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Witches of Pine Lake #1
Mountains and Magic
Burnt-out social worker Amalie Holmes thinks she's finally caught a lucky break in the form of a free cottage from her mystery Great-Aunt. With nothing to lose, Amalie heads for the hills, or, in this case, the mountains. Turns out the cottage comes with a big family secret: Amalie is from a long line of witches. She quickly discovers that living in a new town isn't easy, especially when lightning strikes whenever she loses her temper!
When an orphaned eleven-year-old stands accused of murder, Amalie's social worker instincts compel her to solve the case and clear the child, even if it means digging into painful secrets the town considers long buried. Secrets that paint a target on her back.
Between her crazy family, magic lessons, investigating a murder, and the sexy wizard detective hell-bent on keeping her in line, Amalie's not sure which one will be the death of her first — her newfound abilities or the killer.
When an orphaned eleven-year-old stands accused of murder, Amalie's social worker instincts compel her to solve the case and clear the child, even if it means digging into painful secrets the town considers long buried. Secrets that paint a target on her back.
Between her crazy family, magic lessons, investigating a murder, and the sexy wizard detective hell-bent on keeping her in line, Amalie's not sure which one will be the death of her first — her newfound abilities or the killer.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2018
848 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 16, 2018
Complaints addressed first, then my review of the story......
Typo's, grammer, whole words either omitted and sometimes a complete sentence was either omitted or so incomplete that trying to decipher the meaning was a guessing game. This book needed a editor and a proofreader to do their jobs BEFORE RELEASE OF THE BOOK TO CUSTOMERS! I don't really expect the quality to be on them same level as I would when purchasing a hardback or paperback book from a bookstore however, it SHOULD BE ON THE SAME LEVEL if purchasing and downloading novels online is the wave of the future. I said I would never give up the pleasure of reading a book that I could not physically hold in my hands but running out of room for books in my house (closets, attic which doesn't even cover the bookshelves that I display my favorite author's that I collect) and being to impatient to wait for new releases to be at our local library in order to just borrow books made online (internet book stores and lending libraries) books a necessity for me. Now if the publishers, editors, agents (or more importantly the AUTHOR) would be as picky and professional about the quality of the books that are available for both purchasing or for borrowing (Kindle Unlimited Club)...this could/would be a "win-win" scenario for everyone.
As for the actual story: it was actually very entertaining and the characters were likeable! Even with all the work a reader must do to get to the story with all the editing distractions, I liked it enough to want to read the next book in the series. My rating reflects my irritation in the editing and not the story.
Typo's, grammer, whole words either omitted and sometimes a complete sentence was either omitted or so incomplete that trying to decipher the meaning was a guessing game. This book needed a editor and a proofreader to do their jobs BEFORE RELEASE OF THE BOOK TO CUSTOMERS! I don't really expect the quality to be on them same level as I would when purchasing a hardback or paperback book from a bookstore however, it SHOULD BE ON THE SAME LEVEL if purchasing and downloading novels online is the wave of the future. I said I would never give up the pleasure of reading a book that I could not physically hold in my hands but running out of room for books in my house (closets, attic which doesn't even cover the bookshelves that I display my favorite author's that I collect) and being to impatient to wait for new releases to be at our local library in order to just borrow books made online (internet book stores and lending libraries) books a necessity for me. Now if the publishers, editors, agents (or more importantly the AUTHOR) would be as picky and professional about the quality of the books that are available for both purchasing or for borrowing (Kindle Unlimited Club)...this could/would be a "win-win" scenario for everyone.
As for the actual story: it was actually very entertaining and the characters were likeable! Even with all the work a reader must do to get to the story with all the editing distractions, I liked it enough to want to read the next book in the series. My rating reflects my irritation in the editing and not the story.
June 21, 2018
Badly needs an editor
October 18, 2024
Nice little cozy read
December 25, 2019
I thought I was going to like this one, but in the end was pretty disappointed.
The writing is a notch up from the crappy paranormal cozy I read a couple days ago, but that doesn't say much considering the last one's author writes like she barely reads any books. This one is ok. But the book is rambling, there are scenes that suddenly transition into another scene rather suddenly, and it's also repetitive. I feel like she writes scenes in different order or something before stitching them together linearly, because there will be times where a character asks the MC something that the MC has ALREADY TOLD THEM previously. "Why do you care about Talyn so much?" is a question that was asked like twenty freaking times.
Also, I knew who was the killer as soon as the character was introduced.....
The writing is a notch up from the crappy paranormal cozy I read a couple days ago, but that doesn't say much considering the last one's author writes like she barely reads any books. This one is ok. But the book is rambling, there are scenes that suddenly transition into another scene rather suddenly, and it's also repetitive. I feel like she writes scenes in different order or something before stitching them together linearly, because there will be times where a character asks the MC something that the MC has ALREADY TOLD THEM previously. "Why do you care about Talyn so much?" is a question that was asked like twenty freaking times.
Also, I knew who was the killer as soon as the character was introduced.....
October 2, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this fun and bewitching tale. It tells the story of Amalie, a social worker who inherits her Great Aunts house and finds out she is a witch.
She finds family, new friends, a possible love interest and becomes a guardian to an 11yr old. It’s told in an easy going humorous but meaningful way. I love Amalie’s character and look forward to how her story unfolds.
She finds family, new friends, a possible love interest and becomes a guardian to an 11yr old. It’s told in an easy going humorous but meaningful way. I love Amalie’s character and look forward to how her story unfolds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Sorry, but It was very disappointing!
I had the Audiobook, so I don't if it was the narrator or the writing or maybe both, but it was too slow the MC sounded like an idiot pushover!
For a social worker who needs to have a level head to handle that kind of work, she was stupid, too accepting of what's going on around her, leaving others push her around and take control over her.
At first I thought maybe it's as what the MC was saying and her slow reaction and comprehension of what's going on is due to her sleep depraved brain, but as it went it wasn't that case, it was just her, it became too frustrating to keep.
You don't have to be smart or above the ordinary to be a little suspicious or cautious when you are being jerked around & other people make decisions for you especially when these people are a total strangers in a new, unknown place to you & late at night!
You don't leave strangers decide what's happening to you, what to do, where to sleep or who you are !
Every time I say " Ahh, this is when she stands her ground and demand clear answers or just say screw you people I am an adult and it's my business, I do what I want" But nooo, she just says OK, go to a stranger's house leaving all of her things outside.
Just Plain Stupid & unrealistic even for a fiction book!
I tried to continue but couldn't, had to stop at 40% of the book, just waste of time.
Beside the above, the base was slow, got me bored, repetitive details and not getting to the point of things right away & my patience ran out.
Hope others had more luck liking it than me.
I had the Audiobook, so I don't if it was the narrator or the writing or maybe both, but it was too slow the MC sounded like an idiot pushover!
For a social worker who needs to have a level head to handle that kind of work, she was stupid, too accepting of what's going on around her, leaving others push her around and take control over her.
At first I thought maybe it's as what the MC was saying and her slow reaction and comprehension of what's going on is due to her sleep depraved brain, but as it went it wasn't that case, it was just her, it became too frustrating to keep.
You don't have to be smart or above the ordinary to be a little suspicious or cautious when you are being jerked around & other people make decisions for you especially when these people are a total strangers in a new, unknown place to you & late at night!
You don't leave strangers decide what's happening to you, what to do, where to sleep or who you are !
Every time I say " Ahh, this is when she stands her ground and demand clear answers or just say screw you people I am an adult and it's my business, I do what I want" But nooo, she just says OK, go to a stranger's house leaving all of her things outside.
Just Plain Stupid & unrealistic even for a fiction book!
I tried to continue but couldn't, had to stop at 40% of the book, just waste of time.
Beside the above, the base was slow, got me bored, repetitive details and not getting to the point of things right away & my patience ran out.
Hope others had more luck liking it than me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Amalie Holmes
Kara
----------------------------------
What happens?
Amalie is a social worker who is burnt out from cases and needs a break. When she surprisingly inherits a house she decides to move there. However upon arrival she finds herself accosted by her cousin Kara who wants to know how she got into the house in the first place.
Its revealed she is a witch and a weather special witch so she has to be trained by her possible grandmother who is also a weather witch.
There was a murder a few days before she showed up leaving a girl an orphan and without a guardian when her social worker brain gets to worrying about the child she decides to check up on her and can't leave her with the woman who is keeping her.
Final thoughts
This was a strong first book in my opinion. I can't speak for grammar and punctuation because I don't always notice that but I didn't see anything that warranted the 1 star that people have handed out. I do believe that its not the strongest book for witches and I have a new trend of reading books with new found witches and its getting kind of boring; this being said I did enjoy reading this. Its a cosy mystery its just light and something I wouldn't mind reading on the beach.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Amalie Holmes
Kara
----------------------------------
What happens?
Amalie is a social worker who is burnt out from cases and needs a break. When she surprisingly inherits a house she decides to move there. However upon arrival she finds herself accosted by her cousin Kara who wants to know how she got into the house in the first place.
Its revealed she is a witch and a weather special witch so she has to be trained by her possible grandmother who is also a weather witch.
There was a murder a few days before she showed up leaving a girl an orphan and without a guardian when her social worker brain gets to worrying about the child she decides to check up on her and can't leave her with the woman who is keeping her.
Final thoughts
This was a strong first book in my opinion. I can't speak for grammar and punctuation because I don't always notice that but I didn't see anything that warranted the 1 star that people have handed out. I do believe that its not the strongest book for witches and I have a new trend of reading books with new found witches and its getting kind of boring; this being said I did enjoy reading this. Its a cosy mystery its just light and something I wouldn't mind reading on the beach.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
September 14, 2021
I don't usually read cozy mysteries, but I thought I'd try one. Unfortunately, I think I made a bad choice of first Cozy to try. I cannot recommend this book.
I listened to the audiobook, so I can't say much for the grammar and spelling. The narrator did a good job with what she was given, however.
The book itself has a promising premise that I felt wasn't executed very well. Others have said the book is in need of an editor, and I can't help but agree. The pacing is unfortunately awful. The first few chapters rush through the introduction of the premise with the main character mostly just going along with what everyone tells her. Then it slows to a crawl, and at the halfway point through the book, we've barely learned anything about the murder mystery, and the main character barely seemed interested in it. By contrast, last few chapters and the solution to the mystery almost felt rushed.
The instances of one character repeating information another has already shared with the main character, only for the main character to act surprised are too many. It also felt as if she forgot important information only to actually be surprised when someone else told her about it a few chapters later.
Minor issue: People roll their eyes at each other far too much in this book.
To those of you who enjoy this book: Good for you, and I hope the rest of the series gives you as much joy. It was not for me.
I listened to the audiobook, so I can't say much for the grammar and spelling. The narrator did a good job with what she was given, however.
The book itself has a promising premise that I felt wasn't executed very well. Others have said the book is in need of an editor, and I can't help but agree. The pacing is unfortunately awful. The first few chapters rush through the introduction of the premise with the main character mostly just going along with what everyone tells her. Then it slows to a crawl, and at the halfway point through the book, we've barely learned anything about the murder mystery, and the main character barely seemed interested in it. By contrast, last few chapters and the solution to the mystery almost felt rushed.
The instances of one character repeating information another has already shared with the main character, only for the main character to act surprised are too many. It also felt as if she forgot important information only to actually be surprised when someone else told her about it a few chapters later.
Minor issue: People roll their eyes at each other far too much in this book.
To those of you who enjoy this book: Good for you, and I hope the rest of the series gives you as much joy. It was not for me.
May 20, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 23, 2019
Fun first book
I flew through this book. The characters were, for the most part, interesting, however, apart from the main players, they were not fleshed out and lacked definition. The premise was fine. Our protagonist inherits a cottage only to be told that she’s a witch, and the whole community is magical (I think), yet I found the execution of this idea didn’t live up to the hype.
Of the murder mystery itself, it started off okay, but became a little muddled towards the end, and the mystery of Amelie’s parents/adoption was utilised well in the context of the story, but it’s such a tease that I just want to know more about Vivian’s missing daughter, and why she left Pine Lake.
So, although I did have some issues with the book, I will be picking up the next book.
I flew through this book. The characters were, for the most part, interesting, however, apart from the main players, they were not fleshed out and lacked definition. The premise was fine. Our protagonist inherits a cottage only to be told that she’s a witch, and the whole community is magical (I think), yet I found the execution of this idea didn’t live up to the hype.
Of the murder mystery itself, it started off okay, but became a little muddled towards the end, and the mystery of Amelie’s parents/adoption was utilised well in the context of the story, but it’s such a tease that I just want to know more about Vivian’s missing daughter, and why she left Pine Lake.
So, although I did have some issues with the book, I will be picking up the next book.
June 29, 2018
This was a different concept: Amalie is a witch but she doesn’t know it. She inherits a cottage in Arizona, and because she’s about burnt out from her job in CPS she decided to go check it out. She was adopted as a baby and knows nothing about her birth family. She ends up in a town that’s half magic, half normal. Finding out she’s a weather witch, and has aunts, cousins, and a grandmother, really freaks her out at first. Grandmother Vivian is a weather witch, too, so she’s the one to teach her. Murders, an 11 year old orphan who needs a place to live, and a cute wizard/detective all add up to a great story. Can’t wait to find more of the series.
July 20, 2023
I've read several witch/paranormal series, so I came into this one expecting similar storylines. I also listened to this on audio. The storyline was quite different, with a definite spin on witches, which was refreshing. I enjoyed most of the characters and the slow-burn romance. I did guess the villain early on but didn't mind that so much.
It had a bit of a slow opening and a great deal of repetition in the main character's thoughts about the young witch which goes to other reviews about proper editing.
But if you can put some of that aside, the basis of the story makes for a good series starter, especially with a fresh approach to the world building.
It had a bit of a slow opening and a great deal of repetition in the main character's thoughts about the young witch which goes to other reviews about proper editing.
But if you can put some of that aside, the basis of the story makes for a good series starter, especially with a fresh approach to the world building.
August 24, 2023
Audio: 5 Stars, very pleasant voice.
Story: There are some editing issues and the pacing was very slow. Probably because there is so much information which was unnecessary to support the plot. This makes the book unnecessarily long. It lacks balance between the magical/murders piece and the "get to know people" piece. Some chapters are all about the town and history of the town and its people and how they impact the MC, then other chapters are all about the murder. However, they are not working together, it feels like you had 2 separate stories. However, the overall idea was entertaining. The end was rushed, but I will give the second book a go. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: There are some editing issues and the pacing was very slow. Probably because there is so much information which was unnecessary to support the plot. This makes the book unnecessarily long. It lacks balance between the magical/murders piece and the "get to know people" piece. Some chapters are all about the town and history of the town and its people and how they impact the MC, then other chapters are all about the murder. However, they are not working together, it feels like you had 2 separate stories. However, the overall idea was entertaining. The end was rushed, but I will give the second book a go. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
March 10, 2025
I listened to this on Audible - maybe that was the problem. The narration kept jumping - something the reader knows, then random information we don’t know yet. For example: she talks about gaining a great aunt, then a little bit later we “meet” the aunt. It was hard to follow because of these little slips.
The story itself was fine, if a tiny bit crammed. I wish the author had spent a little more time with world building. The introduction to this world could’ve been its own book - no mystery needed.
The story itself was fine, if a tiny bit crammed. I wish the author had spent a little more time with world building. The introduction to this world could’ve been its own book - no mystery needed.
September 22, 2018
This was a good, fun read. I liked the fact that the main character took her profession with her even in her big change of life decision to move away from the big city. Also, it was pretty spectacular that she could read the changes in the child's life as a result of ostracism from her natural community. Even the idea of magic was handled with grace and inventiveness. More books from this author might just be on my wish list.
April 6, 2019
Amalie & Taylin
Amalie is a burned out social worker, who has inherited a cottage in Arizona from her Great Aunt Penelope. When she gets there she finds out it is a town of witches and she is one ,too. An eleven year old teenager is left without a home and someone to care for her, when her grandmother is murdered. She fosters her and helps to find the murderer of her grandmother and mother.
Amalie is a burned out social worker, who has inherited a cottage in Arizona from her Great Aunt Penelope. When she gets there she finds out it is a town of witches and she is one ,too. An eleven year old teenager is left without a home and someone to care for her, when her grandmother is murdered. She fosters her and helps to find the murderer of her grandmother and mother.
September 9, 2023
Interesting start to a new series. I enjoyed the setup of the main character being a social worker and being genuinely interested in the young girl in need of support.
I struggled a little with the family connection and names being thrown about. At times the story was a little unbelievable, but overall interesting and a little different.
It was also interesting to have a pet shop with fish and birds and no mammals.
I struggled a little with the family connection and names being thrown about. At times the story was a little unbelievable, but overall interesting and a little different.
It was also interesting to have a pet shop with fish and birds and no mammals.
April 11, 2018
I am a witch?
Getting a letter and a house key to a place from a person you never knew and actually going there to check it out is crazy right? Well that is what I did it. It is there that I found out I was a witch and found a whole new family.
Come read my story to find out what my crazy life has turned into now that I am a witch.
Getting a letter and a house key to a place from a person you never knew and actually going there to check it out is crazy right? Well that is what I did it. It is there that I found out I was a witch and found a whole new family.
Come read my story to find out what my crazy life has turned into now that I am a witch.
May 19, 2018
Loved it
Amelia inherited a house from a great aunt she didn't know. An even. In her shock was finding out she was a witch. A murder caused her to take an 11 year old girl as who was being blamed for it. There are twists and turns, new friends and a sexy detective . Can't wait to read the next one.
?
Amelia inherited a house from a great aunt she didn't know. An even. In her shock was finding out she was a witch. A murder caused her to take an 11 year old girl as who was being blamed for it. There are twists and turns, new friends and a sexy detective . Can't wait to read the next one.
?
February 4, 2020
Excellent!
From burned out social worker to finding out she is a witch, Amelia seems to handle it with relative ease. And it appears the research portion of her prior profession works just as well to help solve mysteries! Add a child that needs someone to want her and a good looking detective and Amelia is glad she was left a home in Pine Lake!
From burned out social worker to finding out she is a witch, Amelia seems to handle it with relative ease. And it appears the research portion of her prior profession works just as well to help solve mysteries! Add a child that needs someone to want her and a good looking detective and Amelia is glad she was left a home in Pine Lake!
October 19, 2021
2.5 stars. What is this book? A hallmark movie-esque witch story? A murder mystery? A drama? Why is the ending so terrible? After the climax and everything is resolved, suddenly there’s a whole new element that’s stupid and cheesy. I realize this is a series, but the ending is supposed to make you WANT to read the next book. Ick.
August 22, 2023
2.5
J'ai passé a un cheveu de ne pas terminer mon écoute vers la moitié. La narrateurs était bonne, mais à un certain point j'étais mélangé dans les personnages et l'histoire. J'avais parfois l'impression d'avoir sauté un chapitre, la continuité était étrange. Mais somme toute l'histoire a fait que j'ai voulu poursuivre savoir ce qui était arrivé. L'idée était bonne, j'espérais plus.
J'ai passé a un cheveu de ne pas terminer mon écoute vers la moitié. La narrateurs était bonne, mais à un certain point j'étais mélangé dans les personnages et l'histoire. J'avais parfois l'impression d'avoir sauté un chapitre, la continuité était étrange. Mais somme toute l'histoire a fait que j'ai voulu poursuivre savoir ce qui était arrivé. L'idée était bonne, j'espérais plus.
April 18, 2018
I thought it was dry and took too long to reveal the killer. I also realize its the first book in the series and it needed to set up the characters. Typical paranormal cozy, with nothing knew to add to the mix.
April 22, 2018
I am sorry, but I really didn't enjoy this book very much. I didn't like the main character and wasn't keen on the plot either. I normally like books like this, and read a lot of them, but this really missed the mark for me.
May 17, 2018
An orphan and find a new life as a witch
The premises provocative, and is an easy read. There are a lot of grammatical error’s and some miss directions however it’s well worth the time to read it is very entertaining.
The premises provocative, and is an easy read. There are a lot of grammatical error’s and some miss directions however it’s well worth the time to read it is very entertaining.
May 29, 2018
4.5 I figured out pretty early who the killer was, so points lost for that. :p But overall, a really, enjoyable read. The characters are well written and I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of this series has to offer.
October 25, 2019
Just wasn’t my cup of tea
It’s not a bad book, it just didn’t appeal to me. Very slow moving and dull IMO. Not any humor that I could find. Really pretty sad book about a girl orphaned.
It’s not a bad book, it just didn’t appeal to me. Very slow moving and dull IMO. Not any humor that I could find. Really pretty sad book about a girl orphaned.
January 8, 2021
Murders, Mysteries and Magic
Story is great. Full of great characters - some nice, some nasty, some just strange and a cute little girl of 11 years old orphaned by ,magic murders.
Great story and I enjoyed it and will have to read more of this author. Highly recommend.
Story is great. Full of great characters - some nice, some nasty, some just strange and a cute little girl of 11 years old orphaned by ,magic murders.
Great story and I enjoyed it and will have to read more of this author. Highly recommend.
July 25, 2021
Drug on and on
The storyline seemed to drag on with pure fluff, regardless to the actual premise of the story, to make the story longer. The same information was hashed and has he'd out again for no discoverable reason.
The storyline seemed to drag on with pure fluff, regardless to the actual premise of the story, to make the story longer. The same information was hashed and has he'd out again for no discoverable reason.
December 8, 2021
2½☆ Writing is mediocre, at best, tbh, and the plot is generic supernatural cozy. It was a compelling enough story that I was able to finish the audiobook (on increased speed), but I didn't feel like there had been much background research done (or editing.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews