Making Magic

Books of the Kindling #3

by Donna June Cooper, Kanaxa (Illustrator), Noah Chinn (Editor)

Sticks and stones may threaten bones, but her words can conquer both body and soul.

During his law enforcement career, Sheriff Jake Moser has been called to Woodruff Mountain a few times to deal with some rather weird situations. Now, recovering from a bullet wound that should have killed him and fending off his mother’s ravings about the evil that lurks on the mountain, he’s making alternate career plans.

Just as those plans begin to take shape, someone starts kidnapping newborn babies, then returning them unharmed. To make things even more interesting, an irritating adversary from his past has returned to bedevil him in a whole new, delightful way.

After her erratic psychic gift forced her to abandon her home and a promising musical career, Thea Woodruff has spent years trying, unsuccessfully, to atone for the death of Becca Moser, Jake’s sister. Once she has mourned those she’s lost and apologized to those she’s failed, she intends to flee her mountain once again.

Jake would rather she stay to compose a new tune—with him. But their complicated harmony reveals a guilty secret that threatens not only their future, but their lives…

A temperamental flute-player returns to torment an old flame, but he has other ideas, and the music they make together is combustible—and magical.

Making Magic is the third book in the Books of the Kindling, a science fantasy romance series that focuses on Woodruff Mountain, the ancient power beneath it, and the family that has hidden its secrets for centuries. It is a story set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains where magic is an elemental part of the folklore. But the magic of this mountain, the magic of the Kindling, is even older and more arcane. It is a story where people who could live in your home town find themselves with abilities they don’t understand and are confronted with a world that desperately needs those gifts. It is a story woven of mystery, humor, drama, and suspense, but most of all, it is a story about love.

(This book was previously published by Samhain Publishing, Ltd in January 2015, electronic publication, and June 2015, print publication, and is now re-released.)

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2015

About the author

DONNA JUNE COOPER writes romance - contemporary romance with a small-town feel, a lot of suspense, some laughter, some tears, some fireflies, and a twist of science fiction. Her series, the Books of the Kindling, focuses on Woodruff Mountain, the ancient and incomprehensible power beneath it, and the family that has hidden its secrets for centuries.

The first trilogy (More Than Magic, Mostly Magic, and Making Magic) was originally published by Samhain Publishing and is about to be relaunched with different titles, slightly different covers, and a minimal rewrite. In addition, a second trilogy, continuing the story is in final edits, with covers completed. A third trilogy in the series has already been plotted and planned.

The author is excited to share the continuation of this story with you and even more excited to offer up a prequel novella, free in eBook, to the loyal readers on her newsletter mailing list when the first book in the series is relaunched. You are going to LOVE this prequel!

Just a bit about Donna, when she's not being outpaced by her tiny long-haired Chihuahua on their daily "runs", Donna is reading (three books at once), writing (of course!) or complaining about the heat (no matter the temperature). A child of the Appalachians who was transplanted to Texas by her Italian husband, Donna returns to her mountain roots as often as possible, to Italy whenever possible, and takes us with her in the Books of the Kindling.

Visit Donna at www.donnajunecooper.com.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The magic of Woodruff Mountain and the people it loves, all put into words by Donna June Cooper in her Kindling Series. Making Magic is another strong addition to Ms. Cooper’s growing list of tales. Jake Moser has lived near Woodruff Mountain and had business there is his capacity as Sheriff until a bullet ended his career in law, but has opened another door for him to enter. People say strange things happen on the mountain, and it’s true. There is magic to those who can feel it, those who are gifted with it, but is it always a gift or can it become a curse that causes pain?

Thea Woodruff has psychic powers, but they are erratic, and have caused a great deal of upheaval in her life. Guilt from the past has finally pushed her to leave her city life behind, to go home and try to makes amends with those she has hurt, hoping to free her heart and soul from the weight of the guilt she carries. Seeing Jake opens old wounds, but this isn't the Jake she knew, this is a man older and wiser, a man who looks at her like the woman she is. Has the mountain shared another piece of magic called Love with these two?

Donna June Cooper writes with an upbeat tone, weaving romance, suspense and magical moments into a tale rich in descriptions an atmosphere. Each character becomes like a friend, almost completely flesh and blood, complete with flaws. Some you will love, some, maybe not, but each one adds to the richness of this delightful romantic read.

If you like sweet romance, gently glazed with magic and the paranormal, as well as the feeling of “home” on Woodruff Mountain, this has just enough heat to keep you warm and just enough suspense to have you hanging on every word! Best thing is, you won’t’ have to watch over your shoulder when you’re finished and you might even have a desire to find your own Woodruff Mountain!

I received this copy from Donna June Cooper in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Books of the Kindling - Book 3
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication Date: January 20, 2015
ISBN-10: 1619227835
ISBN-13: 978-1619227835
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 396
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Roslyn]

Maybe 3.5 stars - very hard for me to rate, as there was quite a bit I both liked and didn't like about it. I think the balance is more on the 'liked' side; I keep changing my mind. Hopefully I'll eventually get around to posting the review I've been trying to write in my head since I read it some months ago.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/06/b...

Having already read the previous two books in the Books of the Kindling series, I am already a big fan of Donna and was eager to start on the third book as soon as I finished the first two books.

Starting with the cover, I loved it! The beautifully used graphics had my eyes wandering and sticking to it right from the start. Although, at first, I thought the girl shown here was actually a boy! LOL

The blurb is again very interesting and had me itching to hurry and start on it!

Just like the previous two books in this series, I absolutely enjoyed reading Making Magic. Donna's writing style is simple and the events just flowed taking me along into the story. I felt connected with Jake and Thea. I related to the Woodruff family and reading this book felt like visiting old friends. I loved reading about the latest developments in the lives of my beloved characters from the previous books and also got hooked to all the drama unfolding for my latest favourites, Thea and Jake. Visiting the Woodruff mountain was magical as always and had me wishing to literally go there some day.

Donna has taken a novel idea and executed it brilliantly to bring to the readers romances different from the other romances. Without venturing fully into fantasy, she uses romance with a bit of magic and a whole lot of plot to engage the readers and keep them at the edge of their seats.

Here too, the same happened. I was awed by Thea's magical powers and then when I learned that there were more gifted people other than the Woodruffs, well, it was just fantastic. The mystery of the disappearing children, the fear of the knowledge of their power coming out in public and the adventurous romantic ride had me laughing, feeling excited, wowed, grief stricken and then warmed.

There is so much going on in the story that I cant possibly tell you all the things that I loved about this book. It's a complete package and a must-read!

A really amazing series and a fantastic book, I give Making Magic 4.5 out of 5 and strongly recommend it to all romance lovers. This series is different and one that you are sure to enjoy. I cant wait to read the next book in this series and am sure to keep a lookout for Donna's future releases.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Making Magic is the third book in the Books of the Kindling series and really made me wish I was up on that mountain making sweet, magical music with Jake, Jake, hotcake ;)
So, we head back to Woodruff Mountain and rejoin Grace, Nick, Daniel, Mel and all of the gang as they prepare for Daniel & Mel’s wedding and that is what brings the final Woodruff sibling back into the fold….. Thea is a corporate lawyer who is working for her father – or was – because she quits in the first part of the book in an eerie fashion and we get to see just what impact Thea’s gift has. Thea heads of to finally join her brother and sister on the mountain while she contemplates her next move.
Jake Moser, town sheriff and recovering gunshot victim is happily making plans of his own and it looks like he is contemplating a career change too. Jake and Thea have history, they used to make music together with Jake’s brother and sister but that dream died along with Jake’s sister Becca and was the catalyst for Thea’s departure from not only the mountain but from music….. until out of the blue, she returns.
Thea’s arrival brings old feelings to Jake but brings out worse feelings in others who have certain ideas of what is going on at Woodruff and to top it all off….babies start to go missing and someone Thea would rather not see again shows up and things start to get a whole lot of complicated.
As always with this series, it is so easy to get into these books and the characters are beginning to feel like old friends. The author has a wonderful way of bringing to life the mountain and everything in it, making me really wish that I lived there. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Thea because what we knew of her, sort of indicated that she sided with her father on issues against her siblings but we quickly find out that is not the case. She was quite the schemer, willing to take risks with herself for the better of others but once you get to know more about her, she seems to have had the worst deal out of the Woodruff siblings. Her power is quite unique and just the same as the other books – makes you think a lot about what would happen to people with a ‘gift’ like that…. It has to be one that can do the most damage and its consequences are limitless, I have no doubt that in the wrong hands, a power like this would corrupt and be abused for the owners gain.
Although the connection and past she shares with Jake is tinged in sadness, I loved the easy camaraderie they had with each other – the teasing and love of music gave them a bond that was still there years later and they really suited each other, it definitely had a will they, won they, friends to lovers kind of vibe and it was sweet to read about their changing feelings and also hot to see what kind of tension was between them.
The storyline was a good one, not as in your face or violent as the previous two but great all the same. I liked that this time we are seeing the corporate angle of the environmental issues and how they try to find out about their competition plus I’m curious as to how a man whose children took in all of the lessons learned from their grandfather didn’t take heed himself, does he not have a gift? Did he ignore it? Or was greed too powerful for him to resist? Because the location is all about the town around Woodruff, we get to meet some townsfolk and see their way of life, for the most part they all seem to be down with taking care of the environment and some may even be ‘special’ but as always, you get a few who see things differently and that is where the threat comes to the story….. because not all people are who you think they are. I enjoyed the musical aspect to the story also and thought that it was a great way for Thea and Jake to reconnect, I also liked that Thea’s love interest turned out to be someone she knew and had strong ties to the community plus Jake has a little something, something going on himself. By the end of this I was feeling like a story arc had finished but a new one was beginning, I felt that we would be venturing farther afield now and that they all have a direction for finding those fireflies and coaxing the light out of them and that thought makes me very happy. I will always be back for more from this enlightening series.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Magic, Donna June Cooper
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal, Romance, Mystery.
This is one of those series that I jumped in, starting with book three, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It wasn’t difficult to follow, as each book is about a different couple from within the whole group, though of course you’ll get more from the overall story if you know what’s gone before.
Jake – he’s the town sheriff, kind of fell into the position by default after his father died. Jake’s one of those people who feel responsible, who want to help, who can’t leave someone who’s got a problem without trying to find the best solution for them. Music is his real love, but not one his family really understand, and so to please them he followed his fathers footsteps. Now though he’s recovering from a bad injury, one that should have killed him but somehow didn’t – and that he’s recovering from far quicker than he ought to...
Thea has spent five years away, working for her previously estranged parents, and now having finished what she set out to do she’s returning. She can’t stay though, however much she wants to...she feels responsible for Jake’s sister’s death, and along with a few other odd things that have happened over the years she now knows she has a talent that could prove dangerous to those she loves. Poor Thea, treated as though she had some kind of mental disorder as a child by her parents she was made to take drugs that had bad side effects. Now she knows its something more, a talent, a supernatural phenomenon, but she can’t talk to anyone about it – well, how can you say “ I can force people to do my commands” – she thinks they’ll think she was mad and she’s not up for more drugs.
Then on her visit home to see her about to be born niece and attend her brothers wedding, she gets caught up in the mysteries that surround the mountain and the people around it. They are a real mixed group of characters, diverse but yet each complements the other. Of course having some difficult people in too, like Jake’s mum and the batty Sarah, make it feel more real – we all know people like that, and for me its that mix of realism that makes reading this such a treat. I felt that it could be real, that maybe there is a place where hope for the future starts – or has started, where people have special skills and can use them for good. Of course special skills like this can also be used for evil too, and we see a bit of that when the group faces some very real danger. Around all that, the mystery of the babies, the music festival, the family wedding and the approaching birth, there’s a true love story growing. Jake has always had strong feelings for Thea, they used to play together in a band, along with his sister and others, and they were a tight knit little trio – then Becca died. Thea had no idea how Jake felt, in fact she thought it was Grace he was keen on, and that was hard for her, to see the boy she loved wanting her sister...now she’s back and Jake thinks maybe he’s got a second chance, but events unfold quickly bringing in weird puzzles and danger.
I really enjoyed this, haven't read the first two but had no trouble following the story, but I’d love at some point to catch up with those early books, and look forward to more of the mystery surrounding the mountain and the folk who live there. They follow an ethos very dear to me, to do what little each individual can to protect the earth, to ensure we don’t cause problems in what we do and consume, and to try to encourage others to do the same. A mighty oak grows from a tiny acorn and all that....
Stars: Four and a half, a great read, a beautiful romance and a book that’s not too heavy going for when you’re in the mood for a supernatural/mystery/romance, but don’t want to have to concentrate too hard on the story, but want to relax and let it just flow.  I look forward to more from the series.
ARC supplied by publishers and Netgalley.

[Amy Softa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

This series continues to develop in richness and complexity and the author is really coming into her own with her writing. This is probably my favorite of the series so far and I expect even better things in future books of this series. I had thought when I started this series that it was going to be a trilogy, but after finishing this book (and checking the authors website) I see that there are going to be at least three more to go, and I can wait. I like the direction Ms. Cooper is taking with world and I think there is potential for many fun stories to come from these characters.

Now I must confess this is a bit tamer story-line then I normally read, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. I just need to be in the right mood for this type of read. This series is perfect for those wishing to stick their toe in something a little more supernatural, but still have a sweet clean-cut romance. The language is very clean and along with the romance. Still a little spice, but more on the milder side. This author focuses more on the building of relationships, characters and connections then just having them jump in the sack. Probably more realistic when it comes to most people’s love lives. Personally I like it, means more pages dedicated to the actually story rather than just forcing situations where they can pair up.

This story started a little like the last one, I didn’t know what the heck was going on for a few pages, but I stuck with it and soon was able to piece together what was going on and recognized some familiar faces. The setting was again at Woodruff Mountain and centers around the third sibling of the family, the lost sheep. We soon learn what drove Thea away and what her ‘power’ or gift is. There was a lot of development in the power aspect to this world and, as to not spoil anything, I’m just going to say that I am excited with the direction the author took!

Jake was the love interest for Thea and they were a fun match. I loved how they were pitted against each other in the beginning of the book. You could see the chemistry there but neither wanted to fess up to an attraction and had to give each other a hard time. I really enjoyed watching these two work things out. This story also had a bit of a love triangle going on, something that wasn’t used in other stories, and it just added some angst to the budding relationship.

While the mountain was the setting for this story it took a bit of the back burner compared to the other two books. More time was spent in the town itself and we got to know the community around the mountain better in this story. Like the other two books Ms. Cooper manages to teach us about a new aspect to being good stewards to humanity and the environment. This is an aspect of her story telling that I completely support. I also appreciate how she goes about giving us these examples without being peachy or weighing the story down. She strikes a nice balance between advocacy and storytelling, resulting in a story with depth that will hopefully do some good and make people think about the role they play in this world.

Like I said in the beginning this world continues to get better and I’m delighted to see it will be continuing on. I like how Ms. Cooper is getting bolder with her writing and we see more magical elements working their way into her world. She is growing as a writer but continues to stay true to the type of story she wants to tell. I expect only good things to come in future books.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Making Magic (Books of The Kindling #3) by Donna June Cooper, magic and music flow together...

Jake is the Sheriff of Patton Springs, currently on leave after being shot. While on leave, he's finally finding the courage to follow his own heart, his own dreams. Music is what he is. Music and Magic.

Thea is back in Patton Springs, on Woodruff Mountain, for the wedding of her brother. She's a lawyer who's been working for her father's pharmaceutical company...but circumstances and family dynamics have allowed her only a few secret trips back to Woodruff Mountain over the last few years. Now that she's done what she set out to do at her father's company, she is heading into the future unsure of where she's going. She knows she will not stay at Woodruff Mountain. The weight of guilt and a feeling of responsibility for tragedies make Thea believe it's safer for her to be gone. Thea has abilities she doesn't talk about, that scare her.

She doesn't count on the chemistry that simmers just below the surface when she meets back up with her child hood friend Jake...But trouble has followed Thea, and her secrets need to be revealed. Thea discovers reality and what she's imagined all these years are quite different. As Thea and Jake become closer than friends, to put trouble behind them, they are all going to have to work together...Thea, Jake, and Thea's family. Will it be enough to ease Thea's anxiety about staying on Woodruff Mountain? Or will she leave the mountain, her family, and Jake again without finding out if they can make magical music together?

Making Magic is another entrancing read in the Books of The Kindling series. As the books go on and the plot evolves, I got a better understanding of what The Kindling is. I love the legendry that Donna uses in this series, it has a strong impact on the plot of every book and Making Magic is no exception.

Thea and Jake are both strong main characters who I felt like I got to know really well. I liked how Donna used their backgrounds so that I could understand them, and I liked how she used this to develop them into who they are today. Music is a common theme through out Making Magic and this is one thing that really held Thea and Jake together. I loved how Donna used music...I could hear Thea's flute I'm sure! It was very interesting all the different instruments that Jake talked about too...Donna obviously knows what she's talking about. And of course Woodruff Mountain makes its own music - I loved the descriptions of the mountain, the woods and the music. I could smell it, see it, and feel it.

Told in dual POV, this really got me hooked on the story and the characters because I felt like I was able to understand them both even when they couldn't understand each other.

There is a lot going on in Making Magic...mystery and suspense that all revolve around Woodruff mountain. Donna manages to throw in the unexpected and catch me off guard at times, and her clear, well paced writing kept things from getting confusing. There are a lot of secondary characters, some of whom we see carried over from the other books in this series, along with some who are very unique to this story. I would recommend reading the other two books in this series if you haven't already to get a solid background on the general theme of this series.

A great mix of romance, suspense and paranormal that is still believable, I'd recommend this to any reader who likes those genres.

[Tanya Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woodruff Mountain is alive and still affecting the people it cares about most. Sheriff Jake Moser is used to the unusual happenings on the mountain and takes them in stride. He never really examines them too closely to admit that what happens up there is anything other than bad luck. After taking a gunshot wound and having the time to work on his music, where his heart really lies, he is unsure of his return to law enforcement. Then when Thea returns and the magic their music creates is still there, he is determined to keep that alive. I was rooting for Jake to get through to Thea so hard! The magic of the music was mesmerizing!

Thea is ready to move on. She's left her job, and is determined that her stop on the mountain is just a pit stop on her way to a new life. She's been sheltered away and her abilities have been used by others for so long that she's had it. She is really trying not to put down any roots, but her family, Jake and the mountain work at her resolve. It was so frustrating that Thea believed her abilities did nothing but hurt people. She was a little hard headed about it and I just wanted her to see that she could control it and make it work positively. The mountain wouldn't have given her something evil.

I found the baby-snatching storyline kind of in the background while Jake and Thea built their relationship a little more. Jake is concerned, and can't help but stick his nose in, but not enough to jump back into being Sheriff. The kidnappings are so bizarre, they didn't make sense for the longest time, which really had me puzzled. They just seemed like one lone serial crime. Once things all started piecing together, the whole picture is revealed and it brings the whole Woodruff family and their friends to get to the bottom of it. The story's resolution ended up being way different than I expected which makes for a great mystery.

I really enjoyed Making Magic. It had a sweet romance but also the excitement and mystery of the mountain. I loved revisiting previous characters and I felt very satisfied and relieved for everyone at the end. Yet another tear jerker. Why, Donna June Cooper, do you do that to me?!

This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict

[Shaz X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna June Cooper has done it again with another beautiful story full of romance, love, drama, excitement and a little magic!

Jake and Thea are both very likable and relatable characters and their magical gifts make them even more intriguing. Especially when they make music together, they are very influential. Jake is a former Sheriff and is recovering from a gunshot wound by running the local music store and crafting instruments. Thea is a corporate lawyer for her father's company and has just wrapped up a major case deciding to move on, thus leading her back to Woodruff Mountain.

Told via dual points of view from Jake and Thea we get a nice all round view of this story as it unfolds. The relationship between these two is fill with a nice friendship, great sexual tension and love that is adorable.

There are lots of secondary characters, several of whom we've been introduced to in the two previous books in this series and a fabulous group of new ones. There is one thing that I like in particular about this story, and it's that I don't see those characters from the previous books differently. They have maintained their familiarity, and I like this consistency throughout the books.

You do not need to have read the previous books in this series to enjoy this one, but I do feel that the background information provided in those books to be of benefit when reading Making Magic.

Overall, a lovely read and a story that has something to offer everyone. I recommend you give these a try!

4 stars!
*copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.*
Sharon @ Sharon's Book Nook!

[Cary Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first two in this series (loved them!!), I looked forward to Making Magic with great anticipation – and was not disappointed. On the contrary.
Thea Woodruff has been out of the family circle and away from the mountain for years. Those she left behind considered her lost to them forever. Jake Moser, the local sheriff, sees it the same way, but for very different reasons. Guilt, heartache, and remorse drove them from one another, but somehow, the mountain’s music calls them all back together – for the last time?
Making Magic is a beautiful and powerful story full of all kinds of deep and meaningful emotions. As usual, Ms. Cooper opens our eyes to the wonders of the Appalachian Mountains and her people, while gently schooling us on the woes we are bringing on ourselves and the earth by insensitive practices. In this novel, she also schools us, through her obvious love for these mountains, on the variety of music and musical instruments that are, perhaps, commonplace in the Appalachians. Some of the names seemed familiar, but when I Googled them, just to be sure, I received quite an education, and loved every minute of it.
As usual, Ms. Cooper’s story is beautiful, moving, and a very good read.
Very well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

[Vi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mesmerizing and charming trip to Woodruff Mountain. (Third book in the Kindling. series, reads as a stand alone.)
Jake is back as sheriff of Patton Springs. We meet Grace and Daniel's sister, Thea, who's returned to the mountain. They grew up together, both musically gifted; she plays the flute while he plays the hammered dulcimer. Jake's been injured and has to take time off. He's been working at Heartwood, making intricate wooden instruments. He's debating resigning as sheriff and buying the store. Music has always called to/touched him. Strange things are happening in town. Babies are disappearing! The lawman in him is intrigued. And then there's Thea, who's enchanted him since he was a child. There's something he needs to talk to her about..
Thea hasn't returned to the mountain in years. She's a lawyer and has been working for her father, trying to right a wrong she believes she caused. She's happy to be back home but doesn't plan to stay; because her secret gift terrifies her. And then there's Jake..
Ms. Cooper continues to amaze and delight! She makes it feel comfortable and entertaining. I hope there's more stories to come. After all, Jamie's growing up and baby Lily (Nick and Grace's baby) need their own stories!
I received this book free from bookpartnerincrime for an honest review.

[Barbara Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes there are books that you’re just glad you read. Such is the case with The Books of the Kindling series, especially Making Magic. Maybe it’s because in this third book we get a better picture of where this series is headed, a sort of what’s-it-all-about idea of how the series might continue.
There was more of a set-up at the beginning of this story, but I guess there had to be as Thea has been a bit of mystery until now. But when she returns to Woodruff Mountain and starts to make music, there are lots of good vibrations. Most of them connecting directly with former sheriff, Jake Moser.
I loved the idea that their music was sort of inside each other, that they had that kind of connection. That they’d always had that connection in spite of a difficult past. They make magic but they also make music together. It seems like they rekindled something in each other they’d both lost or forgotten or buried.
There’s an environmental theme in the series, but Making Magic is also somewhat inspirational. It seems we all have gifts, some are just more obviously manifested than others. But the question the author seems to be asking is could we all come together and use our gifts for the greater good?
I for one, can’t wait to find out. I’ll be anxiously awaiting author Donna June Cooper’s next book.
This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

[Samaris Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Moser has lived his whole life in the Mountains and never once had the urge to move on to bigger and better things. In fact most of the people who grew up on in that area never really left. There is something magical about that area that tends to drawn back the people who do decide to try their hand at living in another area. Jake has followed in his father’s footsteps and become the Sherriff but it is in no way his passion or his dream. The last thing he wants is to go out the way he did either. There is more to Jake than meets the eye. Althea Woodruff is so tired and so lost. She has devoted the past five years to keeping her family and their legacy safe from none other than their father. However in doing so she seems to have alienated the people she loves the most. When she finally accomplishes what she set out to do and decides to go home will she be welcome? If she returns will she find that not only is she loved deeply but also understood on an entirely new level? In running back home will she inadvertently bring danger with her? Not many can get away with playing both sides and come out unscathed. Will the reunion of Jake and Thea create some magic of its own? Another great addition to the series cannot wait to see what is in store next!

[Brenda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have given this book 15 stars I would have. Ms. Cooper once again seemlessly brought book 1 & 2 into Making Magic. She effortlessly refreshed previous characters in my memory so I didn't miss a beat of Making Magic. I was quite surprised to learn of Althea's gift, what a weight to carry for her. Her talent for music, who would have guessed?? Not me, but I loved it. And the Sheriff his talent for making instruments, SUPER!!!!! NO spoilers, but music is the universal language ;). The whole book, was WONDERFUL, some strange little things going that's had me scratching my head and saying HUH!!!!
The ending had me gripping your seat and turning pages as fast as my tablet would go, I LOVED IT.
I will say this with no spoilers ( I hope) Ms. Cooper I would love to read a book about Arron that was quite the zinger you threw in there. My hat is off to Ms. Cooper, she is gooooood, and has been added to my fav authors list.
Thank you for a wonderful trilogy, so far ???????? I loved every minute of each book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two Books of the Kindling so I was super eager to get my hands on the third – and I was not disappointed! Having had my interest piqued about Thea in the first two books, I immediately fell in love with both her and Jake. Without giving too much away, the scene where they first see each other again is fantastic – hilarious yet thrilling.

As this series continues, you can see the development of DJC’s writing and this feels like the most involved plot so far, with bizarre happenings, dramatic circumstances and a good handful of flashbacks. I also enjoy the development of the characters from the earlier books as they all become woven together. One of the best aspects of these books for me is the wonderful sense of family and belonging. You can’t help but want to be one of the Woodruff clan.

Making Magic is a lovely combination of mystery, romance and, of course, a sprinkling of magic in a beautiful, vivid setting. Thank you DJC – I loved it!

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Jake and Thea. This book keeps with the theme of the first 2. Jake is a retired sheriff recovering from a gunshot wound. Thea works for her fathers company as a lawyer. They both have magical gift and a love for music.
I loved the first 2 and this one was no different. I like that you caught up with the characters from the last two books. You get to find out how they are doing in their lives, but it doesn't draw away from the story.
These two are a perfect match for each other and they both help the other with their problems. This story is told from both points of view, which I like. You do not have to read the first two to understand this one but it helps.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series begun with More Than Magic. The heroine is Thea Woodruff, who left the mountain years ago to work with her father. Except, she was really working against him, and protecting her brother and sister all this time. Thea has a gift, just like Grace and Daniel, but because of its nature, she uses it sparingly. When she returns to Woodruff Mountain, and meets up with Jake Moser, the sheriff, sparks fly between them, just as they did years ago. Read this book for the story's timeliness, the romance, and of course, the Magic! I highly recommend it. I was given an ARC of this book in return for an unbiased review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was positively captivated by this book. The story kept me on my toes the entire time. I just can't get enough of this series. I am so glad there are 3 more books planned. There is just so much more story to be told. Book four just can't come soon enough. I will be anxiously waiting for the release date. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which in no way influenced my opinion of this book. I hope you find this book every bit as engaging as I have.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those series that you will anxiously wait for news of the next installment. And happily read again from the beginning.
You will fall in love with the central family, adore their friends, and wish you had a history like theirs.
If you like small town romances or adventures, magical realism, you MUST treat yourself to this series.

Previously we met Grace and watched the magic develop between her and Nick.
Now married and expecting baby Lily any day.
Then brother Daniel came home to the mountain and his bees.
Fate brought Mel into his life.
The last sibling has been away from the mountain for too long.
Initially Thea had left to follow her dreams, but ended up becoming a lawyer and working with their estranged father. What she was really doing has ended and she comes home for a break and to figure out how to again follow her dreams.
Still back in the hometown, Jake, long time friend and former band mate, brother of Thea's best friend from childhood, has followed in his family footsteps and become sheriff. Something very strange happens and while on medical leave, Jake also has an opportunity to follow his passion as well.

What should be a happy reunion story takes a number of strange twists.
Danger rears its ugly head and there are lots of secrets.
A wonderful music festival is marred by disappearing babies.
Jake's mother is very vocal about her distrust and dislike of those strange Woodruffs. She has taken up with a fake fortune teller.

Jake and Thea do have their HOT moments as the story progresses.
Unfortunately, the moments seem to be interrupted.
One interruption is by a man who followed Thea and won't take a hint.
Can they be honest about their feelings?

If you have read the previous books, you know that trouble on the mountain becomes huge before it is over. By books end, things are wrapped up but what is learned assures us more is brewing.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Making Magic is the third book in Donna June Cooper's Kindling series. It is set on Woodruff mountain in contemporary times, is a romance but with a paranormal twist.

This is the story of Thea - the eldest and the lawyer in the family. Up until now she has worked for her father's high powered company, but with a final farewell to that she arrives back to the mountain. One of my favourite parts of the book was her meet up with Bailey a dog who surely needs some love and it turns out Thea is the one for it.

Thea is gifted musically, one of the reasons that Jake Moser is attracted to her, but not the only one of course. Jake has been the local sheriff, but at the moment he is about to follow his heart and take up work that he loves.

Yes someone is stealing babies and returning them, unharmed. But there is something far more sinister going on. The Woodruffs have herbs - medicinal that the corporate, greedy drug companies would love. Plus a number of the Woodruffs and others linked with them have amazing gifts that others would love to control. They'll go to any length to know the secrets of Woodruff mountain and gain control of the people with the gifts. Will they succeed or can the Kindling unite and thwart them?

All the characters from the previous two books reappear and one of them finally makes an appearance into the world. I am sure she will be a delightful presence in all their lives in the future.

I liked this one the best of the three books, it was a little shorter and the plot moved along at a better pace. On the whole a fun, contemporary paranormal romance.

[Melissa Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Donna June Cooper brings the third Woodruff sibling home, and skillfully weaves this third book into the mythology established by the first two. Again, the mystery grabs the reader's attention while the author spins out the tale and paints her characters with both broad and slight strokes. I enjoyed this book immensely, and am anxiously awaiting the publication of number 4.