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Marmalade and Magic #1
The Last Witch of Kalhoun Holler
After Jemma Nox’s mother left, what was left of her family’s world fell apart. Jemma knew she and her dad needed a change, but really?
Jemma would follow her dad anywhere. She never would have guessed that anywhere included the likes of Kalhoun County.
Planted squarely in the heart of Appalachia, this new home feels like anything but.
Jemma is strong, adaptable, and smart. She's not going to let a little culture shock scare her.
But this place is different, and not just because the hottest hangout is the hardware store parking lot. It's something in the air, in the water, and all those somethings lead to Elloise Brickellwood.
Ms. Brickellwood, or Mama B to those who know her, is a fixture of Kalhoun County. But is she more than just a venerable town elder?
The strange, sometimes sinister events that gather around her are just coincidences, aren't they?
Jemma finds herself caught in the orbit of the strange gravity of this woman. Soon, she'll get more answers than she could ever want…
Jemma would follow her dad anywhere. She never would have guessed that anywhere included the likes of Kalhoun County.
Planted squarely in the heart of Appalachia, this new home feels like anything but.
Jemma is strong, adaptable, and smart. She's not going to let a little culture shock scare her.
But this place is different, and not just because the hottest hangout is the hardware store parking lot. It's something in the air, in the water, and all those somethings lead to Elloise Brickellwood.
Ms. Brickellwood, or Mama B to those who know her, is a fixture of Kalhoun County. But is she more than just a venerable town elder?
The strange, sometimes sinister events that gather around her are just coincidences, aren't they?
Jemma finds herself caught in the orbit of the strange gravity of this woman. Soon, she'll get more answers than she could ever want…
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2022
450 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 31, 2022
I wasn’t too far into the book when I began to find the main character “Jemma’ a little pathetic and eventually a bit irritating.
The story moves very slowly, partly because the author is trying to be mysterious about the other main character ‘Mama B’. I must admit that this held my interest for a while, but he dragged this on for too long. I could also have done without the bout of contrived teenage angst.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars. To be fair I’m well over fifty years too old to be the target audience for this book, which is why I have given it two stars not one.
The story moves very slowly, partly because the author is trying to be mysterious about the other main character ‘Mama B’. I must admit that this held my interest for a while, but he dragged this on for too long. I could also have done without the bout of contrived teenage angst.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars. To be fair I’m well over fifty years too old to be the target audience for this book, which is why I have given it two stars not one.
May 1, 2022
One can say a lot of things about Michael Anderle, like him unfortunately putting his name on a lot of crap written by wannabe authors, but he is a decent author when he writes himself and, although he mostly sticks to science fiction, fantasy and urban fantasy, he has produced books with a wide range of story types.
Not everything that he himself writes is good but that is, for me at least, mostly because the occasional poor/weird/crappy choice of stories.
This is a new series from Anderle and is actually written by Anderle and, again, it is again a bit different indeed from the stories from him that I have read before.
As the book blurb states, Jemma and her father has moved to some backwater town in Kalhoun County. I do like this setting. It is different from most urban fantasy books and I like the rather quaint setting. Maybe it should be labelled rural fantasy instead? The people in Kalhoun county is oftentimes as, shall we say original, as one would expect from such a setting.
Another thing I like with the story is that it is one of these stories where the main protagonist is introduced to the idea of magic actually being a real thing for the first time and it is not done in the usual got attacked by a vampire or saved by a werewolf or some other banzai style. Instead the story putters along rather slowly while Jemma is taken under the wings of the quaint but mysterious old lady that goes under the name of Ms. Brickelwood or Mama B.
Not surprisingly Jemma eventually learns that Mama B is indeed the last witch of Kalhoun Holler.
I also like that this book is different from a lot of urban fantasy in that it delves into the part of the witch lore where witches are herbalists, potion brewers, hex makers and occasional spell casters instead of just throwing fireballs and lightning around while talking smack every chance they get. On the hole the story in this book is much more down to earth than most urban fantasy novels nowadays.
