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Spellbound Falls #8
Call It Magic
The latest magical romance in the Spellbound Falls series from the New York Times bestselling author of From Kiss to Queen and The Highlander Next Door
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine where love is the greatest magic of all...
Katy MacBain moved to Spellbound Falls with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn't understand why Gunnar Wolfe the town's interim fire chief and her boss seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she's more attracted to him than she's ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn't give up and he's resolved to find out what's wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he's naturally protective of her, but he's surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so...magical.
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine where love is the greatest magic of all...
Katy MacBain moved to Spellbound Falls with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn't understand why Gunnar Wolfe the town's interim fire chief and her boss seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she's more attracted to him than she's ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn't give up and he's resolved to find out what's wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he's naturally protective of her, but he's surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so...magical.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 5, 2020
294 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
Janet Chapman
28 books1,114 followersJanuary 22, 1956 – October 28, 2017
Hey guys its Jessica. Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. I apologize for the long overdue wait for Janet’s next book. You’ve all been very patient and loyal fans that she loves. She has been working on this book over the last year and a half while dealing with her battle with cancer. It saddens me to say that she peacefully lost this battle this past weekend while her family was by her side. I apologize if this feels sudden, she was a very private person even to her family. And she truly thought of all of you as her family. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Janet Chapman is the author of twenty-two contemporary and magical romance novels, all of which are set in her beautiful state of Maine. She lives in a cozy log home on a beautiful lake with her husband, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of wildlife that she finds both entertaining and inspiring. Probably best known for her Highlander Series (a saga of twelfth century warriors rebuilding their clans in modern-day Maine that now spans three generations), Janet also has two spin-off magical series (Midnight Bay & Spellbound Falls) and several contemporary family series set on the coast and in the mountains. With over three million books printed in six languages, her stories regularly appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller’s lists.
When she’s not writing (well, when she should to be writing but isn’t), Janet and her husband are traveling the state in their camper throughout all four seasons; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and generally rubbing elbows with Mother Nature while always keeping an eye out for colorful new characters—human and beast—to put in her stories.
author's obituary
Hey guys its Jessica. Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. I apologize for the long overdue wait for Janet’s next book. You’ve all been very patient and loyal fans that she loves. She has been working on this book over the last year and a half while dealing with her battle with cancer. It saddens me to say that she peacefully lost this battle this past weekend while her family was by her side. I apologize if this feels sudden, she was a very private person even to her family. And she truly thought of all of you as her family. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Janet Chapman is the author of twenty-two contemporary and magical romance novels, all of which are set in her beautiful state of Maine. She lives in a cozy log home on a beautiful lake with her husband, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of wildlife that she finds both entertaining and inspiring. Probably best known for her Highlander Series (a saga of twelfth century warriors rebuilding their clans in modern-day Maine that now spans three generations), Janet also has two spin-off magical series (Midnight Bay & Spellbound Falls) and several contemporary family series set on the coast and in the mountains. With over three million books printed in six languages, her stories regularly appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller’s lists.
When she’s not writing (well, when she should to be writing but isn’t), Janet and her husband are traveling the state in their camper throughout all four seasons; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and generally rubbing elbows with Mother Nature while always keeping an eye out for colorful new characters—human and beast—to put in her stories.
author's obituary
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 6, 2020
December 19, 2019
Yes, I did receive an ARC, and I'm finding it a little disconcerting to read a book written by a deceased author. I think that another author has had a (tiny) hand in this book, and of course, that is not wholly unexpected. I see Janet's creativity, style and story-telling all over this book. As a matter of fact, I think that if this author did a little more studying of Janet's style of flawed, sometimes physically flawed characters, magic, and fantasy with a dollop of hotness, they could really make a go of keeping this series alive. There are enough kids, nieces, and nephews to keep this series going for decades. Well, enough of my opining and onto the review: I am going to start by telling you that this book deals with a very sensitive topic *Spoiler Alert*. If you do select this book and I hope you do and are wondering why this author would choose this subject, then I suggest you actually start this book by reading both of the Letters From the Author first. You will find these at the back of the book. -this will explain the why of it.
What amazes me, Gunner (who you meet in From Kiss to Queen is not the one with magic. I was surprised since so many (not all mind you) of the past books have the Alpha males generally being the ones with magic. Gunner was just not as Alpha-ish as the males in previous books.
This book follows most of the same formulas as the past novels, although it seemed to me that there was just a tad more swearing in this than other books.
I love that Katy got the same magic as her mother Libby had (Wedding the Highlander).
Please do not make this the first book of Ms. Chapman's that you read. You may find it unnerving to understand so much backstory. What I loved most is that past characters from most of the separate series are talked about or included in this book. This is a book for fans of Ms. Chapman's. And a fitting tribute to the late author. I will be re-reading this today and also re-reading Ms. Chapman's entire library.
*ARC supplied by the Publisher.
NEWEST UPDATE! August 21,2019
Call It Magic-is up for preorder at Amazon. May 5, 2020, is the delivery date.
Synopsis: "The latest magical romance in the Spellbound Falls series from the New York Times bestselling author of From Kiss to Queen and The Highlander Next Door
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine—where love is the greatest magic of all...
Katy MacBain moved to Spellbound Falls with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn’t understand why Gunnar Wolfe—the town’s interim fire chief and her boss—seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she’s more attracted to him than she’s ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn’t give up—and he’s resolved to find out what’s wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he’s naturally protective of her, but he’s surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so...magical."
End Update
UPDATE MARCH 24th 2019
Janet Chapman, Author
Hello Everyone, I'm sorry for the silence over the past year. It's been a long process to make sure Janet's last book gets finished. I finally have some good and bad news. The good news is that it will be finished and released!! The bad news is that it has a tentative release date of May 2020. I guess all good things are worth waiting for! Thank you for remaining her loyal fans and being so patient. -Jessica"
This message above was quoted from the FB page of Janet's that I'm still following.
End Update
"It is with my deepest sorrow that I am to inform you of the death of our beloved: Janet Chapman passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 with a long battle of cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Janet was a truly marvelous woman, I will greatly miss her. Please pray for her husband and family. ~Vanetta “keep sprinkling the magic”"
This is one of my very favorite authors -as a matter of fact, I just finished a re-re-re-read of almost all her books, last week. I had a suspicion that something like this was going to happen when her next book publication date kept changing and Amazon made it "not available" instead of pre-order. I will miss this author's wonderful way with words, magic, and love -nobody can ever take her place.
I always hope that I stay alive long enough for my favorite authors to finish their series -but I have never thought about the fact that *they* can die before they have finished. This loss brings that fact home to me.
Yes, I did receive an ARC, and I'm finding it a little disconcerting to read a book written by a deceased author. I think that another author has had a (tiny) hand in this book, and of course, that is not wholly unexpected. I see Janet's creativity, style and story-telling all over this book. As a matter of fact, I think that if this author did a little more studying of Janet's style of flawed, sometimes physically flawed characters, magic, and fantasy with a dollop of hotness, they could really make a go of keeping this series alive. There are enough kids, nieces, and nephews to keep this series going for decades. Well, enough of my opining and onto the review: I am going to start by telling you that this book deals with a very sensitive topic *Spoiler Alert*. If you do select this book and I hope you do and are wondering why this author would choose this subject, then I suggest you actually start this book by reading both of the Letters From the Author first. You will find these at the back of the book. -this will explain the why of it.
What amazes me, Gunner (who you meet in From Kiss to Queen is not the one with magic. I was surprised since so many (not all mind you) of the past books have the Alpha males generally being the ones with magic. Gunner was just not as Alpha-ish as the males in previous books.
This book follows most of the same formulas as the past novels, although it seemed to me that there was just a tad more swearing in this than other books.
I love that Katy got the same magic as her mother Libby had (Wedding the Highlander).
Please do not make this the first book of Ms. Chapman's that you read. You may find it unnerving to understand so much backstory. What I loved most is that past characters from most of the separate series are talked about or included in this book. This is a book for fans of Ms. Chapman's. And a fitting tribute to the late author. I will be re-reading this today and also re-reading Ms. Chapman's entire library.
*ARC supplied by the Publisher.
NEWEST UPDATE! August 21,2019
Call It Magic-is up for preorder at Amazon. May 5, 2020, is the delivery date.
Synopsis: "The latest magical romance in the Spellbound Falls series from the New York Times bestselling author of From Kiss to Queen and The Highlander Next Door
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine—where love is the greatest magic of all...
Katy MacBain moved to Spellbound Falls with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn’t understand why Gunnar Wolfe—the town’s interim fire chief and her boss—seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she’s more attracted to him than she’s ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn’t give up—and he’s resolved to find out what’s wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he’s naturally protective of her, but he’s surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so...magical."
End Update
UPDATE MARCH 24th 2019
Janet Chapman, Author
Hello Everyone, I'm sorry for the silence over the past year. It's been a long process to make sure Janet's last book gets finished. I finally have some good and bad news. The good news is that it will be finished and released!! The bad news is that it has a tentative release date of May 2020. I guess all good things are worth waiting for! Thank you for remaining her loyal fans and being so patient. -Jessica"
This message above was quoted from the FB page of Janet's that I'm still following.
End Update
"It is with my deepest sorrow that I am to inform you of the death of our beloved: Janet Chapman passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 with a long battle of cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Janet was a truly marvelous woman, I will greatly miss her. Please pray for her husband and family. ~Vanetta “keep sprinkling the magic”"
This is one of my very favorite authors -as a matter of fact, I just finished a re-re-re-read of almost all her books, last week. I had a suspicion that something like this was going to happen when her next book publication date kept changing and Amazon made it "not available" instead of pre-order. I will miss this author's wonderful way with words, magic, and love -nobody can ever take her place.
I always hope that I stay alive long enough for my favorite authors to finish their series -but I have never thought about the fact that *they* can die before they have finished. This loss brings that fact home to me.
May 7, 2020
Writing this review is so hard for me. It is because this is the last piece of work published by an author who has long been of favorite of mine. I remember when I learned of her passing in October of 2017 and how shocked and saddened I was. I was so sad for her family. I always felt that in order to create her lovely stories, that she appeared, in my mind at least, to be a gentle soul. I can still see myself standing in front of my "keeper bookcase" looking at all her books (which I have) and have loved and re-read several times. From the very first book I picked up years ago in the "new paperbacks" section, "Charming the Highlander," to this last one, she had me in the palm of her hand. I always eagerly awaited her next book to see what her beloved, mystical "ancient" Highlanders were up to with the "moderns." I had never been to Maine, but her descriptions of the beauty of the land, nature and even the mind-blowing amounts of snow there captivated me. Her characters were far from perfect but always beautifully, humanly flawed. I just loved each and every one of them and so enjoyed seeing where they were in their lives with each new book. Ms. Chapman had a rare talent in which her writing easily transported the reader to a time and place where magic not only existed, but you had no doubt about it. That there is, indeed, a mountain in Maine where ancient highlanders were transported to modern times. And, on that mountain of giants, magic existed. The stories were always guaranteed to leave me sighing with a huge smile on my face. They were full of love, family, laughter and fierce loyalty to friends and family. And, they were all told with that special touch of magic. I couldn't wait to go back to that enchanted mountaintop in Maine to spend more time with the MacBains, MacKeage's, Gregor's, the Oceanus's and the Sinclairs. So, I will try not to be sad that I will not be able to look forward to another new adventure from Janet Chapman. She left a wonderful legacy in her stories to still be enjoyed and savored for years to come. For it has always been the magic of Janet Chapman that made these books so very special to me.
“The magic is real, people; as real as the sunrise, the ebb and flow of the tides, the haunted call of a loon, that unseen fish tugging on the end of a line, the birth of a baby, the death of a loved one. The problem, in my opinion, is that these things seem so everyday ordinary that we forget how extraordinary they are.” —Janet Chapman
“The magic is real, people; as real as the sunrise, the ebb and flow of the tides, the haunted call of a loon, that unseen fish tugging on the end of a line, the birth of a baby, the death of a loved one. The problem, in my opinion, is that these things seem so everyday ordinary that we forget how extraordinary they are.” —Janet Chapman
May 8, 2020
Gunnar Wolfe had been looking for Katy McBain at the request of her best friend, Jane, after she went missing after her wilderness rescue course for three weeks. He found her but doesn’t know why she went missing. After becoming fascinated by Katy in his effort to find her, Gunnar maneuvered things so he could be working on the same fire team as Katy as she’s set to start a new job as a paramedic in the small Maine town of Spellbound Falls.
Katy doesn’t want anyone to know what happened after finishing her wilderness rescue course, and she’s been avoiding her best friend’s calls. There’s no better place for her to cleanse her soul than the magical place of Spellbound Falls, starting a new job she’s meant for.
Call it Magic was my first book by Janet Chapman, and I later found out it’s her last book. I think I would’ve benefited by reading the previous books in this series as I felt a little confused at times since there’s mention of past events and couples, as well magical elements that weren’t recapped in this installment. However, I still enjoyed the story and I plan on starting at the beginning, since I really like Ms. Chapman’s writing. The romance between Gunnar and Katy was nice and steady, and chemistry filled. While a sensitive subject is tackled, Katy deals with it by eventually confiding in a couple of people and getting support. I didn’t feel like it overwhelmed the story or made it a harrowing experience to read, and I think it’s because Ms. Chapman specially tried to keep things positive. I love what she said at the end in a letter to her readers: “I don’t care to read, much less write, emotionally draining stories. That doesn’t mean I shy away from the more serious subjects; I simply prefer to use levity to inspire hope.”
A lot of the story focused on Katy becoming part of the fire team as a paramedic, her powers, and getting to know and fall for Gunnar. The small-town setting of Spellbound Falls sounded beautiful and enchanting. There are several fun secondary characters, but I really loved Shiloh, a nine year-old-boy, Katy met on the plane on the way over to Spellbound Falls. They strike up a friendship that continues throughout the story. I think fans of the series will love the last installment. I’ve already downloaded the first book to enjoy the series from the beginning!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
Katy doesn’t want anyone to know what happened after finishing her wilderness rescue course, and she’s been avoiding her best friend’s calls. There’s no better place for her to cleanse her soul than the magical place of Spellbound Falls, starting a new job she’s meant for.
Call it Magic was my first book by Janet Chapman, and I later found out it’s her last book. I think I would’ve benefited by reading the previous books in this series as I felt a little confused at times since there’s mention of past events and couples, as well magical elements that weren’t recapped in this installment. However, I still enjoyed the story and I plan on starting at the beginning, since I really like Ms. Chapman’s writing. The romance between Gunnar and Katy was nice and steady, and chemistry filled. While a sensitive subject is tackled, Katy deals with it by eventually confiding in a couple of people and getting support. I didn’t feel like it overwhelmed the story or made it a harrowing experience to read, and I think it’s because Ms. Chapman specially tried to keep things positive. I love what she said at the end in a letter to her readers: “I don’t care to read, much less write, emotionally draining stories. That doesn’t mean I shy away from the more serious subjects; I simply prefer to use levity to inspire hope.”
A lot of the story focused on Katy becoming part of the fire team as a paramedic, her powers, and getting to know and fall for Gunnar. The small-town setting of Spellbound Falls sounded beautiful and enchanting. There are several fun secondary characters, but I really loved Shiloh, a nine year-old-boy, Katy met on the plane on the way over to Spellbound Falls. They strike up a friendship that continues throughout the story. I think fans of the series will love the last installment. I’ve already downloaded the first book to enjoy the series from the beginning!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Call It Magic is the most recent installment and more than likely the very last book that we will ever receive from this author. For those that aren't aware Janet Chapman passed away a couple of years ago and she had been working on this one when she died from cancer. I honestly never thought that we would actually receive this book to be honest. I have fallen in love with this beautiful and magical world that this author has created. Such wit and depths that are carved into her stories. I will be honest it was quite bittersweet to read this one since I knew this was the last of her work she would ever write. Now it isn't clear if this whole work was all Janet or if they had parts of it filled with a ghostwriter, but whatever happened....it was delivered in such a beautiful way.
Call It Magic is about two of our beloved characters who are both working in the fire department. Katy Macbain (the daughter of the couple in "Wedding The Highlander" is moving to Spellbound Falls, and after some months of being gone where no one knew where she was at, she has become determined to live her own life and be independent from her family who tends to be more than overbearing and protective at times. She landed a job as a EMT in the Fire House. Our hero Gunnar Wolf, doesn't trust Katy fully. There is something about her disappearance for months that doesn't fit, and she is so different from any other woman he has ever known and him being hew new boss brings some complications. But he is spellbound by this mysterious Katy ....
What a breathtakingly beautiful story that this book turned out to be here. I really tried to not have too high expectations but quite frankly this story won my heart in every way. Now at first, you might take a hesitant step in reading this book in seeing that this is a boss and employee story. But I can tell you right now ....do not be concerned. There really was no power dynamics in this one, to be honest. Just respect, consideration and affection. It is more of a slow-building romance and so in-depth in various ways. I won't lie in saying that this book was perfect. There were some ends not tied up and gift wrapped like I would have wanted. There was some confusion about the hero for me. Earlier in the book, the heroine thinks the hero is more "magical" like she is but in the end, he is just a mortal. So that left me confused but considering the circumstances for the author surrounding this book ...I understand. Its a gift for any romance reader and especially beloved fans of Janet Chapman to have received this story.
There is something else that I want to give warning about….SPOILER AHEAD: There is mention of rape in this book. The heroine suffers from sexual assault while “away” as I mentioned previously in the review. And we see her go though aspects of her healing process.
I did love seeing the various characters that we get to see enter into the story here and so many beloved favorites of mine that just makes me want to do a re read of all the connecting books. And we get some new characters and man there was one I had a feeling Janet might have done a story on so that saddens my heart, but will use my own imagination to create her own happy ending for herself and her son who just charmed my heart from beginning to end. The ending was my favorite ....when it comes to epilogues this was one of the most beautiful heartfelt ones I have ever read and brought tears to my eyes. PURE MAGIC from beginning to end.
Overall I found Call It Magic to be a deeply intricate romance that delves into matters of the heart, mythology and beautiful magic!! MEMORABLE TILL THE END!
Call It Magic is the most recent installment and more than likely the very last book that we will ever receive from this author. For those that aren't aware Janet Chapman passed away a couple of years ago and she had been working on this one when she died from cancer. I honestly never thought that we would actually receive this book to be honest. I have fallen in love with this beautiful and magical world that this author has created. Such wit and depths that are carved into her stories. I will be honest it was quite bittersweet to read this one since I knew this was the last of her work she would ever write. Now it isn't clear if this whole work was all Janet or if they had parts of it filled with a ghostwriter, but whatever happened....it was delivered in such a beautiful way.
Call It Magic is about two of our beloved characters who are both working in the fire department. Katy Macbain (the daughter of the couple in "Wedding The Highlander" is moving to Spellbound Falls, and after some months of being gone where no one knew where she was at, she has become determined to live her own life and be independent from her family who tends to be more than overbearing and protective at times. She landed a job as a EMT in the Fire House. Our hero Gunnar Wolf, doesn't trust Katy fully. There is something about her disappearance for months that doesn't fit, and she is so different from any other woman he has ever known and him being hew new boss brings some complications. But he is spellbound by this mysterious Katy ....
Katy lost herself in Gunnar's gaze as a new kind of magic claimed her....seeing the power of their bond, the slow, steady build of passion and connection and yes, love, in the infinite blue of his eyes.
What a breathtakingly beautiful story that this book turned out to be here. I really tried to not have too high expectations but quite frankly this story won my heart in every way. Now at first, you might take a hesitant step in reading this book in seeing that this is a boss and employee story. But I can tell you right now ....do not be concerned. There really was no power dynamics in this one, to be honest. Just respect, consideration and affection. It is more of a slow-building romance and so in-depth in various ways. I won't lie in saying that this book was perfect. There were some ends not tied up and gift wrapped like I would have wanted. There was some confusion about the hero for me. Earlier in the book, the heroine thinks the hero is more "magical" like she is but in the end, he is just a mortal. So that left me confused but considering the circumstances for the author surrounding this book ...I understand. Its a gift for any romance reader and especially beloved fans of Janet Chapman to have received this story.
There is something else that I want to give warning about….SPOILER AHEAD: There is mention of rape in this book. The heroine suffers from sexual assault while “away” as I mentioned previously in the review. And we see her go though aspects of her healing process.
Nothing was taken, and everything was given, as they pressed and wound and wrapped themselves into each other
I did love seeing the various characters that we get to see enter into the story here and so many beloved favorites of mine that just makes me want to do a re read of all the connecting books. And we get some new characters and man there was one I had a feeling Janet might have done a story on so that saddens my heart, but will use my own imagination to create her own happy ending for herself and her son who just charmed my heart from beginning to end. The ending was my favorite ....when it comes to epilogues this was one of the most beautiful heartfelt ones I have ever read and brought tears to my eyes. PURE MAGIC from beginning to end.
Overall I found Call It Magic to be a deeply intricate romance that delves into matters of the heart, mythology and beautiful magic!! MEMORABLE TILL THE END!
April 28, 2023
Such a bittersweet moment to know this is the last story from Janet Chapman!
May 6, 2020
I loved this book and am heartbroken that there will be no more magical books from Janet Chapman. She is one of my favorite authors, and I will miss her and her magical worlds dreadfully.
Katy MacBain is the youngest daughter of Libby and Michael MacBain (Wedding the Highlander). She recently left her job as a real estate agent to become a paramedic. She applied for a job with the Spellbound Falls Fire and Rescue Team but disappeared for three weeks between completing her course in Colorado and arriving in Spellbound Falls. Her best friend, Jane (From Kiss to Queen), worries about Katy, and sends a trusted friend to look for her. I ached for Katy and the problem that haunts her.
Gunnar Wolfe was sent to find Katy and was frustrated at his inability to do so. Joining the Fire and Rescue Team was his last-ditch effort, as he knew she was due in Spellbound Falls by a specific date. He was hired as a firefighter, then as the interim fire chief. Gunnar is intrigued by Katy before he meets her, thanks to the information given to him by Jane before he begins his search.
I loved the first meeting between Katy and Gunnar. There are sparks, but also a little bit of head-butting. Gunnar's fascination with Katy increases, as he also senses that there are things she is hiding. Gunnar tries to fight the attraction, as she works for him, but it is a losing battle. Katy, on the other hand, is all-in and ready to pursue him. I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. First, there is friendship, as Gunnar helps Katy settle into her duties as a paramedic. I liked seeing them spend time together and get to know each other. Gunnar is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the pain he senses in her. I had fun with Katy's belief that Gunnar is an Atlantean and his reactions to some of the things she says. I ached for them both when Katy's issues come between them. It took a long conversation with her mom to work through that which haunts her (and I loved how that conversation came about). I loved Gunnar's patience and sensitivity as he worked his way past her walls. I loved seeing the changes in Katy as she regained her belief in herself. I also enjoyed the changes in Gunnar, as his feelings for Katy transformed him from footloose to ready to settle down. I loved the ending, especially Gunnar's confession of why he was there. The epilogue was terrific. I loved the bit with Jane at the beginning of it (bless her matchmaking little heart) and seeing how other characters are doing.
Another secret that Katy has is the gift that led her to become a paramedic. It isn't something that she can tell other people about, so working as a first responder is the logical way to use it without revealing herself. Gunnar is an inadvertent witness to one instance that puzzles him. He's further confused when he is on the receiving end. I loved the scene at the end when she trusts him enough to ask for his help with Shiloh.
Something I really enjoyed were the scenes involving the fire and rescue crew. Katy has some obstacles to overcome before the other members accept her. I loved that she didn't let it get her down, but worked to overcome them. The prank scene with Katy and Welles was great. I especially enjoyed the way that she foiled their tormentors. The scene at the lake was fantastic. The others' reaction to Katy's handling of the hopped-up druggie was hilarious and won their respect. I also loved the campfire events that Katy started and seeing the effect they had on the skeptics.
I liked the scenes that involved characters from other books. I laughed at how some of Katy's male relatives did a preemptive visit to the firehouse to warn off the men. I enjoyed the scenes with her brother, Robbie, which showed their love for each other as well as some of the more frustrating sibling moments. Titus, Olivia, Duncan, and others make brief appearances.
Katy MacBain is the youngest daughter of Libby and Michael MacBain (Wedding the Highlander). She recently left her job as a real estate agent to become a paramedic. She applied for a job with the Spellbound Falls Fire and Rescue Team but disappeared for three weeks between completing her course in Colorado and arriving in Spellbound Falls. Her best friend, Jane (From Kiss to Queen), worries about Katy, and sends a trusted friend to look for her. I ached for Katy and the problem that haunts her.
Gunnar Wolfe was sent to find Katy and was frustrated at his inability to do so. Joining the Fire and Rescue Team was his last-ditch effort, as he knew she was due in Spellbound Falls by a specific date. He was hired as a firefighter, then as the interim fire chief. Gunnar is intrigued by Katy before he meets her, thanks to the information given to him by Jane before he begins his search.
I loved the first meeting between Katy and Gunnar. There are sparks, but also a little bit of head-butting. Gunnar's fascination with Katy increases, as he also senses that there are things she is hiding. Gunnar tries to fight the attraction, as she works for him, but it is a losing battle. Katy, on the other hand, is all-in and ready to pursue him. I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. First, there is friendship, as Gunnar helps Katy settle into her duties as a paramedic. I liked seeing them spend time together and get to know each other. Gunnar is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the pain he senses in her. I had fun with Katy's belief that Gunnar is an Atlantean and his reactions to some of the things she says. I ached for them both when Katy's issues come between them. It took a long conversation with her mom to work through that which haunts her (and I loved how that conversation came about). I loved Gunnar's patience and sensitivity as he worked his way past her walls. I loved seeing the changes in Katy as she regained her belief in herself. I also enjoyed the changes in Gunnar, as his feelings for Katy transformed him from footloose to ready to settle down. I loved the ending, especially Gunnar's confession of why he was there. The epilogue was terrific. I loved the bit with Jane at the beginning of it (bless her matchmaking little heart) and seeing how other characters are doing.
Another secret that Katy has is the gift that led her to become a paramedic. It isn't something that she can tell other people about, so working as a first responder is the logical way to use it without revealing herself. Gunnar is an inadvertent witness to one instance that puzzles him. He's further confused when he is on the receiving end. I loved the scene at the end when she trusts him enough to ask for his help with Shiloh.
Something I really enjoyed were the scenes involving the fire and rescue crew. Katy has some obstacles to overcome before the other members accept her. I loved that she didn't let it get her down, but worked to overcome them. The prank scene with Katy and Welles was great. I especially enjoyed the way that she foiled their tormentors. The scene at the lake was fantastic. The others' reaction to Katy's handling of the hopped-up druggie was hilarious and won their respect. I also loved the campfire events that Katy started and seeing the effect they had on the skeptics.
I liked the scenes that involved characters from other books. I laughed at how some of Katy's male relatives did a preemptive visit to the firehouse to warn off the men. I enjoyed the scenes with her brother, Robbie, which showed their love for each other as well as some of the more frustrating sibling moments. Titus, Olivia, Duncan, and others make brief appearances.
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July 27, 2018Anxiously waiting for this final book to come out. Janet Chapman was a wonder as an author! I have read all of her books...some many times.
May 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I’m still not sure how I feel about Call It Magic. I was a little confused in the beginning and then things started taking shape as the story went on. I was still confused towards the middle of the book because I wasn’t sure about Gunner or if he did have any magical abilities. But I soldiered on and started really enjoying the story. I’m not sure what Gunner really did for a living. I know he traveled a lot, I know he found people, I know he had a crazy aunt that livened things up in his life. But who was he really? Was he a firefighter? Did he belong in the position that he was in? How did he get where he was? I know that he was compassionate and fiercely loyal and falling in love with Katy. But, was he magical?
Katy was a little confusing at times as well. She ran hot and cold. It wasn’t until you heard her whole story that you understood a little bit of it. She, too, was as loyal as loyal could get. She tried her best to integrate herself with her new team and the townspeople. Her gift allowed her to see and feel things others wouldn’t. That was an asset. And, she thought she knew just who Gunner was. In the end, she found out just how wrong she was, and she couldn’t have been happier.
It’s hard to do a review on a story that you felt confused in. Maybe if I read some of the other Spellbound Falls books, I would have understood it a little more so that’s on me. But it was enjoyable. I liked the bits of magic and watching Gunner and Katy do their little dance around each other. The men in the firehouse were fun and I truly enjoyed Aunt May. As for the story, I felt it was a little disjointed and that may have thrown me off. But, all in all, I enjoyed Call It Magic.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I’m still not sure how I feel about Call It Magic. I was a little confused in the beginning and then things started taking shape as the story went on. I was still confused towards the middle of the book because I wasn’t sure about Gunner or if he did have any magical abilities. But I soldiered on and started really enjoying the story. I’m not sure what Gunner really did for a living. I know he traveled a lot, I know he found people, I know he had a crazy aunt that livened things up in his life. But who was he really? Was he a firefighter? Did he belong in the position that he was in? How did he get where he was? I know that he was compassionate and fiercely loyal and falling in love with Katy. But, was he magical?
Katy was a little confusing at times as well. She ran hot and cold. It wasn’t until you heard her whole story that you understood a little bit of it. She, too, was as loyal as loyal could get. She tried her best to integrate herself with her new team and the townspeople. Her gift allowed her to see and feel things others wouldn’t. That was an asset. And, she thought she knew just who Gunner was. In the end, she found out just how wrong she was, and she couldn’t have been happier.
It’s hard to do a review on a story that you felt confused in. Maybe if I read some of the other Spellbound Falls books, I would have understood it a little more so that’s on me. But it was enjoyable. I liked the bits of magic and watching Gunner and Katy do their little dance around each other. The men in the firehouse were fun and I truly enjoyed Aunt May. As for the story, I felt it was a little disjointed and that may have thrown me off. But, all in all, I enjoyed Call It Magic.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 21, 2023
What a streak of luck I had for picking up this magical book?! This is the last book in the series and on normal days I would not have picked this up. Well, on an abnormal day in the library, I chanced upon this book and I liked it. Like I am reaching the max of my library loan but I still want it, and I did.
I know this is a no brainer but I finally come to realisation that it’s ok and very important to read the books that makes me happy. I might not read the popular books but so be it.
Back to this book. It is a fun and magical book but there’s also a serious theme in it ( TW: sexual assault) and after reading the author’s note behind, who’s to judge Katy? I am also very sad to find out that Janet had passed away from cancer and I am planning to read as many of her books as possible.
I know this is a no brainer but I finally come to realisation that it’s ok and very important to read the books that makes me happy. I might not read the popular books but so be it.
Back to this book. It is a fun and magical book but there’s also a serious theme in it ( TW: sexual assault) and after reading the author’s note behind, who’s to judge Katy? I am also very sad to find out that Janet had passed away from cancer and I am planning to read as many of her books as possible.
May 7, 2020
Call It Magic is the 7th and final book in the Spellbound Falls series by Janet Chapman due to her untimely death a few years ago.
She wrote such captivating and entertaining stories that took the readers on such magical journeys, such as this one "Call It Magic". This is the story of Gunnar Wolfe and Katy MacBain , who is the youngest daughter of Libby and Michael MacBain from Wedding the Highlander.
Gunnar and Katy's story is beautiful and touching, heartbreaking and bittersweet. There are twists and turns that take the reader on a magical journey, where at the end, I found myself totally in love with Gunnar and wanting to just make Katy my new BFF. This can be read as a standalone but, I recommend that you read previous books before reading this book first.
I'm heartbroken that this is the end of the series because there were some great secondary characters that totally caught my eye and I saw as future leading characters. What a lovely way to end the series. I do recommend this book if you like PNR/Fantasy Romance and/or contemporary romance stories.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
She wrote such captivating and entertaining stories that took the readers on such magical journeys, such as this one "Call It Magic". This is the story of Gunnar Wolfe and Katy MacBain , who is the youngest daughter of Libby and Michael MacBain from Wedding the Highlander.
Gunnar and Katy's story is beautiful and touching, heartbreaking and bittersweet. There are twists and turns that take the reader on a magical journey, where at the end, I found myself totally in love with Gunnar and wanting to just make Katy my new BFF. This can be read as a standalone but, I recommend that you read previous books before reading this book first.
I'm heartbroken that this is the end of the series because there were some great secondary characters that totally caught my eye and I saw as future leading characters. What a lovely way to end the series. I do recommend this book if you like PNR/Fantasy Romance and/or contemporary romance stories.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
December 6, 2019
This is one of favorite authors of all times and I am so sad that this is her last book.. RIP. I loved this book. This is a book of magic and how our main characters deal with magical powers. I loved the characters and loved seeing characters from other books again.. This is the last book in the series but if you like magic in your books please go back and read her highland book and the spin offs.
April 27, 2020
Reviewed by Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
This one was a hard one to read and review. Not because of the book itself but for the fact that it's the last book by this author. Unfortunately, she passed and we are left in a world without the wonderful worlds she creates.
Call it Magic is part of her Spellbound Falls series. I'm pretty sure it's the lasts one for this series. I don't think she had another one started that could be finished.
It's a wonderful story with the characters that I love in her books. She had a great way of writing her characters that made them feel very real. They make the same mistakes as us only they more often than not do it with magic.
Katy MacBain's parents are from (Wedding the Highlander) a great book. I really liked Katy, you can almost see a bit of her parents in her. Ties the others series into it nicely. I love the job that Katy has it fits her perfectly. I also love how she is with Gunner.
Poor Gunner. He wants so badly to know Katy's secrets and tries everything he can to learn them. He's a great hero and the best match for Katy. You met Gunner in From Kiss to Queen.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this story and I'm so glad that I read it. I will tell you that it would be best to check out the whole series if you haven't yet read any of her books, you might get a bit lost in this one. Tons of backstories. At times I will say that I could tell it wasn't totally written by her. I'm pretty sure only a fan will figure this out because we've been with her from the beginning and really know her writing.
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ARC received for an honest review
This one was a hard one to read and review. Not because of the book itself but for the fact that it's the last book by this author. Unfortunately, she passed and we are left in a world without the wonderful worlds she creates.
Call it Magic is part of her Spellbound Falls series. I'm pretty sure it's the lasts one for this series. I don't think she had another one started that could be finished.
It's a wonderful story with the characters that I love in her books. She had a great way of writing her characters that made them feel very real. They make the same mistakes as us only they more often than not do it with magic.
Katy MacBain's parents are from (Wedding the Highlander) a great book. I really liked Katy, you can almost see a bit of her parents in her. Ties the others series into it nicely. I love the job that Katy has it fits her perfectly. I also love how she is with Gunner.
Poor Gunner. He wants so badly to know Katy's secrets and tries everything he can to learn them. He's a great hero and the best match for Katy. You met Gunner in From Kiss to Queen.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this story and I'm so glad that I read it. I will tell you that it would be best to check out the whole series if you haven't yet read any of her books, you might get a bit lost in this one. Tons of backstories. At times I will say that I could tell it wasn't totally written by her. I'm pretty sure only a fan will figure this out because we've been with her from the beginning and really know her writing.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for an honest review
December 19, 2019
Honestly the book isn’t bad, but if you haven’t read any of the others in the many series written by the author, you will be lost. I was so confused when all these random characters kept popping up like I was supposed to know them. And the constant references to past stories made it even more confusing. The magic was fun and the main story was cute. I just feel like I missed most of the backstory.
EDITED TO ADD: If you are a fan of this series I'm sure you will like this book. I did enjoy it enough that I am considering reading some of the others in the series. I'll make sure to start from the beginning!
EDITED TO ADD: If you are a fan of this series I'm sure you will like this book. I did enjoy it enough that I am considering reading some of the others in the series. I'll make sure to start from the beginning!
May 13, 2020
Started out somewhat promising…then tanked
I would like to thank the late Janet Chapman, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILERS
I feel like I’m sacrilegiously speaking ill of the dead—rest in peace, Ms. Chapman—but that’s not going to stop me from giving an honest review.
I wanted this book to be good so that it would honor Chapman’s memory, but deep down I knew there was little chance of that, because I suspected a good chunk of the book was ghost written. And my instincts did not, unfortunately, mislead me. I made it through 78%, then was so disgusted by the characters and god-awful writing that I didn’t have the desire or will to spend any more time with them.
The beginning held promise with its light tone and optimistic, magical air of anything being possible, perfect for a small town semi-fantasy romance. The characters' jobs and the setting had loads of action potential. Katy was likable, and Gunnar was…present…but what really stole my heart were the children, namely Shiloh and Angus. They were both such adorably precocious sweethearts. About the only thing—but it’s kind of a big thing—that weighed on the first half was the glaring fact that this cannot be enjoyed as a standalone novel. I’ve only read one or two other relevant books, and that was years and years ago, so I knew almost nothing of the history, lore, and “rules” of the series, and was not able to appreciate the characters I was clearly supposed to love already, nor was I familiar with the background of Wolfe’s and Katy’s situations.
Generally some missing background information is expected when one’s come into a series late—(really late; this is the seventh book in the Spellbound Falls series, which I understand to be a spin-off or extension of the eight-part Pine Creek series, plus the recent spin-off of the Spellbound Falls series, From Kiss to Queen, factors in heavily. So this is essentially book #17. You pretty much need to have read most of Chapman’s previous work to fully appreciate this story.)—but when that missing background information is the motivation and history for a lead character, it’s a problem. A big problem. I had no clue what Gunnar was doing in Spellbound Falls. I also had no idea what the heck he was. A spy? An assassin? Some other sort of mercenary? I get that he had searched for Katy on behalf of Jane, but I don’t know why he remained involved in that situation once the world knew where she was and that she was fine. Something about Jane trying to set him up with Katy…? But how and why did he get involved in the fire department? How was he elected temporary chief when he’d only been there a couple of weeks and no one in town knew the first thing about him? It was not at all clear, and by 78% it should have been. Heck, it should have been by 8%.
Next, a minor issue—I was turned off when it was revealed what happened to Katy. I had suspected something of that nature, of course, but having it confirmed… Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I couldn’t handle that kind of reality, it was just too dark to suit the otherwise light, fairytale-ish tone of the story, as I described above. And part of it didn’t make sense—so the guy just left her to starve and die or what? Why didn’t he untie her before he left? Did he just assume because she had a couple weeks of survival training that she’d be able to get free, or was he expecting housekeeping to find and help her—in which case, why did she say it took her most of the day to untie herself from the bed and made no mention of housekeeping? That would make me assume housekeeping had been told not to tend that room, which leaves me to wonder if he meant for her to get seriously ill and be discovered after a day or two with a big hullabaloo. It just didn’t make sense.
But what really ruined the book was the characters’ immaturity, unprofessionalism, melodrama, and lack of common sense. Or maybe common courtesy. Or both. Anyway, it started, to my memory, with the crew pulling that prank on Katy and Welles. Small pranks I could believe, but leaving fellow crew members dangling from high up and having to figure out how the heck to get down? How was that okay? It was very juvenile and unprofessional, but worse—what if Katy and Welles had needed to respond to a call? They couldn’t, not with any haste. I couldn’t believe the perps didn’t get punished somehow.
Another thing that I couldn’t believe was allowed—I understood, in theory, the value of the community campfires. I still don’t think they were at all a good idea, but whatevs. What I don’t understand is why that second or third one was allowed to get out of hand to the point that people had to get out of the way when a call came through. Wouldn’t that be rule #1—don’t block the effing driveway so the ambulances and fire trucks don’t have to worry about running anyone over as they hurried to respond?
Then the party in the woods. That Wyatt guy, whoever the heck he was and whatever the heck he had to do with anything—something to do with that mysterious history of Gunnar’s that was not explained—started beating on Gunnar while they were on the job (the Wyatt guy was a cop, or at least acting as one) and supposed to be searching for party-goers. I imagine that alone would warrant some serious reprimand—but then all the other male crew members and cops started beating on each other even though they had no idea what had instigated the violence to begin with. Meanwhile, a member of their team sat nearby recovering from being throttled and beaten by a crazy dude. I mean…seriously? When all was said and done, they had done absolutely nothing helpful on that call except send that one crazy guy to the hospital.
Then the call to the house where the boyfriend was unresponsive. This was officially the beginning of the end for me. First—Gunnar tagged along for no reason other than to see if he could get Katy to ride back to the station with him. Are you kidding me? He was not needed, he got in the way, he insulted his crew, and he embarrassed himself. Second—the way the responders talked to the patient. Holy sh*t. There was zero objectivity there, zero professionalism. One, Katy caused the patient unnecessary pain just because he annoyed her. Two, Gunnar took the time to lecture the kid. Three, Gretchen (one of the responders) called the patient a stupid sh*t. Four, Gunnar proved his uselessness by asking how old the kid was when that information had been relayed during the call. Five, Katy said the kid had arrested development and got snarky about the kid’s life decisions, which caused the kid to give a snarky response, which apparently tempted Katy to punch him, because she leaned toward him with a clenched fist; it also caused Gretchen to call him a dumb@ss. Katy then threatened the patient with assault. Six, Gunnar had the gall to tell the kid Katy was behaving in a professional manner (which is not only a crock of sh*t but blatantly contradicts what he tells her later). After that horrifying exchange, Katy wanted to step out to get some air while the others loaded the kid into the ambulance. Gunnar told her that wasn’t appropriate, and she more or less told him, HER BOSS, to f*** off.
I definitely want them around if my life needs saving.
If I had a physical copy of the book, I would have torn those pages out and burned them. That horrendous behavior was an insult to all medical professionals, and it was some of worst, most disrespectful and ignorant writing I’ve ever seen.
I want to make it clear that Katy’s behavior in that scene was a huge departure from the kind, compassionate, competent, and professional Katy I met and liked at the beginning of the book. I HATED this Katy. Her character was painfully inconsistent.
I could go on and on about issues this book had, but this review is already overlong and the highlights have been hit. It pains me to say it, but overall, this book was a hot mess with horrible characterization, a plot that lacked focus, and a story that was overshadowed by its own mythology.
I would like to thank the late Janet Chapman, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILERS
I feel like I’m sacrilegiously speaking ill of the dead—rest in peace, Ms. Chapman—but that’s not going to stop me from giving an honest review.
I wanted this book to be good so that it would honor Chapman’s memory, but deep down I knew there was little chance of that, because I suspected a good chunk of the book was ghost written. And my instincts did not, unfortunately, mislead me. I made it through 78%, then was so disgusted by the characters and god-awful writing that I didn’t have the desire or will to spend any more time with them.
The beginning held promise with its light tone and optimistic, magical air of anything being possible, perfect for a small town semi-fantasy romance. The characters' jobs and the setting had loads of action potential. Katy was likable, and Gunnar was…present…but what really stole my heart were the children, namely Shiloh and Angus. They were both such adorably precocious sweethearts. About the only thing—but it’s kind of a big thing—that weighed on the first half was the glaring fact that this cannot be enjoyed as a standalone novel. I’ve only read one or two other relevant books, and that was years and years ago, so I knew almost nothing of the history, lore, and “rules” of the series, and was not able to appreciate the characters I was clearly supposed to love already, nor was I familiar with the background of Wolfe’s and Katy’s situations.
Generally some missing background information is expected when one’s come into a series late—(really late; this is the seventh book in the Spellbound Falls series, which I understand to be a spin-off or extension of the eight-part Pine Creek series, plus the recent spin-off of the Spellbound Falls series, From Kiss to Queen, factors in heavily. So this is essentially book #17. You pretty much need to have read most of Chapman’s previous work to fully appreciate this story.)—but when that missing background information is the motivation and history for a lead character, it’s a problem. A big problem. I had no clue what Gunnar was doing in Spellbound Falls. I also had no idea what the heck he was. A spy? An assassin? Some other sort of mercenary? I get that he had searched for Katy on behalf of Jane, but I don’t know why he remained involved in that situation once the world knew where she was and that she was fine. Something about Jane trying to set him up with Katy…? But how and why did he get involved in the fire department? How was he elected temporary chief when he’d only been there a couple of weeks and no one in town knew the first thing about him? It was not at all clear, and by 78% it should have been. Heck, it should have been by 8%.
Next, a minor issue—I was turned off when it was revealed what happened to Katy. I had suspected something of that nature, of course, but having it confirmed… Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I couldn’t handle that kind of reality, it was just too dark to suit the otherwise light, fairytale-ish tone of the story, as I described above. And part of it didn’t make sense—so the guy just left her to starve and die or what? Why didn’t he untie her before he left? Did he just assume because she had a couple weeks of survival training that she’d be able to get free, or was he expecting housekeeping to find and help her—in which case, why did she say it took her most of the day to untie herself from the bed and made no mention of housekeeping? That would make me assume housekeeping had been told not to tend that room, which leaves me to wonder if he meant for her to get seriously ill and be discovered after a day or two with a big hullabaloo. It just didn’t make sense.
But what really ruined the book was the characters’ immaturity, unprofessionalism, melodrama, and lack of common sense. Or maybe common courtesy. Or both. Anyway, it started, to my memory, with the crew pulling that prank on Katy and Welles. Small pranks I could believe, but leaving fellow crew members dangling from high up and having to figure out how the heck to get down? How was that okay? It was very juvenile and unprofessional, but worse—what if Katy and Welles had needed to respond to a call? They couldn’t, not with any haste. I couldn’t believe the perps didn’t get punished somehow.
Another thing that I couldn’t believe was allowed—I understood, in theory, the value of the community campfires. I still don’t think they were at all a good idea, but whatevs. What I don’t understand is why that second or third one was allowed to get out of hand to the point that people had to get out of the way when a call came through. Wouldn’t that be rule #1—don’t block the effing driveway so the ambulances and fire trucks don’t have to worry about running anyone over as they hurried to respond?
Then the party in the woods. That Wyatt guy, whoever the heck he was and whatever the heck he had to do with anything—something to do with that mysterious history of Gunnar’s that was not explained—started beating on Gunnar while they were on the job (the Wyatt guy was a cop, or at least acting as one) and supposed to be searching for party-goers. I imagine that alone would warrant some serious reprimand—but then all the other male crew members and cops started beating on each other even though they had no idea what had instigated the violence to begin with. Meanwhile, a member of their team sat nearby recovering from being throttled and beaten by a crazy dude. I mean…seriously? When all was said and done, they had done absolutely nothing helpful on that call except send that one crazy guy to the hospital.
Then the call to the house where the boyfriend was unresponsive. This was officially the beginning of the end for me. First—Gunnar tagged along for no reason other than to see if he could get Katy to ride back to the station with him. Are you kidding me? He was not needed, he got in the way, he insulted his crew, and he embarrassed himself. Second—the way the responders talked to the patient. Holy sh*t. There was zero objectivity there, zero professionalism. One, Katy caused the patient unnecessary pain just because he annoyed her. Two, Gunnar took the time to lecture the kid. Three, Gretchen (one of the responders) called the patient a stupid sh*t. Four, Gunnar proved his uselessness by asking how old the kid was when that information had been relayed during the call. Five, Katy said the kid had arrested development and got snarky about the kid’s life decisions, which caused the kid to give a snarky response, which apparently tempted Katy to punch him, because she leaned toward him with a clenched fist; it also caused Gretchen to call him a dumb@ss. Katy then threatened the patient with assault. Six, Gunnar had the gall to tell the kid Katy was behaving in a professional manner (which is not only a crock of sh*t but blatantly contradicts what he tells her later). After that horrifying exchange, Katy wanted to step out to get some air while the others loaded the kid into the ambulance. Gunnar told her that wasn’t appropriate, and she more or less told him, HER BOSS, to f*** off.
I definitely want them around if my life needs saving.
If I had a physical copy of the book, I would have torn those pages out and burned them. That horrendous behavior was an insult to all medical professionals, and it was some of worst, most disrespectful and ignorant writing I’ve ever seen.
I want to make it clear that Katy’s behavior in that scene was a huge departure from the kind, compassionate, competent, and professional Katy I met and liked at the beginning of the book. I HATED this Katy. Her character was painfully inconsistent.
I could go on and on about issues this book had, but this review is already overlong and the highlights have been hit. It pains me to say it, but overall, this book was a hot mess with horrible characterization, a plot that lacked focus, and a story that was overshadowed by its own mythology.
May 20, 2020
It’s a delight to completely immerse myself in Janet Chapman’s magical stories and Call It Magic is no exception. Here we have Katy MacBain meeting Gunner Wolfe at a time in her life where she is definitely not looking for romance. Nevertheless, love sneaks up on the two of them and shines upon their lives, providing them with their very own happily-ever-after.
I could always count on great paranormal and contemporary romance novels by Janet Chapman who passed away in 2017. Call It Magic was the last novel that she had been working on before her death and at long last it has been released!
Reading one of Ms. Chapman’s light-hearted romances is the perfect antidote to all the negative news of the present. This is a time where it’s good to read stories that emphasize the everyday "magic" to be found in our lives. While I have all her previous novels to re-read, I will miss the opportunity to hear new stories about the fictional families she had popularized in her novels.
I could always count on great paranormal and contemporary romance novels by Janet Chapman who passed away in 2017. Call It Magic was the last novel that she had been working on before her death and at long last it has been released!
Reading one of Ms. Chapman’s light-hearted romances is the perfect antidote to all the negative news of the present. This is a time where it’s good to read stories that emphasize the everyday "magic" to be found in our lives. While I have all her previous novels to re-read, I will miss the opportunity to hear new stories about the fictional families she had popularized in her novels.
October 31, 2020
This started out to be a great read. I love Janet Chapman but there are sections where you can tell that Janet didn't write this. I hate that we lost such a great author at such a young age. Fans of Ms. Chapman will still want to add this their selves. It's a really well written story just misses out on that special magic that was Janet Chapman. It does bring the series to close maybe not how many of her fans would have liked it to end but does close it out. The characters are engaging. The setting is magic. There are funny moments and moments that make you sigh. I do recommend you grab this one and read it. You'll be happy you did and at the same time you'll feel the lose of Janet Chapman.
January 1, 2020
Katy MacBain is starting a new job as paramedic in Spellbound Falls. She's just finished her mountain rescue training and is eager to join the Fire and Rescue Team. But she's got a secret that her boss, Gunnar Wolfe the town's interim fire chief, wants to learn... she was untraceable for 3 weeks. Where did she go? And why?
Why I started this book: Chapman's first romances are fond memories and fun rereads in times of stress... so I was eager to request her latest when I found it on NetGalley.
Why I finished it: Struggled with this book a little, too much reliance on the "magic" and less on the romance. But let's be honest, Chapman, I'll read your next book because of my nostalgia for your first books.
Why I started this book: Chapman's first romances are fond memories and fun rereads in times of stress... so I was eager to request her latest when I found it on NetGalley.
Why I finished it: Struggled with this book a little, too much reliance on the "magic" and less on the romance. But let's be honest, Chapman, I'll read your next book because of my nostalgia for your first books.
Want to read
May 28, 2020✦Review: CALL IT MAGIC by Janet Chapman https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-btI
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: Contemporary/ Fantasy Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this contemporary/ fantasy romance. The here-and-now world anchors the reader while filling it with mystical healers, Atlanteans and time travelers. This is my first-time reading Ms. Chapman and this series. I managed to keep up with the characters and their world, but I strongly suggest reading from book one. It would have helped me understand relationships and feuds better.
Katy is a strong and determined woman, but her vulnerability pokes through to give her depth, I didn’t really understand some of her reactions – not enough to detract from relating to her but made me frown a bit. She and the handsome Gunnar made a nice pair. Flirting one minute and bantering the next, finally getting to the point where they both are ready to be together. The romance is more about getting to know each other beyond the attraction, rather than lustful. I liked that. The author’s writing style pulled me in to a new world of characters, so that I now need to purchase books 1 through 6, while waiting for number 8.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2WAIqWT
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: Contemporary/ Fantasy Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this contemporary/ fantasy romance. The here-and-now world anchors the reader while filling it with mystical healers, Atlanteans and time travelers. This is my first-time reading Ms. Chapman and this series. I managed to keep up with the characters and their world, but I strongly suggest reading from book one. It would have helped me understand relationships and feuds better.
Katy is a strong and determined woman, but her vulnerability pokes through to give her depth, I didn’t really understand some of her reactions – not enough to detract from relating to her but made me frown a bit. She and the handsome Gunnar made a nice pair. Flirting one minute and bantering the next, finally getting to the point where they both are ready to be together. The romance is more about getting to know each other beyond the attraction, rather than lustful. I liked that. The author’s writing style pulled me in to a new world of characters, so that I now need to purchase books 1 through 6, while waiting for number 8.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2WAIqWT
June 2, 2020
I am very grateful that the Chapman Family were able to get Janet's last book published. She had an unusual approach to romance which was compelling even when I was loathing one of her "throw back" heroes.
CALL IT MAGIC felt like it was finished by another author because the absolute crazy-sauce experiences Janet is known and loved for didn't quite reach their pinnacle and I missed that. I liked the main characters and seeing Robbie with Angus was a gift, but the romance didn't do much for me as it lacked any charisma.
I think I will go back to the beginning and start with the first Highlander book and then read this one again for old times sake.
RIP JC.
CALL IT MAGIC felt like it was finished by another author because the absolute crazy-sauce experiences Janet is known and loved for didn't quite reach their pinnacle and I missed that. I liked the main characters and seeing Robbie with Angus was a gift, but the romance didn't do much for me as it lacked any charisma.
I think I will go back to the beginning and start with the first Highlander book and then read this one again for old times sake.
RIP JC.
May 7, 2020
I’m so glad we got one last book from our beloved author Janet Chapman. Her books have brought magic and joy to our lives for years. From her very first book about a time traveling Highlander I have loved and looked forward to her books. Thank you for this last magical journey. Rest With The Angels.
June 13, 2020
I waited a long time for this book and then I didn’t want to finish it. Because it is truly the end. I am so thankful we got to read Gunner and Katy’s story and the notes from Janet at the beginning and the end. She was one of my favorite authors and I love to revisit her worlds. This book is no exception.
February 14, 2020
Gunner has a mission that involves his new recruit Katy. Katy is all about being on her own and finally enjoying a little bit of freedom, while keeping her secrets from her well-meaning family. However, when the town you live in has magic that seeps from it's every stone, some secrets are bound to come out whether you want them to or now. Will the heat that they can't control burn them up, or refine them? Another winner in the Spellbound Falls series.
May 27, 2020
Disclaimer...I have been waiting for this book ever since From Kiss to Queen came out.
I have to say that this book was...I have no words to describe it. I didn't know what to say about the book when I finished it on the sixth--the day after it came out (one all night reading session right there and I didn't even mind). And now that it is the 27th, you would think that I would have found my words by now, nope.
The book was very memorable, I have to say that the book has stayed with me for the past 20 days and so has the characters. It also sort of made me sad to finish it so quickly, but once it was in my hands, I could not put it down. Completely unputdownable. It was, as a bit expected, not how I had expected it to flow, but also, the person who finished putting this book together, who finished what Janet Chapman started when she sadly died before it was completed, knew how she wrote, knew her books, and knew her characters. These characters did not just make cameo appearances in previous books, but also played a key part in many ways. That being the case, it was amazing how it was executed and completed.
Enough about that. I should mention that this book does have something of a trigger warning: Kat is working to recover from...yeah, bad things, very bad. So go into this book with caution, but don't let that knowledge keep you from enjoying the book, if you enjoy this series!
I have to say that this book was...I have no words to describe it. I didn't know what to say about the book when I finished it on the sixth--the day after it came out (one all night reading session right there and I didn't even mind). And now that it is the 27th, you would think that I would have found my words by now, nope.
The book was very memorable, I have to say that the book has stayed with me for the past 20 days and so has the characters. It also sort of made me sad to finish it so quickly, but once it was in my hands, I could not put it down. Completely unputdownable. It was, as a bit expected, not how I had expected it to flow, but also, the person who finished putting this book together, who finished what Janet Chapman started when she sadly died before it was completed, knew how she wrote, knew her books, and knew her characters. These characters did not just make cameo appearances in previous books, but also played a key part in many ways. That being the case, it was amazing how it was executed and completed.
Enough about that. I should mention that this book does have something of a trigger warning: Kat is working to recover from...yeah, bad things, very bad. So go into this book with caution, but don't let that knowledge keep you from enjoying the book, if you enjoy this series!
December 11, 2019
I always love a Janet Chapman book, and this one was so much fun to read. Love the interplay between Gunnar and Katy. There are always twists and turns, things that may be not obvious at first. These are the bits that entangle you in the story and keep you reading. Thanks for the great story!
February 2, 2020
I was so excited to receive an arc for review of Call It Magic. Janet Chapman’s loyal fans have been waiting for her final book since she passed away in 2017 and it was so warming to feel her sprinkling magic on us from up above. It is nice to check in with characters from her other books as well as find out what happens when Gunnar finally catches up with Katy. There were a few places in the story that I felt didn’t quite get finished, but Katy and Gunnar’s story didn’t disappoint. Readers may find themselves still dreaming about what might be happening in Spellbound Falls next.
February 2, 2020
Janet Chapman returns to Spellbound Falls with her new romance, but adds an underlying mystery to her heroes. Knowledge of her previous books will enhance your enjoyment as many prevoius characters have bearing in the story.
May 25, 2020
Review to come
January 6, 2020
In the late Janet Chapman's final romance, she ties up loose ends left in From Kiss to Queen as Gunnar Wolfe tracks Katy McBain to Spellbound Falls. Longtime fans will realize she's brought all of her worlds together, and she tackles some tough issues as Katy and Gunnar work side-by-side in the local fire department: He's unexpectedly been named chief, and she's the new paramedic. So adventure one last time with her magical Highlander McBains, visit Spellbound Falls where Atlantis is real, and feel the love Chapman had for her readers and her characters.
March 23, 2020
A beautiful, bittersweet tribute to one of my favorite authors.
Story is very well written and I'm glad we were able to get one more book out of this series. Just what this forever fan of Janet Chapman needed.
Story is very well written and I'm glad we were able to get one more book out of this series. Just what this forever fan of Janet Chapman needed.
June 22, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Call It Magic
Spellbound Falls, Book #7
Janet Chapman
9780698156623
http://www.janetchapman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jermar
Synopsis:
The latest magical romance in the Spellbound Falls series from the New York Times bestselling author of From Kiss to Queen and The Highlander Next Door
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine where love is the greatest magic of all…
Katy MacBain moved to with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn’t understand why Gunnar Wolfe, the town’s interim fire chief and her boss, seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she’s more attracted to him than she’s ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn’t give up and he’s resolved to find out what’s wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he’s naturally protective of her, but he’s surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so…magical. (Goodreads)
Review:
Katy MacBain moves to Spellbound Falls to become an EMT for the Fire and Rescue Team. She wants to have a life of her own, and not have her family running interference for her. She wants to forget what happened to her before going to Spellbound Falls, and she will if it kills her.
Gunnar Wolfe was asked by Katy’s friend to find her and make sure she was okay. For three weeks it seems as if Katy just fell off the face of the earth. Now that she is a member of his team of Search and Rescue, he is drawn to her and finds her “magical”. When he finds out her secret, he wants to help her but does not know how.
Gunnar was very patient with her and he decided that he needed her, but he has to be very careful to not scare her away.
I really enjoyed reading about Katy and Gunnar’s story. There were heartwarming moments, funny moments , scary moments and romantic moments between them. I really liked how their interactions started out shaky and then progressed to being more meaningful. I loved the bickering and bantering between them and Katy thinking Gunnar was a mythical male.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted contemporary romance with a touch of magic.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Call It Magic
Spellbound Falls, Book #7
Janet Chapman
9780698156623
http://www.janetchapman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jermar
Synopsis:
The latest magical romance in the Spellbound Falls series from the New York Times bestselling author of From Kiss to Queen and The Highlander Next Door
Welcome back to Spellbound Falls, Maine where love is the greatest magic of all…
Katy MacBain moved to with secrets she plans to keep. The newest member of the Fire and Rescue Team, she disappeared for three weeks before arriving on the job. She doesn’t understand why Gunnar Wolfe, the town’s interim fire chief and her boss, seems determined to uncover the truth of what happened to her during that time. Or why she’s more attracted to him than she’s ever been to any other man.
A confident firefighter, Gunnar Wolfe doesn’t give up and he’s resolved to find out what’s wrong with the mysterious and beautiful Katy. Since she is the newest member of his team, he’s naturally protective of her, but he’s surprised to find himself captivated by the tenacious and talented woman who is so…magical. (Goodreads)
Review:
Katy MacBain moves to Spellbound Falls to become an EMT for the Fire and Rescue Team. She wants to have a life of her own, and not have her family running interference for her. She wants to forget what happened to her before going to Spellbound Falls, and she will if it kills her.
Gunnar Wolfe was asked by Katy’s friend to find her and make sure she was okay. For three weeks it seems as if Katy just fell off the face of the earth. Now that she is a member of his team of Search and Rescue, he is drawn to her and finds her “magical”. When he finds out her secret, he wants to help her but does not know how.
Gunnar was very patient with her and he decided that he needed her, but he has to be very careful to not scare her away.
I really enjoyed reading about Katy and Gunnar’s story. There were heartwarming moments, funny moments , scary moments and romantic moments between them. I really liked how their interactions started out shaky and then progressed to being more meaningful. I loved the bickering and bantering between them and Katy thinking Gunnar was a mythical male.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted contemporary romance with a touch of magic.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
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