When a television show called Natural Selection decides to film in Starry Hollow, the whole town is abuzz. The paranormal version of The Bachelor is the talk of the nation and the ideal vehicle to show off the town’s charm. Everyone is excited—except the chosen bachelor’s grandmother. The wily old woman doesn’t want him to marry any of those gold-digging floozies and hires Ember to join as a bachelorette and disrupt the competition. Ember’s uneasy about the job—and her unease only grows when one of the bachelorettes ends up dead.
With a television show capturing every move, Sheriff Nash has his work cut out for him, but luckily he has Ember on the inside.
Can Ember and the sheriff find the killer before another bachelorette is eliminated—permanently?
Magic & Marriage is the 15th book in the Starry Hollow Witches humorous paranormal cozy mystery series.
Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
I have to admit that i was a bit eh on the series with the painful drawn out love triangle. Alec never did anything for me, seeing how he was an emotionally stilted standoffish guy with a giant stick up his you know what. Granger was always the nice, approachable, down to earth guy who was relatable, for lack or better word. So when Ember ended up with Alec i almost stopped reading the series. But i persevered, and she dumped his boring self. In this book she finally gets together with Granger and her aunt steps up and shows us that family is important to her and she's willing to give up her life to protect Ember. This book is probably my favorite in the series, and not just because of the Granger and aunt Hyacinth but also because Ember goes undercover in a Bachelor type reality show and hilarity (and murder) ensues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this series and it’s one of my favorites! Ember is hilarious in the dating show and she finally makes her move on a certain sheriff that should’ve happened a long time ago!
Magic & Marriage is Book 15 in the Starry Hollow Witches series by the talented Annabel Chase.
I absolutely LOVE this series. Ember is such an amazing character, but let's be real, her familiar Raoul (a raccoon) is the absolute scene stealer, and I am so there for it!!
There is a reality show called Natural Selection being filmed in Starry Hollow and the everyone is excited. Well not everybody. NO SPOILERS here, but I laughed so hard at some of these women competing in this hilarious competition. And when Ember has to become a contestant as part of a job unexpected things happen, including a murder.
This book made me so happy, I just love these characters and the town of Starry Hollow.
The mystery was really well written, and I loved the ending SO MUCH!
Book 15 and I'm still loving the town, the stories and Ember Rose. Pair her with my favourite werewolf, add a mystery or 3 and I am hooked. I cannot wait for the next book.
I was very impressed with this story. This was a cozy paranormal story done right. Recently I have been reading another author’s books in the genre and that author should take heed of what was created here. Quality over quantity is always preferred. Not to mention this wasn’t a ridiculous excuse for a crossover between series. The occasional crossover is fun, and when Ms Chase has used it in the past, it was done well but also limited to one book.
I also appreciated having a story with so many new characters and plots. Using the television dating premise for the story was lots of fun and allowed for a lot of crazy hijinks and wacky people. That Starry Hollow has so many ‘crazies’ to start with, it’s even more humorous when you bring in even more wacky characters and stories. As in the real life shows in our world, it’s great the author pointed out that so many of the contestants aren’t there to find the great love of their life. It’s a platform to sell of themselves in one way or another, or to improve their situations for the future. I don’t really care to watch such ‘reality’ shows, yet if they showed the truth about their characters, that I would enjoy seeing, as much as I did reading about it here.
Though I had a good idea who the villain was about half way through, it still was an enjoyable read. As each plot point was reached and handled, it was unique and fun. I have to admit though I could see some of the overall plot arc, I was still pleasantly surprised by how each point was developed and brought to the surface. Even with knowing about the inventor angle, and having surmised the villain, I never suspected the weapon of choice. That was a fun discovery.
That the entire family grew as well, especially Aunt Hyacinth, that made everything better. I really enjoyed the Fancy Nancy cat twist for Raoul. I realized early on that Harold was the cat, but I did not see the reason behind it, which was uplifting yet still twisted. Just as many of the Starry Hollow residents have that twisted magical outlook towards doing things, which makes them so much fun to read about.
Using the Sinclair family as a counterpoint to the Rose clan, was very well done. It showed how things could easily go in a family, if only certain results and conditions were allowed. Hopefully more people in our own world can take such lessons to heart. Both, children and adults, need to find their own way at times. Guidance and experience are useful and should be offered, but forcing someone to be something their not or down an unwanted path is never a good mix for happiness for all involved.
Having the characters grow and change with regards to each other is enjoyable to read about. I am glad to be done with the Aunt Hyacinth domineering and controlling views. A little goes a long way with something like that, and better to keep it to her commenting on posture and table manners instead of the life choices by her family member or the coven.
