Happily Hereafter

Eastwind Witches #13

by Nova Nelson

Mysterious messages. An unforeseen visitor. Something magical is amiss...
Fifth Wind witch Nora Ashcroft has returned to the realm where she belongs with the man she loves. But as she settles into her life in Eastwind, are things too good to be true? The anonymous and cryptic letter on her doorstep seems to confirm that suspicion

When a wholly unexpected ghost from her past drops in, Nora struggles to connect the dots between a slew of apparent coincidences. But the more she discovers, the more questions she has. And the deeper she digs, the broader a conspiracy she unearths...

Will Nora solve the mystery of the strange letters before she's caught in a dangerous web?

Happily Hereafter;is the thirteenth book of the delightful Eastwind Witches Cozy Mysteries that are best enjoyed in order. If you like determined female sleuths, paranormal plots, and satisfying laughs, then you'll love Nova Nelson's witchy whodunit.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2020

About the author

Nova Nelson grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie novels. She loves the mind candy of cozy mysteries and has been weaving paranormal tales since she first learned handwriting. Those two loves meet in her Eastwind Witches series, and it's about time, if she does say so herself.

When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.

Be sure to follow her on Goodreads!

Join the Cozy Coven for Eastwind updates, contests, and more! Go to: www.cozycoven.com

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I would enjoy a cozy mystery with witches as much as I did and this series as a whole was a joy to read. Such sweet, charming and quite quirky characters in each book with an interesting murder case and an confusing love theme throughout. I never knew who she was going to stick too as it kept changing every few books but the end tied it in a sweet bow. Overall I really enjoyed this series, quite sad to let the town go but now I need to find another cozy mystery to binge

[Nancy S Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in this terrific series. I have happily binge read the entire series and enjoyed it thoroughly!

I reviewed the first six or so books in this series and then concentrated only on the reading. I was unhappy with one romantic development, but as I was swept from one adventure to the next I let the books direct me as they saw fit. The author crafted a wonderful town with amazing inhabitants and I became immersed in their lives (and sometimes deaths) and developed very warm feelings for many of these characters, especially the protagonist, her mentor and the witches' familiars. There were a number of times I stayed up very late to finish one of these books. I encourage readers to take the trip through these books for themselves. You will be glad you did. I am happy to report the author will be returning to Eastwind again.

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it took me 9 days (the first book I started close to midnight, so technically it only took me 8 days to read all 13 of these Eastwind books) to read through Nora’s afterlife and I enjoyed every minute. My chest squeezed in the books Nora was away from Tanner. I was on the verge of bawling when it was a possibility that Tanner would stay in New Orleans even though Nora was returning home. I really crossed my fingers hard that they’d end up together! I nearly lost it and released all of my pent of emotion when Tanner walked out, keys in hand saying, “Need a ride?” Oh man!
I did get close to all the characters and wanted to live in Eastwind with everyone and use magic and eat pie at Medium Rare. It was all so real for me in the last 8 days. Nora, Grim, and Tanner were my friends too. I didn’t want to leave my house this week because I wanted to be there for the Eastwind crew! (I know, weird, right?)
But, hey, that’s just how I get when I’m reading great stories! They’re so real to me.
Nova, thank you.
I just now cracked open Werebear Scare and will probably finish that by tomorrow (once again, it is close to midnight and I won’t count today as Day 1 in my Reading About Ruby and Sheriff Bloom Adventures).
Brava!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

what to read next

I have spent the last few weeks reading this series, I had read a couple before but reread them in order. Nora arrives in Eastwind as a fifth wind witch after dying in a road accident, she quickly meets her familiar Grim, arrives at an all night diner medium rare, is a suspect in murder, and goes on to help sheriff Bloom solve murders as her ability to see ghosts has her having to help them in order for them to move on. Nora’s story is non stop, keeping you coming back for more, the 13 books follow her path to finding a home and a family she hasn’t had for a long time.
If you are interested in witch and other paranormal characters in a cozy mystery, page turning, adventure laden type book, then I would definitely recommend the Eastwind series. It’s available on kindle unlimited which is another bonus. Start at the beginning and meet Tanner, Deputy Stu, Donovan, Sheriff Gabby, Jane, Ruby and the cheeky familiars Grim Goodboy (a dead hellhound), & Monster the munchkin cat.

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light read for fans of fantasy/paranormal and cozy mysteries. Definitely a nice change from heavier fare.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild weregoose chase

Why is everyone acting a bit - off? At least Medium Rare serves cherry pie again! And if you are familiar with this series you know what that means! But there’s something nagging at Nora. It all seems to good to be true and she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because, that’s just what happens, isn’t it? Things always seem to go wrong when she’s happy. And then, a note. What follows is a wild clue chase. Plus, she has to deal with yet another ghost - but this one’s really special! Don’t expect a typical murder mystery whodunit, because that is not what this is! A confusing trail of hints, that’s what this is ;)

Nora has always been sarcastic and I love her for that, but there was more to it this time, I felt. She was really quite depressed and lonely, and her gloomy feelings, and her distrust of happiness, well, I got a little down too. It shows how well written it is, how invested I am in the series. But it made me a bit sad. That undercurrent of depression and negativity that was present in a large part of the book tainted the book ever so slightly for me. But the end! Oh, the end <3! And we get some answers about Nora’s past, and that was really nice. I definitely highly recommend it! But start at book 1 because this surely isn’t a standalone.

All in all, it was a bittersweet read. Why? Because it felt definitive, everything is completely wrapped up. This is THE END, if I’m not mistaken. It sure felt like it. Too reminiscing to not be the end. And I am so going to miss Nora and Grim, and Tanner and Monster! What an amazing series this was! So yeah, mixed emotions here.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the whole series to come.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Satisfying and Fun story

Returning to Eastwind from her headlong dash to the Earth realm, feisty Fifth Wind Witch Nora looks forward to resuming life with her true love.

In this thirteenth installment of the story of Eastwind’s witches (and other denizens of the town and the surrounding environs), I fell in love with my favorite characters all over again. When I looked at who they were in the early days of the series and see how far some of them have come, I realized that they have grown, changed, and matured into people whose lives mattered to me. They’re friends I love to visit, even if it’s for only the length of their newest adventure. And I always wish it could be for a longer time.

If you like good-hearted, strong, diverse characters that you can feel at home with, this is the series for you. Satisfying. Give-me-more. Well-written. Paranormal mysteries with great characters and inventive storylines.

I received a review copy of this book and am happy to leave a review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love is the hardest thing to master"

This book starts almost immediately after the last book in this series ended. Tanner and Nora have made it back to Eastwind and...now what!?

Everybody's acting a bit ...weird. Runner's back at work ... Ruby's busy... Nora's back at Medium Rare, and no dead bodies are around. But who in the world is Ruby talking to? And why? I refuse to spoil this book for anyone so I will not spill the beans, but this is one great read! Highly recommended 5/5

[Disclaimer:I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Gina-Dianne Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eagerly waiting for this book to be published. It is as well written as her previous books in the Eastwind Series. It begins when Nora returns from the first realm and hears Jane and a tougher Tanner yelling at Count Malavic for keeping an open portal to another realm. Things have changed in the week she was away, and it was only one day in Eastwind. Ruby, her landlady and fellow 5th wind witch and Ted, the Grim Reaper are acting strange.
A couple of days later Nora receives an anonymous ominous note in the mailbox with a threat that she had four days to fix a mix-up. Right after that she finds out who her landlady has been talking to.
These two events ease her lonlieness because Tanner has been to busy to spend time with her. Instead of finding answers in her clue search As she finds where she is to go to solve the clue, new clue appears.
There are little side stories which kept me intruiged. We find out whether Grace and Landon's baby is witch or were.
The first chapter captured my attention and I continued to read it until the book was finished. It had good pacing.
I enthusiastically recommend this book which I received as an ARC

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious messages. An unforeseen visitor. Something magical is amiss...
Fifth Wind witch Nora Ashcroft has returned to the realm where she belongs with the man she loves. But as she settles into her life in Eastwind, are things too good to be true? The anonymous and cryptic letter on her doorstep seems to confirm that suspicion
When a wholly unexpected ghost from her past drops in, Nora struggles to connect the dots between a slew of apparent coincidences. But the more she discovers, the more questions she has. And the deeper she digs, the broader a conspiracy she unearths...
Will Nora solve the mystery of the strange letters before she's caught in a dangerous web?

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins where the previous book ended. Nora returns from New Orleans with Tanner and Jane's return to Eastwind as well. Feeling lots of guilt because of Donovan's leaving and needing Tanner back in her life, Nora wants to restart her life. But is it to be when Ruby is caught speaking to a ghost with a huge attachment to Nora and her past. And Nora is sent the first of a few cryptic notes sending her on a wild clue chase only to be sent on some more. To add to that, she is being spied on, her good friends seem to be keeping secrets from her and not helping her and Tanner seems to be having little to no time to spend with her. Loneliness and depression keeps creeping up. There is so much including some side stories that keep you turning pages. I couldn't put it down once I began! I highly recommend this whole series. You will grow to really like the characters and how they've grown throughout. I don't want this series to end. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Christine Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this is not a stand along book! Please start with 'Crossing Over Easy'

For those of you who have traveled with Nora since the beginning, you'll probably rejoice that we are back in Eastwind. And if you're like me (Team Tanner) that she brought her beau Tanner with her (spoiler alert: along with someone else) from New Oleans. While people in Eastwind slowly realise what went down and rejoice in the return of Tanner and cherry pie, there's again coming to terms with "loosing" a guy, as Donovan stayed behind in NOLA.

Nora and Tanner don't get to catch up and enjoy each other much (unlike Grimm & Munchkin), since they both dive right into their normal routine and opposite schedules. So Nora has a lot of time on her hands and gets a bit gloomy until... she meets another Ghost. Not unusual you say? Well this one seems to linger around for no aparent reason! No murder to investigate; instead an unusual chase for clues, after a note was left for her, throughout town that let's us catch up with other beloved characters of Eastwind. Nora notices odd going ons and is feeling stalked....

To tell you more would spoil things for you!

This is my first book that I was graciously allowed to read ahead of publication and I love the fact that is was this adorable series!
Book 13 was not one of my favorites, but nevertheless 'need to read'. The reason I rated it lower was that I found it dragged a little at first, then I guessed at the plot and the ending seemed wrapped up too fast for my liking. While some say this ends the series, I hope they just speculate! I would love to hear some more from the Eastwind population!!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a home run!

We find Nora just coming back from New Orleans, and dealing with the fallout of being gone from Eastwind.

After a short night of rest, Nora emerges from her room to the first of many puzzling changes in all her friends, and, a few days later, mysterious notes that send her chasing all over Eastwind talking to various people.

Everyone seems to have no time to help her with the strange events, not even Ruby or her familiar, Grim. What is going on?!?!?!

With a great plotline, excellent writing, several surprising twists throughout the story and at the end, and wonderful, snarky characters (especially Grim!), Nova Nelson gives us a marvelous addition (hopefully not the finale!!) to the Eastwind Witches series. Definitely a series to enjoy!

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary, honest opinion. I loved it so much, I also bought a copy. Ms. Nelson is one of very few authors I automatically pre-order.

[Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fun Finale.

A fun final entry into this stage of Nora's life.

There is a mystery, though it is a painfully obvious one, and the mystery almost isn't the point.

Wrapping things up, most certainly is.

The most profound part of the book, is almost a side story; answering the questions surrounding the murders of Nora's parents. The answers are definitely *not* whatever you may have wondered - and I had plenty of theories - but is somehow MORE gut wrenching and tragic than anything you could have come up with.

The central mystery was painfully obvious from the beginning, but through it, we get cameos from almost all of our favourite Eastwinders.

It was a nice bow on the series.

It was, however, a bit of a pity that the previous book had been SO good, and such a return to form ... perhaps the strength of "FIRST-REALM PROBLEMS" will carry on to the next series featuring Dahlia Wildes, because it was put on hold to provide the 'happily' in this one.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome final book in this series.

I have loved this whole series of books right from the start. Nora was that awkward girl who came through the realms to east wind once she had died in her real world and she has done nothing but grown from book to book. She made mistakes with men like we did, fluffed tests that she had to do, solved the odd mystery and fell in love with Tanner. I have so enjoyed the ups and downs, the backwards and the forwards and everything in between, from Nora's near death experiences to her being happy I won't say what happens at the end but we do see her back from New Orleans with a new puzzle to solve that takes her all over East wind to find the answer she needed. I am sad this series is finished but I am excited at any other books they may appear featuring other characters or an update.

[The One Tree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binge Read Worthy.

No spoilers…

This cozy mystery series - all thirteen books - was the first binge worthy read of a series that I have had the pleasure of reading for many a year.

It was so good, I read an average of one novel per night.

What I liked: everything. The story arc was perfect as were all the side quests. Everything, and I do mean everything, tied up beautifully after each book.

There were many surprises and I loved that. Plot twists rarely catch me these days, so this was a pleasant surprise that just kept on giving.

I’m going to have to post this on the first and last book, because I read them all, but couldn’t stop to review. I just HAD to read the next book immediately.

Grab the series today - there’s a box set to begin with if you’re counting pennies.

Much love to the author, Nova, for producing such a gorgeous and enjoyable read.

[Lybo Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this 13-book series, which I read back to back & loved everyone of them. They just kept getting better until I was up in the wee-hours of the morning to see what happened next. Though the arc of the books completed happily, & the author said she was taking a much needed break, she was feeling compelled to return to Eastwind later, for more stories & to revisit the wonderful folks that live there. I'm hoping she does. Sometimes when reading this genre, I want to hit the main character for responding to others, more to take the story somewhere, than what her response should be...if that makes sense to you (such as giving no explanation instead of giving one when it would not hurt the case). But this character is smart, & gives a lot of thought to things.

I'm currently reading the Ruby True 3-book series, which is one of the characters in Eastwind.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is up in Eastwind? That's what Nora is asking herself in this latest installment of one of the best series in this Realm. Nora is noticing everybody is acting slightly off since her and Tanner's return from New Orleans. Then a mysterious note appears, "Something's amiss in Eastwind, your Insight says. Fix up the mixup, you have for days." Ummk, what's a girl to do with a message like that? Then if things can't get any stranger, Nora finds Ruby talking to an unlikely ghost and what is up with the person hiding in the bushes? And why do the owls seem to be flying one step ahead of her? Is she being overly paranoid or is there something truly amiss in Eastwind and will she be able to handle the outcome? This is a must read and one that you will truly enjoy!!

[Jill DeBellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished "Happily Hereafter" by Nova Nelson and I could not put it down. I love the couple of Nora and Tanner. I was happy to have them both back in Eastwind and getting back to their lives.
This story has them settling back into their lives and jobs but there are some strange things a foot. Nora gets a note telling her she has a mystery to solve and she only has four days to do it in but as she tries to figure it out, she is hit with an entity that was brought back from her time in New Orleans and Texas. Is it a good or bad entity and what happens to it and to Nora? What is the mysterious clue about? Are there more and if there are, what does it all mean?
I highly recommend this book but only if you have read the rest of the series.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realm You'll Want to Visit...and Live In

13th in the series, Happily Hereafter did not disappoint.
I love the series and hated waiting for the next book to be released. Characters are 3 dimensional & vary from the different flavor of witches, to long-lived elves, were-animals : tigers, bears, wolves & elk! An angel for a sheriff, a genie on the Council, and a vampire everyone loves to hate as treasurer...so much detail in every bit of the world Ms. Nelson created make this series outstanding.
If you haven't read them yet, I Highly Recommend you begin with book 1 and read your way through.
Thank you, Nova Nelson, for creating a wonderful series we readers LOVE and sharing it with us!

[Patrea Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. SPOILER

I procrastinated on this book. It took me a bit to pick this one up (so sorry Nova Nelson). I had to get back to the team Tanner mindset.

I really didn't need to procrastinate the tale had just enough of early memory and feeling from when I was Team Tanner to pull me back to the romance. He isn't seem much in the book and I think that helped me too. Reminding me of the things I liked about him, (enjoyed the introduction of his new assertiveness in the previous book), the changes he has been through and his loyalty with out trying to shove it at me. This shows Nova Nelson's talent. I was led with out minding or feeling led.

I think everyone will enjoy this cozy. It was a great ending to this story arch.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you wanted a Parks-and-Rec-type finale to this Eastwind, you got it. Everyone in Eastwind is acting strange and it's really bothering Nora. At least she's getting to spend some time with her father (even if she is a acting like a teenager around him.) The weirdness is hyped by a string of mysterious notes that seem to hint at something dire coming to town. Something that will affect Nora personally. As she moves from note to note, we get to see almost every major character (or ponder on them) from the series.
A sweet, if somewhat insubstantial, story to end the series. I skipped quite a few books in the middle (I just wanted to see how the series ended without all of the push and pull of a sort-of-love-triangle) but didn't feel like I missed anything.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Tanner have returned from New Orleans via the Count's magical portal a little happier, a little sadder and a little wiser. But something's not right in Eastwind. Nora's dead father has suddenly appeared, Tanner doesn't seem to have time for her and someone is sending her mysterious notes that have her running from one end of town to the other - and no one will help her. All was explained in due time in a way I never would have guessed - no spoilers, but it was the perfect ending! With a great cast of characters, I have thorougly enjoyed every one of Nora's adventures and would highly recommend this series!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I think this is my favorite book so far though. The storyline was immediately engaging and the characters, while quirky, are engaging as well.

Nora and Tanner are back in Eastwind and resuming their jobs and relationship. Well if they can see each other working different schedules. And Nora is trying to follow a series of clues being sent to her that have her running all over town. She’s starting to feel a bit paranoid since everywhere she goes it seems people are keeping information from her. Her bigger question though is, when can she see Tanner?

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Kathern Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Nora is back from New Orleans with Tanner. She is hoping to get settled back in and have some quality time with her man. Then she starts getting strange notes saying she has to fix something and she has only four days. The note sends her one way and their she finds another note sending her another way. What gives, this is such a conundrum. On top of everything she has an unexpected visitor that throws her for a loop.
I loved this book. It keeps you guessing. What's going on? You will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I received a review copy of this book and am very happy to leave a review.....

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was SO disappointed after the spectacular conclusion that was book 12. This one is a long, drawn-out, fake mystery. Nora's following weird clues to something, but she doesn't know what. I'm pretty sure anyone who has paid any attention will figure it out in about 3 minutes. Then you have to read the next hundred-plus pages to let Nora catch up. I get that the author didn't want to let the characters go, but this was a terribly forced effort that could have been a great 20-page epilogue to the fantastic book 12.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA

Tanner is back and now it's just for him and Nora to settle down back into Eastwind but strangely, or maybe not, things are not going quite to plan.

Firstly there's a ghostly visitor who doesn't want to go and then some rather odd letters that seem to be sending Nora back through her cases. Tanner doesn't seem to have much time or interest in helping and Nora's worried that all is still not quite right between them.

Can she unravel the mystery and will they get their HEA?

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so happy!!! This book was a little different than the usual story lines of the previous books in the series and it was wonderful!! The series needed a good change and this was it! Nora got to see someone from her past and really enjoyed the experience! Closure is a good thing. As always I hated to see the book end. It's so easy to get wrapped up in Nora's realm! Anxiously awaiting the next book!
**I received an advance copy of the book and I suggest you READ IT!

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

This series is so much fun and this addition is no exception! Nora is back in Eastwind with the love of her life but things start going wrong. Who is sending her cryptic messages? Will she be able to spend any time with her man? Is he trying to avoid her? And why has a ghost from her past shown up? None of her friends are helping her and Nora doesn't know which way to turn.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.