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Broomsticks & Books #1
I Dream of Witches
Daphne Alcott and her familiar, Dolly, return home to Shadow Woods after four exciting years at the Havenwood Academy for Brilliant Young Witches in Missouri. Her grandmother, Arabella, is excited to receive them and thrilled to finally get some help at the family’s business, The Bright Light Bookstore.
In coming back home, she’s reminded of the importance of family. Her older brother, Matthew, is glad to see her return. However, he’s still reluctant to accept her friendship with heiress Elizabeth Evanston. Despite his differences with the rich Evanston girl, Matthew shares one thing in common with her. They both love Daphne to pieces.
With advanced spellcasting skills and a newfound love for photography, Daphne is thrilled to start a new chapter in Shadow Woods.
However, things soon turn upside down when she’s snapping photos of the lake with Dolly, and they find the body of a drowned young woman. A few days back in her hometown and she’s already entangled in a murder investigation.
Daphne didn’t do anything wrong! After all, she didn’t even know the woman.
Amidst the calamity and confusion, Daphne begins to have a crush on the fresh-faced history professor who keeps stopping by her bookstore. He’s a mortal, so she’s convinced nothing will ever work between them, but a tiny flicker of hope remains in her mind…
It doesn’t take long for Daphne to start unraveling the truth behind what happened at the lake. The revelations begin a domino effect that makes her question what truly happened to her parents, who disappeared nearly two decades ago.
They were dead! Grandma Arabella always said so. However, she might not be so sure anymore…
In coming back home, she’s reminded of the importance of family. Her older brother, Matthew, is glad to see her return. However, he’s still reluctant to accept her friendship with heiress Elizabeth Evanston. Despite his differences with the rich Evanston girl, Matthew shares one thing in common with her. They both love Daphne to pieces.
With advanced spellcasting skills and a newfound love for photography, Daphne is thrilled to start a new chapter in Shadow Woods.
However, things soon turn upside down when she’s snapping photos of the lake with Dolly, and they find the body of a drowned young woman. A few days back in her hometown and she’s already entangled in a murder investigation.
Daphne didn’t do anything wrong! After all, she didn’t even know the woman.
Amidst the calamity and confusion, Daphne begins to have a crush on the fresh-faced history professor who keeps stopping by her bookstore. He’s a mortal, so she’s convinced nothing will ever work between them, but a tiny flicker of hope remains in her mind…
It doesn’t take long for Daphne to start unraveling the truth behind what happened at the lake. The revelations begin a domino effect that makes her question what truly happened to her parents, who disappeared nearly two decades ago.
They were dead! Grandma Arabella always said so. However, she might not be so sure anymore…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2022
671 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
241 books348 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 17, 2024
I grew up on Lisa Frank, so if you slap an adorable kitten on something I am going to buy it. This book, however, was arguably not good. It was 95 percent dialogue. And the dialogue was pretty stiff. In my head, everyone had robot voices. There is no atmosphere. Characters come and go with no development. Oh, and the actual magic was more sparse than the before photos on hair growth commercial.
But you know what, I wouldn't consider it among the worst books I have read. I actually give this book extra points because I am aware this is a self published work, and I am guessing that the author doesn't have a team behind her proofing her work. That is beyond admirable and I recognize that intense level of work.
This book promised me a cozy whodunit. And while I was wondering if we were cosplaying as Scooby Doo at times (Daphne, straight to jail for interfering with an active investigation), it still had a few key elements that upgrades a book out of the one star realm. It wasn't pretentious. And it delivered on its cozy promise. 1.75.
P.S. this book would have been better if Daphne was the killer.
But you know what, I wouldn't consider it among the worst books I have read. I actually give this book extra points because I am aware this is a self published work, and I am guessing that the author doesn't have a team behind her proofing her work. That is beyond admirable and I recognize that intense level of work.
This book promised me a cozy whodunit. And while I was wondering if we were cosplaying as Scooby Doo at times (Daphne, straight to jail for interfering with an active investigation), it still had a few key elements that upgrades a book out of the one star realm. It wasn't pretentious. And it delivered on its cozy promise. 1.75.
P.S. this book would have been better if Daphne was the killer.
August 8, 2022
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is a new and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Based in the same little town where Reva Brennan and her hotel of ghosts next to the cemetery. A young witch back home from four years at a Magic Academy in Missouri. Comes home to work in your grandmother‘s bookstore and take over the rains. Someone she just happens to you briefly see a party her friend threw for her is involved in a mystery and now she must solve the mystery to help clear her name. Read down and follow the adventures of this young witch and her grandmother and other friends as they interweave with reva’s husband the detective and keep out of the way of the Mundanes who seem a bit on The skittish each time they hear anything about witches. A fun and entertaining new series. Check it out
This is a new and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Based in the same little town where Reva Brennan and her hotel of ghosts next to the cemetery. A young witch back home from four years at a Magic Academy in Missouri. Comes home to work in your grandmother‘s bookstore and take over the rains. Someone she just happens to you briefly see a party her friend threw for her is involved in a mystery and now she must solve the mystery to help clear her name. Read down and follow the adventures of this young witch and her grandmother and other friends as they interweave with reva’s husband the detective and keep out of the way of the Mundanes who seem a bit on The skittish each time they hear anything about witches. A fun and entertaining new series. Check it out
October 19, 2022
Daphne has barely settled into her old room in her grandmother's house--after four years at a witch's academy--when she spits a body in a lake and brings it to shore. It's a girl she met briefly at a party!
Horrified and incensed that a girl's life was taken so senselessly, Daphne decides to help as much as she can--and get justice--by investigating in tandem with Detective Carver.
I read another series by the same author that was polished and well written. So when I started this book I was convinced it had to have been an earlier effort (maybe her first book). Because it reads like a pre-Beta draft. There are dozens of mistakes, repeated (not varied) phrases, and so-much-explaining over and over and over about how wonderful Lucas was, what his plans were, blah, blah, blah, and his friends must all be excellent people--like he was--by association. Some things need to be reviewed for the reader, but it was agonizing after the 4th or 5th time!
Daphne can't seem to make up her mind about which guy she likes, so she thinks the same things repeatedly. And everyone is certain the "case" would not have been solved without her. Because the policeman was somehow not capable of interviewing anyone? I don't understand why.
I was unhappily disappointed with the quality of the story, which was uninspired, and the absence of a good editor. The book had potential, but nothing materialized.
2.4/5 Needs a good editor & more!
Horrified and incensed that a girl's life was taken so senselessly, Daphne decides to help as much as she can--and get justice--by investigating in tandem with Detective Carver.
I read another series by the same author that was polished and well written. So when I started this book I was convinced it had to have been an earlier effort (maybe her first book). Because it reads like a pre-Beta draft. There are dozens of mistakes, repeated (not varied) phrases, and so-much-explaining over and over and over about how wonderful Lucas was, what his plans were, blah, blah, blah, and his friends must all be excellent people--like he was--by association. Some things need to be reviewed for the reader, but it was agonizing after the 4th or 5th time!
Daphne can't seem to make up her mind about which guy she likes, so she thinks the same things repeatedly. And everyone is certain the "case" would not have been solved without her. Because the policeman was somehow not capable of interviewing anyone? I don't understand why.
I was unhappily disappointed with the quality of the story, which was uninspired, and the absence of a good editor. The book had potential, but nothing materialized.
2.4/5 Needs a good editor & more!
August 7, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. I read until the end to find out who the murderer was. I felt like I was watching middle schoolers trying to behave the way they thought adults should behave and getting it wrong. No more for me.
October 6, 2023
Daphne Alcott and her familiar Dolly have returned from four years at Havenwood Academy. She's excited to see her brother Matthew, his daughter Alecia, her grandmother Arabella and her best friend Lizzy. Matt and Daphne reminisce about their older brother Lucas, on the way home. He died in a plane crash years ago and they both still miss him.
Their grandmother Arabella raised the three of them after their parents died twenty years ago. Daphne will be taking over the everyday tasks at the family bookstore.
Her best friend Lizzy has a welcome home party for her and one of the people there is Lucas' best friend John Fitzsimmons. She didn't expect to see him at all, they weren't exactly in the same social class.
Shadow Woods has always been a haven for witches, they could live side by side with the mundane in peace. There's an increasing distrust of witches and the threat of being run out of town has them hiding their powers.
After her first shift at the bookstore, Daphne decides to take Dolly and indulge in her passion for photography. The lake surrounded by the forest the town is named for is her destination but what she finds instead of the tranquility she's looking for will change everything.
In spite of what she promises the Detective Carver, who happens to be a witch, Daphne finds herself entrenched in finding the person responsible for Gabriela's death.
On top of that she's running the bookstore and has an interest in a customer, Thomas Hayes. Although a mundane he is kind and seems to like her. John Fitzsimmons also seems very interested in her and not as just a friend.
There is plenty of suspense and intrigue as this story unfolds, along with budding romance.
Their grandmother Arabella raised the three of them after their parents died twenty years ago. Daphne will be taking over the everyday tasks at the family bookstore.
Her best friend Lizzy has a welcome home party for her and one of the people there is Lucas' best friend John Fitzsimmons. She didn't expect to see him at all, they weren't exactly in the same social class.
Shadow Woods has always been a haven for witches, they could live side by side with the mundane in peace. There's an increasing distrust of witches and the threat of being run out of town has them hiding their powers.
After her first shift at the bookstore, Daphne decides to take Dolly and indulge in her passion for photography. The lake surrounded by the forest the town is named for is her destination but what she finds instead of the tranquility she's looking for will change everything.
In spite of what she promises the Detective Carver, who happens to be a witch, Daphne finds herself entrenched in finding the person responsible for Gabriela's death.
On top of that she's running the bookstore and has an interest in a customer, Thomas Hayes. Although a mundane he is kind and seems to like her. John Fitzsimmons also seems very interested in her and not as just a friend.
There is plenty of suspense and intrigue as this story unfolds, along with budding romance.
May 18, 2023
Homecoming
Welcome home Daphne, meet all these people you barely know and you never even met. Elizabeth is a great friend, the best, just a little misguided at times. So Daphne is a bit overwhelmed by all the people at her welcoming back party she has never met. When she discovers one of the guests floating in a nearby lake, she becomes a suspect. In order to clear her name, Daphne involves herself in the investigation. Come to find out, her Grandmother held the smoking gun to clear her name all along. Nice twist!
This is a fun, clean read. The speech and flow of the book is a bit awkward though. It’s so formal it almost feels like a British novelist wrote this. Not so distracting to stop reading. Just enough for it to be noticeable.
Welcome home Daphne, meet all these people you barely know and you never even met. Elizabeth is a great friend, the best, just a little misguided at times. So Daphne is a bit overwhelmed by all the people at her welcoming back party she has never met. When she discovers one of the guests floating in a nearby lake, she becomes a suspect. In order to clear her name, Daphne involves herself in the investigation. Come to find out, her Grandmother held the smoking gun to clear her name all along. Nice twist!
This is a fun, clean read. The speech and flow of the book is a bit awkward though. It’s so formal it almost feels like a British novelist wrote this. Not so distracting to stop reading. Just enough for it to be noticeable.
August 8, 2022
Daphne and her familiar Dolly return to her hometown after four years at the Havenwood Academy. helping our with the family bookstore business
Since her departure, once wild child Lucas has settled down to raise his daughter and run his own mechanics shop.
Clues that touch on the pasts and present of several prominent townspeople might be hard to hear, yet potentially very insightful
tangled allies, enemies and betrayals make for intense and sometimes steamy drama and action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Since her departure, once wild child Lucas has settled down to raise his daughter and run his own mechanics shop.
Clues that touch on the pasts and present of several prominent townspeople might be hard to hear, yet potentially very insightful
tangled allies, enemies and betrayals make for intense and sometimes steamy drama and action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2023
Cute
Daphne, a young witch, and her familiar, Dolly, return home to Shadow Woods after four years away. When she finds the body of a friend of her deceased brother, she feels like she needs to investigate especially since the police have named her as a suspect. While searching for clues, she finds information about her parents who were killed twenty years prior....or, where they?
Daphne, a young witch, and her familiar, Dolly, return home to Shadow Woods after four years away. When she finds the body of a friend of her deceased brother, she feels like she needs to investigate especially since the police have named her as a suspect. While searching for clues, she finds information about her parents who were killed twenty years prior....or, where they?
August 8, 2022
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Daphne Alcott and her familiar dolly are back home in shadow wood after 4 yrs away in school to find herself involved in a murder and to clear her name she has to gets to know everyone again .Fantastic story
August 22, 2023
A very wooden read
I'm not a fan of this kind of writing. It felt really wooden and the characters didn't develop any kind of personality. The ending is very poor. She says who did it and thats the end of the story. No arrest or interview with the suspect. I'm not going to read anymore of the series. Very disappointing
I'm not a fan of this kind of writing. It felt really wooden and the characters didn't develop any kind of personality. The ending is very poor. She says who did it and thats the end of the story. No arrest or interview with the suspect. I'm not going to read anymore of the series. Very disappointing
September 20, 2022
Odd homecoming
Too much has changed while Daphne was away at a witch college. Her hometown has become fearful of the witches who live there. There have also been a number of murders blamed on witches in general.
Too much has changed while Daphne was away at a witch college. Her hometown has become fearful of the witches who live there. There have also been a number of murders blamed on witches in general.
May 14, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. There were witches, a familiar, a murder and a lot of unanswered questions. The fact that the murder in this book was solved gave some closure, but too questions were presented to call it a stand alone book.
I really enjoyed this book. There were witches, a familiar, a murder and a lot of unanswered questions. The fact that the murder in this book was solved gave some closure, but too questions were presented to call it a stand alone book.
September 23, 2022
dreaming about how the sequels will pan out
Very enjoyable book
Looking forward to seeing relationships and mysteries evolve.
I think my favorite character is Elizabeth so far!
Very enjoyable book
Looking forward to seeing relationships and mysteries evolve.
I think my favorite character is Elizabeth so far!
September 24, 2022
Amazing start!
Sara Bourgeois’s books are always so good. This one had me so surprised by who the killer was. Extremely fun read.
Sara Bourgeois’s books are always so good. This one had me so surprised by who the killer was. Extremely fun read.
September 26, 2022
I Dream of Witches (Book 1)
I enjoy stories of witches as you don’t have any idea what will happen. The author is a creative writer.
I enjoy stories of witches as you don’t have any idea what will happen. The author is a creative writer.
September 28, 2022
Not bed
Over all this is a good book. I love the fact that it is in Shadow Woods. I love the other series. However, this seems to ramble from time to time.
Over all this is a good book. I love the fact that it is in Shadow Woods. I love the other series. However, this seems to ramble from time to time.
November 18, 2022
I dream of witches
A very good story line and well developed characters. The tale keeps you reading as the twists and turns just keep on coming.!
A very good story line and well developed characters. The tale keeps you reading as the twists and turns just keep on coming.!
December 25, 2022
Excellent
Fantastic story line. Keeps your attention until the very end. Leaves you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next episode.
Fantastic story line. Keeps your attention until the very end. Leaves you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next episode.
March 16, 2023
This started out as a good fun read. It quickly turned into a maze with no way out. I kept hoping the book would change course and became an interesting read. Unfortunately, it did not.
March 19, 2023
Lot's going on
The author has created an interesting and unique plot to go with a great group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an interesting and unique plot to go with a great group of characters making this hard to put down
November 20, 2023
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
October 10, 2022
Witches
Love Sara Bourgeois books. They are excited happy full of love and information including an extra amount and mystery which keeps you hanging on through the entire book.
Love Sara Bourgeois books. They are excited happy full of love and information including an extra amount and mystery which keeps you hanging on through the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews