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Cupcakes and Sorcery #2
A Hive of Secrets and Spells
Cupcakes, romance, and lovable canines abound in Heather and Sinead’s next adventure, but it isn’t all fun and games. The girlfriends are investigating a very personal kidnapping, and the threatening notes left behind accuse Sinéad and her punk-rocker twin brother of hiding something.
But after solving their first mystery together last Christmas, this one should be a piece of cake. After all, no one’s been murdered this time, and their witch-sorcerer rivalry is a thing of the past. Except it turns out there is a murderer, and a jewel thief as well, and why on earth does everyone keep talking about bees?
It appears Starford is a lot more exciting than Heather’s home town of Old Wetchhaven, and Sinéad’s insistence that Heather move in with her brings a whiff of trouble to their private paradise. Can Heather adjust to life near the big city? Or will the mounting secrets prove too much and turn their second case into their last?
A Hive of Secrets and Spells is a witch cozy mystery with a sweet lesbian romance and heart-warming magic.
But after solving their first mystery together last Christmas, this one should be a piece of cake. After all, no one’s been murdered this time, and their witch-sorcerer rivalry is a thing of the past. Except it turns out there is a murderer, and a jewel thief as well, and why on earth does everyone keep talking about bees?
It appears Starford is a lot more exciting than Heather’s home town of Old Wetchhaven, and Sinéad’s insistence that Heather move in with her brings a whiff of trouble to their private paradise. Can Heather adjust to life near the big city? Or will the mounting secrets prove too much and turn their second case into their last?
A Hive of Secrets and Spells is a witch cozy mystery with a sweet lesbian romance and heart-warming magic.
ebook
Published October 25, 2019
6 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Jane
6 books30 followersEllen Jane (also known as E.J. Phillips) is an Australian indie author of wlw romance. She loves writing about LGBTQ women who experience complex lives, emotions, needs, and desires. Her books are written for people who crave love stories where friendship is just as important as romance, and who want to experience cosy warmth with a hint of mystery, magic, and emotion.
You can find her writing under two pen names: Ellen Jane, and E.J. Phillips. If you like light, cosy wlw romance suffused with magic and mystery, Ellen Jane is the pen name for you. If you prefer something a little heavier, and you like your wlw romance tinged with magic and tender angst, E.J. Phillips is the one you want.
You can find her at www.ellenjanephillips.com or on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr as @ellenjanewrites.
You can find her writing under two pen names: Ellen Jane, and E.J. Phillips. If you like light, cosy wlw romance suffused with magic and mystery, Ellen Jane is the pen name for you. If you prefer something a little heavier, and you like your wlw romance tinged with magic and tender angst, E.J. Phillips is the one you want.
You can find her at www.ellenjanephillips.com or on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr as @ellenjanewrites.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 8, 2020
This is the second book in a cozy mystery series that stars witches, sorcerers, and magic.
I remember enjoying the first read but found myself bored with this one. I think it’s because the leads, who are in a relationship with each other, were distant in a lot of ways so the spark fizzled. There’s a point where the author acknowledges this through the characters admitting it but, eh, I wasn’t too invested. It’s also been a long while since I read the first book so that didn’t help.
Despite my reaction, it’s a cute read and, for those who like cozy mysteries, I would say to give it a try. Definitely read the first book in the series beforehand though.
I remember enjoying the first read but found myself bored with this one. I think it’s because the leads, who are in a relationship with each other, were distant in a lot of ways so the spark fizzled. There’s a point where the author acknowledges this through the characters admitting it but, eh, I wasn’t too invested. It’s also been a long while since I read the first book so that didn’t help.
Despite my reaction, it’s a cute read and, for those who like cozy mysteries, I would say to give it a try. Definitely read the first book in the series beforehand though.
October 23, 2019
A Hive of Secrets and Spells is very different from the other crime books I’ve been reading lately, and it’s nice to change from time to time. There’s nothing creepy about it but it still takes the reader on unexpected paths and I thought the plot was quite well written. It’s exactly as a cozy mystery should be, with an atmosphere reminiscent of Murder, She Wrote or, more recently, My Life Is Murder (yeah, I had to mention Lucy Lawless at some point) but with magic and lesbians.
Heather has a lot on her mind. In a perfect case of no good deed going unpunished (as a poster in my grandparents’ room used to claim), she’s in trouble for having solved a murder without a license just before Christmas (in Magic, Murder & Mistletoe); her girlfriend Sinéad wants her to move in with her but she doesn’t want to leave Old Wetchhaven; and on top of that their phones are acting strange, resulting in her losing the last ever voicemail her parents have left her. She also feels her magic isn’t strong or useful enough. In a word, she feels like a failure. Then Sinéad gets a letter from someone claiming to be her long-lost brother announcing the parents she’s never known have been kidnapped.
Magic, Murder & Mistletoe was a nice introduction to Heather and Sinéad and the world they live in. It had a cute YA/NA feel that remains in this sequel, but this story is more complex and delves deeper. It’s a story of personal growth, mostly Heather’s, who learns to believe in herself and to succeed by herself while still being part of a team. Speaking of team, I really like Cian, the brother, and hope we’ll get to see more of him in future instalments.
I received a copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heather has a lot on her mind. In a perfect case of no good deed going unpunished (as a poster in my grandparents’ room used to claim), she’s in trouble for having solved a murder without a license just before Christmas (in Magic, Murder & Mistletoe); her girlfriend Sinéad wants her to move in with her but she doesn’t want to leave Old Wetchhaven; and on top of that their phones are acting strange, resulting in her losing the last ever voicemail her parents have left her. She also feels her magic isn’t strong or useful enough. In a word, she feels like a failure. Then Sinéad gets a letter from someone claiming to be her long-lost brother announcing the parents she’s never known have been kidnapped.
Magic, Murder & Mistletoe was a nice introduction to Heather and Sinéad and the world they live in. It had a cute YA/NA feel that remains in this sequel, but this story is more complex and delves deeper. It’s a story of personal growth, mostly Heather’s, who learns to believe in herself and to succeed by herself while still being part of a team. Speaking of team, I really like Cian, the brother, and hope we’ll get to see more of him in future instalments.
I received a copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2021
Ehh, i came to enjoyed this series very much! I like how Ellen Jane can laid out the story, with cases that seem to connected to each other but also it seems not. The mysterious that involved in this story really got me hook. Though the story is not really focus much on the romance between 2 MCs but they are still sweet and entertain enjoy and really blended in well to the story.
Though there were parts that kind of ticked me off abit was that Cian and Sinead was easily dismissed some of the comments that people they had interviewed had said and regarding them as just being weird.
All in all, i quite enjoy this book.
4.5
Though there were parts that kind of ticked me off abit was that Cian and Sinead was easily dismissed some of the comments that people they had interviewed had said and regarding them as just being weird.
All in all, i quite enjoy this book.
4.5
December 29, 2020
A full story sequel of Magic, Murder & Mistletoe both available on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed this full cosy mystery and reconnecting with Heather and Sinead once again, and their magical abilities.
Their relationship has progressed and they spend as much time as they can together, Sinead wants Heather to move in with her officially and stay in the city - but Heather is reluctant to leave her small country town where she was raised by her parents, who have now passed.
She is essentially still grieving and finding herself resistant to change because of it. Which was a very touching thread throughout the book. Family and choices was another big theme, too. Sinead connects with the twin brother she never knew she had, and the mystery of the disappearance of their parents that gave them up.
There's also a theme of bees and beekeeping involved. It really had a lot of full elements that combined to make for a really interesting story and intriguing characters.
I would love to see more from Sinead and Heather and their magical abilities. Heather's own abilities are evolving more, and the way in which her bread dough manifests weather was amusing to me!
I really enjoyed this full cosy mystery and reconnecting with Heather and Sinead once again, and their magical abilities.
