USA Today bestselling author Barbara Bretton has always enchanted readers. But this time, she really casts a spell in a new series of magic and murder weaving its way into the lives of New England’s most unusual town–and most unique knitting store . . .
Sugar Maple looks like any bucolic Vermont town, but when the tourists go home it’s a different story—inhabited as it is with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches, and an ancient secret. And I know all about secrets. I’m Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks & String, a popular knit shop where your yarn never tangles, you always get gauge . . . and the knitter sitting next to you comes out only after dark.
I’m also the sorcerer’s daughter–a single sorcerer’s daughter with Sugar Maple’s future in her hands which means the whole town is casting spells meant to help me find Mr. Right. Who’d have guessed I’d find him in Luke MacKenzie, a cop investigating Sugar Maple’s very first murder? Bad news is he’s 100% human which could spell disaster for a normal future with a paranormal woman like me–in love, in danger, and in way over my head.
Casting Spells is the first book in a new series by Barbara Bretton centered on a small New England town called Sugar Maple. Recently I’ve been looking for paranormal romances that don’t have anything to do with shape-shifters or vampires, but some kind of magical element. This really fit the bill.
Chloe Hobbs is the only nonmagick human living in a town full of magical creatures. She’s the daughter of a powerful sorceress and a human man who holds the fate of the entire town in her hands. Her line is the one who holds Book of Spells and maintains the protective spells that surrounds the town and keeps it’s secrets safe. But the spell is only good as long as there is a woman from her line alive. Since Chloe is the last of her line, single, and 30, the spell is beginning to weaken.
When a young woman is accidentally killed, a detective from Boston is sent to investigate. But Luke MacKenzie isn’t what Chloe expected. He’s gorgeous, intelligent and sparks fly (literally) when they touch each other. But having a human cop in a town filled with secrets is a recipe for disaster. When a power Fae decides she wants the Book of Spells so she can gain control of the fate of the town, things start spiraling out of control.
I think the main reason this book worked for me, and one of the things I was looking for in a paranormal (besides no vamps or shifters), is how light of a read it was. Although there were definitely a lot of different paranormal elements, the book didn’t take itself too seriously. I really enjoyed that.
The town was interesting and I really enjoyed the basic premise of the story. Each secondary character offered flavor and enhanced the story, but didn’t overwhelm it. I liked both Chloe and Luke. They had serious chemistry. Unfortunately, it seems that was all they had. I don’t understand how it was they came to be in love with each other in a matter of days. Especially since all they did when they were together was bicker or kiss. I definitely think they were attracted to each other, but I really don’t believe they were in love.
While I certainly enjoyed the story, I had a lot of issues with it. There seemed to be a lot of loose ends left open, ones that I think were pivotal to the story. For example, it’s mentioned several times that Luke is looking to escape from Boston and disappear into some small town. Only we’re never told why he wants to disappear. There were several other things left open, too.
The other problem I had was the knitting-speak. I’m not a knitter, and therefore none of the verbiage meant a thing to me. I don’t know what purl, drop, gauge, or any of those other terms meant, so I was somewhat lost at times.
I know it sounds like I didn’t like this novel, but I did. It was a light story that flowed well. The characters and central plot were interesting and the writing flowed very well. I just wish things had been tightened up a bit more.
I would definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for a well written, quick, light, but somewhat flawed read.
3.25 out of 5
This book is available from Berkley Trade. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Don’t forget: Buy a Book, Win $100
Sounds like a good one Holly 🙂 I enjoyed the previous Barbara Bretton I read, but not sure about this one. I guess I’m adding it to my wishlist 😀
I’ve never read this author. I do think that she wrote a historical book(s) that was recommended (or maybe I’m confusing her with another similar name. I haven’t read a light and fluffy book in a long time. My mood hasn’t like, requested that in a long time! I’m not a knitter so I’ve never been into the Knitter books (I think an author Debbie Macomber (or similar last name) writes those and too sweet romances.
Nath,
It was a cute book. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Caffey,
I believe this is the same author you’re thinking of. She does write historicals. This is my first book by her, but there are several others I’m interested in trying.
I agree about a lot of Knitting books being kind of boring or too sweet (though I did enjoy the Debbie Macomber books), but this on wasn’t like that at all. I think the issue with the knit-speak was the author just dropped it in normal conversation. Which is fine if you’re a knitter and know what the terms me, but for a newbie like me I was just lost.
I haven’t heard of this one. It is so up my alley–New England witches, kooky small town, murder and knitting. Though I haven’t knitted in years. Must check it out. I used to survive on a steady diet of New England set cozy mysteries. This sounds like one, with the added bonus of paranormal and romance elements.