Storm Born

The Witches of Wheeler Park #1

by Christine Pope

Love can strike like lightning — but so can trouble.

Lightning doesn’t just strike twice for Adara Grant. It strikes all the time. She suffers a setback; the heavens open up. She gets bullied; a tornado flattens a barn. Addie’s mother has always found an excuse to move before whispers and stares morph into pitchforks, but Addie suspects there’s a connection.

She just doesn’t know how. Or why.

Jake Wilcox is a witch hunter — for a good cause. His pet project is a powerful data-mining program that detects lone witches when their gifts manifest, thus bringing these “orphaned” witches under the Wilcox clan’s protection.

When Jake follows a lead to tiny, remote Kanab, Utah, he discovers a young witch as wild and beautiful as a desert storm. But he’s not the only witch hunter in town, and in an instant, Jake and Addie are on the run from someone hungry to use her gift for evil.

Addie finds a new home and protection with the Wilcox clan, but as danger closes in like an icy storm front, she faces a heartbreaking choice to protect her newfound family — and the man she’s coming to love.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Ebooks, Urban Fantasy, Witches

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2020

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Lyndi W. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bunch of witches pretending they know what they're doing going up against a black ops government agency, repetitious angst, and a painfully stupid "I'm leaving you to save you" cliffhanger. What a waste of time.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 CRANKY STARS


I thought this was a very entertaining story. It has a well written plot and likeable characters. If you are a fan of mystery, romance, fantasy, suspense and/or crime, this is the book for you. It has it all and then some. Witches are the fantasy element and it takes place in modern day Utah and Arizona.


Unfortunately, it is a common theme now. Young girl turns ten and starts to manifest strange powers. Her mother knows little about her father’s family, so they tried to hide those powers. Thus, they must flee from town to town. Now in her twenties, things seem to go well until they do not. Meanwhile, in Flagstaff, Arizona there is a family of witches looking for any wild magic users. They want to rescue them and teach them to control the magic. When Adara Grant’s magic was set off by stress, she could not control it. Bingo she showed up on Jake Wilcox’s tracking unit. However, she showed up on a special tracker on Homeland Security’s special unit for tracking magical people. The race begins. Who will win and what will happen to this vulnerable young girl?


The author says in her notes that there are two more books and since I am hooked now, I’ll be watching. All ages can enjoy this book.

[Connie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love can strike like lightning — but so can trouble.
Lightning doesn’t just strike twice for Adara Grant. It strikes all the time. She suffers a setback; the heavens open up. She gets bullied; a tornado flattens a barn. Addie’s mother has always found an excuse to move before whispers and stares morph into pitchforks, but Addie suspects there’s a connection.

She just doesn’t know how. Or why.

Jake Wilcox is a witch hunter — for a good cause. His pet project is a powerful data-mining program that detects lone witches when their gifts manifest, thus bringing these “orphaned” witches under the Wilcox clan’s protection.

When Jake follows a lead to tiny, remote Kanab, Utah, he discovers a young witch as wild and beautiful as a desert storm. But he’s not the only witch hunter in town, and in an instant, Jake and Addie are on the run from someone hungry to use her gift for evil.

Addie finds a new home and protection with the Wilcox clan, but as danger closes in like an icy storm front, she faces a heartbreaking choice to protect her newfound family — and the man she’s coming to love.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/13/2021)! 🎁

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake finally got the go ahead for his project from the Wilcox Primus. With the aid of his brother and cousin, they have algorithms set up to help locate witches out in the civilian world who do not know of their magical background, for one reason or another. He didn't exactly expect to get a hit a few days after going live!

Adara and her mother have been on the move pretty much constantly since she turned 11. When she gets upset bad weather tends to follow. When she gets the bad news that her University can't help with financing her last year, her mini meltdown brings more than bad weather - it also brings the Feds! Thankfully her 2nd unexpected guest helps her out of a sticky situation but note before she suffers a horrific loss.

How will she take the news that her abilities are of the witchy variety? Can she really tame these powers that have gone unchecked for so long?

OMG, I'm loving this new offshoot of Canyon Road Witches. Adara is the perfect blend of magically naïve and feisty but with a very strong sense of protecting others, even at her own expense. I loved that even when all things Wilcox were getting thrown at her she kept her core values. Jake is also a strong and engaging character, having suffered his own loss. I'm really intrigued to know more about Agent Ass (well that's what I'm calling him!) and how he landed onto the possibility of people with powers?!??!

Be aware there is sneaky cliffhanger!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Born by Christine Pope is the first book in the author’s new series The Witches of Wheeler Park.
Imagine you’re an only child. Your biological father doesn’t even know you have been born. You’re 24 and you seem to be stuck in dead end jobs. But you’re with your mother who is also your best friend. And things happen when you get upset. Things with the weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes. So you move. A lot.
Now imagine that one day a man comes and tells you you have special powers and you must go with him. And then another man shows up and says you have to go with him. And then there’s a fight and things go terribly wrong and your mother gets shot right before your eyes.
Well, that’s how this book starts! Adara Grant is a witch and doesn’t know it. She knows her father’s name is Jackson Wilcox (ring any bells with readers of the author’s other series?), but not much more than that.
So Jake Wilcox, her rescuer from Agent Randall Alan Lenz, Homeland Security, has several missions: keep Addie safe, introduce her to her half-brother, and help her get settled. And maybe fall in love.
You will have to read the book to find out how he does on each of those! Will Addie ever really be safe?
This was a great read from one of my favorite authors! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG…Christine Pope has done it again. “Storm Born” Book 1 of The Witches of Wheeler Park is a brand-new series involving her beloved Witch/Warlock Clans. This time Christine has created a new twist to her Witching World. Finding Orphan Witches or Lone Witches that were born outside a witch clan and have no idea about who they are or how to control their gifts when it begins to manifest. This book is the start of an amazing new series that deals with Jake Wilcox, the Wilcox Clan’s Witch Hunter, and how he locates his first orphaned witch, Adara (Addie) Grant. Addie could never understand why foul weather always seems to manifest whenever she has severe emotional trauma. Her young life has been nothing but many changes of homes in countless towns and cities so that she and her mother could stay ahead of any problems created by Addie’s inclement weather chaos. Of course, there always a villain hiding in the background which make the various outcomes in this tale exciting and suspenseful. Even though this is a cliff hanger it becomes very inducing to read “Storm Born” in anticipation of Book 2 “Thunder Road” due in June 2020. I recommend highly that you begin this brand-new series with Book 1. I definitely loved it.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since she was a little girl every time Adara Grant gets upset bad things start to happen. When Adara gets upset a storm starts brewing. But when she gets real mad, a tornado sweeps in and destroys everything in its path. Every time one of these little storms kicks up Adara’s mother would move them to another town before everyone started to talk.

One morning when Adara and her mother are getting ready to start their day a man pops in. Agent Lenz wants to enter Adara into a program for people like her with magical powers. Adara wants no part of this man and right in the middle of her trying to explain to Agent Lenz that she is not going anywhere with him another man Jake Wilcox who is also looking for Adara shows up. Adara opens the door to the best looking man she has ever laid eyes on.

When Adara opened the door Jake quickly accessed the situation around him. He could see right away that something was not quite right as Adara looked as if she did not want to go with the man who had a hold of her arm and trying to force her out the door. This man claims to be an agent working for the government.

Well somewhere right here is where Adara loses it and the weather turns nasty. Her mother comes out to help Adara and things turn bad and everything is in chaos. Afterwards Adara finds herself on the run with this handsome man Jake hiding out from Agent Lenz.

After rescuing Adara from the agent Jake takes her back to his home to live with his family among their coven. The coven and Jake’s family will help protect Adara while helping her control her powers. While Adara is staying with Jake and the coven she learns a lot about whom and what she is.

Agent Lenz is a very determined man and will not give up until he finds her. He is relentless in his search for Adara and Jake. Agent Lenz has a lot of people working with him in his search for Jake and Adara.

Storm Born started out with a bang and never let up. Once I picked it up I couldn’t lay it down again until I had read the last page. Storm Born started out with action that kept the pages turning. As I have mentioned there was plenty of action, danger and suspense. Storm Born is a great introduction into a whole new world of witches and magic. The story and the world building were fantastic as well as the characters. The words just flew off the pages. Christine made you feel as if you knew the characters as if you had been best friends forever. You wanted to laugh when they did and cry when they did.

Storm Born drew me in so deeply that lost the world around me and I could see the storms brewing over head. I could see the clouds as they started to gather and change colors it was awesomely amazing. I can’t wait to see what the next book in The Witches of Wheeler Park has in store for us.

I would like to recommend Storm Born to all fans of witches, magic, romance and the paranormal world. One click your copy today to begin this amazing story.

[Anna Battista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Born is book 1 of Christine’s new spin-off series from the Witches of Cleopatra series that involves several witch clans that initially did not interact. The first series introduced many of the clans while the first spin-off concentrated on one particular clan. Storm Born concentrates at yet another clan from the original series. Jake Wilcox wants to find lone witches that may not have any idea of their powers or a mentor that helps them develop their power without causing damage. Storm Born introduces Adara, who has the power to control the weather, but unfortunately, her power is out of control. So Adara and her mother keep moving to various new towns when Adara unintentionally causes storms with severe consequences. As the story opens, two groups are trying to find her, obviously one “bad” and one “good.” I don’t want to spoil the story, but I do suggest reading it. The book is hard to put down, so make sure you start it when you have lots of time to get to the end! Although having read the previous series is not necessary to follow the story, I really suggest reading at least the Witches of Cleopatra to be introduced to the various clans.

[Aly Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to Christine Pope to offer us another roller coaster ride, this time cleverly weaving characters and clans from previous witchy series! The premise is based on Jake Wilcox, a young Wilcox entrepreneur, who seeks out orphaned witches, that is witches who do not know they have gifts. He wants to help understand who they are, from where they came and to adjust to using their unique gifts
His initial “client” is Adara, a pretty young woman who realizes her moods affect the weather in a not good way! Romance and danger, Pope’s trademark, along with the drive to read one more page is the perfect read if you are under a stay at home order. You will particularly enjoy the book if you have read the Witches of Cleopatra Hill , as you will get to meet old friends and learn about some interesting history that is a bit different than you originally thought. I read this is under 24 hours, well into the night. It is a god thing that I had nowhere special to go the next day as I did not get up until noon, but then I read until nearly daybreak. I anxiously away the release of book two, ass will you!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Storm Born is the first book in Christine Pope's new (Spin-Off) series The Witches of Wheeler Park. You don't have to have read The Witches of Cleopatra Hill or The Witches of Canyon Road to enjoy this new beginning. (Although, the previous series are so amazingly good that I would highly recommend immersing yourself in these highly addictive reads!) Christine Pope has proven over and again that she can take you on the most emotion evoking rides and make you feel that you are experiencing the trials and tribulations right along side her well developed characters. Welcome to Wheeler Park... This series begins with a bang! Literally! Grab a tissue (or three), I recommend a strong beverage and post a "Do Not Disturb" sign. Get comfy, you are not going to want to put this book down once you start. While it does not have a cliffhanger ending, it does leave you with a set-up for the next book... Thunder Road.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Bookfunnel.

[Nina Immig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the story, but I think the style of writing was not for me.
Some of it read like a first draft, with most obstacles being entirely overcomable and the pacing generally being a bit off.

For example Adara learns to control her powers in one sitting. Something she could not control for her life.
Learning it so quickly and with ease really is taking away from feeling like an obstacle to begin with.

The main characters giant family is just there to save the day no matter what, making the story just a bit bland in my opinion. It also makes Adaras decision to leave in the end all the more questionable.

And please why are we highlighting the fact so much that they are technically cousins and kind of (distantly) related, if they are love interests. I don't know about y'all but I dont consider that particularly romantic.

[Charles L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Storm Born" by Christine Pope does an interesting spin on witches who are cut off from their heritage and who have no idea that they are witches or how to control their powers once they manifest. The plot she creates involves a race between a nefarious government body and a clan of witches who are seeking to reunite these "orphan" witches with their true heritage. The conflict between these two groups takes off explosively when our lovely protagonist' mom is accidentally shot and killed in a tussle to cease her. The chase that ensues results in unexpected family reunions and a budding romance until the wheel of chance shoots it all to hell. This is a terrific book and I recommend it to everyone.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Born by Christine Pope is book one in The Witches of Wheeler Park and tells the beginning of Jake and Adara's story.
Jake Wilcox is a warlord, powerful and his calling is find his kind out in the wild and help them to adjust. His first case is a 24 year old woman who's in deep s.
Adara Grant has abilities that had her and her mother move a lot, like a lot. Now that she's all grown up some shady persons show up on her doorstep and she has a decision to make, trust Jake or the other man.
Start reading and find yourself in a wonderful crafted world of witches, first love and heart break, danger and romance.
A great read, the story continues in Thunder Road, coming soon.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has had a rough life and it was made even worse cause of a power hungry asshole that wants 2 steal her away and arrest others 4 no reason. He killed the only person in her life at the x 4 no reason and then tried 2 blame others 4 him being trigger happy!! He didn't think he'd ever find a love again let alone a possible soul mate but but being protective and the feelings surprised both of them. Even if she thinks she may b doing the rt thing doesn't always mean much when she doesn't really know the witch world and what she can accomplish with her new found clan and family.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the box set of stories that included this story and I enjoyed it. I always like first-person stories because it gives further insight into the character and story – though this one switched from first- to third-person narrative, the writing style was very well done.

I liked Adara, who had just discovered her ancestry and the other characters were intriguing. There was tension and mystery with some romance. I liked the idea of magic the best.

Not to give spoilers, I will say that this is a great start to the series but must save up to continue the story.

Recommended.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was free in Witch Ways, a collection of 20 books, on Kobo. I haven’t had much luck with free books on Kobo so this was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t hate it until the ending where the heroine pulls an epically stupid move to save everyone from whatever might be coming for her next. As far as cliffhangers go it’s one of the lamest. But nevertheless I’m curious about the other characters and what Trident might uncover. Would I recommend this book to a friend, probably not. Would I read more of the series, maybe🤷🏻‍♀️.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This story is wonderful!! It’s a great beginning to The Witches of Wheeler Park series, and I can’t wait for the next book to be released. Storm Born has all the elements of suspense, danger, mystery, and romance that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I was unable to put this book down and read it in one day—it was that suspenseful. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this is just awesome! A fantastic start to this new series a spin off to the authors witching world which I absolutely love! It’s entertaining and full of mystery and suspense and I just love the characters! A witch who doesn’t know she’s a witch and a witch hunter to help her and their romance that grows and well let’s not leave out the villain who is really bad & evil! I am so looking forward to the next book!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read by Christine. This is a spin off the Witches of Cleopatra Hill books, but they aren't necessary to start this series. I enjoyed the book, the idea is one that I find quite unique. The writing is great, the story compelling. It wasn't a quick read for me but it was a good one. I did receive an ARC but this does not affect my opinion. I've already started book two and can't wait to see where it goes.

[Nancy S Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific start to a spectacular series!

I loved this book! A young woman and her Mother, on their own. A mystery for a Father, peculiar weather-related occurrences, a sinister government agency’s unwanted interference, a tragic death and another mystery organization’s unexpected assistance—all this and much much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this and the second book of the series and there are more books, as well! Not to be missed!

[Gina Stamm · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, I had issues with all the negative talk about people who live in Utah. Has the author ever been there?! U of U and Utah State are two different schools BTW.
Addie's decisions just don't feel realistic to her situation, and things happen too fast. SPOILER:

It only takes 45 minutes to learn how to use her powers?! Mom gets shot and dies in front of her yet there's only one night of real tears?
Nope.

[Jean Holtof · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Christine Pope's writing style and her stories are full of action and a hint of romance. Life under a storm cloud takes on a new meaning for Adara Grant and makes her a person of interest for more than one group of people. An exciting story unfolds for Adara with tragedy and unforeseen ancestors.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story until the Heroine's TSTL move of sneaking away right at the end in order to presumably save new loved ones (sigh) - felt like just a plot device to extend the series. That move ruined the story for me - I scanned the descriptions of the other books in the series and not sure I will read the rest.

[A.R. Broxham · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story - didn’t need the forced romance

The storyline was good, but I felt the romance angle was forced . I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two leads and any time it was coming to a romantic scene I skimmed it to move onto the actual story again. I would like to see what happens in book 2 but no if the dry, non-chemistry attempt at romance is there .

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love anything Christine Pope writes and this is no exception. This book is the beginning of the story for Addie and Jake and I can't wait to see what happens to the couple as they try to evade the government agency after Addie. A must read!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adara goes from a single-child living with her financially struggling single mum to being part of a big and wealthy family of magic-wielders practically overnight. With the help of her new family she finally understands why the weather around her reacts to her and she is able to control it. And then there is Jake, who understands and guides and listens and is also attracted to her. But lets not forget that Addie is being followed by the government. But why?
And just a hint: the last chapter is a cliff-hanger A.K.A. a hook for the next book in the series.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Ends in a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed this story. Addie and Jake are good characters. Addie discovers family shedoes not realize she has. The government is after her, and Jake is determined to protect her. There is action. Addie and Jake are falling for each other.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am sure there are people who will like this type of story but I wasn't one of them for the following reason - the plot was predictable as was the cliffhanger ending. Not invested enough in the characters to want to continue this series.

[Christine Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Liked the drama action adventure romance danger featured in book

Would recommend it to everyone who has read any other book by Christine Pope.

Chose this rating because it is an excellent read.