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The Witch Next Door #1
One Witch Too Few
Lily Antony is a young witch playing in a very dangerous treasure hunt.
She’s got to follow the clues her Mom left behind after her disappearance trekking the world. Maybe even put the pieces of her life back together with each one. First stop – get that cute guy, Romeo to help her out.
Never hurts to have a werewolf along for the ride. Especially since Lily thinks her mom is still alive – and no one else does. Doubters gonna hate… and chase Lily and Romeo all over the world. Sounds like these doubters have something to hide?
Before she can even start, Lily loses everything she owns except for a Winnebago and a little bit of money. Doesn’t matter. This girl has a wand and a will to get the job done. Like mother, like witchy daughter.
Together, Lily and Romeo head north in her Winnebago with the first real clues.
A business card written in French, a broken piece of metal and a magical speakeasy hidden beneath the streets of Montreal. Can she figure it all out and find out what happened to her mother?
The race is on across the globe with other deadly players in hot pursuit of the young couple, and that team is playing for keeps. What exactly was her mother into?
Will the final clue lead to treasure or death?
Join the start of Lily and Romeo’s adventures from South Carolina to Canada and beyond in One Witch Too Few! Click “Buy Now” to get started.
She’s got to follow the clues her Mom left behind after her disappearance trekking the world. Maybe even put the pieces of her life back together with each one. First stop – get that cute guy, Romeo to help her out.
Never hurts to have a werewolf along for the ride. Especially since Lily thinks her mom is still alive – and no one else does. Doubters gonna hate… and chase Lily and Romeo all over the world. Sounds like these doubters have something to hide?
Before she can even start, Lily loses everything she owns except for a Winnebago and a little bit of money. Doesn’t matter. This girl has a wand and a will to get the job done. Like mother, like witchy daughter.
Together, Lily and Romeo head north in her Winnebago with the first real clues.
A business card written in French, a broken piece of metal and a magical speakeasy hidden beneath the streets of Montreal. Can she figure it all out and find out what happened to her mother?
The race is on across the globe with other deadly players in hot pursuit of the young couple, and that team is playing for keeps. What exactly was her mother into?
Will the final clue lead to treasure or death?
Join the start of Lily and Romeo’s adventures from South Carolina to Canada and beyond in One Witch Too Few! Click “Buy Now” to get started.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2019
596 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Judith Berens
78 books199 followersJudith Berens is a figment of your imagination, made up of the fevered brainpower of Michael Anderle and Martha Carr, fueled by a lot of people helping them out - as well as all of you, The Fans. Great stories mixed with a lot of great readers equals more adventures to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 13, 2020
As much as I don't enjoy giving poor reviews to indie published authors, I just can't justify anything higher than 2 stars for this book. I didn't totally enjoy it, but it really wasn't the worst book I ever read either. And I wouldn't complain that I felt like I wasted my time on this book. I wasn't raging and hate reading to the end, but it left me wholly unsatisfied and not curious enough about the world and what's going on in it to keep me moving on and into book 2.
Now that said, this book does have a decently high aggregate score with quite a few reviews, so this author trio clearly has a following for the universe they keep writing stories for. Which is my 1st note here. I've never read any of the other books in this universe, so I had no clue what was going on. This book even as a BOOK 1 in a series just doesn't take the time to explain anything. Idk anything about the world, magic system, and barely anything about the main characters now at the end of the book. Except Romeo likes PBR and neither of them have age appropriate believable tastes in music.
Which brings me to point 2 about this book. If you decide to jump in and read this book. Just don't think. Turn the brain right off and just enjoy the ride. Everything here falls apparent instantly if you think about it. Lily and Romeo feel like 20 somethings for 40 years ago instead of more modern 20 somethings. Both of them are kind of dumb as a box of rocks but seem to uncover and solve all these "clues" and "puzzles" , and the enemies really don't have any explained or inferred motive to be actually acting Lily. The whole thing is bonkers and just doesn't make sense.
There's also the fact that this book's editor did a poor job of blending the 3 author's writing styles seamlessly together. There's constant small shifts/jerks in perspective, different ways of handing writing syntax all the way through the book and I found this super jarring. So if proper grammer is a pet peeve, probably steer clear.
But I think the biggest problem is this book really has no plot and more importantly nothing happens for most of this book. All they do is small talk and eat and talk about food for first 60%+ of the book. It's part 1 in 8 books, so I suspect this is really the 1st eighth in a singular book that was split apart for profits sake (which i'm fine with this monetization strategy , but the action should have gotten rolling sooner or this should have been released in less installments). So I'd advise to steer clear unless you can get this series through the kindle unlimited program, because other wise it'll be a solid investment before anything worth while happens.
Some Final Notes: The romance is a slow burn, and very much insta love (a paradox I know). Which made if feel weird and super forced to me. But that might just be me. Just as a warning. Though if you're into the the childhood friends or estranged friends to lovers trope, there's something here for you with that.
So if you're looking for a brain dead popcorn read and really don't mind hand waving away a lot of logic, and are ok with lack of what is objectively defined as "good" writing (which isn't always fun writing) while also being subscribed to kindle unlimited, you'll probably have a decent time here, and honestly you could do a whole lot worse. But for readers like me, this was a bit too much of an ask for me to truly have a good time here. I'm not into what reads like the transcript of a high schooler's role play session with her closest pals polished up and published out.
Now that said, this book does have a decently high aggregate score with quite a few reviews, so this author trio clearly has a following for the universe they keep writing stories for. Which is my 1st note here. I've never read any of the other books in this universe, so I had no clue what was going on. This book even as a BOOK 1 in a series just doesn't take the time to explain anything. Idk anything about the world, magic system, and barely anything about the main characters now at the end of the book. Except Romeo likes PBR and neither of them have age appropriate believable tastes in music.
Which brings me to point 2 about this book. If you decide to jump in and read this book. Just don't think. Turn the brain right off and just enjoy the ride. Everything here falls apparent instantly if you think about it. Lily and Romeo feel like 20 somethings for 40 years ago instead of more modern 20 somethings. Both of them are kind of dumb as a box of rocks but seem to uncover and solve all these "clues" and "puzzles" , and the enemies really don't have any explained or inferred motive to be actually acting Lily. The whole thing is bonkers and just doesn't make sense.
There's also the fact that this book's editor did a poor job of blending the 3 author's writing styles seamlessly together. There's constant small shifts/jerks in perspective, different ways of handing writing syntax all the way through the book and I found this super jarring. So if proper grammer is a pet peeve, probably steer clear.
But I think the biggest problem is this book really has no plot and more importantly nothing happens for most of this book. All they do is small talk and eat and talk about food for first 60%+ of the book. It's part 1 in 8 books, so I suspect this is really the 1st eighth in a singular book that was split apart for profits sake (which i'm fine with this monetization strategy , but the action should have gotten rolling sooner or this should have been released in less installments). So I'd advise to steer clear unless you can get this series through the kindle unlimited program, because other wise it'll be a solid investment before anything worth while happens.
Some Final Notes: The romance is a slow burn, and very much insta love (a paradox I know). Which made if feel weird and super forced to me. But that might just be me. Just as a warning. Though if you're into the the childhood friends or estranged friends to lovers trope, there's something here for you with that.
So if you're looking for a brain dead popcorn read and really don't mind hand waving away a lot of logic, and are ok with lack of what is objectively defined as "good" writing (which isn't always fun writing) while also being subscribed to kindle unlimited, you'll probably have a decent time here, and honestly you could do a whole lot worse. But for readers like me, this was a bit too much of an ask for me to truly have a good time here. I'm not into what reads like the transcript of a high schooler's role play session with her closest pals polished up and published out.
October 11, 2020
This is an interesting urban fantasy- action/adventure series. I love the lead character and the male. Their story alone is so sweet and believable, the banter is absolutely infectious. But I love the mystery, the clues leading them together down the trail to find her mom.
July 14, 2023
I thought this was a series I would get into and binge. I just wasn’t feeling it. Not sure why it just didn’t gel for me.
April 20, 2020
Lily and Romeo
Lily is a witch who is down in her luck. Her mom us declared dead and someone comes in with a fake will and leaves her destitute. She is convinced her mom is alive, she just needs to get someone to believe her. Enter Romeo. A childhood friend who is also a werewolf. In this book, witches and werewolves don't normally get along. Apparently her mom Great is all about bucking convention. She taught her daughter how to defend herself, to believe in herself and how to solve puzzles of all variations. Lily goes to Romeo after she is attacked. The two reconnect and a road trip is planned to follow clues left by her mom. Now she has a friend that believes her, a set of clues to follow and more hope than ever before. The chemistry between the two is great, the writer did a great job with the blossoming romance. Looking forward to book two. I am really hoping they find her mom alive. On to the next set of clues.
Lily is a witch who is down in her luck. Her mom us declared dead and someone comes in with a fake will and leaves her destitute. She is convinced her mom is alive, she just needs to get someone to believe her. Enter Romeo. A childhood friend who is also a werewolf. In this book, witches and werewolves don't normally get along. Apparently her mom Great is all about bucking convention. She taught her daughter how to defend herself, to believe in herself and how to solve puzzles of all variations. Lily goes to Romeo after she is attacked. The two reconnect and a road trip is planned to follow clues left by her mom. Now she has a friend that believes her, a set of clues to follow and more hope than ever before. The chemistry between the two is great, the writer did a great job with the blossoming romance. Looking forward to book two. I am really hoping they find her mom alive. On to the next set of clues.
August 13, 2019
One Witch Too Few
Magical! First book of a new series and it’s a winner! Mystery, puzzles and ROAD TRIP. Childhood friends reunited are nostalgic, hilarious, and sizzle as adults. Lily and Romeo are great characters and their journey keeps you riveted. Next book Please.
Always read the authors notes at the end! They can be funny, inspiring, and uplifting. A great group of authors publishing though LMBPN.
Michael for you:
Ever since we Let Michael be Publisher Now, you’ve tried to pawn off the author’ s notes lol. Quit whining and write them.
Magical! First book of a new series and it’s a winner! Mystery, puzzles and ROAD TRIP. Childhood friends reunited are nostalgic, hilarious, and sizzle as adults. Lily and Romeo are great characters and their journey keeps you riveted. Next book Please.
Always read the authors notes at the end! They can be funny, inspiring, and uplifting. A great group of authors publishing though LMBPN.
Michael for you:
Ever since we Let Michael be Publisher Now, you’ve tried to pawn off the author’ s notes lol. Quit whining and write them.
September 3, 2019
A witch and a werewolf walk into a bar...
Actually they do but not until well into the story. Great concept with childhood friends on a mission to find her mother and along the way they find danger, treasure and a little romance. The flow is fast, the characters appealing and the mystery deep enough to hold your interest. Excellent writing as we’ve come to expect from the amazing Anderle/Carr duo.
Steve should write some notes in ADDITION to Martha and Michael (sorry Steve)
Actually they do but not until well into the story. Great concept with childhood friends on a mission to find her mother and along the way they find danger, treasure and a little romance. The flow is fast, the characters appealing and the mystery deep enough to hold your interest. Excellent writing as we’ve come to expect from the amazing Anderle/Carr duo.
Steve should write some notes in ADDITION to Martha and Michael (sorry Steve)
September 16, 2019
Seems Ben there did that
Seems. Kinda drawn out from other books like this. Was harder to get into an left me with out at the end. Defiantly not what I was expecting by far.
Seems. Kinda drawn out from other books like this. Was harder to get into an left me with out at the end. Defiantly not what I was expecting by far.
August 4, 2020
Quick read
This is a quick, fun read, without a lot of substance. It's a little cheesy, but the writing is solid.
This is a quick, fun read, without a lot of substance. It's a little cheesy, but the writing is solid.
August 6, 2024
This book was totally different to everything I've come to expect of Martha and Michael, as a duo writing team.
I don't include Judith Berens here, as this is actually a pen name, used by the authors, to represent a group of people who help the duo in their writing.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed reading this book, once I'd read the first chapter, and it had introduced me to its particular writing style, but it's nothing like their 'normal' way of telling us stories.
Lily and Romeo are a nice couple, who start out as childhood friends who lose touch over a period of seven years.
Lily had gone from a witch who is living the high life, that her mother, Greta, also a witch, introduced her to, after reaching fame and fortune in Lily's teen years
Romeo is a Werewolf - something that, in this book's world, is a creature that is intrinsically magical, without being able to work spells of any other type.
Romeo comes from a poorer background - not poverty, but more blue collar. He had served some time in prison, for a crime he didn't commit.
It's also frowned on, in this world, for Witches and Werewolves to mix, but Greta is a witch that bucks convention, and she brought up Lily to do the same.
At the time this book is set, Greta is, supposedly, dead, and all her wealth and property has been left to some rather murky figures, leaving Lily with nothing, bar the clothes on her back - well, almost, anyway - and a Winnebago Adventurer, given to her by her Mother's accountant, a family friend, who hated seeing Lily left homeless and all but penniless.
But Lily has questions about her Mothers death, convinced that she is still alive and, on finding some clues, that lead her to believe that she's right, she goes to the only real friend she's ever had - Romeo - and asks for his help in looking for the clues she believes her Mother has left her.
He agrees, and they start their journey, in the hopes of finding Greta alive!
Most of the book is taken up with this, and with a whole host of shady Magicals chasing after her, and trying to kill her. The book ends on a cliffhanger - the most recognisable way in which so many of our Authors' books are ended!
So, after some sleep, I'll be going on to Book Two: 'Witch Way To Go', to find out what will happen next, to our intrepid clue finders and, when I'm done, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
I don't include Judith Berens here, as this is actually a pen name, used by the authors, to represent a group of people who help the duo in their writing.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed reading this book, once I'd read the first chapter, and it had introduced me to its particular writing style, but it's nothing like their 'normal' way of telling us stories.
Lily and Romeo are a nice couple, who start out as childhood friends who lose touch over a period of seven years.
Lily had gone from a witch who is living the high life, that her mother, Greta, also a witch, introduced her to, after reaching fame and fortune in Lily's teen years
Romeo is a Werewolf - something that, in this book's world, is a creature that is intrinsically magical, without being able to work spells of any other type.
Romeo comes from a poorer background - not poverty, but more blue collar. He had served some time in prison, for a crime he didn't commit.
It's also frowned on, in this world, for Witches and Werewolves to mix, but Greta is a witch that bucks convention, and she brought up Lily to do the same.
At the time this book is set, Greta is, supposedly, dead, and all her wealth and property has been left to some rather murky figures, leaving Lily with nothing, bar the clothes on her back - well, almost, anyway - and a Winnebago Adventurer, given to her by her Mother's accountant, a family friend, who hated seeing Lily left homeless and all but penniless.
But Lily has questions about her Mothers death, convinced that she is still alive and, on finding some clues, that lead her to believe that she's right, she goes to the only real friend she's ever had - Romeo - and asks for his help in looking for the clues she believes her Mother has left her.
He agrees, and they start their journey, in the hopes of finding Greta alive!
Most of the book is taken up with this, and with a whole host of shady Magicals chasing after her, and trying to kill her. The book ends on a cliffhanger - the most recognisable way in which so many of our Authors' books are ended!
So, after some sleep, I'll be going on to Book Two: 'Witch Way To Go', to find out what will happen next, to our intrepid clue finders and, when I'm done, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
December 26, 2020
Wow, great beginning!
I want to start with “We LOVE Michael’s author notes, don’t change a thing”. I have to admit that's one of the things i lol forward to reading, like a bonus, that sets all the books, with Michael's name in the cover, apart from the most other books I've read over the 63 years of my life. I have loved the honesty he has shared with his readers over the last 5 years. I to hope he will continue writing has more. They are usually as entertaining was the story and gives us reader the feeling of friendship. Now I got that out of my system, I can return to reviewing this book.
Great start to a new series. Looking forward to what they have planned to come on the books to come. This book is when in the urban fantasy genre but isn't in any of their other best selling universes. The heroine is a witch whose mother mysteriously disappears and is assumed , then legally pronounced, deceased. But Lily doesn't believe it and find clues, she knows her mother left her, that will lead her two where her mother is being held. To help her in her quest, she enlist her best friend from childhood, a werewolf named Romeo. They haven't seen each other for 7 years and both have changed physically in that time. The is an immediate attraction in both sides from the start. There are plenty of mysteries in addition to the clues left by Lily's mother. Hopefully we will find the answers in future books. Fans of these authors are warned that the writing is a bit different from other book they have written. The mysteries are somewhat more vague than I was use to. But still I enjoyed the book and that to's he it deserves the four star rating. I recommend this book as an excellent way to escape the challenges 2020 has rained in us. I just personally enjoy the writing style I'm use to in other books they have written. Looking forward to the books that follows as the authors continue developing the characters and the world they are in.
I want to start with “We LOVE Michael’s author notes, don’t change a thing”. I have to admit that's one of the things i lol forward to reading, like a bonus, that sets all the books, with Michael's name in the cover, apart from the most other books I've read over the 63 years of my life. I have loved the honesty he has shared with his readers over the last 5 years. I to hope he will continue writing has more. They are usually as entertaining was the story and gives us reader the feeling of friendship. Now I got that out of my system, I can return to reviewing this book.
Great start to a new series. Looking forward to what they have planned to come on the books to come. This book is when in the urban fantasy genre but isn't in any of their other best selling universes. The heroine is a witch whose mother mysteriously disappears and is assumed , then legally pronounced, deceased. But Lily doesn't believe it and find clues, she knows her mother left her, that will lead her two where her mother is being held. To help her in her quest, she enlist her best friend from childhood, a werewolf named Romeo. They haven't seen each other for 7 years and both have changed physically in that time. The is an immediate attraction in both sides from the start. There are plenty of mysteries in addition to the clues left by Lily's mother. Hopefully we will find the answers in future books. Fans of these authors are warned that the writing is a bit different from other book they have written. The mysteries are somewhat more vague than I was use to. But still I enjoyed the book and that to's he it deserves the four star rating. I recommend this book as an excellent way to escape the challenges 2020 has rained in us. I just personally enjoy the writing style I'm use to in other books they have written. Looking forward to the books that follows as the authors continue developing the characters and the world they are in.
January 31, 2022
My expectations for kindle unlimited books are pretty low, but this one was unbelievably boring. It's extremely rare for me to give up on a book without finishing, but around the 60% mark I decided it wasn't going to improve and life is too short. I cannot understand how this book has such high ratings from so many readers. Perhaps they are fans of these authors and are already familiar with the world they write in, but this was my first (and last) book from them and it made no sense. I've never read an UF or PR where the world wasn't at least partially explained in the early chapters. More than halfway through this one, there had been zero world building, I had absolutely no idea what was going on and I was given no reason to care. The main characters seemed MUCH younger than they were supposed to be and their interactions felt very middle school summer camp romance. If they hadn't been driving cars and drinking beer I would have thought they were about 13 years old. The one positive thing I can say is the book isn't badly written. Just too boring to read.
November 14, 2020
This is book one in an eight-part series. The story-line and characters were interesting. This was a fairly light read, with dialogue and action on a PG/E10+ level. There were some odd plot-points I didn't understand, such as why neither 20-something main character had a job, but overall not a bad start to the series.
With a good editor and attention to crutch words (PLEASE give these characters a facial expression other than smirking!), this could be a great middle-grade read.
With a good editor and attention to crutch words (PLEASE give these characters a facial expression other than smirking!), this could be a great middle-grade read.
December 28, 2021
Camping and puzzles
Lily and Romeo go on a hunt set out by her mom. She believes her mom is alive and needs Romeo to go with her to help. They head to Canada to find a club. In said magical club, they find a set of keys that lead them to a forest. More clues are found and Lily is that much closer to finding her mom.
Love the characters and their history. Both are smart and sweet together. Cant wait to see where it goes.
Lily and Romeo go on a hunt set out by her mom. She believes her mom is alive and needs Romeo to go with her to help. They head to Canada to find a club. In said magical club, they find a set of keys that lead them to a forest. More clues are found and Lily is that much closer to finding her mom.
Love the characters and their history. Both are smart and sweet together. Cant wait to see where it goes.
January 3, 2023
A urban fantasy series featuring a witch and a werewolf.....seems like something I have read already. This series promises to be a little different then others however. The two main characters are being well developed and although there is obviously some romantic/ sexual tension between them it is not the defining aspect of their relationship.....rather refreshing actually. I will be continuing with the series
February 19, 2021
Actual stars 1.5.
Very simple story that lacks background information on the characters. Also written in third person narrative which can be confusing when listening to it in audio. At times I wasn't sure which character was doing what because of it.
Very simple story that lacks background information on the characters. Also written in third person narrative which can be confusing when listening to it in audio. At times I wasn't sure which character was doing what because of it.
December 28, 2021
There was no explanation of how magic and the paranormal work in this world. It's like I jumped into the middle of a story. Also took forever to get going. Not interested enough to continue the series.
June 10, 2020
Book 29 complete.
July 25, 2020
Clues take Lily and Romeo to Toronto, a mystical throwback speakeasy, and a hidden cottage in a forest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
Interesting new series
This looks to be a good start to a new series. Lots of action and fun characters. I look forward to the rest of the series.
This looks to be a good start to a new series. Lots of action and fun characters. I look forward to the rest of the series.
September 23, 2020
First book in the series and off to a good start.
December 30, 2020
Very entertaining paranormal book
This is a story about a witch and a werewolf who are friends following clues regarding her supposedly deceased mother. I really enjoyed this book.
This is a story about a witch and a werewolf who are friends following clues regarding her supposedly deceased mother. I really enjoyed this book.
May 9, 2021
Enjoyable, but a little too much of a teenage romance roadtrip for me to like, even though I liked imagining the magic bar.
October 29, 2021
fun read
I was drawn into the story and it was interesting following the thought process of the witch. She was solving a mystery from clues left for her.
I was drawn into the story and it was interesting following the thought process of the witch. She was solving a mystery from clues left for her.
November 25, 2021
Did not enjoy this series at all. The characters were not likeable and often too stupid to be believable.
November 24, 2022
love it!!
Really enjoy the story!!! I cant wait for more! Really enjoy the characters and i want to know what happens next
Really enjoy the story!!! I cant wait for more! Really enjoy the characters and i want to know what happens next
October 16, 2025
Listened to the audiobook. Just ok.
June 9, 2025
The romantic lead male is named Romeo. The name seems a little too obvious and lazy This fact alone almost made me read a different book. While the book's plot was not as obvious as the name Romeo, it was boring and completely boring. I will probably not continue the series.
January 31, 2020
One Witch Too Few book 1
This was another winner. This is a new author for me but I love this series. I highly recommend all her books and different series to everyone who loves witches and paranormal characters and mysteries. Diana Romano
This was another winner. This is a new author for me but I love this series. I highly recommend all her books and different series to everyone who loves witches and paranormal characters and mysteries. Diana Romano
August 17, 2019
Another Winning Series!
One Witch Too Few introduces us to Lily and Romeo. Both are on a journey to find her mother, whom everyone thinks is dead. Did I mention that Lily is a witch and Romeo is a werewolf? They are following a breadcrumb trail that takes them to Canada where they meet enemies they did not know they had. And a clue to find Lily’s mother. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
One Witch Too Few introduces us to Lily and Romeo. Both are on a journey to find her mother, whom everyone thinks is dead. Did I mention that Lily is a witch and Romeo is a werewolf? They are following a breadcrumb trail that takes them to Canada where they meet enemies they did not know they had. And a clue to find Lily’s mother. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
September 4, 2019
Great first novel for cool series
I love the characters in this book. A witch with her best friend Romeo, a werewolf, go hunting for clues to find her mother. The problem is that mom was reported dead, but Lily isn't buying it. Written by two of my favorite authors, Martha Carr and Michael Anderle, writing as Judith Berens, how can it miss? BTW Love Michael's author notes. Don't change a thing!
I love the characters in this book. A witch with her best friend Romeo, a werewolf, go hunting for clues to find her mother. The problem is that mom was reported dead, but Lily isn't buying it. Written by two of my favorite authors, Martha Carr and Michael Anderle, writing as Judith Berens, how can it miss? BTW Love Michael's author notes. Don't change a thing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews