Hidden Gifts

The Witches of Canyon Road #1

by Christine Pope

Sometimes fate isn’t quite what you expect….

The daughter of a powerful witch and warlock, Miranda McAllister should have been one of the strongest witches of her generation. Instead, she grows to adulthood with no true powers at all.

Miranda’s lack of magical ability can’t prevent her from being sent to another witch clan in Santa Fe to satisfy a bargain her parents made before she was born. Sparks fly when she meets the man she’s supposed to marry, but as Miranda’s powers begin to mysteriously awaken, can she figure out how to control them before it’s too late?

Author’s note: While the Witches of Canyon Road series is a spin-off from the Witches of Cleopatra Hill books, it’s not necessary to read the earlier series to enjoy this one.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Urban Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2018

About the author

A native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.

While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.

After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new paranormal romance series by Christine Pope. This is a spinoff from her Witches of Cleopatra Hill series, which is a favorite for me. In this book, the reader is definitely kept guessing as to who can be trusted and who cannot. I found that and the overall story line to be quite interesting and I had trouble putting it down. Other reviewers commented that this is a cliffie. To me, it's not exactly that, as some questions are answered at the end of the book, just as was the case in the first book of the Cleopatra Hill series. But yes, there's definitely much to await in the next book. It's rare that I would give a five star rating, and this one to me is about a 4.5.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Hidden Gifts by Christine Pope is the first book in the new series The Witches of Canyon Road. This series picks up 20 years after the Witches of Cleopatra Hill concludes. And what a great intro to a new (or is it continuing) series. There is enough information in this book to begin this series fresh, but I highly recommend reading The Witches of Cleopatra Hill series to get the most enjoyment out of this new spin-off. We meet a grown-up Miranda McAllister on her way to Santa Fe to fulfill a bargain made by her parents. Rafael Castillo, the reluctant groom, can't help but be more than a little surprised by his promised bride. Between a cast of characters that have the potential to be as powerful and cause as much emotional havoc as the Cleopatra Hill crew and the immediate left turn that Hidden Gifts provides, I can only recommend that you buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride! I was hooked from page one and found it hard to put this book down. A new addiction by Christine Pope!

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading an advance reader copy.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all new generation of Cleopatra Hill Witches to fall in love with!!!

Miranda is now all grown up and being shipped off to fulfil her family's part of the bargain struck with the Castillo clan of witches. She has pretty much isolated herself rom people growing up, knowing that she would be sent away one day...surely that would make it easier to say goodbye?

Rafe (Rafael) is the other part of the arranged pairing. He also feels trepidation at being shanghaied into a marriage to someone he doesn't know.

Before reaching Rafe and his family Miranda meets a mysterious stranger, who offers a shoulder to cry on and a strange sense of attraction. When she meets Rafe and it is less than great, she finds herself meeting her new friend from the train once again.

As her relationship with Rafe develops, she finds herself unlocking powers that she didn't know she had...after all her entire family thought she was pretty much a muggle, very little magical ability.

There are a slew of surprises, shocks and WTF moments. You really do struggle to decide who is the "good guy" in this - I was dizzy by the end! Whilst I do hate cliffhangers this really needed one to amp up the tension of seeing where Miranda will go with her powers.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Hidden Gifts and just couldn’t put it down. This is Christine Pope’s Book 1 of Witches of Canyon Road and one of her best. Although it is the beginning of a new series, Book 1’s storyline has a continuation from Witches of Cleopatra Road. It was fantastic the way this was set up, because the plot was so strong that being familiar with the previous made it better to appreciate what was going on in the new segment. Miranda McAllister is so overwhelmed throughout that I really wanted her to finally find tranquility. The suspense surrounding the two male leading characters brings you into such surprising twist that you just can’t stop reading. So, I found myself reading faster just to see what will happen next. The end has a cliffhanger yet it conveys an ending where the next part is started yet unresolved. Despite the ending with a need for more, I will be getting the next book in this series because I enjoyed and admire this author’s writing style and imagination. I appreciate it when an author can tie things up and leave me wanting more. Great job Christine…

[Excelrn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great paranormal romance, with a twist!

Like many of her other books, the author fills in the details of the lives of her characters, so you feel like you're reading about someone you know. I love the way she uses descriptions of the settings that make you feel like a local. I don't want to write about the details of story because of possible spoilers, but know that this book can keep you engaged and questioning what's really happening, right to the end.

This book is a spin- off of another series Christine Pope wrote, with details that connect the storylines, but it also stands on its own.

[Lisa Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow start for me...this series picks up 21 years after the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series ends. The heroine, Miranda McAllister, is very much a "good girl" on her way to fill her family's part in a bargain brokered before she was born. Rafe (Rafael) Castillo is the other half of the bargain and not at all on board. He is pretty much a jerk and I had a difficult time with his treatment of Miranda...none of this was her fault. The supporting characters were well written and there are surprises in store. There is a definite cliffhanger ending and that was unexpected. I like continuing series but I like the book I am currently reading to have some sort of a conclusion. This book left a lot of threads up in the air. I am anxious for the next book in the series coming out in May. I was fortunate to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to this new series! I'm not familiar with the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series, so this was totally new to me and definitely kept my interest throughout. My heart went out to Miranda, who is going through with an arrangement her family made, with grace. I hope she and Rafael find a way to grow closer amidst all the chaos. Great first in series!

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one deserves a full day to savor.
I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2019)! 🎁

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing introduction to Christine Pope's new series. It is one of those books that can't be put down until you reach the last page. The first book takes up after the end of the witches of Cleopatra. It takes place when the baby that Angela is expecting in the last book turns 21.

Hidden gifts has some great twists but I don't want to spoil it for you! Definitely, a must read!

I can't wait for the next book and probably will be up most of the night reading it until I finish it.

Even though the two series are only slightly related, I would highly recommend reading the witches of Cleopatra too -- not that it is needed to follow this series but simply because it is a great series on its own.

[Jenika Ioffreda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The trope of arranged marriage seemed a bit odd to me, but I wanted to try reading it anyway. I ended up loving stories of arranged marriages in the past, so I tried keeping an open mind.
At the beginning the book seemed interesting, the heroine had some dept and the writing style and world building were cool... but I really couldn't root for the romance between the two main characters.
Ok they were young, but not so young that they weren't able to flip the bird to their families and tell them to use someone else for their matchmaking aims, get some independence and choose their own life.
And when the heroine went from saying goodbye to Rafe at the restaurant because she had enough of his behaviour, meeting a friendly guy by chance (cool) getting drunk (cool) with only two glassed of wine (wait, what?) ... she then goes back to Rafe, apologise to him and they kiss and she is ready to go to bed with him?
I mean seriously? Nothing against casual hook up, but c'mon girl, do you have a modicum of love for yourself? The guy is a perfect stranger that both your families forced on you, you have seen him only two days and 98% of the time he was with you he wasn't nice at all... and now magically he has become the love of your life?
And he refuses to go to bed with her because his family wants her to be an innocent until the wedding.
That was it, I didn't want to continue to read the story of two marionettes controlled by their families. Maybe it was going to be better, but I didn't stick around to see it.
Still the writing was nice so I may try more books by this author in the future.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a collection from various authors (The Witching Hour)... but I want to review each one separately, as I read them. This one quickly pulled me in. I liked the characters. However, the "back and forth" got a bit annoying (they like each other, they hate each other, they like each other, etc.). Even so, I would probably have given this four stars, except that it ends in a serious cliffhanger. Very annoying.

[Kateblue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of:

1. Hidden Gifts (2018)
2. Darker Paths (2018)
3. Mysterious Ways (2018)
4. A Canyon Road Christmas (2018)
5. Demon Born (2019)

Not nearly as good as some of her others . . . she writes so well that I always enjoy her style, but these just weren't as good except for the last one, A Demon Born.

The first three listed must be read together. They are basically one longer book. The reason I do not like these three books as well as others of hers was that I just didn't buy some of the facts/situations. Some examples: There were some reasons for why the prima did what she did, but not for others--not allowing any contact between the her son and his intended, not allowing the parents to come to the wedding, cut off all contact with old friends. Plus, how was the cat was still in her house at one point, and why did they keep forgetting to do things (interview the ghost and one other thing I forget, for instance, after they returned from San Antonio). Yeah, they said they were too busy and too worried but I don't buy it, it wasn't convincing. And there were other things, many more that I can't think of now. The author might have been able to convince me, or she might have thought up other reasons that would have supported her situations, but she didn't. Thin.

The Christmas Story was just meh. I mean, it was ok, and a nice, happy piece, maybe in the 3&1/2 to 4 range, but parts seemed so repetitive, and then towards the end, there was like a whole page of internal exposition by the protagonist that was absolutely repeated a few pages later almost verbatim. Snore! Either poor proofreading or trying to stretch? Not sure

Finally, the last one was fun. Well-paced, fun, I just liked it. I think you can skip the others and just read this one if you are like me . . . So many books, so little time.

[Aly Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Gifts is absolutely Christine Pope at her very best. If you are a Witches of Cleopatra Hill fan, you will be captured from the first page. 21 years after Angela and Conner entered a covenant to send their, then unborn female baby, to Sante Fe to be married to the grandson of Isabell Costello, Raff, Miranda boards a train in Arizona headed for New Mexico. Miranda appears to have no out of the ordinary powers and then…
Not once, not twice, we are surprised at the very exceptional gifts that are beginning to ignite within her. As she struggles to fulfill the sworn promise of her parents, she must prepare to become Raff’s wife. New characters are introduced to us as, as well as Miranda, each with very prominent personality characteristics, many with a profound effect on the young witch coming into her own. No one, nothing, is quite what we expect. Pope does not give us permission not to consider the clan’s past This story is full of surprises, leaving us with more questions than answers.
This book is definitely a page turner, I could not put it down and once I read it (in under 24 hours: a record for me), I could not wait for my husband to read it, so we could talk about the twists and turns and the many “what ifs”. And talk about it in detail, we did. Hmmm, and what about that cat?
Bottom line: GREAT BOOK! GREAT INTRODUCTION TO A NEW SERIES! GET IT! Then we can all talk about it on Goodreads but TARGET OUR CONVERSATIONS AS HAVING “SPOILERS.” AlyB-NS, ARC

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is of Hidden Gifts by Christine Pope.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
If you have read any of Christine Pope’s other witch series, you have got to read this one! Even if you haven’t, you have got to read this book!
Miranda has known most of her life that she will marry the son of the prima of the Castillo clan when she turns 18. She’s tried to be true to that and not kissed or even dated. Rafe hasn’t taken his roll in the marriage as well as Miranda. He has dated and done other things. But Miranda is 18 and it’s time for them to marry and seal the deal that was made years ago when Rafe’s grandmother died destroying the black warlock.
But black warlocks don’t exist in a vacuum, and that one has relatives or clan members who are going to make Miranda and Rafe pay for what their relatives did. Only they are going to make sure no one knows what is going on until it is too late. Simon is hiding his true nature and using spells to control both Miranda and Rafe. Will the marriage happen anyway? Will Miranda find that she has some hidden witch talents after all?
The store line is great and moves along quickly as we learn more about all of the characters. I would love to have Miranda and Cat as friends!
You’ll have to read the book to get some of your answers and then keep up with the series to learn them all, but it will be worth it!
Christine Pope is a master story teller!

[Simply Stina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bombastic Side Eye

I don't know why I was so excited to read this book. I guess the blurb drew me in, but GOOD LORDT was it boring! There was so much inner monologuing that I was annoyed by the end of the 3rd chapter. It took so long for me to get through this story.

The characters had no depth, there was no actual chemistry between Rafe and Miranda besides the attraction bit that seemed to have been thrown in as an afterthought.

Honestly, the entire book had plot holes from beginning to end. So much that I couldn't even begin to feel anything for ANY of the characters. None of the characters were confident despite the author trying to make us believe Rafe was. AND the members of the Castillo clan didn't seem to be as strong as the author liked to portray them.

If I'm being honest, the McAllister clan seemed to have superior witches and warlocks going off the description of powers and the numerous powers held by the Prima and Primus (Miranda's parents). So, the fact that they got bullied by some old woman with a superiority complex just doesn't make sense. I have so many issues with this book, but you get the gist of it.

I dunno... I'm just truly glad it's over and that I'm done with it. I have zero interest in continuing with this series.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't believe the petty crap that his mom is pulling on her that her parents and her family can't go 2 her wedding. There needs 2 b a couple of books about their 1st kids, the twins. There's a big gape cause the twins were like 7 yrs old when all that went down in calf then all of a sudden they r supposedly adults married with kids, etc. Then go 2 this book since her MO was barely pregnant with her at the x of calf. Even though her and Raf resented being pushed 2gether 4ever at least they can still try and get 2 know each other better and it seemed 2 b working but it's kinda strange that her magic seems 2 b mainly tied 2 her emotions than how it should b. She needs 2 investigate about her possible magic with any help she can get in the future.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda, something of a dud magically, is headed to meet her future as the wife of Rafe, who initially needs a transplant personality wise but a powerhouse magically. As the story progresses Miranda tries to meet her future with grace, little knowing that there is another plot at play. With a great cast of characters, plenty of intrigue, and twists the reader won't see coming, Hidden Gifts is a great start to Christine Pope's newest series.

This one should not stay hidden!

[Carra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series (yet) but that didn't keep me from enjoying this book any less. It drew me in right from the start and was near impossible to put down. The dilemma you face as you read, trying to figure which characters could be trusted is fun in itself, and I haven't come across that many stories that can accomplish that. I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy and chose to review.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to an agreement made between clans, Rafael Castillo is being forced to marry Miranda McAllister in an arranged marriage. They have never met and neither are happy about it. It was a rocky start but the couple grow to care about each other. Miranda is deemed a nunca because her powers have not manifested. A man she met on the trip to New Mexico befriends her and teaches her about her magic, which is plentiful but needed awakening. All is not as it appears and dark efforts interfere.

[Laurissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is worth it

This was written by a new author to me so I was a bit hesitant to get this book and to read it, but I'm glad that I did. It is worth it. Not only was the plot pretty interesting, I found that I wanted to know what happened next. It's a page Turner and now I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light romance, action, family and magic adventure

The characters are believable enough to make the story absorbing and fun to read. This book ends on a cliffhanger, as does book 2. (You want to read books 1 to 4 for the full story.) I went right to book 2, and then to book 3 before I wrote a review.

[Glenda Dykstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept

I was wondering where it was going with the whole arranged marriage, witch thing. Then Simon came into the picture you know something was up with that. then Rafe was acting like a huge butt... Even with all of that, Miranda is a wee bit too trusting. Things were going wrong all over the place...

[Windy Blevins-tolliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

bewitching

romeo and juliette- esquee. ... ... great star crossed lover story ... ... favorite part, finding powers, least fav moments, dumped and the ending. cant wait for next book

[charlotte j gandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Very Entertaining. I did not want to put this book down. I have read most of Christine Popes books. The Witches of Canyon Road have a great start.
I can't wait for the next book in this new series.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but predictable

The author is a highly talented writer. However the story twists are easy to see. The tired old love triangle trope does the book no favours. I feel like I have read it many times before.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Different from most of the "witchy" books that I have read to this date with an ending that leads you to believe that it will continue to be a great story.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

3++. Nice start to a series, but not really a standalone. I always like having at least the main part of the current story wrapped up. That said, it's still compelling and kept me reading even if I was disappointed at the end.

[Alex Latham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 67 complete.

[Irvin Cartagena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make a TV series...this books is amazing