The story is pretty much carried by Jemma and Mama B. The rest of the characters are, unfortunately, rather bland, including her father and the two friends she makes as the story progresses.
I was a bit concerned about Jemma at the beginning of the book since there was quite a bit of complaining and whining from Jemma. It did get better but still, Jemma spent a lot of the book in a bit of a funk and made some poor choices with rather predictable bad consequences.
The part of the story with Jemma’s mother having left her and her father and her father wallowing in grief and not wanting to let go was also a part that I could have been without. It didn’t really add anything positive to the story.
As I mentioned the story is not the most fast paced one but it is not slow enough to be boring either although it does sit just barely above that threshold as far as I am concerned. Anyway, it does build up to a bit of a magical confrontation towards the end and the outcome kind of sets the stage for further books in the series.
I think this series has promise but it very much depends on what road Anderle takes with the next book in the series. So I guess this one goes on the maybe shelf.
Oh, by the way. The name of the series is of course somewhat silly. I almost gave it a pass because of that weird name.
Not everything that he himself writes is good but that is, for me at least, mostly because the occasional poor/weird/crappy choice of stories.
This is a new series from Anderle and is actually written by Anderle and, again, it is again a bit different indeed from the stories from him that I have read before.
As the book blurb states, Jemma and her father has moved to some backwater town in Kalhoun County. I do like this setting. It is different from most urban fantasy books and I like the rather quaint setting. Maybe it should be labelled rural fantasy instead? The people in Kalhoun county is oftentimes as, shall we say original, as one would expect from such a setting.
Another thing I like with the story is that it is one of these stories where the main protagonist is introduced to the idea of magic actually being a real thing for the first time and it is not done in the usual got attacked by a vampire or saved by a werewolf or some other banzai style. Instead the story putters along rather slowly while Jemma is taken under the wings of the quaint but mysterious old lady that goes under the name of Ms. Brickelwood or Mama B.
Not surprisingly Jemma eventually learns that Mama B is indeed the last witch of Kalhoun Holler.
I also like that this book is different from a lot of urban fantasy in that it delves into the part of the witch lore where witches are herbalists, potion brewers, hex makers and occasional spell casters instead of just throwing fireballs and lightning around while talking smack every chance they get. On the hole the story in this book is much more down to earth than most urban fantasy novels nowadays.
The story is pretty much carried by Jemma and Mama B. The rest of the characters are, unfortunately, rather bland, including her father and the two friends she makes as the story progresses.
I was a bit concerned about Jemma at the beginning of the book since there was quite a bit of complaining and whining from Jemma. It did get better but still, Jemma spent a lot of the book in a bit of a funk and made some poor choices with rather predictable bad consequences.
The part of the story with Jemma’s mother having left her and her father and her father wallowing in grief and not wanting to let go was also a part that I could have been without. It didn’t really add anything positive to the story.
As I mentioned the story is not the most fast paced one but it is not slow enough to be boring either although it does sit just barely above that threshold as far as I am concerned. Anyway, it does build up to a bit of a magical confrontation towards the end and the outcome kind of sets the stage for further books in the series.
I think this series has promise but it very much depends on what road Anderle takes with the next book in the series. So I guess this one goes on the maybe shelf.
Oh, by the way. The name of the series is of course somewhat silly. I almost gave it a pass because of that weird name.
June 16, 2022
May Rating 4.5 Starts
My Recommendation: Super High
I got this book on a whim when it appeared one day on my Kindle Unlimited suggestion list. I'm happy to say that the whim paid off.
I was pulled into this book almost right away, and though it took me longer then I wanted to get it read (work has been consuming my life.. just a single cat mom who works two jobs, while attending university.) I honestly didn't want to stop reading. I'd say, if I wasn't busy with trying to combat gas prices and food, I would have had this book read in a day, two at most.
I liked the pacing, it was steady, picking up where needed, and revealing information at the correct times. Though I do wish there was more development with Easter and Val, they seemed like interesting character that just didn't get enough screen time. I do hope that as this series goes on, we get to see them bloom. I seen great potential for them.
I liked Jemma as the MC, she was a normal teen going through her parents divorce, and trying to keep it together. She was realistic to me, and though I don't agree with some of her decisions, I get it, that what teens do. The main this is, she learned form those mistakes, and moved forward. She had great growth, and I'm sure as the books go on she's grown even more.
I got to say though, she did impress me right away... lets just say she know what to do with the town bully.
Overall this was a well writing story. It has a nice cozy charm to it, and I liked the way the magic side of it was introduced. It wasn't a chosen one situation, it wasn't all about Jemma saving the world (or having every guy she met fall in love with her "hidden beauty"). It was a hometown hero type of book, but with only those involved knowing.
I will be starting the second book, soon, and will be adding this series to my watch list.
Happy Reading.
-E.A. Walsh
My Recommendation: Super High
I got this book on a whim when it appeared one day on my Kindle Unlimited suggestion list. I'm happy to say that the whim paid off.
I was pulled into this book almost right away, and though it took me longer then I wanted to get it read (work has been consuming my life.. just a single cat mom who works two jobs, while attending university.) I honestly didn't want to stop reading. I'd say, if I wasn't busy with trying to combat gas prices and food, I would have had this book read in a day, two at most.
I liked the pacing, it was steady, picking up where needed, and revealing information at the correct times. Though I do wish there was more development with Easter and Val, they seemed like interesting character that just didn't get enough screen time. I do hope that as this series goes on, we get to see them bloom. I seen great potential for them.
I liked Jemma as the MC, she was a normal teen going through her parents divorce, and trying to keep it together. She was realistic to me, and though I don't agree with some of her decisions, I get it, that what teens do. The main this is, she learned form those mistakes, and moved forward. She had great growth, and I'm sure as the books go on she's grown even more.
I got to say though, she did impress me right away... lets just say she know what to do with the town bully.
Overall this was a well writing story. It has a nice cozy charm to it, and I liked the way the magic side of it was introduced. It wasn't a chosen one situation, it wasn't all about Jemma saving the world (or having every guy she met fall in love with her "hidden beauty"). It was a hometown hero type of book, but with only those involved knowing.
I will be starting the second book, soon, and will be adding this series to my watch list.
Happy Reading.
-E.A. Walsh
August 4, 2022
Anderle delivers once again
This series seems to be a bit different for this author. Personally, I like the more cozy side than strictly hard core urban fantasy. I assume the series is marketed to young adults but I still enjoyed the book as a middle age reader. I did find that Anderle missed current teen behavior several times. I currently have 3 teens in high school in a rural southern location that enjoy telling me too much at times. Teens don't smoke but vape and haven't apparently for the last few years and hate the smell of cigarettes. Jemma should be focused on or have her driver's license since she's in a rural town in the Appalachians. Kids here are much more digitally connected than these kids and that's from a Mom with 15 year old twin boys that hate texting. Lastly, most every parent that cares has a GPS tracker app on their kids phones and would never let their kid walk miles to a place especially one they haven't visited.
This series seems to be a bit different for this author. Personally, I like the more cozy side than strictly hard core urban fantasy. I assume the series is marketed to young adults but I still enjoyed the book as a middle age reader. I did find that Anderle missed current teen behavior several times. I currently have 3 teens in high school in a rural southern location that enjoy telling me too much at times. Teens don't smoke but vape and haven't apparently for the last few years and hate the smell of cigarettes. Jemma should be focused on or have her driver's license since she's in a rural town in the Appalachians. Kids here are much more digitally connected than these kids and that's from a Mom with 15 year old twin boys that hate texting. Lastly, most every parent that cares has a GPS tracker app on their kids phones and would never let their kid walk miles to a place especially one they haven't visited.
December 29, 2022
Thanks for another great series
Nothing can compare to Bethany Ann (see Death Becomes Her to begin that journey, but beware! its a long & winding road...), but I really like Mama B. She is just the no-nonsense type of crone every young witch years to learn from. It's a cool book and a nice series beginning. Take your spell components: some dark magic, a patient teacher, a few impetuous youths, a town mystery, and a forest full of herbs, mix them all together, add a sprinkle of mistrust, a few lies, and just a pinch of karma. There you have this very special book!
If you follow my reviews, you knw I *never* give perfect scores. Those are and shall remain very rare. But this one kicks butt in all the areas I care about (world building, character development, attention holding, typos). As usual, Michael Anderle have achieved the improbable 9/10 unicorns!
🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
Highly recommend to buy or borrow via library or Kindle Unlimited.
Xox, keep up the hard work M. A.!
Nothing can compare to Bethany Ann (see Death Becomes Her to begin that journey, but beware! its a long & winding road...), but I really like Mama B. She is just the no-nonsense type of crone every young witch years to learn from. It's a cool book and a nice series beginning. Take your spell components: some dark magic, a patient teacher, a few impetuous youths, a town mystery, and a forest full of herbs, mix them all together, add a sprinkle of mistrust, a few lies, and just a pinch of karma. There you have this very special book!
If you follow my reviews, you knw I *never* give perfect scores. Those are and shall remain very rare. But this one kicks butt in all the areas I care about (world building, character development, attention holding, typos). As usual, Michael Anderle have achieved the improbable 9/10 unicorns!
🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
Highly recommend to buy or borrow via library or Kindle Unlimited.
Xox, keep up the hard work M. A.!
August 25, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I hadn't read anything just by Anderle before.
With the scene setting and the mystery vibes, it took me a little bit to get into the story. I think I expected more of a fast-paced urban fantasy, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down.
His characters were real. Jemma, Val, Easter, AJ, Tad ... all of them were just trying to figure out life and get by with the hand they'd been dealt. Mama B was by far my favorite, though, and I can't wait to dive into the next book so I can learn more about her.
The setting was perfect for this book, some place I definitely need to visit one day.
The only thing missing was a cat.
With the scene setting and the mystery vibes, it took me a little bit to get into the story. I think I expected more of a fast-paced urban fantasy, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down.
His characters were real. Jemma, Val, Easter, AJ, Tad ... all of them were just trying to figure out life and get by with the hand they'd been dealt. Mama B was by far my favorite, though, and I can't wait to dive into the next book so I can learn more about her.
The setting was perfect for this book, some place I definitely need to visit one day.
The only thing missing was a cat.
October 20, 2022
The Last Witch of Kalhoun Holler is a fast read in a quaint setting, with believable characters -what's more, a believable teenager, which is always an achievement- and a different take on witchcraft than the mainstream usually takes (potions & herbs instead vs. deus ex magic & lightning bolts). Moreso as another reviewer already mentioned, this is a different story in that the main character is not dragged into the world of magic but takes instead an active role - she's not a victim of the circumstances but a doer, actively trying to save someone's life.
I don't think I'll keep on reading the series as I'm no the intended target, I tend to like high fantasy or gritty urban fantasy more than cozy stories, but I'll keep it in mind if I'm in need of a happier read. Having said this I'd definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in magic stories, especially teens.
I don't think I'll keep on reading the series as I'm no the intended target, I tend to like high fantasy or gritty urban fantasy more than cozy stories, but I'll keep it in mind if I'm in need of a happier read. Having said this I'd definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in magic stories, especially teens.
October 24, 2022
This first volume in a YA urban (or mostly rural) fantasy series was great fun once it got rolling. My understanding is that Michael Anderle, the “author,” represents a team of writers that collaborate under his name to publish multiple series extremely rapidly. Im glad the releases are frequent, but I’m new to books that I know were a team creation. This story focuses on a mountain community in Appalachia. There’s an ancient witch and a novice. I very much look forward to the next novel. If the quality is maintained, I will continue to happily buy them all.
March 19, 2023
boo hag
I really enjoyed this book. And it ends without any cliffhangers. It leaves room for the next book in the series. I hate cliffhangers and books that bate you . If I like a series I continue. To buy anyway but don’t put me into a never ending series. I couldn’t stop reading this first book except when I had to. Lol! It is about a teenager who moves to Solomon’s cross in the mountains with her father. She gets a job doing yard work for an old lady who is rumored to be the witch of the town. Turns out the rumors are true and the adventures begin.
I really enjoyed this book. And it ends without any cliffhangers. It leaves room for the next book in the series. I hate cliffhangers and books that bate you . If I like a series I continue. To buy anyway but don’t put me into a never ending series. I couldn’t stop reading this first book except when I had to. Lol! It is about a teenager who moves to Solomon’s cross in the mountains with her father. She gets a job doing yard work for an old lady who is rumored to be the witch of the town. Turns out the rumors are true and the adventures begin.
May 14, 2022
Fun and imaginative story
Anderle brings the Appalachian Mountains to life in this new series, and its a wonderful look at beliefs and magic those places hold! The world he is building there draws wonderful.pictures in your mind, evokes a sense of wonder in the soul, and definitely leaves you wanting more of this series! I truly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next installment.
Anderle brings the Appalachian Mountains to life in this new series, and its a wonderful look at beliefs and magic those places hold! The world he is building there draws wonderful.pictures in your mind, evokes a sense of wonder in the soul, and definitely leaves you wanting more of this series! I truly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next installment.
May 21, 2022
Fun mix of characters and genre
I really liked the mix of cozy and urban fantasy. We've got a teenage lead sharing her story with a wizened old woman. There's mystery and monsters and magic set in a tiny town in the Appalachian Mountains. All of the teens are written well; there's no too stupid or too goody, goody to be believable in this book. Difficult situations both mundane and magical face all the characters. Definitely will read each book in this series.
I really liked the mix of cozy and urban fantasy. We've got a teenage lead sharing her story with a wizened old woman. There's mystery and monsters and magic set in a tiny town in the Appalachian Mountains. All of the teens are written well; there's no too stupid or too goody, goody to be believable in this book. Difficult situations both mundane and magical face all the characters. Definitely will read each book in this series.
May 30, 2022
Interesting new direction!
While witches and teenagers are not a new direction for MA this type of witch setting is...as far as I know. I like the story so far and I always enjoy his humor and characters. The exploration of Appalachian legends and superstitions is fun and fascinating since they are a part of my ancestors' history. So far I still haven't read a MA book I didn't like!
While witches and teenagers are not a new direction for MA this type of witch setting is...as far as I know. I like the story so far and I always enjoy his humor and characters. The exploration of Appalachian legends and superstitions is fun and fascinating since they are a part of my ancestors' history. So far I still haven't read a MA book I didn't like!
December 19, 2022
Anyone know a Holler Witch?
Torn by her parents divorce and the loss of her way of life Jemma has a lot to do. The only time she doesn't seem the adult in her family is when she hides things. While forces are at work to prevent disaster in their small town Jemma must once again stand firm. And where they've moved is a small town with all the insular attitude, gossip, and clicks. The writing is so strong it all seems as if it could be real.
Torn by her parents divorce and the loss of her way of life Jemma has a lot to do. The only time she doesn't seem the adult in her family is when she hides things. While forces are at work to prevent disaster in their small town Jemma must once again stand firm. And where they've moved is a small town with all the insular attitude, gossip, and clicks. The writing is so strong it all seems as if it could be real.
May 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book, very much, and was equally surprised by it. I knew the author is very good at writing, but as my headline said, this was totally different writing, although written quite well. The main characters are very interesting, the plot is easily followed and I am very much looking forward to the next book. I definitely highly recommend this book.
July 22, 2022
Learning to be a witch
Jemma and her dad have just moved to Kalhoun Holler and things start to get strange right away. Soon Jemma is learning about the history of where she is now living, making some friends and learning to be a witch. I really like the characters in the book, especially Mama B, and am looking forward to more stories in the series.
Jemma and her dad have just moved to Kalhoun Holler and things start to get strange right away. Soon Jemma is learning about the history of where she is now living, making some friends and learning to be a witch. I really like the characters in the book, especially Mama B, and am looking forward to more stories in the series.
December 30, 2022
WOW!
Articulate and insightful writing to share a story of mountain traditions. Holler Witch, root woman, wise woman, healer and more; they are all names for women who used Nature’s Gifts for healing. They were mocked, even as scientists discovered the ingredients in willow bark and other natural remedies and used them to make aspirin, heart medicine, etc.
Articulate and insightful writing to share a story of mountain traditions. Holler Witch, root woman, wise woman, healer and more; they are all names for women who used Nature’s Gifts for healing. They were mocked, even as scientists discovered the ingredients in willow bark and other natural remedies and used them to make aspirin, heart medicine, etc.
July 1, 2023
Not a bad book. There does seem to be struggle to build a main character while trying to keep another one completely mysterious. Or it could just be the way of teenagers. There's a decent plot here. I wish more explanation was put into the evil entity they fight but maybe that was meant to be mysterious as well.
May 18, 2022
Appalachian witchcraft
It's cool to find a book with American folklore. This is a coming of age novel for a young witch. This first book is low violence, and mostly questy. I enjoyed it.
It's cool to find a book with American folklore. This is a coming of age novel for a young witch. This first book is low violence, and mostly questy. I enjoyed it.
May 22, 2022
A wonderful story about new adventures, healing and magic witch craft.
I truly enjoyed this book and how healing past hurts are important. The adventures with Jenna, momma b, tad, val, and easter. Such a good fast page turner. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you
I truly enjoyed this book and how healing past hurts are important. The adventures with Jenna, momma b, tad, val, and easter. Such a good fast page turner. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you
June 5, 2022
Wanted to like this book more than 3 stars….But, I guess I’m “too old” for it. Lead characters are high schoolers who do all the high school kid things…keep secrets, go where they shouldn’t, tell lies, etc. I liked the story concept though and it was well written.
June 16, 2022
Fun read. Looking forward to more.
Though it starts a little slow, if you stick with it a nice,easy to read story comes along. Good character development adds to the story. I'm looking forward to more time with mama b and Jemma.
Though it starts a little slow, if you stick with it a nice,easy to read story comes along. Good character development adds to the story. I'm looking forward to more time with mama b and Jemma.
July 24, 2022
Not your typical witch story
Instead of being from a long line of witches,this starts with someone who has no idea what the craft is. Seeing the craft done this way is very refreshing.
Instead of being from a long line of witches,this starts with someone who has no idea what the craft is. Seeing the craft done this way is very refreshing.
January 22, 2023
Young adult paranormal mystery.
Dispute Mama B this is a Young Adult book. Jemma is a modern girl living with her dad. One of her new friends is very sick. Jemma finds a way to help her. Holler witches for the win!
Dispute Mama B this is a Young Adult book. Jemma is a modern girl living with her dad. One of her new friends is very sick. Jemma finds a way to help her. Holler witches for the win!
February 9, 2023
well…. I’m not sure
I wanted to fall in love with her but…. I got bored and had to push to the end when all the excitement and forgiveness came quickly and the end about as quickly. Maybe will give 2 a chance.
I wanted to fall in love with her but…. I got bored and had to push to the end when all the excitement and forgiveness came quickly and the end about as quickly. Maybe will give 2 a chance.
May 1, 2022
Nice new series
I liked the characters and the story. Thanks for holding up on the unnecessary swearing. Looking forward to more Jenna.
I liked the characters and the story. Thanks for holding up on the unnecessary swearing. Looking forward to more Jenna.
May 24, 2022
Loved Mr A, new book can't wait for next book coming out ! All things are coming together after introducing all the characters I invested in them
June 18, 2022
This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
July 6, 2022
Marvelous
Great tale,would have been Apollo Mich better if the download had not the first page of each bloody chapter, get it together Kindle.🤔
Great tale,would have been Apollo Mich better if the download had not the first page of each bloody chapter, get it together Kindle.🤔
December 9, 2022
Couldn’t get past the attitude of the teen
December 12, 2022
so fun,
Great character building. Good pace. Can’t wait to read the next one. Makes me want to go to a mountain town soon.
Great character building. Good pace. Can’t wait to read the next one. Makes me want to go to a mountain town soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews