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Witching Hour #2
Never Been Hexed
Constance Campbell learned on her fortieth birthday that she comes from a long line of witches.
Now, struggling to learn her magic, Constance dives deeper into her family’s sorted past.
Constance vows to find the truth behind her mother's disappearance. She’s determined to seek out the Faction, an order of witches and warlocks vying for power in the supernatural world.
But when Constance’s father shows up looking a little ghostly pale and see-through, she has other problems to solve. Like who killed him and why. And is she next on their list?
Can Constance find her father’s killer? Is her mother still alive somewhere? And can Constance save herself before either the Faction or her father's killer put an end to her as well?
Now, struggling to learn her magic, Constance dives deeper into her family’s sorted past.
Constance vows to find the truth behind her mother's disappearance. She’s determined to seek out the Faction, an order of witches and warlocks vying for power in the supernatural world.
But when Constance’s father shows up looking a little ghostly pale and see-through, she has other problems to solve. Like who killed him and why. And is she next on their list?
Can Constance find her father’s killer? Is her mother still alive somewhere? And can Constance save herself before either the Faction or her father's killer put an end to her as well?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2020
1159 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Christine Zane Thomas
70 books186 followersChristine Zane Thomas is the pen name of a husband and wife team whose love of mystery and sleuths spurred the creation of their own mysterious writer alter-ego.
While not writing, they can be found in northwest Florida with their two children and schnauzer, Tinker Bell.
Their love of food takes them all around the South. Sometimes they sprinkle in the occasional trip to Disney World. Food and Wine is their favorite season.
While not writing, they can be found in northwest Florida with their two children and schnauzer, Tinker Bell.
Their love of food takes them all around the South. Sometimes they sprinkle in the occasional trip to Disney World. Food and Wine is their favorite season.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
October 31, 2021
Never Been Hexed
(Witching Hour #2)
by Christine Zane Thomas
Terrific follow up! Great supernatural mystery with great characters and plot! Suspense mixed with humor along with wonderful situations make it a fun page turner!
(Witching Hour #2)
by Christine Zane Thomas
Terrific follow up! Great supernatural mystery with great characters and plot! Suspense mixed with humor along with wonderful situations make it a fun page turner!
July 22, 2020
2020 243. Sometimes I read a book with a sigh. I enjoyed the first book, but felt the ending was rushed. However, the plot ended in a cliff hanger and I had engaged enough with the characters that I had to order the second - which is this title. I feel like I'm in a paranormal soap opera - not as dark as Dark Shadows - a fun paranormal soap opera. This time the character gives up a year of her life to enter the Shadows, seeking her murdered father. In addition, she deals with a demon to get her familiar back and learns a little more about her mother. Again, the ending was rushed and I was left with a "what just happened' feeling and what is more the third book won't be out in paperback for awhile. I can wait, but read it I will, is Grams kicking our heroine out of the house now? Is her Mother really dead?
March 13, 2025
Cute paranormal cozy mystery, by husband and wife time, great storytelling.
June 24, 2020
I was lucky enough for an ARC on this. Thomas continues to astound with the best writing and plotting yet. Thrills, adventure and romance. Yes, this is a kissing book.
Can't wait for the next one. Pre-order today
Can't wait for the next one. Pre-order today
June 19, 2020
Constance is still working on trying to find new path in life after a divorce, a huge move, turning 40 and finding out she’s a witch and all those that go bump in the night are real. A traumatic chain of events for any one person. But the hits keep coming on in the form of the ghost of her her father and he informs her he was murdered. Join her on her quest to find the truth about her father, her familiar and the truth about her mother. It’s full of twist and turns of all varieties as well as giggles and danger! All the while trying to accomplish her ever growing to do list she’s being courted by the local sheriff and stalked by the local podcasters determined to out every secret their sleep little town has! This book does end in a cliffhanger so be prepared for the dying for more feeling you get when you just have to k ow what happens next.
This book was an advanced free copy but opinions and reviews is all my own.
This book was an advanced free copy but opinions and reviews is all my own.
March 19, 2021
I really loved the first book, Midlife Curses, and so I was excited to read the sequel! Never Been Hexed held my interest throughout however so much was happening that when the climax came it all went crashing down too fast. I honestly had to go back and reread some parts to see if we got any answers on who killed her father and why. We got partial and with the cliffhanger at the end, hopefully we'll get more in the next book.
Overall because of how fast everything concluded and wrapped up, I felt like I missed something which is why I could only rate this four stars. I still loved all the characters, her grams is still a hoot. The relationship she has with Dave and his girls I love but at the same time I'm like, "girl, why are you rushing. Your divorce hasn't even finalized yet". We got way more magic in this one, which I loved! We also got to see what happens if someone non-magical stole a book from Trish's store and it was hilarious and well deserved. I'm excited to read the next book and learn more about the Faction!
Overall because of how fast everything concluded and wrapped up, I felt like I missed something which is why I could only rate this four stars. I still loved all the characters, her grams is still a hoot. The relationship she has with Dave and his girls I love but at the same time I'm like, "girl, why are you rushing. Your divorce hasn't even finalized yet". We got way more magic in this one, which I loved! We also got to see what happens if someone non-magical stole a book from Trish's store and it was hilarious and well deserved. I'm excited to read the next book and learn more about the Faction!
August 17, 2021
I like the premise of these books, but I could do without the podcast stuff. Those two aren't interesting and I don't feel that they add much to the story other than being annoying and boring. Personal opinion of course. There's something missing in these books that is present in other similar books, but I'm not quite sure what it is. A lot of time is spent on telling the reader mundane details, but then the moment where the villain is revealed is almost glossed over. That being said, the conversation between Constance and Rainbow was well done and the descriptions of the shadow realms and how they work gave me some ideas for my gaming campaigns. I did enjoy this book even more than the first one and I will definitely finish the series. The characters are memorable and the author does a good job of endearing them to the reader. I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a good, light read with paranormal elements and a tad bit of romance.
August 10, 2020
In this second book in a series, Constance is still trying to figure out this witch thing, and she doesn’t seem to have good mentors in her friends or her cranky grandmother. She has a romantic interest in a werewolf sheriff—who actually asks if they can be boyfriend and girlfriend (!!!!) and kisses are very chaste. I am not really into romance, but—what’s the point of this? It’s sort of a young adult novel for the old gals. Anyhow. The story is well written but sort of develops in a tangle of events without a strong through line. I am not crazy about all the various magical creatures. The vampire is OK, I guess, but a vampire ghost is weird, Osiris is sketchy, and the fallen angels turned into familiars is also unnecessary; why can’t a familiar just be a familiar? I read it to the end, but I am not sure I will go back for #3.
December 13, 2020
I'm going to give this one a sold 4 stars. The editing was much better than the first one and the storyline was a bit more consistent. There were still a few mistakes here and there, but overall it was just a better constructed book. I enjoyed getting to know the familiars and the other witches better. I also liked Candace working in the book store way more than the grocery store, it makes more sense for her personality. Her relationship with Dave is progressing really nicely and I enjoyed watching their romance blossom. It was nice to see Candace coming into her own more as a witch too. She takes risks and she's brave and smart and funny. Just a joy to read about. I love all the pop culture references too, Candace is a woman after my own heart. I am really enjoying this series and I look forward to the next installment.
August 1, 2021
Constance is one of the oldest witches in this type of book. Her mother has disappeared, her father is dead (maybe murdered), the sheriff of the town is a werewolf and an organization called the Faction that might be behind her father's death.
There's a place called the Shadow Realm where you can talk to ghosts and she has a raccoon as a familiar (when he doesn't end up somewhere he'd rather not be.)
I think because of her age and her maturity this gives the story a slightly different air than ones dealing with young women who are still trying to figure things out. The Faction really seems like it might be majorly evil but if it is then the problem is how do you bring down a group like that? Regular human laws would probably not apply to them.
It's a good introduction to a new series of books.
There's a place called the Shadow Realm where you can talk to ghosts and she has a raccoon as a familiar (when he doesn't end up somewhere he'd rather not be.)
I think because of her age and her maturity this gives the story a slightly different air than ones dealing with young women who are still trying to figure things out. The Faction really seems like it might be majorly evil but if it is then the problem is how do you bring down a group like that? Regular human laws would probably not apply to them.
It's a good introduction to a new series of books.
March 1, 2021
Constance is still working on trying to find new path in life after a divorce, a move across country, turning 40 as well as finding out she’s a witch and has a familiar, Brad. Her father comes to her in a dream. He surprises her in telling her that he is dead; killed actually. She wants to find the truth about her father, her familiar and the truth about her mother. She tries to solve who killed him while trying to complete her list while she’s being courted by the local sheriff and stalked by the local podcasters who are set out to find out every secret Creel Creek has. The story ends with Constance being introduced to a man who says he is from the Faction. The group, Constance has been looking for because she thinks this is the group her mother joined and left her a a child.
July 20, 2024
I have to admit, this was a better story than I expected. Although I read the first book, this author's work is still new to me. I am getting used to where's and why's of how magic works in this author's story. The characters are interesting, the plot is straight forward, as much as it can be in a world most of us do not believe in, and the premise is two fold, finding out who killed the main character's father, and locating and freeing her familiar. The answers are strange, costly, and vague at best. However, I still do recommend this book. Others will see things I didn't and will probably appreciate it more.
October 15, 2024
Such a cozy fun paranormal/mystery read. Constance is now going through life changing hardships that she is still processing and getting her head around. But, of course, there’s going to be issues when you find out late in life that you are a witch that comes from a long line of witches. Obviously that’s going to shack up your world when you find something like that out. One of the main issues/plots is of Constance’s parents. What happened to them? Constance just couldn’t catch a break throughout the book. I quite enjoyed the writing and the mystery held my attention the entire time. I had to know what happened!
July 18, 2020
The author of the series is a husband/wife team. I like authenticity this brings to the pov of the male and female characters. This is the second book in the #PWF genre series Witching Hour. The thought is that witches don't come into their power until age 40 because younger folk might use witchcraft recklessly (plausible). I really like the description of the shadow world and familiars. The nosey podcaster storyline is definitely picking up as the series progresses, it will be interesting to see where that leads. My only disappointment is that book 3 hasn't been released yet.
September 21, 2021
Surprisingly complex...and logically simple!
Surprisingly complex...and simple This is fine storytelling and world-building. Constance is so relatable, and the slow building of relationships is believable. Trish and Gran, as well as their familiars, are solid back-up. Dave and the other characters contribute, too (even the obnoxious podcasters!), and the sorrowful nature of the mystery manages to not overwhelm the reader while integrating seamlessly into the overriding story arc. These authors have created a "must-read" series!
Surprisingly complex...and simple This is fine storytelling and world-building. Constance is so relatable, and the slow building of relationships is believable. Trish and Gran, as well as their familiars, are solid back-up. Dave and the other characters contribute, too (even the obnoxious podcasters!), and the sorrowful nature of the mystery manages to not overwhelm the reader while integrating seamlessly into the overriding story arc. These authors have created a "must-read" series!
February 18, 2022
Woohoo witch wonders!!!
I have to say I am LOVING this series! Our "New Girl" is lighting up the witch ways in their little small town. Once you start reading, you find yourself in a rather paranormal version of Mayberry, and it is fabulous! You get witches, vampires, werewolves, psychics, secret organizations, angels, demons, familiars and mystery. It also makes it very hard to put down after just a few chapters! Ms. Thomas, please keep turning out these wonderful stories, and you will have a lifetime reader right here!
I have to say I am LOVING this series! Our "New Girl" is lighting up the witch ways in their little small town. Once you start reading, you find yourself in a rather paranormal version of Mayberry, and it is fabulous! You get witches, vampires, werewolves, psychics, secret organizations, angels, demons, familiars and mystery. It also makes it very hard to put down after just a few chapters! Ms. Thomas, please keep turning out these wonderful stories, and you will have a lifetime reader right here!
May 4, 2024
Not my favorite series. It's ok, but doesn't quite jell together for me. I've only experienced this series as an audiobook, but I don't think the problem is the narration. Fundamentally, each story is a mystery that starts out Scooby-Doo low stakes and then whiplashes into something very dangerous by the end. There's also the meh chemistry between the heroine and the werewolf Sherriff. And the interpersonal dynamics that don't quite convince me of real interactions.
This one is about the murder of the heroine's father and getting her familiar back, but it takes a circumlocutious route.
This one is about the murder of the heroine's father and getting her familiar back, but it takes a circumlocutious route.
June 24, 2020
Never Been Hexed is the second book in the Witching Hour series and is an entertaining cozy mystery.
Christine is a well-developed character, a middle-aged woman coming into her own as a newly single woman and a real witch. The storyline is well written and entertaining, with humour, murder, suspense, intrigue, twists, and a little romance.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Christine is a well-developed character, a middle-aged woman coming into her own as a newly single woman and a real witch. The storyline is well written and entertaining, with humour, murder, suspense, intrigue, twists, and a little romance.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
August 19, 2020
I like the cover of the book
Although Constance's dad got killed in the first chapter, the entire books empathy seems to be with witches whose mothers went missing or died before their fortieth birthday. We learn of the shadow realm, potions are gross, and the multiverse that shadow land is and contains. Demons are called and binded, Constance's ego runs amuck against a demon. I semi like this book, but I love the podcasts, which are the original part of this series.
Although Constance's dad got killed in the first chapter, the entire books empathy seems to be with witches whose mothers went missing or died before their fortieth birthday. We learn of the shadow realm, potions are gross, and the multiverse that shadow land is and contains. Demons are called and binded, Constance's ego runs amuck against a demon. I semi like this book, but I love the podcasts, which are the original part of this series.
August 19, 2020
It's hard to know how to feel about this book because I found it to be dragging. It really never picked up speed (action, hot romance etc.) I was glad that the lead character was an actual adult rather than a child or teenager as the lead, It never went into details on some of the important "co-stars". It does have a good storyline if only we were given more background with the characters. Hopefully the story improves.
March 9, 2021
Never Been Hexed
Constance Campbell is 40 years old. She has only recently discovered she's a witch. Living with her grandmother, after leaving her cheating husband, she is just learning what being a witch means. Her father appears to her one night in ghost form explaining that he was murdered and her thinks it was magic that was used. Constance is trying to find the witch responsible.
Constance Campbell is 40 years old. She has only recently discovered she's a witch. Living with her grandmother, after leaving her cheating husband, she is just learning what being a witch means. Her father appears to her one night in ghost form explaining that he was murdered and her thinks it was magic that was used. Constance is trying to find the witch responsible.
March 10, 2021
After coming into her "witchy" powers at 40, Constance's trouble hasn't stopped. Still trying to find her lost familiar and confronted with her fathers ghost this book gives the reader a wild ride trying to figure out who's good paranormals, bad paranormals and who's neither!
Really loved the banter in this book. Gran seems like an amazing woman and definitely funny.
Truly a fun read/ or listen whichever you prefer!
Really loved the banter in this book. Gran seems like an amazing woman and definitely funny.
Truly a fun read/ or listen whichever you prefer!
March 16, 2021
Good Series
The story and characters are good. I loved how Constance finally came to the conclusion of who had hexed her. It made me sad that she took so long to rescue her familiar. But at least she explained herself. Not quite an apology, but maybe a new beginning. If anything, the pace of the story is a little slow for me. But not too slow, don't get me wrong. It was an enjoyable read.
The story and characters are good. I loved how Constance finally came to the conclusion of who had hexed her. It made me sad that she took so long to rescue her familiar. But at least she explained herself. Not quite an apology, but maybe a new beginning. If anything, the pace of the story is a little slow for me. But not too slow, don't get me wrong. It was an enjoyable read.
February 18, 2022
A great sophomore novel
What a follow-up!!! This story did not disappoint!! It has a great story line, that comes together at the end. Once again it wasn't predictable, which I definitely love and it has all the elements of a great story in it. A big thing for me is that it's a clean story and has been edited well. I highly recommend this book and the series too. Enjoy my friends...I'm off to read book 3 😁
What a follow-up!!! This story did not disappoint!! It has a great story line, that comes together at the end. Once again it wasn't predictable, which I definitely love and it has all the elements of a great story in it. A big thing for me is that it's a clean story and has been edited well. I highly recommend this book and the series too. Enjoy my friends...I'm off to read book 3 😁
July 10, 2022
Never Been Hexed: book 2 is a real peach!
I loved having a happy ending after all the risks being taken and paid for in time from your life! Since the story explained the magical risks, I am glad that Constance & Dave agreed to make a stab at a relationship (with his three little daughters). Thank goodness Constance was able to make a deal with the demon and get her familiar back from the shadow realm. Good reading!
I loved having a happy ending after all the risks being taken and paid for in time from your life! Since the story explained the magical risks, I am glad that Constance & Dave agreed to make a stab at a relationship (with his three little daughters). Thank goodness Constance was able to make a deal with the demon and get her familiar back from the shadow realm. Good reading!
April 13, 2023
Constance Campbell's already chaotic life takes another hit. Her father passes and his ghost stops by her bedside to say goodbye. The authorities say it was natural causes, but Constance is convinced the Faction had something to do with it. Hexes, demon summonings, and a girls only sleepover commence.
Potterheads, sign up for these. Not because it's like HP but because there are enough fans and mentions inside these books to satisfy your cravings.
Potterheads, sign up for these. Not because it's like HP but because there are enough fans and mentions inside these books to satisfy your cravings.
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed book #1 in the series and was excited to read this. Unfortunately I wasn't as excited throughout the reading of this book and I'm not sure why. I like the plot and the issues the characters face throughout, it was not predictable, and had some unique takes on what happens after we die. It was a good book, but not one that makes me want to read the next book in the series, like I feel good to leave these characters where they are.
June 27, 2020
Excellent and Unique
I'm a fan of this series with lots of unique characters and situations. The humour is spot on with imaginative elements. I love the podcast commentary which was a first for me in a book. It adds a whole other aspect to the series. The explanation for familiars was also a favorite. I'm looking forward to reading more from these authors.
I'm a fan of this series with lots of unique characters and situations. The humour is spot on with imaginative elements. I love the podcast commentary which was a first for me in a book. It adds a whole other aspect to the series. The explanation for familiars was also a favorite. I'm looking forward to reading more from these authors.
July 4, 2020
Never Been Hexed by Christine Zane Thomas is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and cozy mysteries.
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 16, 2020
I love the story line and the cast of characters. They are well written and fun to read. Constance's father has been murdered. Can Constance find the killer without being killed herself? And then there is the Faction and the mystery of her mother. This causes more unwanted attention on Constance. Can she survive? Can she find some answers?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews