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The Benevolence Tales #1-3
Under Her Spell
Enter the magical world of Isabella Fox, mediocre witch for hire, and Emily Deer, outcast shapeshifter, and the charming little town of Benevolence, where these two women-in-love make their home. The Benevolence Tales, Volume 1 is a compilation of the full first three novellas in the Benevolence Tales series:
ONE SOLSTICE NIGHT:
Isabella Fox has just moved to the charming little town of Benevolence. As the new village magicmaker, she's expected to cast only one spell a year in the sleepy village--something not even she could mess up. When Isabella meets the mysterious outcast shapeshifter, Emily, love begins to grow between the two women, but the chill of winter forewarns that not all is well in Benevolence.
ONE IMBOLC GLOAMING:
When the winter festival of Imbolc draws near, Isabella makes preparations for her yearly pilgrimage to Lunarose Abbey, where she and her friends, since their Academy days, have always participated in the annual Imbolc play and kept candlelit vigil to the Rose Goddess. This year, Isabella asks Emily to come with her but warns her about the abbey's odd quirks--like the fact that it's haunted by a lovelorn ghost...
And ONE OSTARA SUNRISE:
Every year on Ostara, all the townsfolk of Benevolence journey to nearby Mirror Lake, where they peer into the depths of the waters to see a moment of happiness from their coming year. But the lake itself is not enchanted–the creature that descends from the mountaintop and blesses the lake is what gives it its magic. This year, for the first time in millennia, the creature has not come, and Isabella and Emily make the treacherous journey to the top of the mountain, the advent of spring and the end of winter hanging in the balance.
The Benevolence Tales, Volume 1 also includes a never-before-published short story featuring the origin of Isabella’s Familiar, Alice; an introduction by the author; and a few more enchanting extras!
ONE SOLSTICE NIGHT:
Isabella Fox has just moved to the charming little town of Benevolence. As the new village magicmaker, she's expected to cast only one spell a year in the sleepy village--something not even she could mess up. When Isabella meets the mysterious outcast shapeshifter, Emily, love begins to grow between the two women, but the chill of winter forewarns that not all is well in Benevolence.
ONE IMBOLC GLOAMING:
When the winter festival of Imbolc draws near, Isabella makes preparations for her yearly pilgrimage to Lunarose Abbey, where she and her friends, since their Academy days, have always participated in the annual Imbolc play and kept candlelit vigil to the Rose Goddess. This year, Isabella asks Emily to come with her but warns her about the abbey's odd quirks--like the fact that it's haunted by a lovelorn ghost...
And ONE OSTARA SUNRISE:
Every year on Ostara, all the townsfolk of Benevolence journey to nearby Mirror Lake, where they peer into the depths of the waters to see a moment of happiness from their coming year. But the lake itself is not enchanted–the creature that descends from the mountaintop and blesses the lake is what gives it its magic. This year, for the first time in millennia, the creature has not come, and Isabella and Emily make the treacherous journey to the top of the mountain, the advent of spring and the end of winter hanging in the balance.
The Benevolence Tales, Volume 1 also includes a never-before-published short story featuring the origin of Isabella’s Familiar, Alice; an introduction by the author; and a few more enchanting extras!
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 25, 2013
56 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Elora Bishop
11 books171 followersElora Bishop is a queer author of magical lesbian love stories. You will often find her wearing soft skirts, curled up in a sunny window (much like a cat), Austen in hand, cup of tea (two cream, one sugar) nearby, always piping hot. She is bewitched by all beautiful things–but, most of all, by her beloved wife. She writes lesbian YA as Sarah Diemer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 20, 2017
“Under Her Spell” is a beautifully written set of three richly detailed, yet very dull stories about Isabella, the “very mediocre” young witch on the world of Agrotera. Bridgett Essex created Agrotera as the homeworld of her lady knights books, but this book features witches, changelings, ghosts and gods….no knights.
“Under Her Spell” should really be classified as a young teen book. Isabella feels like a character created to entertain a bored, lonely 14-16yo girl who dreams of a fantastic world of fantasy and adventure. Isabella is sweet, full of good heart, and uncertain of her place in the big wide world. The adventures are only slightly dangerous, though death is often mentioned as a risk, and mean people generally apologize for being mean. For Isabella and her girlfriend Emily, love means finding your soul mate, holding hands, and kissing tenderly.
This book was originally published by Essex under a pen name - Elora Bishop. Under the Bishop name, 10 books were published 2011-2013. From 2013 to present, Essex has published nearly 40 books under her own name.
I mention this background because I’ve found Essex’s works to be very imaginative and wonderfully word-crafted…but very uneven as enjoyable entertainment for me. This book is the earliest of her books I’ve read (published 2013), and it was the least enjoyable. Other weak books by Essex were also published early (2014).
On Audible, though, the first book was available in 2016, and eight have been released in 2017 - I need to become careful at looking at original book publication dates when new audible books are released!
Three of my least favorite Essex books were by the narrator of “Under Her Spell” - Rose Clearwater. I don’t fault the narrator for my disappointments, she actually does a great job with the material even in this book.
Overall, even with good narration, this book was a disappointment, and only rates 2*. I don’t know why I finished it, but I feel relieved to have done it, and I plan to return the audiobook.
“Under Her Spell” should really be classified as a young teen book. Isabella feels like a character created to entertain a bored, lonely 14-16yo girl who dreams of a fantastic world of fantasy and adventure. Isabella is sweet, full of good heart, and uncertain of her place in the big wide world. The adventures are only slightly dangerous, though death is often mentioned as a risk, and mean people generally apologize for being mean. For Isabella and her girlfriend Emily, love means finding your soul mate, holding hands, and kissing tenderly.
This book was originally published by Essex under a pen name - Elora Bishop. Under the Bishop name, 10 books were published 2011-2013. From 2013 to present, Essex has published nearly 40 books under her own name.
I mention this background because I’ve found Essex’s works to be very imaginative and wonderfully word-crafted…but very uneven as enjoyable entertainment for me. This book is the earliest of her books I’ve read (published 2013), and it was the least enjoyable. Other weak books by Essex were also published early (2014).
On Audible, though, the first book was available in 2016, and eight have been released in 2017 - I need to become careful at looking at original book publication dates when new audible books are released!
Three of my least favorite Essex books were by the narrator of “Under Her Spell” - Rose Clearwater. I don’t fault the narrator for my disappointments, she actually does a great job with the material even in this book.
Overall, even with good narration, this book was a disappointment, and only rates 2*. I don’t know why I finished it, but I feel relieved to have done it, and I plan to return the audiobook.
February 8, 2017
A slight surprise to find this was a reprint and I had accidentally bought it twice - formally "The Benevolence Tales" under another pen name.
May 6, 2017
A series of three short stories previously published (both previously published separately and previously published gathered together). I did not read the previous versions put out under a different author name so I do not know if there were any changes (possibly just a tiny bit to connect it to the author's knight series - by the inclusion of the city in that series as a 'mentioned' city in this collection of stories, though it was not visited in this book).
Okay, so - a witch who is actually quite bad, sorry 'mediocre', keeps getting chased out of towns that wish to burn her tied to a stake. She's the kind of witch who rides a broom and has a cat as a familiar (a talking cat in this case), though she isn't the kind of witch who looks like the stereotypical 'old hag' type of witch. Oh! And witches aren't in hiding here - towns employ witches, they just also have a tendency to form mobs and burn them if they are not that good at being witches . . . witches. This witch is the main character and point of view.
The first story finds her being chased from one town, visiting a bar, picking up a new job in a small town 'in the middle of nowhere' named Benevolence which also just so happens to be inhabited entirely (but for the witch) by shifters (or, as used in these stories, 'Changers'). Many different types of changers here - turtles, various birds (robins, etc.), goats, deer, ox, cat, etc. You can tell what kind of 'changer' they are by their last name (though the main character, the witch, is named Isabella Fox but is not some kind of werefox - she's human). The first story sees Isabella (and her familiar, the talking cat named Alice) move into town, meet people, then spot the one town outcast - Emily Deer (an all white deer).
Second story sees Isabella and as a couple and visiting some temple place for some ritual stuff. And visiting some ghosts.
Third story sees the coming of Spring (finally). And the rituals and stuff that have to be observed. These stories are full of rituals. While it is 'the coming of spring', the vast majority of the story is spent in a winter wonderland (heck, the story opens with Isabella falling through ice into a lake and needing to be rescued).
An interesting set of stories. I felt somewhat oddly distanced from the stories, not sure what that was about, but still an interesting set of stories.
Rating: 3.50 (this is more of an 'overall' rating, though I didn't get around to rating each individual story - mostly because they were all so short and read so quickly).
May 5 2017
Okay, so - a witch who is actually quite bad, sorry 'mediocre', keeps getting chased out of towns that wish to burn her tied to a stake. She's the kind of witch who rides a broom and has a cat as a familiar (a talking cat in this case), though she isn't the kind of witch who looks like the stereotypical 'old hag' type of witch. Oh! And witches aren't in hiding here - towns employ witches, they just also have a tendency to form mobs and burn them if they are not that good at being witches . . . witches. This witch is the main character and point of view.
The first story finds her being chased from one town, visiting a bar, picking up a new job in a small town 'in the middle of nowhere' named Benevolence which also just so happens to be inhabited entirely (but for the witch) by shifters (or, as used in these stories, 'Changers'). Many different types of changers here - turtles, various birds (robins, etc.), goats, deer, ox, cat, etc. You can tell what kind of 'changer' they are by their last name (though the main character, the witch, is named Isabella Fox but is not some kind of werefox - she's human). The first story sees Isabella (and her familiar, the talking cat named Alice) move into town, meet people, then spot the one town outcast - Emily Deer (an all white deer).
Second story sees Isabella and as a couple and visiting some temple place for some ritual stuff. And visiting some ghosts.
Third story sees the coming of Spring (finally). And the rituals and stuff that have to be observed. These stories are full of rituals. While it is 'the coming of spring', the vast majority of the story is spent in a winter wonderland (heck, the story opens with Isabella falling through ice into a lake and needing to be rescued).
An interesting set of stories. I felt somewhat oddly distanced from the stories, not sure what that was about, but still an interesting set of stories.
Rating: 3.50 (this is more of an 'overall' rating, though I didn't get around to rating each individual story - mostly because they were all so short and read so quickly).
May 5 2017
April 5, 2017
Just couldn't get into this book. When another, better book caught my attention, I stopped reading this book thinking I'd get back to it. I haven't and most probably won't.
April 19, 2017
Who els caught on to the similarity between the Loss and the God of the forest?
A sweet conglomeration of tales that is actually one romance. Magical bordering on fairy-tale.
January 9, 2017
WOW, what a story!
Controlling spells seems easy for all the witches except for Isabella. Her spells go more often wrong than right and this gets her in trouble over and over again. After she has to flee again, an unexpected but forbidden encounter with a beautiful outcast change her life forever. This story is set in an intriguing world. A world I can only dream of. But fortunately, there are authors like Bridget who regularly take us to this world and I'm so grateful for that. Under her spell is a very compelling, creative, warm, magical, amazing love story with a fascinating mix of unusual characters. It is a thrilling adventure with an excellent storyline and it has everything you would want in a book. I simply lost myself in this one and I highly recommend it.
Controlling spells seems easy for all the witches except for Isabella. Her spells go more often wrong than right and this gets her in trouble over and over again. After she has to flee again, an unexpected but forbidden encounter with a beautiful outcast change her life forever. This story is set in an intriguing world. A world I can only dream of. But fortunately, there are authors like Bridget who regularly take us to this world and I'm so grateful for that. Under her spell is a very compelling, creative, warm, magical, amazing love story with a fascinating mix of unusual characters. It is a thrilling adventure with an excellent storyline and it has everything you would want in a book. I simply lost myself in this one and I highly recommend it.
November 22, 2018
This was fine, but the most interesting part for me was the first third. The events described in the blurb are just the first third, and then there’s two other tales of Isabella and Emily’s life together, which were cute, but…not as good as the first part, and I would have enjoyed this much more if the first part was the whole book. I listened to the second half on audio otherwise I never would have got through the rest because I just wasn’t that invested. (I see that goodreads lists this as books 1-3 of a series, but Amazon didn’t, so I didn’t realise.)
Also, this falls into the trap that a lot of lesfic (and mm romance) novels I’ve read do: the protagonist and her love interest are gay, the protagonist has a friend who’s also a lesbian, four goddesses in the mythology of this country were in two ff relationships, but there are no other queer people. No gay guys, no trans people, no bisexual people, definitely no aro and/or ace people or intersex people. And honestly it just rings so false, especially when it’s in a fantasy world in which two women being in a relationship is unremarkable. Unrealistic, and tbh kind of boring.
Also, this falls into the trap that a lot of lesfic (and mm romance) novels I’ve read do: the protagonist and her love interest are gay, the protagonist has a friend who’s also a lesbian, four goddesses in the mythology of this country were in two ff relationships, but there are no other queer people. No gay guys, no trans people, no bisexual people, definitely no aro and/or ace people or intersex people. And honestly it just rings so false, especially when it’s in a fantasy world in which two women being in a relationship is unremarkable. Unrealistic, and tbh kind of boring.
January 29, 2020
This book was pure magic and romance. I loved all the stories of the goddesses Isabella was more than just a mediocre witch. Her and Emily did so much together. They saved a town , brought two lost souls together and so much more. Rose Clearwater did a fantastic job narrating this story.
February 3, 2022
Super cute wlw story of a less than average witch and a shapeshifter. It's also kind of funny that the title was Under her Spell when no love spell was ever casted in so far I was concerned.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
March 3, 2017
It had potential, to be honest. Something was off though, and it constantly felt like something was missing. As weird as this is going to sound though, to me, it read like a children's book in a strange way. I don't know how to explain it. I just couldn't grasp the scenery with a clear view, or the creatures. The details given weren't enough for my brain, I suppose. All of the disconnect made it impossible for me to be enthralled, and it took me longer to read since I was able to stop at any time.
Another thing is that in each story/period there were some misleading hints pointing to more, but more never came. In the first two, it is mentioned that she feels someone or something watching her, and in neither of these chapters was this ever pursued. Nothing came of it. I sat there wondering why it would be mentioned, but it was simply nothing, that was never to be discussed again.
Proof: In the first one, Isabella feels the hair on her body rising at the feeling of being watched. She happens upon the deer, so it wasn't the deer watching her as she made her way through the woods, yet that feeling was never explained. In the second one, she is rapidly chasing a ghost down a empty corridor and feels something watching her, but again nothing.
Well, in the final chapter they discuss how the story that Isabella told the children, and the one they were actually taught named the magical creature differently. At first, finding out why seemed very important as she decides to ask about it, then the whole thing just sort of dropped into a dark hole somewhere. Never to be seen again.
I should explain why this is particularly frustrating to me. I am very much all about details when I read and watch things. I am also that way when I speak to people. I look for signs that lead to a reasonable conclusion, including body language and even the most minute details. I'm usually the friend that figures out the end of the movie before it happens and I'm instantly bored upon doing so (only Scooby-Doo has ever thwarted me). The fact that I was presented with a trail that cuts off inexplicably drives me a tad mad.
I know all I've done is give the bad, but this story does truly have potential. I'm glad it was a lovely deer and not the wolf itself (saved me from a cliche). I just needed more detail in the writing about the places, people, clothing... and year. There wasn't as much dialogue to go by, in all honestly. I barely understood and grasped who the main characters were, and their personalities. As far as I could tell it was about a clumsy witch (who was the more fleshed out one of the two) and a very silent deer.
I did find myself laughing at some dialogue, usually involving Isabella's familiar who seemed to have the most personality. I hope my long-winded review doesn't turn someone away from giving it a shot. My father used to always tell me "different strokes for different folks", so perhaps you should give it a try.
Another thing is that in each story/period there were some misleading hints pointing to more, but more never came. In the first two, it is mentioned that she feels someone or something watching her, and in neither of these chapters was this ever pursued. Nothing came of it. I sat there wondering why it would be mentioned, but it was simply nothing, that was never to be discussed again.
Proof: In the first one, Isabella feels the hair on her body rising at the feeling of being watched. She happens upon the deer, so it wasn't the deer watching her as she made her way through the woods, yet that feeling was never explained. In the second one, she is rapidly chasing a ghost down a empty corridor and feels something watching her, but again nothing.
Well, in the final chapter they discuss how the story that Isabella told the children, and the one they were actually taught named the magical creature differently. At first, finding out why seemed very important as she decides to ask about it, then the whole thing just sort of dropped into a dark hole somewhere. Never to be seen again.
I should explain why this is particularly frustrating to me. I am very much all about details when I read and watch things. I am also that way when I speak to people. I look for signs that lead to a reasonable conclusion, including body language and even the most minute details. I'm usually the friend that figures out the end of the movie before it happens and I'm instantly bored upon doing so (only Scooby-Doo has ever thwarted me). The fact that I was presented with a trail that cuts off inexplicably drives me a tad mad.
I know all I've done is give the bad, but this story does truly have potential. I'm glad it was a lovely deer and not the wolf itself (saved me from a cliche). I just needed more detail in the writing about the places, people, clothing... and year. There wasn't as much dialogue to go by, in all honestly. I barely understood and grasped who the main characters were, and their personalities. As far as I could tell it was about a clumsy witch (who was the more fleshed out one of the two) and a very silent deer.
I did find myself laughing at some dialogue, usually involving Isabella's familiar who seemed to have the most personality. I hope my long-winded review doesn't turn someone away from giving it a shot. My father used to always tell me "different strokes for different folks", so perhaps you should give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2019
I read this when it was marketed as The Benevolence Chronicles by Sarah Diemer.
What I love:
- an incompetent wiTCH AND HER SHY SHAPESHIFTER GIRLFRIEND
- an incompetent witch and her shy shapeshifter girlfriend making out in cozy cabin lofts
- the fact that they get together in the first novella, so the series is as much about their growth as a couple as it is about "will they or won't they"
- the world in which they reside-- from the quirky town of Benevolence to the beautiful but haunted Lunarose Abbey to the mysterious Mirror Lake, I'm sad that this place isn't real. That ranks this world up there with Hogwarts and The Old Kingdom in my mind.
- tight plotting and prose. unlike most self-published queer fiction I've read, this was clearly proofread with eagle eyes.
What I don't love:
- the fact that we probably won't get a volume 2
I can see how some readers would find these novellas slow-paced or lacking in conflict. If you're looking for action-packed adventure, this isn't it. If you're looking for cozy fantasy, this is cozy fantasy with some great storytelling.
What I love:
- an incompetent wiTCH AND HER SHY SHAPESHIFTER GIRLFRIEND
- an incompetent witch and her shy shapeshifter girlfriend making out in cozy cabin lofts
- the fact that they get together in the first novella, so the series is as much about their growth as a couple as it is about "will they or won't they"
- the world in which they reside-- from the quirky town of Benevolence to the beautiful but haunted Lunarose Abbey to the mysterious Mirror Lake, I'm sad that this place isn't real. That ranks this world up there with Hogwarts and The Old Kingdom in my mind.
- tight plotting and prose. unlike most self-published queer fiction I've read, this was clearly proofread with eagle eyes.
What I don't love:
- the fact that we probably won't get a volume 2
I can see how some readers would find these novellas slow-paced or lacking in conflict. If you're looking for action-packed adventure, this isn't it. If you're looking for cozy fantasy, this is cozy fantasy with some great storytelling.
February 7, 2018
Gosh I just loved the beginning of this book. There is nothing better than diving into a fictional world where being a lesbian is ("normal" and seen as natural) Mix that with magic, it's pretty amazing.
It's quite a good mix of love story, very tame suspense and lite mystery and I love how quirky the main character is, that is so heartwarming and refreshing to see. Because I loved and wanted to savor so much of this book I read it slowly enjoying the moments.
It's quite a good mix of love story, very tame suspense and lite mystery and I love how quirky the main character is, that is so heartwarming and refreshing to see. Because I loved and wanted to savor so much of this book I read it slowly enjoying the moments.
January 10, 2017
Great story
I really enjoyed reading this story about a witch and a changer. I love that they weren't the best in their class or leading folks to war. This was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed reading this story about a witch and a changer. I love that they weren't the best in their class or leading folks to war. This was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
June 25, 2017
Perfect people living their lives out, misadventures here and there. I like the cat.
Ok, not that much perfection. But after the heroines get together, they become quite flawless and I don't care for flawlessness.
Ok, not that much perfection. But after the heroines get together, they become quite flawless and I don't care for flawlessness.
August 4, 2017
A good and uncomplicated book to distract yourself. So if you are looking for a straightforward story, without any particular complications or twists, it is a good book.
January 6, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable witchy lesbian romance. It's cute, but also full of powerful female characters of all sorts. Feel-good winter read.
November 21, 2018
🌈😳ENTHRALLING😳🌈
This book was filled with tenderness !😍 and humour!😍. So that is why I believe that it is a very enthralling book!😍
This book was filled with tenderness !😍 and humour!😍. So that is why I believe that it is a very enthralling book!😍
March 17, 2019
Three sweet tales about a mediocre witch and her Changer girlfriend. More fairy tale than romance.
September 19, 2022
A fun story with a mediocre (bordering on bad) witch. It is really three short stories compiled into one book but it is a nice quick read.
March 17, 2017
I swear I'm not trying to pick on this author!! I've bought two of her books so far, and I'm probably going to pick up a copy of this one (if possible) because I loved it so much.
The world building that takes place in these novellas is stunning. The religion is handled really well, and there's something incredibly affirming about having goddesses who love other goddesses.
I especially enjoyed the last story, it had some great visuals.
And it was fun, how the first story set up the main couple, and then the next two stories were them having further adventures. I would love to see more of these characters, though I'm not sure if the author will ever come back to them.
The world building that takes place in these novellas is stunning. The religion is handled really well, and there's something incredibly affirming about having goddesses who love other goddesses.
I especially enjoyed the last story, it had some great visuals.
And it was fun, how the first story set up the main couple, and then the next two stories were them having further adventures. I would love to see more of these characters, though I'm not sure if the author will ever come back to them.
January 18, 2018
I found it fun and cute. Lighthearted. Magical. Just what I wanted.
May 20, 2013
One Solstice Night
I was making the rounds, reading all of Elora's works in March-April and this was another I'd somehow never gotten to before. It was so smooth and sweet, I was in love with the main character, the towns people, the way it all neatly knitted together at the end, even pulling a few tears from me on the way to getting there.
One Imbolc Gloaming
I love following the lives of Isabella and Emily.
It was so exciting to get to see inside Isabella's training this time. Her family, her friends, her history, where she came from and what makes her herself, and the habits she'll get to keep to now that her life is calming and smoothing out. The love story was beautiful as well, both the main story and the mystery. I am always filled with so much joy, hope and inspiration, from a different place and time, and type of story when I get immerses in these worlds.
I love the very defined different kinds of friends. I loved meeting more types of creatures that exist in this world. I love that we got a more "outside view" on Changers, too, since we usually see it all from inside The Changer City central. So that was amazing, as well. I really cannot wait to see where all of this series goes.
One Ostara Sunrise
Another delightful read, following Isabella & Emily!
The way Imbolc was beautiful into getting into the history of Isabella, this one was a more defining step into the background of Emily and the holiday followings of the city. I love that we're still dealing with the fall-out of everything with Emily and the people in the city (trying to make things up to her) as much as how each of these stories is Isabelle slowly realizing she can be a better and better witch (slowly enough, since she still doubts her own urges and dreams due to her past).
I do like that we keep watching to couple redefine who they are apart and slowly merging into a stronger single unit together. Trying to protect each other, learning how to stand up for each other, take care of each other, fight with and make up and learn from each other. I love the stories being passed down, and how myths are different in different places. What's real and where.
And I'm so so so so excited to see how the prophesy plays out!
I was making the rounds, reading all of Elora's works in March-April and this was another I'd somehow never gotten to before. It was so smooth and sweet, I was in love with the main character, the towns people, the way it all neatly knitted together at the end, even pulling a few tears from me on the way to getting there.
One Imbolc Gloaming
I love following the lives of Isabella and Emily.
It was so exciting to get to see inside Isabella's training this time. Her family, her friends, her history, where she came from and what makes her herself, and the habits she'll get to keep to now that her life is calming and smoothing out. The love story was beautiful as well, both the main story and the mystery. I am always filled with so much joy, hope and inspiration, from a different place and time, and type of story when I get immerses in these worlds.
I love the very defined different kinds of friends. I loved meeting more types of creatures that exist in this world. I love that we got a more "outside view" on Changers, too, since we usually see it all from inside The Changer City central. So that was amazing, as well. I really cannot wait to see where all of this series goes.
One Ostara Sunrise
Another delightful read, following Isabella & Emily!
The way Imbolc was beautiful into getting into the history of Isabella, this one was a more defining step into the background of Emily and the holiday followings of the city. I love that we're still dealing with the fall-out of everything with Emily and the people in the city (trying to make things up to her) as much as how each of these stories is Isabelle slowly realizing she can be a better and better witch (slowly enough, since she still doubts her own urges and dreams due to her past).
I do like that we keep watching to couple redefine who they are apart and slowly merging into a stronger single unit together. Trying to protect each other, learning how to stand up for each other, take care of each other, fight with and make up and learn from each other. I love the stories being passed down, and how myths are different in different places. What's real and where.
And I'm so so so so excited to see how the prophesy plays out!
February 13, 2017
There must be a sequel.
Loved it. Loved the characters. Loved the hope for future stories. I can't get enough of this world. I look forward to both knight & witch/changer stories.
Loved it. Loved the characters. Loved the hope for future stories. I can't get enough of this world. I look forward to both knight & witch/changer stories.
January 10, 2020
I really like Ms. Bishop's fairy tales. They are contemporary and delightful to read, with a lesbian slant. This set is no different.
Isabella Fox and Emily Deer each have their own issues, and yet find themselves attracted to each other under unusual circumstances. The stories revolve around how they get out of this initial situation, how they come together despite obstacles, and how Isabella finally finds roots in a town that she can finally call home.
An enjoyable read; each story was quick enough for a one sitting read and left me wanting to know more about the characters. The characters and places were very charming and well thought out by the author. I enjoyed them all.
Four stars.
Isabella Fox and Emily Deer each have their own issues, and yet find themselves attracted to each other under unusual circumstances. The stories revolve around how they get out of this initial situation, how they come together despite obstacles, and how Isabella finally finds roots in a town that she can finally call home.
An enjoyable read; each story was quick enough for a one sitting read and left me wanting to know more about the characters. The characters and places were very charming and well thought out by the author. I enjoyed them all.
Four stars.
January 26, 2016
I've been reading a lot of heavier content over the past few weeks, and this was a lovely little break from everything that had me feeling so weighed down from before. The characters are great and their relationship is very sweet and refreshing. Each of the stories read quite well as novellas, with unique plot lines and engaging details added in to give a more descriptive view of this magical little world. I really enjoyed reading this collection of tales.
October 23, 2013
A sweet, lovely set of stories, perfect for curling up in a chair. Isabella and Emily are a charming couple and I like the world that Bishop has created -- fantastical, and magical, but also ordinary and homespun as well. I hope the author continues this series!
June 3, 2013
I adore these stories. They're cute and sweet and Alice is a FANTASTIC little character :) Don't miss reading her bonus short story at the end!
October 10, 2013
Excellent romance series, loved Alice...I want Alice actually lol and It was refreshing reading about the Goddesses' and their Wives instead of just gods!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2017
One of my favorites. I read this back when it was under a different name, and loved it. It has some minute changes in it, but otherwise it's the same story. Still love it. Thanks for the re release!
April 12, 2017
Beautiful! I had forgotten how Bridget Essex aka Elora Bishop writes brilliantly. I love her warm style. Of bringing the old myths, archetypes and pagan traditions to a lesbian context.
Looking forward to read more books.
Looking forward to read more books.
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