Their relationship has progressed and they spend as much time as they can together, Sinead wants Heather to move in with her officially and stay in the city - but Heather is reluctant to leave her small country town where she was raised by her parents, who have now passed.
She is essentially still grieving and finding herself resistant to change because of it. Which was a very touching thread throughout the book. Family and choices was another big theme, too. Sinead connects with the twin brother she never knew she had, and the mystery of the disappearance of their parents that gave them up.
There's also a theme of bees and beekeeping involved. It really had a lot of full elements that combined to make for a really interesting story and intriguing characters.
I would love to see more from Sinead and Heather and their magical abilities. Heather's own abilities are evolving more, and the way in which her bread dough manifests weather was amusing to me!
May 18, 2022
I thought this second book in the series was a lot of fun, and while the romantic relationship between the two MCs isn't as thrilling as it was in book one, I felt it was an appropriate next step. I really enjoyed seeing there be some questioning of the relationship without unneeded angst over it. It felt a lot more realistic than similar circumstances in other fiction I've read, and I loved the change. The mystery part was enjoyable (and within reach of the reader to figure out alongside MC Heather), and I do enjoy the magic system in this universe. I hope we get another book in the series, because I'm having fun with it.
October 26, 2019
Full disclosure, I have not read the first book in this series. That being said though, it isn't required but it would increase appreciation of certain references and character relationships. I didn't feel like I was missing or not understanding things as I read.
This was a fun mystery read. I genuinely had no guess about "who-dun-it" the whole way through.
The main character heather was interesting and I enjoyed following her through the story. I don't feel like I got to know her girlfriend Sinéad as well, but I attribute that to not having read the previous book. She was still also interesting. We also get to meet several new people in this story as well whom I liked a great deal. (Not mentioning names for spoiler reasons.)
I do admit for a bit the mystery aspect seemed a wee bit convoluted. There was a lot happening and a lot of names floating around at once. I would get a little disoriented a couple of times, but the author does a pretty good job of stepping back with the characters to keep sorting through information and take us a step closer to the answers.
Overall a fun read if you enjoy mysteries without much attention to things like romance. If given the opportunity, I would do yourself a favor and pick up book 1 first.
This was a fun mystery read. I genuinely had no guess about "who-dun-it" the whole way through.
The main character heather was interesting and I enjoyed following her through the story. I don't feel like I got to know her girlfriend Sinéad as well, but I attribute that to not having read the previous book. She was still also interesting. We also get to meet several new people in this story as well whom I liked a great deal. (Not mentioning names for spoiler reasons.)
I do admit for a bit the mystery aspect seemed a wee bit convoluted. There was a lot happening and a lot of names floating around at once. I would get a little disoriented a couple of times, but the author does a pretty good job of stepping back with the characters to keep sorting through information and take us a step closer to the answers.
Overall a fun read if you enjoy mysteries without much attention to things like romance. If given the opportunity, I would do yourself a favor and pick up book 1 first.
April 7, 2024
This was the sequel to the Magic, Murder, & Mistletoe I read. Parts of this felt more real, and more fleshed out. The girls trying to figure out if they want to live together, the mystery I liked, sort of, the fact that they are realizing that there is no difference between Witches and Sorcerers (which is great, because this "magic system" isn't explained AT ALL so like, I had no idea what any of that meant in the first book anyway). But a big point of this story is a weird "hey, here's my long-lost-didn't-know-he-existed brother, we were BOTH given away by our parents, and don't know them, let's try to help them now" but like, WHY WERE THESE KIDS GIVEN AWAY and HOW DID IT NOT MESS THEM UP MORE? WHy didn't they know each other at all? When they confront their parents, who NOW HAVE ANOTHER KID, they aren't even like, upset? They were in an orphanage for no reason that's explained really, not in depth, I think there's like one line about it, and they are like "ok, well I turned out fine, and we all met eventually, so whatever". It's also sort of there but not fleshed out at all that the girlfriend of the one who grew up without a family ALSO no longer has parents - I guess they died or something? She mentions not wanting to give up her house because it was where she was at home with her family who I guess are... gone or something? The problem with these books usually is that something super important is like, mentioned once in one line, and even though it makes up a huge part of the characters or the plot, it's never woven back into anything they do or think about ever again, so you forget that detail. Then things seem like they make no sense. Anyway. Again, there is zero sex in this one. And, honestly, no romance... and not much angst either... this is basically a cozy mystery with some queer characters, I guess. I think you could read this almost as a standalone. I don't know if I liked it more or less than the other one... so I'll give it the same, 2.5/5
April 29, 2020
Such fun!!!
Heather and her girlfriend Sinead are solving yet another mystery following Sinead and her twin brother receiving threatening notes. Piecing together all the clues, and finding the answers leads them on a route of investigation and encountering some very unique characters indeed, but in the end will all the secrets that are unravelled during their exploration change the way they live their lives now.
For a mystery this magical story was a lot of fun, light-hearted even though dealing with dark subjects. The mystery was surrounded by wonderful magical traits that meant as a reader you were totally mystified by what it might all mean, and what it would lead to. It was that magic element that brought relief to the darker nature of crime that builds the story. All that light touch of magic here and there lightened the mood and added a comedy element.
Having not read the first book in the series, I was concerned I might not understand this story as it is a sequel but it gave a great amount of detail to make it perfectly acceptable as a standalone story. I think this is a series I could totally get into, and I am very interested in reading not only the first book in the series, but any follow ups to come. It had a nice cosy warm feel to the way the characters felt like a little family, and Heather and Sinead have a great chemistry. They work well as a team for their business, and are cute when stealing a little romantic moment.
A very enjoyable read, and I definitely recommend giving it a go for romance fans and mystery/magical fans alike. This will fill you with a little happiness.
Heather and her girlfriend Sinead are solving yet another mystery following Sinead and her twin brother receiving threatening notes. Piecing together all the clues, and finding the answers leads them on a route of investigation and encountering some very unique characters indeed, but in the end will all the secrets that are unravelled during their exploration change the way they live their lives now.
For a mystery this magical story was a lot of fun, light-hearted even though dealing with dark subjects. The mystery was surrounded by wonderful magical traits that meant as a reader you were totally mystified by what it might all mean, and what it would lead to. It was that magic element that brought relief to the darker nature of crime that builds the story. All that light touch of magic here and there lightened the mood and added a comedy element.
Having not read the first book in the series, I was concerned I might not understand this story as it is a sequel but it gave a great amount of detail to make it perfectly acceptable as a standalone story. I think this is a series I could totally get into, and I am very interested in reading not only the first book in the series, but any follow ups to come. It had a nice cosy warm feel to the way the characters felt like a little family, and Heather and Sinead have a great chemistry. They work well as a team for their business, and are cute when stealing a little romantic moment.
A very enjoyable read, and I definitely recommend giving it a go for romance fans and mystery/magical fans alike. This will fill you with a little happiness.
dnf
May 24, 2020DNF @ 33%
If I had any good reasons to continue reading this last night I've forgotten them by now.
If I had any good reasons to continue reading this last night I've forgotten them by now.
November 14, 2025
Hmm I am not sure if I liked this book better than the first one or not.
January 2, 2022
It made me really happy when I finished rereading Magic, Murder and Mistletoe that there was a second book with with Heather and Sinead and then really happy to read this one and then really happy that the ending suggests a third book in the future. I loved seeing the way Heather and Sinead's relationship developed and Heather's personal raincloud was a wonderful bit of magic. Looking forward to (hopefully) more!
December 7, 2019
I love this series so much. It feels like fresh baked cookies, a loaf of bread cooling on the counter, and the perfect cup of tea. Everything about Ellen Jane's world and characters is like a warm hug and you can't help but smile as you read. I loved this second installment in the Cupcakes and Sorcery series, where the magic expands even more. The magic surrounding the bee keepers left me breathless with the beautiful atmospheric mood and the mystery kept me guessing until the thrilling reveal and conclusion. The imagery in this book really packs a punch, I could easily picture the scenes unfolding and felt as if I was walking through the gardens with the characters. The other thing I absolutely adore about this series is the themes of found family! It's beautifully done and I love watching Heather fall more in love with Sinéad and meeting Cian was such a treat!
October 30, 2019
Secret letters, stolen jewels, storm clouds, and your girlfriend pops the question! Thank goodness her family has been kidnapped before you have to answer.
It has been a few months since you have seen Heather and Sinéad. Heather is visiting Sinéad and they are enjoying their time together, when mysterious events start to happen. At first the ladies do not absorb the impact of the happenings as they are just experiencing life together. Sinéad likes it so much she asks Heather to move in with her, which throws her into a tither. From then on the mysterious events seem to bloom into bigger objects. The culmination being the appearance and kidnapping of Sinéad’s family that she has never met.
This leads the two leadies to Sinéad’s brother, Cian, who joins them on their quest to find out who is behind the threats. No one is telling the truth and a split forms between Sinéad and Heather as to the road best travelled. Both ladies have different ideas and not just on the case. The path to success in freeing Sinéad’s family and the happily ever after might take more than witchery or sorcery can do.
If this is what a “cozy mystery” is - then sign me up for more Ellen Jane! I loved Heather and Sinéad. I think Cian is a hoot and holler and I definitely think the introduction of his family is going to bring a great secondary cast of characters for the future. I do not think we have heard the last of Mr. Branson. There is something very fishy there. I automatically adored Ms. Watley. I do not think I have been this excited about secondary characters since G.R. Browda and Gloria Morris’ crew.
As for Heather and Sinéad, I confess I have not read book one of their romance and I need to before I can write a full commentary on it. I will say at this point, it seems a little shaky. They both seem to go into themselves when there is an issue and not communicate very well. The mystery does make up for the lack of romance though. It had twists and turns and I did not guess the murderer. Or should I say I did not guess the entire plot which makes it an excellent mystery. I am definitely going back to get cozy with Ellen Jane.
I received an ARC of this book from A Novel Take Promotions and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
It has been a few months since you have seen Heather and Sinéad. Heather is visiting Sinéad and they are enjoying their time together, when mysterious events start to happen. At first the ladies do not absorb the impact of the happenings as they are just experiencing life together. Sinéad likes it so much she asks Heather to move in with her, which throws her into a tither. From then on the mysterious events seem to bloom into bigger objects. The culmination being the appearance and kidnapping of Sinéad’s family that she has never met.
This leads the two leadies to Sinéad’s brother, Cian, who joins them on their quest to find out who is behind the threats. No one is telling the truth and a split forms between Sinéad and Heather as to the road best travelled. Both ladies have different ideas and not just on the case. The path to success in freeing Sinéad’s family and the happily ever after might take more than witchery or sorcery can do.
If this is what a “cozy mystery” is - then sign me up for more Ellen Jane! I loved Heather and Sinéad. I think Cian is a hoot and holler and I definitely think the introduction of his family is going to bring a great secondary cast of characters for the future. I do not think we have heard the last of Mr. Branson. There is something very fishy there. I automatically adored Ms. Watley. I do not think I have been this excited about secondary characters since G.R. Browda and Gloria Morris’ crew.
As for Heather and Sinéad, I confess I have not read book one of their romance and I need to before I can write a full commentary on it. I will say at this point, it seems a little shaky. They both seem to go into themselves when there is an issue and not communicate very well. The mystery does make up for the lack of romance though. It had twists and turns and I did not guess the murderer. Or should I say I did not guess the entire plot which makes it an excellent mystery. I am definitely going back to get cozy with Ellen Jane.
I received an ARC of this book from A Novel Take Promotions and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
October 26, 2019
This is the second book in this series, and it does follow up from the events of the first. However, I don't know that I would say that it absolutely couldn't be read as a standalone, but I wouldn't really want to.
Once again, Heather and Sinéad are back to being investigators. Only this time, it's personal, and complications abound. Heather is being investigated for working above her certification back at Christmas, Sinéad is pressuring her to move in with her in the city, and she still hasn't dealt with the grief of losing her parents.
