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The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #7
Impractical Magic
Still struggling to deal with the brutal murder of her younger sister, Jenny McAllister is just going through the motions, doing her best to pick up the pieces and move on with her life — a life she's not sure is really worth living at all. Meeting Colin Campbell at a family event changes everything. Even though he's a civilian, Jenny begins to let him in. She knows that falling for someone who's not from one of the witch clans will only complicate her life, but she can't resist the attraction. However, Colin has issues of his own. He can't let Jenny know the truth — the truth that will destroy their budding romance. When he begins to unravel the mystery of Jenny's family, long-buried secrets come to light. Now Colin must decide between his duty and his heart. Will he protect the McAllister clan, or will he expose them to the world for his own personal gain?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2016
160 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
214 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 27, 2016
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While this is not the first of Christine Pope's books I have read, it is the first I have read in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series. I'll be completely honest and say that I am now hooked and absolutely itching to read the rest of the series. I have read Pope's Sedona Files series and loved that as well. I think something I really enjoyed about this book is that it was vastly different from the Sedona Files in content and premise, but they shared the similarity of location. Additionally, they both have enough realism to them to make me want to visit the area and go on tours and such and learn more about it. This was one of those books that carried me away and had me fantasizing about "what if", imagining there being so much more to this world than simply us "civilians". Those are absolutely my favorite PNR books. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until I finished. I finished it in one sitting, not being able to bring myself to stop and go to bed and pick it up again tomorrow. I found the title of the book rather fitting. While Jenny's talent isn't necessarily impractical itself, her ability (or lack their of) to utilize/control it absolutely is. It really is quite unfortunate, as it seems to me that it could be a useful talent at times. Colin is merely a civilian. The reporter who covered her sister's murder to be specific. A fact that he fails to mention to Jenny upon meeting her while crashing her cousin's wedding. Obviously, this leads to significant problems for the couple, but nothing some serious grovelling and a some prompting from a ghost (or two) can't fix. Ergo, we are left with a HEA ending with no cliffhanger. As I previously mentioned, I am 100% interested in reading the rest of the series and can't wait to see what it holds in store for me. Will having read the first 7 books in the series give me any new insight to this book? I'll just have to wait and see. As for the future of the series, I cannot wait to continue with Strange Magic, due out in mind-October 2016. And just as a side note on my part, I wouldn't mind being able to see Colin's sister Kate kick Jeff to the curb and find her own happy ending. ;)
While this is not the first of Christine Pope's books I have read, it is the first I have read in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series. I'll be completely honest and say that I am now hooked and absolutely itching to read the rest of the series. I have read Pope's Sedona Files series and loved that as well. I think something I really enjoyed about this book is that it was vastly different from the Sedona Files in content and premise, but they shared the similarity of location. Additionally, they both have enough realism to them to make me want to visit the area and go on tours and such and learn more about it. This was one of those books that carried me away and had me fantasizing about "what if", imagining there being so much more to this world than simply us "civilians". Those are absolutely my favorite PNR books. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until I finished. I finished it in one sitting, not being able to bring myself to stop and go to bed and pick it up again tomorrow. I found the title of the book rather fitting. While Jenny's talent isn't necessarily impractical itself, her ability (or lack their of) to utilize/control it absolutely is. It really is quite unfortunate, as it seems to me that it could be a useful talent at times. Colin is merely a civilian. The reporter who covered her sister's murder to be specific. A fact that he fails to mention to Jenny upon meeting her while crashing her cousin's wedding. Obviously, this leads to significant problems for the couple, but nothing some serious grovelling and a some prompting from a ghost (or two) can't fix. Ergo, we are left with a HEA ending with no cliffhanger. As I previously mentioned, I am 100% interested in reading the rest of the series and can't wait to see what it holds in store for me. Will having read the first 7 books in the series give me any new insight to this book? I'll just have to wait and see. As for the future of the series, I cannot wait to continue with Strange Magic, due out in mind-October 2016. And just as a side note on my part, I wouldn't mind being able to see Colin's sister Kate kick Jeff to the curb and find her own happy ending. ;)
February 11, 2019
Impractical Magic - The Cleopatra Hill Book 8
Jenny McAllister works in a gallery and lives in the apartment up stairs above it. Her life has been one of sorrow and loss, since her sister Roslyn was murdered by a warlock named Matias Escobar. He was now in prison along with his two accomplishes. This still didn't make the loss Jenney and all the McAllisters, Wilcox and de la Paz wizarding families any less devastating.
Colin Campbell is a reporter for the Daily Sun and after receiving a tip he decides to crash the wedding of Caitlin McAllister and Alex Trujillo. He has a hunch that these people and their families are more then what they seem.
The story is great bringing together Jenny and Colin at the wedding and as fate would have it they are meant for each other. But there is this problem, Colin doesn't mention he is a reporter or that he is fishing around to see just what kind of weirdness is going on in especially the McAllister's family. Are they witches, or is Colin totally crazy.
The story moves smoothly and Jenny and Colin can't keep away from each other, until Jenny's witching gift shows her Colin's been lying through his teeth.
Devastated Jenny sends Colin packing and life for them both seems to have hit bottom. Only with a little nudge from Colin's sister Kate, does the story take a turn for a surprising and wonderful ending.
Another great addition to the Cleopatra Hill series!
Kathy Barber Doyle - 2/10/2019
Jenny McAllister works in a gallery and lives in the apartment up stairs above it. Her life has been one of sorrow and loss, since her sister Roslyn was murdered by a warlock named Matias Escobar. He was now in prison along with his two accomplishes. This still didn't make the loss Jenney and all the McAllisters, Wilcox and de la Paz wizarding families any less devastating.
Colin Campbell is a reporter for the Daily Sun and after receiving a tip he decides to crash the wedding of Caitlin McAllister and Alex Trujillo. He has a hunch that these people and their families are more then what they seem.
The story is great bringing together Jenny and Colin at the wedding and as fate would have it they are meant for each other. But there is this problem, Colin doesn't mention he is a reporter or that he is fishing around to see just what kind of weirdness is going on in especially the McAllister's family. Are they witches, or is Colin totally crazy.
The story moves smoothly and Jenny and Colin can't keep away from each other, until Jenny's witching gift shows her Colin's been lying through his teeth.
Devastated Jenny sends Colin packing and life for them both seems to have hit bottom. Only with a little nudge from Colin's sister Kate, does the story take a turn for a surprising and wonderful ending.
Another great addition to the Cleopatra Hill series!
Kathy Barber Doyle - 2/10/2019
November 5, 2017
Christine Pope brought a love story to the pages of a book that was alive with feelings that happen when two people find romance. The ups, the downs, and the in-betweens were emotionally real and the characters seemed to be performing a play in whatever room I was reading the book.
Well done.
(Even now, while writing this blurb, I can still feel Jenny and Colin in my heart and it makes me smile. )
Well done.
(Even now, while writing this blurb, I can still feel Jenny and Colin in my heart and it makes me smile. )
January 31, 2024
Another very interesting read from Christine.
Great story, well told and, most importantly, a good clean read. I really enjoyed this author’s style and language. Great if you’re looking for a pleasant experience. Can’t wait to read the next chapter in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill.
Great story, well told and, most importantly, a good clean read. I really enjoyed this author’s style and language. Great if you’re looking for a pleasant experience. Can’t wait to read the next chapter in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill.
March 17, 2018
Another amazing story!
This is the first book of the series involving a civilian or nonwitch in the romance. I enjoyed it very much, especially the surprise "visitor" at the end during an already emotional moment.
This is the first book of the series involving a civilian or nonwitch in the romance. I enjoyed it very much, especially the surprise "visitor" at the end during an already emotional moment.
June 4, 2020
At the beginning of this book I was thinking Oh No this is going to be bad, don't go digging that up! But it was really sweet how Colin's thought process changed and he wanted to protect Jenny and make her smile.
July 18, 2023
A bit flimsy, but quite alright for a quick summer read. I'm not a fan of the way misconceptions about minority groups are portrayed by the author, in the last book and this one. The ableism in the former book set me on edge; maybe that made me more sensitive to certain comments about pagans etc.
September 20, 2017
Bewitching
Love the collision of worlds
Enjoyed the ghosts appearing to those who need them
Love that rosylyn gave closure to sister
Love the collision of worlds
Enjoyed the ghosts appearing to those who need them
Love that rosylyn gave closure to sister
August 9, 2022
Plot was a bit thin. Ending was a bit abrupt and awkward. Maybe the author was under a deadline?
April 5, 2018
Very good
I really enjoyed every one of the 14 books. I'm a big fan of Christina I recommend witches of Cleopatra hill
I really enjoyed every one of the 14 books. I'm a big fan of Christina I recommend witches of Cleopatra hill
June 15, 2017
Great book. Characters interact well with each other and there is follow of with-in the family lines.
Except for the steamy areas I would give this a 5 star rating and have enjoyed reading every one of these books
Except for the steamy areas I would give this a 5 star rating and have enjoyed reading every one of these books
May 16, 2016
Following the tragic events of ProtectorProtector and closely after SpellboundSpellbound, Jenny McAllister finds herself a reluctant maid of honor in her cousin Caitlin’s wedding. Always a bridesmaid, she doubted she would ever find a warlock from one of the Arizona witch clans to settle down with.
Colin Campbell, a “civilian,” suspects that there is something going on with the McAllisters and their home town. Jerome has long been known as a haunted town, but Colin is too skeptical to believe there are actual ghosts among the somewhat unusual inhabitants… until he isn't.
In a series known for down-to-earth heroines and romantic heroes, Colin stands out as the first (that I recall) with no magic. This makes him a little more relatable to us mere mortals and gives us a unique outside view of the families we've come to know and love. Divorced and down on his luck, there is something vulnerable about him that is endearing. Writers like reading about writers, and the small-time journalist in me feels his pain.
Jenny is one of the older unmarried McAllister witches, especially now that Margot has finally settled down. Although she was not one of the girls who was kidnapped in Protector, this story is very much the aftermath of it. Beautiful, and intelligent, she feels like living in Jerome where the lives of everyone in the clan are interwoven has been something of a disadvantage to her. However, due to her unique ability, she agrees that she is better off living in the small town, even if that means she has been stuck with an ever-diminishing dating pool.
Impractical Magic is a book you should definitely not judge by the blurb on its beautiful cover. Stories that depend on lies or miscommunication are a pet peeve of mine, but the characters in this book act like real people, with their own strengths, faults and foibles instead of relying on tired tropes of romantic fiction.
Impractical Magic has stronger paranormal aspects than most of the other books in the series, which I always appreciate about a genre novel. Another of the book’s strengths is, frankly, the love scenes. Tasteful, yet steamy scenes have been a signature of this series, but some naturally stand out over others, and the ones in this book are some of the best.
Colin Campbell, a “civilian,” suspects that there is something going on with the McAllisters and their home town. Jerome has long been known as a haunted town, but Colin is too skeptical to believe there are actual ghosts among the somewhat unusual inhabitants… until he isn't.
In a series known for down-to-earth heroines and romantic heroes, Colin stands out as the first (that I recall) with no magic. This makes him a little more relatable to us mere mortals and gives us a unique outside view of the families we've come to know and love. Divorced and down on his luck, there is something vulnerable about him that is endearing. Writers like reading about writers, and the small-time journalist in me feels his pain.
Jenny is one of the older unmarried McAllister witches, especially now that Margot has finally settled down. Although she was not one of the girls who was kidnapped in Protector, this story is very much the aftermath of it. Beautiful, and intelligent, she feels like living in Jerome where the lives of everyone in the clan are interwoven has been something of a disadvantage to her. However, due to her unique ability, she agrees that she is better off living in the small town, even if that means she has been stuck with an ever-diminishing dating pool.
Impractical Magic is a book you should definitely not judge by the blurb on its beautiful cover. Stories that depend on lies or miscommunication are a pet peeve of mine, but the characters in this book act like real people, with their own strengths, faults and foibles instead of relying on tired tropes of romantic fiction.
Impractical Magic has stronger paranormal aspects than most of the other books in the series, which I always appreciate about a genre novel. Another of the book’s strengths is, frankly, the love scenes. Tasteful, yet steamy scenes have been a signature of this series, but some naturally stand out over others, and the ones in this book are some of the best.
August 19, 2016
I loved The Sedona Files series and they led me to the Cleopatra Hill Series, which of course I stated reading mid series! They are set in roughly the same area and I felt right at home in the landscape I have come to know well through the books.
Jenny's witch talent is not what you would call practical, hence the title. Being able to catch random glimpses into the lives of all those around you isn't really something I'd wish for. Colin is one of the reporters who covered the story of the "kidnapping" of Jenny's cousin and subsequent murder of her sister. When a witness comes forward after recovering some memory of that night, he is intrigued with the story. He's very much a straight arrow and hates that thought of lying his way into crashing a wedding but he really wants to get to the truth. He certainly did not expect to be entranced by the bridesmaid!
Jenny knows he is a civilian but she decides she needs a bit of normal tonight. Their one-nighter feels wrong and both decide to continue seeing each other after the wedding. But as they are drawn deeper and Colin learns more than he should, courtesy of a VERY friendly ghost, Jenny feels her control on the situation slipping. When her power clicks on at a most inopportune time, she feels that nothing Colin has told her is true, after all he met her under false pretences.
Fabulously well written. Loving characters who feel the full range of emotions and are susceptible to the same pitfalls in love as we mere civilians. I loves seeing some past history put to rights and I;m hoping that the "friendly ghost" comes back in another book!
I'm now chomping for Strange Magic which is out later in the year. I'm just loving this crazy, mixed up, emotionally charged extended family! P>S I really hope Colin's sister kicks the odious hubby to the kerb!
Jenny's witch talent is not what you would call practical, hence the title. Being able to catch random glimpses into the lives of all those around you isn't really something I'd wish for. Colin is one of the reporters who covered the story of the "kidnapping" of Jenny's cousin and subsequent murder of her sister. When a witness comes forward after recovering some memory of that night, he is intrigued with the story. He's very much a straight arrow and hates that thought of lying his way into crashing a wedding but he really wants to get to the truth. He certainly did not expect to be entranced by the bridesmaid!
Jenny knows he is a civilian but she decides she needs a bit of normal tonight. Their one-nighter feels wrong and both decide to continue seeing each other after the wedding. But as they are drawn deeper and Colin learns more than he should, courtesy of a VERY friendly ghost, Jenny feels her control on the situation slipping. When her power clicks on at a most inopportune time, she feels that nothing Colin has told her is true, after all he met her under false pretences.
Fabulously well written. Loving characters who feel the full range of emotions and are susceptible to the same pitfalls in love as we mere civilians. I loves seeing some past history put to rights and I;m hoping that the "friendly ghost" comes back in another book!
I'm now chomping for Strange Magic which is out later in the year. I'm just loving this crazy, mixed up, emotionally charged extended family! P>S I really hope Colin's sister kicks the odious hubby to the kerb!
December 19, 2017
Well, just another Witches of Cleopatra Hill Book....NO, This was awesome, as always.
You know, you start reading and think "I know where this is going", nope, not right.
Then, Ahhhh this is going to happen....Wrong again!
What a neat book. I have read several of the Witches of Cleopatra Hill books and do they get tired..No. Do they get predictable UhUh. Will I read the next one ABSOLUTELY.
I got to the end of the book and thought, wow that is great and then thought Wait Just A Minute, if this is the end I'll have to wait AGES for the next one. Oh well, it will be worth the wait (but please hurry!). lol
As you are reading, you can't help but think...maybe..just maybe there may actual people (witches) like this around the place..who knows, but in the mean time, KEEP THEM COMING CHRISTINE, You are just awesome and I can't wait!
You know, you start reading and think "I know where this is going", nope, not right.
Then, Ahhhh this is going to happen....Wrong again!
What a neat book. I have read several of the Witches of Cleopatra Hill books and do they get tired..No. Do they get predictable UhUh. Will I read the next one ABSOLUTELY.
I got to the end of the book and thought, wow that is great and then thought Wait Just A Minute, if this is the end I'll have to wait AGES for the next one. Oh well, it will be worth the wait (but please hurry!). lol
As you are reading, you can't help but think...maybe..just maybe there may actual people (witches) like this around the place..who knows, but in the mean time, KEEP THEM COMING CHRISTINE, You are just awesome and I can't wait!
December 23, 2016
And yet another amazing W.O.C. novel
I just don t even know what to say about this series! I don't normally read this genre but I've been eating this up. I finish a book every few days. Not because it's short but because I can't seem to put it down and get back into the real world. I'm stuck in Arizona and I don't think I want to get out!
-Tracey
I just don t even know what to say about this series! I don't normally read this genre but I've been eating this up. I finish a book every few days. Not because it's short but because I can't seem to put it down and get back into the real world. I'm stuck in Arizona and I don't think I want to get out!
-Tracey
April 29, 2016
Unputdownable
This series is fantastic. This book number 8 in the series, takes another member of the clan to tell their story. I love how the various members interlink with one another, keeping this series alive. Long may they continue.
This series is fantastic. This book number 8 in the series, takes another member of the clan to tell their story. I love how the various members interlink with one another, keeping this series alive. Long may they continue.
May 3, 2016
Love it. They get better and better as they go
Love reading it a lot. Can not wait until the next book comes out. You should see if you can make movies on the books of The Witches of Cleopatra Hill. I would buy every single one.
Love reading it a lot. Can not wait until the next book comes out. You should see if you can make movies on the books of The Witches of Cleopatra Hill. I would buy every single one.
June 7, 2016
Great book
Love the way the series connects all of the books. Well written with twists and turns to keep you interested. Awaiting new book scheduled for release in October. Thank you Christine Pope for a well written book \series
Love the way the series connects all of the books. Well written with twists and turns to keep you interested. Awaiting new book scheduled for release in October. Thank you Christine Pope for a well written book \series
September 18, 2016
Impracticable Magic (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill Book 8 by Christine Pope
I loved every minute of the book It was full of magic, love and excitement. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved every minute of the book It was full of magic, love and excitement. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 18, 2016
I didn't find the characters as likeable in this one, and thought the "romance" really jumped the gun.
May 24, 2016
Love the witches of cleopatra hill series
Another great book!! She never disappoints!! Can't wait for the next one!! October 2016 is so far away!! I hate the waiting
Another great book!! She never disappoints!! Can't wait for the next one!! October 2016 is so far away!! I hate the waiting
October 12, 2016
Great book
This is a great book and a great series. I suggest this series to anyone who likes to think outside the box of reality.
This is a great book and a great series. I suggest this series to anyone who likes to think outside the box of reality.
February 22, 2017
Good Book
September 12, 2016
It finished up the series nicely.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews