Essence of the Witch

Witches of Keating Hollow #8

by Deanna Chase

Miranda Moon has been cursed. Ever since she had the misfortune to come in contact with a crude love spell, she’s had one bad date after another. After lighting a man’s hair on fire and ending up on a blind date with her cousin, she’s ready to lose herself in the books she writes and live her life as a spinster… until Gideon Alexander, the one man she’s always wanted, walks back into her life.

Gideon Alexander doesn’t date. He’s been burned one too many times. But when he’s asked to plan the Keating Hollow Christmas ball with his old friend Miranda Moon, suddenly he finds himself breaking his own rules. Maybe dating the sexy author is just what his scarred heart needs. The only problem? Miranda’s curse has the potential to destroy their relationship before it ever begins.

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

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2019

About the author

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witches of Keating Hollow series has been a blast. I’ve been devouring the books off Kindle Unlimited.

I just love the small town of Keating Hollow. It’s a wonderful magical community where everyone knows everyone and what’s going on. Each book in the series brings us a new couple to enjoy as well as new drama and emotional struggles. I just love the light magical feel and the heartfelt romances. This series is full of facing what life throughs at us, healing oneself, finding love and family and friendships.

I recommend reading this series in order.

*****

Miranda Moon came in contact with a crude love spell and she’s had one bad date after another. Gideon Alexander has been burned one too many times and no longer dates. When Gideon runs into Miranda on his vacation will this be their second chance at the one that got away or will bad luck continue to curse Miranda?

It’s a magical tale with a cherry Christmas celebration. The chemistry between these two is off the charts; however they both need to deal with the past before they can move forward. We are treated to some regulars popping up and a sneak peek into the next couple.

I liked the humor in this story and the romance. As always I had a blast and can’t get enough of the cute town and how everyone just seems to find tranquility and their HEA’s.

Rated: 4 Stars

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essence of the Witch by Deanna Chase is the eighth tale in the Witches of Keating Hollow series. Miranda Moon is a successful paranormal romance author living in Keating Hollow. While lucky in the work aspect of her life, she has been unlucky with her dates. They have been one disaster after another. The latest fellow ends up with his hair on fire and him rushing out to find the nearest salon (he’s a model). She is ready to give up on love when her Gideon Alexander shows up in Keating Hollow. He is the love of her life who got away. Gideon is taking a much needed vacation when he runs into Miranda. He has never forgotten her or gotten over her. Gideon extends his vacation when Miranda asks him to help her with the town’s Christmas ball. Is this their second chance or will bad luck continue to curse Miranda? Essence of the Witch is a magical tale. It can be read as a standalone, but why would you not want to read all the delightful stories in the Witches of Keating Hollow series. The chemistry between Miranda and Gideon is palpable. However, they need to deal with the past before they can move forward. I was happy to see some of the series regulars pop up in the story. It was nice to find out how Silas and Levi are getting along. I enjoy Deanna Chase’s engaging writing style which makes the book just fly by. Essence of the Witch deals with second chances, miscommunication, and misunderstandings. There are intimate situations and some foul language. I did appreciate that there was less of it in this edition and more creative phrases used instead. I enjoyed the sneak peek at the next which will feature Cameron and Wanda. It looks like it will be a humorous story. Essence of the Witch is a bewitching tale with glammed up golf carts, flirty fairies, gregarious girlfriends, a cheery Christmas celebration, swaying snowmen and an unpredicted proclamation.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful tale that quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages. This story has a bit of of everything from humor, romance, and suspenseful anticipation. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and follow along on their journey. Each visit to Keating Hollow has me wanting to take and trip and visit these characters that have become like friends. An enjoyable book in a great series.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series!!!

I admit I have binged big time on this series. I read all 8 available books in the last 3 days! Now I just wait for book #9 to be released. Seriously though, it is an amazing set of stories revolving around love, witchcraft, and family! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book and highly recommend this author!

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trouble getting into this one. Might re-read later.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another chapter in the saga of the Witches of Keating Hollow set during the Christmas holiday. Miranda is a romance author and her first book is being made into a movie which is about her romance with Gideon. Of course the names are changed in the story. He was her first love and the one that got away and she never really got over him after so many years. He feels the same about her and when he ends up in Keating Hollow for vacation the romance begins again, but can they get past all the meddling by his father to reach their HEA? If you love a good second chance romance this is a book for you. The story ends with another relationship brewing in Keating Hollow, can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

[Peggy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story that pulls the reader in from the first page. The characters are well written. I could live in this little town with these people. Old love, new love, some conniving and surprises. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chicken soup for your heart and soul. I can’t wait for the next trip back to Keating Hollow.

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters are similar like the last book; yet instead of having too many similarities, they are more complimentary than the previous couple. I appreciate the candidness in conversations between them as their relationship develops instead of falling back on the tried and true miscommunications or lack thereof. Ever since Miranda first appeared in one of the early stories, I was intrigued by her, but it was awfully convenient for her to have moved to Keating Hollow for this book. I wish she had made a cameo in a previous book to set this book up better. And her personality was a bit more toned down than she first appeared. I wish more of that fire, passion, and snark would have come through.

Since a few people have now been affected by a love spell, or curse, I sincerely hope that Chase is setting us up to reveal the mystery of whose spells are backfiring, or why they’re trying to spell love interests in the first place. It’s nice that the recent book characters are tied in, yet I’m starting to miss seeing the details and interactions with the Townsend family; especially their father who spent so long battling cancer and is now in remission. Their family dynamic really added a next level to the series that’s now somewhat missing. I’m cautiously optimistic for the plots for future books, but right now there isn’t any major conflict to really tie together the series, so I wonder how much longer it will keep going.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal writer Miranda Moon couldn't believe the bad luck she's had lately with her dates. Normally, her curvy body in tight fitting dresses was enough to bring men to their knees. For the last few weeks, they have been falling at her feet... literally. She hasn't had one successful date... her dating fails included a blind date with her cousin! She really couldn't believe her luck. She felt like she was cursed! Content with her new life in Keating Hollow, parked at her usual table at Incantation Cafe while busily working on her new book, she decided to swear off men... until the one that got away strolled right back into her life!

Ace Media studio exec, Gideon Armstrong couldn't believe his eyes. There she was, in all of her beautiful glory... the one he let slip away 15 years before. In Keating Hollow for a vacation from the Hollywood media scene, Gideon was just looking for some off-the-radar R&R. He never dreamed he'd see her again.

Would they be able to get past their past and the studio exec who had stopped at nothing to prevent Gideon and Miranda from living their perfect lives? Would her very first book, the one that told the love story of she and Gideon be the catalyst to bring them back together to live the ending she wrote in the book? Will love truly conquer all?

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches of Keating Hollow
Miranda Moon had a Blind date with a screen writer. He was her favorite and a long time friend had set them up but he couldn't make it and sent his assistant in him place. he was hot eye candy so why not right? Things were going great until out of nowhere her ex from college showed up Gideon the same ex that dumped and she wrote her first hit book about only she gave them the happy ending they didn't get. But when Gideon showed up just to say hi everything went bad. Lol I'll let you read to find out what happens but it doesn't stop here some one is messing with her movie her first too. Seems everyone knows about who is playing in it and everything about it but her? So what's going on? Who is out to get her? Then there is her ex. He is the only man she has ever loved but she knows he will be leaving again. What is she going to do? I love the characters in this story there so life like ! They put you into the story and keep you hang one each page. There is drama, mystery, betrayal, spice, and so much more. I couldn't put it down. This story is not to be missed my magic romance fans pals. Your going to love this one
This story is amazing I loved it

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review

Book 8 in this fantastic witches series . This story will suck you in and not let you go . Deanna Chase wrote a story that you will see each character interwoven in each story. Once you listen to a story and see a side character you wish that heroine will get her own story.
Heroine is Miranda. Hero is Gideon .
You will remember Miranda from an earlier story, at Spirit of the Witch. Miranda doesn’t believe that she will ever find love . That she got a bad love spell . Gideon and Miranda have been high school sweethearts, but something tore them apart . Miranda is trying to move on , she goes on a few dates but the dates turn out so bad that you will laugh over those dates . You will route for Miranda and Gideon to open their eyes and see the love between them .

Gabra Zackman performance is fantastic. She brought this story to live . You can tell each character by the tone of Gabra voice

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is wonderful! I've been binge-reading it and won't stop until I'm done! This was a great story. It's good to catch up with prior characters and their continuing stories too.


Amazon synopsis:
Miranda Moon has been cursed. Ever since she had the misfortune to come in contact with a crude love spell, she’s had one bad date after another. After lighting a man’s hair on fire and ending up on a blind date with her cousin, she’s ready to lose herself in the books she writes and live her life as a spinster… until Gideon Alexander, the one man she’s always wanted walks back into her life.

Gideon Alexander doesn’t date. He’s already found the one and lost her. But when he’s asked to plan the Keating Hollow Christmas ball with his old friend Miranda Moon, suddenly he finds himself breaking his own rules. Maybe dating the sexy author is just what his scarred heart needs. The only problem? Miranda’s curse has the potential to destroy their relationship before it ever begins.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the love story itself was sweet. But even more than the love story, I enjoyed reading about books being made into movies and some of the potential issues that can happen to writers. While I acknowledge this is a work of fiction, it seems entirely possible those bits of information may be based on reality. I also enjoyed reading about author's agents. I never thought about that before because I didn't associate book publishing with agents. Editors and publishers yes, but not agents. I'm familiar with a few indie authors. It must be difficult to make a living writing when so many people want a chunk of the money for your work. I think I'd self publish too if I were an author. That being said, I did love the characters in this story and I'm in love with Keating Hollow. Too bad it's a fictional place.

[Stephen R Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Ams of the Lovers..

In this book passion runs deep as Miranda and Gideon fight back and forth for their Love, after 15 years is it time to commit or quit fighting for the Love that they have for each other since College. This time Gideon must win Miranda’s trust and show her that he is serious about his commitment.
When Gideon’s father takes Miranda’s book and turns it into a Movie the Script is written badly enough that Gideon threatens his father and quits his job, leaving the script open for Cameron to re-write the script, and his joy brings him to ask Wanda to the Christmas Celebration Party that the Town hosts. Sparks fly….

Lots more to read in this exciting book of Keating Hollow, Highly Recommend reading the series. Now am off to read the next book in the series, will see you on the next review. Bye for now

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ever since book 3, Spirit of the Witch, I've been anxiously wanting to read Miranda's story. At long last.... and it was phenominal! Miranda reunites with a former love, and personal and professional start to mix up in a way that will challenge the couple. Adding Miranda's 'curse' to that makes it extra interesting. I just loved this story and would also love to attend a Christmas Ball like the one that Miranda planned for Keating Hollow. Magical story!

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a second chance romance? Especially when you throw in the paranormal. Miranda and Gideon are basically broken apart by his father who wants Gideon to work for him. Miranda is living in Keating Hollow and writing paranormal romances. Gideon comes to town and they quickly discover their feelings have never gone. The characters of Keating Hollow are many and they are supportive and fun. I love visiting there.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has it all

This series has it all. It's sexy without being graphic (although there's nothing wrong with some detailed sex scenes). It's supernatural without face eating zombies. Plus there's just the right amount of snark. Characters you care about and a story that sucks you in.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 in Witches of Keating Hollow features Miranda Moon who is a romance author who gets hit with an love spell gone awry by accident. She is unable to have a successful date for months until the local healer discovers the problem.

Deanna is a master of her craft weaving delightful stories with characters that pull you in.

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Essence of the Witch is Miranda and Gideon’s story. The storyline is interesting and entertaining. The characters are likable and believable. Ms. Chase has a great way of combining the paranormal world with romance and making it feel realistic. Great story. The narrator did a fantastic job!

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances

A writer's dream & her nightmare all in one. A father's betrayal & a son's realization that he gave up the best part of his life. Trust issues are rampant and they appear multiple times throughout the story. The good news is these characters are open to forgiveness & growth and our little town is full of supporting people.

[diana romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essence of the Witches of Keating g Hollow Book 8 by Donna Chase.

This was another winner. I highly recommend all her books and different series are all great. She writes a good love story too. Once you start a book of hers you just want to read till the end. She writes great characters and a great love story. Diana Romano.. Now to nine.

[Danielle Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I follow this series with an almost stalker obsession. It is so incredibly well written. The characters are all so unique, and the storyline is always engaging. Laugh out loud funny.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

Love this series. Little bit of magic, little bit of humor, bit of romance add it all up and you’ve got Keating Hollow. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind a place like Keating Hollow in real life.

[Jennifer Anne Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Fantasy

A quick fun read that keeps you interested until the end! Getting to know each character and have them continue through the series makes each story that much more enjoyable.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Worth Reading This Series

I absolutely have fallen in love with these books and the characters. Seeing their lives played out and them getting their happy endings has been amazing!

[Lynnette E Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This book is a much better read than book 7. The characters were more willing to listen to each other & provide the benefit of the doubt throughout the book. Very enjoyable.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, the main thing I don't like is how quickly every single main character (male or female) jumps to conclusions. I hope the other series of books from this author don't do the same thing.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a bumpy ride

Poor Gideon and Miranda, the suffered so much because of his cranky asked father and his many secrets.
After a love potions mix up, distance, interference and lies ;they finally got it together and fought to over come.. can't wait to see what happens next

[Ann Marie Augustino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot twists

How nice when dreams come true, but sometimes it can be a battle to get there. Miranda and Wanda just may get everything they desire if they can get everything unraveled.