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11th out of 72 books
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Casting Spells (Sugar Maple #1)
Magic. Knitting. Love. A new series and a delightful departure by the USA Today bestselling author of Just Desserts.
Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it's inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks & String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She's a sorcerer's daughter in search of Mr...more
Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it's inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks & String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She's a sorcerer's daughter in search of Mr...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
November 4th 2008
by Berkley Trade
(first published January 1st 2008)
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Two and a half stars. First off, this book was recommended to me by some list somewhere because I like knitting and I like modern fantasies. Well, that's all true but it really is a romance. I have never liked romances because I need more of a plot than just whether they'll get together (since they always do anyway). Despite that, I actually enjoyed this one. The plot isn't particularly complex but it kept me going. The writing style is easy and fluid and the book is a quick read despite being o...more
This was a really fun book... Sugar Maple, VT is a tiny town that is picture-perfect... imagine a sleepy little New England town... but basically everyone is magical - fairies, vampires, etc... the main character is half-human, but hasn't discovered her magical powers... she has a knitting store and there are a ton of knitting references (for me - it was like reading a foreign language, but for a knitter, they would probably love the tips and references)... magic, adventure, and love make this a...more
This romantic mystery novel is great fun. It has an unusual premise, as well as action, love and humor.
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I passed over this book twice in the library: taking note, but not making the commitment. It caught my eye when I pulled it from the new collection first, and then again when I was shifting the fiction section.
When I finally went back and checked it out, I had high hopes. Romance can work, and magic is almost always fun, right? And, hey, knitting!
This book isn't even powerful enough to make it a wall-banger. I still couldn't finish, but more out of exasperation than any p...more
When I finally went back and checked it out, I had high hopes. Romance can work, and magic is almost always fun, right? And, hey, knitting!
This book isn't even powerful enough to make it a wall-banger. I still couldn't finish, but more out of exasperation than any p...more
This book was a true mystery that ended up being multiple mysteries with murders to be solved.
We are introduced to Chloe Hobbs, a descendant to the town of Sugar Maple, Vermont. Sugar Maple is a picture perfect town that has seen no crime in over three hundred years, until, one snowy winter's eve when a beautiful woman dies. How can this be?
Well, Montpelier, Vermont wants to know also. And, why are there no vital records reflecting births, deaths, marriages, divorces etc? So...more
We are introduced to Chloe Hobbs, a descendant to the town of Sugar Maple, Vermont. Sugar Maple is a picture perfect town that has seen no crime in over three hundred years, until, one snowy winter's eve when a beautiful woman dies. How can this be?
Well, Montpelier, Vermont wants to know also. And, why are there no vital records reflecting births, deaths, marriages, divorces etc? So...more
CASTING SPELLS by Barbara Bretton is the first book in the Sugar Maple series. Welcome to silliness and a little knitting. Chloe Hobbs owns the knitting shop, Sticks & Strings, in the picturesque and perfect Sugar Maple, Vermont (which is laid out like Salem, Mass). Perfect because the town is protected by a spell and the inhabitants are witches, sprites, vampires, selkies, weres ... you name it and you'll find it in Sugar Maple. Chloe's shop has put Sugar Maple on the map. The first scene of th...more
A little magic, a little romance, crazy neighbors that include selkies, toothless vampires in the local retirement home, good and bad Fae, and lovable characters all come together here. The town--which was built as a replica of Salem, MA--is under a blessing spell. As long as a female descendant of the original sorceress is in town, falls in love (thereby coming into her powers) and gives birth to a daughter, the town will be safe. But the spell is unraveling and Chloe, the town's only hope is n...more
I loved this book. It has charm, humor, sweetness and magic all rolled into one. A perfect blend of mundane and magical.
Imagine for a moment that you are the token human (with dormat magic inside) in a little town full of fairies, witches, sorcerers, vampires and shape shifters. You and your quirky little town suddenly finds themselve having to play 'human' for the purpose of the outside world due to a death that shouldn't have happened in the first place. Now you've got to pla...more
Imagine for a moment that you are the token human (with dormat magic inside) in a little town full of fairies, witches, sorcerers, vampires and shape shifters. You and your quirky little town suddenly finds themselve having to play 'human' for the purpose of the outside world due to a death that shouldn't have happened in the first place. Now you've got to pla...more
This book was a quick, fun read. It reminded me a bit of the Sookie Stackhouse books, except that I didn't like Chloe like I like Sookie. Sookie has a bit more kick. Anyway, the author is understandably vague about how and why magical creatures exist and how that world works. It's really a vehicle for a love story, which, frankly, is not all that well developed. Apparently, "bottle green eyes" are a reason to fall for someone.
The prose was a bit repetitive, and the author ...more
The prose was a bit repetitive, and the author ...more
This book takes place in the town of Sugar Maple, Vermont, which unbeknownst to the tourists, has a population of vampires (running the funeral home), fairies (running the inn and restaurant), and Chloe Hobbs, a half human and half sorceress who runs the Sticks and Strings knitting shop. The town has a remarkable record of no crime, in fact it does not even have a police department. This is because of a protective spell that Chloe's ancestors have put into place that protects the twon and its in...more
I fell in love with the deliciously depicted Sugar Maple. The author weaves a frothy magically infused tale that is great for this time of year. While it is not as fast paced and exciting as I am use to, it is the kind of light fun you cuddle-up on the couch with as you sip some pumpkin spice coffee or tea.
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
For my full review please visit: http://talesofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
For my full review please visit: http://talesofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Since the only knitting books I know of are either books with patterns or cozy mysteries, I was intrigued. I stuck the title on my TBR list and moved on.
Well, I finally read it.
And though this is probably categorized as a paranormal romance, it's really a cozy/fluffy romance with some paranormal elements.The plot is not at all complex and neither, for that matter, are the characters.
The most interesting relationship dynamic, to me, was between Chloe and her ma...more
Well, I finally read it.
And though this is probably categorized as a paranormal romance, it's really a cozy/fluffy romance with some paranormal elements.The plot is not at all complex and neither, for that matter, are the characters.
The most interesting relationship dynamic, to me, was between Chloe and her ma...more
I read this at the recommendation of my knitting group.
It was halfway through when I realized that as much as I love the members in my knitting group, I don't share their taste in books.
The idea was charming -- an urban knitting fantasy. Chloe, a young woman born of a sorceress, has no magical powers. And her town of Sugar Maple has been held together by the women of her family's magic. When Suzanne, an outsider, is found dead in Sugar Maple, the entire magical world know...more
It was halfway through when I realized that as much as I love the members in my knitting group, I don't share their taste in books.
The idea was charming -- an urban knitting fantasy. Chloe, a young woman born of a sorceress, has no magical powers. And her town of Sugar Maple has been held together by the women of her family's magic. When Suzanne, an outsider, is found dead in Sugar Maple, the entire magical world know...more
CJ - You Carry On As If I Don't Love You
rated it
Recommends it for:
cozy mystery fans, Alice Kimberly, Practical Magic fans
Right off the bat I'll let you know that this book is not a "World According to Garp" but it has a charm and a fuzzy feel good warmth that just begs the reader to read this book under a blanket with a glass of wine on a cold winter night.
Chloe is a human, well ok, half0human half-magick, only thing is she hasn't come into her powers and she's thirty years old. Seems that though she takes after her father non-magick side, she is exactly like her mother in everything from loo...more
Chloe is a human, well ok, half0human half-magick, only thing is she hasn't come into her powers and she's thirty years old. Seems that though she takes after her father non-magick side, she is exactly like her mother in everything from loo...more
I was torn when it came to rating this book. The quality of the story and writing was disappointing and only rank about two stars. There was very little good character development. It felt like there were too many minor characters with few defining characteristics, so they all blurred together. I liked all of the "good" characters, but didn't really root for any of them, including the heroine and her hero. There was romance, but it was very weak with none of that sparkle that happ...more
Synopsis from the back cover:
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 daug...more
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 daug...more
Do you believe in the magic of true love?
Chloe may be the daughter of a sorceress, but her father was a human, and up to now, she has no magical abilities whatsoever. The problem is the town’s future is in her hands.
Enter Luke MacKenzie. He is her one true love, but where do they go from here? He’s pure human, and a cop to top it off. What happens when he finds out what is really going on in Sugar Maple? Their romance develops quickly, but I got so caught up in the stor...more
Chloe may be the daughter of a sorceress, but her father was a human, and up to now, she has no magical abilities whatsoever. The problem is the town’s future is in her hands.
Enter Luke MacKenzie. He is her one true love, but where do they go from here? He’s pure human, and a cop to top it off. What happens when he finds out what is really going on in Sugar Maple? Their romance develops quickly, but I got so caught up in the stor...more
Magic. Knitting. Love. A new series and a delightful departure by the USA Today bestselling author of Just Desserts.
Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it's inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks
& String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She's a sorcerer's daughter in search of Mr. Right, and she's found him in Luke MacKenzie, a cop
investigating Sugar Maple's very first murder. Bad...more
Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it's inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks
& String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She's a sorcerer's daughter in search of Mr. Right, and she's found him in Luke MacKenzie, a cop
investigating Sugar Maple's very first murder. Bad...more
Anastacia Knits
rated it
I saw a review of this book on another blog - sorry, original blogger, I didn't save the post - and since I'm an obsessive knitter & obsessed with vampires, witches, fairies, and the like, I immediately requested the book from interlibrary loan.
You'll saw my huge library pile I got last week, this book was in it. Well, it was the first one to be picked up from the stack (even though I was reading 3 other books at one time), and I absolutely laughed out loud - literally made my cat cros...more
You'll saw my huge library pile I got last week, this book was in it. Well, it was the first one to be picked up from the stack (even though I was reading 3 other books at one time), and I absolutely laughed out loud - literally made my cat cros...more
Estando habituada a histórias em que as criaturas mágicas habituam no mundo humano e elas são as “diferentes”, nesta história Chloe é que é a humana numa terra mágica e completamente protegida da criminalidade, e por isso mesmo esta terra não tem uma central policial, hospitais e nenhuma taxa de mortalidade.
Filha de uma bruxa com um humano, Chloe é dona de uma loja muito conhecida pelos turistas de todo o mundo, onde fabrica e dá aulas de tricô.
Livre de magia, Chloe tem de contin...more
Filha de uma bruxa com um humano, Chloe é dona de uma loja muito conhecida pelos turistas de todo o mundo, onde fabrica e dá aulas de tricô.
Livre de magia, Chloe tem de contin...more
Upon my initial reading of the summary, I thought this might be a typical knitting-shop mystery/romance with the edge of an urban fantasy. Not so. No edge at all. It was your typical knitting-shop mystery/romance with the edge of a cute fuzzy kitten. A kitten which likes to cuddle in a basket full of roving (that's pre-spun fiber fluff for you non-knitters).
I can give credit that for what it is, it's decent. If you like edge-less knitting mysteries and don't mind the possibility of f...more
I can give credit that for what it is, it's decent. If you like edge-less knitting mysteries and don't mind the possibility of f...more
This was a light but lovely little book - a combination of: cozy mystery, knitting mystery, paranormal fiction, and romance. The town of Maple Grove was a haven for witches and other mystical creatures since the witch-burning days of Salem, and have their first ever murder take place in it. Outside authorities send in a temporary police presence, who (unsurprisingly) falls in love with the mayor of the town - a cute witch who doesn't have her powers yet, but does have the best knitting shop on t...more
Amy
rated it
I had never read anything by this author before and I'm glad I got started when I didn't have work the next day. What a fantastic read! A bit of a mystery, it kept the pages turning and there were definitely things I didn't see coming. Thankfully, I've got "Laced With Magic" and "Spun by Sorcery" to read as well. Kinda makes me sad that my day off Tuesday will be interrupted with an early morning reading as I won't be able to stay up all night reading. As soon as the meeting ...more
Blurb from book:
Magic. Knitting. Love. A new series and a delightful departure by the USA Today bestselling author of Just Desserts.Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it’s inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches—and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks & String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She’s a sorcerer’s daughter in search of Mr. Right—and she’s found him in Luke MacKenzie, a cop investigating Sugar Maple’s very first murder. Bad ...more
Magic. Knitting. Love. A new series and a delightful departure by the USA Today bestselling author of Just Desserts.Sugar Maple looks like any Vermont town, but it’s inhabited with warlocks, sprites, vampires, witches—and an ancient secret. And Chloe Hobbs, owner of Sticks & String, a popular knitting shop, has a big secret too. She’s a sorcerer’s daughter in search of Mr. Right—and she’s found him in Luke MacKenzie, a cop investigating Sugar Maple’s very first murder. Bad ...more
A little silly, but I enjoyed it. Chloe Hobbs, who is half witch, half human, owns a knit shop in a picturesque Vermont town. While her shop is thriving, Chloe still feels there's something missing in her life.
But Chloe lives in Sugar Maple, a town that is not what it seems. Inhabited by witches, vampires and fairies, Chloe is the only non-"magick" person there. Half-soceress and half-human, Chloe has come to terms with the fact that she has no "magick" and that ...more
But Chloe lives in Sugar Maple, a town that is not what it seems. Inhabited by witches, vampires and fairies, Chloe is the only non-"magick" person there. Half-soceress and half-human, Chloe has come to terms with the fact that she has no "magick" and that ...more
A very funny, offbeat, love story that reads really fast. I finished it in two days. Cloe owns a knitting shop where everybody's stitches always come out right, in a town where everybody looks like a super star.
And then, (cue the drum roll), a tourist dies. Turns out it's the first death in many years and the mortuary doesn't even have the solvents to deal with a dead body, and there isn't a police station, and the tourist was having an affair with a married politician on the shor...more
And then, (cue the drum roll), a tourist dies. Turns out it's the first death in many years and the mortuary doesn't even have the solvents to deal with a dead body, and there isn't a police station, and the tourist was having an affair with a married politician on the shor...more
I would have given this book 2 1/2 stars. The town Chloe lives in (another Chloe? Can any author think of a different name?)is home to spirits, witches, shapeshifters, vampires, and other various creatures. Chloe's ancestor, a powerful sorceress, placed a spell of protection on the town 300+ years ago. Unfortunately, it is strengthened when one of her progeny (female of course) walks the earth. Chloe is the last female in her line, and the spell is weakening. For the first time in 300 year...more
Diana
rated it
Chloe is the last in her line of witches, but as a half-human she is powerless. Her line has protected the supernatural town of Sugar Maple from crime and discovery for centuries, but now the spell will dissipate unless she has a daughter to carry on her lineage. When a mysterious death brings police detective Luke to their town, Chloe might finally have her chance.
I think I would classify this more as chick-lit than actual romance, but it was still an interesting read. The book show...more
I think I would classify this more as chick-lit than actual romance, but it was still an interesting read. The book show...more
MB
rated it
Nora Roberts fans should love this series. It is sweetsy in the same sort of way.
I, however, found it silly. Especially the cartoonish villain who might as well have been named Cruella de Ville. Seriously. And her motivations?! Ludicrous.
But it was fairly well written, and should appeal to NR fans and readers who like small towns, and sweet romance with cozy fantasy elements.
The knitting ideas was kind of cool. The heroine who never bothered to look in t...more
I, however, found it silly. Especially the cartoonish villain who might as well have been named Cruella de Ville. Seriously. And her motivations?! Ludicrous.
But it was fairly well written, and should appeal to NR fans and readers who like small towns, and sweet romance with cozy fantasy elements.
The knitting ideas was kind of cool. The heroine who never bothered to look in t...more
I thought it was great fun and I'm going to order the next 2 books.
I LOVE the knitterly and magical aspects (I kind of think knitting is magic sometimes anyway) and the interaction between the characters was engaging and fun.
I think I might have liked more explanation...it's hard to describe. It could be my current more-sleep-deprived state, but it was a little bit like listening into a conversation where the speakers definitely know what's going on, but I was stumbling a little behi...more
I LOVE the knitterly and magical aspects (I kind of think knitting is magic sometimes anyway) and the interaction between the characters was engaging and fun.
I think I might have liked more explanation...it's hard to describe. It could be my current more-sleep-deprived state, but it was a little bit like listening into a conversation where the speakers definitely know what's going on, but I was stumbling a little behi...more
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Barbara Bretton is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than 40 books. She currently has over ten million copies in print around the world. Her works have been translated into twelve languages in over twenty countries.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home...more
More about Barbara Bretton...
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home...more
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