Member Reviews
Hazel runs a books and tourist gift shop in Salem, MA, called the Witch Is In. Hazel is a witch. Her best friend Roxy is a bit girl crazy and presses for Hazel to enhance her chances in love with potions and spells. Dr. Elizabeth Cowrie comes to Salem to do historical research and meets both locals. Hazel and Roxy are both interested but Roxy acts faster. Elizabeth is nice but comes off a bit snooty and aloof, looking down on the kitschiness of Salem and H & R's work. She also does not believe in magic, ghosts etc.
The basic story is good and I like Salem as the setting. Especially with the extra craziness that comes from being near Halloween. But parts of the story feel clunky. I didn't like Roxy and Hazel both having interest in Elizabeth. And the use of spells, potions and glamouring blur the lines of consent. (Although the author takes care not to cross that line.) Of the threesome I only liked Hazel. And I'm not sure why she was attracted to Elizabeth. Roxy felt more like comic relief but some of her malapropism didn't seem funny. This was nice to read but I didn't really care who ended up who at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not really sure how I feel about this one. It reads well, but maybe a little slow and the characters annoyed me more than they should have. I couldn't find a reason to like most of them.
This has been a fun story, unreal but it would be great if it could happen, with somewhat simple characters but the theme does not need much complexity, after all it is a comedy like the one that the book mentions several times: Bewitched.
The protagonists are a trio. Elizabeth, an English professor who comes to Salem to do research for her thesis. Roxy, a woman who falls in love easily and very frequently, full of enthusiasm but somewhat insecure deep down, which she hides behind a smug facade. And finally Hazel, the main protagonist since she is a bit the main apex besides being a real witch with a broom and everything else.
Elizabeth, despite being a student of the historical trials that occurred in Salem and other places, is completely skeptical and does not believe that supernatural powers or anything like that ever existed. So it's really going to be a problem that she and Hazel might have a thing, even after Roxy's failed attempt to win over Elizabeth.
We must highlight the appearance of Camille, Hazel's ex, a vampire from head to toe, who is going to boss around as much as she can and more so that Hazel returns with her.
In short, this has been a entertaining, easy, uncomplicated and fun vaudeville.
Considering the fact that I had no expectations, because I'm unfamiliar with the author, this was such a pleasant surprise. It's a very fun book to read, very nicely written. I recommend it to the fans of paranormal romance. It's an ea y read, so make a cup of tea and enjoy it for the afternoon.
It was a cute story. I liked it but never really grew attracted to the characters or what was going on. It's a good quick, light read.
Enchanted Autumn is a fun read. There's magic, ghosts and vampires.
Hazel and Roxy are long time friends as well as witches, they're both looking for love.
Elizabeth comes to town to do research on the Salem witch trials however she's not really into magic.
Both Roxy and Hazel are attracted to her but she's busy with her research. They won't give up.
Feelings begin to develop but which witch will Elizabeth feel drawn to?
This story is a delightful read and moves quickly as we get to know the characters. Watch out for those potions.
If you like a good romance with a bit of magic and fun then you'll enjoy this.
Thank you #NetGalley and #Boldstrokesbooks for this ARC.
Enchanted Autumn was a delightful read that actually surprised me with having multiple POVs. Typically when I read multi-POV it's the 2 main casts and maybe a villain but this one included Roxy, the main character's best friend.
The story starts off perfectly witchy. Its set in Salem and the Main character Hazel is a business owner marketing her witchy products to humans and witches alike. Roxy her best friend and the love-obsessed queen is looking to make her fling fall further in love. I loved how Hazel stressed the importance of consent. Unfortunately, Roxy quickly changes her mind when she meets her main love interest Elizabeth who is in Salem to research from England.
I am not quite sure I liked Elizabeth as a character or Hazel's vampire ex-girlfriend but it can be forgiven with how much I adored Hazel and the secondary characters including the ghost that lives in her house.
I would love to continue exploring these characters and I am really hoping this becomes a series!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Hazel and Roxy both share a attraction to Dr. Elizabeth who comes to Salem, Massachusetts to study witch trials even though she doesn’t believe in magic. Hazel is actually a witch and enjoys being one but wonders should she hide who she is to be with Elizabeth or realize she doesn’t have to give up who she is if Elizabeth can’t accept her.
I like how the author weave in historical facts into the story I like Hazel although she sweet and kind she can stand up for herself I like that the author handle the love triangle very well ex vampire girlfriend Camille she was bit much. Overall good debut for the author.
<i>Thank you Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for this eARC</i>
This was such an adorable story!
I wasn't entirely sure I was going to be comfortable in with the book when the story opened with Roxy, one of the main characters, trying to twist Hazel's arm into giving her a love potion, to convince a woman she was in love with her. It just seemed a little too creepy, and I was happy that Hazel was quick to talk about consent. Once I got past it, however, and dove into the book, I really, really enjoyed it.
Hazel, as arguably the lead of 3 POV characters, was wonderful. Warm, and caring, and sure, pretty self conscious, but I could totally understand where she was coming from. I do like that she could stand up for herself when need be, also. Elizabeth, when we get to know her, is also wonderful, though with her dismissiveness to certain things, and occasionally judgmental nature, I can understand why she might not be for everyone. Roxy seemed like she would be a lot of fun to hang out and grab a beer with, though she's definitely frustrating at times.
And then there's Camille, the vampire ex. I wanted to like her because I like vampires and vampire stories, but the things she does...no lie, I had to put my phone down and take a bit of a break, they upset me that much. And yeah, vampires, morality can be different, and we honestly don't get enough about how vampires work in this world the author has created, but still, she seems to function enough in the more mundane world I have trouble believing she could justify doing what she did, and yet here we are. She does do a bit to redeem herself, however, so there's that.
The world and setting was great, and felt lived in. I wanted to dive deeper into how the Otherworldy population lives, which is certainly a compliment to the author. I would 100% enjoy if this turned into a series, something like the Mercy Thompson one where we dive into different aspects of the supernatural world...but gay, so obviously better.
Wonderful book, would absolutely recommend to others. 4.5 stars.
Enchanted Autumn was a sweet and magical little love story. I loved the friendship between Roxy and Hazel, and appreciated the way the author handled the love triangle. I really enjoyed the story and it only took me around an hour to finish up, and I would definitely recommend this story to someone looking for a quick, sweet, read. I enjoyed watching the relationships and friendships between the characters develop over the course of the book, and watching Elizabeth learn more about Salem over time was really sweet. I also enjoyed reading a book partly set in archives! I received an ARC of the book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
'Enchanted Autumn’ is an engaging romance, full of magic, interesting characters and the perfect setting. Hazel is a Salem witch – and a real one at that. With a black cat, her very own broom stick and a penchant for potion-making, she is proud of who she is. That is until English academic, Dr Elizabeth Cowrie, arrives in town. The history researcher has an interest in the Salem witch trials, but does not believe in magic. In fact she scoffs at the very idea that it may exist. Hazel’s attraction to her is going to be a problem, as she must decide if she’s willing to give up her true self in pursuit of love.
I loved that the story was set in Salem. The author managed to weave some historical details from the witch trials into this modern romance. But it was ultimately about the triumph of magic, of love. Hazel was an astute businesswoman, but still managed to stay true to her roots. Her witchcraft was important to her and to the whole community, even if some of them were not aware of her true nature. Elizabeth may have been a sceptic, but she was kind, passionate and intelligent. I adored the ‘Britishisms’ scattered throughout the story. They were spot-on. I also enjoyed the writing style, which pulled me into their world, a world I’d like to revisit.
I was given this ARC to review.
Magical Fun!
Elizabeth is in Salem studying the witch trials when she meets best friends Roxy and Hazel. After a failed date with Roxy, Elizabeth finds herself exploring her feelings for Hazel, who owns a little shop that has all things magical. Elizabeth isn’t much a believer in magic, which becomes a problem for Hazel when she realises they have the potential for a great relationship, but how can she be honest with Elizabeth about the fact she is actually a witch!
This story was so much fun! Filled with magical moments, comedy, drama, and pesky otherworldly beings in Salem that can’t help but interfere in things where Hazel’s personally life is concerned. Each new chapter brought wonder and a new element the story that had the potential to mess with things in a way that only magic can.
All the character dynamics were fascinating. From the relationship between Hazel and Elizabeth to the beautiful friendship between Roxy and Hazel, every character had such personality and part to play in the outcome. Hazel’s life is magical madness but that was the most enjoyable bit of the story, in no other place and with no other person, would such things happen than to Hazel in Salem!
I really enjoyed the whole story, moments shared between Hazel and Elizabeth were truly magical, even when nothing physically magical was at played and I believed in them greatly. They were exciting together and alone we got to know each of them quite intimately through thoughts and feelings they shared. It was easy to get thoroughly immersed in the moments with the characters and just feel like you were there with them, having the magical experiences, and indulging in the mayhem magic typically causes.
A great debut from Ursula Klein that has left me really excited for what she’ll bring next. Hopefully there are more magical stories in store, and that some of them will include Roxy, Hazel, Elizabeth and perhaps some of the other amazing characters from this story. A lovely romance that will suit both romance readers and those that like an element of fantasy too!
Well the book has a fascinating concept, I'll give it that. I've never read a book where the main character is a real witch, but the world doesn't really know those exist. It's usually that way with vampires and werewolves, so I liked the witchy-ness of it all.
I'd probably give this book closer to 3.5 stars if I could, but I rounded to 4 stars since I did finish it. I liked Hazel as a character, but found her a little wishy-washy. At times I wanted her to stand up more for herself, and she never quite got there. Roxy, the best friend, I found annoying. Sorry to say it, but she just seemed to fall in love with anyone and never really took it all seriously. And she pouted, a lot. Then there was Elizabeth, who seemed pretty closed off until...well don't want to spoil it, but her "real" personality seemed like she would fall in love with Hazel in about a year's time. She was much more invested in work and probably would have stayed that way. I guess I just wish she had been a bit warmer before the rest of it happened.
Overall I think I mainly liked this book because the premises was so different I wanted to see how it landed, but I wouldn't ever read it again.