Hopefully in the following books, we will find out more in regards to the Jinx character. There is obviously something happening there and probably a big lesson to be learned by both Marley and Ember, especially as Bonkers did not react well to her when she tried to pet the flying cat. I also hope they include more of Myrtle, she obviously has an large back story that will make for an interesting read.
spectacular entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
This is an extraordinarily entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A funcast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Amber Rose is a descendent of the one true witch. The Rose family is the most powerful family in the small town of story Hollow. Her aunt hyacinth rose Muldoon is the matriarch of the family. Amber Rose group in New Jersey with her dad after they left the family in a very young age after her mother had died. It was not until Amber was older with her own daughter that circumstances brought her to the attention of her family in the supernatural world. Her cousins came to rescue her and brought her back to story Hollow where she now lives in Rose cottage on the grounds of a family estate. Her aunt and her cousins and all her new friends in the town keep her on her toes at all times. She has a new life and her daughter is becoming a more powerful witch every day as well. Amber has a new private eye service industry seeking out clients and jobs to help the people and support herself. Redial and find out the new adventure in her world of intriguing mystery. Oh and don’t forget Raul her raccoon familiar. This is an entertaining and extraordinarily funny and quirky at times series. Check it out
Reality tv comes to Starry Hollow and it doesn’t go well. Naturally.
The paranormal version of The Bachelorette’s show, Natural Selection, arrives in Starry Hollow and immediately becomes a nightmare.
Especially as Ember’s hired by the contestant’s grandmother to sabotage the contest. The story turns into a mirror of family images, tightly wrapped expectations, and ridiculously rigid boundaries.
Again it’s also the lovely side characters and moments that make the story, the small important reflections and conversations that allow Ember to become more self aware and able to make better choices.
Great storytelling and characters.
Such cute covers that change ever subtly.
Starry Hollow Witches series: Box set 1-10: Magic & Murder, Book 1 Magic & Mystery, Book 2 Magic & Mischief, Book 3 Magic & Mayhem, Book 4 Magic & Mercy, Book 5 Magic & Madness, Book 6 Magic & Malice, Book 7 Magic & Mythos, Book 8 Magic & Mishaps, Book 9 Magic & Maladies, Book 10 —- Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11) Magic & Monsters (Book 12) Magic & Misfits (Book 13) Magic & Misfortune (Book 14) Magic & Marriage (Book 15) Magic & Midnight (Book 16) Magic & Mirrors (Book 17) Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18) Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) - finale
This was a really good one. At first I was worried that it was going to be all about the "find your future mate" game show—a genre of reality TV that I don't like at all. Fortunately, that was just the framework for the mystery. So many other things were going on to keep my interest. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
Ember is hired to take part in the latest series of Natural Selection which is being filmed in Starry Hollow thanks to Florian's work at the tourist board.
Thing's start going wrong from the beginning when the property they are using falls through and Florian offers Aunt Hyacinth's home while she's away.
The bachelor's grandmother is trying to stop him from marrying a fortune hunter and then when one of the contestants dies of poisoning Ember's also working behind the scenes with the Sheriff.
Ember's going to be on the victim list but it's who attempts to save her that is the biggest surprise.. will they really save Ember or will they take the opportunity to rid themselves of her once and for all?
Amazon synopsis: Everything’s coming up Roses in Starry Hollow. Ember is thriving both personally and professionally, along with the other descendants of the One True Witch, and life has never smelled sweeter—until the bloom is off the rose, of course.
When a resident known as the Midnight Surfer is found dead on Balefire Beach, the community is shaken. The aging surfer was a fixture in Starry Hollow, albeit an ornery one, and the whole town is eager for Sheriff Nash to solve the case. With more suspects than grains of sand, the sheriff needs all the help he can get, and Ember is more than happy to offer her services.
Meanwhile, Marley falls under the influence of an older friend and begins to test boundaries at home and school, much to Ember’s dismay. The broomstick mama isn’t used to challenging behavior and it seems the only way to hold on is to let go.
Please Please….. I just can’t get why Granger is defined by Swaggering everywhere! He’s a great character, a powerful player … but seriously, every darn time he’s walking anywhere the poor guy is Swaggering! All it brings to my mind is either he has an unfortunate rash behind his tight jeans, or he’s sat on somebody’s wand and hasn’t been able to extract it. I started counting the swaggering references, but I got to 233 and I gave up. Surely he is capable of walking in a way that makes him sound like Bob the Builder with a back injury and worse? Annabel, your books are amazing, I love not having to read smut and swearing. But please find another word, or at least don’t repeat it 497 times in a series.
This one gets bonus points just because some long awaited, very exciting things take place during this book!
Ok, now that I got that squee of excitement out of the way, the mystery in this book puts Ember in quite an interesting position: starring on a bachelor-style show, vying for the attention of the bachelor. True to her character, Ember is not overly motivated to participate in a lot of it, outside of being paid to do so. The eliminations and stakes get a lot more complicated when participants start showing up injured or dead. The story hits close to home for Ember and helps to facilitate quite the ending! I look forward to the next book.
Ember can get into more trouble than any one person should have to contend with. But she does it with sass, snark, humor and an open honest heart. Ember is one of my all time favorite characters. I am so happy the romance has turned in this direction, been routing for him since the very start. Another amazing character. One of my all time favorite series and I will be frustrated and sighing until the next book is available. Fabulous!
This is a well-composed story. The prologue is the perfect setup for the climactic reveal that is suitably intense and has a couple of surprises. Most of the characters throughout the mystery are hiding behind masks (including Ember), even if the reasons are not sinister, which makes solving this one rather complex. Most notable is that Granger never hid, and the ending is so satisfying. But why do I feel that Hyacinth and Jinx bear watching...?!
Ok this was above and beyond! First of all Embers curse words crack me up. 2nd the connection that you have created between certain characters is so beautiful. This book brought me to a misty eyed level at the confession, or dare I say confessions. There were plenty of them in the last couple of chapters. This one book took my heart to a whole new level and I thank you for that Ms. Annabel truly thankful.
Read this book in record time. The characters are so vivid, funny, relatable. I have enjoyed this series so much. Now to wait for the last, Magic and Midnight. Can’t wait to read how Ember, Marley, PP3 and the rest of Starry Hollow fair. Hoping for a second series!
Everyone wants control. Even if it’s just to choose the flavor of their toothpaste. Just ask any toddler. The thing is control is a bit of an allusion. Because no matter how much we try to control there is always chaos waiting around the corner. Add Ember to the mix and the chaos will erupt faster than a forest fire, but she will figure it out. In the end.
Ember’s client has asked her to compete on a paranormal version of “The Bachelor” to keep the client’s grandson from choosing the wrong woman. It’s all fun and games until the contestants start dying. And wait until you see who comes to Ember’s rescue! This is Starry Hollow, and Ms Chase at their best!
I'm not sure I didn't like this so well because of the story arc character development. I really prefer when families get along. I have to admit that I'd like to hear about the trial in a later book. Usually the killer getting caught is enough, but schadenfreude requires knowing they get what's coming to them, despite heaps of privilege.
This was an unexpected twist but Ms. Chase combined current popular television in the mortal world with a fun twist in the magical town of Starry Hollow. When Ember become a contestant I love that Granger doesn't question her motives but is constantly supporting her as we've seen them reignite their love story along with a healthy helping of murder. And in Aunt Hyacinth's kitchen too.
Natural Selection is coming to Starry Hollow. The paranormal worlds answer to the bachelor. But when a contestant dies it’s up to Ember and Granger to figure out just how far these Women are willing to go for marriage.
Fun series set in a magical, tourist town. The characters are well defined but grow and the conversations flow naturally. The plot and subplots move quickly. The changing family dynamics keep things interesting. I can’t wait for the next book!
A paranormal twist on the Bachelor. I'm not a fan of the reality TV, but this was amusing and a peek into the off camera shenanigans. How long will the peace last and who is Jinx really?
I love this series and this latest book did not disappoint. The mystery was interesting and I love the characters. The ending was not what I expected and it was fabulous. Plenty of humor and romance too.
I loved this. It was exceptionally good. A sometimes funny cozy mystery with just the right amount of flirting between Granger Nash and Ember Rose. I loved that I didn't figure out who the murderer was before the big reveal. Awesome job Annabel Chase.
I absolutely loved this book. Ember is so funny. I have the same problem of seeing my thoughts on my face, haha. My only complaint is how long of wait until the next book...
Ember Lands a great paying job for h the R&R detective agency. She has to become a contestant on a tv dating show and win the bachelor's affection. Murderous competition ensues. It's A very entertaining read.
Ember and her friends provide a great world for Annabel Chase’s cozy mysteries.The people and places now familiar by reading the previous books in the series make the storyline feel more comfortable. Enjoy!
This is a really good book by a very talented writer. The storyline kept me on my toes. I can't wait for the next book by this author. She is a very good and original storyteller! You won't be disappointed at all.