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Haven Hollow #1

Gypsy Magic (Poppy's Potions, #1)

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Welcome to Haven Hollow, a town of monsters…

After dating a string of losers and banishing a poltergeist, I packed up my Los Angeles life and my eleven-year-old son, and moved… to a town in Oregon with a population of 680. Well, 682 now.

Culture shock anyone? Ahem, never mind that… New starts can happen anywhere, right?

I hope so because I need to start the next chapter of my forty-three year life pronto. So, why Haven Hollow? For one reason—there aren’t any witches here. And a witch can make a gypsy’s life… complicated.

Oh, right, I’ve put the cart before the horse…

Hi, I’m Poppy Morton and I come from a long line of Scottish gypsies—gypsies who possess magic and make potions to treat any and all ailments. It’s been my dream to open my own potions store and I’m finally going to do it—in the picturesque and small town of Haven Hollow.

Once my son, Finn, and I get settled in our two-story ramshackle, decrepit and rickety farmhouse (that happens to be bordering a cemetery), the nightmares start. And they won’t stop. Almost every night, I find myself face to face with a shadow monster—and its victim. And I’m fairly sure it’s the victim sending me the night terrors, wanting me to figure out the mystery of who or what murdered him.

But, I’m not really sure I want to get involved. Between facing a huge remodel of the above mentioned “house,” getting my son situated in his new school, opening my potions store and dealing with one of the ghosts from my last house who somehow thumbed a ride to this one, I’ve got my hands full. Actually, more than full.

Good thing I’ve got a few handsome neighbors to call on—Marty Zach, a self-professed ghost exorcist who just happens to have the sexiest smile, and Roy Osbourne, a bear of a man who looks like he alone coined the word ‘lumberjack.’

While I’m taken by Marty’s charm and Roy’s really-really-really broad shoulders, I can’t help but feel like this whole town is hiding a secret… and that’s the mystery I mostly want to solve, ghost visions be damned.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

1621 people are currently reading
779 people want to read

About the author

H.P. Mallory

363 books2,805 followers
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!

H.P.

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5 stars
1,171 (52%)
4 stars
696 (31%)
3 stars
292 (13%)
2 stars
62 (2%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,196 reviews411 followers
February 22, 2021
3.5 to 4 stars!

I had a lot of fun with this and it kept me turning the pages. Kind of a different unusual fun story that I would definitely be interested in picking up book two and seeing what other adventures await Poppy and her son!
6,726 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2024
Entertaining paranormal fantasy listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 33

A new series by favorite authors.

Poppy and her son move to Haven Hallow and the fun begins. Very interesting characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to the unexpected conclusion.

I would recommend this series and authors readers 👍 of family and friends relationships adventure fantasy novels 👍🔰. 2024
18 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2020
It was alright, nothing memorable. I know it's a story, but a few things didn't add up for me. When the family arrives at their new home and it's extremely run down and stinks beyond belief I find it hard that they literally just move right in. Everyone in the new town is very good looking and apparently on match.com. Would a town full of mystery "monsters" be looking for dates? I wanted more of a story behind her new shop of potions, instead we got 1 customer's experience. It's a predictable story line and to be honest I was a little disappointed, I expected more.
Profile Image for CL.
795 reviews27 followers
December 21, 2021
Fast read with a lot of fantasy thrown in.
182 reviews12 followers
September 12, 2023
not for me

It was not a poorly written book, maybe 1 or so editing errors for what I finished. It’s called paranormal with gypsy magic and ghost but it never felt paranormal. The magic was oil mixtures and intention, the male characters who have the most interaction in the beginning of the story are supposedly ghost hunters, half way through not one ghost hunted yet. I felt like every time it took a step towards really truly entering paranormal it stepped back. Also who the heck opens a stooge in a town of six hundred people expecting to make a living, really, that may have been the one thing that entered the paranormal.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2021
This book deserves a lot of exclamation marks!!!

Let me start by saying that I have come to LOVE this genre! And I loved this book, as well! I loved that the main character, Poppy, is not your typical 20-something, but more my own age. I loved how I could relate! I loved the whole premise, and I loved how entertaining this book was! It’s odd in places, it’s quirky in places, but I happen to like that, I like using my imagination. A fun read, and I am glad that this book was recommended to me!!! I read it in one sitting, ha, the perfect Sunday afternoon!
Profile Image for Kathie.
750 reviews
November 7, 2020
I liked it but did not love it. As another reviewer posted, there were elements that just made no sense: moving into a dilapidated house loaded with dust, spiderwebs, and damage without even cleaning it first and every man in this town is extremely attractive. It's a bit too much to buy into and overdone in so many other books. I realize it's fiction and I'm supposed to suspend belief, but I do like a little bit of realism thrown in just to keep it somewhat believable.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,800 reviews46 followers
November 1, 2020
When Poppy and her son Finn pack up and move to Haven Hollow . They seem like they can start a new life there . Until they see the house which is a real fixer upper and is on the out skirts of a cemetery, Poppy has an uneasy feeling when things start to go a little wonky . The real estate agent that looks like death to the people in town. Her gypsy instinct is kicking in there is more to this town then expected . With the help of her new best friend Marty and a few friends . They will get to the bottom of this strange town and know what they might just fit right in .
This is a great story with so many fun characters. Poppy is a Scottish traveler who has bounced from one bad relationship to another but now she is moving to a place where her and her son can live their lives in peace . Poppy is strong and fiercely protective of her son. I love her and the fact that she is an older character 43 and has a kid . She struggles like most people but at the end of the day she is there for her son and her friends . Marty is her best friend and a big kid at heart he is a ghost hunter / graphic designer. He can be just a protective as Poppy. They are so much fun to read . There is also some fun characters they are your typical small town store owners or are they . They could have something more to them then meets the eyes .
This is a fun filled story that I just couldn't put down . The authors have put their heads together and came up with some fun characters , they are so well written and you get to see them grow as you read along . I love the fact that the characters are mature people that have been through it , not starry eyed young people that haven't lived , The story is a fun escape and you will be laughing all the way through . I will say there were a couple of spots in the middle of the story kind of dragged a bit but over all I truly loved this story and can't wait to see where the authors take us on this adventure . So check it out its part of the Paranormal Woman's Fiction series . So check it out I promise you will love it .
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,264 reviews59 followers
November 6, 2020
Holly “Poppy” Martin and her son Finn have arrived in Haven Hollow, Oregon after fleeing Los Angeles. Looking to start their lives over after a poltergeist in their old home, they move into a home purchased by Poppy sight unseen. Unbeknownst to Poppy the house includes a few surprises, including a cemetery. Poppy sees something unusual in the cemetery and almost immediately the nightmares begin.

Poppy is a fun character and her love and devotion for her son is heartwarming. After meeting several of the townsfolk, Poppy knows the characters are different. The town of Haven Hollow is mysterious and full of interesting characters. The mysterious occurrences, the nightmares, hot men, and a quirky ghost keep Poppy on her toes as she navigates this new life.

Gypsy Magic is a wonderful first book in the Poppy’s Potions series by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,169 reviews43 followers
January 1, 2021
Poppy with her young son Finn move to a small town for a new start. Poppy is a gypsy with a gif derived from oils. It seems like nothing is as what it appears with her new town. The story was a little slow to start with the set up, but finally comes around. Quirky characters set in a unique town. Looking forward to see what else is there.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2022
entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series

This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fishing series. If uncast of characters and a unique and entertaining storyline. Papi is a gypsy of the Scottish variety. She comes from a long line of Scottish travelers that have some magic in their family line. Her grandmother and her mother and long before them I’ve always been good at making magical potions to help people out with many different ailments and issues. Poppy recently got ended her most recent relationship. Her and her son had to leave Los Angeles after a recent event with a poltergeist at their previous home had attacked her son and Poppy had to banish the poltergeist. It was such a hearing event that they needed to change. So they packed up bought a house unseen adoption in a little town called Hollowhaven in Oregon. Once they arrive they find out that the house needs a lot of work. They meet some new people and Poppy opens up her own potion shop in the little town. She soon realize there are some odd things around town and as you read on you will find out some of the surprises and those weird going on. It is an entertaining new series and a fun read. Check it out
1,190 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2020
Poppy and her son has moved at a new town Haven Hollow, after leaving California. Hollow and her son Finn are looking for the fresh start. Holly and her son Finn are gypsies that are able to see Ghosts. Holly is upset over the new homes condition and other things. Holly has a lot of things she has to get together. Holly has terrible nightmares, she is determined to try to forget.
Holly meets Marty and others in town. She knows that some are magical, just not what they are. Holly decides that is going to help Marty with a ghost problem. Holly realizes that she knows more about this ghost issue than she thought. Things will get very dangerous for Holly and the others.

There is a lot that I didn't write so I don't ruin the book for others. This is a great first book in this series. Holly and her son looking for a fresh start that doesn't have ghosts, witches and others things. Holly's is looking forward to opening store and just settling. Haven Hollow is a strange town, with more to it that meets the eye. The book is a little slow in spots. I am looking forward to next book in this series.
489 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2022
Truly Delightful!

By: J.R Rain, H.P. Mallory
Narrated by: Kelley Huston

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 05-02-22

Check for witches before selecting Haven Hollow as the perfect, quaint, small town for me and my 11 year old son? Absolutely! Check for Bigfoot, Werewolves, Vampires, Monsters, other paranormals? Hmmmm what’s that sound? Ahhh yes, crickets! Gypsy Magic is pure delight! Beautifully written, filled with wonderful, quirky, complex characters that are not only unique, they are fully developed! I love how their true natures were teased at, then revealed over time as the story developed. No spoilers, you’ll have to listen to this gem to get the goods! Speaking of listening, the narration was stunning! I loved how I could tell who was speaking, and what they were feeling just by the voicing and inflections used in the narration! Amazing! It really helped me to not only understand what was going on, but really served to enhance the pleasure of this truly exceptional story! Five stars!
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
771 reviews23 followers
January 19, 2021
Poppy Morton decides to move to Haven Hollow and gets way more than she bargained for....
She decides to move from Los Angeles with her 12 year old son, drops the loser she was dating and goes to Haven Hollow for a fresh start.
A small town of 680 residents, most of which are very unusual and downright scary.
Poppy is a Scottish Gypsy, planning to open a potions shop and she has her own magic.
A forty something starting over and wanting to do more with her life.
She and her son pull up to the house she bought "sight unseen" at auction and finds out quickly why it was "sight unseen" Uh oh, major remodel anyone? And what is that smell, yuk!
Meanwhile, she has to get her shop put together, make the potions and get her son enrolled in a new school.
Just no time to get involved with any of the handsome fellows in town or help with a bad poltergeist problem for a neighbor.
A new paranormal series if you are looking for lighter reading!
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
First time with this author!!

1st time but definitely not the last. I lived this book. It was a fresh idea and it worked well. Monsters, really? Monsters don't exist, do they? After Poppy moves to a new (delapitidated) home with her son Finn, she wonders if she is doing the right thing. Opening her own potions store has been a long-term dream. And she checked, no witches here, and no ghosts. At least she doesn't think there are ghosts! But is she right? What did she really see in the graveyard next door to her "new house"? Yes, a graveyard! That's what you get when you buy a house at auction, sight unseen! There are some beautiful men in this town! But she's not ready to date again! And she's definitely not ready to get involved in another politgreist situation! She promised Finn, NO GHOSTS. But what about monsters? She may be a Gypsy, but she doesn't believe in monsters. Don't miss this outstanding book! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Starla B.
550 reviews18 followers
November 9, 2020
I liked the characters, and I like the premise of the town. I did figure out most of the town's secrets fairly early on, but there were one or two that surprised me. Then again, I read a lot of PWF so was prepared to look for those clues. I didn't care for all of the main character's internal dialogue, it was repetitious, but some of it was funny. I wonder if there was a prequel or if this is a spin off from a different series because it felt like there was a lot of backstory that wasn't in the book (with regards to the main character's previous interactions with the paranormal), but it didn't detract too much from this story. I don't have to read the backstory, it just sounds like it could be interesting. I'll probably dig into it and see what I can find out. All in all, I was pretty satisfied with this one.
Profile Image for Erica Chambers.
80 reviews
November 6, 2020
When you believe deep down something is off...go w/that feeling ; it might be spot on!!!

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2020

Love this new series collaboration of Mallory/Rain... Single mom raising her son moves into a town. Just too get away from the as my favorite Doors song "People are Strange". Only too wind up in ground zero of it, aka area 51/(52 to you conspiracy theories out there lol).... The lead heroine doesn't help that for a fact she is a descendant of gypsy travelers and the healer . So of course strange is just going to follow her. And of course she needs some ultimate hunky hunks and is weird all town where she opens up her adorable Poppy's potion shop. This is where it just seems to go down hill for this rag tag bunch.. So can't wait for the next part...
Profile Image for Laura.
2,502 reviews83 followers
July 21, 2021
What starts off as a quaint town slowly turns into a sinister tale. As the story progressed I really enjoyed the main plot. There were some things that did go unanswered that I hope Poppy took care of and the authors just didn’t mention it again..for example the smell of the house. Or was that someone else’s doing?
I really enjoyed the mystery that surrounded the small town, and how all the guys were very hot and single. The villain in the story was unexpected! I can’t wait to see what trouble Poppy gets into next!

Audiobook review:
The narrators voice was perfect for Polly! I really thought that the narrator did a wonderful job in bringing the story to life. She used a variety of inflections and tones. Very easy to follow along and not get lost.
Profile Image for Karin.
546 reviews
November 3, 2022
Poppy's Potions Book One.

Poppy Morton and her son, Finn, are running from the life of horror they lived under the rule of a poltergeist. They land in a small town called Haven Hollow. Poppy is determined to keep Finn safe from the spirits he fears, but when she sees that her new house is next to a graveyard she gets nervous. As a gypsy, Poppy is opening a new potion shop in town to start her new life right. Now she just needs to convince herself, and her son, that the strange things going on around them are NOT proof that monsters exist.

If you're looking for a fun story with ghosts and the supernatural, this is the book for you!

Audio Review:
Kelley Huston gives life to this fun, quirky town and it's characters.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,221 reviews26 followers
November 10, 2020
I loved this series for different reasons. As I am starting to get older I am starting to be drawn to characters that feel more real to me. The main character is in her 40s and has a kiddo. While I don't have kids it is nice to read well written books about older female leads.

This story was so much fun! I absolutely loved all of the characters both the good and the bad guys. It is always fun when there is a well written bad guy. It was quite the fun page character. I loved the main character and all the side characters. The story was well paced. I enjoyed the story line. This is a really fun read. I love this new series.
875 reviews
April 7, 2021
Gypsy Magic

This book is very good. Best part is Poppy isn't a beginner. She is mature and knows she is magical. Love it. Tried of so many characters in this genre being naive about who they are and what they can do. It limits the books and the women, making them ignorant of who they really are or can be. I wish more authors took the approach of making the women who they are and expanding from that point of their lives. And skip the 'I can't be magical' to ' I am magical now what does that mean?' This genre would be much better, after all these books are marketed to older adults not adults who are just beginning their lives.
Profile Image for JJH--Judy.
1,091 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2022
3-3 1/2 stars. I was pretty engaged with the story, especially after the first third or so. I liked the mystery and suspense. Romance really takes a third row back seat. I’m not really certain who the love interest is. I like the writing style. Narrator did a pretty good job. I wasn’t in love with her voice though—not really sure why. It seemed a little nasally and breathy at the same time. I just think I’m getting pickier since I listen to so many audiobooks, and have some favorite narrators that really pull me in. I probably will read on with the series, but I will take a break form it for now
1,781 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2020
This was an entertaining, well-written book. Poppy has moved to a new town to open a potions store and make a new start with her son. Strange things start happening and she meets a number of interesting neighbors and members of town. The story caught my attention and was hard to put down. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 1 in the Poppy's Potions stories. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series as well as more books by these authors.
318 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2020
Tantalizing Page Turner

Every page is tantalizing as the mystery, oddness, fascinating characters and surprises keep popping up on every page, literally. Poppy has escaped the ghosts of LA with her young son to open a medicinal potions shop in Oregon. What she wasn’t expecting was Darla, visions of a murder, and a whole bunch of monsters which are not supposed to be real. Very fun cast of characters, descriptive writing that’s easy to get lost in and imaginative plot twists. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Silke  K.
394 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2021
Poppy needed a new start, new location. She tagging her son with her on this new move.

Poppy needed a new start from California. She bought a house unseen and was about to drive upon it. Her realtor, Ophelia was going to meet them. Her son, Finn was on this ride as well. She was a gypsy, came from a long line of them. Her magic was strong. Her son, can detect a lie from the truth. He could sense things as well. This new town, Hollow Haven was a new start for them both. The people are unusual, Poppy can tell; but why.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,616 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2021
Gypsy Magic: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: (Poppy's Potions) (Haven Hollow Book 1)


I love J.R. Rain and this book with H.P. Mallory, made it more magical…..
This book had me laughing so many times. The snark and sarcasm is on point and appears in the perfect places. So glad I started reading this book, I love all of mr. Rains books so excited to meet and read about Poppy, her son,her magic, and the town she and Finn are the newest members of.

I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read book 2, now..
848 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2020
Gypsy Magic is absolutely paranormal fun!!

Doubt you can beat it with or without a stick! Great characters, great story, and lots of strange action.
Can't imagine how to improve on this one, so instead take my word on it and get busy reading.
Just hope there is a sequel or I'll be pissed off that I gobbled this one as fast as I could.
Told you it was lots of fun. Don't miss this one!!
Profile Image for Jana Oglesby.
222 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2020
I decided to read this book as a blind date sort of thing. I went in without knowing what it was about & I’m glad I did. I was hooked from the first page, and I do mean hooked! I stayed up until 2am to finish this book! I loved everything thing about, espically the characters. The story itself was interesting and even a tiny bit spooky! The ending answered some questions that pop up and make you eager for the next book in the series! Great read!
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2020
Unexpected bliss!

This book was nothing like I expected. I love the suspense. The humans that were ghost hunters were hilarious. There were ample hotties! I loved the McFly nickname, priceless. Poor little Finn had some serious PTSD over ghosts. I love that a gypsy had magic usually it's always a witch. So it was a delightful change. You have to read this book all the way, the ending will blow you away.
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews
December 6, 2020
This was a good magic book with just a hint of romance. Nice character development that paved the way for future books. If you're looking for a book to hold your attention, explore all those types ghostly and paranormal with just a bit of romance mixed in, this is a good choice. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and enjoyed the ride. Poppy and Finn are great together as mother and son; Marty and Roy add in some fun romance. Definitely check this out.
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