tHe crooKed WorD

As of April 30, 2014 we will no longer be posting reviews on tHe crooKed WorD. Reading is like breathing for us - and discovering new books and authors has been a wonderful adventure - but the time has come for us to move on. Thank you for your support, for allowing us into your lives, and for letting us influence in some small way the contents of your bookshelves.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

An Imperfect Witch

 

An Imperfect Witch An Imperfect Witch (Witch Central, #1)
by Debora Geary

250 Pages
Published September 18, 2013

The tattoos on your heart matter more than the ones on your skin.

Two years ago, Lizard Monroe was Berkeley's newest delinquent on parole. Now she's a hot young realtor with a great life, an awesome guy, and enough friends to chase away the ghosts of her past.

Almost.

The crystal ball has spoken - life isn't done messing with her yet. And neither is the need brewing in the eyes of the man she loves.

The eve of Halloween approaches. And whatever the sexy poet realtor wants to believe, moving beyond your past isn't the same as facing the future.

This is the first book in my new Witch Central series, featuring my well-loved clan of modern witches and those who love them. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.


* * *

Ah, Lizard. I'm beyond excited that Ms. Geary's newest book revolves around Lizard. (I know I keep saying things about "one of my favorite characters" - and you're probably thinking that every one of these characters is a favorite. Well, not every one, but I will admit there are a lot of them.)

I love the way Lizard finds a teen who's almost living on the streets and tries to help this girl the way Witch Central has helped her. And this teen will throw all sorts of wrenches into Lizard's life. As will a number of other things, by the way.

As with all the other books my Ms. Geary, I was unable to put this down until I was done - and was left wishing for more.

5/5 stars

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Witches in Flight

 

Witches in Flight (WitchLight Trilogy #3)Witches in Flight (WitchLight Trilogy, #3)
by Debora Geary

413 Pages
Published March 26, 2012

Ghosts from Lizard's past--and the man who wants to be her future.

The empty places in Elsie's soul--and the temptations of raspberry-laced courage.

Walk once more with Jennie's students as they come to the end of their WitchLight journeys.


 * * *

I need more!  I just can't leave these characters!  I'm so happy that the new series addresses this issue!  Seeing how Lizard and Elsie have made their journey and uncovered potential has been wonderful!  It's so fun to see what might be in store for each of them.  It's a good reminder that change and opportunity can come in many shapes and sizes.   Even when it seems scary, we can help each other through.  I love Jennie's insight and the people she chooses to assist her.  Wonderful writing!

5/5 stars

Monday, October 28, 2013

Witches Under Way

 

Witches Under Way (WitchLight Trilogy #2)Witches Under Way (WitchLight Trilogy, #2)
by Debora Geary

419 Pages
Published January 26, 2012

Lizard and Elsie are under way, but the WitchLight journey isn't an easy one.

There are bumps and obstacles inside their own hearts.

There are meddling witches, helpful knitters, and a fearsome duo with water pistols.

And there is the greatest challenge of all... the one they will pick for each other.


* * *

I love this portion of Lizard and Elsie's stories.  Both are struggling and trying to work things out.  What they don't expect is the way their stories weave together.  They find ways to help each other and by so doing, learn more about themselves.  We should all be doing that!  The sense of community and people rallied to help these women find their way is wonderful!  I want to move in too!

5/5 stars

Friday, October 25, 2013

Witches on Parole

 

Witches on Parole (WitchLight Trilogy #1)Witches on Parole (WitchLight Trilogy, #1)
by Debora Geary

421 Pages
Published September 13, 2011

World-famous (and now retired) photographer Jenvieve Adams has a debt to repay—and a soft spot for witches who have lost their way. Or so she thinks, until they actually show up.

Join some of the cast of characters from the very successful A Modern Witch series as they take on a new kind of journey as guides for WitchLight. What happens when an obsessive psychologist and a wordsmithing delinquent get dropped into Witch Central?

Note: Witches on Parole is a spin-off trilogy, set in the world of the A Modern Witch series. This trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, but if you haven’t yet read A Modern Witch, you might consider doing so—many of the characters featured in Witches on Parole get their start in the main series. For those who are already fans of the main series, this book falls between book 2 and 3, but can easily be read anytime after book 1.


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Oh, dear. I wish I lived in these books. While that about sums it up, I'll go on. Just because I can. :)

We first meet Aunt Jennie - an amazing-beyond-imagining photographer. Then, rather quickly, Lizard and Elsie arrive on-scene. And what an impression they make!

Lizard loves words, has impressive tattoos, and a love for cooking (make your biscuits by shredding frozen butter - Lizard swears by it!). Oh, and she's on parole.

Elsie is a tight-laced psychologist looking for an opportunity for service - she certainly doesn't expect the experience she's in for!

5/5 stars

Thursday, October 24, 2013

A Lost Witch


A Lost Witch (A Modern Witch, #7)A Lost Witch (A Modern Witch, #7)
by Debora Geary

269 Pages
Published June 19, 2013

Hannah Kendrick has spent the last twelve years fighting for her sanity. And the doctor who has stood by her side has run out of options.

A small computer tracking spell will find Hannah—but can Witch Central save her?

This is the seventh and final book in the bestselling A Modern Witch series, but have no fear – your favorite characters will be back in September with the launch of the Witch Central series. Lots of witchy love, laughter, and tears yet to come :).


* * *

When I started this book, I was intrigued to see how it would all tie together.  It's unusual and heartbreaking while still being full of hope.  I love how Witch Central rallies to rescue Hannah while trying to stay aware of her needs.  Hannah really touched me.  I've seen people who've lost pieces of themselves- both for the better and for the worse.  Hannah is different without knowing why but manages to hold herself together in hopes of change.  She found her place to belong and was able to begin healing.  

I think many people can relate in some way to Hannah.  While most people's examples aren't as dramatic, many people struggle to find where they belong.  Many lose pieces of themselves along the way.  I love Hannah's story and how she holds on through her challenges.

5/5

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Swordfights & Lullabies

 

Swordfights & Lullabies (A Modern Witch #6.5)Swordfights & Lullabies (A Modern Witch, #6.5)
by Debora Geary

Published April 19, 2013

A bachelor curmudgeon, a Celtic witch, and an adorable wee girl with lavender eyes. Join them in the last days of the Swordfights & Lullabies tour - and see what love has wrought.

This is a short read, about the length of two chapters in the Modern Witch series books. Not a short story, really - more like a snapshot. The chance to share a few special moments with some of your favorite witches.

It should be read after A Celtic Witch. Enjoy!


* * *

That sweet girl on the cover could tell you just about everything you need to know about this story. We catch glimpses into a relationship I desperately wanted more of, and couldn't be more thrilled. Unless it was longer, of course.  :)  I'll always take more!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A Celtic Witch


A Celtic Witch (A Modern Witch, #6)A Celtic Witch (A Modern Witch, #6)
by Deobra Geary

Published March 16, 2013

Cassidy Farrell is a world-class Celtic fiddler. And if she has her way, that's exactly who she'll stay.

Except that's not what the rocks have in mind. Or a certain fetching spell. Or the truth working its way free in her own heart.

Can the music, and perhaps a certain grumpy curmudgeon and his baby girl, help Cass find her life's new song?

A Celtic Witch is book six of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.


* * *
Choosing between these books is like choosing between children - but this one might just be my very favorite of them all.

I adore Cassidy, and the way she interacts with another of my favorite characters, Marcus - and his girl child. Could I love Cassidy because she's a musician? Well, duh. As a musician, I'm able to really relate to her. But that's not the only reason, there are tons of others!

This book reinforces my desire to dive into these books and live amongst the phenomenal characters.

5/5 stars