Magic Touch

Witches of Windsor #1

by A.S. Fenichel

ESME

I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I'm a witch and a healer, and he's a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what's begun, I'm forced to seek assistance from the coven I've sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William's sake, I put my family's hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM

I'm mesmerized by Esme O'Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs, and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch's touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven's leaders insist magic never make mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I've never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME

Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Paranormal Romance

300 pages, ebook

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

A.S. Fenichel (Andie Fenichel) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.

Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Touch
A.s. Fenichel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is like a dream. I've always wanted to meet the war hero Sir William Meriwether. My name is Esme O'Dwyer and I own a small curatives shop in Windsor, England. Did I also mention I'm a witch? Well I am, and being who I am I just want to help this poor man as he's still in so much pain. And that's where it all happened. What exactly? Even I'm not positive, but I think in curing his leg, I unleashed some kind of powers inside William. Now at a loss to stop what has begun I have to put my family's hatred to the side and go to the coven I swore I'd have nothing to do with, ever.

I'm quite literally mesmerized by Esme, and I can tell she's special. It doesn’t matter a wit to me that we have different stations in society, I want something way more personal, than any tea or restorative drink she might offer me. Now as a gentleman of good standing, I can contain those needs, and accept her assistance in easing the pain in my leg, however when the witch's touch leaves me with magic of my own, I'd rather have no part of it.
But the coven leaders insist that magic never makes mistakes, and if this has happened, there is a reason I'll be needed for at some point. Ive never been one to shy away from duty though, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical all in itself.

Trouble is brewing and it should be here at Windsor soon. Now the race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as true as the battle that lies ahead.

A.S. Fenichel is totally brilliant. Taking a historical time period, adding witches, and a couple of what I'd call angry warlocks made this story phenomenal. From the minute I opened this book I was a goner. Nothing was good enough. All I wanted to do was read this one. The characters were amazing and suited eachother perfectly. I truly enjoyed this book. I honestly can't wait for the next book.

[Kayleigh | Welsh Book Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Magic Touch
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Book 1 of 3 of the Witches of Windsor series
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): A. S. Fenichel
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Romantic Fantasy
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 19th April 2022
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5

What a lovely mash-up of a genre, aye?

Esme O’Dwyer, a witch that primaries in healing, is content with her small shop and her regular customers whom she aids in their ailments. When the legendary war hero, Sir William Meriweather walks into her shop asking her to heal his leg, she is more than happy to oblige, but their connection is undeniable, as is the blue glowing magic that has suddenly been unleashed within William.

How I can have nostalgia for a time period I wasn’t even alive for? I’ll never know. But
A. S. Fenichel writes about magic in Magic Touch as though it has been in England all along. I sincerely enjoyed the magic system, it was really clearly explained yet mysteries were left to tease the readers into page turning and wanting to explore more.

The romance was utterly divine. Esme and William are a great pairing and their declarations were sweet as peach. I enjoyed them as a couple and loved reading their development. I adored how strong Esme is as a character, and how noble William is. They were dreamy and yet passionate in their dynamic.

Anyone who loves witches fighting evil forces whilst dealing with romantic drama will love this book.

🧚🏻‍♀️

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[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this quaint book

witches, powers and dark magic...whats not to like about this book

when william enters the shop he was looking for, he was about to get more than he bargained when he went looking for a tonic to help with his pain, the witch esme was about to to take his pain away but also to awaken his latent powers

with the advent of these powers esme decides she needs more help from the coven that she had refused to join and with their help she is hoping to find out if the powers that william has will turn out for good or evil, and if he does turn evil he will need to be bound....

an exciting new series that will enchant you till the end...so glad i have found another new series to get my teeth into, will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors work

[Karla Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Touch is everything you expect and want in an A.S. Fenichel book – vivid world building, captivating characters, suspense and action, and of course, delightful romance with the right amount of steam! Esme and William have great chemistry and a just-right amount of "will they or won't they". Magic Touch is a great blend of historical romance, family drama, magic, and paranormal elements. And the cat! The story wouldn't be the same without him. Loved the first-person style that made it an effortless read. Looking forward to seeing which witch gets to take centre stage in the next book.

[Sonia189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great premise and I had high hopes for a sweet, cozy romance, with magic and witches too.
The idea is certainly interesting, and I was looking for to see the main male character discover his powers with the help of the heroine. I was anticipating a slow romance, but mainly a romantic one.
Sadly, the writing didn't convince me, it lacked depth and most of the elements felt very weak. The story ends without a resolution for the big magical conflict ongoing, which will carry on for the next novel, but I don't think I'll continue reading.

[Rlygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relaxing, cozy fantasy romance. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

I love how much detail the author used for the actual way magic worked, the different kinds the witches had, and the magic lessons.

My only complaint about the book: the ardent dialog before or after the sexy scenes got rather verbose for me. I wish the author had trimmed a bit more dialog. Had me rolling my eyes and speed reading like "yes, yes, we get it. Moving on".

I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series though.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Touch is the historical romance series starter for A.S.Fenichel’s new Witches of Windsor Series a that features witches living and practicing in regency England.

I absolutely loved this premise. Witches are pretty hot right now in contemporary romance, and I haven’t been interested in jumping in on this trend until this HR option! HR is the perfect home for withes and magic- they seamlessly blend into the time period and make the supernatural aspects believable.

In this book we focus on lone witch Esme O’dwyer and Sir William Meriwether and are introduced to the rest of the Windsor Coven.

Esme and Sir William have a chance meeting when he is desperate for pain relief from a war injury and decides to tempt fate by visiting Esme apothecary for some supernatural healing… he receives more than healing and discovers that he has magic in him as well!

I loved the insta love/ slow burn relationship between Esme and William. The use of forced proximity while Esme teaches him how to use his ability was full of delicious chemistry and tension!

Beyond the pairing, I appreciated the theme of the group being stronger as a whole and setting past familial grudges behind to work together to fight a bigger foe.

This book captivated my imagination along with my heart and I will be anxiously awaiting the next story in the Witches of Windsor Series!

Magic Touch by A.S.Fenichel is scheduled to release April 19th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...

#MagicTouch #ASFenichel #pinkcowlandreads

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, so here we go ☺️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

This is a story that follows Esme - a witch with healing aborigines - and William - a war hero. But when Esme is healing Williams very damaged knee, something within him is awaken and his magic unbind. Bearing magic without control can be dangerous but all magic has a purpose and not knowing if William’s will be for good or bad might be just more dangerous.

I love that it’s set in England. There is always a special love on my end when the story is set in England! I also have a soft spot for witches stories, specially if they are to discover they have indeed powers, and the fact that Esme was the already well established witch and William was the one figuring out he was also a witch and had no idea what to do with his glowing, was really good!

This book is well written and was enjoyable to follow along.

The only thing that put me off was their romantic relationship and although I understand that’s to give it a little bit of a give-and-pull, it became a bit frustrating. They’re both singles, very vocal about them liking each other since chapter one and still, they’re a lot of dragging in that sense… for me, I try to avoid this trope as much as I can…! However, if you enjoy this trope, this book is totally for you!

This review is to be posted on my bookstagram (@maria_bookshelf) at the end of April, so make sure you also check out the photo that will go along with it🌸

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ESME
I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I'm a witch and a healer, and he's a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what's begun, I'm forced to seek assistance from the coven I've sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William's sake, I put my family's hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.
WILLIAM
I'm mesmerized by Esme O'Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs, and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch's touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven's leaders insist magic never make mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I've never been one to shy away from duty.
A.S.Fenichel has written another exciting book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Touch (ebook) by A.S. Fenichel
This is the first book in a new series Witches of Windsor - it is Sir William Meriwether and Esme O'Dwyer's story. He is a war hero and she is a witch and a healer. When she helps him with his war injury she turns on his magic. There is danger, angst, learning, trusting, some laughs, tears, evil, love and steam. Evil is coming and must face it together. They get to their HEA but the story will continue with the next book MAGIC WORD.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Steamy Easy-to-read Entertaining Page-turner Unpredictable Witty Happily Ever After Romantic Scary Action-packed Wonderful characters Tear-jerker Haunting

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Magic Touch" by A.S. Fenichel
Spell binding romance and more
It has been a while since I last read a witches romance tale. It was a great change of pace. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the world of this story. I did skim a couple of scenes that added some spice that I did not care to share. There is a bit of a cliff hanger as the war continues between 'dark' and 'light' which acts more like a bit of a teaser for the next story in the series "Magic Word". Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel.
This review expresses my honest opinion.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about an England that has witches, healers and magic in it. The main character Esme is a witch/healer. She meets war hero William and feels a deep attraction to him. He returns her feelings. He is bestowed magical powers and Esme has to teach him how to use it....

This is an interesting England. I love how magic fit into the world. The 2 main characters have incredible chemistry together. I love how they care for each other. Love their banter too. An interesting book with wonderful characters.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

[Aria Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I read this book really quickly I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book, loved these two and their romance, learning about this world and the magic, and I can't wait to read more!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an odd combination of paranormal and a Regency novel. It was not very Regency as sexual overtones and tension started in the first few pages. I skipped the middle and tried to pick it up near the end but it was still full of explicit sex scenes. Not for me!


Amazon synopsis:
ESME

I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I'm a witch and a healer, and he's a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what's begun, I'm forced to seek assistance from the coven I've sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William's sake, I put my family's hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM

I'm mesmerized by Esme O'Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch's touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven's leaders insist magic never makes mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I've never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME

Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

[CA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed that this book was about witches and magic. I liked that Esme and the coven built a relationship which had been denied previously due to Esme’s mother and her feud with the coven. I wasn’t sure if the book was set to be a historical novel or if it was fantasy but the reason it received less stars from me was that I didn’t feel it was consistent. William is described as gentry with staff, he is also knighted and this is mentioned often in regards to his relationship with Esme and also the coven but there is no details or storyline for how this difference in social standing affects or impact’s their lives, it felt superficial as if he was given that standing in life so that he could have staff and possessions to make life easier in the story. I also felt the same with historical context, there is mention of having to wash in a stream and other differences to how our world is now but they seemed to be dropped in the story, by this I mean, that when I was reading I didn’t feel transported to a different time.

[Colorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and romance in Regency England

3.5 stars

This story begins when Sir William, a war hero, visits Esme, a witch and healer, for help with a leg injury and her supernatural cure awakens magic in him. William needs to learn how to control his new powers and Esme assumes the role of mentor.

The book reels you in immediately as Esme and William engage with each other, sparks fly and both are perplexed by the outcome of the healing. Unfortunately, it slows down big time in the middle as William and Esme dither endlessly about whether they can be together. In addition to the class divide between a shopkeeper and a landed gentleman, both question whether their attraction is real or the result of some type of manipulative power. It is interesting to see William realize his full range of powers as he trains. The book picks up again in the last third as dark magic threatens the couple, the witches of Windsor and the kingdom.

This is the first in a series and ends with a number of open questions to be answered in Book 2.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic Touch is the first in what looks set to be a very exciting and romantic historical fantasy series.
The author took the time in this first book for world-building and the history of the witches but it's done in such a way that's very quick and easy to understand. The reader isn't bogged down in unnecessary detail but is instead immersed in the magic, intrigue and danger coming Esme and William's way. There was plenty of suspense and drama to keep me turning the pages
The dual point of view meant we got to experience events from Esme and William's perspectives.
I enjoyed the side characters as well. Simon the cat, and Henry were firm favourites of mine.
The book closes with some happy conclusions but also on a slight cliffhanger as the witches haven't yet defeated the evil that attacked them. It will be a fun adventure to follow and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next in store for all my favourite characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reading copy.

[Ann Bingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at first sight

A gentleman, an honored soldier, with a war wound, looking for some help for the pain he is in. Just one look and he is smitten, she is beautiful and a healer, also she's A witch. The witch attempts to heal his injury, but it is more severe then she first thought. Fortunately she already had a reviving draft made upstairs, she pulled a fragment of a bullet from his leg. The weird thing is her healing him has done something strange to him. He is glowing, especially when he thinks about her. What could this be? Can they figure this out together? Will she be able to help him?

Great story, looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I REALLY tried to get through this book. I got about 100 pages in, and just that felt like running a marathon, and not in a good way.

This book had a lot of good things going for it, but I just found it super slow-paced and boring. The main characters were 25 and 31 (I think, don't quote me on that) but they read like they were in their 50s at the youngest. I kept having to remind myself, no, these people are young, not elderly. I also am not typically a fan of insta-love, and this was that to an extreme, so it really just wasn't for me.

[Becky disneyallthe_way · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @rrbooktours & @asfenichel for my free copy in exchange for my honest review. ⁣
⁣
If you like a Witchy read & a historical romance then this is one for you. I really enjoyed Book One in the Witches of Windsor series. ⁣
⁣
A dual POV between Esme and William both of whom I loved which is always a winner for me, a wonderful setting in both Windsor & the countryside. ⁣
⁣
I can’t wait to continue the series and see how the characters develop further

[Paula van Bemmelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

great find

Well written full of magic: love and many other kinds of magic , witches: all their talents and different powers, demons: in real life and beyond (“we all need to fase them”) in an intriguing story of the witch Esmee, the witches coven and William: a nighted war hero, landed gentlemen and powers beyond anyone….
Full of intriguing twist and threats to keep you reading on!
Can’t wait to read the rest !

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of stumbling across A.S. Fenichel at an event and her Witches of Windsor series caught my attention. 

In book 1, we meet Esme, a witch without a coven as her parents were cast out. By chance, she meets William whose magic is awakened when she heals him. Together they have to teach him to control and use his magic and discover feelings along the way. 

The world built in these pages will last with me and I look forward to reading book 2. 

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story

I have really enjoyed this sweet story. The characters grab your interest from the first. A different take on male witches, in other stories called warlocks. It moves along at a quick pace unlike some books I've read that seem to drag to the point I skip to the last 2 chapters just to see how it ends. Really enjoy this author.

[Ulrike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this even though I am not sure I am ever going to read the sequel.
The idea was good, the whole setting not entirely new but yet a bit different.
I didn't like the permanent repetition of how good/light/ perfect Sir William is. I guess we got that after a few pages.
Esme was fun though.

[Pamela A Colon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new must read

The characters of William and Same are intriguing and offer much background of their lives throughout the story without to much flopping between current story and history. I cannot wait for the next book as this one kept me on my toes.

[Michele G · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ This one was a light and easy read. Overall, it lacked depth to the plot and characters. I expected a bit more given such an amazing premise. The delivery was just lacking for me. Also, the spice seemed a bit out of place for such refined characters.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

I liked this story, a lot. I enjoy strong female characters. Most books about witchcraft are written in current times or dystopian society. Modern witchcraft started sometime before. This is a glimpse into those times.

[Elizabeth Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick-ish read but I think that was because I was ready to move on to something else.. It wasn’t awful but I just can’t make myself give it 3 stars either. Kind of disjointed, especially the middle until the end.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This was a pretty good book. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series but I liked reading about William and Esme.