At the same time, Sinéad has received a letter from a man claiming to be her brother, and that her parents, who abandoned them both as infants, have been taken and the kidnappers believe she and this brother have taken something. Upon meeting Cian, who couldn't be any more different from Sinéad, they learn they are twins.
The investigation leads them to jewel thieves, murder, and a disgruntled garden witch. Eventually, they even learn about an affair. The only thing they keep coming back to is that their parents are well loved and dependable in their profession; which happens to involve bee magic. In fact, everywhere they turn, it seems bees are important in this community.
Throughout the story, the three become closer, and learn more secrets. When Sinéad thinks she has it figured out, against Heather's beliefs, she sets out on her own. Now, it's just Heather and Cian working other angles of the case. Heather used what she learned at Christmas to help figure this mystery out as well. She is able to set her plan in motion, using her tenuous connection with Sinéad to contact her, and she uses her magic to put the puzzle together.
By the end of the story, the investigation has been solved, and Sinéad has a new choice to make, either now or in the future. But while Heather was on her own, she came to some realizations of her own. So, for now, the ladies and Cian have a happily ever after...at least until the next book comes out; if the author continues with the series.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Once again, Heather and Sinéad are back to being investigators. Only this time, it's personal, and complications abound. Heather is being investigated for working above her certification back at Christmas, Sinéad is pressuring her to move in with her in the city, and she still hasn't dealt with the grief of losing her parents.
At the same time, Sinéad has received a letter from a man claiming to be her brother, and that her parents, who abandoned them both as infants, have been taken and the kidnappers believe she and this brother have taken something. Upon meeting Cian, who couldn't be any more different from Sinéad, they learn they are twins.
The investigation leads them to jewel thieves, murder, and a disgruntled garden witch. Eventually, they even learn about an affair. The only thing they keep coming back to is that their parents are well loved and dependable in their profession; which happens to involve bee magic. In fact, everywhere they turn, it seems bees are important in this community.
Throughout the story, the three become closer, and learn more secrets. When Sinéad thinks she has it figured out, against Heather's beliefs, she sets out on her own. Now, it's just Heather and Cian working other angles of the case. Heather used what she learned at Christmas to help figure this mystery out as well. She is able to set her plan in motion, using her tenuous connection with Sinéad to contact her, and she uses her magic to put the puzzle together.
By the end of the story, the investigation has been solved, and Sinéad has a new choice to make, either now or in the future. But while Heather was on her own, she came to some realizations of her own. So, for now, the ladies and Cian have a happily ever after...at least until the next book comes out; if the author continues with the series.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
October 29, 2019
Where do I even start?
A Hive of Secrets and Spells is a beautiful cozy murder mystery, and I have to say I have never been so delighted to get my hands on such a novel. I adored the first book in this series, and how Ellen Jane was able to write and craft such a beautifully aesthetically lyrical story about Heather and Sinead and their relationship turning romantic. Then in this one, it's not only just about the two lady's but more than that -- it's about family.
There's definitely some hardships to be had, Heather overcoming the loss of the last voicemail she will never have of her parents, Sinead finding out that she has a twin brother and how their birth parents are in danger, and all of those feelings are perfectly woven together into this brilliant story. Without giving much away, Ellen is able to manage to bring together character development, a little murder mystery, and some family drama without it being overwrought or cheesy.
I cackled so many times while reading this novel, and I have to admit that it was such an enticing quick read that I have stayed up almost all night to finish it. And that's the beauty about Ellen's craft is that she is able to lure the reader into her tiny world and just keep you there. The magic is beautifully crafted and interwoven without being too in the reader's face, and it's not too complicated to make you dizzy. I adored the interactions of Cian and Sinead, and in the end really loved how the girlfriends managed to find a home within each other.
Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and even though this is a little mystery novel, I found myself crying when both Heather and Sinead realized their families were found in each other and beyond. What a lovely read, and I highly recommend it for anyone who just wants to hunker down for an afternoon/evening and get lost in the cozy world of Cupcakes and Sorcery.
A Hive of Secrets and Spells is a beautiful cozy murder mystery, and I have to say I have never been so delighted to get my hands on such a novel. I adored the first book in this series, and how Ellen Jane was able to write and craft such a beautifully aesthetically lyrical story about Heather and Sinead and their relationship turning romantic. Then in this one, it's not only just about the two lady's but more than that -- it's about family.
There's definitely some hardships to be had, Heather overcoming the loss of the last voicemail she will never have of her parents, Sinead finding out that she has a twin brother and how their birth parents are in danger, and all of those feelings are perfectly woven together into this brilliant story. Without giving much away, Ellen is able to manage to bring together character development, a little murder mystery, and some family drama without it being overwrought or cheesy.
I cackled so many times while reading this novel, and I have to admit that it was such an enticing quick read that I have stayed up almost all night to finish it. And that's the beauty about Ellen's craft is that she is able to lure the reader into her tiny world and just keep you there. The magic is beautifully crafted and interwoven without being too in the reader's face, and it's not too complicated to make you dizzy. I adored the interactions of Cian and Sinead, and in the end really loved how the girlfriends managed to find a home within each other.
Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and even though this is a little mystery novel, I found myself crying when both Heather and Sinead realized their families were found in each other and beyond. What a lovely read, and I highly recommend it for anyone who just wants to hunker down for an afternoon/evening and get lost in the cozy world of Cupcakes and Sorcery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2019
What I Think: Being a sequel, we are dropped in the middle of the budding relationship been Sinead and Heather but it looks like things aren’t smooth as either of them would like. Only for unknown family to come crawling out of the woodwork and leading them to another dangerous investigation. Heather keeps noticing things that aren’t there, as though older images are superimposed on recent images but can’t figure out what’s going on. As is the case with most smart people, she doesn’t think she’s smart enough to use her powers for detective work and constantly places herself below the lover she finds so beautiful and useful.
But she and Sinead are cut from such different cloth that it could spell trouble for their relationship and Heather’s insecurities and anxiety over cliche situations almost make her lose sight of what really counts.
Sinead is poised and not so forthcoming with her emotions but the times she does voice them let’s you see the warm and realistic nature that Heather is so attracted too. And yet Heather is intelligent with a natural touch for figuring things out, no matter how muddled they may be. Once she let’s go of her insecurities, she and Sinead form a formidable team with Heather (surprisingly) taking the lead. It ends on a cliffhanger that made me chuckle even as I searched for both the prequel and sequel. It can definitely be read as a standalone but if you would like to see how they got together, I suggest you pick up the first part
Verdict? A heartwarming tale set in a town where magic is real!
But she and Sinead are cut from such different cloth that it could spell trouble for their relationship and Heather’s insecurities and anxiety over cliche situations almost make her lose sight of what really counts.
Sinead is poised and not so forthcoming with her emotions but the times she does voice them let’s you see the warm and realistic nature that Heather is so attracted too. And yet Heather is intelligent with a natural touch for figuring things out, no matter how muddled they may be. Once she let’s go of her insecurities, she and Sinead form a formidable team with Heather (surprisingly) taking the lead. It ends on a cliffhanger that made me chuckle even as I searched for both the prequel and sequel. It can definitely be read as a standalone but if you would like to see how they got together, I suggest you pick up the first part
Verdict? A heartwarming tale set in a town where magic is real!
October 23, 2019
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then A Hive of Secrets and Spells, the second novel in the Cupcakes and Sorcery series by Ellen Jane, will be right up your alley.
Being in Starford with Sinéad was supposed to be a vacation for Heather. They are still getting to know each other's quirks and enjoying the newness of their relationship when crime strikes again in the form of a jewel thief and a murderer. This should be easy after the case they handled last Christmas. Right? Toss Cian, Sinéad's twin brother, into the mix and it couldn't get anymore complicated for the pair.
What I loved about A Hive of Secrets and Spells is the fact that it is a cozy mystery! I honestly think this is the first cozy mystery I've read in the LGBTQ genre. Heather and Sinéad feel real. Heather battled with not being the stereotypical "U-Haul" lesbian throughout the novel. Sinéad very much marched to the beat of her own drum. I feel like they leveled each other out. Heather and Sinéad continued to develop and grow. We learned more about their past and how it influenced their actions now. It made me believe there would be a realistic future in the cards for them.
The secondary characters were phenomenal. It's not often I can say that, but Cian? He was so unique, sassy, and one hundred percent himself. I can't wait to read more about him. I could hear his voice in my head and he had me cracking up at certain points. The bees? Well they were very important and I don't want to spoil it for you, but they were very much a character to keep an eye on.
Being in Starford with Sinéad was supposed to be a vacation for Heather. They are still getting to know each other's quirks and enjoying the newness of their relationship when crime strikes again in the form of a jewel thief and a murderer. This should be easy after the case they handled last Christmas. Right? Toss Cian, Sinéad's twin brother, into the mix and it couldn't get anymore complicated for the pair.
What I loved about A Hive of Secrets and Spells is the fact that it is a cozy mystery! I honestly think this is the first cozy mystery I've read in the LGBTQ genre. Heather and Sinéad feel real. Heather battled with not being the stereotypical "U-Haul" lesbian throughout the novel. Sinéad very much marched to the beat of her own drum. I feel like they leveled each other out. Heather and Sinéad continued to develop and grow. We learned more about their past and how it influenced their actions now. It made me believe there would be a realistic future in the cards for them.
The secondary characters were phenomenal. It's not often I can say that, but Cian? He was so unique, sassy, and one hundred percent himself. I can't wait to read more about him. I could hear his voice in my head and he had me cracking up at certain points. The bees? Well they were very important and I don't want to spoil it for you, but they were very much a character to keep an eye on.
October 27, 2019
Enjoyable!
I haven't read the previous book, however it didn't affect my reading of A Hive of Secrets and Spells.
I liked Heather and Sinead and enjoyed finding out how the mystery unravels. Cian was a great character too!
I haven't read the previous book, however it didn't affect my reading of A Hive of Secrets and Spells.
I liked Heather and Sinead and enjoyed finding out how the mystery unravels. Cian was a great character too!
October 26, 2019
As the second book in this wonderful series, I expected a light reading about mystery, magic and some mischief. But what I didn’t count on was the amazing way in which the author managed the evolution of characters. Now I found a strength couple that loved each other, and that reached the familiarity of being together for some time. Heather and Sinéad kept amazing me as a couple and even after some light conflict they finished as close as ever. Loved the story, the plot and the characters. A wonderful reading to spend a nice free time.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
October 29, 2019
This is a new to me author and the second in the series.
While it might be necessary for some to read the fist book, I was able to get enough information to understand the previous story.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
There was magic and a mystery to solve that was interwoven with familial issues and trying to navigate a growing relationship.
I was blown away away with the author's ability to imbue such realism into her characters.
All through my reading, I felt as though these characters could be friends or family.
Great world building and at the end we're left with the possible hint for the next book.
While it might be necessary for some to read the fist book, I was able to get enough information to understand the previous story.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
There was magic and a mystery to solve that was interwoven with familial issues and trying to navigate a growing relationship.
I was blown away away with the author's ability to imbue such realism into her characters.
All through my reading, I felt as though these characters could be friends or family.
Great world building and at the end we're left with the possible hint for the next book.
March 21, 2021
Heather and Sinéad have now been together for a few months and they are still getting to know each other. They have gotten much closer, but they still need to learn to share their burdens/stresses with each other. A new mystery gets dumped on their doorstep and Sinéad has to come to terms with the family that abandoned her as a baby. She meets her twin brother, and I loved him as a character. The mystery was interesting and I like the girls working together. They really compliment each other well.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
October 29, 2019
I love these cozy mystery books! What a great story and lovely characters. I haven’t read the first book but I will. You will not be disappointed reading!
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