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The Christmas Witch
Misfiring spells. A gorgeous new boss. Looks like this Christmas will be magic...
The festive season isn't Mina Rosso's favourite time of year. It reminds her that as a descendant of La Befana - Italy's Christmas witch - she's cursed to forever be unlucky in love... Her plan this Christmastime is to lie low, keeping her secret identity under wraps as usual, and do what comes naturally: spread goodwill.
Unfortunately, the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon Eder, puts a spanner in the works. Fresh from working in Milan, Jadon's full of big-city arrogance and plans to overhaul the antique shop Mina loves. Pity he's also sinfully attractive. Despite her best intentions - and even though he's human, a no-no in the witchy world - Mina finds herself falling for him.
Then she finds out some bad news. Some of the spells she's sold online have backfired ... horribly. While she's critical of the dark witches in her neighbourhood, is she really the good witch she thinks she is?
A fresh, funny story of love and the chaos and joy Christmas can bring from the ever-popular Carla Caruso.
The festive season isn't Mina Rosso's favourite time of year. It reminds her that as a descendant of La Befana - Italy's Christmas witch - she's cursed to forever be unlucky in love... Her plan this Christmastime is to lie low, keeping her secret identity under wraps as usual, and do what comes naturally: spread goodwill.
Unfortunately, the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon Eder, puts a spanner in the works. Fresh from working in Milan, Jadon's full of big-city arrogance and plans to overhaul the antique shop Mina loves. Pity he's also sinfully attractive. Despite her best intentions - and even though he's human, a no-no in the witchy world - Mina finds herself falling for him.
Then she finds out some bad news. Some of the spells she's sold online have backfired ... horribly. While she's critical of the dark witches in her neighbourhood, is she really the good witch she thinks she is?
A fresh, funny story of love and the chaos and joy Christmas can bring from the ever-popular Carla Caruso.
- GenresRomance
250 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2019
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Carla Caruso
58 books76 followersCarla Caruso was born in Adelaide, Australia, and only ‘escaped’ for three years to work as a magazine journalist and fashion stylist in Sydney.
Previously, she was a gossip columnist and fashion editor at Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser. She has since freelanced for titles including Woman’s Day, That’s Life and Marie Claire.
These days, she writes fiction in between playing mum to twin sons Alessio and Sebastian, making fashion jewellery, and restoring vintage furniture. Oh, plus checking out her online horoscopes, jogging, and devouring trashy TV shows
Find her at @carlacaruso_creative on Instagram.
Previously, she was a gossip columnist and fashion editor at Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser. She has since freelanced for titles including Woman’s Day, That’s Life and Marie Claire.
These days, she writes fiction in between playing mum to twin sons Alessio and Sebastian, making fashion jewellery, and restoring vintage furniture. Oh, plus checking out her online horoscopes, jogging, and devouring trashy TV shows
Find her at @carlacaruso_creative on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 14, 2019
I always enjoy Caruso’s books and this one had a lot of her trademark touches.
For starters, Italians. I adored this aspect. Our lead, Mina, is supposedly a descendant of La Befana, a legendary witch who delivered gifts a'la Santa. Her Italian family's over the top quirks fit in perfectly with the book’s imaginary magical community of witches.
Caruso once again set the book in her hometown of Adelaide which I also liked. Caruso needs to get paid by their tourist board as I always want to go there on a holiday after reading any of her books.
The book relies on Mina's secret life as a witch to provide the bulk of the plot's conflict and for the most, it's enough. Caruso does add in a bit of a mystery when Mina sells some spells online only to have her clients turn up dead afterwards. I would have liked Mina to have investigated these deaths a little more fully; this storyline is wrapped up a little too fast and maybe didn't fit in with the humorous feel of the rest of the book. I also must say the 'twist' in the end of the book was glaringly obvious.
There was one thing in the book I found difficult to believe and surprisingly the witchcraft wasn’t it. Honestly, I couldn’t fathom the idea of an antique shop being such a thriving business that three people could be employed there and expensive marketing stunts could be covered by its profit. I also had difficulty in believing in our hero's high flying career in Milan.
Instead of foodporn, this book offered up plantporn. I really liked this; Nina’s magical power is [basically] to talk to plants. Actually, when Nina’s magic became more over the top, Caruso lost me a bit. But, I will admit, books featuring witches and whatnot aren’t my usual fare.
Other than the plantporn, I also enjoyed the song references scattered throughout. They were great fun.
The only other real beef I had with the book is its lack of Christmas. This is a hugely common problem with Christmas books though. They all mention Christmas in passing really.
But, if you’re looking for a fun modern romance with a sprinkling of magic, this book is not a bad choice.
3 ½ out of 5
*Thanks to Carla for providing me with a free copy*
For starters, Italians. I adored this aspect. Our lead, Mina, is supposedly a descendant of La Befana, a legendary witch who delivered gifts a'la Santa. Her Italian family's over the top quirks fit in perfectly with the book’s imaginary magical community of witches.
Caruso once again set the book in her hometown of Adelaide which I also liked. Caruso needs to get paid by their tourist board as I always want to go there on a holiday after reading any of her books.
The book relies on Mina's secret life as a witch to provide the bulk of the plot's conflict and for the most, it's enough. Caruso does add in a bit of a mystery when Mina sells some spells online only to have her clients turn up dead afterwards. I would have liked Mina to have investigated these deaths a little more fully; this storyline is wrapped up a little too fast and maybe didn't fit in with the humorous feel of the rest of the book. I also must say the 'twist' in the end of the book was glaringly obvious.
There was one thing in the book I found difficult to believe and surprisingly the witchcraft wasn’t it. Honestly, I couldn’t fathom the idea of an antique shop being such a thriving business that three people could be employed there and expensive marketing stunts could be covered by its profit. I also had difficulty in believing in our hero's high flying career in Milan.
Instead of foodporn, this book offered up plantporn. I really liked this; Nina’s magical power is [basically] to talk to plants. Actually, when Nina’s magic became more over the top, Caruso lost me a bit. But, I will admit, books featuring witches and whatnot aren’t my usual fare.
Other than the plantporn, I also enjoyed the song references scattered throughout. They were great fun.
The only other real beef I had with the book is its lack of Christmas. This is a hugely common problem with Christmas books though. They all mention Christmas in passing really.
But, if you’re looking for a fun modern romance with a sprinkling of magic, this book is not a bad choice.
3 ½ out of 5
*Thanks to Carla for providing me with a free copy*
December 23, 2019
(I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The Christmas Witch, by Carla Caruso, is a Christmas rom-com with paranormal elements thrown in, and is an easy-to-read story set in Adelaide. The main character, Mina, works in an antique store and everything’s going fine for this young witch until her boss’ son, Jadon, arrives to take over the management of the store, which throws Mina for a curveball. Jadon is smart, successful and attractive and it’s not long before Mina begins to fall for him - which is a problem, because her Italian witch heritage means she’s always unlucky in love.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about The Christmas Witch - the Italian heritage that’s woven through the story, the Adelaide setting (which just made me want to travel there) and the beginnings of the mystery as people Mina sells small spells to begin to end up in bizarre situations. I also very much enjoyed the characterisation of Mina’s family - her mother and grandmother - who provided a lot of laughs. It was, however, a bit over-the-top at times - which, given it’s a witchy-style story, is not to be unexpected - but there were just times when I was pulled out of the story. At other times, the writing seemed choppy and I had trouble falling into the flow of it.
Overall, it was a decent read and I’m happy to have found a new author to potentially explore in the future.
The Christmas Witch, by Carla Caruso, is a Christmas rom-com with paranormal elements thrown in, and is an easy-to-read story set in Adelaide. The main character, Mina, works in an antique store and everything’s going fine for this young witch until her boss’ son, Jadon, arrives to take over the management of the store, which throws Mina for a curveball. Jadon is smart, successful and attractive and it’s not long before Mina begins to fall for him - which is a problem, because her Italian witch heritage means she’s always unlucky in love.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about The Christmas Witch - the Italian heritage that’s woven through the story, the Adelaide setting (which just made me want to travel there) and the beginnings of the mystery as people Mina sells small spells to begin to end up in bizarre situations. I also very much enjoyed the characterisation of Mina’s family - her mother and grandmother - who provided a lot of laughs. It was, however, a bit over-the-top at times - which, given it’s a witchy-style story, is not to be unexpected - but there were just times when I was pulled out of the story. At other times, the writing seemed choppy and I had trouble falling into the flow of it.
Overall, it was a decent read and I’m happy to have found a new author to potentially explore in the future.
December 24, 2020
Had this book for a while but held off reading it til it was closer to Christmas as the theme fitted perfectly. Good timing I finished Christmas Eve. An easy read, not too long story, with humour, drama and a touch of “Bewitched”. However Mina’s spell making abilities stems from the traditional Italian legend of La Befana, a Christmas “witch”. I made a personal connection and meaning to the story as it is set in Adelaide (my home town) and I have an Italian heritage. I could relate to Mina’s family, particularly her relationship with her Nonna (grandmother).
