Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Welcome to Lemon Bliss, Louisiana where an abandoned lemon tea factory is the most happening place in town and witches secretly rule the roost.

Violet Broussard finds herself hanging tight in her tiny hometown, although that most definitely wasn’t her plan. She’s busy learning all the secrets kept hidden about her, um, secret witchy ways, running the bakery with her bestie, and falling for Gabriel.

Just when she’s starting to wonder if the dust has settled in Lemon Bliss, someone breaks into the town’s museum. Because everything in Lemon Bliss seems to be tangled up in magic, Violet isn’t the least bit surprised to discover every item stolen from the museum is connected to the ancient witch coven.

Not even her grandmother’s legendary lemon sweet tea can soothe anyone’s spirits.

With the witches running around trying to steal back their stolen items and hide their true power while they’re at it, Violet finds herself stooping to all kinds of magic. Breaking and entering, a sneaky love spell to beguile the police chief, and more are thrown about with abandon by the witches.

Meanwhile, Gabriel is still wooing her, the lemon trees have begun to bloom again, and the supernatural investigators won’t stop sneaking into the factory.

Loopy lemon tea, witches and wackiness abound in this cozy mystery.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2018

221 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Lucy May

140 books65 followers
Lucy May loves coffee, dogs, cooking, and writing. She’s a misplaced Southerner living in Maine. She’s grown to love four seasons, but she still pines for sleepy southern summers. She likes to think she might’ve been a witch in another life and still believes in magic. She wiles away her time spinning silly, snarky & sexy paranormal stories.

https://www.facebook.com/lucymayauthor/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
136 (32%)
4 stars
120 (28%)
3 stars
143 (34%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)).
452 reviews161 followers
July 22, 2021
First I must admit that this is my first cozy mystery book ever! It was so much fun that it felt nostalgic. Kind of like playing Clue and watching old Scooby-Doo reruns.
This was a fun tale about two old relics being stolen from the museum. The relics have magical powers that could be devastating if unleashed. The local witches take this case very seriously. They don't want anyone finding out who they really are. Time is running out and they must find out who stole these relics and why. But can they pull this off without using a little magic themselves? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy Mysteries or anyone wanting to try a a genre they haven't tried before. I now look forward to reading more of these little gems!
Profile Image for Courtney.
851 reviews
October 16, 2019
I didnt enjoy this one as much as the first one, but it was still a good audiobook to listen to. We learn that there are more witches in Lemon Bliss then we thought, and one of them stole artifacts to reveal Violet's coven to get revenge on them. We found out the witch was Darlene. Apparently, her ancestors were studying dark magic and Violet's ancestors took their magic away from them and all of there next to kin. That didnt sit to well with Darlene. To bad for her she messed up and got caught.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shae Petersen.
513 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2019
Another installment in the cozy mystery involving the witch coven of Lemon Bliss. Again George is truth to uncover the truth about the witch coven, although there was an addition of Daphne who also seemed to be trying to reveal the witches. I liked how this one delved into the spells etc that the witches were capable of and the magic that revolved around them eg how they could be seen as witches from fairytales eg big noses etc. I’m keen to see where George goes in the next book with his discovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6,020 reviews45 followers
May 6, 2018
growing into your talents and family history may not be easy.

Violet keeps discovering more about herself, her hometown, and their tangled history.

Some yummy baked goods, friendships, not so friendly folks, romance, and mischief thrown in make for fun reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Harmony.
417 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2023
I have many pet peeves when it comes to books. What can I say other than I'm a picky and demanding reader. Books need to be outstanding to get a 5-star from me. This book didn't even come close. It's been over a year since I last read a book and I neglected to read my review of book 1. Wish I had, would have spared myself a couple of hours of reading.

The series did not get any better.

So pet peeve number 1 - authors who do not describe anything! The book is set in Louisiana, having spent 12 years there, I get excited when I see this as a setting. I am expecting to visit an old friend. This book was a massive disappointment in that aspect. The book could have been set in the middle of any town in any city in the US. There was nothing that made it distinctively Louisiana or really any area anywhere in the world other than that they spoke English. We have no idea what the area looks like, what the town looks like, what the characters look like. This is NOT a movie! The author needs to paint the picture for the readers so we can be there in her vision for the book. Otherwise, the reader is left feeling robbed and it's difficult to form a connection with the book.

Pet peeve number 2 - secrets. When the "elders" in a paranormal keep secrets from the younger paranormals to the point where they are endangered. I would have walked by now, left them and the town behind. If they can't be bothered to tell me the truth and keep hiding things? Then they are wasting my time, just like this book did.

Pet peeve number 3 - zero chemistry between the MC and her love interest. Zero romance. Partly because they were never described visually and they are severely underdeveloped.

Pet peeve number 4 - Very little magic, what is the point in making this a paranormal book when the characters don't do any magic (or very little)? I'm not even sure what category this book falls under. It's not a paranormal, it's not a romance, it's not a mystery, it's not chick lit. What is it?

Oh look, witches who are kind of sort of persecuted. Maybe, could be, possibly. Blergh. Gotta keep everything secret, you know because maybe kind of something might happen.

Finally, I'm so over the paranormal investigators. They do nothing other then hover threateningly over the characters. They don't serve any real purpose. The "mystery" and their presence is wrapped up neatly and quickly towards the end.

I probably should have given this a one-star rating except that I like the friendship between the MC and her BFF. I like seeing a solid female friendship without any issues.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,107 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2018
Violet is back, and trouble has come in the form of a theft at the small local museum. An old chest and ink well have both been stolen. Oddly, the Sheriff isn’t acting too concerned about the theft. In fact, he hasn’t really even opened an investigation into the incident. Violet and the other witches can tell something is off. Especially when the supernatural investigator, George, is once again spotted around town. Violet and Daphne think that he is the one that is guilty of the thefts, but the signs soon begin to point in a different direction. Can Violet and the other witches figure out what is going on before they are exposed? Or will this be it for them?
A Spell to Tell by Lucy May is book two in her Lemon Tea Cozy Mystery series. In this book we are reunited with Violet and Daphne. I’m so glad that the author picked the story up right where the first book left off. Violet and Daphne have opened up a bake shop in Lemon Bliss. You get the distinct feeling that Violet is hesitant but hopeful about the decision to open a bake shop, but we quickly see it pay off. I’m very happy to say that there is actual magic in this story. In the first book, there wasn’t much to speak of when it came to magic usage, but the author gives us some in this book. Of course, the magic usage comes with danger of exposure for them, but they only use it in small doses. I’m pleased that we get some more history as well about not just the witches that we are familiar with, but some others as well.
There isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. Compared to the first book, this one is definitely better. I appreciate that we get to see them use magic, that there is more danger to them being exposed, and that the danger comes from more than one area as well. I have to say that there is definitely more drama as well. There is some drama between Violet and her boyfriend Gabriel. When he wants to know more about what’s going on and Violet dodges the questions, things get a little tense between them for a time.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I’m so happy that the author gives us more with this book. We get to see Violet and Daphne run the bake shop, juggle being a witch and basically run the investigation to figure out who did what and why. There are a couple surprises that you won’t see immediately, but the clues are there. If you enjoyed the first book in this series then I recommend this book to you as well. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
May 15, 2018
Violet and Daphne, friends who grew up together, looked around excitedly at the grand opening of their new bakery in the small town of Lemon Bliss, Louisiana! Each wanted to enjoy the quiet of a small town again. It had been lots of hard work, but the day was finally here. Violet’s mother came in to tell them there had been a theft at the museum, and two of the stolen items involved the coven! Then business picked up in the afternoon and kept them both busy for the rest of the day. It wasn’t until she left for home, exhausted and planning the next work day, that she remembered how upset her mother had been about a possible threat to the Lemon Bliss witches regarding the theft.

Violet met Gabriel the next morning for coffee, and the two discussed the museum break-in. Sheriff Harold Smith walked over and asked if Violet had any information about the theft. She answered tersely that she had been busy starting up a business, and Gabriel shot her a look to calm down. She needed lots more coffee before she could deal with the Sheriff this early! He almost felt like a stalker!

At the coven meeting at midnight, it was revealed that the stolen items contained their deepest secrets and could expose all of them as witches. With the Sheriff so suspicious already, would they be able to keep him away from their coven?

I like the fact that so many things are going on at once in this small town that you hardly know where to look next! The story line is good and fast-paced. The mystery keeps things jumping so that it’s difficult to pin down the perpetrator in your mind! You’ll love the crazy cast of characters, especially the town busy-body! She’s really funny and about to brew a love potion that will more than likely go wrong – don’t miss it! This is a fun book to read and I definitely recommend it!
1,995 reviews
April 7, 2025
This was a good story with some vey interesting characters. He mystery was hard to figure out. I’m on to reading the next book in the series


Amazon synopsis:
Violet Broussard finds herself hanging tight in her tiny hometown, although that most definitely wasn’t her plan. She’s busy learning all the secrets kept hidden about her, um, secret witchy ways, running the bakery with her bestie, and falling for Gabriel.

Just when she’s starting to wonder if the dust has settled in Lemon Bliss, someone breaks into the town’s museum. Because everything in Lemon Bliss seems to be tangled up in magic, Violet isn’t the least bit surprised to discover every item stolen from the museum is connected to the ancient witch coven. Not even her grandmother’s legendary lemon sweet tea can soothe anyone’s spirits.

With the witches running around trying to steal back their stolen items and hide their true power while they’re at it, Violet finds herself stooping to all kinds of magic. Breaking and entering, a sneaky love spell to beguile the police chief, and more are thrown about with abandon by the witches.

Meanwhile, Gabriel is still wooing her, the lemon trees have begun to bloom again, and the supernatural investigators won’t stop sneaking into the factory.
Profile Image for Toni.
2,354 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2018
Oh my! Another day in Lemon Bliss and things get crazier!! Violet has moved back to Lemon Bliss and opened a bakery with her bff Daphne. Just as things are sort of settling down from the last fiasco of a "murder" a robbery happens at the local museum. Two items are stolen, an inkewell and a chest...and these two items drive the local coven into a tizzy.Poor Violet and Daphne are reeling from the bakery business and having to attend coven meetings at midnight! Then the fact that Violet has to hide alot of coven business from her boyfriend Gabriel, does not make her happy. Then the unthinkable....the other supernatural investigator is back and technically life just got way too interesting and dangerous.
Fantastic story and a wonderful way to return to Lemon Bliss!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
61 reviews
March 2, 2019
Fun cozy mystery!

I found the first book in this series full of character descriptions and scene setting but a little low on story. I had a feeling this was going to change with book 2 and it did! This book sees all the coven members faced with the issue of magical items being stolen from the local museum. These could cause havoc for the witches and so they need to set about getting them back. The older witches are still driving poor Violet and Daphne to distraction with their vagueness so the younger women are starting to just take things into their own hands!! On top of all this the Sheriff and George the paranormal investigator are still snooping around. Lots of fun and I'm looking forward to reading the third in the series.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,310 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2018
This is a cute, relaxing and fun to read mystery. 

Violet and Daphne, childhood friends, each moved back to their small childhood town, Lemon Bliss, from the big city.  They were looking for a quiet life to start over, each for separate reasons.

But the quiet life isn't what they get.  They have found out they are untrained witches, and keep getting drawn into their familys' drama.  They just want a successful bakery shop, but get witches, stolen witchy artifacts, and a supernatural investigator who wants to expose the witches to the world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
May 17, 2018
Sometimes hiding things in plain sight can be a mistake.

The two young women have got the bakery open for business but their opening is marred by the news that items have been stolen from the museum. Not only that but that the items could prove to be dangerous. Now it is urgent that they recover them as quickly as possible. Dodging the investigation and keeping secrets takes it toil. As do the late night meetings on the two new bakery owners. Can they get back the items before it's too late. The characters are engaging but the plot could have hidden the identity of the culprits for longer.
Profile Image for Karen.
382 reviews
May 26, 2018
I loved this book and didn't want to put it down. Although it can be read as a standalone, I wish I had read book one first, simply because I would have liked to read about the main characters return to the town and finding out she was a witch. This is an original storyline with believable characters that draw you into the story and keep you turning the pages. If you enjoy Paranormal Romance and or Cosy Mysteries about Witches then you will truly enjoy this book. I definitely plan on adding Lucy May to my authors to read list. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lori.
188 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2021
2.5? I don’t know. Conflicted about this series. Love a paranormal cozy, but can’t help but feel that some of the plot is getting a bit tired? How long can we continue with a series about a witch who’s just discovered she has powers but have that witch barely use or learn anything about them? And how long can we continue the theme of “we were trying to protect you” and use the “I’m not sure I trust my predecessors even though they are also my family” themes?

Even still, these were quick reads that kept me interested enough. I’d probably continue on to see where the series goes next.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,274 reviews
May 13, 2018
This book was okay. I also ARC reviewed the first one, and I have similar thoughts on the two. The second book, 'A Spell to Tell', had an okay plot, with its seemingly typical flat characters. It could be really good, but the writing style tells more than it shows, and it's hard to feel a connection with the characters. I may or may not read book three.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joyce Black.
1,053 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2018
Great "Who Done It"!! Whimsical. A splash of romance. Excellent characterizations. Most are quirky yet engaging. Drama. Suspense. Humour. The reader comes away from reading this novel light-hearted and feeling like your brain got a bit of a work-out too! A really delightful tale that is worth taking the time to read. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this series. Woot! Woot!

I received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
21 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book, however not as much as the first book in the series. I do enjoy the expansion on the characters and learning more about them, however, I am not completely sold on the fact that there is a hugely dire problem going on that possibly points to the same person, who is still working on this huge documentary. I did enjoy learning that there are more witches in Lemon Bliss and I hope that the next book delves into that even more.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2018
Great quick fun easy to read cozy mystery. Love the characters. Read it in a day.

The paranormal investigator is back, a wood box and inkwell go missing. They threaten all witches. Who can you share with that you are a witch and keep safe. All issues in this book.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive a complimentary copy.
16.6k reviews154 followers
May 15, 2018
she has more mysteries to solve as she tries to work her spells. the museum as been broken into but many people will want to know what is going on. will she find the truth out?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2018
I love this series so far. This book like the first one compelled you to keep reading till the very end. I love the characters and the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
May 15, 2018
The second book in this series and I know I want to read the next book, this is a sweet, fun read. A chest and an inkwell play a part in this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
96 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book it is book two in the Lemon tea cozy mysteries series. The plot was good it was a fast fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
70 reviews
May 18, 2018
Easy read

Each time I think I know every way a story can be told about witches someone comes up with a new angle. Will the girls and their mums get rid of George before he exposes them I believe they will and not completely using magic
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,391 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2018
I really liked this story. The characters were a hoot. Loved the witty dialogue and character interaction. Even the secondary characters were fun and funny. I enjoyed reading this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
22 reviews
December 20, 2020
A good series of books. However a little research would let the author know that there are no counties in Louisiana. They use the term parish instead of county and some parishes have two sheriffs, a civil and a criminal one.
218 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2025
The Whodunit Continues

A Spell to Tell is the excellent second book of Lemon Tea Cozy Mysteries. The original characters develop further, and there is new information about them and their town. Jump in and enjoy!
Profile Image for Evonne Hutton.
1,342 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2018
A good sustainable story line that pulls you into Lemon Bliss
There is a coven in town trying to pass under the radar but.......
Would like to see these in a boxed set!
Profile Image for Krista Walsh.
761 reviews
September 29, 2018
Great book

Excellent series. I really loved the characters and story line. Very intriguing. Can't wait to read more by this author
Profile Image for Tetra.
868 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2020
hoping the story will make more sense. so far nope.
Profile Image for Erin Farmer.
1,066 reviews41 followers
March 31, 2020
4/5 stars for this witchy cozy mystery

Yes, I read another one :P I'm really enjoying this series so far, and don't want to wait on book 3 :P
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.