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Witches of Whispering Pines #2
A Witchy Surprise
A magical heritage. A threat in the forest. An explosion of powers.
Charley Cooper is tired of being the lone non-magical person in a family of witches. At sixteen, she believes the magic gene has skipped over her. But when something dark in the forest threatens her best friend and her little sister, Charley's powers appear all at once.
Now Charley's best friend is angry about the secrecy. Her crush is dating someone else. And her out of control powers threaten to expose her family's secret.
When a dangerous enemy tries to silence them forever, Charley knows she must fight back. Can she learn to control her magic before they're all taking a nap in the local graveyard?
If you enjoy magic, quirky characters and small town mysteries, you're sure to enjoy A Witchy Surprise.
Charley Cooper is tired of being the lone non-magical person in a family of witches. At sixteen, she believes the magic gene has skipped over her. But when something dark in the forest threatens her best friend and her little sister, Charley's powers appear all at once.
Now Charley's best friend is angry about the secrecy. Her crush is dating someone else. And her out of control powers threaten to expose her family's secret.
When a dangerous enemy tries to silence them forever, Charley knows she must fight back. Can she learn to control her magic before they're all taking a nap in the local graveyard?
If you enjoy magic, quirky characters and small town mysteries, you're sure to enjoy A Witchy Surprise.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2020
21 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Hopkins
20 books398 followersA little magic, a little mystery, a lot of heart
Young adult author who writes cozy mysteries, urban fantasy, and romance. She lives in Texas on a small farm with her family, a cat & dog, miniature cows and donkeys, and chickens.
Before becoming an author, Rhonda's career put her in close contact with people from all walks of life. She uses her past experiences to develop characters that are diverse and full of life.
Young adult author who writes cozy mysteries, urban fantasy, and romance. She lives in Texas on a small farm with her family, a cat & dog, miniature cows and donkeys, and chickens.
Before becoming an author, Rhonda's career put her in close contact with people from all walks of life. She uses her past experiences to develop characters that are diverse and full of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 16, 2022
I often buy books for the children in my life, and I do check they are well-written and likely to appeal to the recipient. However, I cannot resist reading the Witches of Whispering Pines books from cover to cover. Just like A Witchy Mistake, this magical mystery hooks you in from the start.
Exciting, thrilling, amazing... all of those apply, but I love that Rhonda Hopkins includes comedy too. Grandma Ruby has an important part to play from start to finish, but often the way she does it makes me giggle – do NOT reread it when one particular teenager is around, Sarah; her birthday isn’t for another month.
Exciting, thrilling, amazing... all of those apply, but I love that Rhonda Hopkins includes comedy too. Grandma Ruby has an important part to play from start to finish, but often the way she does it makes me giggle – do NOT reread it when one particular teenager is around, Sarah; her birthday isn’t for another month.
December 8, 2024
Charley, her sister, and her best friend were walking through the forest that surrounded half their small town. They were heading towards the festival. Some of Charley’s family are witches though her best friend has no idea. She herself is not a witch so she thought. Her sister and friend were grabbed by two men, one with a gun the other man with a knife. For the first time Charley’s witch powers showed up three years late. This is just the beginning of a suspenseful, spellbinding, wonderland, story that is definitely a must read.
December 22, 2020
I've grown quite fond of the characters in this series, and this is only the second book! They're funny and will touch your heart. The teen problems include the norm of crushes and anxiety, but you're in for so much more. Add a dash of murder mystery, and you'll be glad you're a witch, even if your powers are sketchy and unreliable. You're in for more surprises than Charley discovering her witchy powers. Lots of fun and excitement to keep you turning the pages.
October 30, 2022
I haven't read book one but this one is really good, I devoured it. I enjoyed reading the nuances of long time friends, the newness of the young adult feelings and her surprise magic, the strong family support and the comical acts. The community seems like a great place to live and the mystery was a shocking surprise but everything was very well blended. Fun, intense and steady pace kept me intrigued. I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to review.
October 31, 2022
I thought this was a fun story about a 16 year old girl, Charley, growing up in a witch family but never getting her powers. That is until one day when Charley, her sister, and her best friend walk upon a murder and she stops time to save them. Then things get crazy because they are trying to figure out who the murderer is and during this time Charley is trying to navigate the world of 16 year old boys.
It was a fun story and made me laugh, especially Babette. I recommend it if you are looking for a young witch coming into her powers and love.
It was a fun story and made me laugh, especially Babette. I recommend it if you are looking for a young witch coming into her powers and love.
October 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this story of a young girl coming into her powers. Despite the dash of supernatural, the heroine is a normal teenager with all the angst of the teen years, including love troubles. The side characters are well-fleshed out and likable. The mystery adds a soupçon of “who done it?” to this lovely witch story with a sweet coming of age. I received an ARC with no obligation and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
A fast paced, teenage witchy mystery. Charley is 16 and it’s refreshing she acts 16. Little bit of family drama, little bit of boy drama. Sure her family is full of witches but she’s well written and funny. Her little sister is a hoot. Great cozy mystery.
December 24, 2020
Good
Well written and engaging. Clean and fun to read with a good amount of action. Teen to adult audiences. Good book to enjoy.
Well written and engaging. Clean and fun to read with a good amount of action. Teen to adult audiences. Good book to enjoy.
May 30, 2022
Awesome books
Very awesome can't wait to read more if the book. Hope all the books stay awesome like to the first two😊
Very awesome can't wait to read more if the book. Hope all the books stay awesome like to the first two😊
October 4, 2024
I loved this book. The teens are just being normal teens when curve balls get thrown their way. The action and adventure kept me guessing until the end.
November 18, 2021
I am enjoying these tales of a family that has some pretty different characters in it, including witches, a dad who is the Police Chief of Whispering Pines, and some regular teenagers who don't know about the special talents this family has. Just a joy to read!
March 14, 2023
A witchy surprise
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend it to everyone
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend it to everyone
December 28, 2020
This is such a great story, and I'm already fully invested in the characters. Can't wait for the next book!
September 23, 2025
This novel offers steady intrigue.
The plot unfolds with a logical structure, moving from family drama to danger and revelation.
Each scene builds toward a larger conflict without wasted motion.
The mix of magic and mystery works well.
Events tie together in a way that feels deliberate and complete.
Characters stand out as the strongest element.
Charley’s voice drives the story with energy. Her bond with her sister feels authentic, and her struggle with new powers adds tension.
The wider cast (family, friends, and rivals) is distinct and serves clear roles. Relationships shift under stress, which gives depth to the narrative.
The writing style is direct and accessible. Dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing never lags. The prose avoids clutter and sustains attention.
The humour in some moments may not appeal to all readers, but it lightens darker scenes.
At times, repetition of similar exchanges slows progress, yet these moments are brief.
Readers who enjoy cosy mysteries with magic will find much to enjoy here. It balances suspense with heart.
The plot unfolds with a logical structure, moving from family drama to danger and revelation.
Each scene builds toward a larger conflict without wasted motion.
The mix of magic and mystery works well.
Events tie together in a way that feels deliberate and complete.
Characters stand out as the strongest element.
Charley’s voice drives the story with energy. Her bond with her sister feels authentic, and her struggle with new powers adds tension.
The wider cast (family, friends, and rivals) is distinct and serves clear roles. Relationships shift under stress, which gives depth to the narrative.
The writing style is direct and accessible. Dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing never lags. The prose avoids clutter and sustains attention.
The humour in some moments may not appeal to all readers, but it lightens darker scenes.
At times, repetition of similar exchanges slows progress, yet these moments are brief.
Readers who enjoy cosy mysteries with magic will find much to enjoy here. It balances suspense with heart.
January 5, 2021
In "A Witchy Surprise", 16-year-old Charley finds herself in the middle of multiple mysteries. How did her powers manifest, and why now? What exactly happened in the woods, and who was responsible? And what's up with how Nate and Jackson have been acting? Chapters tend to end on cliffhangers, so it's easy to get caught up and read the whole book at once! However, don't worry--there's no cliffhanger at the end (but plenty of things left to explore in the next book). The only wish I have is that the end was a little more drawn out. The whole book is a buildup to the resolution of the mystery of what happened in the woods, but the ending happened so quickly! The characters are great, and I look forward to getting to spend more time with them while reading the next book. I definitely recommend this book for a cozy comfort read.
November 3, 2024
I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book, since it was obviously about witches, and I haven't read other books of this genre. However, I loved it! The witches were so normal and caring and lived among muggles, keeping their powers secret, except for very trusted friends.
So when 17 year old Charlie hasn't had any powers turn up, (when witches usually get their powers at age 13) she assumed she was like her plain human Dad.
But when her sister and her best friend are in grave danger, she saves them! With a power she had no idea she had. But who are these bad men? A fun, well written and well woven tale, that I am sure teenagers and adults alike would enjoy
So when 17 year old Charlie hasn't had any powers turn up, (when witches usually get their powers at age 13) she assumed she was like her plain human Dad.
But when her sister and her best friend are in grave danger, she saves them! With a power she had no idea she had. But who are these bad men? A fun, well written and well woven tale, that I am sure teenagers and adults alike would enjoy
April 9, 2021
I picked this up before I saw the first book, and once I’d read that, I had to dive right into this one. The story pulls you in from the first page. Charley is likeable, relatable and pulls you along for the ride. I adored the world building, the cost mystery wrapped up in Charley discovering and trying to work out her abilities. I adore the family, the loves, the hates and everything in between. It was an amazing ride that I devoured in one sitting and was happy to have done so. Overall, an amazing sequel and a series I will be following. Recommended
January 10, 2025
Magic, danger, and laughs!
Charley Cooper is excited to finally manifest some witch powers, but will it be more than just visions? Wow…does she ever! And now she has to figure out how to explain being a witch to her best friend and not lose control of them at a crucial moment. With danger pursuing them, Charley may need them sooner than later.
This is a fun cozy with magic and plenty of humor. Charley’s grandmother is hilarious! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Charley Cooper is excited to finally manifest some witch powers, but will it be more than just visions? Wow…does she ever! And now she has to figure out how to explain being a witch to her best friend and not lose control of them at a crucial moment. With danger pursuing them, Charley may need them sooner than later.
This is a fun cozy with magic and plenty of humor. Charley’s grandmother is hilarious! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
January 24, 2021
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
Whoops, I didn't realize this was a second book in a series. Even with that said, it was still a pretty enjoyable read.
Charley is 16 and is just coming into her witch powers. Along with being 16 comes the usual teenage issues, but Charley now has to deal with her witch powers and a mystery, too.
This was a clean and fun read, but I also need to go and read book 1.
Whoops, I didn't realize this was a second book in a series. Even with that said, it was still a pretty enjoyable read.
Charley is 16 and is just coming into her witch powers. Along with being 16 comes the usual teenage issues, but Charley now has to deal with her witch powers and a mystery, too.
This was a clean and fun read, but I also need to go and read book 1.
September 13, 2023
Charley navigates the typical challenges of high school — mean girls, crushes, etc., —along with the less typical issues of being in a family of witches, when she can’t share the supernatural parts of her life with anyone outside her family. She frets a little over not having come into any magical power of her own, when a terrifying incident brings that power surging forth. Likable characters, a humorous, breezy tone, and interesting story make this an entertaining YA read.
October 4, 2024
Fun, really delightful, YA paranormal mystery, free from the Cozy Mystery Book Club. This is the 2nd in the series Witches of Whispering Pines. Charley, a 16 year old, lives with a family of witches. Usually witches come into their powers by the age of 13. But Charley hasn't. This is a story of witchy power saving the day and young love flourishing at the same time. I plan to read book #1 to get more background on this fascinating family.
October 22, 2023
addictive reading
I loved the 1st story, I love the 2nd book even more, pre-ordered the 3rd, so it’s pretty good reading. Witches, shifters, cute boys, small towns, murder, mayhem, how much more can you ask for, cute girls, young witches, old witches and big family love…really good reading.
I loved the 1st story, I love the 2nd book even more, pre-ordered the 3rd, so it’s pretty good reading. Witches, shifters, cute boys, small towns, murder, mayhem, how much more can you ask for, cute girls, young witches, old witches and big family love…really good reading.
October 23, 2024
The story is progressing well. She is now coming into her powers, but they are still inconsistent as they would be for someone new. Still looking to understand why she got them late but assume that will come later. The mystery was really good. I love the family dynamic, including the unique grandma.
January 3, 2021
A good read for young adult readers who love a good mystery with a dash of paranormal. My main complaint from the first book was addressed, this book was filled to the bride with magic and other paranormal stuff. The romance troupe is one of my favorites, and it was cute seeing it start to blossom.
June 28, 2021
Charming characters
Love this series and the characters. I can truly picture this small town in Texas with supernatural beings. Love the pacing of the plot and subplot as they unfold, creating depth to the characters. Can’t wait to read more.
Love this series and the characters. I can truly picture this small town in Texas with supernatural beings. Love the pacing of the plot and subplot as they unfold, creating depth to the characters. Can’t wait to read more.
October 3, 2024
Mistake character
Would been five star but scene at fair got does Jackson dropped the girls and nate is one getting off them. What happened Jackson. And how did nate show up. Questions incomplete a ctions.
Would been five star but scene at fair got does Jackson dropped the girls and nate is one getting off them. What happened Jackson. And how did nate show up. Questions incomplete a ctions.
October 15, 2024
Okay, most of the MCs are 16 year olds but Charley's family are very supportive when she finally finds her magical/witchy powers. Life is also complicated by the murder scene she and her friends interrupted.
Fun story
Fun story
January 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and engaging. Characters were relatable and you actually cared what happened to them. I can't wait to read more in this series.
October 31, 2023
Enjoyable story/mystery. Funny endearing characters. Love the great grandma. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2024
I have really enjoyed the first two quick, quirky books in this series. The characters are so likable and I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews