Deanna Chase takes her readers back to Keating Hollow with her newest book, Power of the Witch. Shannon Ansell and Brian Knox both settled in Keating Hollow because their lives in Southern California brought them so much unhappiness. For Shannon, it’s a connection to her childhood (which she spent in Keating Hollow) and her beloved grandmother (who she lost as a teenager). For Brian, it’s a fresh start after an unhappy relationship and a chance to strike out on his own away from his family’s business empire. Brian would love a chance with Shannon too, but an unhappy ending to their first date makes Shannon hesitant to take a chance on Brian. When Brian gets her to agree to a series of six dates as part of a bet, things start to look promising for a potential relationship. But then Shannon’s superstar brother, Silas, shows up on her doorstep seeking refuge from their controlling mother, who also happens to manage his acting career. Their mother is furious that Silas wants to control his own life and career, and as the siblings try to navigate their family tensions, the paparazzi descend on Keating Hollow. And then Shannon is shocked to find herself in the gossip columns being portrayed as the “other woman” in a love triangle involving Brian and his fiancée. Of course, Brian is shocked too since he didn’t know he had a fiancée! Turns out his father’s friend/business associate’s daughter Cara took the family belief that she and Brian would be a perfect couple a little too far and declared them engaged in an interview. Soon Brian finds himself being threatened with a lawsuit if he doesn’t save Cara from looking foolish. Between crazy fake fiancées, paparazzi, and controlling parents, nothing is going as Brian planned, but he won’t stop fighting to earn a chance at Shannon’s love.
Power of the Witch is another enjoyable addition to the Witches of Keating Hollow series. I liked seeing Brian finally get a chance to be happy after all the heartache he has experienced. Shannon, of course, has made a number of appearances throughout the series and hasn’t always been seen in the best light. I enjoyed getting to see a new side of Shannon and learning about her background. I have a much more sympathetic view of her than I had in the past. Ms. Chase does a great job introducing Shannon’s family. I thought she did a particularly good job with her mother Gigi. I always know an author has done a good job with character development when I have strong emotions regarding a character. I definitely has some emotions towards Gigi! I wanted to step right into the book and scream at her her for being a terrible mother.
Levi, Hope’s brother from the last book, also plays an important role in the book. He is another character who I was thrilled to see get some happiness. Of course, Ms. Chase also sprinkled updates about the Townsend sisters and their spouses throughout the book. I love series for just that reason; I don’t have to say goodbye to characters I love once I finish reading their stories. And the ending to Power of the Witch sets up a whole new series by Ms. Chase, so I’m excited to read the new series and meet another group of witches. I just hope there will be more Witches of Keating Hollow books, too.
I highly recommend Power of the Witch, but readers should definitely read this series in order. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC.