H.R. Mason

Runa decides to go to Departure Cove to start a new life and business. Being warned to stay away Runa feels the place calling to her. Then she meets Chase who she is also warned to stay away from.

I was drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover. The premise too is also something I am drawn to. The story has some mystical elements, a romance but also family secrets.

I feel my 2 star rating is perhaps a little low but still bring unwell I couldn't properly commit to the story. Only bring able to read a few pages at a time I couldn't immerse myself into the story.

What I did like was the fact that Runa is a descendant of the Vardo Witches. The story does go back in time to the witches but is very brief and this is not the book if you want to know more about that.

I also enjoyed the doomed romance with the family secrets. However the ending and final twist did not work for me and I thought it became a little silly.

The story also I felt needed something more. The premise is great but the book didn't quite deliver enough for me.

I've never heard about this book or the author before but would give her another try in the future.… (meer)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this work as an Early Reviewer. No compensation was received other than the chance to read this work.

This magical tale covers the history of Gemma's family as she comes to grip with the drastic changes in her life: loss of a husband, moving to the family's ancestral home and trying to rebuild her everyday life. The tale discusses a branch of cultural tradition from Pennsylvania Dutch country, Braucherei, and how its elements affect the characters and their actions.
Overall, this was an engaging work. The last chapter left me a little cold, considering the pace and tone of the work leading up to that point, but the story is not one to pass up because of that.

Recommended for: Those who enjoy tales about magic and its more practical elements, and those who are looking for a new fall season read.… (meer)