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Sweetland Witch #2

The Witching Flavor

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Wanted: Missing Witches... Alive or Dead. Preferably alive. 
.
Page Count: around 330 pages

The witches of Sweetland Cove are going missing at an alarming rate!And Ava Fortune has her hands full trying to find the kidnapper.

It began with the Snow Queen dance.
But ... when Lucy Lockwood disappeared right in front of everyone's eyes, rumors began to circulate fast.

This time, it's not Ava on the receiving end of the Sweetland Cove gossip mill.
Not 'Ava The Witch Trouble'. Not this time.
She's safe and so is the Mystic Cupcake.

When a second witch goes missing and another person is dead,
Ava's friend gets accused of the crime.
Well, a vampire friend, to be exact. 
.
She needs to set things straight.
"Vampires are people too, after all."

Hexes and curses can't make people vanish out of nowhere. 
.
Something else must be going on...
Ava has the feeling she knows what it is, but how can she make the people of Sweetland listen to her?
Can Ava stop the kidnappings before they turn to another murder... or is it already too late?

Page Count: around 330 pages

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2017

435 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Arden

16 books111 followers
It was from reading Agatha Christie’s mystery books that inspired Zoe to write cozy mystery novels. Zoe liked the fact that cozy mysteries are able to offer readers a form of escapism that typical detective stories can’t.

Like what Marilyn Stasio, who has been the Crime columnist forThe New York TimesBook Review since the late 1980s, recently wrote: “The abiding appeal of the cozy mystery owes a lot to our collective memory, true or false, of simpler, sweeter times.” It is Zoe’s desire that her writings will evoke that nostalgic memory in all of us; those memories of the good old days.

What sets Zoe apart in her writings is her fusing of Mystery with Paranormal elements, a combination which will bring about fantasies that are intriguing and engaging. Her stories contain unexpected twists and sometimes light-hearted moments that will make one smile at Zoe’s quirkiness, fun and wittiness in her writings.

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5 stars
219 (44%)
4 stars
169 (34%)
3 stars
78 (15%)
2 stars
20 (4%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
16 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2017
This is book 2 in The Sweetland Mystery Series. However, each can be read as a stand alone book. I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much. I like the way the characters interacted and how the main characters cared about and looked after each other. If you like witches, goblins, etc. you'll enjoy this book.
496 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2017
The Witching Flavor

Ava Fortune works with her aunts in a magical bakery in Sweetland. Her best friend, Lucy, goes missing and Ava tries to help find her.

This book is the second in the series. I did not think that this book was the best. There were quite a few errors that should have been edited out. The main character read a lot younger than the 20 years old she was supposed to be. She acted more like 12-13. None of the characters were particularly well developed. The author also introduces her next book at the end of this one which is a technique that I hate. If you are looking for good cozy mysteries with witches, there are better ones out there.
Profile Image for The Cozy Review.
568 reviews43 followers
July 7, 2017
The Witching Flavor: Sweetland Witch Series
Author: Zoe Arden
Publisher: ReedFoster Press House

On Heavenly Haven Island there are two factions, Mistmoor Point and Sweetland Cove, both are home to witches, vampires, and goblins. There are strange happenings on the island; witches are going missing. Ava Fortune gets involved when one of those witches, her best friend, Lucy Lockwood goes missing at the Snow Queen dance. When missing turns to murder Ava can’t stay on the sidelines.

It’s not the first time Ava’s been involved in an odd situation or murder, but she hopes it will be the last. Doing her best to find her friend before it’s too late, Ava dives into the middle of a sticky situation. A friend and vampire stands accused of kidnapping and killing Sweetland Coves witches. Ava can’t stand by and allow an innocent to pay the price when the killer may well be another witch hell-bent on revenge.

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Zoe Arden has crafted an entertaining story filled with exciting characters. Even though this is the second installment in the series, it stands on its own. The story references the previous book, but this is not overt. The reader may wish to read the original book to get a feel for the second book.

Ava is naïve, a character who is surprised by the magical abilities of the community and her ever changing surroundings. It isn’t until her friend disappears that she finds out that vampires are real and that goblins live in the forest. Young and not good at magic, Ava is still learning. This endears the character to the reader and as this series evolves and expands Ava will become a more interesting and well-rounded individual.

The familiars in “A Witching Flavor” are adorable and entertaining. Having them speak so that everyone can hear them is not only unique, but adds to the reader's enjoyment. Ava’s aunts and father are also fascinating characters with individual weaknesses and strengths. All of them love Ava and want to see her happy, and safe. Ava’s current boyfriend, Damon is not a likable character. A reader will want to see Ava with someone a little less selfish, jealous and petty and a little more like her and her family.

The Witching Flavor is filled with drama, twists and turns and characters and a plot the reader will enjoy. The book is fast paced and can be read in one sitting. Its plot thickens throughout the story ending in a showdown with the killer and an end to the mayhem that will leave the reader wanting more.

This book and series are recommended for anyone who enjoys a story that will make them laugh and hold their interest long enough to find out who did it. If the reader enjoys books about witches, magic and the unexpected they will want to read The Witching Flavor.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
May 24, 2017
“The Witching Flavor” earn 5+/5 Peanut Butter Dream Bars!

After a dangerous summer, life has settled down in Sweetland Cove, and Ava Fortune continues to get used to the fact that she is a witch. Additionally, she is very excited about attending the Pixie Punk dance with Damon, even though the revelations about her mother’s murder and his being human caused their relationship to start off a bit rocky. Everyone is eager to learn who would be selected as Miss Snow Queen…“drum roll and then…Miss Lucy Lockwood!” Lucy, Ava’s BFF, is so excited, but just as she is about to give her acceptance speech, the lights go out. They flicker, but when they come back on, everyone gasps. Lucy is no where to be found. In the search for her BFF and hounded by disturbing nightmares, Ava uncovers hexes, ghosts, goblins, and so much about being a witch that she still has yet to learn.

I love Zoe Arden’s new story, book 2 “The Witching Flavor,” and highly recommend the Sweetland Witch series. Although there are some spoilers and connections to the previous stories, which for fans do not interfere with enjoying this new story, I strongly suggest newbies start with the novella “Cake Spell Disaster: Haven Witch Mystery,” then read the first book “Cake Witch Murders,” and finish with this new book. You wouldn’t start with the dessert course first, would you? Ok, bad example, but I feel starting from the beginning will only serve to make your experience delightfully complete.

Zoe has once again created an engaging mystery that spans these three stories. She has created a strong lead in Ava Fortune who maintains her strength and determination and loyalty to family and her new friends, but is also humbled, if not embarrassed, by what she doesn’t know about this community…”Leprechauns?!” We join her on this journey of discovery of spells and fascinating creatures, and even though there is so much going on—a 1200-year old legend, family tragedies, human/witch conflicts, secrets, jealousies, and nightmares—Zoe writes well for readers to follow easily. And with the cliffhanger at the end…this is a series you can’t put down!
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,155 reviews132 followers
May 24, 2017
read 5/19-5/20

(I received this book from the author and volunteered to review it)

''Every warning that my aunts and Sheriff Knoxx had given me I now flung back at my father. I could finally understand why he'd been so protective of me growing up. Worrying about someone you loved was difficult. It was easier just to keep a watch over them at all times."

Ava Rose Fortune is still adjusting to living on Heavenly Haven. She really had no clue when she agreed to move there and live with her aunts and work in their bakery, Mystic Cupcake. Most of the time, being a witch in training was going fairly smoothly. She rarely needed a wand anymore. However, she did need to work on her concentration if her spells, and her treats, were to be palatable.

"Situations" follow Ava. And things are never as they seem. In six months she'd discovered that things were never as idyllic as they may present themselves. However, where else could a witch date a paranormal being and few bat an eye. The only problem seems to be the presence of Margaret Binford, who will stir up trouble faster than Snowball can run.

Vampires, trolls, missing people, and the worst thing that could happen draw the community of Sweetland together as one to fight the biggest thing ever grown in the history of the island. And only Ava save her home and her friends from becoming a footnote in its history.

A little more violent than some of Zoe Arden's work, the overarching principles of the series remain true to form concocting a story that might keep you guess until the end. Recommend this 4 1/2 star read
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews69 followers
May 25, 2017
Goblins, vampires, witches , dragur, trolls
hexes , spells and magic are all found on
the island of Heavenly Haven. The island
is divided into two sections: Mistmoor
Point and Sweetland Cove.
The mythology of the island comes from a
1200 year old love legend that produces
the two factions of the island due to broken
marriage and hearts with sides being taken.
Ava Fortune was born on this island . Her
father, Eli took his daughter away from the
island when she was a baby after the
murder of her mother. Now they are both
back living on the island.
Ava is trying to adjust to the fact that she is
a witch with powers she is learning to perform.
At the Snow Queen Dance, a friend of Ava's
disappears then another witch disappears.
Then a dead body is found.
Why are witches disappearing?? Why is
someone killing witches??
Ava starts investigating. The bad happenings
have the family coming together to ward off
this evil. Even the three fur babies interact
within the story: Snowy the cat (Ava's familiar),
Tootsie the cat (Trixie's familiar) and Rocky
the wolfhound (Eleanor's familiar).
Well developed, creative, colorful, vivid,
some scary but all interesting characters
take part in this involving plot.
There is mystery, danger, drama, suspense,
magic wit touches of humor and romance to
make this a fast paced and entertaining read.
This is book is part of the Sweetland Witch
cozy series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read this Advanced Readers
Copy. Thanks to the author for the opportunity.
My opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
379 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2017
when I start reading each book in this series, its like visiting my old friends....the crazies who live in fun houses that is..where goblins,vampires,and witches run amuck,lol ! but seriously. This is such a fun series with all of these different characters. This story really gives you such a colorful group of them that actually make the story work. I think it wouldn't be the same if they were just regular humans in it. There are moments that make you laugh so hard, and moments that make you almost want to puke,lol..and yes that's a good thing. The main character Ava, is a witch learning how to use her powers and save lives at the same time...sometimes the spells work..and other times..well you just never know what will happen. In the beginning of the story it can be hard to understand or follow because the author, Zoe, gives you a synopsis of what the story is going to be about and it might not make any sense to you until you get to know the people/creatures....and when you do you realize that was a good decision to do it like that. I also love how at the end of the book Zoe gives you the beginning of the next book to look forward to!..but maybe I hate that too because then I have to wait to read the rest,lol but thankfully she doesn't make you wait too long. !
Profile Image for Margaret Appel.
273 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2017
The Witching Flavor ~ Another Enjoyable Read from Zoe Arden

The Witching Flavor is the latest offering by Zoe Arden in the Sweetland Witch series. Set on Heavenly Haven on the Sweetland Cove side, it continues following Ava Fortune as she adjusts to being a witch. Ava's friend (really, so far her only friend) Lucy disappears at the Snow Queen Dance. Folks from both sides of Heavenly Haven turn out to search for Lucy but nothing pans out.
Ava continues searching for her friend, in between dealing with her human boyfriend & working at her aunts' bake shop. Another witch disappears & then another. Can Ava find her friend & figure out what is going on?
Full of twists & turns, this book is an enjoyable read, with witches, warlocks, humans, ogres, and talking familiars. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but to get the full background on Heavenly Haven & it's cast of characters you might want to start at the beginning with Cake Spell Disaster & read on from there. This is a great series, a fun read, & one that will have you looking forward to each new book in this new cozy mystery series.
3,276 reviews37 followers
May 24, 2017
Witches are going missing. Ava Fortune picks up the trail in this new book, The Witching Flavor (The Sweetland Witch Series) by Zoe Arden. Arden is doing a fabulous job of fleshing out her characters, most of whom we have met previously, as well as expanding her character base to include vampires and goblins, even a draugr (Norse mythology). Her plot is a more complicated and therefore, more interesting, with red herrings along the way confusing both the heroine and the reader. I love the direction these books are taking, although I hope they don't get too dark, which is a possibility after reading this installment.

We have the cats; we have the plucky heroine; we have supporting characters; we have the two male rivals for Ava's affections. Everything a cozy mystery needs to be successful. The characters are engaging, back story is fun, and the setting couldn't be better. Keep it up, Zoe Arden! You are doing great.

I received a copy of this book at no charge in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
May 24, 2017
Zoe Arden has become one of my favorite authors! This was a wonderful return to Heavenly Haven Island to the Sweetland Cove side. Ava Fortune is still adjusting to learning how to be a witch after never knowing she was one her entire life. Witches go missing but so do Goblins!! Vampires are real and there is so many things to learn Ava just dives right in and brings us back on another fun and wild ride! This cozy mystery is so full of love, crazy family, friendship, humor, yummy baked goods as always, furry familiars, adventure, and of course mystery! The characters feel like neighbors and new and interesting friends are introduced. I am excited for the next installment in the series. Don't miss out on the three books so far!
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
May 25, 2017
While celebrating winter in Sweetland Cove and the Snow Queen goes missing right before their eyes, things get rather stranger than normal. Ava, being a "new witch" didn't have anything to do with it, but is bound determined to find out what is going on. Then a second witch is missing and someone is dead. The town is quick to blame a vampire, but Ava knows it's not a vampire, "They don't like witch blood". She enlists the help of the sheriff who has goblin blood in his family, to go talk with the goblins for help. Can Ava convince the goblins to help out? Who is causing all this chaos? The answer will surprise you!!! The ending sure surprised me! I received ARC of this story. The review is of my own opinion and is done voluntarily.
1,024 reviews19 followers
May 24, 2017
Wow back on Haven island and the fun begins anew. All of the inhabitants of Heavenly Haven are growing and learning, especially Ava. The story is fun and the characters are so naturally wonderful and excitement galore keeps you reading. I could not put it down. Love a book where the characters feel like old friends and you get to know their quirks and what makes them tick. With people going missing and others murdered the pace of the story never lets up. Cannot wait to read the next book in this series. You will not be sorry if you try this book, it is fun and you will enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Lin .
223 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2017
Wow, I didn’t think the previous book could be topped, but this one definitely did it!

As Ava Rose Fortune continues to “find her way” in the witch world, she is pressed to show loyalty, gut instincts and downright stubborness. The family must come together to deal with things that Ava had no clue existed. The towns split once again and must pick sides. Which town wins, Sweetland or Mistmoor Point? Can the girl that everyone was a murderer six months ago, suddenly bring peace to Sweetland?

Very interesting installment to this series. A few errors, but overall a great read!
Profile Image for Selena.
113 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2018
Hmmm....

I love the stories but I have some very simple issues with it Megan's boyfriend is Conner Stevens but for a few chapters in the book the author calls him Tanner then goes back to calling him Conner a few chapters later that drove me a little nuts! The other issues I had is some times she calls Snowball she or her and sometimes she calls Snowball he or him which is it is snowball a boy or girl? Other than those issues I really liked the story the characters are great! I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for those issues previously mentioned.
Profile Image for Lois L Langham.
80 reviews
May 24, 2017
Best book in the series yet!!!

This is a fantastic book!! I did not want to put it down. I love the spin she put on the paranormal and the undead aspect of it. Its a fresh and new spin on it. I found myself really pulling for the characters. Zoe uses just the right amount of description that sets the scene but lets you use your imagination to. I can not wait till the next book. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read.
Profile Image for Yvonne Gilbert.
192 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2017
Vampires,, Goblins, and Draugrs, Oh my!

I was chosen and received an ARC copy of this book to read and review! I loved this second book in the Sweet and Cove series. I just think the mix of humans and paranormal mixed with families and friends who live, love ,laugh, and solve mysteries together is great. Ava learning her powers with the help of her Aunts is so much fun! I can't wait for the next book!
844 reviews40 followers
May 25, 2017
I am loving these characters in this series. I would want to be their friend, not someone they didn’t like. It’s fun to watch Ava growing in her witchy abilities. And the love entanglements! Who would have thought the possibilities! But what I would really like to have is my very own familiar to help me through the twists and turns of everyday life. In this story there were so many twists and turns, I’m not sure how they were able to keep up.

Profile Image for Sarah.
85 reviews
May 28, 2017
There is a whole new mystery happening at Sweetland Cove and witches are disappearing left and right. With the help of her friends and family Ava has to figure out what is happening before it's too late and people end up dead. This book is a wonderful follow up to the book before and is hard to put down once you start it! I definitely recommend it to anyone who needs a little more magic in their life.
Profile Image for Rhyanna Detuathana.
63 reviews
June 5, 2017
I Just finished reading The Witching Flavor by Zoe Arden.
It starts with Ava searching for her friend Lucy, who disappeared from the prom. Ava uses the talents of her familiar Snowy to find clues, answers to the disappearance of Lucy and others. She helps out in her Aunts' bakery in between times, creating cupcakes, cookies with a special ingredient. She is also mad at her boyfriend Damon.
I do recommend this book.
6 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2017
Magic, Mayhem and Witches ...Oh My!

If you like cozy mysteries then you've got to give The Witching Flavor a try. In Ava Fortunes world things have gone awry. If you love witches , goblins vampires and more then this is the book you've been looking for.Missing girls , eerie sounds just the kind of story that is hard to put down. The Witching Flavor get a copy and get lost in the magic.
Profile Image for Julia Stephanie.
2,113 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2017
I loved the constant 'evil' so to speak and the introduction of new mythology and creatures. I was a little disappointed in the flow of the book, however, as I felt like things were happening to people but not really indicative of what was going on? I don't know how to explain it other than it was a little confusing. The mystery wasn't as exciting as the first book, but no less fun to read. A short and cozy book overall!
Profile Image for Arianna DeBlois.
18 reviews
March 17, 2023
After getting the first book for free, I finished it in one day and found myself hungry for the next! This book is the perfect mixture of cozy mystery and the paranormal. Characters are amusing, lovable, and each have their own depth. You may think you know where the book is going, but you’ll always be surprised! I searched for more info on the author and was not able to find any, or any social pages. I wish I could, though! More people need to know about these hidden treasures!!
Profile Image for Teri Griffis.
1,130 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2017
This was an ARC review - I did not like the way this book flowed. It seemed to jump around with no clear story line. I love all the characters and the witch's familiars are very helpful and sweet. I wanted to see more about Ava and how she is handling being a witch and less of someone trying to kill everybody. Towards the end the book did get very interesting but by then it was too late.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,840 reviews97 followers
May 25, 2017
A story with lots of supernatural characters interacting, people turning up missing or dead, lots of action, strange happenings, twists and turns just when you think you got it all figured out, and romantic complications and involvement. The third and most recent book about the "Sweetland Witches" is definitely one you don't want to miss reading.
Profile Image for Mari Hinton.
416 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2017
Love it

Well developed characters, interesting mystery and a solid pace kept me turning the pages from start to finish. If you're looking for something different in a mystery this might be just what you're looking for.
Zoe Arden is becoming a go to author for me. I can't wait for the next one.
725 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2017
Ok

This is actually the second book in a series or at least the second. Who knows? They aren't marked so you don't know until you get into it and realize they are referencing earlier occurrences. That's a really bad flaw. I really have no interest in going backward since I know the outcome, but I probably won't go forward either. They are strictly average cozies.
Profile Image for Tina Lynn.
6 reviews
June 25, 2017
The sweetland witch series is great I love the first two books and just downloaded the third.. I love that it has a variety of different characters all living in these two towns on one island they may not get along great but when it comes to helping each other in the end they pull together and do what needs to be done.. it's an A+ book to me.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 22, 2018
Bloodsuckers or worse

Loved it! Okay it is quirky and a bit out there but that just lends to it's charm. What/who is abducting witches? Can they solve the mystery before more people go missing or die? Really wish Damon would get the push as he is not real hero material. A lighthearted zany paranormal mystery.
Profile Image for Shelby Webb.
29 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2017
Already waiting to see what happens next!

I enjoyed this fast and fun read. The characters are already old friends. Anyone that likes cozy paranormals would like this. I'm looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Karene Smith.
268 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2017
Great Read!

I really like this series by Zoe Arden! It's witty and well crafted with unique characters and a solid plot with some layers and twists. I can't wait for the next book in this series! Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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