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Myrtlewood Mysteries #3
Combustible Magic
As the festival of Beltane draws near, mysterious fires are springing up around the magical village of Myrtlewood, and Rosemary Thorn can't help but try to solve the case.
Rosemary already has too much on her plate with a hoard of foundling children to house and her own teenager to raise. On top of all this, she has run out of excuses. There's nothing standing between Rosemary and her dream of becoming a magical chocolatier. Well, nothing except her own self-sabotage.
Meanwhile, Athena Thorn is yearning for the fae realm and harbouring a secret that could put the whole town at risk, and the last thing she wants to do is tell her mother!
If you’re ready for more mystery, witches, paranormal women’s fiction with a midlife main character and a big dose of humour, you’re going to love Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 3.
Rosemary already has too much on her plate with a hoard of foundling children to house and her own teenager to raise. On top of all this, she has run out of excuses. There's nothing standing between Rosemary and her dream of becoming a magical chocolatier. Well, nothing except her own self-sabotage.
Meanwhile, Athena Thorn is yearning for the fae realm and harbouring a secret that could put the whole town at risk, and the last thing she wants to do is tell her mother!
If you’re ready for more mystery, witches, paranormal women’s fiction with a midlife main character and a big dose of humour, you’re going to love Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 3.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2022
2173 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 16, 2022
Enjoyable read
Overall I enjoyed the book but found too many spelling and grammatical errors. This really needs proof reading. Hense 3 stars sorry 😟
Overall I enjoyed the book but found too many spelling and grammatical errors. This really needs proof reading. Hense 3 stars sorry 😟
May 8, 2025
Continuing from the last book and going at a fast pace. We find our MC’s recovering from the events of the last book and getting on with magic in their own quirky ways. Still loving the mum daughter role reversal and the conversation aspect.
The book remains fixated on tea and cake whilst dealing with magical events. There’s lots of character development and more insight into the magical world. The bickering continues which is getting a bit annoying especially as the mother is so dense and sometimes it’s borderline hilarious. It didn’t spoil the book though just made it a bit eye rolling at times.
”Family, even when they don’t live with you, they have the amazing ability to drive you up the wall.” - Rosemary Thorne
Overall it’s another enjoyable cosy, magic filled read with mysteries, humour and great characters in a beautiful place. If you don’t mind constant bickering between mum and daughter and slightly obvious plots then this book is maybe for you..
The book remains fixated on tea and cake whilst dealing with magical events. There’s lots of character development and more insight into the magical world. The bickering continues which is getting a bit annoying especially as the mother is so dense and sometimes it’s borderline hilarious. It didn’t spoil the book though just made it a bit eye rolling at times.
”Family, even when they don’t live with you, they have the amazing ability to drive you up the wall.” - Rosemary Thorne
Overall it’s another enjoyable cosy, magic filled read with mysteries, humour and great characters in a beautiful place. If you don’t mind constant bickering between mum and daughter and slightly obvious plots then this book is maybe for you..
January 16, 2024
It was okay
It was okay for a story but the last bit of the book is a bit underwhelming and there are a lot of spelling mistakes and errors throughout the book as well which can make it off putting when reading but I still enjoyed it and will read the rest of the books
It was okay for a story but the last bit of the book is a bit underwhelming and there are a lot of spelling mistakes and errors throughout the book as well which can make it off putting when reading but I still enjoyed it and will read the rest of the books
March 22, 2024
errors
I was disappointed by the amount of words missed out of sentences. In the first part of the book the errors were nearly on every page or at least every chapter. It made the book feel rushed and poorly written.
I was disappointed by the amount of words missed out of sentences. In the first part of the book the errors were nearly on every page or at least every chapter. It made the book feel rushed and poorly written.
September 6, 2023
Rosemary and Athena weren't annoying and bratty for once.
June 13, 2024
Spoilers ahead…beware! ; )
In this third book, Athena misses the fairy realm and begins opening small windows in the veil to experience the feel of the fae world. Unfortunately, she is also unknowingly letting in fire sprites who begin to wreak havoc in Myrtlewood. Fires are sprouting up everywhere and it takes Rosemary and her magic to wield water to put them out. Visits from the secret society occur, warning Rosemary to stay out of things. Of course this doesn’t deter her, but the reader is given little hints that she is ultimately fighting an evil group of magical beings that will forever be making things difficult in Myrtlewood.
Another subplot is Dain’s hysterical fae addiction to cream. Athena and Rosemary come up with a spell to relieve him of the addiction and in doing so develop more sympathy for him. At this point, though, it does not appear Rosemary has any desire to rekindle their romance. Liam (the werewolf) and Burk (the vampire) remain love interests. At one point, under the influence of “seductive fire smoke”, she kisses Burk much to her later chagrin.
Rosemary finally has her sizable inheritance and begins to toy with the idea of opening up a chocolate shop. Homes are found for the remaining lost children from the fae realm, but at the end a new magical school is needed as the other has been burned down. Thorn Manor begins to transform itself and an entire wing into classrooms to accommodate the need. I’m sure this will be a major plot line in the next book. No longer childcare facility, now magical high school.
The climax of the book includes the appearance of the God Belamus who plans on taking a sacrifice and returning Myrtlewood to the “old ways”. Rosemary and friends battle the God as best they can, but come up short. The occurrence has been instigated by Rosemary’s evil cousin Espina. She blackmails Rosemary in the end with Liam’s werewolf secret and ultimately escapes. Fortunately for everyone, this is after Athena spells the God Brigid into existence who promptly exits her grandfather Belarus. It is all quite humorous and why the book feels so lighthearted in the end.
We have no idea what is happening in the faerie realm during this book or what has happened to the character of Finnigan, although I have a feeling he will redeem himself in one of the next adventures.
I gave this book 3 and half stars. I must say it is a very enjoyable, light read. I am going to move on to some deeper books, but I am sure I will be back for more adventures with Rosemary and Athena in Myrtlewood. I equate the reads with sitting in a country cottage having a really sweet cup of tea and a Cinnabon. Not something that would sustain you forever, but it sure is a nice, simple treat that has immeasurable value when the time is just right!
Many readers have complained of the spelling mistakes throughout the novels. I see what they are talking about and there are many variants. I wonder if some of those differences are due to UK/NZ English spellings which can sometimes be different, but acceptable. I haven’t investigated to see if this is why. Just wondering… I can’t imagine an editor letting so many go through…
- Combustible Magic, p. 0
In this third book, Athena misses the fairy realm and begins opening small windows in the veil to experience the feel of the fae world. Unfortunately, she is also unknowingly letting in fire sprites who begin to wreak havoc in Myrtlewood. Fires are sprouting up everywhere and it takes Rosemary and her magic to wield water to put them out. Visits from the secret society occur, warning Rosemary to stay out of things. Of course this doesn’t deter her, but the reader is given little hints that she is ultimately fighting an evil group of magical beings that will forever be making things difficult in Myrtlewood.
Another subplot is Dain’s hysterical fae addiction to cream. Athena and Rosemary come up with a spell to relieve him of the addiction and in doing so develop more sympathy for him. At this point, though, it does not appear Rosemary has any desire to rekindle their romance. Liam (the werewolf) and Burk (the vampire) remain love interests. At one point, under the influence of “seductive fire smoke”, she kisses Burk much to her later chagrin.
Rosemary finally has her sizable inheritance and begins to toy with the idea of opening up a chocolate shop. Homes are found for the remaining lost children from the fae realm, but at the end a new magical school is needed as the other has been burned down. Thorn Manor begins to transform itself and an entire wing into classrooms to accommodate the need. I’m sure this will be a major plot line in the next book. No longer childcare facility, now magical high school.
The climax of the book includes the appearance of the God Belamus who plans on taking a sacrifice and returning Myrtlewood to the “old ways”. Rosemary and friends battle the God as best they can, but come up short. The occurrence has been instigated by Rosemary’s evil cousin Espina. She blackmails Rosemary in the end with Liam’s werewolf secret and ultimately escapes. Fortunately for everyone, this is after Athena spells the God Brigid into existence who promptly exits her grandfather Belarus. It is all quite humorous and why the book feels so lighthearted in the end.
We have no idea what is happening in the faerie realm during this book or what has happened to the character of Finnigan, although I have a feeling he will redeem himself in one of the next adventures.
I gave this book 3 and half stars. I must say it is a very enjoyable, light read. I am going to move on to some deeper books, but I am sure I will be back for more adventures with Rosemary and Athena in Myrtlewood. I equate the reads with sitting in a country cottage having a really sweet cup of tea and a Cinnabon. Not something that would sustain you forever, but it sure is a nice, simple treat that has immeasurable value when the time is just right!
Many readers have complained of the spelling mistakes throughout the novels. I see what they are talking about and there are many variants. I wonder if some of those differences are due to UK/NZ English spellings which can sometimes be different, but acceptable. I haven’t investigated to see if this is why. Just wondering… I can’t imagine an editor letting so many go through…
- Combustible Magic, p. 0
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
Mayhem and hot chocolate
Rosemary and Athena are starting to get to grips with their magic in the third of the Myrtlewood Mysteries. Lots of now-familiar characters help in a battle against an old god. Mayhem ensues, and Rosemary's dream of becoming a chocolatier has to wait while she tries to extinguish a series of magical fires that beset the town.
Rosemary and Athena are starting to get to grips with their magic in the third of the Myrtlewood Mysteries. Lots of now-familiar characters help in a battle against an old god. Mayhem ensues, and Rosemary's dream of becoming a chocolatier has to wait while she tries to extinguish a series of magical fires that beset the town.
April 1, 2024
Awesome paranormal mystery!
Wonderful book 3! The teaser for book four was sooo good! I adore your books iris beaglehole! Absolutely loving this series!
Wonderful book 3! The teaser for book four was sooo good! I adore your books iris beaglehole! Absolutely loving this series!
August 4, 2024
love this series
This is such a fun cozy series to read. This book goes with the Beltane celebration and all the mischief going on around the town. Can’t wait to read the next one!
This is such a fun cozy series to read. This book goes with the Beltane celebration and all the mischief going on around the town. Can’t wait to read the next one!
January 21, 2025
I might be a bit too old for this series (36) but it’s easy reading & I enjoy the fantasy element. Rating of 3/5 as the story thread was sometimes a bit wishy-washy. I spotted a few grammatical errors which is just a bit odd in a published book these days.
November 9, 2023
better than the second book
The third book was better than the second. Didn’t seem to be so in your face as the last one with the gender pushing. But still there.
There was a lot of weirdly phrased sentences /poor grammar. Lots of misspellings that were distracting. I had to go back and reread several sentences to try to make them sound right. I could see what the author was trying to say but a lot of the sentences just felt very awkward. Sort of stumbling over your tongue. I feel like a good editor would help.
Still the same criticism with the teenagers voices sounding weird and forced. The relationship between mother and daughter also does not feel very real. Or even the way the teenager acts or talks with others her age. Though mama Rosemary has calmed down with her weird over protectiveness. They just don’t talk like real mother and daughter to me. I know it’s just a story but it’s still distracting.
All the stories seem to be pretty predictable once you get into them.
It’s still pleasant enough to read while I am lying in bed nursing my son. It’s not like I have a whole lot of other activities I could do! I suppose I could look for a different book but silly stories are fun to lose yourself in sometimes. Not a lot of thinking involved.
The third book was better than the second. Didn’t seem to be so in your face as the last one with the gender pushing. But still there.
There was a lot of weirdly phrased sentences /poor grammar. Lots of misspellings that were distracting. I had to go back and reread several sentences to try to make them sound right. I could see what the author was trying to say but a lot of the sentences just felt very awkward. Sort of stumbling over your tongue. I feel like a good editor would help.
Still the same criticism with the teenagers voices sounding weird and forced. The relationship between mother and daughter also does not feel very real. Or even the way the teenager acts or talks with others her age. Though mama Rosemary has calmed down with her weird over protectiveness. They just don’t talk like real mother and daughter to me. I know it’s just a story but it’s still distracting.
All the stories seem to be pretty predictable once you get into them.
It’s still pleasant enough to read while I am lying in bed nursing my son. It’s not like I have a whole lot of other activities I could do! I suppose I could look for a different book but silly stories are fun to lose yourself in sometimes. Not a lot of thinking involved.
April 27, 2024
Title: Combustible Magic (Myrtlewood Mysteries 3)
Author: Iris Beaglehole
Rating: 2/5
Pages: 308
This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Cut out the repetitive paragraphs, and this book is more like 280 pages long.
The colloquial mind blurb messes were really strong in this book. Along with spelling mistakes and repetitiveness. There was the same paragraph said 3 times on the same page.
I felt this book didn't really go anywhere. There was no movement to the story. Athena was blaming rosemary for her misdemeanours and didn't take any ownership for her own behaviour.
I was actually bored.
There wasn't much to do with the town.
Rosemary came across not a very nice friend and not a loving mother either.
I really do like the concept and town and really really want to like this series. I think I'll try book 4. But if it's still full of rushed repetitiveness. I'll have to give it up. Which I'm gutted about as I really want to like this.
Especially as Craig Schaefer's new book just landed!!
What are you currently reading?
Author: Iris Beaglehole
Rating: 2/5
Pages: 308
This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Cut out the repetitive paragraphs, and this book is more like 280 pages long.
The colloquial mind blurb messes were really strong in this book. Along with spelling mistakes and repetitiveness. There was the same paragraph said 3 times on the same page.
I felt this book didn't really go anywhere. There was no movement to the story. Athena was blaming rosemary for her misdemeanours and didn't take any ownership for her own behaviour.
I was actually bored.
There wasn't much to do with the town.
Rosemary came across not a very nice friend and not a loving mother either.
I really do like the concept and town and really really want to like this series. I think I'll try book 4. But if it's still full of rushed repetitiveness. I'll have to give it up. Which I'm gutted about as I really want to like this.
Especially as Craig Schaefer's new book just landed!!
What are you currently reading?
January 29, 2024
Was in two minds whether to read this or not as I felt disappointed in the last one, and it was a struggle to get this one finished. I don’t love the characters, I think Rosemary & Athena have a very weak, and slightly odd relationship. Would have expected a stronger bond between them given rosemary has been a single mum most of her daughter’s life. The constant bickering, lack of trust and weird one-liners between them wasn’t easy to read. The storyline itself wasn’t great. Things seem to move really slow, build up to a grand finale/magical showdown…… which is over very quickly and left me feeling very disappointed. I’m also very confused with rosemary’s relationships with the men in her life. I feel like it’s trying to give off a love triangle type of storyline - but she never seems to spend any kind of time with any of these men, making it very unbelievable. Unfortunately I won’t be continuing with the series
August 6, 2023
Setting boundaries for the safety of your 16 year old child does not make you controlling or over protective. That's misogynistic mother-hating b.s.. It's also not a reason for children to hide what they are doing. "If you didn't get upset when I did this terrible thing then I would feel like I could talk to you." No. HELL NO.
Rosemary is not abusive. She doesn't yell. She does get upset, which is valid when your child runs away from home. But now that is being used as a reason child did something WORSE in this book. And it's all the mother's fault. Again. How CONVENIENT.
Rosemary is not abusive. She doesn't yell. She does get upset, which is valid when your child runs away from home. But now that is being used as a reason child did something WORSE in this book. And it's all the mother's fault. Again. How CONVENIENT.
October 20, 2022
As we continue the Magical Saga of the Thorn women, it is lovely to see Rosemary and Athena really growing into their powers. Great set of diverse character are further fleshed out and we even meet a couple of gods in this one, at the Beltane celebration. These books are all enjoyable, with a unique plot in each one, but that continues the overarching story.
June 3, 2025
The third installment in the Myrtlewood Mysteries brings an intriguing arc for Athena and continues to build out the magical landscape of the series. There are bright spots here—especially in the lore and a few of the newer character moments—but large portions of the book feel tedious and padded.
Unfortunately, Rosemary remains the weakest link by far. Her behavior continues to be grating, and it’s increasingly baffling that three interesting, well-drawn men are vying for her attention. It just doesn’t feel plausible, especially when she brings so little charm or growth to the table.
The real low point, though, is the ending. The final scenes—and particularly the exchange with her cousin—aren’t just disappointing, they’re examples of pure bad writing. It felt lazy, rushed, and entirely unearned, undercutting what little momentum the book had built.
I’ll give Book 4 a try, mostly because of the strength of supporting characters like Athena and the potential of the world. But if Rosemary continues to dominate the narrative with no development and all irritation, this may be where I step off the series.
Unfortunately, Rosemary remains the weakest link by far. Her behavior continues to be grating, and it’s increasingly baffling that three interesting, well-drawn men are vying for her attention. It just doesn’t feel plausible, especially when she brings so little charm or growth to the table.
The real low point, though, is the ending. The final scenes—and particularly the exchange with her cousin—aren’t just disappointing, they’re examples of pure bad writing. It felt lazy, rushed, and entirely unearned, undercutting what little momentum the book had built.
I’ll give Book 4 a try, mostly because of the strength of supporting characters like Athena and the potential of the world. But if Rosemary continues to dominate the narrative with no development and all irritation, this may be where I step off the series.
June 27, 2023
honestly, i think my biggest issue is dain being all ‘my addiction issues are in the past, can you stop falling in love with someone else and be with me, a man who robbed you multiple times and left you to raise our child by yourself’. the way he minimises rosemary’s feelings is so hurtful and horrible to read, especially when for two whole books its been ‘fuck dain he’s an asshole’. i kinda noticed it as well with how athena treats her mum after the fire sprites thing. the whole thing gets turned around and becomes rosemary’s fault *again* and she ends up apologising to athena?? its annoying that this book has made its main character someone who is so weak-willed in her interpersonal relationships, especially with a man who (essentially) is a drug addict. like im sorry, but a man helping out around the house for a bit doesn’t mean he’s suddenly deserving of forgiveness for being nothing short of a deadbeat father for 16-ish years
also i cringed so hard at ‘shut it blondie’
also i cringed so hard at ‘shut it blondie’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
Another good story in this series and a whole lot going on. Lots of fun chaos for sure.
The author has an interesting way of telling the story because its from Rosemary's viewpoint, Athena's viewpoint and then i guess you would call it a narrator viewpoint which sometimes it can be hard to read because you never know whose viewpoint you are reading until you read it. The chapters should be labeled and it shouldn't change viewpoint midchapter.
I like that there are new characters being introduced and the current characters are developing into better versions, Rosemary is becoming more tolerable but she's still a basket case.
The proofreading for this story however was atrocious, way too many errors, well over 10 and that is unacceptable, if the story wasn't so good, I would have rated it with 3 stars instead.
Overall though I recommend the series.
The author has an interesting way of telling the story because its from Rosemary's viewpoint, Athena's viewpoint and then i guess you would call it a narrator viewpoint which sometimes it can be hard to read because you never know whose viewpoint you are reading until you read it. The chapters should be labeled and it shouldn't change viewpoint midchapter.
I like that there are new characters being introduced and the current characters are developing into better versions, Rosemary is becoming more tolerable but she's still a basket case.
The proofreading for this story however was atrocious, way too many errors, well over 10 and that is unacceptable, if the story wasn't so good, I would have rated it with 3 stars instead.
Overall though I recommend the series.
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November 23, 2023Why are magical people be so intensely politically correct?
I read fantasy to get away from real life. If I wanted to read about crazy sensitive people who are constantly offended by everything, I would read a political novel.
These character all seem to be so self centered that they are always waiting and hoping to be offended by the slightest thing. It must be exhausting always waiting for any mistakes so they can jump on the mistake and destroy the offender.
Say something someone else doesn't like and you must be destroyed. Never mind that the corrections are more vicious than the original imaginary offense.
Might try one more book and if things stay the same, I'll have to give up.
I read fantasy to get away from real life. If I wanted to read about crazy sensitive people who are constantly offended by everything, I would read a political novel.
These character all seem to be so self centered that they are always waiting and hoping to be offended by the slightest thing. It must be exhausting always waiting for any mistakes so they can jump on the mistake and destroy the offender.
Say something someone else doesn't like and you must be destroyed. Never mind that the corrections are more vicious than the original imaginary offense.
Might try one more book and if things stay the same, I'll have to give up.
September 16, 2025
Alright, now we're getting better! Rosemary and Athena are way more tolerable but my hang up is still their magic. How is it we are going from not even knowing about the existence of magic to full on fighting Gods or whatever with no in-book practice? It doesn't make sense!
Then we've got the Harry Potter level treatment of werewolves and so those connotations and what they represent aren't likeable either. We've got just about every mythical themed creature in this book all cohabiting this town but werewolves is where we draw the line? Also to make it a "disease" and call them "dirty" in this world feels icky and solidifies what I'm saying ab the HP level treatment. It wasn't cool. I'm three books down and still pinpointing problems that never seem to get better.
Then we've got the Harry Potter level treatment of werewolves and so those connotations and what they represent aren't likeable either. We've got just about every mythical themed creature in this book all cohabiting this town but werewolves is where we draw the line? Also to make it a "disease" and call them "dirty" in this world feels icky and solidifies what I'm saying ab the HP level treatment. It wasn't cool. I'm three books down and still pinpointing problems that never seem to get better.
August 16, 2024
As cozy and magical as the first 2 books.
I believe this book could do with a good editing (I found a few typos and some phrases were too oft repeated too close together to make for effective writing), the reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5. Still, it is as sweet, warm and comforting as a cup of tea with a good friend.
I love Myrtlewood and the people that inhabit it. All of the tensions were solved a little too neatly and conveniently, but if you are looking for a light read that will keep you coming for the next book in the series, definitely give the Myrtlewood Mysteries a try.
I believe this book could do with a good editing (I found a few typos and some phrases were too oft repeated too close together to make for effective writing), the reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5. Still, it is as sweet, warm and comforting as a cup of tea with a good friend.
I love Myrtlewood and the people that inhabit it. All of the tensions were solved a little too neatly and conveniently, but if you are looking for a light read that will keep you coming for the next book in the series, definitely give the Myrtlewood Mysteries a try.
July 24, 2025
Fantastic Read
The third installment in Iris Beaglehole’s whimsical series continues to enchant with Combustible Magic. As Rosemary’s magical abilities deepen, so does her journey of self-discovery and it’s just as delightful watching Athena’s development unfold alongside her. Together, they navigate an increasingly strange and thrilling magical world, all while juggling an ever-complicated (and often hilariously awkward) family dynamic. Beaglehole’s signature humor and heart remain strong, offering readers a cozy yet adventurous escape full of mystery, spells, and sisterhood. A must-read for fans of magical realism with a twist of the unexpected.
The third installment in Iris Beaglehole’s whimsical series continues to enchant with Combustible Magic. As Rosemary’s magical abilities deepen, so does her journey of self-discovery and it’s just as delightful watching Athena’s development unfold alongside her. Together, they navigate an increasingly strange and thrilling magical world, all while juggling an ever-complicated (and often hilariously awkward) family dynamic. Beaglehole’s signature humor and heart remain strong, offering readers a cozy yet adventurous escape full of mystery, spells, and sisterhood. A must-read for fans of magical realism with a twist of the unexpected.
October 5, 2025
Many mysteries going on
Rosemary and Athena are back from the land of the Fae, but Athena is missing "home". Mysterious magical fires are popping up all over the town and causing mayhem as Beltane is approaching. When fire creatures start emerging from the fires, Rosemary realises they have bigger problems! I liked the story line and I am glad that Rosemary becomes a bit more put together in this book. Athena is also growing up and learning to use her magic which is great. My biggest complaint and the reason I wouldn't give this book 4 stars is because of all the simple grammatical errors that should have been caught during editing. So many! Otherwise a good read
Rosemary and Athena are back from the land of the Fae, but Athena is missing "home". Mysterious magical fires are popping up all over the town and causing mayhem as Beltane is approaching. When fire creatures start emerging from the fires, Rosemary realises they have bigger problems! I liked the story line and I am glad that Rosemary becomes a bit more put together in this book. Athena is also growing up and learning to use her magic which is great. My biggest complaint and the reason I wouldn't give this book 4 stars is because of all the simple grammatical errors that should have been caught during editing. So many! Otherwise a good read
May 25, 2023
Read about 2 %. Just not the book for me.
Amazon synopsis:
As the festival of Beltane draws near, mysterious fires are springing up around the magical village of Myrtlewood, and Rosemary Thorn can't help but try to solve the case.
Rosemary already has too much on her plate with a hoard of foundling children to house and her own teenager to raise. On top of all this, she has run out of excuses. There's nothing standing between Rosemary and her dream of becoming a magical chocolatier. Well, nothing except her own self-sabotage.
Amazon synopsis:
As the festival of Beltane draws near, mysterious fires are springing up around the magical village of Myrtlewood, and Rosemary Thorn can't help but try to solve the case.
Rosemary already has too much on her plate with a hoard of foundling children to house and her own teenager to raise. On top of all this, she has run out of excuses. There's nothing standing between Rosemary and her dream of becoming a magical chocolatier. Well, nothing except her own self-sabotage.
September 30, 2023
An enchantment?
This isn’t my normal kind of novel. I was only going to read the first in the series. I have #4 waiting for me to begin. Maybe they are all enchanted by the author? I love the mother/daughter duo and all the quirky characters in the town. I love the good vs. evil (but so far not really, really evil), the house that cleans and changes itself (oh I wish!), the challenges of mothering a magical teenage girl (sometimes they do seem possessed lol)…. It’s just a fun read. I really need that house! Mine needs cleaning because I’ve been busy reading!
This isn’t my normal kind of novel. I was only going to read the first in the series. I have #4 waiting for me to begin. Maybe they are all enchanted by the author? I love the mother/daughter duo and all the quirky characters in the town. I love the good vs. evil (but so far not really, really evil), the house that cleans and changes itself (oh I wish!), the challenges of mothering a magical teenage girl (sometimes they do seem possessed lol)…. It’s just a fun read. I really need that house! Mine needs cleaning because I’ve been busy reading!
October 5, 2024
I am not going to finish the book (or the series)...I really dislike Athena's brattiness. She constantly talks down to, insults, and tries to compete with, her mother. I just can't get past it. It is disappointing because I like the story and would like to find out how the series finishes. I also do not like how Rosemary treats other people, when she is feeling "overwhelmed" (which she is often). She can be very self-centered. Could have been a good series, if not for the unlikeable characters.
July 13, 2025
2.5 - Another easy holiday read from Iris Beaglehole. I like the characters and the plots of her stories, I just find them clumsily written at times. There are spelling and editorial mistakes spattered across the work, as usual, and the exposition could definitely be better handled. Even at the end, it takes the villain explaining themselves in minute detail, under very little duress to do so, in order to explain the course of events. I rarely give such clumsiness so much of my attention, but for some reason Beaglehole’s work always pulls me back for more.
December 26, 2023
Enjoyed it more than the first book but not as much as the second. Felt a little dragged out in some places but still a good addition to the overall story and has left me wanting more. I do enjoy the way iris adds in the wiccan festivals to her books and the all round magic feel is right up my street. I will continue with this series as I am invested now. But definitely a cosy series that's easy to read when you don't want anything too heavy.
May 9, 2024
Athena is having trouble being back in this world. Dain too is grateful to be back and Rosemary and Athena learn of his wretched childhood and his addiction to cream which causes him to be reckless and overly generous with Rosemary’s money. So they concoct a cure for his addiction and after a few tries find one that works. Then fires start happening around town and keep getting bigger and worse. Then Beltane roles around and all heck breaks loose. Another adventurous tale.
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