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The Witches of Canyon Road #7
Higher Ground
His magic is gone. Can he find it in the darkest corners of the witch world…or in her arms?
Who knew being a witch could be so…boring? Ava Castillo dutifully got her college degree, but now what? She itches to get out of Santa Fe and find adventure like her big brother, Tony. Find some use for her magical talent. Find love.
Who knew she’d find excitement standing right on her own doorstep?
Gabriel Escobar stood up to his evil older brother to help Tony and Cassandra Castillo, and paid a heavy price. Stripped of his magic and banished from his clan, there’s only one place he can think of to go — to the Castillo clan, in the hope that they can help him regain his powers.
Who knew he’d find magic standing right on the other side of Tony’s door?
Together, Ava and Gabriel embark on a quest to find the spell that will restore his magical gifts. A journey that takes them from the streets of Santa Fe to the darkest corners of old New Orleans to a hidden village in El Salvador, where the answers they desperately need wait for them...along with a threat that could strip them of everything…
…including their lives.
Higher Ground is a standalone novel, but it may enrich your enjoyment to read the previous books in the Witches of Canyon Road series.
Who knew being a witch could be so…boring? Ava Castillo dutifully got her college degree, but now what? She itches to get out of Santa Fe and find adventure like her big brother, Tony. Find some use for her magical talent. Find love.
Who knew she’d find excitement standing right on her own doorstep?
Gabriel Escobar stood up to his evil older brother to help Tony and Cassandra Castillo, and paid a heavy price. Stripped of his magic and banished from his clan, there’s only one place he can think of to go — to the Castillo clan, in the hope that they can help him regain his powers.
Who knew he’d find magic standing right on the other side of Tony’s door?
Together, Ava and Gabriel embark on a quest to find the spell that will restore his magical gifts. A journey that takes them from the streets of Santa Fe to the darkest corners of old New Orleans to a hidden village in El Salvador, where the answers they desperately need wait for them...along with a threat that could strip them of everything…
…including their lives.
Higher Ground is a standalone novel, but it may enrich your enjoyment to read the previous books in the Witches of Canyon Road series.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2019
About the author
Christine Pope
219 books1,094 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 9, 2019
I always look forward to the next installment in Christine Pope’s witch series. Gabriel Escobar and Ava’s story was good, and I didn’t anticipate where it was headed. Keep them coming 😁.
August 21, 2019
I loved every page! Highly recommended if you are a paranormal romance addict.
Although Ava Costello considers her life boring and has somewhat low self-esteem, Higher Ground is anything but boring; and, the young witch, sister to Tony, the warlock who just returned from El Salvador, where he and Cassandra Sandoval, were in search of the de la Paz Grimoires, finds herself face to face with Gabriel Escobar, the very warlock who stole the Grimoires from her mother. He is standing at her front door! No need to go into details now, they are there for you to discover. If you have been reading the Canyon Road Books, you know Christine Pope weaves a magical and intricate tapestry of the lives of the Castillo Clan of New Mexico. You can only expect a book that will keep you up at nights. This book will most definitely.
Ava spreads her wings, traveling with the heart stopping, handsome warlock to New Orleans and eventually El Salvador, in search of someone who can help restore the powers taken from him by his evil brother and feared warlock, Primus of the Escobers. We watch Ava come into her own, a strong and confident witch, worthy of Gabriel’s attention. It is an absolute ” Must Read.” You won’t regret it!
If you have not read the previous Canyon Road Books, you might prefer to before reading this one. Although this is a standalone, knowing the history of the of the clans and how they have interacted with one another, will certainly add to the richness of Pope’s romantic tales of magical gifts and courage.
Although Ava Costello considers her life boring and has somewhat low self-esteem, Higher Ground is anything but boring; and, the young witch, sister to Tony, the warlock who just returned from El Salvador, where he and Cassandra Sandoval, were in search of the de la Paz Grimoires, finds herself face to face with Gabriel Escobar, the very warlock who stole the Grimoires from her mother. He is standing at her front door! No need to go into details now, they are there for you to discover. If you have been reading the Canyon Road Books, you know Christine Pope weaves a magical and intricate tapestry of the lives of the Castillo Clan of New Mexico. You can only expect a book that will keep you up at nights. This book will most definitely.
Ava spreads her wings, traveling with the heart stopping, handsome warlock to New Orleans and eventually El Salvador, in search of someone who can help restore the powers taken from him by his evil brother and feared warlock, Primus of the Escobers. We watch Ava come into her own, a strong and confident witch, worthy of Gabriel’s attention. It is an absolute ” Must Read.” You won’t regret it!
If you have not read the previous Canyon Road Books, you might prefer to before reading this one. Although this is a standalone, knowing the history of the of the clans and how they have interacted with one another, will certainly add to the richness of Pope’s romantic tales of magical gifts and courage.
August 20, 2019
Higher Ground by Christine Pope is another excellent adventure in the Witches of Canyon Road series! It’s 6 months after Tony and Cassandra escaped from the Escobar’s. Tony’s sister Ava has moved into his house since he is now with Cassandra and her clan. Like Tony, Ava doesn’t really know what she wants out of life, but when drop dead gorgeous Gabriel shows up on her doorstep, the future looks more interesting.
Gabriel is actually looking for Tony, looking for his help because Gabriel’s brother did not take kindly to the burning of the dark magic books. In retaliation, he had Gabriel stripped of his magic and thrown out of the clan. Gabriel doesn’t just want his magic back, he wants to save his clan and he wanted Tony’s help doing it. Or rather Tony’s clan’s help getting back his magic. He planned on taking on his brother by himself.
So starts a fascinating journey for both Ava and Gabriel as the meet various members of Ava’s clan, learn what powers are and aren’t available, and travel to New Orleans to find out about the books Loc had found there. Then there is the clandestine trip to Las Vegas, NW to free a trapped witch . . .
I throughly enjoyed this part: meeting old friends again, learning about new powers, and the finding of new love!
It was a wonderful book, but you are going to have to read yourself to see which brother wins!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Gabriel is actually looking for Tony, looking for his help because Gabriel’s brother did not take kindly to the burning of the dark magic books. In retaliation, he had Gabriel stripped of his magic and thrown out of the clan. Gabriel doesn’t just want his magic back, he wants to save his clan and he wanted Tony’s help doing it. Or rather Tony’s clan’s help getting back his magic. He planned on taking on his brother by himself.
So starts a fascinating journey for both Ava and Gabriel as the meet various members of Ava’s clan, learn what powers are and aren’t available, and travel to New Orleans to find out about the books Loc had found there. Then there is the clandestine trip to Las Vegas, NW to free a trapped witch . . .
I throughly enjoyed this part: meeting old friends again, learning about new powers, and the finding of new love!
It was a wonderful book, but you are going to have to read yourself to see which brother wins!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2019
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Higher Ground by Christine Pope is the seventh book in The Witches of Canyon Road series. For me, this read was an emotional landmine. Ava and Gabriel are both dealing with changes in their lives and the impact that these changes are making. I really enjoyed this read. I loved that in helping each other they help themselves. Christine Pope writes well developed characters that draw you into their situations as more than just a spectator. I could actually feel the sticky heat and smell the piquant forest in El Salvador. While not the high chaotic drama that usually has been synonymous with the name Escobar, Higher Ground is just that a story about taking the higher ground. A great read that has a few spicy moments, a great deal of drama and a butt load of anticipation inducing scenes that set you up for what comes next. I highly recommend this series to anyone who has enjoyed Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, Jeannine Frost or Gena Showalter. Best when read in series order!
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading an advance copy.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading an advance copy.
August 9, 2019
Christine Pope’s “Higher Ground”, The Witches of Canyon Road Book 7” just blew my mind. Just when you think this phenomenal series couldn’t get more thrilling, Christine slams you with yet another amazing sequence. We find Ava Castillo bored and wishing she had some excitement in her young life; when a knock on her door brings Gabriel Escobar the warlock who had previously helped Ava’s brother Tony and Cassandra Castillo. When Gabriel stood up to his evil older brother to help Tony and Cassandra, that action brought about a terrible punishment on Gabriel which was why he was seeking help from the Castillo Clan. Ava joins Gabriel on a quest to seek a way to reverse the punishment bestowed on him by his brother and his malicious Clan Elders. The adventure and outcome are both exciting to say the least. It was also very moving when Ava and Gabriel find love that neither one ever expected. I highly recommend this book along with the entire Witches of Canyon Road series.
August 27, 2019
Ava should be on a high. She is wealthy but suffers from crippling self esteem issues. She thinks her little world is boring, her brother Tony seems to have all the adventues!
But she now finds herself wrapped up in her own adventure when she comes face to face with Gabriel Escobar. She shoud fear him and his family history but she soon finds herself relying on the warlock!
The Castillo clan are so widespread, you wonder how they stay under the radar due to sheer numbers! Great story with characters you can rely empathise with and invest time in. The travels they take down to El Salvador, all whilst trying to recapture Gabriels stolen powers from his absolute douchecanoe of a brother, the Primus of the Escobars, is totally enthralling.
But she now finds herself wrapped up in her own adventure when she comes face to face with Gabriel Escobar. She shoud fear him and his family history but she soon finds herself relying on the warlock!
The Castillo clan are so widespread, you wonder how they stay under the radar due to sheer numbers! Great story with characters you can rely empathise with and invest time in. The travels they take down to El Salvador, all whilst trying to recapture Gabriels stolen powers from his absolute douchecanoe of a brother, the Primus of the Escobars, is totally enthralling.
August 20, 2019
Oh my! Higher ground from the witches of Canyon Hill series is amazing. This is another “can’t be put down” book. In this story, we meet yet another Castillo member and follow her adventure into another clan. The book is a beautiful romance novel set in the background of Santa Fe and eventually ends up in the San Salvador region where yet another witch clan is situated and in desperate need of a good leader. The main characters face many obstacles. I do not want to give away the details but highly suggest reading the story and actually the whole series even though each story seems separate, it is best to read each novel in order. Enjoy!
August 25, 2019
Omg!! I was shocked at what she did 2 his bro but it was his own doing and those 2 assholes deserved 2 get out of the clan permanently. Thank god they got her cousin saved from her overprotective family keeping her all those yrs in solitude. They should have trusted her with her powers instead of fearing it so much. They could have actually witnessed it at least 1 2 c it was safe 4 her. It sucks that she will b extremely far away from what's she's used 2 and her family but its good 4 her 2 stand up 4 herself and b with the man she loves. I soooo can't wait 4 more asap!!
September 6, 2019
While I first read and enjoyed "The Witches if Cleopatra Hill series" I welcomed the "Canyon Road" series and have waited with anticipation as each book was released. "Higher Ground" kept me intrigued as the story unfolded and surprised me with Ava's sudden discovery of how to use her gift to defeat and overwhelm Vicente's mind with his own dark deeds. I look forward to her next book but am sorry that it will be the last of this series. However how her fertile mind takes us next i'll be eager to be entertained once again.
August 22, 2019
This is awesome! A well written adventurous journey that will have you hooked and on the edge of your seat! I love the storyline, love Ava and Gabriel, I just love this series and cannot recommend it enough!
August 25, 2019
Wonderful story line
Keeps me looking forward to the next book. Excellent read, I highly recommend this series. Very well written and in all aspects. Loved it
Keeps me looking forward to the next book. Excellent read, I highly recommend this series. Very well written and in all aspects. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews