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Magical Renovation Mysteries #1
Witcher Upper
Southern gal Clementine Cooke is busy. The house renovation business she runs with her best friend in the small town of Peachwood, Alabama, is thriving. That is until Clementine discovers her partner dead, face-down in poured concrete.
It looks like murder. Clementine starts to investigate, quickly realizing that not only had her so-called best friend spent years lying to her, but plenty of folks wanted her dead--from the unionized wizard mafia to the old lady quilting club. But even with haters coming out of the woodwork, Clementine finds herself fighting off suspicion. She must locate the killer before the local police chief tosses her in jail and throws away the key.
With no one to turn to, she enlists the help of a wizard suffering from amnesia. But there's a hitch--he might not remember who he is, but Clementine does, and for her own reasons, she’s not talking.
Can Clementine clear her name and save her business? Or will this be one magical renovation that winds up in demolition?
It looks like murder. Clementine starts to investigate, quickly realizing that not only had her so-called best friend spent years lying to her, but plenty of folks wanted her dead--from the unionized wizard mafia to the old lady quilting club. But even with haters coming out of the woodwork, Clementine finds herself fighting off suspicion. She must locate the killer before the local police chief tosses her in jail and throws away the key.
With no one to turn to, she enlists the help of a wizard suffering from amnesia. But there's a hitch--he might not remember who he is, but Clementine does, and for her own reasons, she’s not talking.
Can Clementine clear her name and save her business? Or will this be one magical renovation that winds up in demolition?
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2020
1389 people are currently reading
4004 people want to read
About the author
Amy Boyles
156 books1,550 followersHey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
June 24, 2020
This was such a fun book that I wouldn't probably have known about it if it hadn't been for an online book club I'm in that decided to read it soon. I was pretty excited to see a dachshund on the cover though, that is definitely one thing that drew me in! (Dachsies aren't super common in cozy mysteries, it's more your bigger dogs or little terrier dogs). Lady was just how I hoped she'd be, the typical mischievous dachshund but still a sweetheart that liked to be cuddled. I loved the name, perfect for a little long-haired dachsie! The cover picture was absolutely adorable.
I enjoyed getting to know Clem and the quilting ladies. And wow, what a surprise showdown! It was something that I never saw coming. I don't want to talk about too much here and give anything away, but be aware that this series is going to have a continuing story. The murder in this case is 100% solved though, so no worries there. I like a continuing story as long as it doesn't continue terribly long, and I'm already anxious to dig into the next book! This was a great borrow and part of my ongoing efforts to use my KU a little bit smarter.
I enjoyed getting to know Clem and the quilting ladies. And wow, what a surprise showdown! It was something that I never saw coming. I don't want to talk about too much here and give anything away, but be aware that this series is going to have a continuing story. The murder in this case is 100% solved though, so no worries there. I like a continuing story as long as it doesn't continue terribly long, and I'm already anxious to dig into the next book! This was a great borrow and part of my ongoing efforts to use my KU a little bit smarter.
September 29, 2020
After a so-called "friend" tried to drain her magic, witch Clementine moved to a supposedly magic-free town and opened her own home renovations business. Unfortunately, she has to get to the bottom of things when her "friend" shows up with amnesia, and her business partner is murdered (after taking all the money from their business account).
Witcher Upper is a cute start to a new series. Clementine is an interesting character, her dog is adorable, and the old lady brigade are hilarious. Add in her amnesiac frenemy "John," and it's a recipe for intrigue. I like the unique take on magic in this world, too, with the spells hidden around town as balls of magic.
Witcher Upper is a cute start to a new series. Clementine is an interesting character, her dog is adorable, and the old lady brigade are hilarious. Add in her amnesiac frenemy "John," and it's a recipe for intrigue. I like the unique take on magic in this world, too, with the spells hidden around town as balls of magic.
February 21, 2021
Upper book 1
A good start for a new series! Clem (Clementine) and her best friend Sadie have opened a new business renovating building. Their first venture is an old barn that Dooley and his wife will move into when his child and family take over the farm. Magical Renovations is working hard for Dooley who is one of those people who want everything RIGHT NOW and threaten firing them if things don't happen NOW. Later in the evening Clem does a walk through of the renovations and finds a body, face down in the pored cement!
A good start for a new series! Clem (Clementine) and her best friend Sadie have opened a new business renovating building. Their first venture is an old barn that Dooley and his wife will move into when his child and family take over the farm. Magical Renovations is working hard for Dooley who is one of those people who want everything RIGHT NOW and threaten firing them if things don't happen NOW. Later in the evening Clem does a walk through of the renovations and finds a body, face down in the pored cement!
August 27, 2020
Do you love the south? Renovation? Magic? Well the "newest" series by Amy Boyles is just what you need.
Now I say this is the "newest" because I haven't really looked at the published dates, but I just had this book come up in my Kindle because of my love of Amy Boyles Sweet Tea witches series. If you have read any of that series you will be excited to see a familiar character carry over into this series, so far, just the one, but who knows what the future will hold.
Clem has her own renovation business with her best friend Sadie, and she settled in town thinking there was no magic here, because after a bad experience, Clem wants nothing to do with magic anymore. Of course what Clem thinks she has found and what really lies beneath are two completely different things!
When her best friend turns up dead, Clem is going to have to find out what happened or risk losing her business to the witch mafia! Yes, there is really something such as the witch mafia and witch loan sharks, will wonders never cease!
This is another cute and engaging story by Amy Boyles, set in the south, as are most all her books and series. What I am trying to figure out is if this book is suppose to come before or after the Sweet Tea Witches Series, at the moment, after only reading book one, I am thinking after, but there are some lingering issues that might clear up in following books that might make me change that thought!
I love when an author has such great stand-alone books, series and characters that shine in them that they end up in another series, either as visitors or as the main focus. I think it just goes to show the authors ability to weave a world that you feel part of, each person has their own life and each series builds on the greater world, each town blends together to make a whole world.
Now I say this is the "newest" because I haven't really looked at the published dates, but I just had this book come up in my Kindle because of my love of Amy Boyles Sweet Tea witches series. If you have read any of that series you will be excited to see a familiar character carry over into this series, so far, just the one, but who knows what the future will hold.
Clem has her own renovation business with her best friend Sadie, and she settled in town thinking there was no magic here, because after a bad experience, Clem wants nothing to do with magic anymore. Of course what Clem thinks she has found and what really lies beneath are two completely different things!
When her best friend turns up dead, Clem is going to have to find out what happened or risk losing her business to the witch mafia! Yes, there is really something such as the witch mafia and witch loan sharks, will wonders never cease!
This is another cute and engaging story by Amy Boyles, set in the south, as are most all her books and series. What I am trying to figure out is if this book is suppose to come before or after the Sweet Tea Witches Series, at the moment, after only reading book one, I am thinking after, but there are some lingering issues that might clear up in following books that might make me change that thought!
I love when an author has such great stand-alone books, series and characters that shine in them that they end up in another series, either as visitors or as the main focus. I think it just goes to show the authors ability to weave a world that you feel part of, each person has their own life and each series builds on the greater world, each town blends together to make a whole world.
June 22, 2020
Holy Spells!
Amy has done it again. I loved this book. Cannot wait for book 2. A witch who does not use her magic and then stuff starts to happen. Magical things and we find out that all is not what we see and not everyone is who they seem. You are sucked right into story and then you realize you have read the last line. Check it out. You will fall for Peachwood and Clem.
Amy has done it again. I loved this book. Cannot wait for book 2. A witch who does not use her magic and then stuff starts to happen. Magical things and we find out that all is not what we see and not everyone is who they seem. You are sucked right into story and then you realize you have read the last line. Check it out. You will fall for Peachwood and Clem.
October 3, 2020
New series , great characters
Really great to find out that Rufus is okay, just missing his memory. And the people of the new town are a good group of people. Enjoy the pooch too
Really great to find out that Rufus is okay, just missing his memory. And the people of the new town are a good group of people. Enjoy the pooch too
November 5, 2020
A fun easy read
Very enjoyable read. There’s death, controversy, sexual attraction, Magic, witches, blue hair and mystery. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Very enjoyable read. There’s death, controversy, sexual attraction, Magic, witches, blue hair and mystery. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 10, 2020
Peachwood is more than it seems...
This small town with a big difference is quite original, as is the female lead. Clementine is a licensed contractor, owns a construction business...and is a closed-off witch who doesn't acknowledge magic due to a past trauma. The murder mystery is alright, although I dislike perpetrators that appear with no clues; it feels like a bit of a cheat on the writer's part. The ongoing mystery is where the intrigue lies, and more info on Hannah and her relationship with the town could be enlightening. I'm SO glad that "John" has the chance to shine. Clem may just be the woman to help heal his head AND his heart. Can't wait to learn more in Peachwood!
This small town with a big difference is quite original, as is the female lead. Clementine is a licensed contractor, owns a construction business...and is a closed-off witch who doesn't acknowledge magic due to a past trauma. The murder mystery is alright, although I dislike perpetrators that appear with no clues; it feels like a bit of a cheat on the writer's part. The ongoing mystery is where the intrigue lies, and more info on Hannah and her relationship with the town could be enlightening. I'm SO glad that "John" has the chance to shine. Clem may just be the woman to help heal his head AND his heart. Can't wait to learn more in Peachwood!
March 30, 2021
Witcher Upper was an okay story. Clem is likable but not very on the ball. The rest of the cast of quirky characters are underdeveloped but have potential. It was never explained why spells are trapped in glowing orbs and witches/warlocks can't do magic without them. Clem never really investigated the murder. The reveal of the culprit left something to be desired, IMO, because it didn't make sense to me why the victim let the culprit blackmail her. She would have been better off coming clean instead of giving in to blackmail in the first place. I didn't like the way Clem kept talking directly to the reader. It was off-putting and broke the flow of the story. The whole story has potential and I may give the second book a chance.
August 16, 2020
Good book
Clementine Cooke runs a local renovation business in town with her best friend, Sadie. Until Sadie ends up dead. Rufus (from Sweet Tea Witches series) appears looking for spells because he has lost his memory. Clem has to figure out what happened to Sadie, her money and what the heck Rufus is doing in this town since she ran away from him and her magic before. Can she figure it all out before the wizard mafia takes her business or someone else winds up dead? This was a good book, the characters were fairly interesting and the story was pretty good. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Clementine Cooke runs a local renovation business in town with her best friend, Sadie. Until Sadie ends up dead. Rufus (from Sweet Tea Witches series) appears looking for spells because he has lost his memory. Clem has to figure out what happened to Sadie, her money and what the heck Rufus is doing in this town since she ran away from him and her magic before. Can she figure it all out before the wizard mafia takes her business or someone else winds up dead? This was a good book, the characters were fairly interesting and the story was pretty good. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
June 14, 2020
Fun new series
Fun light series set in Georgia in a semi magical town . Rufus from the Sweet Tea mysteries is in town with amnesia, looking for a memory spell. Clementine owns a renovation and decorating business and is learning about the magical town dynamics. Can't wait for the next book!
Fun light series set in Georgia in a semi magical town . Rufus from the Sweet Tea mysteries is in town with amnesia, looking for a memory spell. Clementine owns a renovation and decorating business and is learning about the magical town dynamics. Can't wait for the next book!
July 4, 2022
2.5 stars. Y’all. All I can think when looking back on this book is how much potential it had. In the end, it fell short, but I wonder if the story will improve as it goes on. Synopsis: Clementine (a red head) owns a construction/design business that builds/rehabs/renovates homes. I guess she’s technically a general contractor. Anyway, she has some magical abilities, but after a traumatic experience decides to leave magic behind and move to the normal town of Peachwood. But after building a peaceful, normal life, her business partner is murdered and the man who assaulted her shows up with amnesia and a personality change and her world gets flipped upside down. Sounds like an action drama, but no it’s a lighthearted cozy mystery.
What I liked: I liked the characters, in general. A couple of characters I didn’t really like, but in the end I wasn’t supposed to like them, so I guess it was okay. I liked a lot of the elements of the story. Everything I would expect from a cozy mystery: the quirky town & its characters, the pet, the love interest, a bizarre happening.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The novel had all the pieces for a great story, but the pieces didn’t fit right and there were gaps in between. It needed a really good content editor. 2). It seemed as if the author couldn’t have two mysteries going at once. Either the focus was on Clem’s dead partner (as it was in the beginning and end) or it was on the mystery of Rufus’ appearance and Clem’s relationship with him. But the two rarely overlapped. 3) Clem is traumatized but pretty quickly falls back into the longing stares of Rufus. Wait, what??? He attacked her and she left! She wasn’t in a continually abusive relationship. I cannot imagine her flipping her feelings around so quickly and wanting him again. If he stole something of hers, like a watch or something I can understand giving him another chance to see if he’s a victim of circumstance or really a truly awful human being, but tying her up, strapping her down and trying to take her magic by force? Come on now! 4) Clem is a general contractor who knows NOTHING about the financials of her business because her designer manages that. Hello? A general contractor is TIED AT THE HIP to their financials! How do I know? I’m a real estate investor that has flipped homes and had to budget for repairs and figure out costs so I could decide if/how I could make or maximize a profit. You are in and out of your accounts and lines of credit constantly. And you have to pay taxes and work with your accountant. You simply can’t be part of a construction business and be as hands on as Clem AND be clueless at the same time. Although, I guess it’s fitting she went bankrupt, but it couldn’t have gone on for years. It is always difficult to read books about general contractors and renovators for this reason alone. 5) The mystery is almost nonexistent. Yes, her best friend/business partner ends up dead. And yes she starts to look for clues, but then the searching for clues gets dropped in favor of helping Rufus and BAM! all of a sudden the mystery picks up at the end and is solved horribly. No build up, no clues, just solved. 6) The person who killed her best friend makes no sense. He decides to blackmail her friend? Why? And she goes to his bar with Clem to hang out? And, what, Shane texts her while she’s there? It was all kinds of confusing. 7) The narrator talking to the reader didn’t work for me. In some places she’s explaining something that seems obvious and then turns to reader and, in essence, asks, “Right? You know how it is, right?” And we are all wondering who she’s talking to and realizes it’s us and, shaking our heads, say yes. Another time she kind of comes across as a know it all-when I already agreed with the point she was making. I just wanted to get lost in the story but the narrator kept pulling me out wanting to seek validation. 8) To make things “right” Rufus Mr-I-have-turned-a-new-leaf-and-am-a-good-human-now-and-Clem-wants-to-keep-it-that-way decides to work for the magical mafia and Clem is grateful. Wait, what? How does this make any sense at all? I just can’t with this story. It started off so good and then kind of went off the rails seemingly just to wrap it up quickly with a bow on top. 9) The partner ends up dead facedown in a client’s newly poured concrete. There is no way in heck I’d live in that house. No way. NO WAY!!!! 10). Along the same lines, Clem’s partner was smothered in wet concrete! But she just moves on like a random bird died in it it instead. Just. Sigh. 11) What was the point of the trucker storyline that kept creeping up in the story? It could have been edited out, along with most of her partner’s mother’s storyline and replaced with something simpler to keep the focus on the main mysteries.
Honestly, a lot of the story could be fixed by simply moving things around and adding or removing a few sentences so the mystery could be woven throughout instead of just at the beginning or the end and make sense. I think this is the end of the road for me and this series. If it wasn’t focused on Clem and on the general contracting I could probably overlook a lot and give it maybe one more chance since the beginning of series can be hit or miss, but inconsistencies with her job would drive me batty.
What I liked: I liked the characters, in general. A couple of characters I didn’t really like, but in the end I wasn’t supposed to like them, so I guess it was okay. I liked a lot of the elements of the story. Everything I would expect from a cozy mystery: the quirky town & its characters, the pet, the love interest, a bizarre happening.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The novel had all the pieces for a great story, but the pieces didn’t fit right and there were gaps in between. It needed a really good content editor. 2). It seemed as if the author couldn’t have two mysteries going at once. Either the focus was on Clem’s dead partner (as it was in the beginning and end) or it was on the mystery of Rufus’ appearance and Clem’s relationship with him. But the two rarely overlapped. 3) Clem is traumatized but pretty quickly falls back into the longing stares of Rufus. Wait, what??? He attacked her and she left! She wasn’t in a continually abusive relationship. I cannot imagine her flipping her feelings around so quickly and wanting him again. If he stole something of hers, like a watch or something I can understand giving him another chance to see if he’s a victim of circumstance or really a truly awful human being, but tying her up, strapping her down and trying to take her magic by force? Come on now! 4) Clem is a general contractor who knows NOTHING about the financials of her business because her designer manages that. Hello? A general contractor is TIED AT THE HIP to their financials! How do I know? I’m a real estate investor that has flipped homes and had to budget for repairs and figure out costs so I could decide if/how I could make or maximize a profit. You are in and out of your accounts and lines of credit constantly. And you have to pay taxes and work with your accountant. You simply can’t be part of a construction business and be as hands on as Clem AND be clueless at the same time. Although, I guess it’s fitting she went bankrupt, but it couldn’t have gone on for years. It is always difficult to read books about general contractors and renovators for this reason alone. 5) The mystery is almost nonexistent. Yes, her best friend/business partner ends up dead. And yes she starts to look for clues, but then the searching for clues gets dropped in favor of helping Rufus and BAM! all of a sudden the mystery picks up at the end and is solved horribly. No build up, no clues, just solved. 6) The person who killed her best friend makes no sense. He decides to blackmail her friend? Why? And she goes to his bar with Clem to hang out? And, what, Shane texts her while she’s there? It was all kinds of confusing. 7) The narrator talking to the reader didn’t work for me. In some places she’s explaining something that seems obvious and then turns to reader and, in essence, asks, “Right? You know how it is, right?” And we are all wondering who she’s talking to and realizes it’s us and, shaking our heads, say yes. Another time she kind of comes across as a know it all-when I already agreed with the point she was making. I just wanted to get lost in the story but the narrator kept pulling me out wanting to seek validation. 8) To make things “right” Rufus Mr-I-have-turned-a-new-leaf-and-am-a-good-human-now-and-Clem-wants-to-keep-it-that-way decides to work for the magical mafia and Clem is grateful. Wait, what? How does this make any sense at all? I just can’t with this story. It started off so good and then kind of went off the rails seemingly just to wrap it up quickly with a bow on top. 9) The partner ends up dead facedown in a client’s newly poured concrete. There is no way in heck I’d live in that house. No way. NO WAY!!!! 10). Along the same lines, Clem’s partner was smothered in wet concrete! But she just moves on like a random bird died in it it instead. Just. Sigh. 11) What was the point of the trucker storyline that kept creeping up in the story? It could have been edited out, along with most of her partner’s mother’s storyline and replaced with something simpler to keep the focus on the main mysteries.
Honestly, a lot of the story could be fixed by simply moving things around and adding or removing a few sentences so the mystery could be woven throughout instead of just at the beginning or the end and make sense. I think this is the end of the road for me and this series. If it wasn’t focused on Clem and on the general contracting I could probably overlook a lot and give it maybe one more chance since the beginning of series can be hit or miss, but inconsistencies with her job would drive me batty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
Meh. I finished it to finish it. The last 25% of the book was better than the other 75%. Pretty sure I won't be reading this again, but I'm glad the dog can talk now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
*sigh* I'm having another run of books I don't like. :(
Thought the MC was an idiot and didn't like either love interest.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No --- I'd also tried a romance by her (forgot to review / can't recall its title) and didn't like it so she's two for two in different genres.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
*sigh* I'm having another run of books I don't like. :(
Thought the MC was an idiot and didn't like either love interest.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No --- I'd also tried a romance by her (forgot to review / can't recall its title) and didn't like it so she's two for two in different genres.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
July 18, 2022
This is the first in a new series. As such, I know I’ll be reading more! I loved the “quilting ladies” and there’s definitely nothing wrong with having chocolate silk pie for breakfast. Yum. Clem does know how to start her day off right! She’s a renovator who’s doing a job for a man who is a pain in her… yeah. The characters are fun and quirky – and the “police chief” is ridiculous. Why in the world don’t the citizens get rid of him? The world building is wonderful with things like a witch’s mafia and loan sharks and more. There’s even the trope of amnesia in here for a man (wizard) Clem hates. And the fact that Clem has no idea what’s going on around her.
Clem needs to figure out who killed her best friend—who wasn’t really a friend—why Rufus and she are the only ones who can see the spells and more. There are a lot of secrets in this book – not all of them answered. But there is a satisfying ending with at least one mystery solved.
Recommendation: If you love a bit of the paranormal in your cozies, definitely pick this one up. Though it is part of a series, you won’t be disappointed because there is a satisfying ending.
Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Clem needs to figure out who killed her best friend—who wasn’t really a friend—why Rufus and she are the only ones who can see the spells and more. There are a lot of secrets in this book – not all of them answered. But there is a satisfying ending with at least one mystery solved.
Recommendation: If you love a bit of the paranormal in your cozies, definitely pick this one up. Though it is part of a series, you won’t be disappointed because there is a satisfying ending.
Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
October 4, 2023
Another entertaining cozy paranormal series…
… with the added attraction of home renovation details increasing the charm. Clementine (Clem) co-owns a building and restoration business with her best friend, Sadie. Shortly after finding Sadie’s dead body on their work site, Clem learns that Sadie has emptied the company’s accounts and is in deep debt to loan sharks. To make matters even worse, Clem’s nemesis, Rufus, a wizard who had tried to drain her magical powers from her, has shown up in town — but with total amnesia, having no clue that he knew Clem or that he’d been a bad wizard before. He’s searching for a memory spell to get his life back, but he is so much nicer now than he was years before, Clem is in no rush to restore him to his former self. Dilemma. Meanwhile, Clem has a budding romance developing with a local bar owner, and life on that front is looking up. Lots of interesting stuff going on in this book, but it’s the funny and likable cast of characters that make the book a pleasure. Can’t (and won’t) wait for the next installment.
… with the added attraction of home renovation details increasing the charm. Clementine (Clem) co-owns a building and restoration business with her best friend, Sadie. Shortly after finding Sadie’s dead body on their work site, Clem learns that Sadie has emptied the company’s accounts and is in deep debt to loan sharks. To make matters even worse, Clem’s nemesis, Rufus, a wizard who had tried to drain her magical powers from her, has shown up in town — but with total amnesia, having no clue that he knew Clem or that he’d been a bad wizard before. He’s searching for a memory spell to get his life back, but he is so much nicer now than he was years before, Clem is in no rush to restore him to his former self. Dilemma. Meanwhile, Clem has a budding romance developing with a local bar owner, and life on that front is looking up. Lots of interesting stuff going on in this book, but it’s the funny and likable cast of characters that make the book a pleasure. Can’t (and won’t) wait for the next installment.
February 1, 2026
Liked this just fine, but I'm very confused how it got such a high rating.
Nothing is properly explained!
The characters are simply written, but funny and effective. The pacing is nice, the chemistry between the love interests is a bit ham-fisted, but fine.
But the magic system is criminally under-explained! There's no real breakdown of how anything works and it's a bit insane when it turns out to be so pivotal for the plot.
Sure, the 'morality' of it all is still there - "don't be overly reliant on magic", "magic has a price", "magic is unpredictable" (especially if you're a bit careless about it like the MF).
But how spells are created, used, disposed of, shielded against? Nothing. Just nothing. Like the author either didn't care or couldn't properly explain her creation and just decided to handwave it.
Fine for a light and easily digestible read, but that's really all there is.
Nothing is properly explained!
The characters are simply written, but funny and effective. The pacing is nice, the chemistry between the love interests is a bit ham-fisted, but fine.
But the magic system is criminally under-explained! There's no real breakdown of how anything works and it's a bit insane when it turns out to be so pivotal for the plot.
Sure, the 'morality' of it all is still there - "don't be overly reliant on magic", "magic has a price", "magic is unpredictable" (especially if you're a bit careless about it like the MF).
But how spells are created, used, disposed of, shielded against? Nothing. Just nothing. Like the author either didn't care or couldn't properly explain her creation and just decided to handwave it.
Fine for a light and easily digestible read, but that's really all there is.
August 4, 2020
Perhaps if I hadn't read some of the books in her earlier Sweet Tea series where Rufus was a terrible, horrible, very bad creature, I would find it easier to understand her willingness to give him another chance after he harmed her. I'm not far enough into that series to find out how he ended up where he is with no memory. Apparently he does some sort of character turn around at some point in that series and whatever happened caused him to end up in Clem's world with no memory of who he is/was and how he got there. I'll have to finish out that other series before I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Has he really changed deep down? If he gets his memory back, just how much will he remember? Will there be a memory gap big enough to forget that he's supposed to have changed for the better? I do not trust him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
New series great mystery Rufus from sweet tea witches is in this series
Rufus the wizard from.sweet tea witches series is in this . time wise in sweet tea series after book 16 or 17 before Pepper gets pregnant in last book out 18 or ,,19:sorry read several other series since then. This series I might just end up like more. Clem the main character clowns a remodeling company and brings her dachshund to work Lady. Having standard wires that just icing on cake for this series. Lol but I like that she different inquire character that tries not to use her magic and works as contractor builds thing non typical occupation for a female that great age not your typical witch in series . the plot if this book it was a great who done mystery and I did not figure out who the killer was before revealed in the book. Great Job by the authorb
Rufus the wizard from.sweet tea witches series is in this . time wise in sweet tea series after book 16 or 17 before Pepper gets pregnant in last book out 18 or ,,19:sorry read several other series since then. This series I might just end up like more. Clem the main character clowns a remodeling company and brings her dachshund to work Lady. Having standard wires that just icing on cake for this series. Lol but I like that she different inquire character that tries not to use her magic and works as contractor builds thing non typical occupation for a female that great age not your typical witch in series . the plot if this book it was a great who done mystery and I did not figure out who the killer was before revealed in the book. Great Job by the authorb
May 24, 2021
What a fun book to read. I really like the characters of Clementine or Clem as her friends call her and Rufus. Rufus showed up in town looking for a spell to help him regain his memories because he woke up and couldn't remember anything. Clementine knows him as a powerful wizard who tried to steal her powers. Hating him for years and wanting vengeance, she finds she can't hurt him because he doesn't remember anything. She sort of befriends him.
This was a sort of cozy mystery with Clementine's best friend and business partner, Sadie, being murdered and the inept Chief of Police calling it a an accidental death. I usually know who did it, but was totally surprised by the answer in this book. Score one for Amy Boyles.
With a quilting club made up of old women who are actually former spell hunters, this book has a lot of chuckles. I recommend it.
This was a sort of cozy mystery with Clementine's best friend and business partner, Sadie, being murdered and the inept Chief of Police calling it a an accidental death. I usually know who did it, but was totally surprised by the answer in this book. Score one for Amy Boyles.
With a quilting club made up of old women who are actually former spell hunters, this book has a lot of chuckles. I recommend it.
October 5, 2021
Witchtastic!
Cute. Started out kind of slow which isn't necessarily a good thing for such a short book because lately I've began reading books that I don't finish because they're just not interesting. Problem resolved quickly enough though.
I was hoping Clem wouldn't have to choose between romantic partners because the guys are both cute and sweet...and surely enough she won't have to! Now who will take over the local bar? Guess it'll get it's third name! Thirds a charm?
I suspected something was up with Malene and her gang and that was found out, too.
Unfortunately Clem's best friend was the first character sacrificed in this series, but now she has a potential new friend...if he just doesn't remember who he is.
I loved the end of this book and wonder of the "ball" Lady ate will continue it's power. That'll all be discovered in Book 2, "Renovation Spell"
Cute. Started out kind of slow which isn't necessarily a good thing for such a short book because lately I've began reading books that I don't finish because they're just not interesting. Problem resolved quickly enough though.
I was hoping Clem wouldn't have to choose between romantic partners because the guys are both cute and sweet...and surely enough she won't have to! Now who will take over the local bar? Guess it'll get it's third name! Thirds a charm?
I suspected something was up with Malene and her gang and that was found out, too.
Unfortunately Clem's best friend was the first character sacrificed in this series, but now she has a potential new friend...if he just doesn't remember who he is.
I loved the end of this book and wonder of the "ball" Lady ate will continue it's power. That'll all be discovered in Book 2, "Renovation Spell"
October 4, 2023
Had to read a "witchy" book for a challenge and chose this one since it wasn't too long. Also, because it had a Dachshund on the front, but honestly very little happened with the dog. Clementine is in the construction business and discovers her best friend laying face down in some fresh cement, dead. As she investigates, she discovers that there is much she didn't know about Sadie. Clementine is a witch, who doesn't want to use her powers and who thinks she is living in a non-witchy town. Little does she know how untrue that is. In fact, an old enemy, a wizard who has developed amnesia is back in town and she finds herself helping him out, while waiting for him to revert back to his true self. This book can be a stand alone, but has somemthing of the cliff hanger to it.
September 7, 2023
I thought this was a very short yet fun read. Very uncomplicated yet very entertaining. The concept of a mafia that was unionized made me laugh and so did some of the other small things throughout the book. Despite promising us at the beginning of the book that this was “not that kind of book“… It kind of was, and that was OK, because I was kind of hoping for that kind of book really. I like Clementine and Rufus/John. I’m curious to know exactly how that’s going to turn out… I can’t blame Clementine for miss trusting him, but I would think that pretty soon she is going to have to give in and let him regain his memory but I suppose we will see in the next book.
May 23, 2024
enjoyable cozy mystery with small town, southern charm
The setting of this one is what really appealed to me after reading. I love a small town with quirky old ladies and lots of character. The mystery was good if a bit weird (the culprit was unexpected and there was no foreshadowing in the characterization imho), the romance is promising but also kind of irksome (I am interested in reading more because of it!), and the general vibe of the book was funny and quirky. I like it! I was not aware that this is somewhat of a spin off of a previous series. I don’t feel I need to have read them to get this story.
The setting of this one is what really appealed to me after reading. I love a small town with quirky old ladies and lots of character. The mystery was good if a bit weird (the culprit was unexpected and there was no foreshadowing in the characterization imho), the romance is promising but also kind of irksome (I am interested in reading more because of it!), and the general vibe of the book was funny and quirky. I like it! I was not aware that this is somewhat of a spin off of a previous series. I don’t feel I need to have read them to get this story.
September 21, 2021
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great chess characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. A young woman who left the supernatural world because of some thing that happened to her. Mucho small southern town to just live a normal life away from magic. She owned a business to renovate homes with a friend and that is where our adventure begins. Read on to find out what happens in the first book of this series. Very entertaining and a fun read.
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great chess characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. A young woman who left the supernatural world because of some thing that happened to her. Mucho small southern town to just live a normal life away from magic. She owned a business to renovate homes with a friend and that is where our adventure begins. Read on to find out what happens in the first book of this series. Very entertaining and a fun read.
December 26, 2021
Good Start to Series
Clementine is spending time with her best friend Sadie at the bar. She is enjoying the break from work when there is trouble. Clementine world is about to explode around her with the death of her best friend. She discovers that she didn't know her as well as she thought. Clementine also finds herself running into the one person from her past, she didn't want too.
Clementine will work to find out about what happened to Sadie, magic going around, and so much more. It is was a good start to series, you will enjoy your time with these characters.
Clementine is spending time with her best friend Sadie at the bar. She is enjoying the break from work when there is trouble. Clementine world is about to explode around her with the death of her best friend. She discovers that she didn't know her as well as she thought. Clementine also finds herself running into the one person from her past, she didn't want too.
Clementine will work to find out about what happened to Sadie, magic going around, and so much more. It is was a good start to series, you will enjoy your time with these characters.
September 16, 2025
This was a fun beginning to a new spinoff series by a great author. I enjoyed meeting Clementine and discovering her town's magic alongside her. The mystery was compelling, but I found that the reveal seemed to come out of left field, and I don't think there were any bread crumbs to help the reader figure it out ahead of time. The relationship between Clem and Rufus/John is very complex, with Clem's history with Rufus juxtaposed with "John's" amnesia. It makes for a very well thought out series plotline and I'm looking forward to reading more about it.
March 4, 2022
The magical town
This is the first book in Magical Renovation Mysteries series by Amy Boyles. In this book, Clementine finds a wizard who hurt her in the past and he had amnesia. He was looking for a memory spell to remember who he was. While giving him somewhere to sleep she found her best friend dead. Afterwards she found out her friend wasn't who she thought. This was a very interesting book. I didn't want to put it down and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This is the first book in Magical Renovation Mysteries series by Amy Boyles. In this book, Clementine finds a wizard who hurt her in the past and he had amnesia. He was looking for a memory spell to remember who he was. While giving him somewhere to sleep she found her best friend dead. Afterwards she found out her friend wasn't who she thought. This was a very interesting book. I didn't want to put it down and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 23, 2020
First book in a new series , Clementine wants to do her job and forget or ignore that she is a witch. Blocking herself off brings it’s on problems...like not seeing what is going on right in front of your face.
Fun new community with a surprise visitor from her past.
Looking forward to the next book.
Fun new community with a surprise visitor from her past.
Looking forward to the next book.
November 26, 2020
A remote town PEACHWOOD, Clem and Sadie own a a house renovation buisness, Things were looking good until Sadie found face down in cement, secrets start to come out Clem is broke and on the verge of losing her buisness. She must find the killer , find her money , and try not to use magic, A great read Enjoy.
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