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Wedding Bells and Magic Spells #1
A Wedding to Die For
It should’ve been so easy...
Aria Whitmore, weddings specialist and secret witch, thought she was simply collecting an antique wedding dress from Fletcher Davenport.
"Winters will have you giggling into your book!"
Aria's a little concerned about her parrot familiar Kiwi's addiction to unhealthy snack food, and her mother's penchant for meddling in her love-life. But these problems fade away when Fletcher is found dead, possibly killed by magic!
Aria, the last person to see Fletcher alive, quickly finds herself juggling more than just Kiwi’s unhealthy eating habits.
Who could really be behind Fletcher’s murder? Her new bridezilla-esque client, who seems interested in Fletcher’s estate? The dark witch, Hazel, whom Aria never quite trusted? Maybe even Mayor Donovan, who’s clearly in cahoots with an out-of-town property developer…
Aria must clear her name, all while juggling the demands of her bridal boutique and unusual customers… thankfully, smart-mouthed Kiwi is always on hand to “help”!
Praise for A.R. Winters:
"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com
"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com
"A cute light read with a final twist at the end." - Stacey Puleio, Amazon.com
This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist who just happens to be a witch, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
Aria Whitmore, weddings specialist and secret witch, thought she was simply collecting an antique wedding dress from Fletcher Davenport.
"Winters will have you giggling into your book!"
Aria's a little concerned about her parrot familiar Kiwi's addiction to unhealthy snack food, and her mother's penchant for meddling in her love-life. But these problems fade away when Fletcher is found dead, possibly killed by magic!
Aria, the last person to see Fletcher alive, quickly finds herself juggling more than just Kiwi’s unhealthy eating habits.
Who could really be behind Fletcher’s murder? Her new bridezilla-esque client, who seems interested in Fletcher’s estate? The dark witch, Hazel, whom Aria never quite trusted? Maybe even Mayor Donovan, who’s clearly in cahoots with an out-of-town property developer…
Aria must clear her name, all while juggling the demands of her bridal boutique and unusual customers… thankfully, smart-mouthed Kiwi is always on hand to “help”!
Praise for A.R. Winters:
"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com
"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com
"A cute light read with a final twist at the end." - Stacey Puleio, Amazon.com
This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist who just happens to be a witch, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2018
About the author
A.R. Winters
204 books415 followersA.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food!
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 8, 2019
.
This is an introductory installment to this series. It focuses on Aria Whitmore, wedding specialist, and a secret witch. The first scene revealed Aria visiting Fletcher Davenport, where she was attempting to purchase his dead's wife wedding dress. It was an exquisite specimen from over 50 years ago and would make a spectacular display in her wedding shop. He acquiesced with the condition of keeping it with him for one more night. The next day he was discovered dead, possibly murdered by a witch.
Ms. Whitmore was questioned by the police, Jack, for advice about the murder, since the body was found lying in an inverted pentagram. However, a local busy-body spread rumors that she was questioned as the main suspect causing people to stop frequenting her shop. She was determined to help solve the mystery in order to reactivate business.
Aria's familiar is a parrot named Kiwi, who has his own distinct personality, preferences, and pet peeves. Other characters include her mother, Donovan - her mother's boyfriend - the mayor, Jack - the intriguing detective who bends the rules for Aira, Sarah - Aria's assistant and Hazel - a black magic witch.
Aria's determination to resolve the murder takes her on several seemingly wild goose chases, some of which were potentially dangerous. After she crosses the line of the law again, everything culminates together and the murderer is identified.
I found this a lighthearted and clean dose of entertainment and I would recommend it to other readers fond of cozy mysteries unless you find artifacts of magic offensive. If you enjoy paranormal and/or mystery, then this may be a good choice for you!
This is an introductory installment to this series. It focuses on Aria Whitmore, wedding specialist, and a secret witch. The first scene revealed Aria visiting Fletcher Davenport, where she was attempting to purchase his dead's wife wedding dress. It was an exquisite specimen from over 50 years ago and would make a spectacular display in her wedding shop. He acquiesced with the condition of keeping it with him for one more night. The next day he was discovered dead, possibly murdered by a witch.
Ms. Whitmore was questioned by the police, Jack, for advice about the murder, since the body was found lying in an inverted pentagram. However, a local busy-body spread rumors that she was questioned as the main suspect causing people to stop frequenting her shop. She was determined to help solve the mystery in order to reactivate business.
Aria's familiar is a parrot named Kiwi, who has his own distinct personality, preferences, and pet peeves. Other characters include her mother, Donovan - her mother's boyfriend - the mayor, Jack - the intriguing detective who bends the rules for Aira, Sarah - Aria's assistant and Hazel - a black magic witch.
Aria's determination to resolve the murder takes her on several seemingly wild goose chases, some of which were potentially dangerous. After she crosses the line of the law again, everything culminates together and the murderer is identified.
I found this a lighthearted and clean dose of entertainment and I would recommend it to other readers fond of cozy mysteries unless you find artifacts of magic offensive. If you enjoy paranormal and/or mystery, then this may be a good choice for you!
January 8, 2020
Aria, who owns the Blue Moon Bridal Shop, is a suspect for a murder, the victim being the person she visited the night before about a wedding gown. Wrapped up in her future, her parrot Kiwi, magic spells, and trust, Aria must find the murder in order to continue her business.
Here are some character overviews:
Aria: A determined detective, and relies heavily on Kiwi for bravery. She keeps her friends close but her enemies closer than she thought...... I feel like Aria was a great main character because she had determination, problems in her life that affected her actions, and a parrot :)
Kiwi: Kiwi is Aria's parrot, also known as a familiar. They accompany witches and can speak. Kiwi looves cheese puffs :) I think that Kiwi was a great addition to the story to add some humor.
What I think of the plot:
The plot was pretty good in terms of keeping the reader engaged, but the idea could have been a little more original. There wasn't enough connection between the murder and Aria in general but the gown. If Aria had had a different job, she would have never been a suspect of the murder of Fletcher.
Other comments:
This book was very engaging and at times gave you terror, especially if you read it right before you go to bed. There wasn't enough emotional ties to the book, but otherwise, you should definitely give it a try!
Here are some character overviews:
Aria: A determined detective, and relies heavily on Kiwi for bravery. She keeps her friends close but her enemies closer than she thought...... I feel like Aria was a great main character because she had determination, problems in her life that affected her actions, and a parrot :)
Kiwi: Kiwi is Aria's parrot, also known as a familiar. They accompany witches and can speak. Kiwi looves cheese puffs :) I think that Kiwi was a great addition to the story to add some humor.
What I think of the plot:
The plot was pretty good in terms of keeping the reader engaged, but the idea could have been a little more original. There wasn't enough connection between the murder and Aria in general but the gown. If Aria had had a different job, she would have never been a suspect of the murder of Fletcher.
Other comments:
This book was very engaging and at times gave you terror, especially if you read it right before you go to bed. There wasn't enough emotional ties to the book, but otherwise, you should definitely give it a try!
December 27, 2018
The one and only
Not the best I've ever read. Possibly the speed was too slow in the sleuthing department and although it was a good plot it just missed out in the execution. The characters too seemed a bit shallow and thin. I normally enjoy things by this author but I must admit that i found this one disappointing.
She has come to see if the old man would be willing to sell her the wedding dress that his wife had worn on their wedding day. Not to sell but to have as a display in her bridal shop. Happy to get his consent she promises to come back the next day to pick it up. However the next day brings shocking news - the old man had died! Worse it looks as black magic had been used to kill him and she's the number one suspect. Gossip and innuendo fly through the community. If she doesn't do something soon she will be forced out of business. Could the property deal to turn it into a resort be the cause of death? Or could it be the young couple that want to get it for their new home? Or is the estate holding and hiding a secret from the past?
Not the best I've ever read. Possibly the speed was too slow in the sleuthing department and although it was a good plot it just missed out in the execution. The characters too seemed a bit shallow and thin. I normally enjoy things by this author but I must admit that i found this one disappointing.
She has come to see if the old man would be willing to sell her the wedding dress that his wife had worn on their wedding day. Not to sell but to have as a display in her bridal shop. Happy to get his consent she promises to come back the next day to pick it up. However the next day brings shocking news - the old man had died! Worse it looks as black magic had been used to kill him and she's the number one suspect. Gossip and innuendo fly through the community. If she doesn't do something soon she will be forced out of business. Could the property deal to turn it into a resort be the cause of death? Or could it be the young couple that want to get it for their new home? Or is the estate holding and hiding a secret from the past?
December 3, 2019
Aria Whitmore owns the Blue Moon Bridal shop and is excited to obtain an antique wedding dress from Fletcher Davenport to display in her shop. His family has lived in the area for a long time and their wedding was even featured in the local newspaper. Unfortunately he died before she could obtain the dress and since she was one of the last people to see him alive she was on the suspect list. Her familiar parrot named Kiwi and her are now on a mission to find the true murderer. The parrot is humorous and her mother is the typical socialite that needs to look perfect at all times and is even dating the mayor. Aria is more of a bulldozer with her sleuthing skills and ends up making a few people angry with her. The motive and the person responsible are shocking. Some fun and humorous moments in the book. Ready to read the rest of the series.
May 1, 2019
A good mystery about a man who agrees to give Aria Whitmore, owner of Blue Moon Bridal shop, his wife's 50 year old wedding dress to display in her shop but is murdered before she gets it. Being a witch, Aria and her familiar, Kiwi the parrot, decide to find out who committed the murder when the police don't seem to be doing much. When your familiar is addicted to eating cheese puffs and coming up with wild ideas, how can the book fail?
This is an enjoyable book with plenty of suspects, some good witchy spells, a pro-active and somewhat brazen heroine, and a silly parrot that all mix together providing laughs and a good mystery. A fast and fun read.
This is an enjoyable book with plenty of suspects, some good witchy spells, a pro-active and somewhat brazen heroine, and a silly parrot that all mix together providing laughs and a good mystery. A fast and fun read.
February 11, 2019
A.r.winters/a wedding Rosie for
I've surprise myself that I like reading some paranormal stories. Winters well written story about witches with some humorous episodes, leaves you laughing, and entertaining. I really enjoy reading of the character, aria,whom is second generation of witches ,her mother whom is a witch, Jack the cop, of small sleepy town off of sequoia bay, and aria parrot kiwi, who is a different kind of parrot. If you like paranormal type of books with a little humour, this is the book for you.
I've surprise myself that I like reading some paranormal stories. Winters well written story about witches with some humorous episodes, leaves you laughing, and entertaining. I really enjoy reading of the character, aria,whom is second generation of witches ,her mother whom is a witch, Jack the cop, of small sleepy town off of sequoia bay, and aria parrot kiwi, who is a different kind of parrot. If you like paranormal type of books with a little humour, this is the book for you.
April 30, 2019
What awesome, wacky characters, a parrot who eats cheese puffs, a scary witch, a witch that is a wedding planner, and a hot shy cop, who likes said witch! Throw in a murder, an awesome old wedding dress, and gossip of who did it! Small town life, just got chaotic! Does everyone think she is the murderer, is that why business is so bad? Why is her mom acting more weird everyday? Can she clear her name before it is to late?
December 20, 2021
A Wedding to Die for is an easy to read mystery. Aria reads as a strong main character whose magic and charm sweeps the reader away into her world and into her little town. The storyline keeps the reader guessing until the very end. There are a few parts of the story where a character becomes uncharacter like and a new character whom is introduced at the end yet may be a character from previous books. Overall a nice and relaxing read that makes the reader want to read nonstop
December 30, 2018
I don't usually read cozies with witches but I like this author so I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed it. It was a fairly quick read and it was very humorous. I'd like to meet more of the residents of Sequoia Bay and see how they manage living in a town full of witches.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 1, 2019
Very Good
Aria is a fun witch. I love Kiwi the parrot and his favorite snack-cheese puffs. Didn’t guess the identity of the murderer till the end. I liked Jack and hoping he is open to magic in his future. Hazel is one of a kind. This looks like a potential series with a lot of humor and romance for Aria and Jack. A lot of fun. 😊👍
Aria is a fun witch. I love Kiwi the parrot and his favorite snack-cheese puffs. Didn’t guess the identity of the murderer till the end. I liked Jack and hoping he is open to magic in his future. Hazel is one of a kind. This looks like a potential series with a lot of humor and romance for Aria and Jack. A lot of fun. 😊👍
January 22, 2019
Good read
I picked this book because of the title and the cover and I love a good mystery. It's funny, cute, and witches abound. No romance to speak of.....or very little.....and no sex or foreplay. But good mystery and well written. Loved Kiwi, her parrot and familiar. Highly recommend.
I picked this book because of the title and the cover and I love a good mystery. It's funny, cute, and witches abound. No romance to speak of.....or very little.....and no sex or foreplay. But good mystery and well written. Loved Kiwi, her parrot and familiar. Highly recommend.
May 3, 2019
Witch witch
With a town full of witches you would think that they would know who was and wasn't a practicing witch. Though the town does seem to hold quite a few clueless souls, you would think that the police would be a bit more on top of things too.
That being said,it's a cute story, although I think that it was intended to be scarier.
With a town full of witches you would think that they would know who was and wasn't a practicing witch. Though the town does seem to hold quite a few clueless souls, you would think that the police would be a bit more on top of things too.
That being said,it's a cute story, although I think that it was intended to be scarier.
November 29, 2021
Old wedding dress
Aria's shop specializes in weddings. She goes to see Fletcher about the wedding dress she saw in an old photo of Fletcher's wife. She wants to buy it for her shop display. He wants to give it to her but he's murdered before he can. She along with her familiar Kiwi try to solve the murder. Good story and characters with funny situations.
Aria's shop specializes in weddings. She goes to see Fletcher about the wedding dress she saw in an old photo of Fletcher's wife. She wants to buy it for her shop display. He wants to give it to her but he's murdered before he can. She along with her familiar Kiwi try to solve the murder. Good story and characters with funny situations.
June 19, 2024
A thoroughly forgettable novel, but a pleasant beachside or porch read. The choice of a parrot as a familiar is a bit unique, and the rules of magic seem to be consistent throughout, but the characters fall a bit flat and the "happy little town feel" is inconsistent with no one knowing about future development prospects.
January 4, 2019
A new series off to a great start
Ms. Winters starts her new series by delving into the paranormal world and she does a great job. Aria runs a wedding shop, is a witch and has a kooky parrot as a familiar. The characters are funny, the mystery was good and I loved the book.
Ms. Winters starts her new series by delving into the paranormal world and she does a great job. Aria runs a wedding shop, is a witch and has a kooky parrot as a familiar. The characters are funny, the mystery was good and I loved the book.
May 8, 2019
Nice quick read
This book is an entertaining romp in northern CA where Aria owns a wedding planning boutique. She wants to buy an historic old wedding dress from a curmudgeonly old man. Things take a turn from there! Pick up this book to learn what happens.
This book is an entertaining romp in northern CA where Aria owns a wedding planning boutique. She wants to buy an historic old wedding dress from a curmudgeonly old man. Things take a turn from there! Pick up this book to learn what happens.
May 9, 2019
Magic!
This was a pretty well thought out book. The story line was typical,but the ending not completely, guessable! Well written and a fun read. Editing was good. Just all around for fun! I recommend it.
This was a pretty well thought out book. The story line was typical,but the ending not completely, guessable! Well written and a fun read. Editing was good. Just all around for fun! I recommend it.
May 10, 2019
4.6 stars for Wedding to Die For
This was a very involved mystery and I definitely didn't have it figured out ahead of time. I also get more and more attached to Kiwi and wish...yes, he'd make a great best bud.
Nice people from a very little town. You'll love this series!
This was a very involved mystery and I definitely didn't have it figured out ahead of time. I also get more and more attached to Kiwi and wish...yes, he'd make a great best bud.
Nice people from a very little town. You'll love this series!
May 14, 2019
A witch runs a wedding shop in a small town. A man is murdered and she becomes a suspect. Aria and Kiwi (her parrot) are out to clear her name and solve the murder. This is a really delightful read. There is romance, laughter and plenty of mishaps
May 16, 2019
Riveting and hilarious😂
Must read!! Must read!!! 😜😜 Truly laughable and great mystery to cozy with anytime. Readers everywhere will truly love this book and the characters are a riot!!!
Must read!! Must read!!! 😜😜 Truly laughable and great mystery to cozy with anytime. Readers everywhere will truly love this book and the characters are a riot!!!
August 1, 2020
Great quick read
Enjoyed this book as a quick read. Would enjoy it more with a little more in depth background on the main characters. But maybe more will be developed in later books. Cute familiar. Will look for more of this author's books.
Enjoyed this book as a quick read. Would enjoy it more with a little more in depth background on the main characters. But maybe more will be developed in later books. Cute familiar. Will look for more of this author's books.
July 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. There are quirky characters but what small town doesn't have one or twenty. Aria seems a bit scatterbrained but being accused of murder will do that to you. Kiwi is a hoot and I'm already invested in Jack and Aria's developing relationship.
January 3, 2019
The cute cover art initially caught my eye and I was eager to read the story. After finishing it, however, I found this one a bit slow for me and there was too much Kiwi!!!
February 17, 2019
Great cozy with lots of laughs
Be ready to chuckle. A.R. Winters is so good at the art of humor. It really makes things enjoyable to read. Cute premise, can't wait for the next one!
Be ready to chuckle. A.R. Winters is so good at the art of humor. It really makes things enjoyable to read. Cute premise, can't wait for the next one!
May 14, 2019
Cute and interesting, a great combination!
This was a fun read. It was a good mystery that was light and kept me entertained. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This was a fun read. It was a good mystery that was light and kept me entertained. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
June 21, 2019
Good easy read........easy summer read,love love love Kiwi
Yyunno iboji oihii oooooo y errg tttt huuh ki9i 09980 gggu nu noooo yessssss yyyyyy gggggg uuuuuu nnnj iiiiii yuuu
Yyunno iboji oihii oooooo y errg tttt huuh ki9i 09980 gggu nu noooo yessssss yyyyyy gggggg uuuuuu nnnj iiiiii yuuu
August 21, 2019
Wedding to die for
Really enjoyed this book. Was completely not expecting the killer to be who it was. Great read. Ready for more.
Really enjoyed this book. Was completely not expecting the killer to be who it was. Great read. Ready for more.
August 26, 2019
Listen carefully.
This was a good and at times funny mystery which I enjoyed very much. I am sure I will read the next book in this series.
This was a good and at times funny mystery which I enjoyed very much. I am sure I will read the next book in this series.
August 26, 2019
I wanted to like it but it was too slow, not enough character development. Mystery aspect was good but no interest in continue this series.
September 22, 2019
A great story!
If you like Witchy stories then you will enjoy this one, murder and witches and a gorgeous cop, it's a great story til the end.
If you like Witchy stories then you will enjoy this one, murder and witches and a gorgeous cop, it's a great story til the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews