What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries #2
Southern Spells
Even the best laid plans of egg-laying chickens can go awry...
All Pepper Dunn wants is a quiet life in the witchy town of Magnolia Cove, Alabama. But when the Cotton and Cobwebs Festival arrives, her dream goes up in smoke. This year, grandmother Betty is determined to win the award for best magical creature against Melbalean Mayes, the contest matron. To win, Betty needs Pepper’s help.
But when Melbalean winds up dead and Betty is accused of the murder, Pepper is thrust into one role she never expected—she must complete a list of chores that keeps her town running.
Pepper has her hands full—she must ensure the safety of her town, try to clear Betty’s name, and make sure no one else winds up a victim of the Magnolia Cove murderer. Can she do it? Or will she become the next victim?
Find out now!
All Pepper Dunn wants is a quiet life in the witchy town of Magnolia Cove, Alabama. But when the Cotton and Cobwebs Festival arrives, her dream goes up in smoke. This year, grandmother Betty is determined to win the award for best magical creature against Melbalean Mayes, the contest matron. To win, Betty needs Pepper’s help.
But when Melbalean winds up dead and Betty is accused of the murder, Pepper is thrust into one role she never expected—she must complete a list of chores that keeps her town running.
Pepper has her hands full—she must ensure the safety of her town, try to clear Betty’s name, and make sure no one else winds up a victim of the Magnolia Cove murderer. Can she do it? Or will she become the next victim?
Find out now!
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
1526 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Amy Boyles
158 books1,529 followersHey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
May 25, 2021
So fun!
November 12, 2018
Pepper has settled in at the Pet store and has learned to use her magic a bit more. She can talk to the animals in her store and vice versa. She is getting good at placing the right animals with the witches.
When the festival in town starts and her crazy aunts are in charge of it. Things start to go wrong. Betty gets a chicken to top her nemesis Melbalean Mayes. Bu Melbalean has a chicken too that can lay golden eggs. When she is found dead they all turn to Betty. Pepper has to take over duties to keep the town running. What secrets will she find out about?
Can Pepper find out who really killed Melbalean? What secrets will Axel reveal?
Again, another great story in this series. I am liking all the characters. You will find yourself turning the pages to find out what happens.
When the festival in town starts and her crazy aunts are in charge of it. Things start to go wrong. Betty gets a chicken to top her nemesis Melbalean Mayes. Bu Melbalean has a chicken too that can lay golden eggs. When she is found dead they all turn to Betty. Pepper has to take over duties to keep the town running. What secrets will she find out about?
Can Pepper find out who really killed Melbalean? What secrets will Axel reveal?
Again, another great story in this series. I am liking all the characters. You will find yourself turning the pages to find out what happens.
June 26, 2022
I thought that this book was good
December 15, 2020
Oh my gosh, such fun with these witches and their talking animals. Betty Craple enters a contest with a hen that is supposed to lay silver eggs. She purchased it for only $9.99 so that she could hopefully beat Malbalean the Horrible, only to find out that she bought a hen that lays "golden" eggs. Betty's granddaughter's question whether or not the eggs are truly golden and silver and set about to find a way that their grandmother can beat Malbalean.
It's a cute but rather juvenile story that I nonetheless enjoyed. There were lots of funny lines, a murder that happens among the entrants, and suspects abound in the mind of the witches. The prime first suspect being a chicken. LOL
Okay, I don't want to say morea about this one except if you want something extrememly light-hearted that is super easy and fast to read, you might want to give this one a try but I'd start with book 1 which was also fun.
It's a cute but rather juvenile story that I nonetheless enjoyed. There were lots of funny lines, a murder that happens among the entrants, and suspects abound in the mind of the witches. The prime first suspect being a chicken. LOL
Okay, I don't want to say morea about this one except if you want something extrememly light-hearted that is super easy and fast to read, you might want to give this one a try but I'd start with book 1 which was also fun.
November 28, 2025
I am really loving this series so far and I’m only in the second book. I can’t imagine how much more I’ll love and enjoy these books the more I get to know each of the characters and really connect with them because I just know that the longer I spend in this little witch town the better it will be.
I did see Axel’s secret coming from a mile away but it was still nice to see.
These books are fun, cute, cozy and very easy to read.
For people wondering about how appropriate the book is for younger readers or for readers who don’t like to read anything spicy or graphic:
Spice level: (0.5/5)
There is no spice in this book. There are only a couple of kisses.
Language level: (0.5/5)
I honestly can’t remember if there were any curses in this book or not so I’ll just add 0.5 just in case.
Violence/gore level: (1/5)
There is very little violence. A murder does take place but it’s not graphic at all.
I did see Axel’s secret coming from a mile away but it was still nice to see.
These books are fun, cute, cozy and very easy to read.
For people wondering about how appropriate the book is for younger readers or for readers who don’t like to read anything spicy or graphic:
Spice level: (0.5/5)
There is no spice in this book. There are only a couple of kisses.
Language level: (0.5/5)
I honestly can’t remember if there were any curses in this book or not so I’ll just add 0.5 just in case.
Violence/gore level: (1/5)
There is very little violence. A murder does take place but it’s not graphic at all.
April 2, 2024
These are fun and make me happy.
August 23, 2022
Pepper’s settling into her new life. Possible romance, and a new murder to solve. Though that curfew thing for a grown woman😒😒😒😒 no thanks.
September 21, 2024
This is a fun spin on a witch cozy mystery. The characters are entertaining. The chaos the aunts created was amusing and added another level of comedy to the mystery. The mystery is well-crafted with plenty of surprises. I will be continuing this series.
June 7, 2022
This has to be the cutest series I’ve read in some time! I enjoyed the first two books so much that I purchased up to book nine! In this super sweet second installment we get deeper into the mechanics of Magnolia Cove. We also finally get to meet the aunts! Mint and Licky show up with no warning to organize the annual festival! We learn more about Axel and his special secret. Which I’m sure most readers figured out after reading book one! We solve a perfect little murder mystery, and let me tell you just because it’s a cozy mystery doesn’t mean the culprit is easy to figure out! If you love Magnolia Cove and Pepper Dunn I highly suggest you continue with the series! These books only get cuter as the time goes on and more addictive. I read the first two installments in one day! Let yourself get lost in the Sweet Tea Witches!
October 28, 2018
Southern Spells is the second of the Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries. It follows new witch Pepper Dunn in her new witchy town with her newly discovered witchy family of witch aunts and cousins. And now she finally has a new potential witch boyfriend. But he may be keeping secrets.
And of course there's a new mystery as the town is holding its annual Cotton and Cobwebs Festival. Animals are going berserk and so are witch's power's. Can Pepper and her new beau follow the trail of clues and crack the egg? I mean....the case?
This is an easily readable cozy mystery series so far. I love the dynamics between Pepper and her newly found family. There is just the right amount of acclimating her into her the new witch community and letting her have her space as an adult. Sometimes the relationship vibes between Pepper and Axel are a little corny or unreal. They overhype the "taking it slow" thing and holding back information and "I didn't know you felt that way" but really, come on. Yes you did. You're an adult, don't be coy. We're all adults here, just say it. :P
But other than that, I enjoyed the quirkiness of the book. I ate through both book 1 and 2 in a week and after the ending of this book, I HAVE to read #3!!!
And of course there's a new mystery as the town is holding its annual Cotton and Cobwebs Festival. Animals are going berserk and so are witch's power's. Can Pepper and her new beau follow the trail of clues and crack the egg? I mean....the case?
This is an easily readable cozy mystery series so far. I love the dynamics between Pepper and her newly found family. There is just the right amount of acclimating her into her the new witch community and letting her have her space as an adult. Sometimes the relationship vibes between Pepper and Axel are a little corny or unreal. They overhype the "taking it slow" thing and holding back information and "I didn't know you felt that way" but really, come on. Yes you did. You're an adult, don't be coy. We're all adults here, just say it. :P
But other than that, I enjoyed the quirkiness of the book. I ate through both book 1 and 2 in a week and after the ending of this book, I HAVE to read #3!!!
November 13, 2022
If I'm honest I only read this one because it's short and it's set in a small town
Meeting my last goal for the readaton. I liked the last book enough. I might not have read this if I didn't need a book for my the prompt and it was the day before I started and I most of the other book I was looking at were set in a city. If you like the first book, you'll like this one. I probably would have loved this a few years ago but taste has been changing. Ment to finish this last night but fell asleep. Only had a little left so was able to finish it this morning
Also I and soooo shocked on who the werewolf is. *sarcasm*
But in fairness to the book really I didn't know who the murder was.
Meeting my last goal for the readaton. I liked the last book enough. I might not have read this if I didn't need a book for my the prompt and it was the day before I started and I most of the other book I was looking at were set in a city. If you like the first book, you'll like this one. I probably would have loved this a few years ago but taste has been changing. Ment to finish this last night but fell asleep. Only had a little left so was able to finish it this morning
Also I and soooo shocked on who the werewolf is. *sarcasm*
But in fairness to the book really I didn't know who the murder was.
April 10, 2024
I really am enjoying this book series. The story continues as our favorite Sweet Tea Witch is helping out her Aunt Betty who gets fingered for murder of her witchy rival when a wayward golden egg laying chicken does in the wayward witch. It is up to Axel and Pepper to solve the crime and save the day. There are a couple of revelations in here you don’t want to miss, so keep your eyes and ears open. Take off on your cast iron skillets and enjoy the ride!
November 10, 2025
Pepper is still learning about the town, the people, her powers, and how to ride her skillet. Yes, the witches in this town ride large cast iron skillets with long handles instead of brooms. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one since this one ends with a mini-cliffhanger.
October 11, 2024
Absolutely devouring this book series!
May 21, 2025
Pros:
It was fun picking things right up and learning a bit more about the small town and its magic.
Cons:
Some of the books is way too predictable but it can still be fun.
It was fun picking things right up and learning a bit more about the small town and its magic.
Cons:
Some of the books is way too predictable but it can still be fun.
July 9, 2025
This book was so good and funny and had a slight romance storyline and has witches and werewolves and it was so good hearing about what witches have what powers and the mystery aspect was fun
February 13, 2022
This is such a fun series! Pepper is settling in nicely and feeling more comfortable in town which gives us a chance to get to know the rest of her family, who are hysterical. It could come off as slapstick (which I hate) but doesn't, cutting it off before it becomes absurd. The mystery is interesting and the ending was a complete surprise to me. I hope to continue the series soon.
February 11, 2023
Such a fun town! Loved discovering all the different mysteries in this book. Loved the cheeky good fun! Great series.
December 11, 2024
A really enjoyable read, Pepper is fun character to read about and her Grandmother Betty is mischief once again. I couldn't help laughing a lot, it had its funny moments.
March 30, 2023
I’m really invested in this series now, and I love that each book is pretty short.
Surprisingly, I don’t think Pepper (or any of the characters actually) is annoying, which is a huggggeeee plus for me. I also like all the little plot lines- I feel like I’m watching a tv show, each book being a different episode. The book is the definition of a cozy mystery because it actually feels cozy, like I should be reading these books under a blanket by a fire, with hot chocolate or tea or something.
The only thing I have a critique for is that Rufus just keeps showing up, and like they really need to do something about it, like come onnnnn. He also said he “wanted her brain”?? Which id like more explanation on. Finally, the actual mystery part of this was fun, I guessed it again, so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself (although it was kind of laid out for you). The fact that the mayor did it isn’t surprising, and honestly, like if melbalean had done that to me, idk maybe I’d be driven to kill her too. Also I’m just wondering how they didn’t do anything about melbalean while she was alive??? Like??
Anyways, this is a super cute and cozy series that I’ve highly enjoyed so far!
Surprisingly, I don’t think Pepper (or any of the characters actually) is annoying, which is a huggggeeee plus for me. I also like all the little plot lines- I feel like I’m watching a tv show, each book being a different episode. The book is the definition of a cozy mystery because it actually feels cozy, like I should be reading these books under a blanket by a fire, with hot chocolate or tea or something.
The only thing I have a critique for is that Rufus just keeps showing up, and like they really need to do something about it, like come onnnnn. He also said he “wanted her brain”?? Which id like more explanation on. Finally, the actual mystery part of this was fun, I guessed it again, so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself (although it was kind of laid out for you). The fact that the mayor did it isn’t surprising, and honestly, like if melbalean had done that to me, idk maybe I’d be driven to kill her too. Also I’m just wondering how they didn’t do anything about melbalean while she was alive??? Like??
Anyways, this is a super cute and cozy series that I’ve highly enjoyed so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Another hilarious addition to the Sweet Tea Series! These witchy women (mostly their grandmother) seem to get into the funniest and sometimes scariest situations. This second book in the series is no different. The settings are described so well you feel like you are there. The characters are as crazy as ever. The storyline is very creative. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes clean paranormal (funny witches) mysteries and a fun read!
July 19, 2019
I've been taking advantage of the Kindle Unlimited three months free promotion, and this series is included. It is mindless, silly reading, but it's entertaining. The characters are funny, and the backdrop of the South is perfect. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first, but I'll continue reading about Pepper's adventures.
March 1, 2024
This book was even better than the first. These books are super fast and easy to read. I love how Pepper found out about Axel being the werewolf. I love that he defended her even when he didn’t know anything and wasn’t himself. What is up with all of these people with status being evil? First, the cop and now the mayor. This was a super great book and I cannot wait to continue the series.
August 27, 2018
She came into her powers more, finally learned the big reason Axel was trying to push her away, confronted her nemesis and learned why her aunts are chaos witches.
All in all the story progressed but I was not entranced by it. Let's see how I like #3
All in all the story progressed but I was not entranced by it. Let's see how I like #3
May 27, 2020
Fun
This series has real promise. The characters are fun, the mystery is light, and the situations Pepper and her cousins find themselves in...! While there are a few editing fails there are also plenty of diverting surprises in this delightful read.
This series has real promise. The characters are fun, the mystery is light, and the situations Pepper and her cousins find themselves in...! While there are a few editing fails there are also plenty of diverting surprises in this delightful read.
October 25, 2020
It’s taken me way too long to get through this book. It’s a light read, but I’m losing interest in the story (the writing is way to simplistic and choppy and Pepper is not a very interesting character). I have the next book; we’ll see how it goes.
March 28, 2019
Different
Imaginative and different. I enjoyed the first book but I had a hard time getting through this one but succeeded.
Imaginative and different. I enjoyed the first book but I had a hard time getting through this one but succeeded.
February 20, 2024
While the narrative of this installment picks up directly after the conclusion of the first book, and it is specified that no meaningful time has passed, exposition is heavily relied on in the first chapters where a near summary of book one is provided.
In spite of this summary, there were several elements from the first book that either did not carry over, or carried over so oddly that they pulled me out of the story. The detail that Pepper's cousins were blonde after a clear point was made that all of her family had red hair in the first book; this is addressed several paragraphs after the inconsistent description with a brief note that the cousins had gone to the hair salon without explanation of when they had time to do so. Grandma Betty's baldness, and subsequent side quest to create the perfect wig, also appear to be long forgotten plot lines, as she is much more concerned with a previously undisclosed rival and chickens in this book.
There were also basic errors sprinkled throughout this narrative that I found to be distracting. Pepper utilizes the new sheriff's name when describing him to the reader prior to being introduced to him or informed of his name by another character; immediately after this she is introduced to him and reacts to his name as though it were new information to her.
I did appreciate that this book endeavored to paint a more complex picture of Magnolia Cove, its residents, Pepper's new role in the community as the familiar shop owner, and the general magic system. However, on most of these accounts I was ultimately left more confused. While Pepper is introduced to new witches of different abilities during this adventure, the rules surrounding the magic system are more ambiguous and seemingly incongruent with some of the elements presented in the first book.
The resolution of the murder investigation in this book also felt unearned, as virtually no foundation was laid for the "twist". While undoubtably more investigating was preformed by Pepper during this case, I cannot help but feel that she once again stumbled blindly into the conclusion.
Pepper's adventures in Magnolia Cove are quick reads with cozy ambitions. If you are looking to tear through a series mindlessly I would recommend joining Pepper for all of the hijinks that will likely ensue. However, if you are seeking narrative consistency and discernible character growth I might skip this one.
In spite of this summary, there were several elements from the first book that either did not carry over, or carried over so oddly that they pulled me out of the story. The detail that Pepper's cousins were blonde after a clear point was made that all of her family had red hair in the first book; this is addressed several paragraphs after the inconsistent description with a brief note that the cousins had gone to the hair salon without explanation of when they had time to do so. Grandma Betty's baldness, and subsequent side quest to create the perfect wig, also appear to be long forgotten plot lines, as she is much more concerned with a previously undisclosed rival and chickens in this book.
There were also basic errors sprinkled throughout this narrative that I found to be distracting. Pepper utilizes the new sheriff's name when describing him to the reader prior to being introduced to him or informed of his name by another character; immediately after this she is introduced to him and reacts to his name as though it were new information to her.
I did appreciate that this book endeavored to paint a more complex picture of Magnolia Cove, its residents, Pepper's new role in the community as the familiar shop owner, and the general magic system. However, on most of these accounts I was ultimately left more confused. While Pepper is introduced to new witches of different abilities during this adventure, the rules surrounding the magic system are more ambiguous and seemingly incongruent with some of the elements presented in the first book.
The resolution of the murder investigation in this book also felt unearned, as virtually no foundation was laid for the "twist". While undoubtably more investigating was preformed by Pepper during this case, I cannot help but feel that she once again stumbled blindly into the conclusion.
Pepper's adventures in Magnolia Cove are quick reads with cozy ambitions. If you are looking to tear through a series mindlessly I would recommend joining Pepper for all of the hijinks that will likely ensue. However, if you are seeking narrative consistency and discernible character growth I might skip this one.
June 29, 2023
I liked this book. It appears to be a good series.
I must admit that Grandma Betty reminds me of Aunt Tilly from Amanda M. Lee's Winchester Witches series. And Cordelia and Amelia remind me of Bay Winchester's cousins. It is only a slight resemblance and the two sisters in this book seem to have more prominence and story than Bay's cousins.
In this book, Betty is determined to win the prize at the Cotton and Cobwebs Festival contest this year. However, things begin to go wrong when Cordelia and Amelia's mothers (chaos witches) are tasked with organizing the festival. To this end, Betty buys a chicken that lays silver eggs while her opponent has bought a chicken that lays golden eggs.
Like all cozy mysteries, someone dies and it is up to Pepper to solve and find the murderer. Add to that, trying to keep an attraction to Axel low-key and "just friends" while taking care of her shop and the animals prove to be a hectic time for Pepper.
I'm glad we find out in this book who the werewolf is though I had guessed it as soon as it was mentioned in book 1. Not only are Pepper and Axel slowly becoming a couple but Cordelia and Amelia seem to be getting their own "fellers" too. :) Hmmm...I wonder if Grandma Betty is due for a beau in the future. :)
I must admit that Grandma Betty reminds me of Aunt Tilly from Amanda M. Lee's Winchester Witches series. And Cordelia and Amelia remind me of Bay Winchester's cousins. It is only a slight resemblance and the two sisters in this book seem to have more prominence and story than Bay's cousins.
In this book, Betty is determined to win the prize at the Cotton and Cobwebs Festival contest this year. However, things begin to go wrong when Cordelia and Amelia's mothers (chaos witches) are tasked with organizing the festival. To this end, Betty buys a chicken that lays silver eggs while her opponent has bought a chicken that lays golden eggs.
Like all cozy mysteries, someone dies and it is up to Pepper to solve and find the murderer. Add to that, trying to keep an attraction to Axel low-key and "just friends" while taking care of her shop and the animals prove to be a hectic time for Pepper.
I'm glad we find out in this book who the werewolf is though I had guessed it as soon as it was mentioned in book 1. Not only are Pepper and Axel slowly becoming a couple but Cordelia and Amelia seem to be getting their own "fellers" too. :) Hmmm...I wonder if Grandma Betty is due for a beau in the future. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews