What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches of Half Moon Bay #1
A Witch's Call
I’m what you call normal by day, and woo woo by night. As a college student, I spend my days in class and my evenings selling sage to PTA moms who do moon rituals to manifest better parking spaces. My best friend is a cat who likes pizza, and a “night out” includes hand delivering mysterious packages to the local “coven” of small business owners that repeatedly invite me to their meetings—clothing optional.
My life is weird. But it’s not magic. Magic isn’t real.
At least, that’s what I believed– right up until the moment he walks into my store.
Alex Channing is rude, brutish, and a constant pain in my ass. He’s also the hottest specimen I’ve ever seen. Maybe that’s why words fail me in his presence. Or maybe it’s the pinging feeling in my gut that says he’s more than what he seems.
But when he miraculously saves me from certain death, at the hand of a monster whose very existence shouldn’t even be possible, I’m forced to reconsider what’s real.
My denial is strong but the reality of who—and what—Alex really is can’t be ignored. Neither can the existence of the monsters who hunt me. The truth is, magic is real. And the only thing I’m more in danger of losing than my life—is my heart.
My life is weird. But it’s not magic. Magic isn’t real.
At least, that’s what I believed– right up until the moment he walks into my store.
Alex Channing is rude, brutish, and a constant pain in my ass. He’s also the hottest specimen I’ve ever seen. Maybe that’s why words fail me in his presence. Or maybe it’s the pinging feeling in my gut that says he’s more than what he seems.
But when he miraculously saves me from certain death, at the hand of a monster whose very existence shouldn’t even be possible, I’m forced to reconsider what’s real.
My denial is strong but the reality of who—and what—Alex really is can’t be ignored. Neither can the existence of the monsters who hunt me. The truth is, magic is real. And the only thing I’m more in danger of losing than my life—is my heart.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
11 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Heather Hildenbrand
178 books1,447 followersHeather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2021
Sam has missing pieces in her memory, things she is struggling to remember, a feeling of disconnect in her life. Nothing seems to help, despite attempts at therapy and even magically based interventions. But she’s also a magic skeptic, even while working in the shop of a psychic/oracle, even though that might be the key to her problem. Alex is a werewolf hunter, and is in search of a cure for the werewolf venom that is slowly killing him. When his search brings him to Half Moon Bay, and face to face with Sam, someone he had an intense supernatural interaction with two years prior, and he holds the key to her memory. Little does he know, she may hold the key to his cure, as well.
Alex is hoping to help Sam recover her memories without her finding out about his role in the circumstances, convinced that she’ll hate him when she finds out. Sam is oblivious to the supernatural, every experience she has vanishes from her memory - so it’s not just her history that is impacted, but her current memories, which is making her even more frustrated. All the while, the chemistry between them sizzles, despite the hot/cold she gets from Alex as he tries to fight his attraction. The main drive of the story is Sam getting her memories back, which is layered over the backdrop of these feral werewolf attacks that are happening around her. It’s action packed and the mystery is quite intriguing. The ending of the book resolves only a small piece of the puzzle, opens up more, and leads us into a deeper storyline for Alex and Sam. It’s a very good, solid start to a series, with some interesting world building. Looking forward to see where it goes from here.
Alex is hoping to help Sam recover her memories without her finding out about his role in the circumstances, convinced that she’ll hate him when she finds out. Sam is oblivious to the supernatural, every experience she has vanishes from her memory - so it’s not just her history that is impacted, but her current memories, which is making her even more frustrated. All the while, the chemistry between them sizzles, despite the hot/cold she gets from Alex as he tries to fight his attraction. The main drive of the story is Sam getting her memories back, which is layered over the backdrop of these feral werewolf attacks that are happening around her. It’s action packed and the mystery is quite intriguing. The ending of the book resolves only a small piece of the puzzle, opens up more, and leads us into a deeper storyline for Alex and Sam. It’s a very good, solid start to a series, with some interesting world building. Looking forward to see where it goes from here.
March 1, 2023
Question. Who’s the woman on the cover? I thought the MC was of south Asian decent. Fail.
October 9, 2025
A Witch’s Call is the first book in the Witches of Half Moon Bay series by Heather Hildenbrand. There are wolves, gods, witches, magic, and more. The story is about one woman who is believed to be a recarnation of the moon goddess, and trying to save the wolves, but he is out to destroy all the wolves to make her pay. Half Moon Bay is the place where it all happens. Sam had her memory wiped, and Alex is falling in love with her, but evil is trying to take her out; now she must remember what happened and embrace who she is becoming.
It's an interesting tale and a good read to take you away for a few hours.
It's an interesting tale and a good read to take you away for a few hours.
August 15, 2025
I purchased the three book audio off Audible for this. I couldn't make it through 20% of the first book. I could not handle the narration. The narrator voice was fine. But as she moved into voice her actual characters words, it was so whiny, nasaley, and mousy. It completely threw me off. Then the male characters voice actually sounded like the narrating voice. It was so confusing. DNF'd due to pure annoyance and confusion.
October 31, 2020
I love when books have sassy characters that make me laugh and this one was on point. From the first chapter I was hooked and it kept me on my toes. Or going to lie.. luving Graves.. but I easily fall for the pain in the ass male in the story.. and her brother 🤣 he is amazing!
Narration was great.. the transition between chapters and characters was pretty smooth. The narrator did a great job and I hope she does the rest of the series.
Overall I loved the characters and the story and I can’t wait to get to book 2!
Narration was great.. the transition between chapters and characters was pretty smooth. The narrator did a great job and I hope she does the rest of the series.
Overall I loved the characters and the story and I can’t wait to get to book 2!
April 30, 2021
A Witch’s Call is the first book in the Witches of Half Moon Bay series by Heather Hildenbrand. This was a good story that delve into each of the main characters backgrounds and how they’ve gotten to the point in their lives to both be at Half Moon Bay. This is a story filled with magic, werewolves, secrets and more.
This is a dual POV story with chapters interchanging between Sam and Alex.
This is a dual POV story with chapters interchanging between Sam and Alex.
July 10, 2024
Ok so I am so confused 😕 what the heck is going on this book is jumping all around I have no idea what is happening. She's doing a bunch of dangerous experiments and keeps saying she's sick but it doesn't explain what is happening to her and the book keeps jumping around 🤔 dnf restarted 2 times but I just can't do it the ratings for this is even somewhat confusing because what I'm listening to doesn't really match up with what people are saying the book is about maybe it does halfway through the series but i don't want to listen to hours of confusion before i figure out what's happening so its a no for me 🤔
June 20, 2022
Unbelievable romance and utterly unnecessary and stupid drama are the only things the book focuses on.
The sad thing is that there are seeds for actually justified drama and a satisfying and maybe even insightful conclusion but the book rushes past any and all the opportunities for any of it and instead picks tiresome clichées there are all as old as the genre to focus on instead. And on top of it, they are not even well-executed.
Wasted potential.
The sad thing is that there are seeds for actually justified drama and a satisfying and maybe even insightful conclusion but the book rushes past any and all the opportunities for any of it and instead picks tiresome clichées there are all as old as the genre to focus on instead. And on top of it, they are not even well-executed.
Wasted potential.
October 14, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title from within the series set box. (Audible.com.au)
This is one of those tales that reveals the past story as the present is also unravelling .
It was confusing for the first few chapters, but stick with it. The tale that is revealed is worth the wait.
This is one of those tales that reveals the past story as the present is also unravelling .
It was confusing for the first few chapters, but stick with it. The tale that is revealed is worth the wait.
October 21, 2021
Sam has a block on her memory and she cat remember why she is scared of men, the dark and large dogs. Alex is a supernatural hunter and is dying a slow death from being bitten by a werewolf. Can they come together and figure out her memory loss. I really enjoyed this book.
April 5, 2023
This is so enjoyable and funny!
I really liked the aesthetic of the story and I felt that supernatural/crime element was really what kept me reading.
This one is dual pov which helps propel the plot too
I really liked the aesthetic of the story and I felt that supernatural/crime element was really what kept me reading.
This one is dual pov which helps propel the plot too
December 9, 2023
I read the audio sample on Amazon
A fiction on Reynard(pronounced Reign AD) the witch (wee-chi's) for wee god) call to Samantha (Sam-earn-ta with Ta for source in ijaw) on movement of the show from David's store to the house.
A fiction on Reynard(pronounced Reign AD) the witch (wee-chi's) for wee god) call to Samantha (Sam-earn-ta with Ta for source in ijaw) on movement of the show from David's store to the house.
November 3, 2021
Great book. Love reading books with Witches in it.
November 9, 2021
Loved this book. Listened to as an audio book.
5 star audio book.
5 star audio book.
November 18, 2021
Book 1 gives us an interesting back story. It took a little bit to get into because in the audio Sam and Alex’s voices sound very similar, but once I got into it I really enjoyed the story .
January 14, 2022
It was fine. Sam, the main female character, kind of bothers me. I did however like Alex. RJ was also a good character so maybe I'll read the next one, but it's not at the top of my list
January 24, 2023
It was boring and I didn't like the narration in the Audiobook.
I couldn't differentiate between the male and female narration which made me confused and lost sometimes.
I couldn't differentiate between the male and female narration which made me confused and lost sometimes.
dnf
March 3, 2023DNF 62%
I wanted to like this book, after all... witches. I did like this book, at least for a while. But I'm giving up. Sam's continuous denial is irritating.
I wanted to like this book, after all... witches. I did like this book, at least for a while. But I'm giving up. Sam's continuous denial is irritating.
September 26, 2023
The story line felt like it dragged a bit but liked the characters and will continue with the first 3 books I bought bundled on Audible.
October 15, 2024
It’s witch’s call #1 or dirty blood book 6; and it’s confusing and has typos. Whatever. I’m still reading this stupid series for some reason.
October 16, 2024
Enjoyed.
April 15, 2025
love this and I love how it connects from the dirty blood series!!!
November 11, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
A Witch's Call is the first book in the Heart Lines series by Heather Hildenbrand and it was great. I listened to the audio narrated by Lauren Anthony and she did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life.
The story is told from two perspectives, the main being Samantha Knight with Alex Channing's point of view here and there. Sam is witty and a little sarcastic but overall a good person who has been going through a lot in the past few years. Sam has PTSD symptoms, she is scared of everything, especially men, she cries for no reason, and she has withdrawn from not only society but also from the people who know her. She moves across the country so that her loved ones don't realize that something is wrong and she tries to find the answers she needs.
Truthfully Sam lives with anxiety and that is a very relatable thing, and she is also in denial about all the things that are going on with her, which is also relatable. I like Sam, she is quick-witted, a good person and her personality just mesh well with me.
One of my favorite things is her interactions with Alex, something in him brings out her feisty side, she doesn't take any of his grumpy crap. Alex is in deep with the supernatural world and he knows weird stuff has been happening with Sam and feels some kind of connection with her. Alex is all broody but is a good person, he's a little sad and a little hard on himself. Something about him just pulls at my heartstrings while also annoying me, which I think is pretty much how Sam feels. Something about Sam and Alex feels right, things are going on with both of them and I have a theory about what's gonna happen, I'm excited to know how they are gonna turn out.
The story is sort of a slow burn, not too much excitement but clues to Sam's past and the mystery about what's currently happening and how the characters interact is what moves the story forward. I feel that this book is to ease readers into the world before things get super crazy. I love the characters and their interactions with each other. My favorite side character is Marabelle who is the owner of the occult store that Sam works at. Marabelle is a happy and wise hippie who is determined to help Sam. She is a little whacky and most definitely stands out but I like her as Sam's guide and there is most definitely something mystical about her. Then there is RJ who is Alex's roommate and a bundle of contradictions and very laid back and friendly type but has a serious side.
A Witch's Call is the first book in the series, getting readers all setup for what is to come. Secrets were revealed, a destiny is coming forth, angsty romance, magic, werewolves and so much more. The series seems like it's gonna be an interesting one and I am excited to see what happens next.
A Witch's Call is the first book in the Heart Lines series by Heather Hildenbrand and it was great. I listened to the audio narrated by Lauren Anthony and she did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life.
The story is told from two perspectives, the main being Samantha Knight with Alex Channing's point of view here and there. Sam is witty and a little sarcastic but overall a good person who has been going through a lot in the past few years. Sam has PTSD symptoms, she is scared of everything, especially men, she cries for no reason, and she has withdrawn from not only society but also from the people who know her. She moves across the country so that her loved ones don't realize that something is wrong and she tries to find the answers she needs.
Truthfully Sam lives with anxiety and that is a very relatable thing, and she is also in denial about all the things that are going on with her, which is also relatable. I like Sam, she is quick-witted, a good person and her personality just mesh well with me.
One of my favorite things is her interactions with Alex, something in him brings out her feisty side, she doesn't take any of his grumpy crap. Alex is in deep with the supernatural world and he knows weird stuff has been happening with Sam and feels some kind of connection with her. Alex is all broody but is a good person, he's a little sad and a little hard on himself. Something about him just pulls at my heartstrings while also annoying me, which I think is pretty much how Sam feels. Something about Sam and Alex feels right, things are going on with both of them and I have a theory about what's gonna happen, I'm excited to know how they are gonna turn out.
The story is sort of a slow burn, not too much excitement but clues to Sam's past and the mystery about what's currently happening and how the characters interact is what moves the story forward. I feel that this book is to ease readers into the world before things get super crazy. I love the characters and their interactions with each other. My favorite side character is Marabelle who is the owner of the occult store that Sam works at. Marabelle is a happy and wise hippie who is determined to help Sam. She is a little whacky and most definitely stands out but I like her as Sam's guide and there is most definitely something mystical about her. Then there is RJ who is Alex's roommate and a bundle of contradictions and very laid back and friendly type but has a serious side.
A Witch's Call is the first book in the series, getting readers all setup for what is to come. Secrets were revealed, a destiny is coming forth, angsty romance, magic, werewolves and so much more. The series seems like it's gonna be an interesting one and I am excited to see what happens next.
March 6, 2021
Title: A Witch’s Call
Author: Heather Hildenbrand, Narrated by Lauren Anthony
Publisher: Heather Hildenbrand
ISBN: B01MZGCMR
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Remembrance-He...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Witch’s of Half Moon Bay 1
I’m what you call normal by day, and woo woo by night. As a college student, I spend my days in class and my evenings selling sage to PTA moms who do moon rituals to manifest better parking spaces. My best friend is a cat who likes pizza, and a “night out” includes hand delivering mysterious packages to the local “coven” of small business owners that repeatedly invite me to their meetings—clothing optional.
My life is weird. But it’s not magic. Magic isn’t real.
At least, that’s what I believed– right up until the moment he walks into my store.
Alex Channing is rude, brutish, and a constant pain in my ass. He’s also the hottest specimen I’ve ever seen. Maybe that’s why words fail me in his presence. Or maybe it’s the pinging feeling in my gut that says he’s more than what he seems.
But when he miraculously saves me from certain death, at the hand of a monster whose very existence shouldn’t even be possible, I’m forced to reconsider what’s real.
My denial is strong but the reality of who—and what—Alex really is can’t be ignored. Neither can the existence of the monsters who hunt me. The truth is, magic is real. And the only thing I’m more in danger of losing than my life—is my heart.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
On the surface, Samantha appears to be an average regular, but looks can be deceiving. Years ago, Samantha lived through a trauma that she can’t remember leaving her a changed person. Afraid of the dark and scared of the shadows from her past, She struggles to go on with her life while trying to reclaim what she lost.
Alex is determined to find a cure for the werewolf bite that is killing him. His search for a cure brought him to his last resort and back into Samantha’s life. Little does she know that Alex holds a pivotal role in her past and may be the one person that she might regret to forget or maybe not.
This was an incredible fast paced paranormal YA story that takes the reader into a world they have never experienced. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The audio-book version brings the story alive in more ways than just reading the text.
Author: Heather Hildenbrand, Narrated by Lauren Anthony
Publisher: Heather Hildenbrand
ISBN: B01MZGCMR
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Remembrance-He...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Witch’s of Half Moon Bay 1
I’m what you call normal by day, and woo woo by night. As a college student, I spend my days in class and my evenings selling sage to PTA moms who do moon rituals to manifest better parking spaces. My best friend is a cat who likes pizza, and a “night out” includes hand delivering mysterious packages to the local “coven” of small business owners that repeatedly invite me to their meetings—clothing optional.
My life is weird. But it’s not magic. Magic isn’t real.
At least, that’s what I believed– right up until the moment he walks into my store.
Alex Channing is rude, brutish, and a constant pain in my ass. He’s also the hottest specimen I’ve ever seen. Maybe that’s why words fail me in his presence. Or maybe it’s the pinging feeling in my gut that says he’s more than what he seems.
But when he miraculously saves me from certain death, at the hand of a monster whose very existence shouldn’t even be possible, I’m forced to reconsider what’s real.
My denial is strong but the reality of who—and what—Alex really is can’t be ignored. Neither can the existence of the monsters who hunt me. The truth is, magic is real. And the only thing I’m more in danger of losing than my life—is my heart.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
On the surface, Samantha appears to be an average regular, but looks can be deceiving. Years ago, Samantha lived through a trauma that she can’t remember leaving her a changed person. Afraid of the dark and scared of the shadows from her past, She struggles to go on with her life while trying to reclaim what she lost.
Alex is determined to find a cure for the werewolf bite that is killing him. His search for a cure brought him to his last resort and back into Samantha’s life. Little does she know that Alex holds a pivotal role in her past and may be the one person that she might regret to forget or maybe not.
This was an incredible fast paced paranormal YA story that takes the reader into a world they have never experienced. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The audio-book version brings the story alive in more ways than just reading the text.
May 18, 2022
3 Stars
Unfortunately this was too full of tropes for me and there wasn’t a lot of depth to them.
Girl meets surly Guy. Girl has mysterious PTSD about men. Surly Guy comes around needing help and mysterious Girl is the answer to all.
The relationship had some chemistry, but it felt out of place.
*SPOILERS*
Sam and Alex have interacted before when she had a mental breakdown that Alex helped erased from her memory and it’s completely changed her as a person. But at the time, Alex was very much with someone else (in the Authors other series) and Alex’s someone else dumps him and now he’s in love with Sam pretty much? Wants to comfort her and save her and blah blah. But honestly, the constant thinking about Alex on Sam’s part and her internal rehashing of ‘what happened to me?!’ Is super annoying. And while I wanted to see the relationship come to some sort of sexy resolution- I ultimately DNF’ed at 65% bc it was a chore to listen too and just the same thing over and over. Not for me.
Unfortunately this was too full of tropes for me and there wasn’t a lot of depth to them.
Girl meets surly Guy. Girl has mysterious PTSD about men. Surly Guy comes around needing help and mysterious Girl is the answer to all.
The relationship had some chemistry, but it felt out of place.
*SPOILERS*
Sam and Alex have interacted before when she had a mental breakdown that Alex helped erased from her memory and it’s completely changed her as a person. But at the time, Alex was very much with someone else (in the Authors other series) and Alex’s someone else dumps him and now he’s in love with Sam pretty much? Wants to comfort her and save her and blah blah. But honestly, the constant thinking about Alex on Sam’s part and her internal rehashing of ‘what happened to me?!’ Is super annoying. And while I wanted to see the relationship come to some sort of sexy resolution- I ultimately DNF’ed at 65% bc it was a chore to listen too and just the same thing over and over. Not for me.
October 27, 2020
I have to admit that I struggled through the first few chapters of this audiobook as Anthony did not create much variation in her narration style and I had not realized this book was from a dual perspective. It took me a short time to realize that we were jumping between characters. However, once I made that connection I enjoyed the rest of the audio experience. I was actually glad that Anthony did not overdue the emotions in narrating as Sam, since she has such traumatic PTSD that her actions were very cringeworthy at times and the narration could have put it over the top. Instead, Anthony brings just enough life to Sam to make it utterly believable that she is constantly jumping at shadows without a clear understanding of where her fear stems from. As the book progressed, I found myself totally drawn into this world of werewolves and the tension building between Sam and Alex will definitely have me listening to the next book in the series.
November 4, 2020
I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.
After a bit of a slower start but great character building and world building the second half of the book I absolutely loved which throws you into a whirlwind of intrigue and a fair few answers. Although probably a bit slower than I prefer the start gave a great opportunity to introduce the main characters and show just who Alex and Sam are. Definitely felt I missed things at times so kind of wished I’d read dirty blood first but it is ( I assume)all shared by the end of the book! I really enjoyed how Sam’s anxiety was portrayed especially when someone assumed she would break down she pulled up her big girl pants and was like nu uh I can do this just to prove you wrong (it’s so me that it’s totally relatable for me!) I definitely will be looking for the next book and quite likely the dirty blood series too as I find the books very interesting.
After a bit of a slower start but great character building and world building the second half of the book I absolutely loved which throws you into a whirlwind of intrigue and a fair few answers. Although probably a bit slower than I prefer the start gave a great opportunity to introduce the main characters and show just who Alex and Sam are. Definitely felt I missed things at times so kind of wished I’d read dirty blood first but it is ( I assume)all shared by the end of the book! I really enjoyed how Sam’s anxiety was portrayed especially when someone assumed she would break down she pulled up her big girl pants and was like nu uh I can do this just to prove you wrong (it’s so me that it’s totally relatable for me!) I definitely will be looking for the next book and quite likely the dirty blood series too as I find the books very interesting.
December 5, 2020
I enjoyed A Witch's Call. I can see where this book is laying the groundwork for a lot more action and twists. I liked Sam though I know not everyone has. Alex is definitely the infuriating guy you like despite how stubborn he is.
This has ties to the Dirty Blood series though I've only read the first book in that series so far and it's easy to follow along in this one.
This has ties to the Dirty Blood series though I've only read the first book in that series so far and it's easy to follow along in this one.
March 4, 2021
Stunning cover and great narration!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The book is told in dual POV. We meet Alex and Sam. Alex is on a hunt for a cure while Sam is trying to find herself. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and the mystery surrounding Sam.
I felt like the narrator did well, the inflections she used were great.
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The book is told in dual POV. We meet Alex and Sam. Alex is on a hunt for a cure while Sam is trying to find herself. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and the mystery surrounding Sam.
I felt like the narrator did well, the inflections she used were great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews