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The Vampires of Emberbury #1
Stray Witch
WINNER OF THE 2020 INTERNATIONAL VAMPIRE FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL SILVER STAKE AWARD.
Clueless Witch Meets Quirky Vampire: an enchanting tale of love and magic.
“The highly original plot combines the best of paranormal with the best of romance: a tantalizing, unputdownable read.” —The Booklife Prize critic’s report.
A magical story about a lost witch recovering her self-esteem and overcoming a terrible mistake, a seemingly cheerful vampire with a tortured past, and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Alba is about to lose everything after her divorce... until she meets The Vampires of Emberbury, who dwell under an abandoned graveyard, stuck in Victorian times. They will make her a very interesting job offer, and she will get to meet Clarence, a mysterious vampire gentleman who thinks cloaks and top hats are still in fashion. With his help, Alba will figure out that, sometimes, the scariest monster isn’t the one with fangs.
This is a slow-burn paranormal vampire romance and magical realism novel that deals with worldly issues in a magical, humorous way and guarantees to make you laugh, cry, and gasp as you follow Alba and Clarence on their quest to solve Alba’s real-life troubles in a fairy-tale setting.
Stray Witch is the first book in The Vampires of Emberbury series. It can also be read as a stand-alone story.
Praise for Stray Witch:
“I loved this story! The pacing was steady, and the characters were well-developed and realistic. I found it very easy to relate to Alba, to sympathize with her, and to cheer her on as she fought to protect her daughters and start a new life. I really liked Clarence, the mysterious gentlemanly vampire. I was especially intrigued by his dark past and wanted to know more. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romantic subplot between Alba and Clarence.” —Angela’s Book Addiction.
“The highly original plot combines the best of paranormal with the best of romance. (…) Each character is lovingly detailed, vivid in perspective. The slow teasing out of each’s history allows for a tantalizing, unputdownable read.” —The Booklife Prize critic’s report.
“Written in the alternating first-person perspective of Alba and Clarence, the reader is allowed a glimpse into their intertwined lives as two people who shouldn't have fallen in love try to discover their feelings and themselves. (...) Self-discovery, romance, heartbreak, and challenges fill this sweet romance in which you can't help but root for the main characters.” —Reader’s Favorite.
Other titles in The Vampires of Emberbury series:
Stray Witch (Book 1)
Witch’s Mirror (Book 2)
Witches Masquerade (Book 3)
The Vampire's Assistant (Julia and Francesca's story: a novella)
A Winter's Cobalt Kiss (A Vampire Christmas Novelette in the World of Stray Witch)
Clueless Witch Meets Quirky Vampire: an enchanting tale of love and magic.
“The highly original plot combines the best of paranormal with the best of romance: a tantalizing, unputdownable read.” —The Booklife Prize critic’s report.
A magical story about a lost witch recovering her self-esteem and overcoming a terrible mistake, a seemingly cheerful vampire with a tortured past, and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Alba is about to lose everything after her divorce... until she meets The Vampires of Emberbury, who dwell under an abandoned graveyard, stuck in Victorian times. They will make her a very interesting job offer, and she will get to meet Clarence, a mysterious vampire gentleman who thinks cloaks and top hats are still in fashion. With his help, Alba will figure out that, sometimes, the scariest monster isn’t the one with fangs.
This is a slow-burn paranormal vampire romance and magical realism novel that deals with worldly issues in a magical, humorous way and guarantees to make you laugh, cry, and gasp as you follow Alba and Clarence on their quest to solve Alba’s real-life troubles in a fairy-tale setting.
Stray Witch is the first book in The Vampires of Emberbury series. It can also be read as a stand-alone story.
Praise for Stray Witch:
“I loved this story! The pacing was steady, and the characters were well-developed and realistic. I found it very easy to relate to Alba, to sympathize with her, and to cheer her on as she fought to protect her daughters and start a new life. I really liked Clarence, the mysterious gentlemanly vampire. I was especially intrigued by his dark past and wanted to know more. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romantic subplot between Alba and Clarence.” —Angela’s Book Addiction.
“The highly original plot combines the best of paranormal with the best of romance. (…) Each character is lovingly detailed, vivid in perspective. The slow teasing out of each’s history allows for a tantalizing, unputdownable read.” —The Booklife Prize critic’s report.
“Written in the alternating first-person perspective of Alba and Clarence, the reader is allowed a glimpse into their intertwined lives as two people who shouldn't have fallen in love try to discover their feelings and themselves. (...) Self-discovery, romance, heartbreak, and challenges fill this sweet romance in which you can't help but root for the main characters.” —Reader’s Favorite.
Other titles in The Vampires of Emberbury series:
Stray Witch (Book 1)
Witch’s Mirror (Book 2)
Witches Masquerade (Book 3)
The Vampire's Assistant (Julia and Francesca's story: a novella)
A Winter's Cobalt Kiss (A Vampire Christmas Novelette in the World of Stray Witch)
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
279 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Eva Alton
35 books220 followers"Once upon a time, I designed homes for the real world; now I weave magical worlds where reality fades away."
Eva Alton is an award-winning author of paranormal romance, magical realism and paranormal women's fiction novels. She's the author of Stray Witch and The Vampires of Emberbury Series.
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Eva Alton is an award-winning author of paranormal romance, magical realism and paranormal women's fiction novels. She's the author of Stray Witch and The Vampires of Emberbury Series.
SUBSCRIBE TO EVA'S NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE A FREE EBOOK:
https://sendfox.com/evaalton
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/evaalton
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/evaaltonauthor
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eva-a...
TWITTER / X: https://twitter.com/EvaAlton
WEBSITE: https://www.evaalton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 24, 2020
Eva Alton is now one of my favourite Paranormal authors. The Stray witch is a look into the life of Alba a young witch of immense untapped power. Clarence is a centuries old vampire looking for meaning to this immortal existence. When their lives collide mayhem ensues.
Alba is trying to escape with her two daughters from an abusive and controlling husband intent on breaking her and ruining her reputation in the process.
Enter Clarence the answer to a pray or is he? The vampire is a poignant and enigmatic gentleman bent on saving his vampire clan from discovery and financial disaster. He finds Alba the stray witch his clan desperately needs to carry out the clan's business that can only be conducted in during the day. Alba's witches blood is abhorrent to the vampires and so protects Alba and her daughters from their natural inclinations.
She accepts their offer of employment and escapes with her children, once there she finds the vampires backward and somewhat frightening but the children are accepting of the change. The vampires adjust to her modern ways as she pulls them in the 21st century no matter how reluctantly.
Clarence is assigned as her guardian and watches over her bringing them closer than either of them thought possible. There are many dark twists and turns with delightful touches of humour that make it extremely difficult to put this book down. Looking forward to reading the sequel The Witches Mirror due out in Dec 2020.
Alba is trying to escape with her two daughters from an abusive and controlling husband intent on breaking her and ruining her reputation in the process.
Enter Clarence the answer to a pray or is he? The vampire is a poignant and enigmatic gentleman bent on saving his vampire clan from discovery and financial disaster. He finds Alba the stray witch his clan desperately needs to carry out the clan's business that can only be conducted in during the day. Alba's witches blood is abhorrent to the vampires and so protects Alba and her daughters from their natural inclinations.
She accepts their offer of employment and escapes with her children, once there she finds the vampires backward and somewhat frightening but the children are accepting of the change. The vampires adjust to her modern ways as she pulls them in the 21st century no matter how reluctantly.
Clarence is assigned as her guardian and watches over her bringing them closer than either of them thought possible. There are many dark twists and turns with delightful touches of humour that make it extremely difficult to put this book down. Looking forward to reading the sequel The Witches Mirror due out in Dec 2020.
October 7, 2021
As I work my way back slowly to reading my primary genres of epic fantasy and hist fic, I have been truly enjoying the diversion, which has taken me to some amazing books. One of those is "Stray Witch" by Eva Alton. This book was long on my TBR because, if you are going to read vampire-romance-fantasy, you might as well read a highly touted one, and this book was the winner of the 2020 International Vampire Film & Arts Festival Silver Stake Award.
"Stray Witch" was a delightful read. The plot swirls around Alba, a down-on-her-luck engineer, who is trapped in a marriage with a physically and emotionally abusive lawyer. The couple have two lovely girls from the marriage. Although actually he cares little for them, the abusive husband, Mark, wants to use the girls - who Alba loves dearly - against Alba. Alba wants desperately to escape Mark after he files for divorce, and begins subjecting her to even harsher treatment, threatening to take the children away from her.
Alba finds her way to a forlorn graveyard. There she encounters a secret coven of vampires, The Vampires of Emberbury, known as The Cloister, led by the enigmatic Elizabeth. Elizabeth reveals that in fact, Alba is actually a stray witch, one who is oblivious to her own lineage and power. She offers to shield and protect Alba and her children, and provides her with a job offer.
Elizabeth craves Alba's assistance with helping to save the coven from financial ruin, and discovery. Witch blood is repulsive to the vampires that roam the coven, so this would keep Alba and her daughters (who share their mother's witch blood) from being feed on by the vampires.
Elizabeth assigns the dangerous but compelling vampire Clarence to safeguard Alba, and an attraction quickly blossoms between them. But that attraction may prove fatal for Alba, and witch or not, Alba's blood may be more tempting to Clarence than he can resist.
Like the way Clarence becomes enamoured of Alba, I became enchanted with this story. It's not all whimsical and fanciful vampire fare. There are a lot of compelling themes in the book, such as psychological abusive, obsessive behaviour, and custodial battles. There is plenty of light humour to help offest those more serious topics, and I found the blend and balance of these aspects was very well done.
The characters are quirky, tortured by their past or current situations, and very vulnerable and realistic. The characterizations are definitely one of the novel's strengths. Alton is skilled at propelling the reader to establish emotional connections with the characters. Alba's life is messy, and so are the lives of all the vampires, especially Clarence. But they persevere, admirably striving to be a better version of themselves, and triumph over their obstacles.
There is certainly enough romantic tension, paranormal occurrences, and danger lurking in every page, both real and implied, to keep the plot moving along quickly. The atmosphere of the book is spooky and alluring, in just the way a vampire tale should be.
I was very impressed with this book, and I highly recommend it for fans of slow-burn romance vampire stories.
"Stray Witch" was a delightful read. The plot swirls around Alba, a down-on-her-luck engineer, who is trapped in a marriage with a physically and emotionally abusive lawyer. The couple have two lovely girls from the marriage. Although actually he cares little for them, the abusive husband, Mark, wants to use the girls - who Alba loves dearly - against Alba. Alba wants desperately to escape Mark after he files for divorce, and begins subjecting her to even harsher treatment, threatening to take the children away from her.
Alba finds her way to a forlorn graveyard. There she encounters a secret coven of vampires, The Vampires of Emberbury, known as The Cloister, led by the enigmatic Elizabeth. Elizabeth reveals that in fact, Alba is actually a stray witch, one who is oblivious to her own lineage and power. She offers to shield and protect Alba and her children, and provides her with a job offer.
Elizabeth craves Alba's assistance with helping to save the coven from financial ruin, and discovery. Witch blood is repulsive to the vampires that roam the coven, so this would keep Alba and her daughters (who share their mother's witch blood) from being feed on by the vampires.
Elizabeth assigns the dangerous but compelling vampire Clarence to safeguard Alba, and an attraction quickly blossoms between them. But that attraction may prove fatal for Alba, and witch or not, Alba's blood may be more tempting to Clarence than he can resist.
Like the way Clarence becomes enamoured of Alba, I became enchanted with this story. It's not all whimsical and fanciful vampire fare. There are a lot of compelling themes in the book, such as psychological abusive, obsessive behaviour, and custodial battles. There is plenty of light humour to help offest those more serious topics, and I found the blend and balance of these aspects was very well done.
The characters are quirky, tortured by their past or current situations, and very vulnerable and realistic. The characterizations are definitely one of the novel's strengths. Alton is skilled at propelling the reader to establish emotional connections with the characters. Alba's life is messy, and so are the lives of all the vampires, especially Clarence. But they persevere, admirably striving to be a better version of themselves, and triumph over their obstacles.
There is certainly enough romantic tension, paranormal occurrences, and danger lurking in every page, both real and implied, to keep the plot moving along quickly. The atmosphere of the book is spooky and alluring, in just the way a vampire tale should be.
I was very impressed with this book, and I highly recommend it for fans of slow-burn romance vampire stories.
September 30, 2020
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Stray Witch (The Vampires of Emberbury #1) by Eva Alton is a paranormal women's fiction novel told in first person dual POV. Although it's the first book in a series, Stray Witch can be read as a standalone.
Alba Andersson is at a turning point in her life. She's on the cusp of a divorce, and about to lose everything to her abusive husband - a lawyer hell-bent on destroying her. Alba needs a job and a safe place to live so she can escape with her two daughters before Mark tries to take them away from her. When a peculiar stranger takes her to a meeting where she's offered employment and lodging, the timing seems perfect. But the job is for a clan of vampires who seem to think Alba is a witch with untapped powers. They all must be crazy! Everyone knows that vampires and witches are not real. Or are they? Will Alba accept their offer? Read the book to find out.
I loved this story! The pacing was steady, and the characters were well-developed and realistic. I found it very easy to relate to Alba, to sympathize with her, and to cheer her on as she fought to protect her daughters and start a new life. I really liked Clarence, the mysterious gentlemanly vampire. I was especially intrigued by his dark past and wanted to know more. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romantic subplot between Alba and Clarence. Their chemistry was like a slow simmer, and I wanted to see it completely boil over and make a mess everywhere. LOL! Clarence and Alba are more composed than that, but I still loved it. Overall, it's an enchanting story of heartbreak, hope, and new beginnings. I highly recommend it.
Stray Witch (The Vampires of Emberbury #1) by Eva Alton is a paranormal women's fiction novel told in first person dual POV. Although it's the first book in a series, Stray Witch can be read as a standalone.
Alba Andersson is at a turning point in her life. She's on the cusp of a divorce, and about to lose everything to her abusive husband - a lawyer hell-bent on destroying her. Alba needs a job and a safe place to live so she can escape with her two daughters before Mark tries to take them away from her. When a peculiar stranger takes her to a meeting where she's offered employment and lodging, the timing seems perfect. But the job is for a clan of vampires who seem to think Alba is a witch with untapped powers. They all must be crazy! Everyone knows that vampires and witches are not real. Or are they? Will Alba accept their offer? Read the book to find out.
I loved this story! The pacing was steady, and the characters were well-developed and realistic. I found it very easy to relate to Alba, to sympathize with her, and to cheer her on as she fought to protect her daughters and start a new life. I really liked Clarence, the mysterious gentlemanly vampire. I was especially intrigued by his dark past and wanted to know more. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romantic subplot between Alba and Clarence. Their chemistry was like a slow simmer, and I wanted to see it completely boil over and make a mess everywhere. LOL! Clarence and Alba are more composed than that, but I still loved it. Overall, it's an enchanting story of heartbreak, hope, and new beginnings. I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2020
This was a really enjoyable read - Alba was a relatable MC, struggling through lots of real life issues with which readers will be able to empathise. I loved that this book took a slightly different twist on the usual vampire romances, and pairing the fantasy with the real life elements of the story worked really well. The developing relationship between Alba and Clarence was well observed and the romantic tension felt natural, so that even amongst the various twists and turns and challenges they faced, I found myself really rooting for them (and falling for Clarence a little in the process, myself!) Which, of course, is the sign of a well executed romance! The writing was lyrical and engaging, and the author really swept you along with the characters. I can't wait for book 2!
January 25, 2021
Clever writing and wonderful, imaginative, colorful characters elevated this story and made it a quick, engaging read. Alba is going through a nasty divorce from a monstrous man who makes Clarence, a vampire hundreds of years old, seem like a prince. The vampire makes her an offer at a time when she has no one on her side. Of course, Alba's growing attraction to Clarence is bound is a complication. How safe is she and her children from the other vampires she meets? Alba is told she is a witch, but will she ever learn to use her powers? I was sorry when the story ended and I am certain to read more from this author in the future!
April 11, 2021
The book has a little of everything. Witches. Vampires. Spirits. And romance. A marvelously entertaining read.
We have a witch who doesn't know she's a witch and isn't sure she believes she really is. Then there are vampires (which take her a little getting used to) who need her help, and a cat that's not your ordinary cat.
We have a witch who doesn't know she's a witch and isn't sure she believes she really is. Then there are vampires (which take her a little getting used to) who need her help, and a cat that's not your ordinary cat.
May 24, 2020
This was a very fun read. The author with her narrative transported me to a magical world in which allowed me to feel excited and adventurous. This is a story about magic, love and a mysterious vampire nest. Meet Alba, who is escaping a terrible marriage and unfortunately, she's about to lose everything. However, she's a witch, and the vampires of Emberbury are ready to change her destiny. Alba is about to meet exciting people, she will have the opportunity to recover her self-esteem and find love in the most unexpected places. I loved Alba, the description the author does is fantastic, and I can't wait for book 2. This universe of vampires and magic is amazingly intense. I thank Voracious Readers Only and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
GREAT romance, exciting storyline!
I binged this in 24 hours and already downloaded the second one. I’m obsessed with Clarence, and want to know more about this particular society of witches and vampires. The romance kept me on my toes and was a great mix between a slow burner and some spicy action. I highly recommend for those who love the paranormal and romance!
I binged this in 24 hours and already downloaded the second one. I’m obsessed with Clarence, and want to know more about this particular society of witches and vampires. The romance kept me on my toes and was a great mix between a slow burner and some spicy action. I highly recommend for those who love the paranormal and romance!
August 16, 2020
voracious readers review...I really enjoyed this take on vampires and witches. I may have to break my no series rule.
March 7, 2021
Brilliant!
Captivating, unorthodox telling of the witch vampire dynamics in lore. Great characters, vivid imagery! Fascinating, actually. This is a definite winner!
Captivating, unorthodox telling of the witch vampire dynamics in lore. Great characters, vivid imagery! Fascinating, actually. This is a definite winner!
November 1, 2021
As I’m sitting and staring at the blinking cursor, I can’t but dwell on the controversies of a human mind. Why is it so that when you like something, dozens of words, appropriate to express your positive feelings spring obligingly in your head, but when you’ve irrevocably fallen in love with it, your mind goes blank and produces nothing except mundane “wow.”
In any case, I’m determined to tell the whole world how absolutely fantastic “Stray Witch” by Eva Alton is.
What I loved about this book – well, I loved everything, but… – is that the protagonist is not seventeen years old and dealing with issues of not having enough friends among the most popular students. Don’t think that I don’t like seventeen-year-old book characters. It’s just when almost every main character in almost every book is seventeen, and you are forty, you invariably start thinking that all the significant and exciting things are in the past. And I don’t think that anyone enjoys repeating such sensations over and over again.
Alba is dealing with a lot in her life. She is a mother of two adorable girls and a soon-to-be ex-wife of a detestable man. Alba’s husband, in addition to being a true embodiment of evil, is a lawyer. Or does the two always go together? Alba’s chances to find a job, so she’d be able to fight for custody rights, are slim. Who needs an employee who’s been a stay-at-home mom for the last decade? And then, just when it seems that there is no way out, Alba meets… a raven. From now on, not only Alba’s life is destined to change in the most unexpected way. Alba is about to find out that she herself isn’t a person she believed that she was.
“Stray Witch” has a feeling of a contemporary story with true-to-life characters – people who do not always make the right choices. And the magical components don’t spoil the story; on the contrary, they add a vibe to it, making a reader feel the failures and victories of the main characters more acutely.
Needless to say, that I’ll be reading the next books in the series. Actually, I’ve already started reading book two “Witch’s Mirror”.
In any case, I’m determined to tell the whole world how absolutely fantastic “Stray Witch” by Eva Alton is.
What I loved about this book – well, I loved everything, but… – is that the protagonist is not seventeen years old and dealing with issues of not having enough friends among the most popular students. Don’t think that I don’t like seventeen-year-old book characters. It’s just when almost every main character in almost every book is seventeen, and you are forty, you invariably start thinking that all the significant and exciting things are in the past. And I don’t think that anyone enjoys repeating such sensations over and over again.
Alba is dealing with a lot in her life. She is a mother of two adorable girls and a soon-to-be ex-wife of a detestable man. Alba’s husband, in addition to being a true embodiment of evil, is a lawyer. Or does the two always go together? Alba’s chances to find a job, so she’d be able to fight for custody rights, are slim. Who needs an employee who’s been a stay-at-home mom for the last decade? And then, just when it seems that there is no way out, Alba meets… a raven. From now on, not only Alba’s life is destined to change in the most unexpected way. Alba is about to find out that she herself isn’t a person she believed that she was.
“Stray Witch” has a feeling of a contemporary story with true-to-life characters – people who do not always make the right choices. And the magical components don’t spoil the story; on the contrary, they add a vibe to it, making a reader feel the failures and victories of the main characters more acutely.
Needless to say, that I’ll be reading the next books in the series. Actually, I’ve already started reading book two “Witch’s Mirror”.
September 22, 2020
This is beautifully written. The descriptions of the Cloister and all other settings are so well detailed and frankly a little romantic. So much fun to read, but also very inspiring. Despite the whimsical nature of the story and its very good fit in the fantasy genre, it also touches subjects that many women go through in real life such as divorce, domestic violence, financial abuse, etc. I was hooked the whole time and I do not like to give away spoilers, but it has strong aspects of freedom, escape, and bit of poetic justice that I thoroughly enjoyed. However, in a very realistic way, the new life Alba begins to build through her newfound contacts and power is very messy, as is dealing with her narcissistic and vindictive ex-husband, Mark. There is also something so fierce about the way that the main character Alba maintains her good nature throughout some very dark moments in her new life and her continuing struggles from her divorce. I like that she is full of feelings and confused sometimes. I felt connected to her in many ways because of that, particularly with the way that love for her daughters and Clarence is what moved her to be more defensive or aggressive against Mark. I also enjoyed the way that this story gives us a more intricate view of mystical creatures like vampires and witches. An unexpected and pleasant surprise as the story develops is the feeling of seeing a more human side, whether good or bad, to these mystical beings. I also enjoy how the narration switches from Alba to Clarence, and how their voices are so different. One of my favorite lines is “there’s darkness inside all of us. We just deal with it differently, he said, drawing shapes with his fingers on the back of my hand.” In short, I loved everything about it and I really lived Alba’s emotions along with her.
May 5, 2021
Stray Witch is a super fun paranormal romance! Our protagonist, Alba, is a mom of two and is in the midst of a pretty awful divorce when she meets Clarence, a vampire with the awesome ability to change into a raven. Although she's reluctant to believe it, she learns that she's a witch and is hired to work for a coven of vampires. It was cool to see her slowly accept who she is and watch her relationship with Clarence unfold.
Overall, this book was great. It was very well written and perfectly edited. I'm excited to start the next in the series. I look forward to learning more about Alba's powers!
5 stars!
Overall, this book was great. It was very well written and perfectly edited. I'm excited to start the next in the series. I look forward to learning more about Alba's powers!
5 stars!
August 21, 2020
I binge read this book and loved it! It was exceptionally well written and each chapter leaves you eager to learn more. The MC’s, Alba and Clarence, are engaging and loveable, and the slow burn romance is well executed. My heart hurt for Alba as her self esteem is battered by her evil ex-husband, and rooted for her as she battles to re-build her life. The combination of magic and vampires is compelling, and Eva’s witty one liners and humour add to the enjoyment of the read. Real life problems mixed with the supernatural make for a fabulous book. I can’t wait for book 2!
July 9, 2022
A great supernatural story with elements of romance
I really loved the style and the plot of this book. The story portraits a woman in her 30-es who is going through tough dovorce and discovers her hidden power.
The setting of the novel immerses the reader into the mystic atmosphere of cemetery and secret underground caves where the vampires hide from the rest of humanity.
All the characters have their unique appearance and charisma.
I recommend this book to women who love supernatural genre and good romance.
I really loved the style and the plot of this book. The story portraits a woman in her 30-es who is going through tough dovorce and discovers her hidden power.
The setting of the novel immerses the reader into the mystic atmosphere of cemetery and secret underground caves where the vampires hide from the rest of humanity.
All the characters have their unique appearance and charisma.
I recommend this book to women who love supernatural genre and good romance.
February 2, 2021
This is such a wonderful paranormal story about stray witch Alba who is unaware of her power and lineage, and centuries old Clarence who seems a bit lost at times. Alton writes in such a way that you can connect with both characters in this dual POV story and find yourself laughing at times and gripping your seat at others. It is an emotion packed tale and one that I truly enjoyed. I’m happy to know that it is the first in a series and there is more to read about The Vampires of Emberbury and their Stray Witch.
December 11, 2021
It took me a little bit to get into it (mainly because I don’t read books like this and the last vampire book I read was the twilight series *cringe*) but once I started getting into the story I couldn’t stop. I love the multiple POV’s and how it’s clearly defined at the beginning of the chapter who the POV is; however, given the personalities/style or the characters I think it wouldn’t even be required. I found myself wanting more between the two main characters and hoping they would end up together, feeling the tension as the characters did. Will have to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next. :)
October 20, 2024
I enjoyed this for the most part! This seemed like such an interesting world, I would have loved to learn about it in more depth. Things started to get particularly frustrating near the end: everything with Mark, her magic and Clarence. Even though we had that big blow up, I felt like Alba’s problems were too easily solved afterwards, especially because it all happened off-screen.
Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll carry on with this series but I enjoyed this book on its own!
Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll carry on with this series but I enjoyed this book on its own!
January 15, 2024
Esto mejora... cuando me leí el primer libro, la historia de Julia, se me quedó corta. En este he entendido que sabemos más de Julia a través de Alba, la bruja extraviada, y que la historia sigue expandiéndose y volviéndose más intrigante. Seguiré leyendo para descubrir más sobre estos personajes...
July 8, 2025
protagonista scema
February 15, 2022
This is the first fantasy / paranormal book I have ever read. I really enjoyed it. The main characters are likable, the story had me hooked from the get go, and had me spell bound with lots of magic, romance, and drama. A great read. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
August 26, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this story! I could understand the MC--even though I've never been in an abusive relationship or dealt with a messy divorce--there are loveable characters, humorous, and scenes that tugged on heartstrings or creeped me out--like they were meant to.
This book has everything for me and did its job of making me order the other books to see what happens next. I'm an Eva Alton fan now!
This book has everything for me and did its job of making me order the other books to see what happens next. I'm an Eva Alton fan now!
July 28, 2020
Loved it.
This was a really fun read about a woman who discovers she is a hidden witch, after a nasty breakup with her awful husband. I loved the story of Alba and Clarence, this was a cute, funny and exciting romance and it kept me thoroughly entertained.
This was a really fun read about a woman who discovers she is a hidden witch, after a nasty breakup with her awful husband. I loved the story of Alba and Clarence, this was a cute, funny and exciting romance and it kept me thoroughly entertained.
April 24, 2023
Stray Witch by indie author Eva Alton is Book 1 in The Vampires of Emberbury series. The story follows Alba’s life. She’s trapped in a loveless marriage to a narcissist named Mark and meets Clarence, a vampire, that’s been sent to recruit her to work for The Cloister. He reveals what she really is. She’s no mere mortal. She’s a witch who comes from a long line of witches. Alba doesn’t believe, but she’s faced with a choice to continue in a toxic marriage or pretend to be this witch and get away from the dangerous man she lives with.
Alton has created a lovely story with twists and turns one doesn’t expect until you're in them. I found myself rooting for Alba, angry at her, wanting to kick her in the backside and cheering her on. The story had me hooked from the first page to the last. The pace was executed very well. She writes with eloquence and paces the book perfectly where the highs are high and the lows are low. The author masterfully created Mark as an antagonist I loved to hate and Clearance, the broody vampire with a dark past was hard to resist and can’t seem to keep away from Alba. The plot, characters, and story arc are all fully developed and believable.
All and all I absolutely enjoyed this book from the storyline to the characters. I became emotionally invested in them and can’t wait to see what happens next when Book 2 in the series, Witch’s Mirror, publishes on December 5, 2020. I would recommend this read to anyone who loves the paranormal romance and magical realism genres.
Alton has created a lovely story with twists and turns one doesn’t expect until you're in them. I found myself rooting for Alba, angry at her, wanting to kick her in the backside and cheering her on. The story had me hooked from the first page to the last. The pace was executed very well. She writes with eloquence and paces the book perfectly where the highs are high and the lows are low. The author masterfully created Mark as an antagonist I loved to hate and Clearance, the broody vampire with a dark past was hard to resist and can’t seem to keep away from Alba. The plot, characters, and story arc are all fully developed and believable.
All and all I absolutely enjoyed this book from the storyline to the characters. I became emotionally invested in them and can’t wait to see what happens next when Book 2 in the series, Witch’s Mirror, publishes on December 5, 2020. I would recommend this read to anyone who loves the paranormal romance and magical realism genres.
August 1, 2020
Stray Witch
I am hard pressed to give a book 5 stars, for no book reaches perfection, but Stray Witch comes so close, it just magically slipped into 5 shining stars. I am not a reader of fantasy. This book was recommended and I admit I fought its reading. But like magic, the first page grabbed my imagination and delight. Filled with humor, weaving throughout the danger, Stray Witch is very well written, the plot perfectly developed, the dialogue speaks as it should. I loved this book from its first words to its last. I highly recommend Stray Witch with its peculiar, oddball, dangerous and likable characters so richly developed you might begin to look at wandering cemeteries at night in a whole different light. Or darkness, as the case may be. Read. This. Book. You won’t be disappointed. I’m buying the next in the series as quickly as the raven flies.
I am hard pressed to give a book 5 stars, for no book reaches perfection, but Stray Witch comes so close, it just magically slipped into 5 shining stars. I am not a reader of fantasy. This book was recommended and I admit I fought its reading. But like magic, the first page grabbed my imagination and delight. Filled with humor, weaving throughout the danger, Stray Witch is very well written, the plot perfectly developed, the dialogue speaks as it should. I loved this book from its first words to its last. I highly recommend Stray Witch with its peculiar, oddball, dangerous and likable characters so richly developed you might begin to look at wandering cemeteries at night in a whole different light. Or darkness, as the case may be. Read. This. Book. You won’t be disappointed. I’m buying the next in the series as quickly as the raven flies.
May 31, 2020
Stray Witch: by Eva Alton.
Magic, love and a secret vampire nest beneath a graveyard.
Alba is running away from a bad marriage and is about to lose everything. The good part? She’s a witch. The bad one? She doesn’t know it. But the vampires of Emberbury are about to turn her whole world upside down.
This is book 1 in the vampires of emberbury. Brilliant read. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Alba Elizabeth and Clarence. Didn't like Mark. He was slimy. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Magic, love and a secret vampire nest beneath a graveyard.
Alba is running away from a bad marriage and is about to lose everything. The good part? She’s a witch. The bad one? She doesn’t know it. But the vampires of Emberbury are about to turn her whole world upside down.
This is book 1 in the vampires of emberbury. Brilliant read. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Alba Elizabeth and Clarence. Didn't like Mark. He was slimy. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.
June 16, 2020
Wow what a story it’s definitely chuckle worthy I loved the characters Alba who is a witch but she doesn’t have a clue about it she is divorcing her abusive husband and trying to protect her kids, she meets Clarence who is a vampire and a gentleman he also loves his top hats and his cloaks from the Victorian era, sorry guys no spoilers so read the blurb and that will give you the gist to this story. I loved this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
February 23, 2021
I enjoyed Stray Witch SO much!! Its charm, humor, and pathos really make it stand out within the vampire-fiction genre! Alton writes beautifully and does an AMAZING job of blending the paranormal/magical aspect with more “real-life” elements, which makes for the perfect urban fantasy-type story! This book also totally delivers in the romance area, with an incredibly sweet and swoon-worthy relationship between the protagonist and her love interest! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
May 27, 2020
This book combines so many things. A divorce, witches, vampires, disappearing violet eyed cats and a whole lot more. Weaving its way through all these things it hits all the feels making you laugh and cry, sigh and gasp as you follow Alba as she discovers that there is a lot more to life and death than she ever thought. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2020
An Enchanting, Well-Crafted Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this finely crafted story of a witch who does not realize she’s a witch, plunged into a world of intrigue and mystery. Author Eva Alton creates a darkly alluring world of secret vampires, cemeteries, black cats, and mysterious ravens. There is so much in this well-told story - divorce, custody concerns, abuse, forbidden love. I found myself unable to put it down. I look forward to reading the second book, Witch’s Mirror.
I thoroughly enjoyed this finely crafted story of a witch who does not realize she’s a witch, plunged into a world of intrigue and mystery. Author Eva Alton creates a darkly alluring world of secret vampires, cemeteries, black cats, and mysterious ravens. There is so much in this well-told story - divorce, custody concerns, abuse, forbidden love. I found myself unable to put it down. I look forward to reading the second book, Witch’s Mirror.
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