her castoff stockings so the mahagony wouldn't scratch."
The cameos of famous people like Salvador Dali were tons of fun, and so were the action sequences. They were trippy and vivid and I loved them. I also enjoyed Fiera's connection to the sea and its creatures. If you like plots with magic and romance, I think you'll like this book.
September 11, 2016
Fiera doesn't understand the feeling of other people that she gets or how she knows things about them that she shouldn't possibly know. When she walks into Peters shop she begins the journey to learn more about herself and what abilities she truly has.
Peter is investigating frauds who pretended to be mystics able to contact spirits on the other side. But what happens when he begins to learn that not all Mystics are frauds?
We take a journey with them as they learn the truth about what is real while also working to uncover a mysterious woman's true intentions.
Fiera is a strong young woman who when life deals her an unexpected twist she works hard to come out on top of it. She trusts her instincts and allows them to guide her.
Peter is a sweetie. Torn between what he believes is real and what he begins to realize is actual reality his journey was quite interesting to watch.
The story is quite interesting and I enjoyed historical aspect of the timeline more than I anticipated I would and had fun seeing a paranormal like this set in an older time.
Peter is investigating frauds who pretended to be mystics able to contact spirits on the other side. But what happens when he begins to learn that not all Mystics are frauds?
We take a journey with them as they learn the truth about what is real while also working to uncover a mysterious woman's true intentions.
Fiera is a strong young woman who when life deals her an unexpected twist she works hard to come out on top of it. She trusts her instincts and allows them to guide her.
Peter is a sweetie. Torn between what he believes is real and what he begins to realize is actual reality his journey was quite interesting to watch.
The story is quite interesting and I enjoyed historical aspect of the timeline more than I anticipated I would and had fun seeing a paranormal like this set in an older time.
April 14, 2016
I got this book in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly I would say read only if you like paranormal romance set in the older era.
I was left with mixed feelings after finishing the book
Fiera, the female protagonist has been portrayed strongly. The author beautifully captured her journey from a clueless girl to a strong women in hold of her powers.
The narration is amazing. The way the surroundings have been described will catch you.
I dnt really like the male protagonist Peter. He was clueless throughout the book and his character is not really explored.
Frankly I found their whole affair as an irritating sub plot. You don't feel connected to their love for each other and again seems like a sub plot.
Having said that. The book is the journey of Fiera. Avoid it if u are looking for an interesting love story.
Apart from that I sincerely loved the writing style. It's pretty gripping and vivid at parts.
Firstly I would say read only if you like paranormal romance set in the older era.
I was left with mixed feelings after finishing the book
Fiera, the female protagonist has been portrayed strongly. The author beautifully captured her journey from a clueless girl to a strong women in hold of her powers.
The narration is amazing. The way the surroundings have been described will catch you.
I dnt really like the male protagonist Peter. He was clueless throughout the book and his character is not really explored.
Frankly I found their whole affair as an irritating sub plot. You don't feel connected to their love for each other and again seems like a sub plot.
Having said that. The book is the journey of Fiera. Avoid it if u are looking for an interesting love story.
Apart from that I sincerely loved the writing style. It's pretty gripping and vivid at parts.
May 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for review via Lovers of the Paranormal book group on goodreads by the author.
This book got off to a slow start. It seemed like the first of the book was sight seeing, and weird saltwater taffy. I became bored easily, but it does take a lot of action to keep me entertained with a book.
I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, because I didn't really know how all of them felt, or how they reacted to certain things. There seemed to be more detail on the setting of the story rather than the characters. I think if the characters were built with more personality it would have helped me connect with the book better.
I would still recommend this book to people who like historical fantasy books. Just because this book wasn't for me, does not mean others shouldn't give it a try.
This book got off to a slow start. It seemed like the first of the book was sight seeing, and weird saltwater taffy. I became bored easily, but it does take a lot of action to keep me entertained with a book.
I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, because I didn't really know how all of them felt, or how they reacted to certain things. There seemed to be more detail on the setting of the story rather than the characters. I think if the characters were built with more personality it would have helped me connect with the book better.
I would still recommend this book to people who like historical fantasy books. Just because this book wasn't for me, does not mean others shouldn't give it a try.
July 25, 2016
A book about a orphaned young lady on vacation in New Jersey in the 1930s from her job as a nanny. She meets a young socialite and they visit a tarot card reading establishment where she encounters Peter, an undercover investigator bent on exposing psychic frauds. Ivy and Peter's attraction is instantaneous. Ivy learns she has her own powers when she takes part in a seance. This story was told from two points of view giving you the best of both worlds and both of them are hiding their own agendas. Catherine Stine made great use of period costumes, mannerisms and phrases. However, I felt that there needed to be more back story to Ivy (Fiera) being a witch. Her powers blossomed so quickly I wondered how she could contain them or how she instinctively knew how to perform the spells. That being said I can still recommend the book as an entertaining read with a wonderful ending.
Read
October 25, 2016I truly do love how this is historical going all the way back to The Great Depression with a urban fantasy twist woven into it so well as well as real life people mentioned. You can tell that while this is a light read it's been quite researched with facts that hold up. In between all the fantastic details unveils a love story.
Ivy is the main character who actually is pretty awesome in my opinion and of course she has Dulcie which they become friends even if total opposites. Ivy ended up with a adventure she didn't think would happen on her one week vacation thanks to going to a card read which changes everything.
You have to read this to see how it unfolds into one great journey for Ivy. I truly highly recommend to those that love PNR and even those who enjoy Historical as it does have some interesting tidbits in this gem which is at a great price might I add!
Ivy is the main character who actually is pretty awesome in my opinion and of course she has Dulcie which they become friends even if total opposites. Ivy ended up with a adventure she didn't think would happen on her one week vacation thanks to going to a card read which changes everything.
You have to read this to see how it unfolds into one great journey for Ivy. I truly highly recommend to those that love PNR and even those who enjoy Historical as it does have some interesting tidbits in this gem which is at a great price might I add!
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