Heart of the Witch

Witches of Keating Hollow #2

by Deanna Chase

Welcome to Keating Hollow, the enchanted village where love, cupcakes, and magic collide.

There are only three things that were ever important to Noel Townsend—love, family, and magic. Two out of three aren’t bad. She’s blessed with a large close-knit family and her magic has never been stronger. But love? That ended three years ago when her husband walked out on her and her daughter and never looked back.

These days Noel only has room in her pieced-together heart for her six-year old daughter. But when Drew Baker shows up on the doorstep of her inn with news of her husband, fate has other plans. And so does Drew. If he can get past her defenses, Drew is going to do everything in his power to heal the heart of a witch.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Witches, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2018

About the author

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witches of Keating Hollow series has been a blast. I’ve been devouring the books off Kindle Unlimited.

I just love the small town of Keating Hollow. It’s a wonderful magical community where everyone knows everyone and what’s going on. Each book in the series brings us a new couple to enjoy as well as new drama and emotional struggles. I just love the light magical feel and the heartfelt romances. This series is full of facing what life throughs at us, healing oneself, finding love and family and friendships.

Heart of the Witch

Another charming read. I was drawn into the emotional issues that Noel, Abby’s sister and Drew had to deal with. Theirs a little drama and trying to find a way to moving on. Noel and Drew found what they needed to heal in each other. We also get another adorable kid featured. I love kids when they are portrayed just right and the author did that in Noel’s daughter. Its full of magic, family, friends and love.

Rated: 4 Stars

[Kathrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Band 2 hat mir nicht so gut wie der erste gefallen. Während ich mit der Hauptgeschichte recht gut leben kann, war mir alles um Xavier und seine Vergangenheit viel zu konstruiert. Leider hat mich das im Lesefluss für das letzte Drittel des Buches echt gestört.

Ich gebe der Reihe trotzdem noch eine Chance und lese Band 3, auch wenn ich so langsam das Gefühl habe, dass da außerhalb des magischen Elements nicht Neues für mich geboten wird. Wäre schade, wenn sich das bewahrheitet.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase focuses this time on Noel Townsend and her life in Keating Hollow. Again the story is all about family, friends, love and this small community of witches. A fun read for a lazy afternoon.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still laughing over the last line from Yvette....lol the next story is going to be just as brilliant if not more so than Heart of the Witch and thats saying something because Heart of the Witch was pretty damn awesome.

After Abby and Clay's story I seriously couldn't wait to get back to Keating Hollow it seriously is my new favourite book town to visit so when I got Noel and Drew's story I couldn't wait to start it and then I just couldn't put it down....... What a story there is a bit of everything charm, love a little dose of magic, cute kids who make you laugh and cry, adorable puppies and great friends who become more than friends when both hearts heal then we top it all off with sister drama and a family wedding...... after all of that I have tears streaming down my face but they are happy tears and tears of laughter the sister witches of keating hollow are just amazing I really love them and now I want Yvette's story I just know it's going to be super magical with some laughs along the way and maybe a few tears to..

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of Chase’s so far. The townspeople are established characters by now, but continue to develop. The main character, Noel, is tough as nails and a much more in your face than Abby was. Book 1 was a bit too Hallmark-y for me, and this one continues with the sappy sweet romance; yet not everything is quite so sun-shiny perfect. The love interest with the Deputy especially when her husband up and left her three years prior gives a sense of mystery and foreboding that I really enjoyed. Her struggle to piece back her relationship with Abby was refreshing, as was highlighting her struggles with being a single strong mother for her daughter who suffers from anxiety from her father’s disappearance. The books just piece together nicely even though they’re highlighting other characters and relationships. I don’t normally read straight up romance (especially with little sex scenes) but Chase is starting to get me hooked. The ending nearly made me cry (AGAIN – THANKS DEANNA) but the final chapters bridge perfectly into the next book in the series and reel’s in the hook to keep you going. Well done!

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Book 2 in this series is just as good as book 1. The town inn keeper and the sherif make for an interesting lost love story. The side issues added to the overall story. The characters are endearing and entertaining ( the golf cart race was funny!). The narrator is very nice job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that everyone has magic and it's no secret and of course they can all do different things. This story is about Noel and Drew. I love the way they get together and how it turns out that Noel's Ex husband has a good reason for doing what he did. I love the puppy and how drew helps Noel out through out the story. That water Leak was funny.

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strictly a romance with very little paranormal influence. Even so, it was a wonderful HEA story.

[Barbara Veloz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I couldn’t put this book down! I read through it faster than the previous book. Can’t wait to see what happens for Yvette!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this series. I was quickly drawn into the story and kept on the edge of my seat in anticipation. This is a fun, and entertaining book.

[Marion Over · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not my normal reading material but there's something sweet, kind and heartwarming about these books. There good for the soul.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just two books into "The Witches of Keating Hollow" it's very familiar, a bit like a village tableau where, book by book, several characters step forward to be highlighted.
"Heart of the Witch" continues the story started in "Soul of the Witch" but this time the emphasis is on another of the Townsend sisters, Noel. Three years ago her husband, Xavier, walked out and disappeared, leaving her to cope alone with her young daughter, Daisy.
Also step forward policeman Drew Baker, Noel's first love and the man who broke her heart many years before. He's been pining all these years after his girlfriend Charlotte died following their senior prom (the fallout from her death played a central part in the first book).
But sparks fly between them and fate seems intent on bringing them together.
There's plenty of fun as Daisy gets a rambunctious puppy, Buffy, and Abby Townsend goes golf cart racing.
And then reports come in that Xavier has been seen in the region ...
It's a sweet, funny and fast read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent well written story! Noel has a past ex husband who is about to rear his head. Drew on the other hand is about to step forth and move on to a relationship with Noel.
This is a well written mystery with lots of action, romance and humor. I love the golf cart races and the reunion of the sisters. Buffy is fun and adds humor to the story as well as Olive and her dog and Daisy. There are some twists to the story but the lead to the next book with Jacob should be very interesting.
If you did not read, Soul of a Witch, you might want to as it ties in with this book and precedes it with information because in this book you will attend Abby and Clay’s wedding. I recommend this series!

[Deity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deanna Chase has created a world of witches, sisterhood and friendship.

I love the Witches of Keaton Hollow. These are great stories that center around the Townsend family who I am becoming way too attached to.

In the first book, we met Abby Townsend; this book centers around her sister Noel. Noel runs the only Inn in the town; she has also become a single mother to her daughter Daisy, every since her now ex-husband disappeared three years ago.

Just like her sister in the book before, Noel has to overcome her fear of letting love in. But she has met her match with the town Sheriff Drew Baker. When Drew brings word to Noel of her ex, they have a mystery to unfold and hopefully find love in each other as well.

Such a great read. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deanna Chase captured my attention with book one in this series, and continues to keep me invested in the lives of the witchy inhabitants of Keating Hollow.

Summary:
Noel Townsend once thought she’d have it all. She had the man she loved, the family they started, a bright future, and her air magic. That bright future was ripped away from her when her husband up and left without a word, disappearing without a trace. She was left with a broken heart and trust issues even deeper than she already had. These days, she only has time for her adorable six year old, her booming business, her family, and her magic. Until Drew Baker walks back into her life and her heart. Drew suffered a loss that would take him years to get over, and had him hesitating at the thought of a new relationship. His feelings for Noel have been simmering in the background, just waiting for the right moment. When he must pass on news of her ex-husband, fate decides it’s their time and so does Drew. Noel is all Drew can think about, and being with her invigorates him in a way he wasn’t sure he’d feel again. But her heart is guarded. Drew vows to to whatever he has to do to help Noel and her daughter gain closure, and heal her heart. But will the reappearance of Noel’s ex help her to move on with Drew, or will it give her a second chance at the future she once envisioned.

*************************
I really liked Soul of the Witch, so I was highly anticipating Heart of the Witch. I have to be honest and admit that I wasn’t a big fan of Noel in book one. I felt she was very unfair to Abby, and didn’t truly respect the feelings of loss and guilt she felt. Luckily, she turned out to be a better person than I first thought she was. Noel had her own feelings of loss and abandonment, and they translated into anger and almost impenetrable walls of protection. I appreciated getting to know that Noel was strong, felt deeply, and would do anything for her family. She had been hurt deeply. She felt abandoned in a variety of ways by several different people. It made her initial attitude towards Abby more forgivable, and explained her hesitation and trust issues. Drew was a great hero. He was protective and realized a good thing when he saw it, but he also struggled through the same loss that drove Abby out of town. This caused him hesitation when thinking of entering another relationship. Especially with Noel. I liked that he knew himself enough to know that he couldn’t fully commit himself when they had their first intimate interaction. I liked them together. They had history and chemistry. I do wish we could have had more time with them together, though, and maybe some with Daisy. I think one of my favorite parts of this series is the magical spark that arcs between the couples with a touch. Seeing their magic mingle together so fluidly is sweet. All in all, this was an enjoyable read. The storyline flowed well and made sense. The resolution of conflict wasn’t drawn out or detailed, but I don’t feel that was truly the focus of the book. I like the light paranormal romance this series provides, and I’ve really grown to love the characters. I found it a bit odd that Faith wasn’t as present, seeing as Abby, Noel, and Yvette seemed pretty close, but it didn’t take away from the book. It was great catching up with Abby, Clay, and Olive. Yvette’s situation is interesting, and after that last chapter, I’m more than eager to get her book next. ♡

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content: cleanish- sex was talked about and implied but the scenes weren’t elaborated

Drew is the Deputy of Keating Hollow and just an incredible guy. He lost his high school sweetheart when she died on her 18th birthday and it weighs on his heart. Noel is Abby’s sister and has had a rough go of it with her husband disappearing on her 3 years ago.
Going into this I thought the book was going to be a little weighed down in sadness and grief like the first one but I didn’t feel that in this book. Yes the characters had to work on their past but I felt like there was way more here and now in this book.

Noel’s ex husband was spotted and a person of interest in a murder. So it pushes Drew and Noel together. We got to see Drew sweep Noel off her feet. The ending was a little stressful with the ex making an appearance but the twist in the story was a good one. What really cinched Drew as my favorite character was how he handled Xavier (the ex) coming back into the picture. He’s in love with Noel but he knows he couldn’t stand in the way of Daisy (Noel’s daughter) getting her family back.

“His heart was in his throat. If she’d decided she needed to try to repair her family, that was it for him. He’d be the odd man out, and rightly so. Family was too important. He wouldn’t try to change her mind........
Noel. I’m so far in with you, you’re the only thing I’ve thought about since I saw you last. I’ve been in such a bad mood that Clarissa threatened to lock me in the jail cell until I figure out how to be civil. I just want to put all the cards out on the table. If you think you might want to try again with Xavier, then I need to know now, because I won’t—can’t—stand in the way of that. But please, tell me now and let me get on with grieving what we could’ve had. It would be easier on all of us.”

I will say the ending to the book which is a lead in to the next disappointed me. I’m not sure I’m going to like that story line. I didn’t like how Isaac (Yvettes ex husband) handled everything and it felt like he was getting a pass on cheating bc he’s gay. I get that he was living a lie but he says he loved her. He cheated, it doesn’t go beyond that for me. He should have been open with her and discussed his new feelings for another man before he kept into bed with him. Also to bring that new man to his ex wife’s sisters wedding and kiss him in front of everyone. I mean they’d only been divorced a week or so. Then there’s Yvette. I just get the feeling I’m really going to struggle with the next book. Seriously that ending almost makes me want to skip the book altogether.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase is the second tale in Witches of Keating Hollow series. Noel Townsend lives in Keating Hollow, California with her six-year-old daughter, Daisy. Noel runs the Keating Hollow Inn and is an air witch. Three years ago, Noel’s husband, Xavier left without a word and she has not heard from him since. Daisy has not gotten over Xavier leaving and continues to have nightly anxiety attacks. Deputy Drew Baker has been attracted to Noel, but he has been hesitant to change their friendship. Then a call comes in that Xavier has been spotted in the area. Drew is determined to find him and provide closure for Noel and Daisy. Why did Xavier leave his family three years prior? Drew hopes that once the door closes on the past, Noel can open a window to a future that includes Drew.

Heart of the Witch is a well-written and engaging novel. While Heart of the Witch can be read alone, I recommend reading Soul of the Witch first. It lays the foundation for the series. We get to catch up with Abby, Clay, Yvette as well as Lin Townsend. We see how everyone is moving forward with their lives and how Lincoln is handling is treatments. Lin gives Daisy a puppy which adds to the family chaos (and cute factor). They are a close-knit family who love each other and are there for each other (supportive in good times and bad). I found the golf carts and the races hilarious. I would not mind having one myself decked out in my favorite colors (red and blue). The book has a steady pace and there are smooth transitions between sections. The story is told from Noel and Drew’s POV. I like getting to see things from both of their point of views (men and women see things very differently). There is mild foul language in the story (just to let you know). I am rating Heart of the Witch 4 out of 5 stars. Deanna combined magic, mystery, family, and romance into one enchanting story in Heart of the Witch.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel Townsend was focused on three things - her daughter, Daisy; her inn; and her father's health. Recently reunited with her sister, Abby, Noel was slowly letting her sister back into her life. Ever since her mother left them when she was 8 years old, Noel had trust issues. This was further excerbated by her sister, Abby fleeing town after Abby thought her magic had killed her best friend Charlotte. Then, unexplicably, her husband Xavier vanished from their lives. Noel was pretty sure she could never love again. That was until her buried feelings from a long-ago summer for the now Deputy Sheriff Drew Baker started to bubble up.

Drew stayed away from Noel Townsend. Since the death of his first love, Charlotte, the night before their senior prom, Drew has stayed away from the Townsends. He knew it wasn't Abby's fault that Charlotte had died. No one knew Charlotte was suffering from a terminal illness that her body could no longer fight off - even with the potions she begged and unknowing Abby to make for her to help with her 'energy'. Drew and Noel became friends the summer after his graduation while working at a summer camp for teenage witches. They became best friends and shared everything. One night after a few drinks, things went a little too far. Still shattered from Charlotte's death, Drew backed away, leaving Noel with another loss.

Now, years later, can they put the past behind them and pick up where they left off that summer at camp? Or is there too much water under the bridge?

Deanna Chase continues to weave the stories of Keating Hollow with wonderfully vivid characters. I look forward to continuing the story of the residents of Keating Hollow.

This audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Ondeane Lourens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deanna’s writing style was easy to read and I was committed to the story fairly quickly. The story seemed interesting from the beginning. The storyline was good. It’s not your usual witch story. Normal people doing normal (or mostly normal) things with a little magic sprinkled in between. I was kept guessing as to what was happening with Xavier and if Sheriff Baker was going to catch him or not. I also enjoyed reading to see if the romance that was budding between the Sheriff and Noel would get anywhere or if her husband was going to be back in her life.

The world that the author created sounded like the normal, everyday world that we live in. With the exception of the town full of magic people that sounded so quaint. Noel is a strong woman that had to deal with a lot of loss and heartache in her life. My heart went out to her but she also seemed to have it mostly under control.

The dialogue was easy to read and follow. All the characters helped move the story forward and give it the warmth that is needed in order to make it a pleasant read. I enjoyed most of them. A small warning to readers that might not like the following, but there is swearing and they use God’s name. Fortunately, it is few and far between. This is book 2 in a 13-book series. The story ends with a lead-in to book 3.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories with love and witches.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series and this book is a fine example as to why. Ms. Chase’s excellent writing, wonderful characters, and heart-warming plot lights up your soul as you read the book. This book is filled with tender moments, characters’ self-discovery, and the realization that love really can conquer all. I am usually not a huge fan of pure romance, but this series is just so touching you can’t help but just fall in love with everything and everyone. And, usually I don’t read the sneak peeks that authors sometimes put in the back of the books, but I did with this one. Guess what? I think I’m going to love that one even more. If you love tender, fun love stories that make you laugh, cry, and sigh with contentment, you really need to try this one. And, added to that, you don’t even need to read them in order. Try them today! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew and Noel

Poor Noel and drew both are not strangers to heart ache.drew was noels first choice until he pushed her away so she moved on and married another only he just up and left no word and left their three year old alone in the house.3 years later and drew finally over his childhood girlfriend Charlotte who died and Noel ready they go on a date, but then the ex is back.

A interesting storyline but I found it odd the ex never commented on how grown up his litter girl is he left when she was three, also how would he know what school she was in? A lucky guess because not many local schools maybe it still should of been explained.

This book ends with a set up for the next book with Yvette, I get her ex coming to the wedding but bringing Jake and kissing him in front of everyone they only broke up days ago that's cold he should of come stag.she was being kind letting him come he should show respect back.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Keating Hollow we reconnect with Abby and her sister Noel, who runs the town’s local inn. When her husband disappeared several years earlier leaving her with a young daughter, she was granted a divorce and she’s lived almost a half-life since. Once Abby came back, they’ve been on fragile ground reconnecting but it’s getting stronger over coffee and great pastries from the local bakery and nighttime donuts on Abby’s new tricked out golf cart. Drew, the local sheriff, and Noel have always had a friendship that cooled down over the years, but now it seems that it’s warming up again. But will a new investigation get in the way of this blossoming friendship? Only time will tell, but they both like where it’s going. Again, this was a great second chance love story, with a bit of a mystery wound around it. I like how the author keeps all the sisters (there are four) in the stories and can’t wait to see what happens with Yvette!

[Doro´s Buchgalaxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel haben wir im ersten Band schon ein oder zweimal getroffen. Jetzt erzählt sie ihre Geschichte. Ihr sind drei Dinge wichtig, Liebe, Familie und Magie. In diesem Band erfahren wir wirklich viel über die Magie in dieser Welt. Das System gefällt mir sehr gut. Die Romantik hier ist einfach süß. Humor kommt auch hier wieder nicht zu kurz. Drew Baker ist nicht nur ein starker Hexer, sondern auch bei der Polizei. Als die Vergangenheit von Noel sie einholt, sorgt er dafür, dass sie es gut übersteht. Zwischen den beiden funkt es total und ich habe es geliebt ihre Story zu lesen. Ein gewisser Hund sorgt für einige Lacher und andere sehr interessante Momente. Die Spannung kommt dadurch auf, dass die Vergangenheit in der Gegenwart einiges durcheinanderbringt und gefährlich wird für Noel und ihrer Tochter. Drew ist ein Mann, der seine Gefühle zeigen. Natürlich wird es auch wieder verrückt und lustig.

[Stephen R Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic and A little bit more

The Witches of Keating Hollow are a bunch of fun and interesting characters with a lot of drinking and golf-cart fun and antics. They have the ability of the basic skills of water, air, and earth and potions that can help a person with ailments and other health problems. They have the capability to make a potion for a hangover that is fast and effective. The three main characters are Yevet, Abby and Noel and their father who is elderly and owns the town’s brewery and Abby’s first love works for her father at the brewery, his best friend is the town’s cop Noel’s first love but she’s still getting over her ex husband for leaving her and her daughter Daisy without any reason and no one knows what happened to her. Yevet married her sweetheart right out of college and has been married for eleven years.
If you want to know the dirty little secrets of Keating Hollow you must read this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel Townsend
Andrew Baker (Drew)

Noel is the owner of the Inn in Keating Hollow. She has a daughter named Daisy and is divorced from the husband that just up and left her and Daisy one day. Noel’s ex is found dead and she has to identify the body, but it isn’t her ex. Now Drew and Noel are trying to start a relationship and Drew ends up being assigned to find her ex by the Sheriff. Noel is also healing her relationship with sister Abby. I liked both Noel and Drew. Both are strong, loyal and responsible characters. There’s some fun antics with golf cart races and a new puppy. The book was a fast, enjoyable read. All the books in the series can be read as stand alone, but the relationships between the sisters make it fun to read the books in order. I would definitely read more books by this author and this series.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining Paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining herner cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A family of which is in a small paranormal town in Northern California. The time in Townsend which is four sisters and their father. So far each book out of the first two is based on one of the sisters and then book 2 is based on another of the sisters and by the sounds of it but three will be another sister and then so forth. So far it is an entertaining mix of characters and stories and mysteries with unique backgrounds but all of the characters interacting together at some point. Read on and follow the adventures of the towns and sisters in Keating Hollow California.

[Denise Keef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is becoming one of my favorite series! The story of the Townsend family continues with Noel’s story and it explains so much of what has happened to her the last three years. As a very close-knit family of witches, they all come together to support one another which I really loved to see. With love in the air, fun times that help the sisters release some of the built-up stress and a new puppy, Deanna Chase has written an amazing story that you can’t help but get lost in. This is a definite add to anyone’s reading list that enjoys a well written and entertaining story that you won’t put down until the last page is read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a joy to be back in Keating Hollow for another adventure. The town is full of magic and the love of a close-knit family of witches. Noel is one of my favorite characters, but still has problems to overcome. Her ex-husband abandoned her and their daughter years ago with no explanation, but he is coming back. In the meantime, Deputy Drew Baker is attracted to Noel. Will the two men clash? Will a mystery be solved? And will Noel find the man who can truly love her?

You won’t want to miss this wonderful book. The writing is great, the story line holds the reader’s interest, and the characters are developed well. Get your copy and see how things turn out for everyone!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keating Hollow

Wow! What an ending! I planned to get started on vacuuming, but now I want to get the next book, curl up with some tea and escape back to Keating Hollow. The vacuum can wait!

I love the Townsend family and enjoyed getting to know even more about the sisters in this book. Noel's story brought both tears and laughter and the hope that forgiveness does exist no matter what the world tries to tell us.

I don't want to post spoilers, but will say my heart truly hurt for one of the characters whose family did their best to destroy the characters life and was responsible for many broken hearts. I hope that character gets their own story in this series one day.

[Dmcl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, family and magic are celebrated by the Witches of Keating Hollow as The Heart of the Witch is entwined in all three. Noel Townsend and Drew Baker rediscover each other and enkindle an old love as they try to solve the mysterious reappearance of her ex-husband, the death of a total stranger, and the added complications of her sisters’ love lives. Throw in an ailing father, two energetic kids and two equally energetic dogs and you’ve got a formula for a great romantic mystery. Highly recommended!