When a monster plants a seed…you can be sure he’ll reap the harvest.
Eight years ago, Jen Holloway fell in love with the man of her dreams. But when she found out she was carrying his child and that he’d cast a love spell to win her, she learned the truth about how dangerous he really was. To escape him, she fled to the only safe place she knew – Palmetto Point.
There she built a life for herself and her daughter, along with a wall of protection she thought was unbreakable… until the monster showed up wanting to meet the child he rejected. Jen doesn’t trust his motives and with good reason. He’s one of the most powerful sorcerers in the country, and what a sorcerer wants, he gets.
Now Jen must find a way to expose him for what he is and protect her family at all costs. If she doesn’t, it's more than her life on the line. It's her daughter’s.
We finally get to find out about the father of Jen Holloway's daughter Ruby. All we've known throughout the previous books is she ran from him and his family before Ruby was ever born. Now we know Mark Stonehill comes from one of the most powerful family of sorcerers who deal in the illegal side of magic but have yet to be caught and charged by the DOL. Jen is shocked when out of the blue eight years later Mark walks into her restaurant and says he wants to get to know his daughter. There had been strange things going on before he showed up and his timing makes her cautious about his true intentions. I liked finding out about Jen's past and Ruby's dad. I had to admit I didn't see the twist coming at the end of this part of the story.
Along with Jen's part of the story there was also a secondary story going on with Charlie's son Evan and his father who went on a hiking/camping trip. Evan, whose powers have become stronger, encounters the ghost of a dead girl who is relentless in getting him to help her. She will go to any lengths to get Evan to help save another girl before she is murdered like she was. The biggest growth/surprise here was with Evan's dad Scott. Early in the series Scott was such a pain about Charlie's abilities and how he wanted his son raised. He has come along way with accepting the magic community and that is son is going to grow up to be one powerful witch himself.
I really enjoyed finding out Jen & Ruby’s story. This series continues to get better and better. I especially enjoyed the side story with Evan and his dad. I can’t wait for the next book. The character continue to get better and better too.
This book was not a disappointment! I finished it in one day and look forward to the next one! The author held my attention from the beginning and each chapter got better! It was packed full of suspense and mystery!
The initially family-friendly, classically southern, good witch, 'foodie' vibe has gone very dark in the last 4 or 5 books (starting with Shadow Child in Book 6). Using children as horror victims cuts against the grain of the series and seems frankly exploitative. In this latest volume, the 13-year old son of protagonist psychic Charlie Payne is kidnapped by a gruesome girl ghost in order to save a young girl about to be murdered after repeated strangulation rapes by a serial rapist-killer. The poor boy set up to be the victim's savior doesn't even know his mom's cell number because it's on speed dial. Meanwhile as salad is being passed around at dinner, let's say, children are being reminded to address their parents as "sir"or "ma'am!" To this reviewer, the dichotomy seems somewhat schizoid.
Punctuation and grammatical errors continue, especially with unnecessary commas in some places and lack of needed ones in others; phrases that once seemed fresh have become more than stale. Characters don't merely hang up or end calls, but "press the red icon," to boot. Whenever Charlie Payne's emotions threaten to overwhelm her, she gets "a pebble in her throat."
In this book there's also a timeline issue. Jen's ex scopes her living situation by having a sorcerer subordinate plant a camera in her home. Resulting photos reveal their daughter, and he looks to see if she has any of his style or mannerisms. He also learns from these sub rosa photos that Jen is in a relationship. He then shows up, threatening to take the child away. Shortly thereafter, in an aborted effort to win the girl's affection and loyalty, he gifts her a toy puppy magically enhanced to imitate life. In Jen's final exegesis to him, she reveals that her father found the camera "in the dog's nose." But the developed photos existed and were scrutinized before the toy was ever presented to the house.
A black brother and sister inserted two or three books previously (possibly after somebody mentioned the author's casual racism?) have fallen by the wayside. Despite working for the same agency as the series' initial protagonist, they've simply faded away. Maybe it's better like this, as they were the most colorless characters of color imaginable.
The author is a natural storyteller but desperately needs a good editor.
So I have over this week read all 11 books. I have a few things to say. I enjoyed the books and the progression even when I wanted to smack Charlie. The biggest issue I have is the editing. Whoever is in charge of editing should be fired. Its the worst I think I have ever seen. Outside of that I have enjoyed the series and plan on continuing to read Charlie and her families adventures.
This is one of my favorite Paranormal Mystery series. I especially enjoyed the dual story lines running through the book involving Evan and Ruby. The only reason it got 4 instead of 5 stars was due to a serious need for some editing love. Wendy wove a terrific story!
The Kitchen Witch is the 11th Book in the Witches of Palmetto Point Series by Wendy Wang and it is un-put-down-able. The author again brilliantly weaves together two stories in this book, at the same time tying up loose ends. We readers have long wondered about Ruby’s father since he was definitely a loose end. How do you repel and entrap a powerful sorcerer? Simple, you rely on Jen and Ben to surround him with a family of witches and the Defenders of Light. This book held a bit of prognosis for future books. First, young Ruby showed her beginning sorceress instincts when she recognized something was “off” in her father. She is undoubtedly going to be a strong paranormal for the future. Second, 13 year old Evan was walking trails with his father in the Blue Ridge Mountains when he encountered a young murdered ghost. This ghost would not leave him alone and she finally tricked him, separated him from his father and then further deceived him by using him to find another little girl. In a rating scale of 0-10 I give this book a 15. Wendy Wang, please keep writing!
Let’s see, Jen’s ex Mark who is also her daughter Ruby’s father suddenly shows up after 8 years of absence; Evan goes hiking with his dad Scott; a tornado destroys Jen’s cafe; a spirit abducts Evan; Jen gets into a big fight with Ben; Jack threatens to kill someone…
Then, Evan is lost in the woods and the ghost-napper forces him into hiking to a house where a woman is getting brutally beaten all while being chained up with no defenses. It’s up to Evan to somehow get past the monster of a man and free the woman.
Jen wonders why it has taken Mark 8 years to appear so suddenly. What are his true intentions? Does he really just want to get to know his daughter or is there something more nefarious happening? Ruby doesn’t seem to like him much, so how will he win her over?
Great read and as always in this series, a bit dark. Next is book 12 of 14 - The Green Witch
This family is so exciting to read about. Delving into Jen’s relationships was an adventure. I rooted for Bill, and still found myself hoping in Mark for Jen’s daughter’s sake. Who doesn’t want a dad to be there for his little girl. I love that Wendy develops the children characters. Often they are overlooked in stories. Wendy however, creates a whole world that is multifaceted. Charlie’s son goes on an adventure and it was awesome to see his character grow. Wendy, even though we are in the middle of chaos your writing rises above, and lets us escape for a bit. Thank you for letting me cope with a pandemic. Both my husband who is a first responder and my daughter are sick. Between cooking and cleaning, and cleaning, and cleaning some more, I read. Thank you, for helping me through it. I look forward to your next book.
Once again, even with this being the 11th in this series, I’m still hooked on the characters, their stories, backstories, and future developments. Wraps everything up as usual. At one point, I thought for sure there was going to be a continuation regarding a certain section, and I’m very glad too see that was not the case. The one thing that does drive me nuts is typos. And there’s been typos in every single book. It just takes away from the dynamics and the full enjoyment of the book, when you actually have to stop and reread a sentence multiple times to understand what was meant. It can completely pull you out of the zone. I wish the author would work a bit more on the professional aspect of this, whether it be through having pre-readers specifically look for these, or better yet, hire a proofreader.
This was a good read. I started this series because of Charlie and her ghosts and have loved every minute of it. It's fantastic watching Evan come into his powers. This is an amazing family and I like the different pov's but that being said I more or less only liked half of this book. I didn't find Jen's part interesting and with how those women are portrayed as being strong I found her to be weak up until the end. If Charlie and Evan are taking a backseat as the author says, I'm not sure if I will continue this series. While I love all the characters I just don't think their stories are strong enough to take a major role especially after so many books were for Charlie. I hate that because this was one of my favorite series and I was disappointed.
A couple different storylines going on in this book which was a bit different that any of the other books in this series. Evan and his father are on a big camping trip when Evan has a run in with a spirit that desperately needs his help. I really liked this part of the story and it shows that Evan is coming into his powers. And then we have Jen's ex, Mark, showing up wanting to meet Ruby. What is his motive? Is he really just wanting to get to know his daughter or are his intentions more nefarious than that? Met a few new characters in this one and we also got to see that Ruby is definately gaining some powers as well. Pretty good read. Highly recommend
Continuing the series, Kitchen Witch, is a great read. This book expands out from Charlie to the others in the book, specifically Jen and Ben, with Evan as a side story. Evan discovering more of his powers, intrigued me, I hope Wendy Wang writes his story in more detail in later books. The interweave of the past storyline and this book works well. Knowing this was written in 2020 during the most internationally trying times of this generation, made me love it even more. Wendy Wang could have delayed putting this book together, but she didnt; and her readers gained hours away from stress and worry thanks to her efforts.
Aww our little Evan has grown up and so brave and even Scott's coming around. Now Jen's got some worries with our little Rubes that I hope in the future our badass witches can totally kick some serious sorcerer ass when they come for her. Can't wait for Lisa's story. Just a little note for you my dear Wendy, yes our world is so crazy right now and I'm so sorry it has brought depression your way but you are one hell of a writer and your fans like me count the days until we can read your next book. Please know that you are so loved and I wish you happiness and know the sun will shine on our world again real soon! Thank you and take care!!
Awesome book with 2 great stories going on First one Charlie's son Evan goes camping with his dad and Evan encounters a ghost of a young girl who was murdered in the woods by a deranged sex maniac who has kidnapped another young girl who he plans on taking and killing, The ghost enlists help from Evan to save this young girl before it can happen. The second story Jens daughter Rubys dad comes back into the picture to meet his daughter. The father is a sorcerer with a shady past. He is very handsome and will he entice Jen to move back with him. Is his intentions evil or good. Read and find out.
Absolutely fantastic paranormal adventure with Charlie and her magical family! Wendy Wang knocked this one out of the park!
This time we get to know Charlie's cousin Jen a bit better. She's a single mom who runs the local diner and of course is a witch.Her daughter Ruby is your typical 8 year old. But then again she's not, because her dad's a powerful Sorcerer! From a powerful family whose intrest in Ruby has nothing to do with being her dad and everything to do with her powers! Trouble is brewing when he comes to town! Best one in the series so far
This one was a nail biter waiting for the other shoe to drop. Trying to figure whether Men's ex-boyfriend was trying to take her daughter away and for what reason. Evan, Charlie's son being lost in the woods and being held hostage by the ghost who wants his help saving a girl from death before releasing him. It is a tale that won't you put it down until you have all the answers. Read it in one day. Thank you Wendy for another great book to help us keep our sanity during these trying times.
I loved this book! When some authors go down the path of expanding into other characters lives, the initial story line seems to get watered down or lost altogether. This isn't the case in The Kitchen Witch, in this book, a new expanding challenge to the main character of the series is woven into the dire events Jen, The Kitchen Witch finds herself in.
I really enjoyed this book, it was exciting, tense and refreshing; plus I didn't feel like the main character was sacrificed trying to come up with new ideas for the series. I can't wait for what's to come!
It started out a little slow, but like some of the other books, she was laying out plots, and introducing new Characters. I was glad to see the larger role that Evan played in this book since he is becoming a good witch himself. Was so happy to see the way it ended. Can't wait to get into book 12 to see what new adventures there will be. I'm going to sad when I'm done with the next book though, and I believe I am going to miss all these Characters. Wendy's writing makes you feel like you are right there with them, and you get to know them, and love them.
Wang'a characters are wonderful. She brings them all to life, and it's poignant, especially during these times of a pandemic and so much trauma, to feel so much for the family in her books.
I do wish these books had been spellchecker and copyedited. As a writer, I found that it pulled me out of the stories. But not enough to stop reading. Thank you, Wendy Wang. I hope you're feeling better. Your books help me to escape all that is wrong in the world right now, if only briefly.
Two major events happening as Jen's former boyfriend (not a good guy) is after her and her daughter then Evan and his dad out camping deal with a ghost. As usual the close knit family of witches put their powers together to manage both situations. As I have been enjoying Charlie (the main character of the previous ten books in the series), I am not enjoying this take-off from Charlie's stories. Still decent writing and, praise be, much of the grammar and missing words issues finally seem to be resolving (almost) in this book.
I am dreading the end of this series. My early years were in Charleston, on Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. I watched shrimp boats come in at Shem Creek. Dug for clams and oysters. Roamed Fort Moultry, tried to lift cannon balls at White Park, roamed cobbled streets and slid down fire poles with my Daddy. Crossed the Cooper River more times than I can count. Waited for boats to pass a o we could go home. Later I knew I was home when I smelled lime, low tide and pulp. These books are like coming home.
Charlie had taken a back seat in this on. But Jen gets to show that she is a great mother for Ruby her daughter. Ruby's father comes to visit and to meet his daughter and much to his surprise Ruby doesn't like him. Then Evan and Scott his father go on a hike to the mountains and Evan meets a bear for the first time as well as a few spirits. I enjoyed this one and I look forward to the next.
Keeps me wanting to hear more from this addiction of a series. No Joke..I've read this series in record time. Please,please, please...keep these beautiful and thrilling stories coming. I absolutely love the whole cast of characters, family situations and Magic of course🤗
.keep these beautiful and thrilling stories coming. I absolutely love the whole cast of characters, family situations,and the MAGIC of course.
One of the best decisions I made last year was to sign up for Wendy Wang's newsletter. It put me onto her latest ebook! The full dish on Jen and Ruby, and a harrowing adventure with Evan and Scott! On e again I find myself wishing I hadn't read it so I could read it again for the first time.
Set yourself up in your favorite spot with a hot cup of your chosen beverage and indulge!
3.5 stars. I liked that this installment focused on our favorite kitchen witch, Jen, and her powerful sorcerer ex, Mark, who has finally located her and Ruby. I also enjoyed the Evan storyline reflecting a turn away from his previous teen angst and onto his own mystery showcasing progression of his abilities. If there weren’t so many spelling and punctuation mistakes, this would have been a four star installment.
Thank you Wendy You wrote this at a time of strife. Our Country-World, was facing incredible challenges. You mentioned this at the end of the book. I lost someone dear to me due to Covid. I read the other 10 books, very quick and was interrupted. I’m very glad that I picked it up again and look forward to reading more from Palmetto Point. Thank you again for hanging in there!!