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Solstice Witch #1
Luminous
Earth witch Lenna Harms’ normally mundane life is completely thrown into disarray when she discovers the body of a murdered woman while delivering her postal route. Afraid that the police won’t be able to solve a magical murder, Lenna sets out to help the mysterious sons of the slain victim to stop the killer from striking again. To find the clues that are concealed by magic, Lenna will have to reacquaint herself with the powers she has neglected for years.
Coming face to face with magical beings Lenna has only ever heard of and inserting herself into a feud she wasn’t aware existed, Lenna must embrace her power before it’s too late.
Coming face to face with magical beings Lenna has only ever heard of and inserting herself into a feud she wasn’t aware existed, Lenna must embrace her power before it’s too late.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2022
26 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 24, 2023
What a fun, witchy read!
Luminous is a quick and enjoyable paranormal romance- the storyline is easy to follow but still surprising and twisty at points.
Lenna is a witch in her mid 20s who mainly keeps to herself- she works as a mail carrier and usually neglects her magical side. During a mail delivery, she discovers the body of a murder victim, and she ends up involved in that situation more than she’d like to be. Things aren’t as they seem, and the victim’s son is as mysterious (and handsome, wink wink) as they come. Lenna has to turn back to her magic to get herself out of some sticky situations.
This one almost reads like a slice-of-life, It’s so descriptive I almost felt like I was living Lenna’s life right there with her. The scenes were very easy to visualize, it was refreshing. Good stuff!
Luminous is a quick and enjoyable paranormal romance- the storyline is easy to follow but still surprising and twisty at points.
Lenna is a witch in her mid 20s who mainly keeps to herself- she works as a mail carrier and usually neglects her magical side. During a mail delivery, she discovers the body of a murder victim, and she ends up involved in that situation more than she’d like to be. Things aren’t as they seem, and the victim’s son is as mysterious (and handsome, wink wink) as they come. Lenna has to turn back to her magic to get herself out of some sticky situations.
This one almost reads like a slice-of-life, It’s so descriptive I almost felt like I was living Lenna’s life right there with her. The scenes were very easy to visualize, it was refreshing. Good stuff!
March 29, 2023
Gave 4 1/2⭐️ easy read enjoyable good twists
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December 12, 2024This is your reminder to find, and read, books by local authors!!!
March 25, 2022
Luminous is a mid/late teen, to adult, paranormal romance book. It was a slow-burn book for me, but I definitely ended up enjoying Luminous. Until the action kicks up a lot in the latter half, the book has an unrushed "daily life" feel to it. We meet the main character, Lenna, in chapter 1, in what is definitely a "paranormal part of her life" scene. But the next few chapters show us Lenna's daily life in a town called Oakridge, and while Oakridge is never given a real geographic location, the setting feels very Pacific NorthWest.
While Lenna is a witch, she has human friends, and her daily life is very based in the real world. I found this refreshing compared to all the y/a fantasy books where we are either in a fully alternate reality, or, even if the book has one-foot in the real world, the fantasy / paranormal elements soon take over. "Luminous" feels very centered in the "real" world I know... despite the fact that the main characters are witches and other fantastic creatures.
The tension in the book comes from a crime that happens early on, and which Lenna becomes involved in trying to solve. But there is also tension from the mystery of who, or what, species of creature, the Kelly family are. There are also hints, which continue to get stronger, that there are other things that are not what they appear to be, and that there is more than one family mystery to unravel.
Great addition to the paranormal romance genre! Especially if you like witches who, like you, set themselves reminders on their cell phone to buy new shoes on the weekend, but never get around to doing it! :)
March 3, 2022
Refreshing Read
This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the mystery object of the plot; it was very Sookie Stackhouse. The story starts off slow and it does take a minute to get a grasp on what the point is. The last half of the book was definitely better than the first half. I did find myself rolling my eyes at all the mundane day to day tasks that you had to go through for the first half, but I do see why most of the mundane was in there. This is the introductory novel to a series, so there is a certain amount of world building that is required.
