Witch's Mirror

The Vampires of Emberbury #2

by Eva Alton

Working for vampires is not an easy job. Especially when they insist on signing contracts with your blood.
Alba is about to defy a vampire queen’s rules in order to undertake a journey to Italy in search of her witch ancestors… and possibly her freedom.
But her quest might also open a well-hidden Pandora’s box which can put at risk the lives of those she loves the most.
The Vampires of Emberbury is a Paranormal Vampire Romance / Paranormal Women's Fiction Series with an adult female protagonist.

Other titles in this series:

Stray Witch (Book 1)

Witch’s Mirror (Book 2)

The Vampire's Assistant (Prequel)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Witches

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2020

About the author

"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.



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

Reviews

[Wendy Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to receive an advanced copy of Witches mirror. It continues to follow the adventures of Alba and Clarence and was a real treat for me. These characters are beautifully written so full of life for both the human and undead.

This foray into their world is more emotional and darker. Alba and Clarence still have to sort out their what their relationship. Is it just friendship of love. Every time they seem to be on the verge of declaration one way or the other the proverbial rug is pulled out from underneath them.

This time their adventure takes us to the timeless and beautiful Italy Lake Como and Venice to be specific. Alba is drawn there by Julia the previous Vampire's Assistant. She is even taunted by an unwanted admirer with a hidden agenda.

Alba though has her hands full with the enigmatic vampires, first Francesca who follows her to Italy then Clarence who eventually shows up. Add to the mix a crazy coven of witches and a powerful vampire hunter who uses the witches to ensnare the undead but for what purpose? Take the journey with Alba as she sets out on this adventure.

This story does not disappoint it is full of intrigue, heart felt moments and the recognizable hilarity inherent in Alba as she explores her power. Can she rise to the occasion?

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this enchanting tale, Witch's Mirror reunites us with our "stray witch," Alba, and her vampire paramour, Clarence, who really need to have that "define the relationship" conversation. As Christmas approaches, Alba learns that not everything she was led to believe about her predecessor, Julia, who previously served the same vampire coven, is actually true, leading her to embark on a new adventure--in Italy! Italy is the perfect setting for this rich, alluring novel, where Alba has to learn who to trust in the face of betrayals and tap into powers beyond what she's ever imagined. Cannot wait to see where the next journey takes us!

[Eva Alton]

Witch's Mirror - Now On Audible!
Available also as a paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.



“Isolde,” Clarence purred on the other side of the line. He must be in a good mood to call me that. “Non-dinner at The Midnight Owl?” he asked playfully. I was surprised he was offering to take me to dinner―or technically, to watch me eat while he talked―because we had managed to squeeze very few dates into his busy schedule after Mark’s nightmare had come to an end. I tried not to dwell on the reasons for his continuous absences and frequent cancellations, and kept telling myself it was all Elizabeth’s fault for giving him too much to do, too far from home.
“I’d love to,” I said, “but are you going to cancel last-minute just like you did last time? Because I’m really tired today. I’ve been running around for hours.”
“Oh, well,” Clarence said, a tint of sadness in his voice. “I don’t know…” How on earth could he not know? “Maybe you are right. Perhaps come to say good night before you go to sleep, would you?”
“I will,” I grumbled, grabbing my bucket-sized cup of coffee and missing it due to my sudden bad mood. The cup slipped off my fingers, and I skipped back, horrified at the thought of pouring a whole mug of coffee over the unfinished gown. The seamstresses gasped, and all the girls rushed in my direction to stop the disaster.
Stretching my arm, I tried to grasp the handle as the cup flew in the air, but it was too far already. And then, miraculously, the cup stopped its trajectory and started to hover in the air, just a few inches away from my extended fingers.
Everybody in the store―me included―stared at the floating cup, which glided magically, in perfect alignment with its porcelain saucer.
Someone let out a gasp, removing me from my mesmerized contemplation.
“Oh my God!” I uttered into the phone, willing my erratic magic to stop the random display at once―it didn’t.
“Is everything alright?” Clarence asked from the other side of the line.
“No,” I whispered so nobody else could hear me, as I tried to steady my shaking hands, “There’s a flying saucer in the room. I’ll call you later.”

[Laken Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting. Witch’s Mirror, Eva Alton’s sequel to Stray Witch, is like a moonlit night by a tranquil pond. Full of intrigue, magic, and darkness sprinkled amongst the trials of love, Witch’s Mirror delivered in full to this fan of The Vampires of Emberbury Trilogy.

Alton picks up where we left off in Stray Witch with Alba continuing to adjust to her life in the Cloister amongst a community of colorful and memorable vampires. Alba continues to navigate the tricky terrain of loving an enigmatic though charming vampire named Clarence. This time, Alba’s journey takes her far away from the quaint New England setting of the Cloister to the breathtaking vistas of Lake Como in Italy. Alba seeks a ghost to help her solve a mystery. Yet she happens upon a less than savory coven of witches. What unfolds is a skillfully woven tale of mystery, self-discovery, and magic.

Alton’s characters are so memorable. I can see them clearly in my mind even as I write this review. She is a master of her craft in creating lovably flawed characters that I cannot help but care deeply for.

Equally memorable are the gorgeous settings Alton places her characters in. From the darkly divine Cloister hidden amongst an old graveyard to the beautiful Italian resort town of Lake Como, the environments her characters live amongst are also memorable.

I read this book in about three days. It flows like silk. The story pulled me right in, compelling me to read in every free moment I had. It’s clever, humorous, and just all around lovely. I highly recommend Witch’s Mirror as well as any of the books in Alton’s Vampires of Emberbury world.

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 4.5 Stars ***

Witch's Mirror (The Vampires of Emberbury #2) by Eva Alton is a paranormal women's fiction novel told in first person dual POV. This book picks up where the previous one ended and continues Alba's story.

Alba is still working for The Cloister as a vampire assistant, but she's feeling neglected. Clarence has been away a lot for work, leaving her in a state of relationship limbo, uncertain of where things stand between them. They haven't had time to talk and define their relationship - if they even have one. When Alba receives a message from Julia, the previous vampire assistant, she heads to Italy on an adventure. During her time there, she encounters an unwanted suitor, a vampire hunter, and an ancient coven of witches. But what are their intentions? Is Alba in danger? Read the book to find out.

I enjoyed Witch's Mirror; it's a great sequel to Stray Witch. It took a bit longer for me to completely immerse myself in the story, but once I did, I liked it just as much as the first. This book is darker and contains a lot more action. Alba's time in Italy is full of mystery, magic, and suspenseful twists and turns. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next in Witches Masquerade.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[H. Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Stray Witch, you know you're in for a magical journey of magic, mystery and romance. But you are not at all prepared for what Alba and Clarence will face as their adventure continues.

One of the highlights of this series for me is the utterly relatable characters, who shine even more brightly in this book. Alton's characters can easily be any one of us, and that's why you find it so easy to root for them as they struggle with their flaws and their choices as they're put in difficult or sometimes impossible situations.

The story is engaging and keeps blowing your mind as you learn more about everything that's been happening behind the scenes. I absolutely enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.

[Bedside Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch’s Mirror by Eva Alton is the latest book in her Vampires of Emberbury series. A paranormal witch/vampire romance series that has quickly become one of my favourites in this genre.

Although this is only Book 2 in the series, we have already had further glimpses into the Vampires of Emberbury world. The two novellas; The Vampire’s Assistant and A Winter’s Cobalt Kiss, that accompany The Stray Witch and Witch’s Mirror give the reader more glimmers of information about all the characters that the author is cleverly conjuring up.

In this particular episode of the story we again follow the two main characters, Alba, the incompetent stray witch, who has taken a position as assistant to the vampires who reside in The Cloister in Emberbury. As well as Clarence, the spiffingly, dapper and proper gentleman that also happens to be a two hundred year old vampire.

The story follows Alba as she embarks on a journey to Italy to discover more about her ‘Witchy’ traits. In doing so she immediately breaks the rules she has taken an oath in blood to uphold. Her journey begins with her doubts over her relationship with Clarence, who seems to be going through a mid-Vampire-life crisis.

As we saw in The Stray Witch, wherever Alba goes there seems to be chaos following in her wake. In the Witch’s Mirror, this is no different. Peril ensues for herself and those that Alba cares about. Can she save the only people who have shown her any care and consideration from a fate worse than death?

As I have made my way through the four books that so far make up this world, I have found that I have been drawn more and more into caring about the characters that Eva has created. In the progression of this story we find greater depth of understanding into the psyche of a two hundred year old vampire who is struggling to accept his feelings for a witch. I loved how we learned that a fierce paranormal being has such vulnerabilities.

If you are a reader of the paranormal/romance genre you will love this book. The romance element is charming and heartfelt. After reading the first book I had expressed a wish for slightly more steam, however, through reading the whole series and coming to understand the characters more I now feel the expression of love that is evoked is purely magical.

[Lubov Leonova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging read

This is the second book from the series that I read, and I was pleasantly surprised by the progress in developing the plot and relationships between the characters. 

In this story Alba will travel to Italy as she wants to develop her witchcraft skills. I really enjoyed the unusual, close to medieval setting of this novel, and very realistic description of wintery Italian landscapes. 

This book has several new, interesting characters who perfectly compliment the story. I enjoyed the ways Alba interacts with them and learns more about the supernatural world. Also, she slowly grows her own power and stops being a helpless rookie.

I recommend this story for everyone who likes a good romance set in a supernatural world.

[Helena Craggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical story.
Witch’s Mirror is the sequel to Stray Witch, and although I loved Stray Witch, Alton has excelled herself with this book. I adore Alba, the incompetent stray witch, and love Clarence, the debonair vampire. The setting of Italy is beautifully written, and the intrigue, magic and suspense are compelling. It’s a definite page-turner! I am invested in the budding romance between the flawed Alba and the equally flawed, two-hundred-year-old vampire, Clarence. I adore Alton’s writing style. She’s clever, witty and alluring in her portrayal of characters and places.
If you read paranormal romance, this is the book for you. I’m so excited about book 3 Witches Masquerade. Alton is a magical weaver of words, and if you’ve not read her books, you should!

[Helen Whistberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series that follows the misadventures of Alba, a "stray witch" who belongs to no coven and doesn't fully understand her powers or how to use them, and Clarence, a gentleman vampire with conflicted feelings about getting involved with a human. One of the fun things about it for me are that Alba and Clarence are both messy characters, something I feel like we don't see enough of in fantasy fiction. They are conflicted and confused, often not in control of their situation, and they make mistakes. In this second outing, Alba sets off to Italy to try to find out more about her magical abilities only to end up dragging herself and her friends into horrific danger. The stakes are high, and it is so easy to sympathize with our heroine as she does her best under very trying circumstances. Relatable characters, secrets, and slow-burn romance make this feel like a cozy mystery with a layer of fantasy for added interest and fun. Recommend for fans of supernatural fantasy that isn't too super dark or sexy and focuses more on characters than gore.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting on pins and needles waiting for this book. And I wasn’t disappointed. Witch’s Mirror continues the story of Alba and our dashing vampire, Clarence who we 1st meet in The Stray Witch. This second in the series has adept plotting, with unexpected and highly satisfying twists and turns. Although Mirrors can be read as a stand-alone, Alba is growing stronger, more self assured without losing her sense of irony and humor. As a non-reader of the paranormal romance genre, I admit I’m a bit stunned at my attraction to Clarence - our handsome, complex, hero. It’s only Alton’s excellent talent that could make me, of all people, fall in love with a debonair, fang-toothed, occasionally thirsty vampire. And it’s only Alton that could make me wait on pins and needles for the 3rd book.

Ms .Alton continues to show she’s on the rise. She never fails to disappoint. I highly recommend this book.

[Annie thebooksengine · Rating 3 out of 5]

un poco más de magia y brujas y menos vampiros, no sé qué prefiero (vampiros siempre)

[Charlotte Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to Stray Witch continues the glorious journey of Alba, a woman who has been through so much already in life and has just discovered she is a witch. Having found herself in demand from a local vampire community, she is beginning to find her way again. She and Clarence explore their tentative relationship more in this book when they come to face a possible existence without each other. The characters are incredibly believable and you can't help but grow attached to them...well, not all of them, as Alton does a fantastic job of giving her readers a character to despise too!!

Alba might not be the strong 'in your face' heroine that other stories offer, but that makes her, and these books, all the more endearing to me. I'm rooting for her with every turn of the page. She is gentle and self-doubting at times, which we all can be, but she is also quietly tenacious and resilient. I adore her. Clarence will make you swoon, and you will want to be more like Francesca in many ways!! The relationship between Clarence and Alba will keep you guessing all the way through...will their love for each other be strong enough to pursue?

[Helena Craggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry I forgot to post this Ms Alton! Better late than never.
Witch’s Mirror is the sequel to Stray Witch, and although I loved Stray Witch, Alton has excelled herself with this book. I adore Alba, the incompetent stray witch, and love Clarence, the debonair vampire. The setting of Italy is beautifully written, and the intrigue, magic and suspense are compelling. It’s a definite page-turner! I am invested in the budding romance between the flawed Alba and the equally flawed, two-hundred-year-old vampire, Clarence. I adore Alton’s writing style. She’s clever, witty and alluring in her portrayal of characters and places.
If you read paranormal romance, this is the book for you. I’m so excited about book 3 Witches Masquerade. Alton is a magical weaver of words, and if you’ve not read her books, you should!

[Danni Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

With characteristic eloquence, Alton brilliantly carries the momentum of the first novel into this stunning sequel. Perhaps somewhat darker, and even more intense, than its predecessor, this book has everything that I ADORE about this series. There were many moments, whether tender or tragic, that made me want to pause and cry, but I couldn’t because I absolutely HAD to find out what was going to happen next! Also, as a literature nerd, I LOVED the epigraph from Shakespeare's Hamlet and how it related to the plot and themes!
SO excited for the third book!!

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch's Mirror is the second in the Vampires of Emberbury series by Eva Alton.

Honestly, I don't think anything I can say in this review will do this book, series, and Eva's writing justice. Eva weaves a story filled with details, scenery, brilliant characters and pure excitement. I stayed up late to finish Witch's Mirror as I just HAD to know what happened. I'm already counting down the days until the next book is released.

Witch's Mirror is fast paced, full of twists, turns and you'll be sure to gasp out loud a few times. I had to keep turning pages to find out what happened next. Certain characters had me shouting at the book, willing them to disappear. Other characters I couldn't get enough of.

Eva has perfectly balanced this book with adventure, tender moments, and humour. As any good book should, it has left me wanting more. Thank you for allowing me to escape into a magical world of vampires and witches.

[Victoria Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Alton's second book in the Vampires of Emberbury series was a thrilling follow up to book one. Eva is a great storyteller, and she drives the plot forward, switching from Alba to Clarence's POV flawlessly. This time I really felt immersed in the world, totally feeling for each of the characters; they are both so well rounded, very likable, though at times I felt like Alba needed to fight back more. When she gets taken by a horrible group of witches, I was practically hopping up and down, screaming, 'don't drink the tea!!!'. But then that's why we love her; she is gentle and is still building up her courage after being with such a terrible husband for so long. Clarence is a sweetheart, but this time I loved how Eva gave us more back story, more depth to his character. The scenes with them together are so sweet and also...no spoilers, but a certain toothy scene comes to mind! More of that, please! :)
The last third of the book was action-packed, and I loved the ending, its left me wanting Witches Masquerade, which is on my TBR list when it comes out. Thank you, Eva! Brilliant.

[Julie Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-turning magical thrills

I enjoyed the second instalment of Alba and Clarence’s story as much as the first. Alba is trying to learn her craft, since as a stray witch, she knows nothing of how to wield her power. She is lured to Italy to learn more, but not everyone she meets is as they seem. Danger lurks for both Alba and her vampire love, Clarence. I’m looking forward to the continuation of their story!

[Borbala Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected, this sequel to Stray Witch has perfectly executed writing with lovely romantic scenes. The story was good, though sometims I wanted to strangle Alba for accepting her fate too easily.

[Jael · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fun read. Vampires, romance, witches. What more do you want?

[Author Raven Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel!

I couldn’t wait for the next book to come out and I wasn’t disappointed! I read this book straight through in one sitting. Clarence is still my fav, though I wouldn’t mind some Carlo. 🤣 can’t wait for the third one to come out!

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been tired all day today, and this book is entirely to blame. Had it not been so ridiculously engaging, I may have actually gotten a reasonable night's sleep. But nooooo. It was all exciting and witty, and don't even get me started on the spicy vampire kisses or the barely restrained emotions that were bound to explode in a burst of fiery heat at any blessed moment. I mean, come on. And the twists & turns? Even better than the first, which I thought was impossible, but here we are. Sleep deprived, yes, but oh so satisfied.

Thank you, Eva Alton, for continuing to work magic with your words.

[mildred pamblanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inversión

Esta serie sale demasiado costosa para lo que ofrece. No la voy a seguir porque la protagonista no mejora y me aburre.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Witch’s Mirror” is the second book in the “Vampires of the Emberbury” series by Eva Alton. I enjoyed the first book “Stray Witch” so much that I went on reading the second one right away. And after reading the second, I dived right into the third.

“Witch’s Mirror” has a darker edge to it. Alba, the witch who still doesn’t know what to do with her abilities and if she is able to get them under control, finds herself in the epicentre of centuries-long feuds between different paranormal creatures. And those are no joking battles.

There is a lot of action in the book with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Vampires and witches act just like one would expect from them – being creatures of the darkness and all. So, be prepared for some serious blood-shedding and sinister torture chambers hidden in the labyrinths of the romantic channels of beautiful Venice.

My special thanks to the author go for… Carlo. I won’t spoil the pleasure for you, but the guy is a treasure. Every book needs a side character like him.

Set against the backdrop of the charming landscape of Italy, the book transports readers into the world of powerful magic, spells, and incantations, with vampires managing the international businesses and vampire hunters, whose influence and wealth match those of their enemies.

[Eleanor Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting follow-up to Stray Witch! The stakes (pun intended!) were raised in ways I couldn't have predicted and the story took twists and turns that had me gasping aloud at points - and foundations were laid for the third book which gave me chills with the suggestions of what is still to come.

Alba travels to Italy in search of answers, struggling to learn more about being a witch on her own. But there's more to the trip than she knows, and it takes a darker turn than she ever could have expected. The friends she makes can't all be trusted but she makes allies in unlikely places too, meaning no-one can be trusted and I was kept on my toes trying to work out which side each character was really on. Even while the situation turns more and more dire, the romance and beauty of Alba and Clarence's relationship shines brightly despite their rocky start - although things only get worse for them.

The ending literally blew me away, I loved every page of the book and I can't wait for the next book to come out!!

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Vampires of Emberbury I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to read book 3. I love the characters Alba who is a strong, sassy and stubborn witch who loves Clarence a sexy vampire who hasn’t been around because of his work which leaves Alba feeling lonely until she gets a message that sends Alba to Italy where her adventure awaits. Sorry guys no spoilers this story begins where Stray Witch finished and I can’t wait to see what happens next and I definitely recommend this book/ series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel to Stray Witch & am looking forward to Book 3! Our main characters both have to go through some tough growth...and plenty of pain along the way...in this book. There’s some lovely romance (nothing explicit) & fun new characters, settings, & worldbuilding. Quick, enjoyable read!

4.5 stars

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first I really Enjoyed the story and the writing style of this series. Beautifully broken came to mind as I read the last line. Looking forward to continuing the series to find out what happens!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! If you like a mix of fantasy and magic with romance thrown in, you will enjoy this story. There is a mix of witches and vampires and lots of twists and turns.

[Hayley Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really enjoyed the second book of this series, the story was fast paced and action packed. Can’t wait to read the next one