What do you think?
Dead & Breakfast #1
Witch of Key Lime Lane
Fans of Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus will love this new series!" - Gaby Triana, bestselling author of the Haunted Florida series
An ex who won't leave her alone. A house on a haunted island. A woman needing a fresh start.
Lily Blanchett, restaurant owner and ex-wife of celebrity chef, Derek Blanchett, has had enough. After publicly setting fire to the last of his things (and making headlines for it), she needs a break from the divorce, and her Aunt Sylvie’s cottage in the Florida Keys seems just the thing. The twins are halfway through college, her mother insists she’ll go crazy if she doesn’t leave NYC for a bit, and nobody seems to need her middle-aged butt around anymore.
So, why not break away for a while? It'll only be temporary.
But the little Victorian at the end of Key Lime Lane is a strange place where doors open and close as they please, a mermaid fountain watches her, a strange cat appears when Lily least expects it, and her witchy neighbors hold “moon parties” on the beach. Throw in a woke ol’ sea dog and a hot captain with a boat named the “Sea Witch” and Lily is soon surrounded by an eccentric motley crew.
Can big-city, fast-paced Lily get a fresh start on a sleepy little island with a name like Skeleton Key? At forty-five with nowhere else to go, she’s about to find out.
WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE, a story about starting over in midlife, harnessing the magic within, and friendships after divorce, is Book #1 in the Dead & Breakfast series by Gabrielle Keyes.
An ex who won't leave her alone. A house on a haunted island. A woman needing a fresh start.
Lily Blanchett, restaurant owner and ex-wife of celebrity chef, Derek Blanchett, has had enough. After publicly setting fire to the last of his things (and making headlines for it), she needs a break from the divorce, and her Aunt Sylvie’s cottage in the Florida Keys seems just the thing. The twins are halfway through college, her mother insists she’ll go crazy if she doesn’t leave NYC for a bit, and nobody seems to need her middle-aged butt around anymore.
So, why not break away for a while? It'll only be temporary.
But the little Victorian at the end of Key Lime Lane is a strange place where doors open and close as they please, a mermaid fountain watches her, a strange cat appears when Lily least expects it, and her witchy neighbors hold “moon parties” on the beach. Throw in a woke ol’ sea dog and a hot captain with a boat named the “Sea Witch” and Lily is soon surrounded by an eccentric motley crew.
Can big-city, fast-paced Lily get a fresh start on a sleepy little island with a name like Skeleton Key? At forty-five with nowhere else to go, she’s about to find out.
WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE, a story about starting over in midlife, harnessing the magic within, and friendships after divorce, is Book #1 in the Dead & Breakfast series by Gabrielle Keyes.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
About the author
Gabrielle Keyes
5 books53 followersGABRIELLE KEYES is the author of the women's paranormal fiction series, Dead & Breakfast. WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE launches the story of Lily Autumn, CRONE OF COCONUT COURT introduces us to Katja Miller, MAGE OF MANGO ROAD tells the story of Regina Serra, and Book 4, HEX OF PINEAPPLE PLACE, will release in August, 2022. Gabrielle Keyes is the pseudonym for bestselling author of ghost horror, Gaby Triana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 5, 2021
Just found a new favourite author!
Couldn’t put the book down ended up pulling an all nighter to read!
Set in the Florida Keys a soon to be divorcée starts renovating her aunt’s cottage and surprises unfold.
Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!,
Oh did I mention there is a yummy recipe included!
Couldn’t put the book down ended up pulling an all nighter to read!
Set in the Florida Keys a soon to be divorcée starts renovating her aunt’s cottage and surprises unfold.
Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!,
Oh did I mention there is a yummy recipe included!
September 6, 2021
Awesome first book in a new series!
I loved this book. Seeing the main character find herself and her power was so fun! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I loved this book. Seeing the main character find herself and her power was so fun! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
August 29, 2021
The absolute best PWF I've ever read! Realistic, fun and hilarious. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book it's perfect and will be a definite reread for me. I love that this book talks about real Wiccans not magic wands woohoo. It felt read but also magical.
August 21, 2021
Good
I really enjoyed this book of what I hope is the first of many . It was a fun read.
I really enjoyed this book of what I hope is the first of many . It was a fun read.
July 30, 2021
In the first book in this new series by Gabrielle Keyes, we are introduced to Skeleton Key, Florida, and protagonist Lily Autumn Blanchett, a 40-something mother of two in the process of a bitter divorce from her celebrity husband. Her aunt owns a house on Skeleton Key and Lily's mother suggests Lily get away to the Keys and check up on the state of her aunt's home, since her aunt is in assisted living and can't do it herself.
On Skeleton Key, Lily has some interesting neighbors, and discovers her house has a ghost cat, among other things. Keyes weaves elements of witchcraft and paranormal seamlessly into the plot of her story, and the characters are interesting and likeable (except her weasel of a soon-to-be-ex husband, of course). Without giving away any spoilers, there are parts of this story that brought tears to my eyes. One thing I know for sure as both a writer AND a reader is that if you can evoke true emotion in your reader with only your storytelling skills, you have done a great job. I felt like I really knew Lily, and her neighbors Heloise, Jeanine, Sid, and Jax.
Loved this story, these characters, and am already looking forward to book two in the series!
On Skeleton Key, Lily has some interesting neighbors, and discovers her house has a ghost cat, among other things. Keyes weaves elements of witchcraft and paranormal seamlessly into the plot of her story, and the characters are interesting and likeable (except her weasel of a soon-to-be-ex husband, of course). Without giving away any spoilers, there are parts of this story that brought tears to my eyes. One thing I know for sure as both a writer AND a reader is that if you can evoke true emotion in your reader with only your storytelling skills, you have done a great job. I felt like I really knew Lily, and her neighbors Heloise, Jeanine, Sid, and Jax.
Loved this story, these characters, and am already looking forward to book two in the series!
August 3, 2021
When life hands you limes...make key lime pie
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m hooked. Lily is kicked to the curb by her cheating husband after spending more than 2 decades being the brains behind his restaurant operation. But life has other plans for her. Her mom suggests that she go to the Florida Keys to spend a little time at her Aunt Sylvie’s cottage, which sits empty. There she meets new friends, a possible romantic interest, and leans to love herself again. There’s a subtle magic, and good times. Perfect for all women, but anybody who’s started over later in life will love this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m hooked. Lily is kicked to the curb by her cheating husband after spending more than 2 decades being the brains behind his restaurant operation. But life has other plans for her. Her mom suggests that she go to the Florida Keys to spend a little time at her Aunt Sylvie’s cottage, which sits empty. There she meets new friends, a possible romantic interest, and leans to love herself again. There’s a subtle magic, and good times. Perfect for all women, but anybody who’s started over later in life will love this book.
August 1, 2021
This is not the usual paranormal women's fiction. The story is about Lily Blanchette who comes to the Florida Keys and rediscover herself and accepts her mid-life wisdom as the perfect place to be. This was a fun and entertaining story with just a touch of witchcraft.
July 20, 2021
This book is absolutely amazing!
45 year old divorced mom Lily (just having been burnt by her douchey C-List celeb ex-husband & his Tinder side piece) seeks solace at her family cottage in the Florida Keys.
Except this island is haunted. And she is staying next door to a really hot guy (it only gets PG-13).
Between lots of good food, hidden secrets of the ghost of a lady rum runner, reality TV, (fictional) celebrity snark, and witchcraft/magic, WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE flows like a beach read. Or if you’re really a wuss, a Diet Coke of spooky Halloween read.
But Lily’s journey of self-love and self-discovery, mostly subtly told, will make you feel like you’ve just left a wildly productive therapy session. Keyes h
Thank you Book Witchery for the ARC. I can’t wait for the next installment of the Dead and Breakfast series.
45 year old divorced mom Lily (just having been burnt by her douchey C-List celeb ex-husband & his Tinder side piece) seeks solace at her family cottage in the Florida Keys.
Except this island is haunted. And she is staying next door to a really hot guy (it only gets PG-13).
Between lots of good food, hidden secrets of the ghost of a lady rum runner, reality TV, (fictional) celebrity snark, and witchcraft/magic, WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE flows like a beach read. Or if you’re really a wuss, a Diet Coke of spooky Halloween read.
But Lily’s journey of self-love and self-discovery, mostly subtly told, will make you feel like you’ve just left a wildly productive therapy session. Keyes h
Thank you Book Witchery for the ARC. I can’t wait for the next installment of the Dead and Breakfast series.
November 8, 2022
Loved it
This is not the normal "paranormal cozy" mysteries that I've read before. This is, however, about a woman who finds out her husband has another family with small children. She is losing everything she worked hard for - her marriage, her home, her restaurant- when her mother asks her to check the condition of her aunt's house in the Florida Keys. A large cruise chain wants to buy the houses on the island, raze the existing houses, and turn it into a commercialized port. Lily sees it as an opportunity to get away from NYC and the drama surrounding her ex.
When Lily first gets there, all she sees is a dilapidated house. Her first instinct is to say "sell" but she starts doing small things, painting the living room and kitchen, updating some of the furniture, clearing the weeds from the yard. The more she does, the more she learns to love the house, the residents, and especially herself.
I really liked the way the house and the islanders help Lily see the potential in herself. Her life isn't over. She's just entering a new phase and learning to love herself.
This is not the normal "paranormal cozy" mysteries that I've read before. This is, however, about a woman who finds out her husband has another family with small children. She is losing everything she worked hard for - her marriage, her home, her restaurant- when her mother asks her to check the condition of her aunt's house in the Florida Keys. A large cruise chain wants to buy the houses on the island, raze the existing houses, and turn it into a commercialized port. Lily sees it as an opportunity to get away from NYC and the drama surrounding her ex.
When Lily first gets there, all she sees is a dilapidated house. Her first instinct is to say "sell" but she starts doing small things, painting the living room and kitchen, updating some of the furniture, clearing the weeds from the yard. The more she does, the more she learns to love the house, the residents, and especially herself.
I really liked the way the house and the islanders help Lily see the potential in herself. Her life isn't over. She's just entering a new phase and learning to love herself.
February 21, 2022
I'm new to this author and don't plan to be for long. I loved this story about a chef who built her life around her husband and family, while he cheated and had another family. It was sad and infuriating to read about such an intelligent, hard working and gifted woman being cheated not only by his infidelity but when he tries to take her home and business. She goes to Skeleton Key Island to see if her aunt's home needs renovation or selling or both. She finds a world of friendship, sisterhood and joy!
January 29, 2022
witchily wonderful
Some of these ‘over 40 rediscovering life and witchcraft’ novels are a bit jump on the band wagon and formula, but I enjoy them!! This one was refreshing, a new take, and entertaining.
Well worth the effort.
Some of these ‘over 40 rediscovering life and witchcraft’ novels are a bit jump on the band wagon and formula, but I enjoy them!! This one was refreshing, a new take, and entertaining.
Well worth the effort.
January 10, 2022
The perfect story of starting over and finding yourself with the help of true friends. Thank you Gabrielle Keyes for such an amazing book.
January 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, a page turner and keeps you wanting more. The author really makes you feel your really in key line lane. I love all the characters in it. If you like witches, haunted islands and moon parties this a must read.
March 16, 2022
A Good Read
A paranormal version of a woman finding herself after a surprise divorce. Well written, and good character building. I would love to live on Skeleton Key.
A paranormal version of a woman finding herself after a surprise divorce. Well written, and good character building. I would love to live on Skeleton Key.
October 17, 2021
Perfect
This book was fantastic from start to finish, a real good feel good book.
A place where I would love to live.
This book was fantastic from start to finish, a real good feel good book.
A place where I would love to live.
October 30, 2021
Loved it. Fun, light, heart-warming all the while still dealing with real life issues.
Loved how well-written it was, staying true to itself without fabricating unnecessary, just-for-the-sake-of-it-drama
Maybe more mystic/ esoteric rather than full on paranormal but it fit the scene, the story.
A journey of finding yourself again, rediscovering things lost and forgotten.
I liked that Lily didnt just put on a game face after her world exploded. It always pisses me of when whether in fictional stories or in real life everyone round you tells you to "just get over it" "simply move on" when you've had a real trauma without allowing us the time to grieve, to deal, to heal.
Loved how well-written it was, staying true to itself without fabricating unnecessary, just-for-the-sake-of-it-drama
Maybe more mystic/ esoteric rather than full on paranormal but it fit the scene, the story.
A journey of finding yourself again, rediscovering things lost and forgotten.
I liked that Lily didnt just put on a game face after her world exploded. It always pisses me of when whether in fictional stories or in real life everyone round you tells you to "just get over it" "simply move on" when you've had a real trauma without allowing us the time to grieve, to deal, to heal.
April 13, 2022
Beautiful next chapter/best chapter story
I loved the characters. Jeanine and Heloise reminded me of my favorite aunt. Also being recently divorced, I enjoyed seeing Lily learned to take her best life back. I look forward to reading more in this series
I loved the characters. Jeanine and Heloise reminded me of my favorite aunt. Also being recently divorced, I enjoyed seeing Lily learned to take her best life back. I look forward to reading more in this series
October 31, 2021
Loved it!
This was an excellent story and a lot of fun. The characters are full of life, and there's just enough ghost you things to make it mysterious. Lily is a great main character.
This was an excellent story and a lot of fun. The characters are full of life, and there's just enough ghost you things to make it mysterious. Lily is a great main character.
August 24, 2021
Witch of key lime lane
Love this book it is every divorce woman dream to become better then she was with her ex and be happy and to get a bit of ghost help along the way, looking forward for the next book.
Love this book it is every divorce woman dream to become better then she was with her ex and be happy and to get a bit of ghost help along the way, looking forward for the next book.
July 30, 2021
Gabrielle Keyes created an intriguing, palpable, magical world infused with witchiness and paranormal occurrences, in which the heroine of this story is relatable in so many ways.
Lily’s trials and the emergence of her incredible power at a chapter where many women begin to question so much as they age, was an inspiring breath of fresh air enhanced by the setting of the tropical Keys.
Keyes’ storytelling ability connects with the heart chakra in different ways, which is one of the main reasons I loved this book and look forward to the next one in the series!
Lily’s trials and the emergence of her incredible power at a chapter where many women begin to question so much as they age, was an inspiring breath of fresh air enhanced by the setting of the tropical Keys.
Keyes’ storytelling ability connects with the heart chakra in different ways, which is one of the main reasons I loved this book and look forward to the next one in the series!
July 30, 2021
Witch of Key Lime Lane is a refreshing new paranormal romance., It is a witty story that flows smoothly and promises so much as the story progresses. It deals with making choices and letting go of things that suck. It presents that when in a bad relationship, not of your making, it’s not your fault. There are witches, ghosts and the beginning of a great romance. This is a novel you will not be able to put down.
August 2, 2021
I loved it
A wonderful book, a woman who had everything taken from her by her husband moves to a cottage her aunt left her. She takes back her life in a different way. Ghosts and Witches play a part. I can't wait to read the next book. Well deserving of five stars.
A wonderful book, a woman who had everything taken from her by her husband moves to a cottage her aunt left her. She takes back her life in a different way. Ghosts and Witches play a part. I can't wait to read the next book. Well deserving of five stars.
July 31, 2021
This is an awesome book. Many books don't have everything....but this one does. It's a Must Read!!!
December 29, 2021
I had this whole idea that I’d read witchy books in October and then stop but it turns out that I just like witchy books. This isn’t a romance, it’s paranormal women’s fiction, which I just learned is a thing from @gabriellekeyesbooks when I sent her a message saying I liked this book so much. These are books about female MCs who are mostly 40-something’s living their goddamn life with perhaps some supernatural influences. Pardon me as I dive right in!
Lily’s husband Derek is a giant fuckwad. Their daughter caught him out with his secret *family* at a restaurant, shattering Lily’s life. Lily is a chef, so is Derek, but while Lily raised their children, Derek was off inseminating a yoga instructor multiple times. Derek believed he could take their restaurant, take their house, and stop paying child support for their college age kids. Lily set his shit on fire. Get it, girl.
Lily’s mom sends her to the Florida Keys to get away from it all while she assesses what to do with her Aunt Sylvie’s beachfront cottage - Lily finds a dilapidated home in desperate need of repair as well as a charming cast of characters to befriend. It’s probably, most likely haunted by the spirit of a woman bootlegger, too.
With a ghost cat, Sylvie’s coven of lesbian witches, a hot ass sea captain, and other Keys neighbors, Lily has her whole world rearranged. Finding out that Sylvie wanted her house to be a B&B sparks Lily’s imagination, and when faced with the choice of what to do with Sylvie’s home when a corporation wants to buy it for $2M, what will she choose?
Hint: it’s perfectly cute and spooky, and a real story of an over 40 year old woman finding herself and her sense of worth after being buried under the weight of a narcissistic husband. I really enjoyed this book, the concept of found friends, and reclaiming your path on this Earth. While it wasn’t a romance novel, there is a very likable flirtation for Lily and she deserves to get some dick if she goddamn wants some dick. 40+ doesn’t mean dead! Get it, girl.
While the witchcraft was a big part of the book, it’s accessible and fun for readers of non-paranormal fiction as well. Get your crystals out and give it a go!
Lily’s husband Derek is a giant fuckwad. Their daughter caught him out with his secret *family* at a restaurant, shattering Lily’s life. Lily is a chef, so is Derek, but while Lily raised their children, Derek was off inseminating a yoga instructor multiple times. Derek believed he could take their restaurant, take their house, and stop paying child support for their college age kids. Lily set his shit on fire. Get it, girl.
Lily’s mom sends her to the Florida Keys to get away from it all while she assesses what to do with her Aunt Sylvie’s beachfront cottage - Lily finds a dilapidated home in desperate need of repair as well as a charming cast of characters to befriend. It’s probably, most likely haunted by the spirit of a woman bootlegger, too.
With a ghost cat, Sylvie’s coven of lesbian witches, a hot ass sea captain, and other Keys neighbors, Lily has her whole world rearranged. Finding out that Sylvie wanted her house to be a B&B sparks Lily’s imagination, and when faced with the choice of what to do with Sylvie’s home when a corporation wants to buy it for $2M, what will she choose?
Hint: it’s perfectly cute and spooky, and a real story of an over 40 year old woman finding herself and her sense of worth after being buried under the weight of a narcissistic husband. I really enjoyed this book, the concept of found friends, and reclaiming your path on this Earth. While it wasn’t a romance novel, there is a very likable flirtation for Lily and she deserves to get some dick if she goddamn wants some dick. 40+ doesn’t mean dead! Get it, girl.
While the witchcraft was a big part of the book, it’s accessible and fun for readers of non-paranormal fiction as well. Get your crystals out and give it a go!
September 18, 2021
Fab start to a new series 😄
This is only the second time I’ve given a 5* rating to the first book in a series, but it’s definitely deserved. Loved Lily, I felt connected with her character and engaged in her story from the first chapter. Loved Heloise, Jeanine and Sid too, great supporting characters. I could picture them all easily in my head as I was reading. Well written and with a story that flows beautifully, I enjoyed every moment of Lily’s journey, from the initial physical one, then through the emotional and witchy spiritual one - embracing the woo woo! - feeling the range emotions with her. And not forgetting the sexy Jax, he can take me for a ride on his boat any day 😁 he’s the perfect guy for Lily. I also now want to live in their neighbourhood! I usually like a little more descriptive steaminess after a slow burn romance, so was slightly disappointed that when Lily and Jax got together in that way there wasn’t any, but that doesn’t detract from the book, just my personal preference, and def didn’t stop me from rating this 5*
If, like me, you’re a fan of pwf, I highly recommend reading this book. Looking forward to book 2
This is only the second time I’ve given a 5* rating to the first book in a series, but it’s definitely deserved. Loved Lily, I felt connected with her character and engaged in her story from the first chapter. Loved Heloise, Jeanine and Sid too, great supporting characters. I could picture them all easily in my head as I was reading. Well written and with a story that flows beautifully, I enjoyed every moment of Lily’s journey, from the initial physical one, then through the emotional and witchy spiritual one - embracing the woo woo! - feeling the range emotions with her. And not forgetting the sexy Jax, he can take me for a ride on his boat any day 😁 he’s the perfect guy for Lily. I also now want to live in their neighbourhood! I usually like a little more descriptive steaminess after a slow burn romance, so was slightly disappointed that when Lily and Jax got together in that way there wasn’t any, but that doesn’t detract from the book, just my personal preference, and def didn’t stop me from rating this 5*
If, like me, you’re a fan of pwf, I highly recommend reading this book. Looking forward to book 2
September 9, 2021
The newly emerging sub-genre of Paranormal Women’s Fiction is gaining lots of momentum right now, and for a reason. Midlife women are out there and we want to be seen in fiction.
In this book Lily Blanchett, a famous TV Chef and restaurant owner, catches her ex Derek live on TV at it with a you get woman and she retaliates in style, before slumping into a depression.
So her mom sends her to look through her aunts home in the Keys to see if it’s saleable.
Whilst there, she meets Luna, a ghost cat who appears at will, a pair of married female witches next door - her Aunt Sylvia’s friends - who are an absolute hoot, an eccentric but ‘woke’ old fisherman and the sexy Captain Jax.
There’s a lot going on in the novel but it’s easy to keep up with.
It’s emotional, funny, spooky and just a little bit hawt.
Great fun and a great addition to the genre.
In this book Lily Blanchett, a famous TV Chef and restaurant owner, catches her ex Derek live on TV at it with a you get woman and she retaliates in style, before slumping into a depression.
So her mom sends her to look through her aunts home in the Keys to see if it’s saleable.
Whilst there, she meets Luna, a ghost cat who appears at will, a pair of married female witches next door - her Aunt Sylvia’s friends - who are an absolute hoot, an eccentric but ‘woke’ old fisherman and the sexy Captain Jax.
There’s a lot going on in the novel but it’s easy to keep up with.
It’s emotional, funny, spooky and just a little bit hawt.
Great fun and a great addition to the genre.
May 12, 2022
This book really has a slow start. Fortunately, taking the time for us to meet these wonderful characters was worth it. Even with the moon dances, this book remained clean. This really was a delightful read for people 40 and over since it involves starting over with almost adult children. Other younger groups could enjoy it, but may miss a lot of "been there, done that, have the Tee-Shirt". This quote does NOT appear in the book so it is not a spoiler.
This is one of the first books this year, I have wanted to read the sequel immediately.
This is one of the first books this year, I have wanted to read the sequel immediately.
May 12, 2022
Fabulous book!
Absolutely loved it! Read in one sitting, front to back, eager to turn the pages. It made me smile, laugh, and I got emotional when things happening in her life reflected things from my past. I'm sure that many women who have been divorced will feel the same. The characters are wonderful, from Lily all the way down to the manatees. Finally, I loved the story. I'm so glad I found this book as I've never read this author. But I will be reading more from her!
🐝✋🐺
Absolutely loved it! Read in one sitting, front to back, eager to turn the pages. It made me smile, laugh, and I got emotional when things happening in her life reflected things from my past. I'm sure that many women who have been divorced will feel the same. The characters are wonderful, from Lily all the way down to the manatees. Finally, I loved the story. I'm so glad I found this book as I've never read this author. But I will be reading more from her!
🐝✋🐺
December 26, 2021
Wonderful, empowering story!
Wow! I was in between books from all my go to authors when I came across this book. After the first sentence, I was hooked! Going through all the devastating events in Lily’s life, her sorrows, joys and growth, has been wonderful.
I highly recommend this book and author!
Wow! I was in between books from all my go to authors when I came across this book. After the first sentence, I was hooked! Going through all the devastating events in Lily’s life, her sorrows, joys and growth, has been wonderful.
I highly recommend this book and author!
January 7, 2022
4 Stars
A midlife crisis, husband cheating, taking over business and leaving Lily angry and "cast adrift", with Aunt having a house she can go to. The typical start of almost every book in this genre. It does divert, creating an enjoyable read. It does get a bit "preachy" in the middle of the story but other than that an entertaining story.
A midlife crisis, husband cheating, taking over business and leaving Lily angry and "cast adrift", with Aunt having a house she can go to. The typical start of almost every book in this genre. It does divert, creating an enjoyable read. It does get a bit "preachy" in the middle of the story but other than that an entertaining story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews