The winds of change have arrived and Holly’s not sure she can fly. It’s Valentine’s Day in Beechwood Harbor and the town is rolling out the rosé-colored carpet to host a group of eager singles in an effort to boost town tourism. The sleepy town is suddenly transformed into Cupid’s playground, complete with chocolate fountains, bicycle’s built for two, and a romantic breakfast buffet.
Of course, no one loves a single’s buffet quite like a pack of vampires. Only, they’re not there for the dark-roast coffee and homemade sticky buns.
When eligible bachelors start dropping like wilted rose petals, Holly springs into action. She’s quickly thrown into a tangled web of secret romances, unrequited love, and more than one blood-thirsty vamp.
In short, it’s a bad time to get an eviction notice.
We’ve got vampire trouble, relationship trouble, a possible poltergeist and hints of issues within the SPA. All of this takes place during the Beechwood Harbor Association Valentine’s Day Event. Complete with sales, spa days and singles hosted events. Holly spearheaded the event, and the pressure is getting to her from spells that aren’t working to picking fights with Adam.
We see growth in Holly as she confronts her past and works alongside Adam, Nick, Merrill, Evangeline, and Harmony to solve the murder-mystery. Holly may have commitment issues, but her friends are all there for her. Together they piece together the clues and offer solid friend advice.
I love Beechwood Manor and Posey, the proprietor. I fretted when a remodeling crew showed up and things went topsy-turvy. I absolutely loved how Garrett resolved the issues and was clapping in delight.
Amanda Ronconi has become the voice of Holly and her friends. She enhanced the story through character voices and emotions. Her pacing and tone make listening my go to format for this series.
So many changed by the time you get to the end of this one. It will be fun to see where things go for everyone. In the mean time they all were dealing with the dating weekend, where it seemed like if it could go wrong it did and of course with our crew there was a supernatural answer at the bottom of things. It was fun to see how they all worked together to find the bad guy and deal with things going on at the Manor. Things at the Manor were iffy for a bit, but I think they ended the only way they could have.
Picking up a few months after the conclusion of the previous book, Sassy Witch opens with Holly and best friend Cassie organizing a Valentine’s Weekend Singles event in Beechwood Harbor. And because nothing ever goes smoothly for Holly, vampires show up at the event, which is followed by the deaths of a few male participants the following mornings. Add to that, Cassie not feeling well, leaving Holly with a lot of the work, and the SPA evicting the Manor residents because they are turning it into an inn for supernaturals.
Sassy Witch is another wonderful story in the series and may be my favorite yet. Like the previous book, First Place Witch, I love that Adam and Holly function as a team throughout the story, working together instead of Holly keeping secrets or anguishing over what she wants to do next in her life. They are engaged and looking for a new place to live, and instead of keeping their fears and hopes to themselves, they talk and share - it’s so great to see them go through the ups and downs together.
The mystery is an excellent one this time around. The whole gang works together to figure out who is behind the murders of the human participants. There are many layers to the story, including issues at SPA headquarters, unrest with the Vampire Council, and the local human sheriff (and good friend) putting pieces of supernatural activity together. (This last one is most worrisome because humans are not supposed to know about the supernaturals.) The story is richer for the layers, leaving me wondering until the end exactly what is going on. Additionally, the story opened up potential new avenues for future books and story arcs.
Narration: As always, Holly and her friends are brought to life through the performance of Amanda Ronconi, who has consistently done a wonderful job. Her interpretation of Holly is always spot on. Ms. Ronconi convincingly portrays Holly’s thoughts, concerns, and expressions. Her voices are all well-suited, and she gives paranormals their own fitting voices. However, I notice that as the cast gets larger, some of the characters start sounding similar, but due to writing, I can usually tell them apart. My favorite standout this time around is the performance of Justine, a local human resident. In one scene in particular, she is crying and it is so genuine; not fake sounding and forced. Well done.
Sassy Witch is a wonderful addition to the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries, and I look forward to following Holly and the gang as they move onto the next phases of their lives.
Story: A- Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
After spending the last book almost exclusively in the magical world, this book was a fun shift since it was spent almost entirely in the human world and I had missed Cassie and the Chief. Plus, there's always a different kind of fun when the magical world is wreaking havoc on the human world, right?
Sassy Witch takes place during Valentine's week and Cassie was roped into leading the Beechwood Harbor Association's Valentine's Day singles week... meaning Holly is roped along with her. I think the stress of putting on an event like this would have been a lot on it's own. Add to it that Cassie isn't feeling well, vampires are showing up where they don't belong, 2 mysterious deaths, and the developments at the Manor due to Posey's decision in the previous book to sell... well our gang has their hands full.
I really enjoyed the relationship developments, personal growth, and general growing-up this book represents. These characters are moving solidly into the "adulting" phase of their lives and it's not an easy transition, but it is exciting. I'm very much looking forward to watching them grow more with their new adventures in future books.
I loved the narration, too. No shocker, as Amanda Ronconi is a favorite of mine and is very much the voice of Holly, Adam, Evangeline, Merill, Nick, Posey, Cassie, and anyone else I missed. Definitely a series to enjoy in audio.
This is a Paranormal Cozy Mystery, and this is the 9th book in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series. I have read the other books in this series before picking up this book. It is Valentine’s during this book, and Holly is running a single’s buffet. During the single's buffet some paranormal stuff starts happening, and Holly is figuring it out during this book. Also, They are dealing with the fact that Posey sold the Manor. Holly does not want to leave the Manor. I really love the characters, but I have to say I am going to miss Posey if she stops being in the other books. All, The characters in the series is very developed. This is well written, and they are fun and short reads. I really love this series, but I do feel you should read this series in order of release. (*)
It’s almost Valentines Day where Holly and Cassie have organized a special weekend. But here are unexpected things happening, vampires are in town even though they weren’t invited and bodies are showing up. It’s time for Holly and her friends to do some investigation. There are also some things happening at the manor due to Posy’s agreement with the SPA although there is definitely a misunderstanding there. This book has an interesting mystery with a few different threads. There is not quite as much humour in this book but it’s not missing. Adam and Holly are still having problems deciding on their future, she is still commitment shy but getting there. This is a quick, fun, entertaining read.
Now I'm convinced there was a ghostwriter. 8 books and our FMC has NEVER driven. She grew up in the magical world without cars. It's a whole thing that she has never known how to drive!! And suddenly in this one she's casually borrowing a friend's car to pick stuff up like it's normal.
I'm so ready to be done with these lol. 3 left!!!
Oh but Agatha was who was randomly known as Agnes in 8 is back to Agatha in this one. A win is a win I guess.
Things are in chaos at the supernatural inn as Holly and her friends are being kicked out sooner than expected. Additionally, Holly is immersed running a single's Valentine's Day event for the human part of town along with her friend Cassie. When some of the singles are murdered, Holly once again jumps in to investigate.
I liked this for the most part, and look forward to the next in the series to see how Holly's new responsibilities go.
Lots of changes and progress with most characters story arcs. The main murder mystery plot felt like an after thought! Enjoyed spending time with the characters as always.
Valentine’s Day has Beechwood Harbor businesses pulling out all the stops to bring some tourists in during the off-season by hosting a singles’ convention and wouldn’t you know it, someone dangerous crashes the party.
Sassy Witch is the ninth of the Beechwood Harbor Magic mysteries. They are connected and work best in order even if each book has a standalone mystery.
It all hits at once as usual for poor Holly and this potions witch is ready to unravel and does a little when she starts picking fights with Adam and nearly loses it. Her issues from her past rise up and she really struggles even while she gets busy corralling the single’s event, vampires, and sets out to find a killer. I love how the author has worked through the series to develop Holly’s personality, her relationships, and show her growth. Not many books ago, Holly would have dissolved into petty stuff, but here, she is able to listen and hear things out. She works hard to see things from other perspectives.
As to the paranormal mystery side, it was an interesting one with a few layers. There is the vampire trouble that is obvious as Holly confronts an arrogant one, but there is the oddity about Posey and worries that Posey is going poltergeist the way she reacts to things lately. I also liked that background mystery Merrill brings up about conspiracies in the SPA and what is going on with the rogue vampires. I hope that gets expanded on in the next few books. It was fun seeing Holly, Adam, Nick, Merrill, Evangeline, and Harmony working the case together and the suspenseful climax.
Amanda Ronconi hit her stride long before and is a fab narrator match for this series. She has a wry humor that works with Holly’s personality and the rest of the gang. I like the way she voices the characters and the tone she takes as she narrates the story whether it is Holly thinking through a problem or the pace picking up for a chase of a villain.
I loved the way things resolved in this one and look forward to seeing what comes next for the mansion residents and Holly. Those who enjoy a good paranormal twist to a cozy mystery, light feel to the writing, and engaging well-developed characters all in one- try this series out.
My thanks to Tantor Audio who provided a copy of this book to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
Always an entertaining and action filled supernatural cozy mystery series
This is always an entertaining and action filled supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a very entertaining storyline. An old manor house in a beach town somewhere along the coast of the state of Washington. The landlady is a ghost. Her tenants are a group of supernatural people who live there because things in their lives have changed and they got away from what they call the Havens. Havens our supernatural cities that exist alongside many large cities around the world. Holly is a potions master witch who lives at the manner. Her boyfriend a shifter and Evangeline a witch who used to be a supernatural movie star and harmony who is Holly‘s apprentice at her potions shop. Follow along as they live among the humans in the small beach town. There are a few other characters including Nick a private eye Who just happens to be a werewolf. His girlfriend Merrill and happens to be a SPA agent which is basically the police for the supernatural world. And many others that come and go. I was entertaining always lots of action always a great mystery. Check it out you will not be disappointed
Wow! This Beechwood Harbour story is totally awesome. Of course, all of them are but the direction the supernatural gang takes caught me by surprise. Leading up to Valentine's Day, Cassie & Holly host a series of events for single humans to mix & mingle. But trouble shows up in the form of Jewel Moldor, a born vampire from an ancient House who has a taste for fresh blood, not the synthetic kind normally used. After 2 single men die, Holly is convinced Jewel is responsible. Plus, the SPA hands 90 day eviction notices out at the manor since Posy sold it to them. Sounds like a lot? Wait till you read what happens!
I love this series and all Danielle's book. This book is no exception. I hate when Posey shows up and the carpenters start redoing the manor. Adam and Holly trying to decide to move or not. The Valentines single party that Holly and Cassie are hosting, goes a little haywire. Of course, Holly is investigating a murder that happens during the party. Adam and the gang are with her helping. But wait till you see who or what the murder is. What will happen with the crew if they have to move? Now on to the next book.
This was another fun read involving Holly and the gang and I seriously think that no holiday is safe, especially when Holly is involved. There's not as much humor in this one but it does have it's moments and the twists and turns made for an entertaining read. The bad guy wasn't what I was expecting and of course I didn't see it coming.
Valentine's has come to Beechwood Harbor and Holly and Cassie are busy organising a special event worthy of Cupid. But the singletons aren't the only ones to arrive in the sleepy little town, as some vampires also decide to show up. And they're not here for the chocolate fountains or romantic buffets. So when eligible bachelors start dropping like flies, Holly needs to act and fast. Oh yeah there's also the tiny problem of an eviction notice to deal with.
Holly's not only pretty busy with organising a week long event with Cassie for valentine's but she gets a nasty surprise of an eviction notice. Now when she first arrives at Beechwood Harbor she's not happy to be there but over the course of time, she's fallen in love with the little town and considers Beechwood Manor her home. I don't necessarily think she doesn't want to move in with Adam but I think she's finding it hard to move on. Of course in true Holly style that's not all she's having to deal with as vampires decide to crash her valentine's event and the body's start to pile up, so once again she's thrust into another murder investigation. Again I can't say just how much I love Holly because in-between all that's going on, she still finds time to be there for her friends Cassie and Harmony, one of which who gets some surprising news the other who has just been dumped before valentine's day. Yeah I adore this girl.
And if Holly is having trouble about being turfed from the manor, Adam is feeling a bit more betrayed by what's happening as he's the longest serving resident. But one thing I've learnt about the wily shifter he's a problem solver and his idea for a suitable home was absolutely perfect. Adam you're a genius.
Nick and Meryl are still going strong but Meryl was not happy about Nick volunteering to be auctioned off at a charity event. However, her solution was as funny as it was adorable and I'm definitely rooting for this couple all the way. Bless them both.
Another great entry to the series which I thoroughly enjoyed, but now I'm aware I'm on a countdown of coming to the end. (Big sob) I'm off to book 10 to see how Adams plans turn out for him and Holly. So if you like a cozy mystery with supernatural creatures protecting the innocent and getting into trouble this series is definitely for you. Totally recommend 😁
Sassy Witch is the ninth of the Beechwood Harbor Magic mysteries and the second I have listened to. This story is centered around the Beechwood Harbor Association Valentine’s Day Event that Cassie Lincoln has roped Holy Bolt in assisting her to organized and host for the town.
There are vampires, other beings, relationship issues, habitat issues, remodels gone wrong, and keeping the mortals from discovering what is happening. Ms. Garrett did a great job weaving the elements together. Holly was slow on the uptake for many of the clues provided which I attribute to the topsy-turvy announcement that the manor residents must leave in 90 days. The SPA will be renovating to make the manor a paranormal inn.
The immediate threat is to the single males at the event. Some are being killed and Spa and it's agents and consultants are trying to solve it without panicking the town.
I enjoyed learning more about Nick Rivers, Adam St James, Cassie and Jeff (Sheriff) Lincoln, Merrill and Holly Bolt. There are crimes to solve, decisions to be made, and moves to come. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT The winds of change have arrived and Holly’s not sure she can fly. It’s Valentine’s Day in Beechwood Harbor and the town is rolling out the rosé-colored carpet to host a group of eager singles in an effort to boost town tourism. The sleepy town is suddenly transformed into Cupid’s playground, complete with chocolate fountains, bicycle’s built for two, and a romantic breakfast buffet.
Of course, no one loves a single’s buffet quite like a pack of vampires. Only, they’re not there for the dark-roast coffee and homemade sticky buns.
When eligible bachelors start dropping like wilted rose petals, Holly springs into action. She’s quickly thrown into a tangled web of secret romances, unrequited love, and more than one blood-thirsty vamp.
In short, it’s a bad time to get an eviction notice.
MY TAKE One of the things I enjoy about this cozy mystery series is how real life things mingle in amongst the mystery, sometimes related and sometimes not. This one moves the story of Holly and James as well as their friends both human and paranormal along.
Sassy Witch is the ninth instalment in Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series by Danielle Garrett.
Love is in the air with Valentine's Day just around the corner and the newly engaged couple Holly and Adam are excited about their romantic plans. However those are thwarted when men from a speed dating program suddenly start turning up dead in their hotel rooms putting the coven under suspiscion.
I did not enjoy Meryl's character in this one and it seemed like such a shift from the levelheaded agent she used to be. Her relationship with Nick has turned her into a mushy starry eyed woman who is jealous of anyone and anything that dares come near her boyfriend. It is definitely not a pleasing look. Holly and Adam on the other hand are handling their engagement quite well imo and I was happy to see them start to build a new future together.
The mystery about who was going on about killing all those single men was an intriguing one so I have no complaints about the main plot itself. It kept me engaged and guessing right until the very end and the revelation was positively shocking too.
I am nearing the end of the series, only 3 books left which I am very excited for!
This book showed growth for Holly in several areas but a step back for her in others as she allowed her doubts to once again rule her emotions. Cassie and Holly are tasked with running a singles valentine's event for the town and of course mayhem ensues. Vampires are sighted in town, Cassie keeps disappearing and is apparently sick (with what?) some of the bachelors who were auctioned off are being murdered, and Posey having made the decision to sell the Manor is having second thoughts. With the gang being evicted from the Manor, Adam and Holly are being evicted and the house hunting is not going very well at all. Relationship issues between Nick and Junior Agent Merrill need to be resolved .. so much, so much so much is happening, will anyone have time to actually solve the murder?? The mystery and the revelation of the actual culprit was cleverly done in this book and I enjoyed it, hence the 4 stars, I do wish that after "years' of dating and now being engaged that Holly will really trust Adam's commitment to her and work with him rather than against him.
Wow, I devoured this book in one evening! Love the Beechwood Harbor gang - great characters to spend some time with. This one was a pivotal book in the series - while knee-deep in a complicated week long Valentine's Day extravaganza, Holly and fellow housemates find out Ghostly Posy has sold the Manor to the SPA - and they have only a short time to relocate! Recently engaged, Holly and Adam have been struggling on deciding whether to move out and relocate to the city anyway and now the decision is brought to a head and Holly is torn between her love for Adam and her love for the Manor and Beechwood Harbor. No spoilers, but the decision will bring many new adventures for Holly - bravo to the author for finding the perfect solution. Excellent series and one that I would highly recommend.
from amazon: The winds of change have arrived and Holly’s not sure she can fly. It’s Valentine’s Day in Beechwood Harbor and the town is rolling out the rosé-colored carpet to host a group of eager singles in an effort to boost town tourism. The sleepy town is suddenly transformed into Cupid’s playground, complete with chocolate fountains, bicycle’s built for two, and a romantic breakfast buffet.
Of course, no one loves a single’s buffet quite like a pack of vampires. Only, they’re not there for the dark-roast coffee and homemade sticky buns.
When eligible bachelors start dropping like wilted rose petals, Holly springs into action. She’s quickly thrown into a tangled web of secret romances, unrequited love, and more than one blood-thirsty vamp.
In short, it’s a bad time to get an eviction notice.
Wowza! Quite an adventure this book was in the series. I listened to this on audible and in the month of February. lol.
Holly's mystery adventure this time was quite fun to see. She had to find out why some of the valentines contestants were dropping like flies. The mystery was quite a shocker and had me on the edge of my seat to find out who it was or what it was causing the murders. I really enjoyed Holly's growth as well as the other characters. I felt bad that the manor was going through so much change and was nervous on how it would all end. But without spoiling it, it was I think the best option to happen at the end.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and cant wait to get into the next Beechwood Harbor Mystery.
During the Valentine Speed Dating Event a couple of the eligible bachlors that were auctioned off to raise money for charity were found dead. Holly at first suspected vampires because of the bite marks on their neck. She soon realizes after finding another one of the bachlors in a glamored state, laying by a dumpster, begging for the girl of his dreams to come back that its not vampires they are dealing with, but a succubus. This succubus has her eyes on Hollys best friend Nick. Holly has to do whatever she can to keep her friend safe and get this succubus out of town before more dead bodies pile up. Another great part to this series, looking forward to what paranormal is coming to the manor next.
Its valentines week and while assisting Kasey with singles week leading up to Valentine’s Day some of the singles start turning up dead. To make a busy week somehow even busier Holly and the other tenants of the manor find out they have 90 days to find a new place to live as the SPA is turning the manor into a supernatural inn. I think this was one of the better mysteries this far into the series. While I’ve been able to sort of figure out what was happening in the books leading up to this, I had no idea who or what the murderer was going to be this time around. Now that Adam and Holly have figured out what their next big steps are I can’t wait to see where it’ll lead them next.
Not my usual genre of book but I found this series because I was looking for books narrated Amanda Ronconi and I thought 'what the heck, I'll give it a try'. Well, I am so grateful I did. The stories are fun, the characters are interesting, and more importantly, the stories evolved and the writer matured the characters as the series moved forward. I often get frustrated when characters remain the same from book to book and as a result lose interest in the story line. FORTUNATELY, that isn't how Danielle Garrett managed this series. The character's maturing throughout the series made the stories more interesting and kept me engaged throughout.
I always love this author's books. It's a great little world she has created that are linked in each series by Holly who is the main character of this series. I enjoyed this book a lot and though changes have taken place well.... Characters must have life events to grow. It's a cozy little mystery with a slight twist ending. I recommend it.
No language, romance but no big sexual situations (even though the theme is Valentine's) and no real on scene or graphic violence (it is a murder mystery after all) but PG rated.
I am absolutely adoring watching the evolution of Holly and Adam’s relationship, and those of everyone around them. Even though the mystery is supposed to be what I'm reading this book for, it’s really the relationships. However, this mystery was a bit of a nail biter. New enemies, new paranormal races in Beechwood Harbor, and a suspect I couldn’t identify until it was almost too late. I'm also fascinated with the changes that are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see what will come from them.
Holly is going crazy with the Valentine stuff that they plan to do for the town. Posey has decided that she wants to sell the manner but unfortunately the spa is doing stuff to it that they said they weren’t going to do. Because of this Holly is looking for other places to live. This is causing a strain on her and Adam‘s relationship, and top it all off there have been two murders that Holly is trying to figure out who did it. It is an interesting twist at the end of who done it. I will be reading the next book of the series.