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Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #0.5
A Witch of a Day
Holly is having a witch of a day.
Friday the thirteenth should be a day of paranormal delight, but instead, Holly is fighting off the ghosts of her past — the kind that can’t be exorcised. When a strange, hooded figure approaches her with an unthinkable task, Holly is forced to walk the line between light and dark magic, and one wrong step could ruin everything.
Prequel novel to the Beechwood Harbor Mystery series, available to subscribers of the author's newsletter.
Friday the thirteenth should be a day of paranormal delight, but instead, Holly is fighting off the ghosts of her past — the kind that can’t be exorcised. When a strange, hooded figure approaches her with an unthinkable task, Holly is forced to walk the line between light and dark magic, and one wrong step could ruin everything.
Prequel novel to the Beechwood Harbor Mystery series, available to subscribers of the author's newsletter.
86 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
148 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 17, 2018
A Witch of a Day is the prequel to the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series by Danielle Garrett.
In Murder’s a Witch I was wondering why Holly was banished and here we get those questions answered. It’s the backstory on why her name has been ruined and no one trusts her.
To sum it all up it comes down to her ex boyfriend and the bad things he got himself into. Of course since they where dating at the time when everything went down. It dragged her down, along with her name. She just can’t get away from her ex and all the bad press.
In A Witch of a Day things happen again and she has to move out of the Havens altogether where she ends up at Beechwood Harbor, a halfway house for supernaturals.
I enjoyed getting the backstory on Holly and having some of my questions answered. You don’t have to read this prequel to read the series, but it does give some clarification on her situation; since that didn’t seam to be explained in, In Murder’s a Witch.
Rated: 3 Stars
In Murder’s a Witch I was wondering why Holly was banished and here we get those questions answered. It’s the backstory on why her name has been ruined and no one trusts her.
To sum it all up it comes down to her ex boyfriend and the bad things he got himself into. Of course since they where dating at the time when everything went down. It dragged her down, along with her name. She just can’t get away from her ex and all the bad press.
In A Witch of a Day things happen again and she has to move out of the Havens altogether where she ends up at Beechwood Harbor, a halfway house for supernaturals.
I enjoyed getting the backstory on Holly and having some of my questions answered. You don’t have to read this prequel to read the series, but it does give some clarification on her situation; since that didn’t seam to be explained in, In Murder’s a Witch.
Rated: 3 Stars
September 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Novella
A short story about how Holly ended up at Beechwood Manor. It was nice to see how it all began. I’ll be rereading the first book in the series at some point this month and continuing on with the series. I love the characters and the small town setting!
A short story about how Holly ended up at Beechwood Manor. It was nice to see how it all began. I’ll be rereading the first book in the series at some point this month and continuing on with the series. I love the characters and the small town setting!
May 26, 2021
A fun quirky story.
Just as it was getting good, it ended. While I was reading about Holly's plight, i got so caught up in the story, I forgot that it was a novella.
Just as it was getting good, it ended. While I was reading about Holly's plight, i got so caught up in the story, I forgot that it was a novella.
August 26, 2019
A potion witch spends an exciting Friday the 13th holiday from work that is life-changing.
Holly Boldt has the bloodlines of two powerful witch families running through her. Instead of being a protege and up and coming, she's nearly a pariah because her ex boyfriend turned out to be a dabbler in the dark arts and now she's still paying for her naivete in not knowing.
Another something she doesn't understand, but caused tons of trouble is enough to get her exiled from the Seattle Coven and sent to a supernatural half-way house in little Beechwood Harbor. She has a ghost landlady and a vampire and shifter for roommates. Can she ever get her dream of owning a potions shop and having a home?
A Witch for A Day is an intro to Holly's situation and not a full-blown story. It probably would work just as well following book one as preceding it. Holly is a fun heroine and I can't wait to read more.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt clue- novella 3/5
Holly Boldt has the bloodlines of two powerful witch families running through her. Instead of being a protege and up and coming, she's nearly a pariah because her ex boyfriend turned out to be a dabbler in the dark arts and now she's still paying for her naivete in not knowing.
Another something she doesn't understand, but caused tons of trouble is enough to get her exiled from the Seattle Coven and sent to a supernatural half-way house in little Beechwood Harbor. She has a ghost landlady and a vampire and shifter for roommates. Can she ever get her dream of owning a potions shop and having a home?
A Witch for A Day is an intro to Holly's situation and not a full-blown story. It probably would work just as well following book one as preceding it. Holly is a fun heroine and I can't wait to read more.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt clue- novella 3/5
August 6, 2025
this was such a good prequel! i’d been so curious about holly’s life before beechwood harbor and this was perfect
June 25, 2019
I listened to this series in one go. Great fun.
May 11, 2018
This was a quick, enjoyable read to set the scene for the series of Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries. It introduced the elemental potions witch, Holly, and her overweight familiar cat, Boots, and explained how she came to be banished to the Beechwood Manor halfway-house for supernaturals.
I liked the set up with ordinary (human) world living close by the supernatural world, and Holly easily able to move through both (a Harry Potter for adults scenario). Clearly, she would rather be somewhere she could use her magic as she liked, but her exile to the predominantly human Beechwood Harbour has put paid to that for at least a while.
I look forward to reading more books in the series proper.
I received free copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
I liked the set up with ordinary (human) world living close by the supernatural world, and Holly easily able to move through both (a Harry Potter for adults scenario). Clearly, she would rather be somewhere she could use her magic as she liked, but her exile to the predominantly human Beechwood Harbour has put paid to that for at least a while.
I look forward to reading more books in the series proper.
I received free copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2018
Turns out Holly Boldt was framed by an evil wizard. This stranger forced her to make an illegal magic spell and she got busted for it. That is how and why she ended up in Beechwood Manor halfway house for displaced paranormals.
The evil stranger, on the other hand, attempted to break Holly's ex-boyfriend out of jail by using the magic potion/spell. Well, now she won't have to appear in court in front of her ex-boyfriend anymore, because he is going to rot in jail, but it also means she is banished from her supernatural Haven community.
The evil stranger, on the other hand, attempted to break Holly's ex-boyfriend out of jail by using the magic potion/spell. Well, now she won't have to appear in court in front of her ex-boyfriend anymore, because he is going to rot in jail, but it also means she is banished from her supernatural Haven community.
October 20, 2024
Very short novella, prequel to the author's Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series, in which we see how our main character -- Holly -- ends up at a magical inn. We also get a brief introduction to Adam, who I know from reading the first in the author's next series, eventually becomes her husband.
I enjoyed this, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed this, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
November 6, 2022
I have already read the first book before I realized this short was around. I liked that with this one we learned how Holly ended up at the misfit house and what her life was like before. It seems like things are better for her now.
November 10, 2024
A short story introduces Holly, the main character in the Beechwood Harbour mysteries. A fun quick read
June 26, 2019
3,5 stars
January 21, 2020
This really shouldn't have been a novella considering it gave the background of the MCs situation. A situation that isn't fully explained to the readers until the end of book #2. It should have been included somewhere in book #1.
July 29, 2025
I enjoyed this prequel to the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series. It would be interesting to see a bit more of the relationship between Holly and Gabriel, but as a prequel to explain how Holly ended up in Beechwood Harbor, it definitely satisfied.
August 23, 2020
How Holly got to Beechwood Harbor. 😄
June 24, 2018
Reviewed at Haunted Bookshelf
In some ways I’m a bit lucky in that I’m doing a binge reading of the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series this weekend. This way I get to read the back story of Holly right from the very beginning and let it ease me into the series with fewer questions.
A Witch of a Day begins the series with Holly enjoying a day off from work at the potions shop, paid at that, and the discovery that she’s in a huge amount of trouble… from her past, and her present.
Now, the hard part is that I really can’t say much beyond that. This is a very short prequel, back story to the series, so it’s really answering some questions that weren’t addressed. But for someone just walking into the series it’s the perfect introduction to the world that is to come. It’s magical, of course, but also sits parallel alongside of the human world, with supernaturals able to move between the two through hidden portals. It also explains why Holly finds herself at a halfway house to begin with… and where we leave Holly here leads us into the first story of the series. I had fun with A Witch of a Day – it’s fun, it’s light and it’s to the point, yet the tiny details that make a story special are also there as well. If you haven’t started the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series yet then this is the perfect place to start… if you have and don’t know Holly’s back story then it’s a great way to get caught up on what was before. Sometimes a book is just a win-win and this is one of those times. I had fun, and that’s the whole point.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
In some ways I’m a bit lucky in that I’m doing a binge reading of the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series this weekend. This way I get to read the back story of Holly right from the very beginning and let it ease me into the series with fewer questions.
A Witch of a Day begins the series with Holly enjoying a day off from work at the potions shop, paid at that, and the discovery that she’s in a huge amount of trouble… from her past, and her present.
Now, the hard part is that I really can’t say much beyond that. This is a very short prequel, back story to the series, so it’s really answering some questions that weren’t addressed. But for someone just walking into the series it’s the perfect introduction to the world that is to come. It’s magical, of course, but also sits parallel alongside of the human world, with supernaturals able to move between the two through hidden portals. It also explains why Holly finds herself at a halfway house to begin with… and where we leave Holly here leads us into the first story of the series. I had fun with A Witch of a Day – it’s fun, it’s light and it’s to the point, yet the tiny details that make a story special are also there as well. If you haven’t started the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series yet then this is the perfect place to start… if you have and don’t know Holly’s back story then it’s a great way to get caught up on what was before. Sometimes a book is just a win-win and this is one of those times. I had fun, and that’s the whole point.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
December 18, 2020
I almost wish I had read this before reading book 1. It explained how Holly wound up at Beechwood Manor. I didn't really enjoy the story though because it was so short. It felt like it just stopped in the middle of things. No conclusion, whatsoever.
I wish that the author had described Ana (Stace? Stacy? Why so many different nicknames?) in the books about her. It seems odd to me that she's described in THIS book but not her own books. I never knew she had blue eyes. The author just assumes that people reading her other books had read these as well. Um. No. If that is a requirement, then she should state that somewhere.
The 3-star rating is because it ticked me off that this book isn't included in the Kindle Unlimited plan. It's a tiny book and it should be included.
Also, the book felt incomplete.
If I had read this first, I probably wouldn't have read book 1. So maybe it's for the best that I didn't.
I wish that the author had described Ana (Stace? Stacy? Why so many different nicknames?) in the books about her. It seems odd to me that she's described in THIS book but not her own books. I never knew she had blue eyes. The author just assumes that people reading her other books had read these as well. Um. No. If that is a requirement, then she should state that somewhere.
The 3-star rating is because it ticked me off that this book isn't included in the Kindle Unlimited plan. It's a tiny book and it should be included.
Also, the book felt incomplete.
If I had read this first, I probably wouldn't have read book 1. So maybe it's for the best that I didn't.
December 4, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 21, 2019
This book is so much fun and even though it is a novella to Murder's A Witch it was so good that I had to read it straight through. Holly didn't realize what a turn her life was about to take by being a potion witch and being forced to do a job she didn't want to do. As a result she and her familiar are in for a big change and the story brings some very interesting characters into the story that I am sure will play a part in the next book. I can't wait to she how she straightens her life out in the next book. I can't wait until I get Book 1 and really start to get into the series. Danielle's story telling ability will certainly make it fun and turn paging I am sure.
Read
January 20, 2023Not my usual genre of book but I found this series because I was looking for books narrated Amanda Ronconi and I thought 'what the heck, I'll give it a try'. Well, I am so grateful I did. The stories are fun, the characters are interesting, and more importantly, the stories evolved and the writer matured the characters as the series moved forward. I often get frustrated when characters remain the same from book to book and as a result lose interest in the story line. FORTUNATELY, that isn't how Danielle Garrett managed this series. The character's maturing throughout the series made the stories more interesting and kept me engaged throughout.
April 27, 2023
Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #0.5
A Witch of a Day by Danielle Garrett is the prequel of a series that I have just started. It's fun and quirky main character seems lovable and exceedingly prone to making choices that get her in trouble… Well if this book is a portent to what may come. Enjoy!
Read:
April 25, 2023 – Audible Audiobook
A Witch of a Day by Danielle Garrett is the prequel of a series that I have just started. It's fun and quirky main character seems lovable and exceedingly prone to making choices that get her in trouble… Well if this book is a portent to what may come. Enjoy!
Read:
April 25, 2023 – Audible Audiobook
August 21, 2019
This is the short story prequel to the first book in the series. The story follows Holly as she is living in the Seattle Haven. Holly receives a raven mail informing her of her ex-boyfriend's appeal coming soon and how she will need to come and testify again. She is not happy about that. One night on her way home, a hooded man approaches her and threatens her friend if Holly does not do as she is told. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it as well as the series.
October 22, 2018
Great Introduction to Fantastic Series
I have already read each book in this series and am just starting on the new spin off series. That is how much I love it. This book is a short introduction to how a witch winded up in Beechwood Harbor, a place she was sent to as a banishment. The full size books in the series contain an awesome mystery and characters. Worth the read for sure.
I have already read each book in this series and am just starting on the new spin off series. That is how much I love it. This book is a short introduction to how a witch winded up in Beechwood Harbor, a place she was sent to as a banishment. The full size books in the series contain an awesome mystery and characters. Worth the read for sure.
June 25, 2021
This provided the background for the first full length book in the series, but it doesn't really fill in all the gaps. It should have been the first few chapters of the first book in the series. Did the author write this first and decide to hold it back to entice folks to sign up for her newsletter, or did she not realize that folks would want to know how Holly ended up in a halfway house for paranormals?
Heading back to Murder's a Witch to see if it makes more sense now.
Heading back to Murder's a Witch to see if it makes more sense now.
September 5, 2021
Excellent window into Holly's backstory
The author offers this prequel to allow fans of this entertaining, paranormal, cozy mystery series to understand how and why Holly has been kicked out of the special world of paranormals and forced to live among humans. It explains why she is leery about romance, and it shows the beginning of her relationship with her love interest, Adam.
I experienced this novella as an audiobook which is well done.
The author offers this prequel to allow fans of this entertaining, paranormal, cozy mystery series to understand how and why Holly has been kicked out of the special world of paranormals and forced to live among humans. It explains why she is leery about romance, and it shows the beginning of her relationship with her love interest, Adam.
I experienced this novella as an audiobook which is well done.
July 13, 2023
"Friday the thirteenth should be a day of paranormal delight, but instead, Holly is fighting off the ghosts of her past — the kind that can’t be exorcised. When a strange, hooded figure approaches her with an unthinkable task, Holly is forced to walk the line between light and dark magic, and one wrong step could ruin everything."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 21, 2023
Interesting back story. I have listened to several of the Beechwood Harbor books. This one definitely isn't necessary to read in order. I might have liked the information sooner, but it wasn't really a big deal. If you are getting started in the Beechwood Harbor series, you might want to be aware that the different sections of the series overlap. Here is a list Danielle Garrett put together for a reading order.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l8HN...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l8HN...
February 11, 2024
THIS IS A FREE E-BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR DANIELLE GARRETT.
BEECHWOOD HARBOR MAGIC MYSTERY SERIES - PREQUEL - A WITCH OF A DAY - BY DANIELLE GARRETT = 82 PAGES
I REALLY ENJOYED READING ABOUT HOLLY BOLDT. IT WAS A INTERESTING STORY. I REALLY ENJOY READING THESE KINDS OF STORIES, AND TOTALLY RECOMMEND THEM. I AM ALREADY READING BOOK 1 OF THIS SERIES, AND AM REALLY LIKING IT, ALSO. I AM VERY CURIOUS TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. I FINISHED READING THIS E-BOOK ON 2/3/2024.
BEECHWOOD HARBOR MAGIC MYSTERY SERIES - PREQUEL - A WITCH OF A DAY - BY DANIELLE GARRETT = 82 PAGES
I REALLY ENJOYED READING ABOUT HOLLY BOLDT. IT WAS A INTERESTING STORY. I REALLY ENJOY READING THESE KINDS OF STORIES, AND TOTALLY RECOMMEND THEM. I AM ALREADY READING BOOK 1 OF THIS SERIES, AND AM REALLY LIKING IT, ALSO. I AM VERY CURIOUS TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. I FINISHED READING THIS E-BOOK ON 2/3/2024.
July 11, 2017
This novella was offered free from the author's website when I signed up. It's a prequel to the first book and tells how Holly Boldt and her cat familiar end up in Beechwood Harbor. It's a fun, quick read that sets t he tone for the series. It also gives more insight into the characters. Definitely a read for those who are following the series.
February 17, 2018
A Witch of a Day is a prequel novella to the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series. You get the background story of how the whole thing got started. It was a quick, easy read and a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.
For those who want to know: This one is toward the cozy side but does have some violence.
For those who want to know: This one is toward the cozy side but does have some violence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews