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Bewitching Hour
Something’s coming. And it involves a man.
New age shopkeeper Sybil Richardson loves Christmas – she just doesn’t like the impossibly sexy, incurably grumpy professor who’s come to the tiny town of Danbury, Vermont to debunk all her dearly held beliefs. She doesn’t like his suspicious nature, and she sure as hell doesn’t like the fact that he makes her dissolve into a puddle of lust no matter how much he annoys her.
Nick Fitzsimmons thinks most new age beliefs are nonsense. He has no need to linger in a one-horse town with no cell service and unreliable wifi, but for some reason, he can’t make himself leave the ridiculously gullible woman who is trying so hard to get rid of him.
Christmas is coming, and he knows what he wants under his tree. He just has to convince Sybil that she wants him, too.
Anne Stuart recently celebrated her forty years as a published author. She has won every major award in the romance field and appeared on the bestseller list of the NY Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today, as well as being featured in Vogue, People Magazine, and Entertainment Tonight. Anne lives by a lake in the hills of Northern Vermont with her fabulous husband.
New age shopkeeper Sybil Richardson loves Christmas – she just doesn’t like the impossibly sexy, incurably grumpy professor who’s come to the tiny town of Danbury, Vermont to debunk all her dearly held beliefs. She doesn’t like his suspicious nature, and she sure as hell doesn’t like the fact that he makes her dissolve into a puddle of lust no matter how much he annoys her.
Nick Fitzsimmons thinks most new age beliefs are nonsense. He has no need to linger in a one-horse town with no cell service and unreliable wifi, but for some reason, he can’t make himself leave the ridiculously gullible woman who is trying so hard to get rid of him.
Christmas is coming, and he knows what he wants under his tree. He just has to convince Sybil that she wants him, too.
Anne Stuart recently celebrated her forty years as a published author. She has won every major award in the romance field and appeared on the bestseller list of the NY Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today, as well as being featured in Vogue, People Magazine, and Entertainment Tonight. Anne lives by a lake in the hills of Northern Vermont with her fabulous husband.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1986
17 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
203 books2,062 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 6, 2014
Such a great book!! Had my absolut fav trope 'opposite attract'
This would have been a 5 star if the h wasnt a totally ninny and let the villain escape
This would have been a 5 star if the h wasnt a totally ninny and let the villain escape
January 27, 2018
Anne Stuart is one of my favorite authors. I won't love everything she writes, but there's no book I ever picked by her that I really disliked. Actually, when it comes to her work, for me it's more a matter of being in the mood, a bit like it's the case -in a more pronounced way- with Megan Hart's books. Unlike many authors, when it comes to switching to one genre to an another she doesn't struggle. And she creates such amazing gamma and anti-heroes!
But I digress, back to the book. Bewitching Hour is a sweet and funny book with the tiniest bit of mystery. It has all the ingredients of a great romantic comedy and more, the problem is that I'm no fan of that genre. But still, it was a light and pleasant reading.
But I digress, back to the book. Bewitching Hour is a sweet and funny book with the tiniest bit of mystery. It has all the ingredients of a great romantic comedy and more, the problem is that I'm no fan of that genre. But still, it was a light and pleasant reading.
January 25, 2018
I have never read one of Anne Stuart's books, so to be honest, I requested a copy through NetGalley due to the beautiful, eye-catching cover. The book turned out to be a pleasant read, with a skeptic coming to visit and research a society of water witches in Vermont at Christmas. There is a mystery, but not much of one, and conflict between the skeptic and one of the witches; coupled with an irresistible attraction between the two. I was surprised to find that Bewitching Hour was initially published in 1986. Someone did a fine job of updating the text so that it did not seem at all "80s."
Bewitching Hour is a good complete escape read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bell Bridge for a digital copy. The opinions are my own.
Bewitching Hour is a good complete escape read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bell Bridge for a digital copy. The opinions are my own.
January 3, 2020
"Bewitching Hour" is the story of Sybil and Nick.
This book has a witchy heroine, a skeptical author hero, loads of magic, hypnotism and enchanted romance, some dogs, good and bad friends, blooming chemistry, drama and HEA.
Overall an average read with likable characters, but the plot was too muddled. Also, it had references about Harry potter and Christian Gray, and I think the book might have been rewritten in parts with maybe a new cover and update, as the original was done in the 80's.
Safe
2.5/5
This book has a witchy heroine, a skeptical author hero, loads of magic, hypnotism and enchanted romance, some dogs, good and bad friends, blooming chemistry, drama and HEA.
Overall an average read with likable characters, but the plot was too muddled. Also, it had references about Harry potter and Christian Gray, and I think the book might have been rewritten in parts with maybe a new cover and update, as the original was done in the 80's.
Safe
2.5/5
December 31, 2015
I've been lugging this around with me for decades (decades!!) now - one of the lingering remnants from my voracious romance habit of yore. Anne Stuart was never one of my favorites (usually too crime-oriented for me) but this was an exception probably because of the humor and "magic."
Reading it now, I'm still amused by the characters but the language, wow, I didn't remember it being so cheesetacular. Don't get me wrong, I'm amused by that too. Now I'm also distracted reading all the 1980s daily life bits (Hee, four tv channels! When VCRs were considered advanced technology! Ma Bell!) but that, too, amused me. I didn't remember the main character being so bull-headed (yes, I removed an entire star for that bit of annoyance) so I think this really didn't need to be 250 pages. But overall, it was a fun way to finish up my reading for 2015.
Reading it now, I'm still amused by the characters but the language, wow, I didn't remember it being so cheesetacular. Don't get me wrong, I'm amused by that too. Now I'm also distracted reading all the 1980s daily life bits (Hee, four tv channels! When VCRs were considered advanced technology! Ma Bell!) but that, too, amused me. I didn't remember the main character being so bull-headed (yes, I removed an entire star for that bit of annoyance) so I think this really didn't need to be 250 pages. But overall, it was a fun way to finish up my reading for 2015.
November 19, 2020
First published in 1986, Bewitching Hour by Anne Stuart tells the story of Saralee (Sybil) Richardson and 34 year old Professor Nicholas Wyndham Fitzsimmons (Nick), who comes to Danbury, Vermont to debunk the beliefs held dear by the new age shopkeeper that is Sybil. Sybil at first believes Nick would an old professor at that and needless to say, when Nick does turn up at her shop, none is more surprised than her, most of all from the way she reacts to him at a very basic level.
Sybil comes from a family of geniuses, women who are overachievers for the most part. She is the odd one out, and having always felt out of place, it was no wonder that her marriage had proved to be dissatisfactory as well, the divorce having propelled her to move to Vermont. Believing she had found her place, the only thing that would make things perfect is for Sybil to find someone to share her life with, a man of the kind with whom she believes she would have a satisfying marriage with.
Nick fails to tick all those boxes that Sybil believes should be part and parcel of her ideal mate, and from the onset, Sybil resists at every turn from giving into him, even when she knows better. While Nick too finds Sybil infuriating and wholly sexy in a way that is indescribable, resistance is futile under the circumstances as the tension between them escalates until all of it culminates in the type of beautifully crafted sex scenes that only Ms. Stuart can deliver.
I loved Bewitching Hour for the most part. I have rarely come across books from Ms. Stuart that I didn’t particularly care for. I loved Nick; he was a refreshing change in the sense that he has a brilliant mind and insight of the kind which sees Sybil for truly who she is. He was kind and utterly sexy in a way that only exemplarily crafted heroes can be.
For some reason, Sybil continues to ignore the signs around her, not just when it comes to Nick and what he means for her future. She ignores the very real “danger” around her, for the small retirement community in which she lives, and that is one of the reasons I found it a bit hard to understand Sybil. To give credit where its due, Sybil is smart, perhaps just that she does not see herself as such because of being overshadowed by her more brilliant siblings4 all her life.
Another reason that I felt disappointed was by the lack of an epilogue or some sort of closure when it came to the “villain” in the story. The fact that the “villain” managed to escape did not sit well with me, when so much havoc and endangerment to lives had been caused by the very same person. I wanted an ending where justice was delivered in some form, but alas, I think what Ms. Stuart was going for was a “quirky” villain who would somehow be lovable at the same time? I quite didn’t feel that way, if that was what was intended.
Even with all the aspects of the story which I hoped were otherwise, I have to say I enjoyed reading Bewitching Hour. After all, in my world, Ms. Stuart is one of those authors who can seldom do any wrong.
Recommended for those who love unusual heroines and heroes who prove to be their undoing. And of course, for fans of Ms. Stuart.
Final Verdict: Two people who by all means are polar opposites find the chaotic oasis they have been searching for in each other. It is the quirky bits in between that made this a good read!
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
Sybil comes from a family of geniuses, women who are overachievers for the most part. She is the odd one out, and having always felt out of place, it was no wonder that her marriage had proved to be dissatisfactory as well, the divorce having propelled her to move to Vermont. Believing she had found her place, the only thing that would make things perfect is for Sybil to find someone to share her life with, a man of the kind with whom she believes she would have a satisfying marriage with.
Nick fails to tick all those boxes that Sybil believes should be part and parcel of her ideal mate, and from the onset, Sybil resists at every turn from giving into him, even when she knows better. While Nick too finds Sybil infuriating and wholly sexy in a way that is indescribable, resistance is futile under the circumstances as the tension between them escalates until all of it culminates in the type of beautifully crafted sex scenes that only Ms. Stuart can deliver.
I loved Bewitching Hour for the most part. I have rarely come across books from Ms. Stuart that I didn’t particularly care for. I loved Nick; he was a refreshing change in the sense that he has a brilliant mind and insight of the kind which sees Sybil for truly who she is. He was kind and utterly sexy in a way that only exemplarily crafted heroes can be.
For some reason, Sybil continues to ignore the signs around her, not just when it comes to Nick and what he means for her future. She ignores the very real “danger” around her, for the small retirement community in which she lives, and that is one of the reasons I found it a bit hard to understand Sybil. To give credit where its due, Sybil is smart, perhaps just that she does not see herself as such because of being overshadowed by her more brilliant siblings4 all her life.
Another reason that I felt disappointed was by the lack of an epilogue or some sort of closure when it came to the “villain” in the story. The fact that the “villain” managed to escape did not sit well with me, when so much havoc and endangerment to lives had been caused by the very same person. I wanted an ending where justice was delivered in some form, but alas, I think what Ms. Stuart was going for was a “quirky” villain who would somehow be lovable at the same time? I quite didn’t feel that way, if that was what was intended.
Even with all the aspects of the story which I hoped were otherwise, I have to say I enjoyed reading Bewitching Hour. After all, in my world, Ms. Stuart is one of those authors who can seldom do any wrong.
Recommended for those who love unusual heroines and heroes who prove to be their undoing. And of course, for fans of Ms. Stuart.
Final Verdict: Two people who by all means are polar opposites find the chaotic oasis they have been searching for in each other. It is the quirky bits in between that made this a good read!
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
January 17, 2018
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. I was perusing the lists of available books on the NetGalley website when the beautiful cover for this book caught my eye and then the name of the author Anne Stuart. I’d read and very much enjoyed a number of historicals by Anne Stuart most specifically the House of Rohan and the House of Russell series. I wondered if this was the same author as I didn’t realize she also wrote modern romances, so I looked her up and joy and bliss it was the same author. Bewitching Hour was originally published by Harlequin in 1986. Sybil (Saralee) Richardson has always felt out of place in her family of tall, beautiful, thin over achievers and after her marriage failed has retreated to a family cottage in rural Vermont where she is the proprietor of an Occult Book/gift shop and the Secretary of the local branch of the Society of Water Witches SOWW. Nicholas Wyndham a Harvard professor Fitzsimmons arrives in town to do some research on a book he is writing about water dowsing. He is everything that Sybil thinks she doesn’t want in a man tall, incredibly good looking, wealthy and very sceptical of the occult. So if you are looking for a very steamy holiday story with a bit of magic, a mystery, a nasty villain, a white witch, sparking dialogue, killer springer spaniels and lots of snow this would be your book. I raced through this book and will be keeping my eye out for more of her modern books as this one was so much fun to read. Publishing Date November 24, 2017 #BewitchingHour. #NetGalley
January 16, 2021
I was in a mood for an early Christmas reading. This one wouldn’t be bad if the heroine wasn’t so naive and sometimes simply stupid. Annoying. #teamscience
August 9, 2020
Anne Stuart is one of the Grand Dames of romance writing. Even though I must own more than 20 of her books, I have only read two and this is one of them. Bewitching Hour is a Harlequin American Romance, published in 1986, over 30 years ago.
This story involves a young woman living in a small Vermont town, who manages a paranormal bookstore and acts as secretary to a group called the Society of Water Witches who dabble in dowsing, among other things. Sybil Richardson, whose real name is Saralee — no kidding — left her marriage to an up and coming banker as well as her very successful parents and siblings in Princeton, New Jersey, a few years back to live on her own in New England. She’s always felt out of place in her family — a not brilliant, mousey girl amongst a brood of tall, gorgeous, successful brainiacs. Recently, the Society works for was contacted by a Harvard professor doing research for a book on dowsing. He has asked to do research in their collection of papers and meet with a few locals who are experts in the work. During his weeks up in Vermont, the Society has offered to help him find a place to stay as well as offer their expertise.
Sybil is expecting Nicholas Fitzsimmons to be a crusty old scholar, but he ends up being nothing of the sort. Nick is a tall, handsome 34 year old, driving a Jaguar and exhibiting an attitude of amused skepticism — not of dowsing, but of all the other mystical pursuits and beliefs the members of the Society hold. Right off the bat, Sybil is both intrigued and irritated by Nick. She finds him enormously attractive but thinks he couldn’t belong with her since she sees herself as very average, leaving aside his skepticism of her interests. Because of this, she tries to pawn him off on a friend of hers who is a very good looking member of their Society. That being said, he doesn’t take the bait and continues to flirt and bait Sybil.
Nick, for his part, finds himself strangely drawn to Sybil. Some members of the Society are a little too much for him to take and he feels hostility emanating from their leader, Leona, but he definitely wants to get to know Sybil better, even though there’s a part of him which feels like they already know each other.
Bewitching Hour sells itself as one thing but ends up being something else. Although the synopsis on the back of the book promises that the contents include a lot of paranormal elements, including a haunted house which Nick rents during his stay in Vermont, very, very little of this actually comes to fruition. Towards the beginning of the story, I was kind of excited because there’s a scene that suggests this is going to be explored, putting a paranormal spin on Sybil and Nick’s attraction, but other than a few dreams Sybil has, it’s hardly touched on! I was so disappointed. I’m not a fan of haunted houses, but even that ball was dropped.
Instead the story turns into a partial who-done-it as Nick tries to find evidence against someone who is bilking the old ladies of the town of their savings. (Where did that come from?!) And, on Sybil’s side, the story pivots around her inability to understand what the gorgeous Nick sees in her — which gets tiresome — and her reluctance to get involved with someone who not only isn’t open to her beliefs but would potentially drag her back to the type of life she escaped a few years ago. (And, to be frank, I’m not so sure that wouldn’t be the case.) In any event, it’s a real bait and switch.
On the upside, the book cover does seem to look a bit like the characters, although Sybil spends most of the book with braids wrapped around her head, described in a manner that made me feel she purposely wore her hair that way to look unattractive. (On the cover, she looks more like Samantha Stephens of Bewitched, without the braids, which, I guess, is what the publisher was going for.) Anyway, even though the writing was fine. (I wouldn’t expect less from Anne Stuart.) The plot was totally misrepresented. I’d give it a C.
This story involves a young woman living in a small Vermont town, who manages a paranormal bookstore and acts as secretary to a group called the Society of Water Witches who dabble in dowsing, among other things. Sybil Richardson, whose real name is Saralee — no kidding — left her marriage to an up and coming banker as well as her very successful parents and siblings in Princeton, New Jersey, a few years back to live on her own in New England. She’s always felt out of place in her family — a not brilliant, mousey girl amongst a brood of tall, gorgeous, successful brainiacs. Recently, the Society works for was contacted by a Harvard professor doing research for a book on dowsing. He has asked to do research in their collection of papers and meet with a few locals who are experts in the work. During his weeks up in Vermont, the Society has offered to help him find a place to stay as well as offer their expertise.
Sybil is expecting Nicholas Fitzsimmons to be a crusty old scholar, but he ends up being nothing of the sort. Nick is a tall, handsome 34 year old, driving a Jaguar and exhibiting an attitude of amused skepticism — not of dowsing, but of all the other mystical pursuits and beliefs the members of the Society hold. Right off the bat, Sybil is both intrigued and irritated by Nick. She finds him enormously attractive but thinks he couldn’t belong with her since she sees herself as very average, leaving aside his skepticism of her interests. Because of this, she tries to pawn him off on a friend of hers who is a very good looking member of their Society. That being said, he doesn’t take the bait and continues to flirt and bait Sybil.
Nick, for his part, finds himself strangely drawn to Sybil. Some members of the Society are a little too much for him to take and he feels hostility emanating from their leader, Leona, but he definitely wants to get to know Sybil better, even though there’s a part of him which feels like they already know each other.
Bewitching Hour sells itself as one thing but ends up being something else. Although the synopsis on the back of the book promises that the contents include a lot of paranormal elements, including a haunted house which Nick rents during his stay in Vermont, very, very little of this actually comes to fruition. Towards the beginning of the story, I was kind of excited because there’s a scene that suggests this is going to be explored, putting a paranormal spin on Sybil and Nick’s attraction, but other than a few dreams Sybil has, it’s hardly touched on! I was so disappointed. I’m not a fan of haunted houses, but even that ball was dropped.
Instead the story turns into a partial who-done-it as Nick tries to find evidence against someone who is bilking the old ladies of the town of their savings. (Where did that come from?!) And, on Sybil’s side, the story pivots around her inability to understand what the gorgeous Nick sees in her — which gets tiresome — and her reluctance to get involved with someone who not only isn’t open to her beliefs but would potentially drag her back to the type of life she escaped a few years ago. (And, to be frank, I’m not so sure that wouldn’t be the case.) In any event, it’s a real bait and switch.
On the upside, the book cover does seem to look a bit like the characters, although Sybil spends most of the book with braids wrapped around her head, described in a manner that made me feel she purposely wore her hair that way to look unattractive. (On the cover, she looks more like Samantha Stephens of Bewitched, without the braids, which, I guess, is what the publisher was going for.) Anyway, even though the writing was fine. (I wouldn’t expect less from Anne Stuart.) The plot was totally misrepresented. I’d give it a C.
December 31, 2017
This is a cute romance. There is a bit of a mystery, but not enough to really warrant even calling it a mystery. Sybil Richardson is secretary of the Society of Water Witches in Danbury, VT, though her psychic abilities are not very strong. Still, after a failed marriage, Sybil took refuge in a town where she was warmly embraced and befriended by the locals and where she landed this job as secretary. From the moment Nicholas Fitzsimmons, a professor who has strong negative reactions to anything occult or paranormal, enters her bookstore, hoping to spend some time in Danbury doing research, however, Sybil cannot explain her reactions to this hunky man—not exactly the person she had imagined Nicholas to be before his arrival. Nicholas likewise has strong feelings for Sybil, though she is the opposite of everything he is or believes. In addition to the research Nicholas is doing while in Danbury, he is checking the town and its witches and/or dowsers out. Almost immediately, Nicholas becomes concerned that someone is stealing money from the town’s widows, leaving them just enough to live on. Sybil refuses to believe his theory when he points out the presumed guilty party, spending a lot of time defending her and chastising Nicholas for thinking this person is guilty of such a nefarious crime. Nicholas and Sybil also end up dancing around their growing attraction for each other for most of the book, though it is plain from the outset they will only do this for so long.
This is not a long book. The two main characters, Sybil and Nicholas, are interesting opposites, who regularly work to p--- each other off, knowing full well that this can only continue for a certain amount of time. I found Sybil to be a bit off-putting through most of the book, as well as not being the smartest person or best judge of character. Nicholas comes across as the big city slicker who comes into town, ready to research some things he does not believe in and ready to try to” set things right”, whether the town wants this or not. The story was interesting, though not very deep. This is an older book, and not like any of the author’s other books I have ever read. Still, it is entertaining, providing a sweet, short, light read. There is not much paranormal in the book, but enough to keep a reader interested. The story is set around Christmas, but there is little of the holiday in it. It could easily have occurred at any time of the year. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
This is not a long book. The two main characters, Sybil and Nicholas, are interesting opposites, who regularly work to p--- each other off, knowing full well that this can only continue for a certain amount of time. I found Sybil to be a bit off-putting through most of the book, as well as not being the smartest person or best judge of character. Nicholas comes across as the big city slicker who comes into town, ready to research some things he does not believe in and ready to try to” set things right”, whether the town wants this or not. The story was interesting, though not very deep. This is an older book, and not like any of the author’s other books I have ever read. Still, it is entertaining, providing a sweet, short, light read. There is not much paranormal in the book, but enough to keep a reader interested. The story is set around Christmas, but there is little of the holiday in it. It could easily have occurred at any time of the year. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
February 5, 2018
Anne Stuart brings us a book about magic and romance at Christmas. Her story takes place in the small town of Danbury, Vermont. There we get to meet some interesting characters and watch a romance develop.
Sybil Richardson is the secretary for the Society of Water Witches and also runs the occult bookstore in the small town. She has some talent for dowsing and is working on building her other psychic powers. She knows that her way of life isn’t for everyone. After all, her family certainly doesn’t approve of what she does, but it makes her happy. Sybil loves her home and the six dogs that share it with her. She is not looking forward to the skeptic that will soon invade her space.
Nicholas Wyndham Fitzsimmons is a professor. He has also written a number of books about psychic phenomenon and its ridiculousness. He is coming to Danbury to research dowsing before heading to England on a teaching assignment. Nicholas hopes that he can find enough information before he leaves to write his next book.
Nicholas and Sybil get along like oil and water and yet, there is an underlying attraction that is obvious to the reader from the beginning. Watching them snipe at each other and find excuses to be together makes this book highly entertaining. As if that isn’t enough to keep readers going, Ms. Stuart throws in a little mystery.
The elderly women in the town are finding themselves losing their savings on risky investment schemes. Nicholas suspects Leona Coleman, who is friends with Sybil. He vows to prove her guilty while Sybil vows to prove her innocent lending another layer of disagreement to this already contentious relationship.
Ms. Stuart does a remarkable job of juggling all of these disparate elements of magic, romance and suspense. The book doesn’t feel forced or convoluted, but flows nicely from the first page to the last. It makes nice holiday book.
Sybil Richardson is the secretary for the Society of Water Witches and also runs the occult bookstore in the small town. She has some talent for dowsing and is working on building her other psychic powers. She knows that her way of life isn’t for everyone. After all, her family certainly doesn’t approve of what she does, but it makes her happy. Sybil loves her home and the six dogs that share it with her. She is not looking forward to the skeptic that will soon invade her space.
Nicholas Wyndham Fitzsimmons is a professor. He has also written a number of books about psychic phenomenon and its ridiculousness. He is coming to Danbury to research dowsing before heading to England on a teaching assignment. Nicholas hopes that he can find enough information before he leaves to write his next book.
Nicholas and Sybil get along like oil and water and yet, there is an underlying attraction that is obvious to the reader from the beginning. Watching them snipe at each other and find excuses to be together makes this book highly entertaining. As if that isn’t enough to keep readers going, Ms. Stuart throws in a little mystery.
The elderly women in the town are finding themselves losing their savings on risky investment schemes. Nicholas suspects Leona Coleman, who is friends with Sybil. He vows to prove her guilty while Sybil vows to prove her innocent lending another layer of disagreement to this already contentious relationship.
Ms. Stuart does a remarkable job of juggling all of these disparate elements of magic, romance and suspense. The book doesn’t feel forced or convoluted, but flows nicely from the first page to the last. It makes nice holiday book.
March 30, 2019
Weird, it's the first time I have read a romance that has been 'updated'. According to GR this book has been published in 1986, while the Kindle edition has been published in 2017 after a cultural update, it seems. By that year Snape and Malfoy in fact weren't even a thought in the author's mind I suspect.
Unfortunately what should have been updated and wasn't is the heroine. It's quite difficult to like a book where you despise the main character. She wasn't only totally gullible, she was downright stupid and childish. Honestly the kind of person that shouldn't exist, a blight on humanity. And I'm not talking about the silly new age movement. I will sound snobbish, but such stupidity can be barely acceptable in someone who is not lucky enough to have an education, but not otherwise.
I realize this wasn't a suspence, still that thread was there and was totally destroyed by the author. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a Xmas romance and as such it's only act was supposed to be pure sap. But anyway it was irritating as hell.
Unfortunately what should have been updated and wasn't is the heroine. It's quite difficult to like a book where you despise the main character. She wasn't only totally gullible, she was downright stupid and childish. Honestly the kind of person that shouldn't exist, a blight on humanity. And I'm not talking about the silly new age movement. I will sound snobbish, but such stupidity can be barely acceptable in someone who is not lucky enough to have an education, but not otherwise.
I realize this wasn't a suspence, still that thread was there and was totally destroyed by the author. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a Xmas romance and as such it's only act was supposed to be pure sap. But anyway it was irritating as hell.
December 24, 2017
This book was o.k. I found it basically enjoyable and somewhat entertaining. I found the overall premise of the book awkward and the woo woo aspects a little too far out. I'm pretty open minded and I have had friends who believe strongly in the occult and wicca so it didn't seem strange, it just seemed like something was off in the book.
My biggest issue with the book, I think, is that out heroine Sybil is box of rocks dumb. I mean she is blonde in a horror movie, decides to go outside by herself to investigate a strange growling noise, dumb. I could honestly see why her family thought she made stupid life choices, because she totally did. I liked the hero Nick for the most part. He was not a bad guy and honestly, if he could get past how big of a dumbass Sybil was they might as well make a life together.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
My biggest issue with the book, I think, is that out heroine Sybil is box of rocks dumb. I mean she is blonde in a horror movie, decides to go outside by herself to investigate a strange growling noise, dumb. I could honestly see why her family thought she made stupid life choices, because she totally did. I liked the hero Nick for the most part. He was not a bad guy and honestly, if he could get past how big of a dumbass Sybil was they might as well make a life together.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
January 6, 2024
The h is an idiot and H is also an idiot to fall in love with an idiot like h. She doesn't once support H and I don't believe they will actually have a happily ever after. She comes from a family of overachievers and spends her entire life feeling inadequate. Her inferiority complex gets in the way of common sense. I kept hoping the h's character would improve but in the end she cared more about her "friend" who dupes her, kidnaps her at gunpoint than about H or even the other old ladies in her hometown that her "friend" swindled.
January 8, 2018
I love Anne Stuart and her books. I just couldn't connect with this one. Nick and Sybil seem OK.. I did like the bickering backwards and forward between them. I wanted more on dowsing. After all that is why Nick was there anyway. I just did not Connet with this book. Just because I did not get. Try this book you may love it.
February 24, 2018
This was a fun read that had me loving all the characters. Sybil and Nicholas were opposites but I loved how they ended up. The story was well written and I will be searching out more books by this author.
March 17, 2018
I found Bewitching Hour by Anne Stuart to be a light and enjoyable quick read. The characters, Sybil (mediocre psychic) and Nick (Harvard skeptic) are quirky and likeable. This book was perfect for a snowy New England day.
March 17, 2018
This was a really cute fun romance it was really well written and had great characters.Sybil and Nicholas were complete opposites but the attraction between them was really strong but neither was prepared to act on it.This is perfect for a lazy afternoon
December 12, 2022
A treasure
I didn’t want this book to end ever! I’m not a big fan of Christmas novels, but when you mix a little witchcraft be still my heart. This is a classic story. I loved it from page one to the very end, and he’s stretched out as much as I could. It’s a keeper.
I didn’t want this book to end ever! I’m not a big fan of Christmas novels, but when you mix a little witchcraft be still my heart. This is a classic story. I loved it from page one to the very end, and he’s stretched out as much as I could. It’s a keeper.
December 1, 2024
This story was a bit different from other Stuarts I have read. Saying that, I enjoyed it. It was an easy read with a little mystery, a little romance and a little witchcraft. An enjoyable read altogether.
September 7, 2018
Horrible. Esa Sybil no tiene ni pies ni cabeza para vivir la vida. Es una tonta crédula. Es una total pérdida de tiempo leer este libro, no tiene nada que te motive a terminarlo, nada. Asqueroso.
July 2, 2025
Did not like the female lead she was contrary and beyond stupid. Don’t know what the male lead saw in her.
January 28, 2018
There's a reason Anne Stuart has been a successful romance novelist for decades. Bewitching Hour was a delight to read. Ms. Stuart has a way of creating such real and flawed characters that the reader can't help but fall in love with. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and Christmas romances are some of my favorite reads. This one was no different. Even though this was a re-release of a book written a long time ago, it was a perfect read for Christmas 2017.
Sybil Richardson is the odd woman out in her family. With successful, beautiful, career-driven parents and siblings, the divorced new age shopkeeper who, in her opinion, is just "average" in everything, is an anomoly in the Richardson family. With a failed marriage under her belt and no real career moves to make, Sybil retreats to her family's Vermont homestead where she immerses herself in small town life where she can embrace her new age beliefs.
Her calm, boring life is disrupted with the arrival of professor Nick Fitzsimmons. Nick is the successful author of numerous books which "de-bunk" the whole new age traditions. Nick plans to stay in Danbury only long enough to complete his research before heading to Cambridge. Unfortunately what he imagined would be a peaceful, boring stay turns into chaos when he encounters all that is Sybil Richardson.
It was obvious that Sybil and Nick shared an intense dislike for each other, as well as an insane, uncontrollable attraction for each other. While they had nothing in common on the outside, they both were unintentionally searching for a connection that they found in each other.
I loved their witty banter and silly arguments, and I adored Nick for not letting Sybil get away with pulling away from him. He was charming and sexy in all his grumpy professor-ness, and he saw through Sybil's starchy exterior to the warm, loving woman within.
Sybil Richardson is the odd woman out in her family. With successful, beautiful, career-driven parents and siblings, the divorced new age shopkeeper who, in her opinion, is just "average" in everything, is an anomoly in the Richardson family. With a failed marriage under her belt and no real career moves to make, Sybil retreats to her family's Vermont homestead where she immerses herself in small town life where she can embrace her new age beliefs.
Her calm, boring life is disrupted with the arrival of professor Nick Fitzsimmons. Nick is the successful author of numerous books which "de-bunk" the whole new age traditions. Nick plans to stay in Danbury only long enough to complete his research before heading to Cambridge. Unfortunately what he imagined would be a peaceful, boring stay turns into chaos when he encounters all that is Sybil Richardson.
It was obvious that Sybil and Nick shared an intense dislike for each other, as well as an insane, uncontrollable attraction for each other. While they had nothing in common on the outside, they both were unintentionally searching for a connection that they found in each other.
I loved their witty banter and silly arguments, and I adored Nick for not letting Sybil get away with pulling away from him. He was charming and sexy in all his grumpy professor-ness, and he saw through Sybil's starchy exterior to the warm, loving woman within.
December 27, 2017
This story is reminiscent of the story style of writing I use to read in the late 80's, early 90's and it was a welcome nostalgic look back. In this story Sybil comes from a family of wealth and overachievers and has never felt like she fit in, so after trying to fit in for many years she decides to change direction and do what she wants. Now she is pretty happy living in a small town, where she knows every one and owns a new age bookstore. Nick on the other hands is dubunker of all thing New Age but his problem is that he is fascinated by Sybil who is the opposite of everything he always looked for in a woman. This is a fun romp through, two lonely people that appear to be different but are not. I love the dynamic between these two, this story was fun with a bit of suspense. The author provided us with dual point of views which made it easier to understand what each was thinking and made it more enjoyable for me. Overall a good book, lacked a bit of depth, but I'm happy I read it.
July 7, 2015
Thanks to my friend Anne for letting me borrow this - one of my favorite Stuarts so far! Starts off with the Society of Water Witches (SOWW *gigglesnort*), add in some past life regression (with the h/h as lovers in a former life, of course), Tarot readings, embezzlement, conveniently timed snow storms and more. Hilarious bit of campy Gothic romance, with a hero who demonstrates the softer side of gamma.
November 6, 2018
I was happily surprised by this book. I loved the authors ICe series but going through her back catalog usually disappoints me. I was skeptical because this had come out so long ago bit liked that it had been updated. The relationship between the two was really fun to watch develop but the mystery of Leona wasn't really necessary I felt, especially since it was so treated so light-hearted at the end
December 19, 2014
Entertaining, although heroine comes across as a bit of a ditz and a pushover at times, despite her smart mouth. The instant sexual attraction between hero and heroine was also a little too heavy-handed, and a little hard to believe. However, the storyline was good and the dialogue fantastic. These two weren't my favorite Anne Stuart hero and heroine, but the writing was just as clever as always.
February 8, 2018
Bewitching Hour was such a great book! It reads so easy that you won't want to put it down because you will have to see what happens next between Nick and Sybil.
Another win for Ms. Stuart! Loved it!
Another win for Ms. Stuart! Loved it!
April 9, 2010
Adore this one! I'm a real fan, but I can't help wishing there were more books in this slightly lighter vein.
October 27, 2014
Rating 3.25 stars
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