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Missing Charlie
First kisses are magic, just not always the good kind.
Folk singer Nona May Taylor had it all until a jealous witch cursed her into old age after a kiss she barely remembers. Now she's traded her fame and fortune for a secluded cabin in the Montana wilderness.
When she finds an injured hiker in her woods, she knows cute and charming Charlie is her last chance to find true love, the only thing that will break the curse.
But Charlie has secrets, something is lurking in the woods around the cabin, and as Nona grows younger, the witch grows suspicious. Before winter's end, Nona will have to decide how hard she is willing to fight to win her life back, and how much she is willing to risk for true love.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Please be aware that this book contains boisterous profanity, blasphemy, sweet and loving polyamory, and Larry will eat all of your cookies.
"...A blithely captivating but very adult Disney story. An entertaining, warmhearted yarn about love that persists through extreme transmogrification."
-KIRKUS REVIEWS
Folk singer Nona May Taylor had it all until a jealous witch cursed her into old age after a kiss she barely remembers. Now she's traded her fame and fortune for a secluded cabin in the Montana wilderness.
When she finds an injured hiker in her woods, she knows cute and charming Charlie is her last chance to find true love, the only thing that will break the curse.
But Charlie has secrets, something is lurking in the woods around the cabin, and as Nona grows younger, the witch grows suspicious. Before winter's end, Nona will have to decide how hard she is willing to fight to win her life back, and how much she is willing to risk for true love.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Please be aware that this book contains boisterous profanity, blasphemy, sweet and loving polyamory, and Larry will eat all of your cookies.
"...A blithely captivating but very adult Disney story. An entertaining, warmhearted yarn about love that persists through extreme transmogrification."
-KIRKUS REVIEWS
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2021
19 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 21, 2021
Well, that was a fun, delightful read! A fairy tale for adults brimming with magic!
Nona May Taylor was a talented folk singer who was young, talented and beautiful. But one day she is cursed by a witch for kissing a young man she cannot remember and not lives in a secluded cabin in the Montana woods with her family and manger who have also been cursed.
Only true love (what else) can break the curse. Then one day she rescues Charlie, an injured hiker in the woods....
This was a fun book to escape the world with. I enjoyed the story and meeting all the characters. This is a perfect book for when you want to read something entertaining and light. Sit back, relax and enjoy. This book reminded me of a couple of fairy tales as I was reading it but keep in mind it is geared for adults. This book has a nice mix of music, family, romance, love, magic, fantasy and danger.
The book does jump around from the present to events in the past. These "jumps" in time are not always smooth but they do make sense, give some back story and contribute to the story.
Whimsical, witchy, and worthwhile!
Thank you to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Nona May Taylor was a talented folk singer who was young, talented and beautiful. But one day she is cursed by a witch for kissing a young man she cannot remember and not lives in a secluded cabin in the Montana woods with her family and manger who have also been cursed.
Only true love (what else) can break the curse. Then one day she rescues Charlie, an injured hiker in the woods....
This was a fun book to escape the world with. I enjoyed the story and meeting all the characters. This is a perfect book for when you want to read something entertaining and light. Sit back, relax and enjoy. This book reminded me of a couple of fairy tales as I was reading it but keep in mind it is geared for adults. This book has a nice mix of music, family, romance, love, magic, fantasy and danger.
The book does jump around from the present to events in the past. These "jumps" in time are not always smooth but they do make sense, give some back story and contribute to the story.
Whimsical, witchy, and worthwhile!
Thank you to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 22, 2021
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Thank you to BookSirens for inviting me to read Missing Charlie and for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A review will be up on my blog on June 24, 2021 at 10 am CST on Honey Roselea Reads for you guys to check out!
My review on Missing Charlie will be accessible using this link from June 24, 2021 at 10 am CST and onward.
❀❀❀❀
When Nona May Taylor is cursed and forced to leave in a secluded cabin in the middle of the woods with her animal companions, it can get a little lonely. But when Nona rescues Charlie, an injured hiker, there is something about him that seems to capture Nona's attention.
I gave Missing Charlie four stars, really enjoying the cute environment of the woods and I really liked the relationship between Nona and Charlie. Nona, who is cursed, appears as an old woman, however, she's really in her 20s. In the inside, she sees how... [ continue reading ]
March 26, 2021
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A modern day Beauty and the Beast story with some fun.
Nona is a country folk singer, cursed into old age by a witch for kissing a guy. But she doesn't remember anything about it. Struggling to survive along with her family, she has given up on breaking the curse until she runs into Charlie, who may be the answer to her problems, but he is hiding secrets of his own which will change her life.
I liked the way the book started and I was eager to see how things would progress. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Some of the situations were hilarious and I found myself laughing in the middle of the night. I was also touched by the love and understanding they shared with each other. Each character was well written whether they were the lead or supporting. My favourite was Larry.
The plot was great with a reverse Beauty and the Beast element.
Every scene and place was beautifully described and I could picture it in my head.
The steam level was good, but I wanted more especially with a certain threesome mentioned.
It was all going well, but then somewhere in the middle after a major revelation, things started spiralling downwards for me. It failed to keep my interest. I am unable to point out exactly why that happened.
I still kept going hoping it would get better. While it wasn't exactly as good as the start, I liked the way it ended. The final pages were heartwarming and I liked the fact that everyone got their HEA.
Overall, it was a decent read but I think it had the potential to be very good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A modern day Beauty and the Beast story with some fun.
Nona is a country folk singer, cursed into old age by a witch for kissing a guy. But she doesn't remember anything about it. Struggling to survive along with her family, she has given up on breaking the curse until she runs into Charlie, who may be the answer to her problems, but he is hiding secrets of his own which will change her life.
I liked the way the book started and I was eager to see how things would progress. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Some of the situations were hilarious and I found myself laughing in the middle of the night. I was also touched by the love and understanding they shared with each other. Each character was well written whether they were the lead or supporting. My favourite was Larry.
The plot was great with a reverse Beauty and the Beast element.
Every scene and place was beautifully described and I could picture it in my head.
The steam level was good, but I wanted more especially with a certain threesome mentioned.
It was all going well, but then somewhere in the middle after a major revelation, things started spiralling downwards for me. It failed to keep my interest. I am unable to point out exactly why that happened.
I still kept going hoping it would get better. While it wasn't exactly as good as the start, I liked the way it ended. The final pages were heartwarming and I liked the fact that everyone got their HEA.
Overall, it was a decent read but I think it had the potential to be very good.
February 4, 2021
Missing Charlie is a delightful fairytale romance that's sure to capture your heart. This unique story binds together romance, magic, humor, and lovely prose to weave an unforgettable spell. It's layered, offering a love story that's seamlessly interwoven with themes of belonging, loyalty, and love. I was charmed by these characters and utterly swept into their world as they navigated both the fantastical and the everyday to discover the power of resilience in pursuit of their truths. Irreverent, fun, and unique, this whimsical tale is a win!
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2021
Firstly, I kept forgetting to drink my coffee while reading this, so I WAS HOOKED. The fireflies, the kisses, the magical cookies, the twists, hell, there’s even a magic bear! There is so much to love about this.
The family relationships are so tender and beautiful, without being corny. And there is something really endearing about Nona's character that is both lovely and real. And also, Charlie is adorable and I fricking love him.
Hardy has a beautiful writing style, effortless, clean, and descriptive. Her sharp wit and sweetness had me giggling one moment then going "awwwww" the next. Trust me, you all want a part of this hilarious, sweet, and steamy romance!
The family relationships are so tender and beautiful, without being corny. And there is something really endearing about Nona's character that is both lovely and real. And also, Charlie is adorable and I fricking love him.
Hardy has a beautiful writing style, effortless, clean, and descriptive. Her sharp wit and sweetness had me giggling one moment then going "awwwww" the next. Trust me, you all want a part of this hilarious, sweet, and steamy romance!
April 20, 2021
This is a beautiful, engaging read. Characters that you will take to your heart find themselves in a magical, fantastic world of witches, love, curses and lots of sex. The plot builds with a logic that makes you think it just could have happened that way. The author has the gift of creating a plot driven by very real fear and tension but humanized - an interesting trait for a book in which most of the characters are animals - with a generous dollop of honest humor, gentle affection and heroic bravery. Just what we need.
February 4, 2021
Missing Charlie is a delight! In this first-person present-tense tale (I understand some readers have strong feelings about such choices. I promise, it works beautifully here.) Jess K. Hardy weaves an entertaining, complex tale of magic, romance, family, and personal growth, with dollops of humor and just a bit of steam.
“It’s been five long years since the witch cursed us all and sentenced me to life in this old body because I kissed a boy I hardly remember, and I’m still not used to it. I doubt I ever will be.”
The story opens with Nona, a young music star magically trapped in an 83-year-old body 83, struggling to survive a backcountry winter with the help of her family and manager, who’ve been transformed into animal form. A jealous witch has stolen her identity, her career, and her singing voice. You’ll love Nova’s description of what it’s like to sing.
While chopping wood in the snow, Nona discovers Charlie, a hunky young man who’s gravely wounded, and drags him back to their cabin to sew up his wounds. Of course, she discovers the key to breaking the spell may require them to fall in love—not so easy to do when he’s twenty-something and she’s eighty-something. Working together to fill in the blank spots in their memories, Charlie and Nona gradually uncover their shared history along with the magic binding them to this form and place.
This story kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and connections. It also kept me laughing aloud. Hardy’s voice is sharp and funny, and you’ll love the supporting cast of Nova’s family, her elderly neighbors, a magical bear, a helpful ghost, and a surprising villain. I enjoyed watching Nona’s personal growth as she comes to terms with the changes in her life.
“There’s a strange comfort in being old, living out here, being nobody special. My thoughts are calmer, fewer things are worth getting worked up about since getting worked up is so exhausting I have to nap for two hours afterwards, and I’m more substantial, solid. Like an old oak standing on deep roots.”
Swoony romantic love, heart-warming family love, laugh-out-loud humor, and a twisty, turny path to a well-earned HEA. Highly recommend!
“It’s been five long years since the witch cursed us all and sentenced me to life in this old body because I kissed a boy I hardly remember, and I’m still not used to it. I doubt I ever will be.”
The story opens with Nona, a young music star magically trapped in an 83-year-old body 83, struggling to survive a backcountry winter with the help of her family and manager, who’ve been transformed into animal form. A jealous witch has stolen her identity, her career, and her singing voice. You’ll love Nova’s description of what it’s like to sing.
While chopping wood in the snow, Nona discovers Charlie, a hunky young man who’s gravely wounded, and drags him back to their cabin to sew up his wounds. Of course, she discovers the key to breaking the spell may require them to fall in love—not so easy to do when he’s twenty-something and she’s eighty-something. Working together to fill in the blank spots in their memories, Charlie and Nona gradually uncover their shared history along with the magic binding them to this form and place.
This story kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and connections. It also kept me laughing aloud. Hardy’s voice is sharp and funny, and you’ll love the supporting cast of Nova’s family, her elderly neighbors, a magical bear, a helpful ghost, and a surprising villain. I enjoyed watching Nona’s personal growth as she comes to terms with the changes in her life.
“There’s a strange comfort in being old, living out here, being nobody special. My thoughts are calmer, fewer things are worth getting worked up about since getting worked up is so exhausting I have to nap for two hours afterwards, and I’m more substantial, solid. Like an old oak standing on deep roots.”
Swoony romantic love, heart-warming family love, laugh-out-loud humor, and a twisty, turny path to a well-earned HEA. Highly recommend!
March 16, 2021
Missing Charlie is a delight! In this first-person present-tense tale (I understand some readers have strong feelings about such choices. I promise, it works beautifully here.) Jess K. Hardy weaves an entertaining, complex tale of magic, romance, family, and personal growth, with dollops of humor and just a bit of steam.
“It’s been five long years since the witch cursed us all and sentenced me to life in this old body because I kissed a boy I hardly remember, and I’m still not used to it. I doubt I ever will be.”
The story opens with Nona, a young music star magically trapped in an 83-year-old body 83, struggling to survive a backcountry winter with the help of her family and manager, who’ve been transformed into animal form. A jealous witch has stolen her identity, her career, and her singing voice. You’ll love Nova’s description of what it’s like to sing.
While chopping wood in the snow, Nona discovers Charlie, a hunky young man who’s gravely wounded, and drags him back to their cabin to sew up his wounds. Of course, she discovers the key to breaking the spell may require them to fall in love—not so easy to do when he’s twenty-something and she’s eighty-something. Working together to fill in the blank spots in their memories, Charlie and Nona gradually uncover their shared history along with the magic binding them to this form and place.
This story kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and connections. It also kept me laughing aloud. Hardy’s voice is sharp and funny, and you’ll love the supporting cast of Nova’s family, her elderly neighbors, a magical bear, a helpful ghost, and a surprising villain. I enjoyed watching Nona’s personal growth as she comes to terms with the changes in her life.
“There’s a strange comfort in being old, living out here, being nobody special. My thoughts are calmer, fewer things are worth getting worked up about since getting worked up is so exhausting I have to nap for two hours afterwards, and I’m more substantial, solid. Like an old oak standing on deep roots.”
Swoony romantic love, heart-warming family love, laugh-out-loud humor, and a twisty, turny path to a well-earned HEA. Highly recommend!
“It’s been five long years since the witch cursed us all and sentenced me to life in this old body because I kissed a boy I hardly remember, and I’m still not used to it. I doubt I ever will be.”
The story opens with Nona, a young music star magically trapped in an 83-year-old body 83, struggling to survive a backcountry winter with the help of her family and manager, who’ve been transformed into animal form. A jealous witch has stolen her identity, her career, and her singing voice. You’ll love Nova’s description of what it’s like to sing.
While chopping wood in the snow, Nona discovers Charlie, a hunky young man who’s gravely wounded, and drags him back to their cabin to sew up his wounds. Of course, she discovers the key to breaking the spell may require them to fall in love—not so easy to do when he’s twenty-something and she’s eighty-something. Working together to fill in the blank spots in their memories, Charlie and Nona gradually uncover their shared history along with the magic binding them to this form and place.
This story kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and connections. It also kept me laughing aloud. Hardy’s voice is sharp and funny, and you’ll love the supporting cast of Nova’s family, her elderly neighbors, a magical bear, a helpful ghost, and a surprising villain. I enjoyed watching Nona’s personal growth as she comes to terms with the changes in her life.
“There’s a strange comfort in being old, living out here, being nobody special. My thoughts are calmer, fewer things are worth getting worked up about since getting worked up is so exhausting I have to nap for two hours afterwards, and I’m more substantial, solid. Like an old oak standing on deep roots.”
Swoony romantic love, heart-warming family love, laugh-out-loud humor, and a twisty, turny path to a well-earned HEA. Highly recommend!
February 14, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a reverse beauty and the beast type book. Nona May Taylor upsets a witch and gets turned into an 83 year old version of herself. Her family and friends are turned into animals because witches are great at grudges. For 5 years, Nona and her family are stuck in this curse. The only way to break it is by finding her true love. The cursed family retreats into a remote cabin to live. Nona is pretty much okay with her part of the curse but feels she must break it for the sake of her loved ones. In comes Charlie. Charlie the hiker is saved by Nona and her family. Is he the one to break the curse? Who knows. What we do know is that Charlie is pretty darn shady from the start. Why was he in the middle of nowhere? Why was he hiking during a snowstorm? Why does he seem to know more than he should about Nona?
My review: this was a pretty good book. I started it right before Valentine's day and finished it the morning of Valentine's day. I liked it for the most part. There were some parts that were very cliché and had me cringing. I did feel that the ending could have been different. The entire book felt very bittersweet. Overall, I liked it though. The writing was well done and the pacing was good. Nona felt very real as a character but I didn't connect with the others as they weren't a huge presence in the book. They were just kind of in the background the whole time with their hungry eyes asking for food.
This was a good book to read if you want to reset from heavier topics.
This was a reverse beauty and the beast type book. Nona May Taylor upsets a witch and gets turned into an 83 year old version of herself. Her family and friends are turned into animals because witches are great at grudges. For 5 years, Nona and her family are stuck in this curse. The only way to break it is by finding her true love. The cursed family retreats into a remote cabin to live. Nona is pretty much okay with her part of the curse but feels she must break it for the sake of her loved ones. In comes Charlie. Charlie the hiker is saved by Nona and her family. Is he the one to break the curse? Who knows. What we do know is that Charlie is pretty darn shady from the start. Why was he in the middle of nowhere? Why was he hiking during a snowstorm? Why does he seem to know more than he should about Nona?
My review: this was a pretty good book. I started it right before Valentine's day and finished it the morning of Valentine's day. I liked it for the most part. There were some parts that were very cliché and had me cringing. I did feel that the ending could have been different. The entire book felt very bittersweet. Overall, I liked it though. The writing was well done and the pacing was good. Nona felt very real as a character but I didn't connect with the others as they weren't a huge presence in the book. They were just kind of in the background the whole time with their hungry eyes asking for food.
This was a good book to read if you want to reset from heavier topics.
February 4, 2021
Clever fairy tale/fantasy/romance. The cover caught my eye and the description was intriguing. Nona May is a talented and rising folk singer when a witch casts a spell on her and her family and close friends. She is now living as an 83 year old women in the mountains of Montana. Her only companions are her family and friends that are now talking animals. One day she rescues Charlie Brown who is injured and lost in the snow. Could he be the love that could break the magic spell?
Pro:
Weaving the magic and background into a twisting turning story.
The importance of family/friends.
Inner happiness trumps worldly things.
Cons:
Nona's main response to everything is crying.
Steamy scenes were not romantic to me.
Over all I enjoyed the story but I didn't love it. Fantasy and magic are not my genres but I was glad to give it a try. For those who enjoy fantasy (with language and steamy scenes). Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Pro:
Weaving the magic and background into a twisting turning story.
The importance of family/friends.
Inner happiness trumps worldly things.
Cons:
Nona's main response to everything is crying.
Steamy scenes were not romantic to me.
Over all I enjoyed the story but I didn't love it. Fantasy and magic are not my genres but I was glad to give it a try. For those who enjoy fantasy (with language and steamy scenes). Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2021
Oh, this was a funny, warm, romantic and magical book!!! I'm sad to have read the last page!!! I laughed my self to tears a few times. This is one of those books that can make a bad day better. It was actually really fun to read.
A horrible curse, a woman of 83 with talking animals, a lost hiker hurt and needing their rescue. Lost love and evil witches. Of course a snow storm to keep it interesting.
There were twists and turns I didn't expect and Larry.... I can't give that one away, when you read the book you will it uderstand what that means and love it.
This is a great author. This book was so full of witty romance, secrets, the love of good friends and family. Just a winner of a story all the way around.
I received this book as a free ARC from Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A horrible curse, a woman of 83 with talking animals, a lost hiker hurt and needing their rescue. Lost love and evil witches. Of course a snow storm to keep it interesting.
There were twists and turns I didn't expect and Larry.... I can't give that one away, when you read the book you will it uderstand what that means and love it.
This is a great author. This book was so full of witty romance, secrets, the love of good friends and family. Just a winner of a story all the way around.
I received this book as a free ARC from Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2021
What an incredibly gifted author! I only gave the book and the author 4 stars, because of the amount profanity throughout the book, and for a sex scene that changed the humor and taste of the book. I would love to read another book by Jess K. Hardly because of her style of writing, which was engaging from page one. However, I am somewhat weary. I don’t want to run into similar issues. It can be so disappointing when you’re really enjoying a book, but consistently keep getting distracted by vocabulary that could truly be expressed another way, as to not detract from the story line. This, of course is extremely unfortunate because she is such a wonderful writer. Jess K. Hardy, the author of “Missing Charlie,” has the potential to be one of the greats in literature!
Thank you so much for the advance review copy for free, and for giving me the opportunity to leave this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much for the advance review copy for free, and for giving me the opportunity to leave this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2021
Nona has gone from twenty something to 83 due to a mad witch. She ends up in a mountain cabin, with close family and friends turned into animals and paranormals. Charlie is found, badly wounded, so she brings him back to her cabin to help him. Magical tantrums and arguments cause battles that are soul deep. As the magic shifts family and friends are the support that keeps giving. Amazing surprises and twists keep you on your toes. Some situations are pretty funny and endearing. The ending is a great wrap-up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
Missing Charlie is a fun, flirty, sexy, and heart warming romance! I loved the intrigue from page one and was hooked to the very end! The characters are so well developed, the emotional ties between them - and especially between Nona and Charlie - grabs you and doesn't let go! This story is a wonderful update to the Beauty and the Beast fairytale with magic and witches and animals and snow. It's simply wonderful and will have you crying and smiling and cheering for these characters! Definitely a MUST READ!
March 12, 2021
Words can’t describe
This is the most charming, magical, heartfelt and beautiful book I have read in a long time. It’s gorgeous. A kind of Benjamin Button mixed with beauty and the beast. It blew me away. My heart is so full right now. I’ll be hungover from this one for a long time.
This is the most charming, magical, heartfelt and beautiful book I have read in a long time. It’s gorgeous. A kind of Benjamin Button mixed with beauty and the beast. It blew me away. My heart is so full right now. I’ll be hungover from this one for a long time.
February 4, 2021
Magical and heartwarming, MISSING CHARLIE has charm in spades—a fantastical story of undying love, the bonds of family, deadly curses, and even talking bears, Hardy weaves her tale with an expert brush and voice to spare. A majestic romance you don’t want to miss.
February 4, 2021
Loved this book so much! What a fun read! I normally don't read lot of this subgenre of romance, but this was such a delight. It's funny, edgy, and a creative grown-up reimagining of one of my favorite fairy tales. Edgy fantastical fun from start to finish!
February 19, 2021
This was a good book. I did not like the blasphemy that was in it but other than that it was a fun story. I am only mentioning the language for those who would like to know. I know that I want to know if a book contains "GD" in it multiple time.
March 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Storyline was great and very imaginative. I was pulled in from the first chapter. Loved the characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2021
Yes! I now have another author to follow . Missing Charlie was a great read. Wonderful story filled with great characters, magic, humor, romance and hope. Family can get through just about anything if they stick together. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 20, 2021
Absolutely loved it. Full review to come.
February 11, 2021
I must say that this is a book with a difference. It has as many twists in it as a tangled ball of yarn. Nona is a popular singer who has been cursed. Not only has she been cursed but also her whole family and, for some reason, her Manager. The other strange thing is that her family have all been turned into animals, but animals who can think and talk. She is the only one left as human but she has been aged 60 years to 83! The witch who cursed her isn’t content with that but has also stolen her face, her career and her money. Luckily for her there was a family cabin sitting up in the Montana forests to which they were able to retreat.
So, we have lots of questions but no answers but the main one is ‘Why?’.
The way this family (Fritz, the manager, is considered family) has coped and is coping, is wonderfully written. The dialogue is witty and moving. As you read you realise how special each character is. There’s Nona, of course; her mother Penny, who is now a chicken who keeps them in fresh eggs; Wally, her husband and Nona’s step-father, who is now a boar; Bridget, her sister and now a fox; Bridget’s husband Jack who is now a rabbit; last, but not least is Fritz, Nona’s manager who is now a ferret. Of course they cannot continue like this and when they find an unconscious, injured hiker in the woods, changes begin to happen.
Charlie, the hiker, is an enigma who raises Wally’s suspicions. Just as you begin to think that you’re getting somewhere you realise that you’re only halfway through the book and there’s a lot more to learn. The sex scenes are not graphic but have definite LGBT leanings. As I said, more twists than a tangled ball of yarn but extremely enjoyable.
So, we have lots of questions but no answers but the main one is ‘Why?’.
The way this family (Fritz, the manager, is considered family) has coped and is coping, is wonderfully written. The dialogue is witty and moving. As you read you realise how special each character is. There’s Nona, of course; her mother Penny, who is now a chicken who keeps them in fresh eggs; Wally, her husband and Nona’s step-father, who is now a boar; Bridget, her sister and now a fox; Bridget’s husband Jack who is now a rabbit; last, but not least is Fritz, Nona’s manager who is now a ferret. Of course they cannot continue like this and when they find an unconscious, injured hiker in the woods, changes begin to happen.
Charlie, the hiker, is an enigma who raises Wally’s suspicions. Just as you begin to think that you’re getting somewhere you realise that you’re only halfway through the book and there’s a lot more to learn. The sex scenes are not graphic but have definite LGBT leanings. As I said, more twists than a tangled ball of yarn but extremely enjoyable.
May 5, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal read!!
First I want to thank #NetGalley #JessK.Hardy #MissingCharlie for the opportunity to read this book. This book was absolutely phenomenal to me. I will give warning ⚠️ here there will be spoilers!! So this book was about a female singer named Nona who has her whole life taken away from her from a witch . Nona beileves it was all over her kissing a boy. This witch named Rebecca has cursed her her family and her manager. They have been turned into animals and Nona into a old woman. As the story goes on in order for this curse to be broke so she believes she has to find true love but she doesn't think that this will happen because she is in the middle of nowhere and she is 83. But one day they save a hiker This hiker unlocks all the secrets that have kept them all stuck and trapped in these bodies for five years. I don't want to give to much away but the this story was so engrossing I couldn't stop wanting to read it. If I didn't have a two year old and finals going on I probably would have binged this book in two days. I seriously loved how the writer kept the pace of this book moving. How the story didn't wonder of the path to far and become to bogged down with nonsense or to much into romance. It was agreat mix honestly of adventure, thrills, mystery, love, sorrow, and so much more all rolled into one. I honestly am gping to buy a physical copy of this book because I loved it so much. I highly recommend reading this book if you love mixed up stories of magic, unity of family, adventure mystery and just so much more. It really had a bit of everything yes even murder. So definitely give this book a read.it was outstanding!
First I want to thank #NetGalley #JessK.Hardy #MissingCharlie for the opportunity to read this book. This book was absolutely phenomenal to me. I will give warning ⚠️ here there will be spoilers!! So this book was about a female singer named Nona who has her whole life taken away from her from a witch . Nona beileves it was all over her kissing a boy. This witch named Rebecca has cursed her her family and her manager. They have been turned into animals and Nona into a old woman. As the story goes on in order for this curse to be broke so she believes she has to find true love but she doesn't think that this will happen because she is in the middle of nowhere and she is 83. But one day they save a hiker This hiker unlocks all the secrets that have kept them all stuck and trapped in these bodies for five years. I don't want to give to much away but the this story was so engrossing I couldn't stop wanting to read it. If I didn't have a two year old and finals going on I probably would have binged this book in two days. I seriously loved how the writer kept the pace of this book moving. How the story didn't wonder of the path to far and become to bogged down with nonsense or to much into romance. It was agreat mix honestly of adventure, thrills, mystery, love, sorrow, and so much more all rolled into one. I honestly am gping to buy a physical copy of this book because I loved it so much. I highly recommend reading this book if you love mixed up stories of magic, unity of family, adventure mystery and just so much more. It really had a bit of everything yes even murder. So definitely give this book a read.it was outstanding!
July 25, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free (via BookSirens), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Paranormal Romance is not my go-to genre to read. But Jess K. Hardy is very much a go-to author for me. Ever since I found and read her book "I, Bionic: A Science Fiction Romance" (also via BookSirens) and very promptly bought and read the 1st book in the Ignisar Series "Love In The Time Of Wormholes: A Science Fiction Romance". Since Science Fiction was not a go-to genre for me either, I felt comfortable taking a chance on "Missing Charlie" with this author as my guide.
And boy am I glad! Genre-concerns rightfully put to one side, this story had all of the ingredients I've learned to expect from Ms Hardy: plenty of chuckle-inducing dialogue/banter between the characters; plenty of steamy scenes; plenty of back-stories adroitly handled; plenty of sweetness at its core.
I particularly love how nothing happens, nothing is mentioned by the author without serving a purpose for the characters or the plot. I'd list examples but I don't want to be spoilery. Just know that Ms Hardy is a Master Craftsperson - honing a block of stone to not just create art from her imagination and to not just reveal the sculpture that the stone says it wants to be, but to work with the stone's inherent form and faults so that the resulting artwork doesn't crumble or become distorted when viewed from another angle.
I'll bow out of this analogy - cringingly conscious that my toolbelt is by Fisher Price! - and run off instead to snaffle more of Ms Hardy's back catalogue for my eReader.
Paranormal Romance is not my go-to genre to read. But Jess K. Hardy is very much a go-to author for me. Ever since I found and read her book "I, Bionic: A Science Fiction Romance" (also via BookSirens) and very promptly bought and read the 1st book in the Ignisar Series "Love In The Time Of Wormholes: A Science Fiction Romance". Since Science Fiction was not a go-to genre for me either, I felt comfortable taking a chance on "Missing Charlie" with this author as my guide.
And boy am I glad! Genre-concerns rightfully put to one side, this story had all of the ingredients I've learned to expect from Ms Hardy: plenty of chuckle-inducing dialogue/banter between the characters; plenty of steamy scenes; plenty of back-stories adroitly handled; plenty of sweetness at its core.
I particularly love how nothing happens, nothing is mentioned by the author without serving a purpose for the characters or the plot. I'd list examples but I don't want to be spoilery. Just know that Ms Hardy is a Master Craftsperson - honing a block of stone to not just create art from her imagination and to not just reveal the sculpture that the stone says it wants to be, but to work with the stone's inherent form and faults so that the resulting artwork doesn't crumble or become distorted when viewed from another angle.
I'll bow out of this analogy - cringingly conscious that my toolbelt is by Fisher Price! - and run off instead to snaffle more of Ms Hardy's back catalogue for my eReader.
January 1, 2022
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I am glad that I took a chance on it. This is not your typical witch story. This is the story of Nona May Taylor and Charlie. Nona May is a folk singer with a great career until a witch curses her and everyone she loves. The witch takes her life and career and Nona May becomes an old woman. She hides out at her family's cabin along with her family and manager. Being old is not great but it is better than being turned into farm animals like her family was. Unbeknownst to them, they have also had parts of their memories erased. One day Nona May finds an injured hiker. He says his name is Charlie. They don't recognize him but he knows who they are. He has a few secrets as well. Nona May believes that loving Charlie will break the spell returning her and her family back to normal. She thinks he is her last chance at true love. In reality, he is her actual true love. This is a fun read. It is well written and it flows along nicely. If you like magic, spells and talking animals; this is the story for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2021
Oh darn it. It was so delightful and enchanting and so intriguing you just want to keep reading and then. Boom! There's sharing. I was so upset 😡 that I cursed out loud. Not my finest moment. All my kids heard and ran to check in on me. Why oh why did such an amazing story have to have that? I don't know how it added to the story at all. The only thing it adds is skepticism "Ok. There is no birth control, what if she gets pregnant? How would you know who is the father? Could be any of the two." I'm a romantic at heart. Had I know it had that, I would not have read the book. I'm putting it out there for those who would like to know before reading it.
But alas the story itself minus the sharing is fun and hopeful. Even though life has been difficult for five years, there is love and happiness in the family.
The book is filled with beautiful descriptive and figurative language.
The reason it's not a five to me was because the romance aspect was missing for me, despite the sharing. There was lots more chemistry between the family than the H and h.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
But alas the story itself minus the sharing is fun and hopeful. Even though life has been difficult for five years, there is love and happiness in the family.
The book is filled with beautiful descriptive and figurative language.
The reason it's not a five to me was because the romance aspect was missing for me, despite the sharing. There was lots more chemistry between the family than the H and h.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
May 3, 2022
Fun twist on a beloved fairytale…
In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, the “beast” is a young folksinger that was cursed and turned into an old woman. Her family and manager are cursed, as well and turned into talking animals. The six of them move into their family cabin in the mountains where they can live freely until they figure out how to break the curse. One day, the singer, Nona, rescues a handsome hiker after he falls and injures his leg. Nursing him back to health in their cabin, the animals notice that Nona appears younger. Excited, they wonder if the hiker, Charlie, is the key to ending the curse.
Although I really enjoyed this story, it wasn’t really clear to me why Nona was cursed. There’s a reason given but then Nona finds out that it’s not the true reason. After this, I was a bit confused about the curse and how it is, or isn’t broken. Other than that, I loved the story, the writing style, the characters, and the happily ever after. The whys didn’t really impact my feelings there and I just brushed them aside.
In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, the “beast” is a young folksinger that was cursed and turned into an old woman. Her family and manager are cursed, as well and turned into talking animals. The six of them move into their family cabin in the mountains where they can live freely until they figure out how to break the curse. One day, the singer, Nona, rescues a handsome hiker after he falls and injures his leg. Nursing him back to health in their cabin, the animals notice that Nona appears younger. Excited, they wonder if the hiker, Charlie, is the key to ending the curse.
Although I really enjoyed this story, it wasn’t really clear to me why Nona was cursed. There’s a reason given but then Nona finds out that it’s not the true reason. After this, I was a bit confused about the curse and how it is, or isn’t broken. Other than that, I loved the story, the writing style, the characters, and the happily ever after. The whys didn’t really impact my feelings there and I just brushed them aside.
February 27, 2021
Nona May Taylor was a young folk singer who seemed to have everything at her fingertips. But meaningless kissing of a man she cannot even remember has cost her dearly. A witch curses her, her family, and her manager. Now they live in a cabin in the Montana woods and she will live the rest of her life as a woman in her old age unless love can break the curse.
Finding and helping an injured hiker, perhaps Charlie may be the one to break the curse, despite their large age gap. But there are secrets and some serious decisions to make. What is truly important in life? What sacrifices is she willing to make? And what will she learn from this?
This was an intriguing story line that gives the reader much to think about. Grab your copy and see what direction the author takes us. All fairy tales have something to teach us, even one designed for “big kids”.
Finding and helping an injured hiker, perhaps Charlie may be the one to break the curse, despite their large age gap. But there are secrets and some serious decisions to make. What is truly important in life? What sacrifices is she willing to make? And what will she learn from this?
This was an intriguing story line that gives the reader much to think about. Grab your copy and see what direction the author takes us. All fairy tales have something to teach us, even one designed for “big kids”.
April 27, 2021
The book is so well written; I was hooked from the first line. The author's descriptions of the world and the characters were vivid, colorful, and fantastic. Each character looked every day, but in reality, they were all part of the big picture. I was a bit worried that the main character had an impossible journey before her. I won't elaborate on that because it would be a spoiler for you, and the reading journey is so worth it.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend it to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The book art ties into the story perfectly.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend it to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The book art ties into the story perfectly.
June 6, 2021
I loved this book. It's a book about a famous singer kissing a boy and getting her and her family cursed until she meets her true love and gets him taken from her. The curse however has turned her from a young women to an old woman. How can she meet her true love when she is an old woman and lives in the middle of the woods in the middle of nowhere with her family, who are now all animals thanks to the curse. The witch who cursed her checks that all are still cursed regularly and threatens to do even worse to them each time. Then one day her sister finds a young man injured in the woods...
This story was so addictive that I read it through the night without being able to put it down. It was so addictive, sweet, scary and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This story was so addictive that I read it through the night without being able to put it down. It was so addictive, sweet, scary and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
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