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The Witches of Canyon Road #3
Mysterious Ways
A clan caught in an evil web. A witch who must sacrifice everything to save them…
Safe in Rafe’s arms at last, Miranda thinks the worst of the danger is past. She is dead wrong. The Castillo prima is murdered, and the clan is trapped by a hex. No one can leave New Mexico — or even send out a distress call.
Worse, Simon’s evil magic sends dark spells against the clan, targeting the vulnerable new prima herself. Desperate to keep anyone else from being hurt, Miranda has no other choice. She surrenders to Simon — only to discover his grand plan extends far beyond possessing her body. He covets her powers to summon the darkest demon of them all.
As Rafe works feverishly to track Miranda’s location, protect the clan, and find a loophole in Simon’s entrapment spell, Miranda realizes there is only one way to defeat Simon once and for all. Take on more power than she’s ever handled before. Make a deal with the lord of all demons. And risk everything to fulfill a destiny set in motion long before Rafe was a glimmer in her heart.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2018
151 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
216 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 8, 2018
And so, the saga continues in Christine Pope’s “Mysterious Ways”. After battling Simon Escobar with everything they had, Miranda McAllister is back safe in Rafe Castillo’s arms and now dealing with another devastating situation. The Castillo prima has been murdered and a black magic spell has the entire Castillo Clan trapped within New Mexico. But Simon is not through with his plan to take over the entire Clan. By utilizing the best defense possible it will be up to Miranda to save her new family becoming the frontline to protect them from Simon’s unearthly black magic. The story was exciting, because it seemed like Escobar was unstoppable. Yet the mystery why he is so powerful, even in the face of the combined powers of clan members, is finally divulged. Once again, we have a sense of place with characters believable yet not ordinary. The pacing and plot are superb with a great climax to the conflict that had been building for the past few books. I love all of Christine Pope's series and highly recommend this book and each one in this series. But please start from the beginning with Book 1 to better understand this amazing storyline!
July 18, 2018
She’s done it again, Christine Pope has written a gripping, heart wrenching story. The third book in The Witches of Canyon Road series immediately picks up where the second book finishes. Overall, a great read, it was action packed right from the start with various chaotic things happening.
As the story progresses we see Miranda’s relationship with Rafe and Cat grow. Even her relationship with Rafe’s older sisters grow as we get to know them and their family better. Miranda’s confidence grows as she goes through her struggles of coming into her magic abilities. She grows so much in herself as a young woman, her relationship with Rafe grows as well. We can see the intensity of their love for one another. The love between the duo grows, it just gives you the feels.
Simon, oh, Simon, he has become so much more of a villain from the end of the second book to this book. Christine has done well with her villainous characters. Simon is very easily a sympathetic villain, but Christine makes him a character that a reader just can’t stand. His motives for his actions are purely selfish. His obsession with Miranda gave me the creeps, it feels very wrong especially as he uses the Castillo’s to get his way against her.
Rafe Castillo, he has grown on me from book one to book three. We do see some scenes in the book from his view. He does love Miranda, plane as day we can see it. He is willing to do just about anything to get her back from Simon and keep her safe. His quick thinking leads to some brilliant ideas for the Castillo clan to use to search for Miranda.
By far, this was one of my favorite books by Christine Pope. Hands down, it’s easy to see the interaction that these characters have with themselves, and their families. I enjoyed the scenes with Miranda and Rafe’s sisters, it shows a lot about her character that given everything she has gone through she can still maintain a friendship or relationship with the Castillo clan. I enjoy girl and girl friendships and it’s nice to see that in this book. We also see more of the Castillo family dynamic between Rafe and his sisters, the relationships between the immediate family and their significant others. It makes for an interesting read, to see how they don’t really always know how to act around one another.
This is an 18+ book, as there are sexual scenes and implied rape. If either of these make you uncomfortable or are a trigger, please don’t read. I was sent an ARC book but this in no way affects my opinion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an action packed magical-realism book. One of the best books in this genre for sure. Two thumbs up with just how good it was.
As the story progresses we see Miranda’s relationship with Rafe and Cat grow. Even her relationship with Rafe’s older sisters grow as we get to know them and their family better. Miranda’s confidence grows as she goes through her struggles of coming into her magic abilities. She grows so much in herself as a young woman, her relationship with Rafe grows as well. We can see the intensity of their love for one another. The love between the duo grows, it just gives you the feels.
Simon, oh, Simon, he has become so much more of a villain from the end of the second book to this book. Christine has done well with her villainous characters. Simon is very easily a sympathetic villain, but Christine makes him a character that a reader just can’t stand. His motives for his actions are purely selfish. His obsession with Miranda gave me the creeps, it feels very wrong especially as he uses the Castillo’s to get his way against her.
Rafe Castillo, he has grown on me from book one to book three. We do see some scenes in the book from his view. He does love Miranda, plane as day we can see it. He is willing to do just about anything to get her back from Simon and keep her safe. His quick thinking leads to some brilliant ideas for the Castillo clan to use to search for Miranda.
By far, this was one of my favorite books by Christine Pope. Hands down, it’s easy to see the interaction that these characters have with themselves, and their families. I enjoyed the scenes with Miranda and Rafe’s sisters, it shows a lot about her character that given everything she has gone through she can still maintain a friendship or relationship with the Castillo clan. I enjoy girl and girl friendships and it’s nice to see that in this book. We also see more of the Castillo family dynamic between Rafe and his sisters, the relationships between the immediate family and their significant others. It makes for an interesting read, to see how they don’t really always know how to act around one another.
This is an 18+ book, as there are sexual scenes and implied rape. If either of these make you uncomfortable or are a trigger, please don’t read. I was sent an ARC book but this in no way affects my opinion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an action packed magical-realism book. One of the best books in this genre for sure. Two thumbs up with just how good it was.
January 19, 2019
This is a review of:
1. Hidden Gifts (2018)
2. Darker Paths (2018)
3. Mysterious Ways (2018)
4. A Canyon Road Christmas (2018)
5. Demon Born (2019)
Not nearly as good as some of her others . . . she writes so well that I always enjoy her style, but these just weren't as good except for the last one, A Demon Born.
The first three listed must be read together. They are basically one longer book. The reason I do not like these three books as well as others of hers was that I just didn't buy some of the facts/situations. Some examples: The author might have been able to convince me, or she might have thought up other reasons that would have supported her situations, but she didn't. Thin.
The Christmas Story was just meh. I mean, it was ok, and a nice, happy piece, maybe in the 3&1/2 to 4 range, but parts seemed so repetitive, and then towards the end, there was like a whole page of internal exposition by the protagonist that was absolutely repeated a few pages later almost verbatim. Snore! Either poor proofreading or trying to stretch? Not sure
Finally, the last one was fun. Well-paced, fun, I just liked it. I think you can skip the others and just read this one if you are like me . . . So many books, so little time.
1. Hidden Gifts (2018)
2. Darker Paths (2018)
3. Mysterious Ways (2018)
4. A Canyon Road Christmas (2018)
5. Demon Born (2019)
Not nearly as good as some of her others . . . she writes so well that I always enjoy her style, but these just weren't as good except for the last one, A Demon Born.
The first three listed must be read together. They are basically one longer book. The reason I do not like these three books as well as others of hers was that I just didn't buy some of the facts/situations. Some examples: The author might have been able to convince me, or she might have thought up other reasons that would have supported her situations, but she didn't. Thin.
The Christmas Story was just meh. I mean, it was ok, and a nice, happy piece, maybe in the 3&1/2 to 4 range, but parts seemed so repetitive, and then towards the end, there was like a whole page of internal exposition by the protagonist that was absolutely repeated a few pages later almost verbatim. Snore! Either poor proofreading or trying to stretch? Not sure
Finally, the last one was fun. Well-paced, fun, I just liked it. I think you can skip the others and just read this one if you are like me . . . So many books, so little time.
August 6, 2018
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Mysterious Ways by Christine Pope is Book Three and the final installment in the Canyon Road Trilogy. What an amazing read! From the first line in the first book of The Witches of Cleopatra Hill to the last line of the Canyon Road Trilogy, Christine Pope weaves an addictive and heart pounding tale of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, magic and mayhem. This three book mini series keeps you at the edge of your seat right up to the last moment. Hard to put down, Rafe and Miranda's story is definitely a summer must read! Although this is a spin-off of the Witches of Cleopatra HIll picking up twenty years down the timeline, reading the trilogy as stand alone would still offer an amazing tale, but why cheat yourself of the whole story! I Loved this series and plan a reread of the entire series from the first introduction to the Witches of Cleopatra Hill to the last gasping emotions of Canyon Road. The world building and character development skills of Christine Pope make this a movie you run in your mind as you read. You will fall in love, hate with a passion, experience horror, laugh, cry, worry and wish you had the magical ability to help! I highly recommend this series for anyone who has ever felt like an underdog! Nice guys don't always finish last! Like Christine Warren or Ilona Andrews? You'll love Christine Pope! But don't panic, this is not the end of the series. There's more planned and I can't wait....
July 18, 2018
Mysterious Ways by Christine Pope is the third book in the Witches of Canyon Road.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down! The story begins with Rafe and Miranda responding to the news of the death of Rafe’s mother. And the news for them and the Castillo clan gets worse from there. Realizing Simon Escobar is responsible for her death, the Castillos and Miranda fight to keep the clan safe as the plan to take him down. Simon is one step ahead of them blocking all communication to clans outside the state and putting the new prima Louisa into a coma. Then there are the demons that show up at Genoveva‘s funeral. Miranda goes with Simon again to help protect the clan, but even she isn’t ready for Simon to summons the Lord of Chaos! He, however, doesn’t like being summoned and works with Miranda to get free.
The story is even crazier from there, but you have got to read it! There is so much action, determination, love, and honor jammed into this book, you won’t be able to put it down either!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down! The story begins with Rafe and Miranda responding to the news of the death of Rafe’s mother. And the news for them and the Castillo clan gets worse from there. Realizing Simon Escobar is responsible for her death, the Castillos and Miranda fight to keep the clan safe as the plan to take him down. Simon is one step ahead of them blocking all communication to clans outside the state and putting the new prima Louisa into a coma. Then there are the demons that show up at Genoveva‘s funeral. Miranda goes with Simon again to help protect the clan, but even she isn’t ready for Simon to summons the Lord of Chaos! He, however, doesn’t like being summoned and works with Miranda to get free.
The story is even crazier from there, but you have got to read it! There is so much action, determination, love, and honor jammed into this book, you won’t be able to put it down either!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
This book concludes Rafe and Miranda’s story and it was a satisfying conclusion. I was not thrilled with the cliffhangers in the two previous books but this one fleshed it all out very well. Miranda and Rafe escape from Simon Escobar, an evil witch, in Darker Paths and this book takes up immediately afterward. We learn why Rafe’s grandmother, the Castillo Prima, was so insistent on Rafe and Mirada being together and Ms Pope did a good job with how she played out the plot line. There are secondary characters whose stories I hope to see in upcoming the Canyon Road series, namely Rafe’s sister Cat and a new character who is most intriguing, a Demon Lord. He sounds evil but I somehow think the author will have a way to make him something more. Other reviews made mention of wanting to see more of Rafe’s powers and I have to agree I would have like that, but Miranda’s growth thru this series has been well done. All in all a great final book in this trilogy.
October 26, 2020
3 stars = I liked it but had nits with parts. This wraps up the Miranda/Rafe/Simon arc. Again the story is told from Miranda and Rafe's POV picking up with Miranda's rescue from Simon which is immediately followed by Rafe's mother's ( the Castillo prima clan lead) murder.
The issues I had with previous book are pretty much the same ones that I had with this one. I tended not to like Miranda when she is with Simon, one the whole I like Rafe's POV better. And the bigger problem is that Simon is over powered as a villain and those confronting him never take enough back up. This time they do attempt to gather more allies but when that doesn't work they leave stones unturned Still I did like the characters: Miranda and Rafe and Rafe's sister Cat. I might consider giving Cat's book a try at some point.
The issues I had with previous book are pretty much the same ones that I had with this one. I tended not to like Miranda when she is with Simon, one the whole I like Rafe's POV better. And the bigger problem is that Simon is over powered as a villain and those confronting him never take enough back up. This time they do attempt to gather more allies but when that doesn't work they leave stones unturned Still I did like the characters: Miranda and Rafe and Rafe's sister Cat. I might consider giving Cat's book a try at some point.
July 17, 2018
Another “gotcha” book by Christine Pope... that is, once you start Mysterious Ways, you are hooked. Thinking that our heroine is back with her beloved Rafe is climatic, only goes to prove you do not know Pope. There is lots more in store as Miranda faces Simon, the dark warlock who has managed to control the Castillo Clan in ways' totally unimaginable until now. With the prima dead and two of her three daughters in a “coma like state”, Miranda, not confident in her own powers, must consider taking the lead. When assisted in unexpected ways to find and confront Simon, she uses her very accurate memory and reason to confront him, devising a surprising path to his demise.
Wonderful read leading us to question the role of demons in Cat’s future. Better read the first two books before even thinking about reading Mysterious Ways
Wonderful read leading us to question the role of demons in Cat’s future. Better read the first two books before even thinking about reading Mysterious Ways
July 18, 2018
Miranda managed to escape from Simon's clutches with the help of Rafe. Now back amongst the Castillos she thinks they'll be safe but tragedy follows them home.
Rafe and his mother didn't get on but he never expected to lose her this early or in this way. But the shocks aren't finished - Louisa drops her own bombshell on Miranda, one that the rest of the clan may not accept!
Escobar just keeps attaining new levels of ick! He is a true magic flinging maniac! I love to hate him! The Castillos never lose their fight, even when they lose their matriarch. The "little helper" who comes to Miranda's aid - well I did NOT see HIM coming!!
Rafe and his mother didn't get on but he never expected to lose her this early or in this way. But the shocks aren't finished - Louisa drops her own bombshell on Miranda, one that the rest of the clan may not accept!
Escobar just keeps attaining new levels of ick! He is a true magic flinging maniac! I love to hate him! The Castillos never lose their fight, even when they lose their matriarch. The "little helper" who comes to Miranda's aid - well I did NOT see HIM coming!!
September 27, 2018
As soon as I had finished the first book, I picked this one up and was sucked back into Elysia's story. It has a stop-go pace compared to the first one, but it makes sense as you get further in the book. I enjoyed reading about Mirela demonstrating her ability. There were some moments that had me on the verge of shouting at my kindle. There was one thing I felt wasn't wrapped up by the end, and it concerns a little Roma boy. I won't say what he does, but with the way the book ended it made me curious as to his whereabouts. The ending... I'll admit it was a good ending; not what I expected, and I think that's why I'm now in a book hangover.
July 9, 2018
A Must-Read! Oh wow! I love this continuing story! As this is the third book in the Witches of Canyon Road Series, you’ll need to read the first two books in order to understand what’s going on. This is a great series, and I highly recommend it to lovers of this genre. There’s a lot happening in this book—great romance—lots of unexpected surprises—and a very interesting demon who will leave you with a LOT of questions!!! This is a voluntary and well-deserved review of a free copy received from the author.
July 11, 2018
What a great book. I had to read the whole book without taking any breaks!
Definitely, a 5 star since there are no higher ratings. I really enjoyed the twists in the story. Some parts were really interesting although rather unexpected. I don’t state any specific parts as to not spoil the story for those who are reading it or plan to read it. Just be sure to have lots of reading time – it’s one of those books that have to be read from beginning to end! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Definitely, a 5 star since there are no higher ratings. I really enjoyed the twists in the story. Some parts were really interesting although rather unexpected. I don’t state any specific parts as to not spoil the story for those who are reading it or plan to read it. Just be sure to have lots of reading time – it’s one of those books that have to be read from beginning to end! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 4, 2018
It's interesting that a demon would b willing 2 help witches and the witches help a demon. Demons r vile creatures from a different plane of existence but it's interesting that dreams came true and nobody else was sacrificed 4 selfish gain and no one should b bonded 2 another unless they both agree 2 it. Luckly, the power from yes ago provailed 2 become true and it will make the clan stronger in the future. It was awesome. I just felt bad about Simon going down the wrong path cause of his dead evil family and everyone turned against him b4 really getting 2 know him.
July 17, 2018
All I can say is WOW! I read this book in straight thru ignoring my hubby! These books just keep getting better! Simon is soooo evil you just want him to get whats coming to him! And everyone loves the hero Rafe! I like the way the pull together. Can wait for the next installment. Miranda is getting stronger and stronger in her magic. And now with the responsibilities a Prima she will have to rise to the occasion.
January 1, 2020
Fun entertainment - adventure, family and romance
I read books 1 to 3 in this series without stopping, because the story was fun and because all three books are necessary to complete Miranda's coming into her adult purpose and powers as well as her bonding with Rafe and the group confrontation with Simon. The family relationships and Santa Fe setting were interesting and realistic, as were the witch clan history and ways.
I read books 1 to 3 in this series without stopping, because the story was fun and because all three books are necessary to complete Miranda's coming into her adult purpose and powers as well as her bonding with Rafe and the group confrontation with Simon. The family relationships and Santa Fe setting were interesting and realistic, as were the witch clan history and ways.
July 18, 2018
Another good read by Ms. Pope.
I always seem to get her new book and a couple of hours later I am looking for something else to read. I start her new book and cannot put it down till I finished it. As always I enjoyed her books
I always seem to get her new book and a couple of hours later I am looking for something else to read. I start her new book and cannot put it down till I finished it. As always I enjoyed her books
July 23, 2018
A brilliant trilogy end and beginning.
This has been another gripping, unputdownable, exciting, crazy ride. I am looking forward to the next one. It's months away. What shall I do now?
This has been another gripping, unputdownable, exciting, crazy ride. I am looking forward to the next one. It's months away. What shall I do now?
January 12, 2019
This was book 3 in the series and wrapped up the story enough for me to quit. It was well-written: The characters were interesting, the geography and culture of the area was elaborated on, and it kept my interest enough to purchase books 2 & 3 (the first was free).
December 4, 2019
Simon’s evil seems to know no bounds. He is determined to destroy the Castillo clan. Miranda surrenders herself in effort to save them more heartbreak but, Simon can’t be trusted. In the midst of all the chaos, Rafe and Miranda’s love grows, as does her love for her new clan.
August 28, 2018
I found this a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I really enjoyed the Canyon Road witch books. I hope that this is not the end!
September 27, 2018
Love this book
Great book series! Can’t wait for the next one in the seres, I even snuck and read it at work
Great book series! Can’t wait for the next one in the seres, I even snuck and read it at work
October 22, 2020
Absolutely enjoyed this series thus far Well done Christine Pope
April 26, 2024
Addicting
I cannot wait to get to the next book in this series. Strong but fallible characters and the warmth of a loving family are wonderful binders.
I cannot wait to get to the next book in this series. Strong but fallible characters and the warmth of a loving family are wonderful binders.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews