The Winchester witches are in a tizzy. Sam Cornell’s parents are coming to town and Clove is beside herself. Meeting her boyfriend’s parents is a big deal. It doesn’t help that her cousins can’t stop making fun of her, which is the Winchester way, of course. In addition to the Cornells' imminent visit, the Winchesters are also dealing with Sam’s new tanker. An afternoon visit knocks Bay for a metaphysical loop with ugly visions of a tragedy long since forgotten – by everyone but the dead. The belligerent ghosts set their sights on someone in the Winchester household … it’s just not Bay, for a change … and everyone has to rally together if they expect to make it out alive. If ghosts and parental visits weren’t bad enough, Hemlock Cove has a firebug. Someone is going after business owners and festival booths and the culprit is getting more and more daring. Two forms of evil are bound to collide, but when and where? It’s going to take all of the Winchesters – and their friends – to solve a mystery decades in the making. The answers are there if they can dig deep enough to find them. Surviving the ordeal won’t be easy, but it’s all hands on deck – this time literally – for another wacky Winchester adventure.
When 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.
I have read all of the other books and short stories and I just feel that the stories are getting weaker. It really makes me sad that the series is starting to go in. I originally started reading this series and adored the dynamic between Bay and her 2 cousin...oh and you can't forget Aunt Tillie. I really enjoyed how they would sometimes bicker but at the end of the day they would work together and solve the problem. Now it has seemed that they have taken an extreme jump in personalities. For example, Clove was the softer one of the three but spent a big chunk of this book cleaning and freaking out because her boyfriends family was coming to visit. Thistle was just over the top obnoxious (normally she was only a little sarcastic etc. And Bay is a weak love sick puppy who is afraid to say or do the wrong thing out of fear that Langdon will leave her.
Yes, Bay has always been a little insecure about her relationship with Langdon but this was just too much. She avoids telling him things so that he wont get angry, he finds out, gets furious, and then she gets incredibly depressed. Then you have the other extreme where they are CONSTANTLY flirting and referencing having sex for a big chunk of the book. The flirting actually made the book drag on majorly. And yes we get that Langdon loves Bacon, but do we need to reference that on almost every other page?
Once you get passed the major portion of Bay and Langdon's nonstop flirting there is a decent story here. Aunt Tillie was fantastic as always and stayed true to form. The ending itself felt extremely rushed but that might be because a major portion of the story focused on Bay and Langdon's relationship. Yes their relationship has always played a part in the books but it was always balanced. Unfortunately, the balance has been lost and it makes me leery about reading the next book.
4.5 Stars... When a powerful entity unleashes itself on an innocent protected by the Winchester women, you know there will be hell to pay... Bay, Clove, Thistle, along with their men and, of course, Aunt Tillie, team up for battle unleashing their magics and crazy antics to take down the enemy... No matter the challenge, this family sticks together to overcome the seemingly impossible and find new ways to harass one another while still having each others' backs... From heartfelt moments to laugh out loud ones, these books always seem to bring me just what I need... I absolutely adore this series and look forward to each and every insane adventure with the Winchester Witches:)
It took me forever to read this book! It was 20% plot/mystery and 80% mushy. Most of the book was reiteration of Bay's poor self esteem and her man pledging undying love blahblahblah. Definitely taking a break before reading book 10!
The Winchester witches are at it again. Sam Cornell's parents are coming to town to meet Clove for the first time and Clove is beside herself. She begins cleaning like a fiend and gets so anxious she is re-cleaning the watchtower. It doesn't help that Sam doesn't understand why she is so nervous or that Bay and Thistle are making fun of her.
The Winchesters are dealing with the fallout of Sam's new tanker, which just so happens to be haunted. When Bay and Thistle visit it for the first time one afternoon, Bay is knocked for a metaphysical loop with visions of tragedy, for the crew, after touching a wall. The ghosts set their sights first on Bay and eventually on Annie. Everyone is nervous when she begins acting out and talking about the ghosts Bay has been seeing. Bay still hasn't told Landon about the visions she got on the tanker, at this point.
The Winchesters are dealing with Sam's parents, ghosts, and a firebug as well. The firebug seems to be going after store owners, Bay gets the feeling that its someone younger, and they enjoyed destroying a store with childish glee. The Winchesters are spread a little thin with everything that's going on, between the firebug, ghosts, and new family, but will they be able to figure out a way to get the ghosts to move on without anyone getting injured? Well pick up this book and prepare to strap in for another fun, hilarious, and wacky Winchester adventure.
Oh man I love Aunt Tilly! She is hilarious, wacky, and so much fun. Aunt Tilly has a surprise for everyone and even the Winchesters are surprised. This is a well written series and I am always happy to see another book by Amanda Lee. Bay and Landon's relationship is growing and we see that the three cousins are growing up and may be starting their own families soon. I can't wait to see Landon and Bay get to that point. The Witches series is one of my favorites and one I highly recommend. If you want a good laugh, full of family, love, and adventure this is definitely the book/series for you.
As much as I love this series, Landon and Bay need to work on their communication. Bay needs to stop hiding stuff from Landon and Landon needs to stop being an ass and work on his anger.
This one was not upto the same mark as the other books in this series. Aunt Tillie's leggings though. They are.... something.
This series of books are fun to read. Kind of like palate cleansers between heavier books. She also writes 'embroidery mystery' books that do the same thing. Love them.
This is easily one of my favourite series. In this episode, Sam’s parents are coming to meet clove and the family. Also he has bought a haunted tanker and docked it on the lake hoping to fix it up as a tourist attraction. And there is a fire bug in town. And Agent Noah comes to help with the arson case. Another wild tale from the Midwest.
I have had many a chuckle from this series. It's fun! Each of the main characters has a distinct personality that adds so much to the story lines. I can't wait to see how the family dynamics grow & change as the relationships progress.
In this one we see the crazy side to Clover as she meets the boyfriends parents. Sam's mum is a great character and then there's the fact that Bay isn't the only one that can see ghosts in this one. More people learn the truth about the family but the reactions aren't as bad as they thought they would be. Lov the ending with Edith making a comeback.
The Trouble With Witches: Wicked Witches of the Midwest 9 Chronological order recommended.
In A Nutshell:What at first seems like a book centred on Clove and the visiting prospective in-laws is anything but. Landon the obnoxious takes centre stage with Bay the Bland. As always the saving grace is Aunt Tillie who keeps the ghosts at bay, saves the day with magic, sarcasm and outrageous behaviour.
The Plot: Ghosts are threatening Annie, a young girl adopted into the Winchesters clan. She may also have witchy powers. And arson is also thrown in for good measure.
The Protagonist(s):Bay the Bland the once independent witch girl has gone limp. However, it is Aunt Tillie that has me returning to these books. She is warm in cool tones, kind in the mean ways and what all old ladies should be, forever young and free.
I read these books purely for the joy a character like Aunt Tillie brings. There are moments when she is too much, but overall I am engaged with the her. I like her tough love and outlandish behaviour.
The story is okay but loses marks for the dullness that Landon and Bay bring and their continual petty sexual innuendos. And here's a warning if you like bacon. Landon will put you off of it. I wanted more of Sam's parents. He is living with Clove, cousin to Bay. His mother is witchy but her storyline weak. And the little interaction with her was centred around Bay.
But Aunt Tillie's antics will have you blushing and the curmudgeon's quick retorts, smiling.
Book Rating Sexual Content: U Language: U Violent: U Would I read the next one or reread?: Probably
My rating system (* = star) 0* Could not finish this book (waste of time) 1* Finished the book but didn't like it. 2* Finished the book it was okay. 3* A good read worth your time. 4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot. 5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
Well what can I say when I get to spend a lovely relaxing weekend with one of my all time favourite Witchy series. The Trouble with Witches is book 9 in this awesome series and oh my there was a lot to love about this book, the storyline was magical and kept me guessing when i thought I had the mystery solved there was a twist, then another twist as you can imagine I love a good plot twist. I also love the characters in this series and even though Bay and Landon are the two main characters I so love Aunt Tillie, Clove and Sam, Thistle and Marcus, the girls Mum's and of course Annie and Belinda, they really all make the series a fun family event and I really love it when they are all involved in everything going on. I can't wait for a lot more of Annie she is a card and a mini aunt tillie in the making which is downright scary...lol Bay and Landon are just magical as always they get stronger and stronger in their love for each other with each book. I also love how Bay, Thistle and Clove love each other unconditionally and also love love love to mess with each other for fun as well that is true family.
my favourite quote from this story was from Thistle about Aunt Tillie 'You wouldn't think a tiny woman would weigh so much, but apparently evil is heavy' lol this one made me laugh out loud.
and one more quote this time from Landon and its seriously hilarious ' I do like the wine though, and I've gotten used to seeing my girlfriends mother's boobs. Wow. There's a sentence I never thought I'd say.' oh that was priceless.
It was great to meet Sams parents they seemed to fit right in I would love to have them visit more often or even move to town.
Overall another 5 star addition to a magical series.
I am really sad to see how whiney and co dependant the heroine has become. Despite ENDLESS declarations of love, and awesome actions to back them up, she is a boring textbook whine ass chick with Daddy issues. I was hoping your heroine to blossom, not return to the junior high mentality. No respectable witch would EVER behave in such a manner. I am sick of her and sick of him. You let this one run too long. Its the same dialogue, and quite frankly its boring the crap out of me. You SERIOUSLY need a professional editor and proofreader. You are starting to stagnate in the same ol' crap, book after book. I had higher hopes for you, Amanda. Smdh
I have read all of the previous books in this series and most of the side stories. This story just left me wanting something. I felt like it was missing something that was present in all the stories before. I still absolutely love the characters but I wasn't as easily entranced as I normally am. I still believe it was a very good book tho.
Another entertaining story about the Winchester witches. The only downside is Landon's constant kissing on Bay. That is getting annoying as part of the plot, thats why i gave it four stars.
I've been reading this series because it seems to be a long one (more than 20 books, I think) and it's been enjoyable so far. This book, however, had me rolling my eyes. Firstly, the author uses the word "Nonplussed" a lot, in every book. It's also used incorrectly, which nonplussed me.
Bay is whiny and weak and I really don't see her appeal and her boyfriend is annoying and overbearing and treats her like a child. It irks me. The villain was annoying too, we already did the whole "peaked in high school and now they're super bitter and hate Bay because she's super special" thing in like, three other books. I was hoping for something new.
Also, there is a whole thing about Landon seeing ghosts in the mirrors, and on page 221 (Kindle edition), Bay tells everyone that he saw the ghosts, and he is there when she tells them but then on page 257 they act like that whole scene didn't happen. There are other typos/missed words throughout, they didn't distract me too much but this whole thing had me going back and double checking.
I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with Sam. I think this book could have been better if the focus was on Clove and Sam and the whole meeting his parents thing, and then it was just a long con where, since his mother is a witch, she wants something of Clove's family, like a grimoire or something. Or maybe Sam's family were cursed by Clove's family and Sam came to get close to them to try to figure out a way to break the curse or...something.
The series so far has been entertaining and I'll try reading a couple more books, in the hope that they will improve, but I really did not enjoy this one.
.. to expand the Dandridge as an attraction he buys more than he realises. The vessel has a dark and mysterious past that brings visions of violence, blood and gore not just to Bay and Aunt Tillie but to young Annie too as the ghosts are drawn towards her vivacious, shining aura.
With 10 of them to battle and with their 30+ years trapped without any chance to move on they've developed into stronger spirits and it's going to take more effort than usual to help them move on and leave Annie in peace.
Meanwhile there's fun at the Hoedown Festival to deal with when first a booth and then Mrs Little's Unicorn Emporium are set alight. Agent Noah Glenn is unfortunately back as Landon's boss palms him off on the inhabitants of Hemlock Cove again.
Sadly Noah's learnt nothing from his last case, still an arrogant, loudmouthed douche he does nothing to make his own life easier preferring instead to continually put down Terry, Landon, Bay and the rest of the Winchesters..
In other news Clove's on edge as Sam's parents visit, Thistle's determined to have her very own craft room and Aunt Tillie is back with Kenneth and creating mayhem with her leggings.
So enjoyable to read.. light-hearted snarky comedy with plenty of action and adventure.
And the ball is going, going, gone, out of the park!
I don't even like baseball, but the metaphor works. I love this series, and I haven't read a bad book in it, but this book goes just that little bit further. I have enjoyed Annie since she was introduced into this series, but there hasn't been much about her mother, Belinda. She has been mentioned, but not really become one of the stories characters until now. I hope Belinda will continue to be a larger part of the stories. This series has a huge cast of requiring characters, and I love them all, but this book has expanded the Winchester family by two and I love it. This book stands out for me because it emphasizes the importance of family, in all its irritating, maddening glory. Oh, it has the usual snarkiness, and the mystery (although that really takes the backseat in this book) is there, but this book is really more character driven than the series has allowed before. I predict it you enjoy this series you'll love this book. If you don't know the series, to look for the first book and read them in order, including the fantasies and short stories, because you will enjoy it much more that way.
I fall in love with Bay and Landon more and more with each book. This is a great series and I can not get enough of it. I’ve re-read several of them.
In “The Trouble With Witches,” Sam Cornell’s parents are coming to town and Clove is going crazy...well, crazier than she usually is.
In addition to the Cornells’ imminent visit, the Winchesters are also dealing with Sam’s new tanker. An afternoon visit knocks Bay for a metaphysical loop with ugly visions of a tragedy long since forgotten – by everyone but the dead. The belligerent ghosts set their sights on someone in the Winchester household … it’s just not Bay, for a change … and everyone has to rally together if they expect to make it out alive.
If ghosts and parental visits weren’t bad enough, Hemlock Cove has a firebug and the culprit is getting more and more daring.
It’s going to take all of the Winchesters – and their friends – to solve a mystery decades in the making. Surviving the ordeal won’t be easy, but it’s all hands on deck – this time literally – for another wacky Winchester adventure.
This is the ninth book in the series and I'm still enjoying the books and have plans to read every one of the books.
This is probably the most serious book so far, though. Edith had been told who killed her and is no longer a regular at the office but another ghost takes her place, sort of. Sam's parents are coming to visit and Clove is totally freaking out, worried about how they will view her. Meanwhile, back at the inn, Annie has shown that she can actually see ghosts.
The main problem arises with the tanker that Sam bought to be transformed into a 'haunted' ship. The problem? It's haunted, and not by nice, friendly ghosts. It's a bunch of ultra-nasty ghost that not only cause problems for the family but also cause a major problem for Annie.
If that wasn't enough it seems there's a pyromaniac in the town as a festival booth burns and a house burns down. Aunt Tillie will play a major role in trying to get rid of the nasty beings. A very dark but very good addition to the series.
Well we finally have more of Belinda and Annie in the story, I was wondering when they were going to have more of a presence, it seems like they came in so many books ago but we only got tidbits here and there of them.
Story line wasn't too bad, there was still a crime to solve but this one had an addition of a witchy problem to solve.
I am not sure why the author continues to give us a back story on the characters, every book she always does, it's not needed as this is a series and literally if you're reading this far in you know the back story. Seems like a waste of space and deters from the current story.
This was one of the better stories, I enjoy the banter between the siblings but I can tell you this, these stories are definitely not about visuals, the author focuses mostly on the interactions between the characters and actions, you don't really get a picture in your head like if you were reading harry potter and they explain every little detail.
The Winchester witches return with more mayhem and snark. This time the mystery focuses on a hoard of evil ghosts and a mysterious arsonist. The ghosts fixate on the little girl, Annie, and everyone it's up in arms trying to protect her. This isn't one of my favorite stories. First, rather than character development, the story is full of repeated platitudes. Second, Annie comes across as a total brat. I felt somewhat sympathetic that she was being terrorized by malevolent ghosts, but mostly I wanted to give her a spanking and put her in time out. Fortunately, once the ghosts are vanquished, she seems to calm down a bit, but she's still more bratty than endearing.
The story is always good. This one was a little scary with the Alice involved. These ghosts were way more intense than any others. With the added benefit of an arsonist. I was surprised that Landon was able to see the ghosts. That was a plot twist. I know he saw one in a previous book but not like this. I’m not loving the extra fed in town Noah he’s annoying for sure. This one a good ending thank goodness for Aunt Tiiley
Now I would move on to the next one but here is the truth I cannot take the narrator. I am in the series but man I can’t do it. I have decided that I am going to listen to them in between other books so I don’t have to listen to her do the next 10-15 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Full of snark and laugh-out-loud moments that are the norm for the author and always put a smile on my face, I also found this book to be quite suspenseful. Clove is meeting her boyfriend's parents for the first time and totally freaking out...and there's an arsonist in town setting fires everywhere. Bay and little Annie are being terrorized by very evil ghosts from an old oil tanker that Sam purchased as part of his tourist attraction. Lots of Landon and bacon as well! An entertaining read...and great cover art!
Pretty much perfect summer reading, this is exactly what I needed when looking for funny, light hearted fun with lovable characters and a bit of mystery and action. These witches worm a way into your heart and make small town life seem suddenly very appealing. The humour is snarky and outrageous, family turns from enemy to closest ally in the blink of an eye and suddenly I very much want an Aunt Tillie of my own.
This is a review for the whole series as I have inhaled these books at speed and to be honest I will keep on reading until I have run out of books. A new fan.
Another cracking story from Amanda Lee.. I absolutely love her characters, the sarcasm & witt & of course the family drama... The difference I found with this story was that there was no 'murder or death' to solve and although Bay (sometimes Aunt Tillie) is normally the one to interact & deal with ghosts that wasn't the case... it was a good twist... Aunt Tillie of course was her usual snarky, obstinate self who speaks her mind. Great humorous story that I couldn't put down... Bring on the next one!!!
I enjoyed another series by the same author, and her books are free on Kindle Unlimited, so I gave this series a chance, reading all the books back to back, so they all run into each other in my head. It was fun. If you like cozies (light mysteries without much suspense - think "Murder She Wrote") and you like paranormal novels, this series is perfect for you. The characters are loveable and a lot of fun. The mysteries are not that hard to solve, but enjoyable all the same. Aunt Tillie is a really funny character.
O. M. G. This family! Witches, ghosts, a bunch of women living together (because that’s always a good idea), granny running around in helmet and inappropriate leggings hexing people. I just can’t put these books down. I’ve read the whole series and am getting ready to start over. I like Amanda M. Lee in general for the snark level and fun characters. You can be guaranteed that if you like funny hijinks, hunky guys, quirky families and paranormal settings, Ms. Lee will be a solid choice every time. P.S. She also writes as Lily Harper Hart and her Harper Harlow Series is hysterical.
4 stars as I felt the need to deduct 1 star (half if the option was available) This is the 9th book in the series, you most likely wouldn’t start reading book 9 and then go book 1. The introduction to the characters in every book gets frustrating. Though everything else is great. I am not a great fan of one of the main characters - he comes across as controlling. This sets a bad example for what a loving and doting other half should be like.. buts that’s my opinion :)
First it was Bay, now it’s Clove’s turn to meet the mother.
Yep, Clove has been having a full on breakdown over meeting Sam’s parents. Unlike Bay however, Clove has turned into a neurotic clean freak who has had her bae scrubbing and dusting like there’s no tomorrow. Still, murder and mayhem don’t take a break because of a family visit. Unfortunately, an encounter with Sam’s new tanker has put Bay in a bind, and if that’s not enough, there’s a grizzly ghostly mystery to solve. Fun times.
This is the second time I've read this series and I found it even more entertaining the second time around! This book is hilarious. I do the kindle computer audio and had to keep going back a page because I missed hearing it over my laughing. Aunt Tillie is my hero! I love how the curmudgeonly old witch has everyone terrified of her yet she is loyal and defends those she loves. This book was very well written and has a first rate editing job. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys paranormal books.