I absolutely loved that even though this book takes place in the present time period it didn't revolve around cell phones or try and use recent pop culture throughout. It was absolutely a breath of fresh air to read something new that didn't focus on race, gender, or sexuality.
I also found by the end that I loved the heroine and felt like she was a genuinely relatable character. I also liked the hero. He started out with this devilishly charismatic charm that he did lose part way through, but he was still very likable. I do wish the relationship bloomed just a bit more though. Hopefully, we will see that in future installments.
Overall, this was a great fun read and I look forward to reading more in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone that liked the early installments of the Sookie Stackhouse series.
This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the mystery object of the plot; it was very Sookie Stackhouse. The story starts off slow and it does take a minute to get a grasp on what the point is. The last half of the book was definitely better than the first half. I did find myself rolling my eyes at all the mundane day to day tasks that you had to go through for the first half, but I do see why most of the mundane was in there. This is the introductory novel to a series, so there is a certain amount of world building that is required.
I absolutely loved that even though this book takes place in the present time period it didn't revolve around cell phones or try and use recent pop culture throughout. It was absolutely a breath of fresh air to read something new that didn't focus on race, gender, or sexuality.
I also found by the end that I loved the heroine and felt like she was a genuinely relatable character. I also liked the hero. He started out with this devilishly charismatic charm that he did lose part way through, but he was still very likable. I do wish the relationship bloomed just a bit more though. Hopefully, we will see that in future installments.
Overall, this was a great fun read and I look forward to reading more in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone that liked the early installments of the Sookie Stackhouse series.
October 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great addition to my October reads. It fit the vibe PERFECTLY! I absolutely adored this book! It had all the things..
🍁Mystery
🍁Suspense
🍁Murder
🍁Witches
🍁Fae
🍁Magic
🍁Slow Burn
🍁Twists & Betrayal
🍁Amazing world building
🍁Relatable main character
While reading this book I felt like I was transported into Lenna’s World. It starts off a little slower, but trust me it’s so worth it! It gives you a chance to get to know the characters and feel the connection and chemistry!
& talk about chemistry!! I was screaming into the book “kiss her already”!
I loved the murder mystery aspect.. when the killer was finally “unmasked”, I was shocked, it was unexpected.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THESE CHARACTERS & THEIR STORY! It was so freaking good!
**There was no spice, but honestly this one didn’t need it. The book was amazing!! ♥️♥️
This was a great addition to my October reads. It fit the vibe PERFECTLY! I absolutely adored this book! It had all the things..
🍁Mystery
🍁Suspense
🍁Murder
🍁Witches
🍁Fae
🍁Magic
🍁Slow Burn
🍁Twists & Betrayal
🍁Amazing world building
🍁Relatable main character
While reading this book I felt like I was transported into Lenna’s World. It starts off a little slower, but trust me it’s so worth it! It gives you a chance to get to know the characters and feel the connection and chemistry!
& talk about chemistry!! I was screaming into the book “kiss her already”!
I loved the murder mystery aspect.. when the killer was finally “unmasked”, I was shocked, it was unexpected.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THESE CHARACTERS & THEIR STORY! It was so freaking good!
**There was no spice, but honestly this one didn’t need it. The book was amazing!! ♥️♥️
November 5, 2023
This is a YA paranormal mystery murder story that follows our main character, Lenna.
Lenna is an earth witch with a pretty mundane life. Until one day, while on her postal route, she finds the body of a woman murdered in cold blood.
Lena is determined to find out who is behind the murder and finds herself drawn into a mysterious adventure with the least expected allies at her side.
I'm going to be honest. Normally, I'm not a big fan of murder mysteries, but this one took me by surprise. 😊
I struggled to get into the story at first because the first 25% of the book was a bit slow for me. But after that first part, the story really picked up, and I couldn't put it down!
Overall it was a fun read, and I would definitely recommend reading it.
I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can ♥️
3,5/5 🌟
Lenna is an earth witch with a pretty mundane life. Until one day, while on her postal route, she finds the body of a woman murdered in cold blood.
Lena is determined to find out who is behind the murder and finds herself drawn into a mysterious adventure with the least expected allies at her side.
I'm going to be honest. Normally, I'm not a big fan of murder mysteries, but this one took me by surprise. 😊
I struggled to get into the story at first because the first 25% of the book was a bit slow for me. But after that first part, the story really picked up, and I couldn't put it down!
Overall it was a fun read, and I would definitely recommend reading it.
I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can ♥️
3,5/5 🌟
March 10, 2022
This book definitelly excited by expectations and I was surprised by how much i enjoyed this. I was worried that the romance would be overwhelming, but it was done really well and it left room for things to develop in the next books. I loved the world building, the magical elements, the story telling and the secret reveals. Would definitelly recommend it!
January 12, 2023
Escape into the the world of feeling...
Lenna who is a mundane witch living the best of both world's is thrown into a world she thought she knew when she discovers a murder during her shift. She is immediately drawn to come to the bottom of the mystery murder and in return brings disruption to her everyday life.
As you begin to get to know the world and each character you are thrown a new clue to what is really happening in this beautiful and magical small town. Kate Sullivan, does a tremendous job at brining the beauty of the town, the magical world and the characters to life throughout this book.
I was absolutely captured by the book and the development of the characters and couldn't help but fall for what made them so unique. I cannot wait to read more about each of these characters and see where their world will take them next. Also, LIAM common #BookBoyfriend material right there.
4/5 Stars - I promise you, you wont regret this read and you might even be attached to keep reading!
Lenna who is a mundane witch living the best of both world's is thrown into a world she thought she knew when she discovers a murder during her shift. She is immediately drawn to come to the bottom of the mystery murder and in return brings disruption to her everyday life.
As you begin to get to know the world and each character you are thrown a new clue to what is really happening in this beautiful and magical small town. Kate Sullivan, does a tremendous job at brining the beauty of the town, the magical world and the characters to life throughout this book.
I was absolutely captured by the book and the development of the characters and couldn't help but fall for what made them so unique. I cannot wait to read more about each of these characters and see where their world will take them next. Also, LIAM common #BookBoyfriend material right there.
4/5 Stars - I promise you, you wont regret this read and you might even be attached to keep reading!
October 9, 2024
5.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know if I've ever read a book where the author describes me to a T! 27, whimsical, loves cats, loves tea, hates shopping and procrastinates going grocery shopping until practically on the verge of starving. I love the FMC Lenna! She is introverted and very independent, strong and caring. This book was so fun to read and the writing style is so good!
I don't know if I've ever read a book where the author describes me to a T! 27, whimsical, loves cats, loves tea, hates shopping and procrastinates going grocery shopping until practically on the verge of starving. I love the FMC Lenna! She is introverted and very independent, strong and caring. This book was so fun to read and the writing style is so good!
January 11, 2023
Extremely well written. Kate Sullivan pulls you into a world of magic and mystery from the very first page. This captivating story will keep you fully immersed in a world unlike our own and have you running to get the second book Wildflower.
January 11, 2023
fun read
I enjoyed reading this first book in this series. The author kept me engaged and entertained the entire time. She did a great job developing her characters and had me guessing to figure out what was what a few times. Eager to read book two.
I enjoyed reading this first book in this series. The author kept me engaged and entertained the entire time. She did a great job developing her characters and had me guessing to figure out what was what a few times. Eager to read book two.
November 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
November 2, 2025
Modern day world with witches, magic, faeries, murder, secrets, betrayal, forbidden love, say less. I’m so invested in Lenna’s story and how she is coming into her power and learning the truth. The connection between Lenna and Liam is everything. I love this book, it just feels like the start of an amazing series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
love this book.
This book is so well written and so easy to get lost in. The FMC is strong and I love that. I can’t stand whiny FMCs.
This book is so well written and so easy to get lost in. The FMC is strong and I love that. I can’t stand whiny FMCs.
April 16, 2023
This was a pretty good book. The cover of this book is beautiful. This is YA paranormal romance. Witches and fairies. Definitely some turns I didn’t see coming. It’s a slow slow burn. The first bit of it I was having trouble getting into, but glad I did. I ended up really enjoying it and diving straight into the second book.
August 22, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely loved this book! It was super well written and the plot was so interesting it kept me turning the pages so fast to keep knowing what was happening next! There are Witches and Faeries and mention of other beings as well! It’s got a little bit of romance but little to no spice but was still so good! The there is betrayal and lies a witch with hidden/unknown abilities and so much more of you love fae and withes this is such a good read!!
August 24, 2023
This is my first witch/coven book I've read and it didn't disappoint thats for sure. The plot was a good steady pace, it kept you engaged with it twist and turns through out the book. I ate through this book at a fast rate and loved it ! On to the second 🙂
January 27, 2025
I loved this book! Witchy with a mix of romance and mystery. The main character, Lenna, is someone I instantly connected with as she is relatable and intriguing. It was one of those stories I could transport myself into and see myself in this town called Oakridge and could picture the characters easily as if I knew them. Each chapter you fall more in love with them, their chemistry, and the magical world that has been built for this series. I can’t wait to read more about them in the rest of the series.
This is a perfect book to get cozy with - a definite must read!
This is a perfect book to get cozy with - a definite must read!
August 15, 2023
I am so happy to have discovered a new paranormal author. This book was a fantastic start to this series.
Lenna is a witch trying to appear as an ordinary human mail carrier. When she finds a murdered woman on her route she never expects to find out that some faerie tales are actually the truth and she is firmly embedded in all the goings on.
While this book starts out a little on the slower side I feel that it really sets the tone and stage for the remainder of this book and the books to come.
Fantastic read & cannot wait for more!!
Lenna is a witch trying to appear as an ordinary human mail carrier. When she finds a murdered woman on her route she never expects to find out that some faerie tales are actually the truth and she is firmly embedded in all the goings on.
While this book starts out a little on the slower side I feel that it really sets the tone and stage for the remainder of this book and the books to come.
Fantastic read & cannot wait for more!!
December 6, 2022
I adored this book SO much.
Captivating from the first chapter. The mystery and thrill kept me on my toes, with a few jaw dropping months I never saw coming. Lenna was a character I couldn’t help but love. I felt as though we were friends, and sat in the cafe eating soup together. I really enjoyed the budding romance between her and Liam, no spice but with the way this was written, no spice needed. Everything about this book was phenomenal. I cannot wait to read the next one!!!!
Captivating from the first chapter. The mystery and thrill kept me on my toes, with a few jaw dropping months I never saw coming. Lenna was a character I couldn’t help but love. I felt as though we were friends, and sat in the cafe eating soup together. I really enjoyed the budding romance between her and Liam, no spice but with the way this was written, no spice needed. Everything about this book was phenomenal. I cannot wait to read the next one!!!!
April 3, 2023
I want to start by saying I read Luminous and Wildflower (arc, thank you Kate!) back to back in a day and I regret absolutely nothing ✨
Luminous follows Lenna, an earth witch going about her day-to-day life when she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. Working with the victim's sons, Lenna seeks to discover who is responsible for this murder as well as work out who exactly this family is...
For reasonably short book, I felt the pacing was okay! The first 25-ish% of the book does moves a little slowly, but I honestly didn't mind too much. The author gave us an insight into Lenna's life and really built the foundations for her character including her relationship to her craft. Seeing Lenna's arguably mundane day-to-day life as a postal worker really brought home how much she yearned for a normal life outside of her life as a witch, and how much the events that follow turn her life upside-down.
I was glad that this book built the foundations for the romance rather than making it front and centre. It felt like the plot was really given the room it needed and the focus was more on the story, characters and world building which I really enjoyed.
If you love witches 🧙♀️ and a murder mystery🔪 this will be right up your street!
Luminous follows Lenna, an earth witch going about her day-to-day life when she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. Working with the victim's sons, Lenna seeks to discover who is responsible for this murder as well as work out who exactly this family is...
For reasonably short book, I felt the pacing was okay! The first 25-ish% of the book does moves a little slowly, but I honestly didn't mind too much. The author gave us an insight into Lenna's life and really built the foundations for her character including her relationship to her craft. Seeing Lenna's arguably mundane day-to-day life as a postal worker really brought home how much she yearned for a normal life outside of her life as a witch, and how much the events that follow turn her life upside-down.
I was glad that this book built the foundations for the romance rather than making it front and centre. It felt like the plot was really given the room it needed and the focus was more on the story, characters and world building which I really enjoyed.
If you love witches 🧙♀️ and a murder mystery🔪 this will be right up your street!
February 27, 2023
This was a fun paranormal fantasy with mystery elements that had me instantly wanting to know more. The plot and the characters were amazing, I really enjoyed all of the witchy aspects of the story. The characters were very well developed and you felt an instant connection to them - which I absolutely loved with Lenna being an empath, you literally felt what the characters around her felt without getting anyone elses point of view, that aspect of this book was so unique. The murder mystery aspect of the story had me on the edge of my seat and I wanted to know more and discover who did it and why.
This was a slow burn but I didn't feel cheated like I do with some other slow burns, it was an adorable budding romance and the developing relationship with Lenna and Liam was really great. In other murder mysteries I've read the romance overshadows the story and I really appreciated that this focused on the main plot more than a romantic relationship between the main characters.
I was engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed Kate's style of writing and the way she slowly unveiled details of the story at the perfect time; it made for a page turner! This was my first book by Kate Sullivan and it will not be my last, definitely looking forward to reading book two next!
This was a slow burn but I didn't feel cheated like I do with some other slow burns, it was an adorable budding romance and the developing relationship with Lenna and Liam was really great. In other murder mysteries I've read the romance overshadows the story and I really appreciated that this focused on the main plot more than a romantic relationship between the main characters.
I was engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed Kate's style of writing and the way she slowly unveiled details of the story at the perfect time; it made for a page turner! This was my first book by Kate Sullivan and it will not be my last, definitely looking forward to reading book two next!
August 26, 2022
Great fantasy read by a great canadian author!
I loved the mystery/fantasy plot line, the whole story exceeded by expectations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading from Lenna's point of view; she is a strong and relatable female lead. The book is a little slow to get going, however this makes complete sense knowing that this is only the first in a series, a whole world is being introduced to us.
The characters are well developed, and the world Kate Sullivan brings us to is remarkable.
I cannot wait to read the next of Lennas adventures, and am happy to have found a great canadian author.
I loved the mystery/fantasy plot line, the whole story exceeded by expectations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading from Lenna's point of view; she is a strong and relatable female lead. The book is a little slow to get going, however this makes complete sense knowing that this is only the first in a series, a whole world is being introduced to us.
The characters are well developed, and the world Kate Sullivan brings us to is remarkable.
I cannot wait to read the next of Lennas adventures, and am happy to have found a great canadian author.
July 26, 2022
This is not a type of genre I typically read however I'm dying for the next book of the series to come out! The writer did such a good job at developing the characters, expressing finite details and balancing a "will they won't they" romance through a murder mystery with fantasy characters!!! Fastest I've ever read a book!!
January 7, 2023
I loved everything about this book. I am not someone who reads a ton of books about witches, but this one I couldnt put down. I started it one morning and finished it by noon the same day. Loved it. Cannot wait for the second one.
January 9, 2023
3.5 stars!
I didn’t know how I felt about it at the start, it was kind of a lot of description and I wasn’t really feeling like the story was moving on. By about 20% of the way through it started picking up and by 50% I was hooked
I normally DNF a book if I feel I won’t be able to get into it after 50 pages but this one definitely had me intrigued enough to get through it and I am definitely impressed
As it only had 236 pages I felt like we got given a lot of very useful information to the story and to the magic system and there wasn’t too much of a push for the romance yet which I appreciated
It felt like an Agatha Christie meets Kiki’s Delivery Service meets Vampire Diaries (in the best way) book which I definitely fell for
Definitely jump in to this series! I am excited to read the second book
I didn’t know how I felt about it at the start, it was kind of a lot of description and I wasn’t really feeling like the story was moving on. By about 20% of the way through it started picking up and by 50% I was hooked
I normally DNF a book if I feel I won’t be able to get into it after 50 pages but this one definitely had me intrigued enough to get through it and I am definitely impressed
As it only had 236 pages I felt like we got given a lot of very useful information to the story and to the magic system and there wasn’t too much of a push for the romance yet which I appreciated
It felt like an Agatha Christie meets Kiki’s Delivery Service meets Vampire Diaries (in the best way) book which I definitely fell for
Definitely jump in to this series! I am excited to read the second book
October 4, 2024
Luminous by Kate Sullivan is the first book in the Solstice Witch series.
I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a little while to get into it, it was kind of a slow start, but I understand the world and character building was important.
Lenna is the FMC, and she is a postal carrier, but more importantly, a witch. She isn’t a very active witch, only doing what she must for her coven. She also tends to keep to herself. But one day, on her postal route, she discovers a dead body and everything changes.
Liam is the MMC, and the middle son of the dead woman Lenna discovered. While trying to figure out who killed her, Lenna finds out that Liam, and his entire family, are fae.
Lenna and Liam continue to get closer, and a spark ignites. I can not wait to dive into the next book and watch their story unfold.
I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a little while to get into it, it was kind of a slow start, but I understand the world and character building was important.
Lenna is the FMC, and she is a postal carrier, but more importantly, a witch. She isn’t a very active witch, only doing what she must for her coven. She also tends to keep to herself. But one day, on her postal route, she discovers a dead body and everything changes.
Liam is the MMC, and the middle son of the dead woman Lenna discovered. While trying to figure out who killed her, Lenna finds out that Liam, and his entire family, are fae.
Lenna and Liam continue to get closer, and a spark ignites. I can not wait to dive into the next book and watch their story unfold.
January 8, 2023
Lenna is just a witch trying to conceal herself in the human world. She is taking day by day being a mail delivery person and just embracing life. Until one day she comes up on one of her normal routes and finds one of her house dead. From this day forward her life was changed.
I loved this book. I love how it was written, how suspenseful it was. Kate did an awesome job on this story.
Continuing to reach chapter to chapter to find out who the killer is and who are these new magical beings in her town that she dealt with to figure out this kinder that the cops will never finish the case.
Many twist and unexpected events do happen, kept me on my toes !
Definitely a must read if your looking for something with some mystery but will a captivating book!
I loved this book. I love how it was written, how suspenseful it was. Kate did an awesome job on this story.
Continuing to reach chapter to chapter to find out who the killer is and who are these new magical beings in her town that she dealt with to figure out this kinder that the cops will never finish the case.
Many twist and unexpected events do happen, kept me on my toes !
Definitely a must read if your looking for something with some mystery but will a captivating book!
January 16, 2023
I just really enjoyed this book! I felt like it was a thriller and a mystery, but also cozy at the same time which I think is hard to do. I really liked how relatable Lenna is, with her average life and her post carrier job. Liam was a really nice character too, and I enjoyed that he wasn't some all amazing man on a pedestal the best at everything kind of love interest. This book was spice free, and I am a total sucker for all things slow burn. It kept me engaged and I did keep wanting to come back and read - I felt like it was an easy and comfortable book.
If you like witches, you like mystery, cozy, and some slow burn romance side plot -- this one is for you. :)
If you like witches, you like mystery, cozy, and some slow burn romance side plot -- this one is for you. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews