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Muddled magic. Missing faeries. She’s having one spell of a day at work…
Saffron Sawyer aspires to rise from the magical world’s bottom rung. But when her wish to join the renowned Office of Faery Godmothers is granted, bullies make her first day on the job unbearable. And to add to her misery, she discovers that someone is abducting her coworkers one-by-one.
Desperate to prevent another kidnapping, she scrambles to piece together the clues. After teaming up with the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, she uncovers a strange connection between the disappearances and her lowly former gig. But when Saffron learns her promotion was only a ploy, she vows to ruin the devious plan.
Can Saffron muster enough magic to trap the villain before she’s sacked or stolen?
Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you like determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story.
Buy Wishful Thinking to watch a spunky sprite strut her stuff!
Saffron Sawyer aspires to rise from the magical world’s bottom rung. But when her wish to join the renowned Office of Faery Godmothers is granted, bullies make her first day on the job unbearable. And to add to her misery, she discovers that someone is abducting her coworkers one-by-one.
Desperate to prevent another kidnapping, she scrambles to piece together the clues. After teaming up with the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, she uncovers a strange connection between the disappearances and her lowly former gig. But when Saffron learns her promotion was only a ploy, she vows to ruin the devious plan.
Can Saffron muster enough magic to trap the villain before she’s sacked or stolen?
Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you like determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story.
Buy Wishful Thinking to watch a spunky sprite strut her stuff!
302 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
July 27, 2019
Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper can be classified as an urban fantasy and as a supernatural suspense novel. It is the first book in a new series by this author and is set in the UK.
Our protagonist, Saffron Sawyer, is a dope faery (the lowest job classification for faeries), but she aspires to be a Faery Godmother which is viewed as an elite position and is often hereditary. Surprisingly, Saffron is given the opportunity to become a Faery Godmother. With this premise, the story is off and running.
Saffron wants to be the best Faery Godmother ever, but the real situation makes this difficult. While this is a fantasy, it deals with some deeper topics ranging from bullying to deceit to nepotism to drugs to kidnappings. Saffron is determined to prevent any more kidnappings.
This novel is original, has a superb heroine, and a great set of secondary characters. There are some twists and turns, a mystery, a little comedy and even a little romance. (By the way, a drug faerie works to keep their clients from moving on to more dangerous drugs and, if possible, get them to go into rehab).
This is a relatively fast-paced novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it except that there was some excessive swearing in it that I felt detracted from the storyline. If that had been eliminated, it would have been a 5 star rating for me. This is a great start to a new series and I look forward to book two.
Many tanks to Harperfire, BookBuzz.net, Helen Harper and Net Galley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Release date: 08/26/2019
Review published on NetGalley and Goodreads: 07/24/2019.
Review to be added on Amazon and Books-a-Million upon release.
Review to be added to Bookbub.com when book is added there.
Our protagonist, Saffron Sawyer, is a dope faery (the lowest job classification for faeries), but she aspires to be a Faery Godmother which is viewed as an elite position and is often hereditary. Surprisingly, Saffron is given the opportunity to become a Faery Godmother. With this premise, the story is off and running.
Saffron wants to be the best Faery Godmother ever, but the real situation makes this difficult. While this is a fantasy, it deals with some deeper topics ranging from bullying to deceit to nepotism to drugs to kidnappings. Saffron is determined to prevent any more kidnappings.
This novel is original, has a superb heroine, and a great set of secondary characters. There are some twists and turns, a mystery, a little comedy and even a little romance. (By the way, a drug faerie works to keep their clients from moving on to more dangerous drugs and, if possible, get them to go into rehab).
This is a relatively fast-paced novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it except that there was some excessive swearing in it that I felt detracted from the storyline. If that had been eliminated, it would have been a 5 star rating for me. This is a great start to a new series and I look forward to book two.
Many tanks to Harperfire, BookBuzz.net, Helen Harper and Net Galley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Release date: 08/26/2019
Review published on NetGalley and Goodreads: 07/24/2019.
Review to be added on Amazon and Books-a-Million upon release.
Review to be added to Bookbub.com when book is added there.
July 24, 2019
***I received this book courtesy of Netgallery and Haperfire in exchange for an honest review***
I liked Saffron and enjoyed the mystery but other than that this book fell flat for me. There was something missing. I like this author and I have reread the Slouch Witch series more than twice so I don't know what it is. I'll check out the next book, I hope there is some improvement.
I liked Saffron and enjoyed the mystery but other than that this book fell flat for me. There was something missing. I like this author and I have reread the Slouch Witch series more than twice so I don't know what it is. I'll check out the next book, I hope there is some improvement.
August 26, 2019
Fun, fanciful and filled with Fairies.
Saffron is a faery who dreams of belonging to the faery godmother team. When she finds herself in her dream job she uncovers that sometimes dream jobs aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
When her co-workers go missing, Saffron together with a band of her friends and a sexy devil’s advocate must uncover who is behind the missing Faery Godmothers before Saffron herself falls victim. But doing so might upturn everything the faeries have believed about themselves and others.
Wishful Thinking is filled with a spunky crew, that rely heavily on the humor to get them through the situation. Likeable characters with laugh out loud moments immerse the reader in a wacky but captivating adventure.
I received this ARC copy of Wishful Thinking from Harperfire. This is my honest and voluntary review. Wishful Thinking is set for publication Aug. 26, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Helen Harper
Series: How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (Or Die Trying) (Book 1)
Paperback: 299 pages
Publisher: Helen Harper (August 25, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1913116220
ISBN-13: 978-1913116224
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wishful-Thinki...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wish...
Saffron is a faery who dreams of belonging to the faery godmother team. When she finds herself in her dream job she uncovers that sometimes dream jobs aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
When her co-workers go missing, Saffron together with a band of her friends and a sexy devil’s advocate must uncover who is behind the missing Faery Godmothers before Saffron herself falls victim. But doing so might upturn everything the faeries have believed about themselves and others.
Wishful Thinking is filled with a spunky crew, that rely heavily on the humor to get them through the situation. Likeable characters with laugh out loud moments immerse the reader in a wacky but captivating adventure.
I received this ARC copy of Wishful Thinking from Harperfire. This is my honest and voluntary review. Wishful Thinking is set for publication Aug. 26, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Helen Harper
Series: How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (Or Die Trying) (Book 1)
Paperback: 299 pages
Publisher: Helen Harper (August 25, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1913116220
ISBN-13: 978-1913116224
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wishful-Thinki...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wish...
February 27, 2020
Wishful Thinking feels a bit like a missed opportunity. The underlying idea is actually pretty good and I think the book should have just focused on that.
The really interesting stuff. The things that make this book fun are just touched on and moved on. All to progress a story ark that honestly isn't all that original.
The really interesting stuff. The things that make this book fun are just touched on and moved on. All to progress a story ark that honestly isn't all that original.
July 11, 2019
I guess when we think about Faery Godmothers we imagine genial , white haired, mature ladies who wear spectacles above their rosy cheeks. Well Saffron is young, has brown uncontrollably curly hair and tons of attitude. Oh and did I mention she's the newest recruit to the Faery Godmothers ? It's just too bad that she has been set up to be bait as they struggle to find out just why so many have been abducted !
Saffron is yet another character that this author easily brings to life. She's capable, smart and loyal and it just so happens that her dream is to become a member of the elite Faery Godmothers. Imagine her excitement, her deep joy when she steps through those hallowed doors only to discover that she not only has to prove herself but isn't really wanted there ! It's just as well that no matter what goes wrong Saffron is the most doggedly determined Faery Godmother they have ever seen !
It's very easy to like Saffron and she's written as a character who genuinely cares about other people. Yes I could say that occasionally she's irreverent and her mouth gets the better of her but it only made her feel more real. The supporting characters added just enough to help bring this world to life but obviously the real crux of this story is just exactly why are Faery Godmothers going missing ? No spoilers here so all I can say is I enjoyed this story and look forward to more set in this world. I'd perhaps like a tad more world building and explanations about the magic but I thought the human interest story that run through this was beautifully done. All in all an entertaining read and one that frequently made me smile.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Saffron is yet another character that this author easily brings to life. She's capable, smart and loyal and it just so happens that her dream is to become a member of the elite Faery Godmothers. Imagine her excitement, her deep joy when she steps through those hallowed doors only to discover that she not only has to prove herself but isn't really wanted there ! It's just as well that no matter what goes wrong Saffron is the most doggedly determined Faery Godmother they have ever seen !
It's very easy to like Saffron and she's written as a character who genuinely cares about other people. Yes I could say that occasionally she's irreverent and her mouth gets the better of her but it only made her feel more real. The supporting characters added just enough to help bring this world to life but obviously the real crux of this story is just exactly why are Faery Godmothers going missing ? No spoilers here so all I can say is I enjoyed this story and look forward to more set in this world. I'd perhaps like a tad more world building and explanations about the magic but I thought the human interest story that run through this was beautifully done. All in all an entertaining read and one that frequently made me smile.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
March 10, 2020
Who doesn't want to be a Faery Godmother? Saffron Sawyer dreams of being just that and the best one too. This book was fun read for me and interesting. I really enjoyed it I can't wait to see what happens next. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
September 10, 2023
Campy. Quite a lot of fun. A fairy tale for grown ups.
November 13, 2019
When I saw the title of this book series, I thought "You know what? This might be fun to read!", so I requested an ARC via Netgalley and was granted an early copy. Unfortunately, I didn't get to it before its publication date but no matter, I finally read it and can talk about it.
Wishful thinking follows a dope faery who has always wanted to be a godmother faery in order to grant wishes to people. It's the most elite type of faeries and she never had a chance to become one until one day, she's interviewed and hired as the new godmother. However, she's not hired because of her talents or skills. In fact, she's hired as bait but no one tells her that at the beginning. Five godmothers have been kidnapped and therefore, Saffron (the sassy FMC) tries to figure out the mystery.
I usually find urban fantasy books quick and addictive, and overall, I enjoyed this one. However, I can't say I'm hooked and want to read the next one in the series even though I wish I did. This book fell a little flat for me. It's a middle of the road kind of book for me.
(Thank you so much for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Wishful thinking follows a dope faery who has always wanted to be a godmother faery in order to grant wishes to people. It's the most elite type of faeries and she never had a chance to become one until one day, she's interviewed and hired as the new godmother. However, she's not hired because of her talents or skills. In fact, she's hired as bait but no one tells her that at the beginning. Five godmothers have been kidnapped and therefore, Saffron (the sassy FMC) tries to figure out the mystery.
I usually find urban fantasy books quick and addictive, and overall, I enjoyed this one. However, I can't say I'm hooked and want to read the next one in the series even though I wish I did. This book fell a little flat for me. It's a middle of the road kind of book for me.
(Thank you so much for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
October 14, 2019
Reminded me a little of Slouch witch and the Highlander one, except this time the MC is granting wishes. Fun and quirky, a great start to a new series. Saffron is an interesting MC, she’s perky but not airhead perky, killing with kindness. There’s a mix of colourful and slightly annoying characters, but none of them overshadow the main pair, Saffron the new faerie godmother and Jasper the devil’s advocate. Really hoping they end up having sex in the lift. A little mystery, a lot of magic and chaos.
November 2, 2019
This was a fluffy story about fairytale characters such as faery godmothers. More world building would have been appreciated but the story was enjoyable for what it was
October 3, 2019
This book is so funny and irreverent, I adore it. Helen Harper's world of faeries is so awesome, and it's so cool how there are all these different sorts of faeries. It reminded me a little bit of the set up for Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies books, how there are tinker fairies and light fairies and water fairies... They're all fairies but have different jobs they do, just like in this series by Helen Harper. Though I don't think Disney has Dope Fairies... :)
Saffron is spunky and sassy and hard working AF, and I want to be her best friend. There are several side characters in this book that I also really enjoyed - some of them are TRULY hilarious. I love that there's a little romantic friction between Saffron and the Devil's Advocate, Jasper. As someone who is primarily a romance reader, I am totally down for some well-done romantic subplot! I love that this urban fantasy has a little romance, a little mystery, and a LOT of faery fun.
This is the first book in the very long winded series How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World Or Die Trying, and it can be read as a stand alone since the main plot is "solved" within this first book. It also opens up a larger story arc that I assume will continue throughout the series, and I can't wait to read the next book, Wish List.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
Saffron is spunky and sassy and hard working AF, and I want to be her best friend. There are several side characters in this book that I also really enjoyed - some of them are TRULY hilarious. I love that there's a little romantic friction between Saffron and the Devil's Advocate, Jasper. As someone who is primarily a romance reader, I am totally down for some well-done romantic subplot! I love that this urban fantasy has a little romance, a little mystery, and a LOT of faery fun.
This is the first book in the very long winded series How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World Or Die Trying, and it can be read as a stand alone since the main plot is "solved" within this first book. It also opens up a larger story arc that I assume will continue throughout the series, and I can't wait to read the next book, Wish List.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
July 13, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Harperfire for this arc.
This was a fun read for me. Imagine a gang of cranky fairies in a mash-up of The Office and Mean Girls!
Saffron (a fairy) thought all her dreams had come true when she was recruited for employment by the Office/Guild of Fairy Godmothers.... Let the good times roll! The pacing of the story was nicely balanced between hectic action and Saffron taking time-out to think/plan ahead for what ever came next. Unfortunately for Saffron, most of her actions were actually thoughtless reactions. And the good times just kept coming!
I thought it was all the characters/caricatures that made this such a fun read. I found them to be mostly immediately recognizable and relatable, especially Saffron. While I had to put the book down a couple of times (What's for dinner? and other interruptions), I was easily able to pick it back up where I had left off reading. A great read for a really hot summer day (too hot to have to think).
4.0 stars
This was a fun read for me. Imagine a gang of cranky fairies in a mash-up of The Office and Mean Girls!
Saffron (a fairy) thought all her dreams had come true when she was recruited for employment by the Office/Guild of Fairy Godmothers.... Let the good times roll! The pacing of the story was nicely balanced between hectic action and Saffron taking time-out to think/plan ahead for what ever came next. Unfortunately for Saffron, most of her actions were actually thoughtless reactions. And the good times just kept coming!
I thought it was all the characters/caricatures that made this such a fun read. I found them to be mostly immediately recognizable and relatable, especially Saffron. While I had to put the book down a couple of times (What's for dinner? and other interruptions), I was easily able to pick it back up where I had left off reading. A great read for a really hot summer day (too hot to have to think).
4.0 stars
July 23, 2019
I generally love Helen Harper's books, but lately her writing has sort of branched out, and has become a bit silly. I know it's supposed to be a comedy, but this is one of those stories which I find too silly for my liking. Well, not so much the story, but the characters. They are likeable, but they desperately need an injection of intelligence. I had an especially hard time with Saffron, the main character. Honestly, I found her cringeworthy stupid. Sorry.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
August 24, 2019
I always enjoy Helen Harper’s books, and I’m constantly amazed at how creative she is with her world building. This book is no exception. It’s such an interesting concept, the whole idea of faery godmothers. And Saffron is a terrific heroine. She is determined and sassy—two traits I happen to adore. I also love the relationship between Saffron and her love interest, and the mystery plot was well- developed. Can’t wait for the next one in the series. It will be a definite buy for me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2019
I loved this mystery involving fairy godmothers. And the Devil’s Advocate was intriguing and attractive. The characters were funny and creative. We’ve all worked with people like those in the office, whether or not they are fairies. Saffron is so full of adventure and sass that I wish I were more like her.
April 3, 2023
This was surprisingly a treat. It’s my first book by this author. Much better than expected. Saffron is a ball of sarcasm wrapped in snark. This was a treat to read. Together with the Devil’s advocate, Jasper, she sets out to investigate the disappearance of four fairy godmothers only to discover-gasp- she was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb. Well Saffron doesn’t take that laying down. She’s going to solve the mystery with it without magic
April 27, 2020
affron has been invited to become a Faery Godmother but instead of being welcomed with open arms, everyone is treating her like an unwanted intruder. Everyone except the Devil’s Advocate, who has just arrived to audit the Godmothers. Jasper arrives at the same time as Saffron and while he is intimidating, she doesn’t cower in fear of him like everyone else. This sparks his interest since Saffron’s kindness and sunny disposition are so different from how people usually act around him.
What no one is telling Saffron is that Faery Godmothers are being kidnapped and that the Director is hoping that someone makes a grab for Saffron. Her hope is that the streetwise Dope Faery will get them some answers of what happened to the missing Faeries. And if something happens to Saffron, the Director doesn’t really care.
This one has a little bit of a darker side than the other Helen Harper stories that I have read. And while it can have clever moments like the Dope Faeries and Rainbow Faeries and the Devil’s Advocate, the fact that Saffron has to figure out her client’s wish is the main focus of the stories and seems like a lot of work, and certainly more work that the other Faery Godmothers would be willing to put into it. For example, you might have wished for something blowing out your birthday candles which was picked out the magic bucket and got you assigned to a Faery Godmother, but there is no notation of what they wished for. So Saffron would follow around her clients, knock on their doors, visit them at their jobs, and try to figure out what they desire most. Memory Magic makes them forget her as soon as she leave them, but there is no invisibility so she can just observe them or no Trust Magic so they simply tell her what’s going on in their lives and what would make it better. Saffron gets beaten up and doors slammed in her face and it seems like a lot of trouble to grant a wish that was thought and made. She also needs to use a wand to cast magic. If she uses her magic without a wand to focus it, she all but passes out from the toll it takes on her. That is why the Devil’s Advocate is so much stronger than the other faeries since he doesn’t need a wand.
While Saffron was respected as a Dope Faery, we learn that the Faery Godmothers are all about nepotism. It isn’t that they are the elite of the Faeries. They were all just born into the best and most connected faery families who were all Faery Godmothers as well. Even when Saffron saves the day, figures out who is behind the kidnapping, risks her life and rescues the kidnapped Godmothers, she still isn’t treated with respect by most of the others and when the no longer need her as a guinea pig, they want to get rid of her.
Honestly, after finding out why her application was ignored, after the way the Faery Godmothers treat her, and knowing she was brought in because they hoped she would be kidnapped, I don’t know why Saffron just didn’t go back to the Dope Faeries who respected her. She is determined to be a Faery Godmother but the job really does suck.
There are sparks between her and Jasper and everyone notices that they check each other out when they don’t think the other is noticing. But I find that there really isn’t enough of the two of them in the stories for a good romance, since we have to chase Saffron while she is chasing her clients around.
This is not my favorite Helen Harper series but I am in it and want to see how it goes for poor Saffron. Hopefully she gives them all the finger and moves on.
What no one is telling Saffron is that Faery Godmothers are being kidnapped and that the Director is hoping that someone makes a grab for Saffron. Her hope is that the streetwise Dope Faery will get them some answers of what happened to the missing Faeries. And if something happens to Saffron, the Director doesn’t really care.
This one has a little bit of a darker side than the other Helen Harper stories that I have read. And while it can have clever moments like the Dope Faeries and Rainbow Faeries and the Devil’s Advocate, the fact that Saffron has to figure out her client’s wish is the main focus of the stories and seems like a lot of work, and certainly more work that the other Faery Godmothers would be willing to put into it. For example, you might have wished for something blowing out your birthday candles which was picked out the magic bucket and got you assigned to a Faery Godmother, but there is no notation of what they wished for. So Saffron would follow around her clients, knock on their doors, visit them at their jobs, and try to figure out what they desire most. Memory Magic makes them forget her as soon as she leave them, but there is no invisibility so she can just observe them or no Trust Magic so they simply tell her what’s going on in their lives and what would make it better. Saffron gets beaten up and doors slammed in her face and it seems like a lot of trouble to grant a wish that was thought and made. She also needs to use a wand to cast magic. If she uses her magic without a wand to focus it, she all but passes out from the toll it takes on her. That is why the Devil’s Advocate is so much stronger than the other faeries since he doesn’t need a wand.
While Saffron was respected as a Dope Faery, we learn that the Faery Godmothers are all about nepotism. It isn’t that they are the elite of the Faeries. They were all just born into the best and most connected faery families who were all Faery Godmothers as well. Even when Saffron saves the day, figures out who is behind the kidnapping, risks her life and rescues the kidnapped Godmothers, she still isn’t treated with respect by most of the others and when the no longer need her as a guinea pig, they want to get rid of her.
Honestly, after finding out why her application was ignored, after the way the Faery Godmothers treat her, and knowing she was brought in because they hoped she would be kidnapped, I don’t know why Saffron just didn’t go back to the Dope Faeries who respected her. She is determined to be a Faery Godmother but the job really does suck.
There are sparks between her and Jasper and everyone notices that they check each other out when they don’t think the other is noticing. But I find that there really isn’t enough of the two of them in the stories for a good romance, since we have to chase Saffron while she is chasing her clients around.
This is not my favorite Helen Harper series but I am in it and want to see how it goes for poor Saffron. Hopefully she gives them all the finger and moves on.
July 24, 2019
So much fun!
Helen Harper has done it again. I laughed my butt off and was sorry when it ended because I have to wait until at least October for my next Saffron fix
If the words Faery Godmother brings to mind images of sweet little old gray haired ladies with easy smiles and gentle words; you my friend have another thought coming.
In Helen Harper's world there are a lot faerys. A whole hierarchy of fairies. Luck faerys, rainbow faerys, a faery for any occasion. And at the top of the heap are The Faery Godmothers.
Saffron is the highest performing faery in her division, she cares for her charges and takes pride in helping them improve themselves but she dreams of more. Her fondest wish is to become a Faery Godmother.
Someone should have reminded Saffron to be careful what you wish for; because you just might get it.
You'd expect the Godmothers HQ to be a place of wonder staffed by big-hearted people whose main goal in life is to bring joy to their charges, right?
Wrong.
Imagine the crustiest bureaucracy possible. Add a cast of narcissistic debutantes with entitlement issues and the American Express Centurion cards to purchase anything their tiny little hearts desire. A stiff necked director. And a client data base that puts The Dewey Decimal system to shame and you have the basics. (for you millennial's, the dewey decimal system was the state of the art cataloging system back in the stone age before the advent of computers)
Saffron can't wait to begin her new career. But first she first must:
A) Find a way past the dragon (not a real dragon, but wouldn't that be cool?) who guards the entry.
B) Pass muster with her new co-workers (Ha! Good luck with that sweetie)
C) Make it through Orientation (Apparently it's thorough. It would be a lot easier if the tape would cooperate tho)
My money's on Saffron. She is spunky and determined, with a can-do attitude and totally would have gotten the fished up tape to work; if that ear hadn't shown up.
Yep, I said ear. Things aren't as they seem within The Faery Godmother's ranks.
That's all the set-up you are getting from me. The rest you can find out for yourself. If you are a fan of para cozies and spunky heroines who sometimes can't get out of their own way, you are going to love this book. It's a little magical. A little silly. With fun characters and a whisper of romance.
I flat out fell in love with Saffron. Circumstances do their best to crush her and she takes her lumps (and tattoos) like a professional. She doesn't let little things like uncooperative charges and vengeful creatures (no I'm not referring to her co-workers here) or hunky male superiors get in her way. I can't wait for the second one to issue. Hurry up October!
Thank you to netgalley for giving me this review copy. These are my honest thoughts.
#wishfulthinking(howtobethebestdamnfaerygodmotherintheworldordietrying)#netgalley
Helen Harper has done it again. I laughed my butt off and was sorry when it ended because I have to wait until at least October for my next Saffron fix
If the words Faery Godmother brings to mind images of sweet little old gray haired ladies with easy smiles and gentle words; you my friend have another thought coming.
In Helen Harper's world there are a lot faerys. A whole hierarchy of fairies. Luck faerys, rainbow faerys, a faery for any occasion. And at the top of the heap are The Faery Godmothers.
Saffron is the highest performing faery in her division, she cares for her charges and takes pride in helping them improve themselves but she dreams of more. Her fondest wish is to become a Faery Godmother.
Someone should have reminded Saffron to be careful what you wish for; because you just might get it.
You'd expect the Godmothers HQ to be a place of wonder staffed by big-hearted people whose main goal in life is to bring joy to their charges, right?
Wrong.
Imagine the crustiest bureaucracy possible. Add a cast of narcissistic debutantes with entitlement issues and the American Express Centurion cards to purchase anything their tiny little hearts desire. A stiff necked director. And a client data base that puts The Dewey Decimal system to shame and you have the basics. (for you millennial's, the dewey decimal system was the state of the art cataloging system back in the stone age before the advent of computers)
Saffron can't wait to begin her new career. But first she first must:
A) Find a way past the dragon (not a real dragon, but wouldn't that be cool?) who guards the entry.
B) Pass muster with her new co-workers (Ha! Good luck with that sweetie)
C) Make it through Orientation (Apparently it's thorough. It would be a lot easier if the tape would cooperate tho)
My money's on Saffron. She is spunky and determined, with a can-do attitude and totally would have gotten the fished up tape to work; if that ear hadn't shown up.
Yep, I said ear. Things aren't as they seem within The Faery Godmother's ranks.
That's all the set-up you are getting from me. The rest you can find out for yourself. If you are a fan of para cozies and spunky heroines who sometimes can't get out of their own way, you are going to love this book. It's a little magical. A little silly. With fun characters and a whisper of romance.
I flat out fell in love with Saffron. Circumstances do their best to crush her and she takes her lumps (and tattoos) like a professional. She doesn't let little things like uncooperative charges and vengeful creatures (no I'm not referring to her co-workers here) or hunky male superiors get in her way. I can't wait for the second one to issue. Hurry up October!
Thank you to netgalley for giving me this review copy. These are my honest thoughts.
#wishfulthinking(howtobethebestdamnfaerygodmotherintheworldordietrying)#netgalley
August 26, 2019
Review originally published at Vampire Book Club and based on a copy provided by the publisher.
3.5 stars
Helen Harper has been on my radar for several months now—everyone seems to love her Slouch Witch series. So when I spotted this first book in a new series it seemed like a good time to see what all the fuss was about. And what could be more fun than a fairy godmother?
But when we first meet Saffron she’s working as a Dope Fairy. They control the hallucinations of people who are high. Saffron claims to be helping people overcome their fears and preventing them from progressing to harder drugs, but I felt like that was a lot to unpack for the first two chapters. The experience does prove useful in the end though.
When Saffron is offered her dream job as a Fairy Godmother, she jumps at the chance. They’re revered throughout the fairy world. But the reality is more like The Office than Cinderella. Good thing I love stories about supernatural bureaucracy! This world reminded me of Hannah Jayne’s Underworld Detection Agency series in that respect.
Saffron’s co-workers look down on her for her lack of pedigree, as well as her past as a Dope Fairy and her unruly hair. Even worse, she discovers she was hired not for her magical skills but to be bait for a kidnapper. Several Fairy Godmothers have gone missing recently.
Saffron resolves to win over her new co-workers by finding the missing fairies. She’s joined by the most powerful fairy in England, the Devil’s Advocate, who’s something like a representative from the home office sent in to audit the department. I liked him and his powers, but I wish Harper had gone into more detail about his job. Do the fairies ultimately report to the devil? Hopefully later books in the series will explain.
Wishful Thinking doesn’t have much of a romance plot, but the potential is there. I’m interested in Saffron’s love interest and look forward to seeing where it goes. Book two is only two months away so I won’t have long to wait.
Ultimately, I didn’t love Wishful Thinking, but I feel like the series has potential. I’d like to see which other supernatural species inhabit Saffron’s world and learn more about the Fairy bureaucracy. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book.
3.5 stars
Helen Harper has been on my radar for several months now—everyone seems to love her Slouch Witch series. So when I spotted this first book in a new series it seemed like a good time to see what all the fuss was about. And what could be more fun than a fairy godmother?
But when we first meet Saffron she’s working as a Dope Fairy. They control the hallucinations of people who are high. Saffron claims to be helping people overcome their fears and preventing them from progressing to harder drugs, but I felt like that was a lot to unpack for the first two chapters. The experience does prove useful in the end though.
When Saffron is offered her dream job as a Fairy Godmother, she jumps at the chance. They’re revered throughout the fairy world. But the reality is more like The Office than Cinderella. Good thing I love stories about supernatural bureaucracy! This world reminded me of Hannah Jayne’s Underworld Detection Agency series in that respect.
Saffron’s co-workers look down on her for her lack of pedigree, as well as her past as a Dope Fairy and her unruly hair. Even worse, she discovers she was hired not for her magical skills but to be bait for a kidnapper. Several Fairy Godmothers have gone missing recently.
Saffron resolves to win over her new co-workers by finding the missing fairies. She’s joined by the most powerful fairy in England, the Devil’s Advocate, who’s something like a representative from the home office sent in to audit the department. I liked him and his powers, but I wish Harper had gone into more detail about his job. Do the fairies ultimately report to the devil? Hopefully later books in the series will explain.
Wishful Thinking doesn’t have much of a romance plot, but the potential is there. I’m interested in Saffron’s love interest and look forward to seeing where it goes. Book two is only two months away so I won’t have long to wait.
Ultimately, I didn’t love Wishful Thinking, but I feel like the series has potential. I’d like to see which other supernatural species inhabit Saffron’s world and learn more about the Fairy bureaucracy. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book.
August 11, 2019
So Helen Harper has created another winning book here with Wishful Thinking and it is sooooo much better than her last series already, and we're only one book in.
Using Fairy Godmothers as contemporary fae was a fantastic idea (we're talking about girls AND guys here and most definitely not your traditional white haired, happy and plump grandmother figures here) and the follow-through on the idea has made for an exciting, intriguing and frankly original novel. I also think that including The Devil's Advocate as a hunky authority figure and potential love interest for the leading lady was a stroke of pure genius.
As always her storytelling style is spot on with her flawed characters and well considered background mythology. In this instance the book is given the feel of a police procedural as well as being firmly rooted in the contemporary fantasy Harper is known for.
Fabulous book and I simply cant wait to see where this series will head next, it's sure to be quite the ride!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy of Wishful Thinking.
Using Fairy Godmothers as contemporary fae was a fantastic idea (we're talking about girls AND guys here and most definitely not your traditional white haired, happy and plump grandmother figures here) and the follow-through on the idea has made for an exciting, intriguing and frankly original novel. I also think that including The Devil's Advocate as a hunky authority figure and potential love interest for the leading lady was a stroke of pure genius.
As always her storytelling style is spot on with her flawed characters and well considered background mythology. In this instance the book is given the feel of a police procedural as well as being firmly rooted in the contemporary fantasy Harper is known for.
Fabulous book and I simply cant wait to see where this series will head next, it's sure to be quite the ride!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy of Wishful Thinking.
September 5, 2019
🧚♀️ BOOK REVIEW 🧚♀️
Well what a surprise this little gem was!! Such a fresh take on the world of faerie! As always no spoilers. The storyline is quick with great humour and wit. Saffron, the main character, is a total optimist who is also a total clown at times but I couldn’t help but love her. It’s a complete hybrid of fantasy meets thriller/crime novel. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing along the way and nothing too far fetched. I really enjoyed it! A light, easygoing read. Great writing style and use of language. It’s also set in the UK which I loved being a Brit myself. A complete joy to read!
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Thanks to @netgalley & Harperfire publishing for allowing me to read this
Well what a surprise this little gem was!! Such a fresh take on the world of faerie! As always no spoilers. The storyline is quick with great humour and wit. Saffron, the main character, is a total optimist who is also a total clown at times but I couldn’t help but love her. It’s a complete hybrid of fantasy meets thriller/crime novel. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing along the way and nothing too far fetched. I really enjoyed it! A light, easygoing read. Great writing style and use of language. It’s also set in the UK which I loved being a Brit myself. A complete joy to read!
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Thanks to @netgalley & Harperfire publishing for allowing me to read this
July 13, 2019
Nice mystery with missing faerie godmothers, a hot Devils Advocate, and funky "godmothers" to rainbows and druggies. The first several chapters nearly lost me to a DNF, but trudging on it came together for a good read. There were a lot of grammatical errors that hopefully will be addressed before publication. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.
July 13, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It is funny, has some mystery and romance to it as well as supernatural. The characters are enjoyable. I can't wait for the next book. #WishfulThinking #NetGalley
February 22, 2020
Saffron may be the best drug faery ever, creating hallucinations to guide addicts back to sobriety or at least sanity, but her own ambition is to join the august company of faery godmothers. The most wonderful job she can imagine is to grant the dearest wish of her human client. When she at last receives a coveted invitation to join that elite organization, she is thrilled . . . until she discovers that faery godmothers are going missing and she is to be the bait for the kidnapper. Her welcome is anything but warm as the other godmothers, male and female alike, ignore, spurn, or attack her. To make matters worse, the darkly sinister and intimidating Devil’s Advocate arrives to investigate the situation.
Saffron’s personality shines through the story. She’s warm and funny and earthy, and compassionate in a way few other faeries are. The story achieves a nice balance between dramatic tension, action, and quieter but no less fascinating events. The magic is innovative, the setting (London) a quixotic blend of mundane and otherworldly, and all the characters grow and change. I especially love stories in which both the protagonist and her adversaries reveal hidden depths, becoming more complex and appealing (or revolting, as the case may be). Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next adventures of Saffron and her friends.
Saffron’s personality shines through the story. She’s warm and funny and earthy, and compassionate in a way few other faeries are. The story achieves a nice balance between dramatic tension, action, and quieter but no less fascinating events. The magic is innovative, the setting (London) a quixotic blend of mundane and otherworldly, and all the characters grow and change. I especially love stories in which both the protagonist and her adversaries reveal hidden depths, becoming more complex and appealing (or revolting, as the case may be). Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next adventures of Saffron and her friends.
April 14, 2020
I thought this had a lot of potential but it lack world building and depth. It was missing the spark that made me love Harper's Slouch Witch Series.
April 18, 2020
That’s a nope from me.
This just wasn’t the book for me. I wasn’t that keen on any of the characters, and I didn’t connect with either them or the storyline.
2 stars ⭐️
This just wasn’t the book for me. I wasn’t that keen on any of the characters, and I didn’t connect with either them or the storyline.
2 stars ⭐️
May 6, 2020
This was a new take of fairy! I thought it was great, and hilarious! Helen Harper doesn't disappoint with this new series. I can't wait for more.
August 16, 2019
**I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review**
I wanted to like this book so much. A Dope Faery, who helps addicts stay safe through her magic, changing careers to become a Faery Godmother??!! I mean, doesn't that sound like an awesome premise? Not to mention, the added intrigue and mystery of abductions and an off workplace. This book had all the makings of being fun, fantastical, witty, and nail biting.
But in the end, I found it deeply unsympathetic and topical.
For one thing, the characters were hard to relate to. I know that Saffron is supposed to be a confident, intelligent, caution to the winds faery. But instead of relating to her or admiring her tenacity or even begrudgingly appreciating her dares, I mostly felt annoyed with her. The story never went deep enough to sympathize with her struggles, her goals, her wins, or her failures. She was literally the manic pixie dream girl.
The mean girl characters also lacked depth to them. Their snide comments definitely made for a hostile work environment. But by the third chapter of comments about hair, familial names, who stole whose mug, I couldn't bear to read about them anymore. There was no evolution of character for these mean girls.
I did appreciate the Devil's Advocate idea. I thought that was a really interesting Faery. But again, the lack of depth left him feeling empty. His comments were supposed to be simultaneously alluring and intimidating, instead they were somewhat provocative at best, adolescent at worst.
The plot takes you through the abductions of Faery Godmothers. There is some interesting world building with unique tensions between Faery factions. I enjoyed the bits of Faery history, the unique magics, the critical stance on plutocracy in Faery. Again, however, I felt like more could have been done. The world building, the characters, and the plot never went deep enough to erase the silly feeling of reading about Faery Godmothers drinking. The story never entranced me enough so I didn't stop to think about how silly I felt while reading the book.
I think the bones of the story are good. I think there is great potential. I have hope that the second book , and beyond, really take the story and flush it out so that there is depth, there is intrigue. Ultimately, I want to read the book and be pulled into the universe. I want to connect with the characters. I want to feel the plot moving. But for me to take the story seriously, the story has to be written seriously.
I wanted to like this book so much. A Dope Faery, who helps addicts stay safe through her magic, changing careers to become a Faery Godmother??!! I mean, doesn't that sound like an awesome premise? Not to mention, the added intrigue and mystery of abductions and an off workplace. This book had all the makings of being fun, fantastical, witty, and nail biting.
But in the end, I found it deeply unsympathetic and topical.
For one thing, the characters were hard to relate to. I know that Saffron is supposed to be a confident, intelligent, caution to the winds faery. But instead of relating to her or admiring her tenacity or even begrudgingly appreciating her dares, I mostly felt annoyed with her. The story never went deep enough to sympathize with her struggles, her goals, her wins, or her failures. She was literally the manic pixie dream girl.
The mean girl characters also lacked depth to them. Their snide comments definitely made for a hostile work environment. But by the third chapter of comments about hair, familial names, who stole whose mug, I couldn't bear to read about them anymore. There was no evolution of character for these mean girls.
I did appreciate the Devil's Advocate idea. I thought that was a really interesting Faery. But again, the lack of depth left him feeling empty. His comments were supposed to be simultaneously alluring and intimidating, instead they were somewhat provocative at best, adolescent at worst.
The plot takes you through the abductions of Faery Godmothers. There is some interesting world building with unique tensions between Faery factions. I enjoyed the bits of Faery history, the unique magics, the critical stance on plutocracy in Faery. Again, however, I felt like more could have been done. The world building, the characters, and the plot never went deep enough to erase the silly feeling of reading about Faery Godmothers drinking. The story never entranced me enough so I didn't stop to think about how silly I felt while reading the book.
I think the bones of the story are good. I think there is great potential. I have hope that the second book , and beyond, really take the story and flush it out so that there is depth, there is intrigue. Ultimately, I want to read the book and be pulled into the universe. I want to connect with the characters. I want to feel the plot moving. But for me to take the story seriously, the story has to be written seriously.
August 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in a new series called How to Be the Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (or Die Trying).
Basic premise: Saffron is a dope faery. She tries to assist those with drug and alcohol problems by giving them guidance. They won’t remember she was there but just know that they have hit a turning point in their life and it leads them to recovery. Her dream job is being a Faery Godmother. When she is called up to this job one day, the office didn’t have the spirit of what one would imagine a whole department of faery godmother’s would emit. Everyone seems stressed and overworked. Come to find out, a number of faery godmother’s have gone missing. Now Saffron is there. Not to learn the ins and outs of being a number one faery godmother, but to become bait for a kidnapper or maybe a killer.
This was a cute book. It is not my usual genre but I truly enjoyed it, especially the parts with the Devil’s Advocate and Saffron. I am glad this is going to be a series so I can see how this whole relationship will develop between them because… you know there is going to be one in the future. I mean, that kiss alone could conjure up the theory.
This faery godmother clan didn’t seem to have the vibe of what I imagine a happy go lucky FG would have. They seemed downright mean and catty. That made me root for Saffron. Not sure why the fairies were put into classes of who is better than whom. If you ask me, Saffron may have had what they deemed a lowly position but she was doing important work in the world.
I look forward to seeing how this whole world plays out after the aftermath of what transpired at the end of the book. It will prove to be interesting.
Read this even if it isn’t your normal genre. You will not be disappointed. It is a fun ride.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in a new series called How to Be the Best Damn Faery Godmother In The World (or Die Trying).
Basic premise: Saffron is a dope faery. She tries to assist those with drug and alcohol problems by giving them guidance. They won’t remember she was there but just know that they have hit a turning point in their life and it leads them to recovery. Her dream job is being a Faery Godmother. When she is called up to this job one day, the office didn’t have the spirit of what one would imagine a whole department of faery godmother’s would emit. Everyone seems stressed and overworked. Come to find out, a number of faery godmother’s have gone missing. Now Saffron is there. Not to learn the ins and outs of being a number one faery godmother, but to become bait for a kidnapper or maybe a killer.
This was a cute book. It is not my usual genre but I truly enjoyed it, especially the parts with the Devil’s Advocate and Saffron. I am glad this is going to be a series so I can see how this whole relationship will develop between them because… you know there is going to be one in the future. I mean, that kiss alone could conjure up the theory.
This faery godmother clan didn’t seem to have the vibe of what I imagine a happy go lucky FG would have. They seemed downright mean and catty. That made me root for Saffron. Not sure why the fairies were put into classes of who is better than whom. If you ask me, Saffron may have had what they deemed a lowly position but she was doing important work in the world.
I look forward to seeing how this whole world plays out after the aftermath of what transpired at the end of the book. It will prove to be interesting.
Read this even if it isn’t your normal genre. You will not be disappointed. It is a fun ride.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 15, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Helen Harper is the queen of paranormal and urban fantasy. I've read (and loved) the vast majority of her books, and yet I'm somehow always surprised at just how good all of her new releases are. Harper has, yet again, created an incredibly likeable protagonist, as well as an innovative magic system. Saffron was an absolute delight, and I loved reading about her journey to fairy godmotherhood. The side characters of Billy and the Devil's Advocate were great, as well, and I loved how Saffron handled the hostility between the rest of her coworkers. This new magic system revolving around various different kinds of faeries was incredibly interesting, and I'm so excited to see what happens from here.
Overall, Wishful Thinking was a really solid start to the series, and I would highly recommend this book to past fans of Harper's works, as well as anyone looking for a paranormal or urban fantasy with just a pinch of romance.
4.5/5
Helen Harper is the queen of paranormal and urban fantasy. I've read (and loved) the vast majority of her books, and yet I'm somehow always surprised at just how good all of her new releases are. Harper has, yet again, created an incredibly likeable protagonist, as well as an innovative magic system. Saffron was an absolute delight, and I loved reading about her journey to fairy godmotherhood. The side characters of Billy and the Devil's Advocate were great, as well, and I loved how Saffron handled the hostility between the rest of her coworkers. This new magic system revolving around various different kinds of faeries was incredibly interesting, and I'm so excited to see what happens from here.
Overall, Wishful Thinking was a really solid start to the series, and I would highly recommend this book to past fans of Harper's works, as well as anyone looking for a paranormal or urban fantasy with just a pinch of romance.
4.5/5
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