November 12, 2019
Highly entertaining, emotionally thrilling, action packed and engaging adventure filled with intriguing charters, witty banter, exciting twists and turns..... was a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this journey!
December 31, 2021
a bit of everything ----an interesting read
February 22, 2025
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this story. It was a little different. It had good characters and conflict from several areas. The pacing was good. The humour helped make this story very entertaining, but the romance also had a chance to develop. The ending was good, but could have used an epilogue or at least a little more time to wrap up the relationship and family things. Overall, I really enjoyed this story.
December 20, 2019
The Christmas Witch is a delightful, frothy fantasy romantic comedy, which is perfect for those moments when you just want to smile or laugh without taking your reading too seriously.
Set in the Adelaide hills, this story features Mina, a white witch, who doesn’t believe she’ll ever be able to have a happy ever after because she’s witch. She’s jealous of her sister, who isn’t, and who is getting married as the story opens. Min is utterly endearing. She talks to plants, sees auras, and thanks the salad in her sandwich for feeding her “because, hey, vegetables were plants too.” With a mother whose fashion sense is questionable at best and who is inclined to flirt with anyone in pants, Mina has plenty to deal with. Her grandmother, who suffers slightly from dementia and gets her spells confused, also lives with Mina and her mother so there’s plenty to laugh about in Mina’s world and laugh I did.
Jadon, son of the owner of the furniture store where Mina works, enters the page as a strict, no-nonsense man and one who gets under Mina’s skin from the start. While I liked her right away, it took me a while to warm to Jadon, but I got there and before long I was sitting on the sidelines cheering these two along as they slowly discovered their love for each other.
This story moves fast, is packed with humour, and is utterly endearing. It’s perfect reading for the Christmas holiday period no matter which part of the world you live in.
Set in the Adelaide hills, this story features Mina, a white witch, who doesn’t believe she’ll ever be able to have a happy ever after because she’s witch. She’s jealous of her sister, who isn’t, and who is getting married as the story opens. Min is utterly endearing. She talks to plants, sees auras, and thanks the salad in her sandwich for feeding her “because, hey, vegetables were plants too.” With a mother whose fashion sense is questionable at best and who is inclined to flirt with anyone in pants, Mina has plenty to deal with. Her grandmother, who suffers slightly from dementia and gets her spells confused, also lives with Mina and her mother so there’s plenty to laugh about in Mina’s world and laugh I did.
Jadon, son of the owner of the furniture store where Mina works, enters the page as a strict, no-nonsense man and one who gets under Mina’s skin from the start. While I liked her right away, it took me a while to warm to Jadon, but I got there and before long I was sitting on the sidelines cheering these two along as they slowly discovered their love for each other.
This story moves fast, is packed with humour, and is utterly endearing. It’s perfect reading for the Christmas holiday period no matter which part of the world you live in.
December 2, 2019
This is a story of a witch from a family of witches but there is one daughter who is normal. Mina, a witch, works in an antique store and some of her “ powers” are hearing plants speak and seeing auras around furniture. This I liked.
Two main themes seem to emerge a sister’s wedding and a son determined to bring the antiques store into the present, including making a profit.
What wedding ever goes along according to plan? Mina’s sister’s didn’t; untangling everything made for entertaining fun.
Fingering out about the spells that seemed to miscue causing death was another matter. Getting the family involved in finding out what went wrong ended up in some interesting developments.
Christmas is mentioned a lot but not much Christmas is in the story. The ending though is a complete surprise. It was the best part because it is so unexpected.
I found the story okay, but not anything unusual. It lacked something as it feels choppy, not a smooth flow. What I found most appealing were the unusual or unexpected aspects that just seem to happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Escape Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Two main themes seem to emerge a sister’s wedding and a son determined to bring the antiques store into the present, including making a profit.
What wedding ever goes along according to plan? Mina’s sister’s didn’t; untangling everything made for entertaining fun.
Fingering out about the spells that seemed to miscue causing death was another matter. Getting the family involved in finding out what went wrong ended up in some interesting developments.
Christmas is mentioned a lot but not much Christmas is in the story. The ending though is a complete surprise. It was the best part because it is so unexpected.
I found the story okay, but not anything unusual. It lacked something as it feels choppy, not a smooth flow. What I found most appealing were the unusual or unexpected aspects that just seem to happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Escape Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 17, 2019
This book has a sprinkle of Christmas magic in with some plant witchery to make for an interesting twist on your typical paranormal romance.
Mina is a plant witch and comes from a line of very quirky and strange witches. They blend with their neighbors as much as some very interesting folks could, but they are forever making mistakes and having to cover their powers. A group of evil witches in town, however, are blending in some bad and very wrong ways. Mina, as ever the peacekeeper, is working at a local antique store, planning bridal activities for her sister's upcoming wedding, and trying to hide her attraction to her new temporary boss, Jadon.
This story had some hints of real romance, but was more of a mystery than anything else. Some bad things are happening in Mina's town, and she has somehow become the only person who can stop them. She's got to do this, of course, while still being in her sister's non-magical wedding, keeping her job, and balancing good and evil. No big deal, right? Ultimately, we get a Christmas miracle that saves the town and he relationship.
Mina is a plant witch and comes from a line of very quirky and strange witches. They blend with their neighbors as much as some very interesting folks could, but they are forever making mistakes and having to cover their powers. A group of evil witches in town, however, are blending in some bad and very wrong ways. Mina, as ever the peacekeeper, is working at a local antique store, planning bridal activities for her sister's upcoming wedding, and trying to hide her attraction to her new temporary boss, Jadon.
This story had some hints of real romance, but was more of a mystery than anything else. Some bad things are happening in Mina's town, and she has somehow become the only person who can stop them. She's got to do this, of course, while still being in her sister's non-magical wedding, keeping her job, and balancing good and evil. No big deal, right? Ultimately, we get a Christmas miracle that saves the town and he relationship.
October 25, 2019
I couldn't resist picking this up. The title, the cover, the summary. Sounds perfect.
The story follows Mina who is a witch and it is Xmas season. She is cursed to be forever unlucky in love. Her plan is to keep low and spread the goodwill. Well...with the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon will toss all plans array. He is a hottie, but he has arrogant plans to overhaul her antique shop.
This was a fun story. Short, cute, and fun. A little topping of cheesy. A perfect quick read for the season.
Poor Mina. I rooted for her!
Not 100% a fan of Jadon.
The ending was good. It made me want more! There were some lulls here and there, but overall I was hooked. I was curious to see how it was all going to end.
That cover is suppppper pretty. The colors and I feel the lady they got looks like how I envisioned Mina.
Overall, this was a quick, cute read. I would read more by this author for sure. I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
The story follows Mina who is a witch and it is Xmas season. She is cursed to be forever unlucky in love. Her plan is to keep low and spread the goodwill. Well...with the arrival of her boss's son, Jadon will toss all plans array. He is a hottie, but he has arrogant plans to overhaul her antique shop.
This was a fun story. Short, cute, and fun. A little topping of cheesy. A perfect quick read for the season.
Poor Mina. I rooted for her!
Not 100% a fan of Jadon.
The ending was good. It made me want more! There were some lulls here and there, but overall I was hooked. I was curious to see how it was all going to end.
That cover is suppppper pretty. The colors and I feel the lady they got looks like how I envisioned Mina.
Overall, this was a quick, cute read. I would read more by this author for sure. I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
October 8, 2019
The Christmas Witch was a good story, not so much Christmassy as the title suggests. The plot line was good and the characters were funny. At times the world was robust and full of color and at other times it was a bit one dimensional and monochromatic. It was hard for me to really connect with the characters but I enjoyed them and the plot line enough to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC for my honest review.
October 25, 2019
The Christmas Witch was an enjoyable story, even though the title is somewhat misleading, as there is very little Christmassy about this book. That said, I liked the characters, the overall world building and the fun and light-hearted moments throughout the plot. This was my first read by Carla Caruso, but I would definitely read another of her books.
September 26, 2019
This author’s unconventional approach to Christmas reads has paid off. It’s a story fit for the upcoming season and has a marvelous plot line. It had me hook, line and sinker. 5/5 stars for a “not your average” Christmas story.
October 8, 2019
An unusual Christmas story, well written and engrossing.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 15, 2019
I laughed, I cried, I got mad, but I really liked this book. The characters were well thought out, they meshed together. I think the Christmas theme was great. If you want to read a good Christmas read, this is your story.
October 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The writing was fresh and vibrant, I loved the witchy/magical aspect, and the characters were great. Definitely looking forward to more titles by this author!
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.
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November 2, 2019The Christmas Witch by Carla Caruso is a magical holiday read that is full of mystery, drama, and lots of spells. Can the magic of the season bring everyone together or will misfiring spells ruin everything? A fascinating story that you will not want to put down.
November 29, 2019
Very cute. It is like a very slightly saucier version of The Good Witch but set in Australia. A little light on the plot side of things, but perfect if you are looking for a slice of life romance with a dash of magic.
November 15, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Can't wat to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews