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Hillcrest Witch Mysteries #8

The Case of the Water Spell

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Would you choose to live forever, if you could?

Penny Banks, PI and amateur witch, is feeling a bit overwhelmed. She's studying magic along with her knitting circle, and the Water Spell proves difficult to master. The spell directions don't make sense, she's not sure where to get a chalice, and her cauldron is filled with moldy banana's.

On top of that, things with her boyfriend, vampire Max Shire, are not going great. He wants her to become a vampire, but is she ready for that? Living forever seems like a lot of work...

It's a good thing she has a case to distract her from her personal troubles! A teen in town has gone missing, and his mother is sure he was kidnapped. Penny's happy to take the case.... Can she solve it?

249 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2019

67 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

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Amorette Anderson

66 books163 followers

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5 stars
151 (76%)
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36 (18%)
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11 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,162 reviews132 followers
June 16, 2019
“Deep down, I know that I have work to do before I can really harness the power of my emotions. …This Water Spell is too much. I can’t wait ‘til it’s done with, and I can stop confronting all of this baggage that I took on before I was six.”

In this book, the eighth in the series, Penny is forced to confront her past and let go of things that might provoke her abilities as a witch. All the while this is going on, she takes on an overprotective client that is worried about her child being abducted. When the Hillcrest police don’t give her the answer she want,Lauren comes to Penny to try to find the answers... can Penny find the REAL truth?

The Terra Coven takes on the preparation for the Water Spell, which seems to have some of them worried. A spell that’s tied to emotional cloudiness,if resolved,could change their lives even more than they know. The question is, do they want to let go of their singular and joint excuses and celebrate the present and the future? Are they ready?

Amorette Anderson’s books in this series are a roller coaster of laughs, tears and “what’s next” as Penny, Marley, Annie and Cora truly begin to trust the idea of family in its many forms. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,906 reviews13 followers
June 20, 2019
Who ever knew that becoming a witch would be so much hard work. In this series it not only involves magic, but bringing your body, mind and spirit into harmony. Once you’re a witch, your outlook on the world is much different! Great philosophy in a witty witch cozy!

The knitting circle (coven) is working on the water spell, though the instructions seem obscure. How does one clear a bottle of water with dirt added, making it sparkling clean, and potable?

Penny’s love life is just as confused now. Her ex, Chris, seems to be interested again, and Penny can’t deny he is attractive. Things are a bit rocky with Max, her current boyfriend. He wants Penny to consider becoming a vampire…soon. Penny doesn’t know what she wants. Forever is a really long time.

Then there is her work. A local teen has disappeared, and his mother is convinced that he was kidnapped. She wants Penny to investigate. The police are sure the boy simply left to live with his father. Can Penny find out the real story? Could the boy be in danger?

How will Penny find a missing youth, complete the water spell, and figure out her future? This might even be to much for a burgeoning witch!


Kindle Unlimited edition
55 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. It is an easy thing to do, because this was a fun and fast moving read. Penny continues to grow as a witch, a PI and a person, and the final twist at the end of the book was a total surprise. I did figure out who done it before Penny did, but I wasn't sure exactly how the murderer had pulled it off. All was explained in the final chapter, and the last few pages of the book tied up story arcs from past books in a very satisfactory way. Can't share what they were because it would be a major spoiler, but just know they are really worth the wait. All in all I do believe this is my favorite book in the series, largely because of the development of Penny's character. Her mastery of the Water Spell isn't easy for her because it requires that she face deeply buried emotional trauma, but that just makes all the more worthwhile when she does it successfully (not really a spoiler, because of course
you know she will do so). However the one caveat I have is to suggest that if you haven't read the earlier books in the series that you do so before beginning this one. They are definitely chronological.
Profile Image for Monina.
108 reviews
September 15, 2019
Book 8: The Case of The Water Spell by Amorette Anderson. This book deals with a lot of emotions. Penny has to deal with her feelings for Max, her father and for what she wants to do with her life. Yes, she is a PI but she has other things to consider in her life.
Right now she is working a case which involves a missing teenager and his mother thinks he has been kidnapped.

Plus, she has to keep working on her spell work and her "little coven" so it is not easy doing all those things for Penny. She finds out that the kid is in another part and she has to get there fast, so with the help of Azure, she teleports herself there, but runs into some trouble.

The ending I am not going to give out, but it is an ending I did not expect. If you want to know how it ends, get the book. This is a series that I believe the books keep getting better and better, and they keep my interest going and wanting to keep reading the next one.
371 reviews
June 25, 2019
I love Penny and the gang. There is a correlation between the preparation for the Water spell and the case Penny is working on. A women, Lauren, believes that her son, Benton, has been kidnapped, hurt, etc. We learn rather quickly that he moved to California to live with his Dad. Complications and questions ensue. First, Benton begins acting strange on the day that Whitey was discovered murdered. Lou, who had previously been struck by lightning and survived, was accused of his murder. From here on out, several twisted and disturbing scenarios make everything as clear as fine dirt in water. This is an exciting, action-packed read with a little tear drop scene or two. I had a hard time putting this book down to go to sleep until I finished it! Epic!

Red Robin

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,511 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2024
Just when you think that her books are so much fun, it doesn't get much better, Anderson surprises you and produces yet another winner. This one is more personal, a deeper, more thoughtful spell, requiring more of Penny and for her to look closer and deeper into herself and her own issues and emotions. I really enjoyed this book, I think it is now far the best of her work, a well written, well thought out and very relevant to today's life. I also love just how liberating having resolved her issues make her feel and how happy she is able to be with her situation and her life.

A very good read. I would certainly recommend it, but consider reading the other books first to appreciate this one fully. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
170 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2019
I received a free ARC from the author. I found the book entertaining, and a deeply satisfying read. In this adventure Penny and her coven sisters have a kidnapping to solve with the help of their familiars and friends. Oh, and there is also a murder. Along with this they have to master the Water Spell which is proving particularly challenging to Penny. A new maple flavored creamy distracts Penny. It is so good! But here there be clues. Penny has a serious choice to make and is really struggling. We learn more about our dear characters and are shown once again that the inner and outer worlds are connected! Come along on this adventure, it will make you feel.
Profile Image for Tobius.
143 reviews
June 20, 2019
I received an ARC copy, BUT I was not paid to leave a review, and these are my own thoughts on the book.

I loved this book! I have read all in the series so far but this one had 2 shocking endings! I was very shocked and surprised at the ending, nope I won't tell you what the ending is :-)

It is not necessary to read the others in the series, but it does help, and this is such a great series why wouldn't you want to read them all?

The author is getting better and better the more she writes, I also like the way she adds pictures to the story on occasion, I think it adds to the story.

Can't wait for the next in the series!

Profile Image for Crystal.
524 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2022
Honestly, I just loved this book. Loved the plot twist towards the end of the book. This book was witty, Entertaining, had animals in it and much, much more. So was there anything that I might change? Possibly. I think I might have put the plot twist earlier(right after the middle of book) but other than that I give the book 5+ stars.
My recommendation is that I think everyone needs to buy, read and review this book.
If you have a chance, read the paperback version over kindle. It's so much better. Love it. I've read it both in digital and paperback and like paperback so much better. I've read the paperback format multiple times and will read again.
Profile Image for John Shrek Walters.
148 reviews
June 20, 2019
🏨 🧛‍♂️🧙🏿‍♀️👫🥍. 5 stars ✨

ARC THE CASE OF THE WATER SPELL: A HILLCREST WITCH MYSTERY (BOOK #8)

First edition. June 14, 2019. By Amorette Anderson


Read on: iBooks, KyBook (1, 2, & 3), SmashWords, Kobo, Good Reads, and others as I find them. This book was presented to me for an ARC review.

Started: 15 June 2019.
Finished: 20 June 2019.
Amazon: ?

Title:
To cash in, or not to cash in, that is the question!

I understand cats can act like they re the only beings who have any intelligence. Even though sometimes you might wish you could strangle the Furball(s), for showing off in public.

This book starts off slower than the other books in this series. While I have a theory about parts of the underlying case, the rest is still unfolding. {Growing up with less than most, cash was always a constant consideration, so my first impulse would be to follow the money.} Follow this with a master storyteller, errr reporter, anonymous tips are as much of an oxymoron as “military intelligence,” TANSTAAFL!

Looking for a change of office/address? Murder/ robbery can get you an exclusive small office for quite a few years. Not to mention that there is no statute of limitations, so there is always room for the perpetrators at the inn.

I wrote the above about five chapters from the end. I wish I could say that I nailed it, however, I didn t even come close.

You have to get this book and see if you can figure out: What?, How?, Why? (even comes into play this time around), and most importantly Who? done them.

Live life,
John Shrek Walters
Profile Image for Tammy.
640 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2020
Benton is a junior in High school who is trying to fit in with the guys, but he comes from a broken home and money isnt easily available to him to show off so he takes on a job that was easy money not knowing that it was illegal.
unbeknowst to him, he was delivering envelopes that had cocaine in it. one night he witnesses the guy he was delivering for get murdered and the murderer threatens him and tells him to leave town and never come back and dont tell anyone what he saw or else his mom would suffer.
Bentons mom hires Penny to investigate why her son suddenly wanted to live with his father in California. The cops wont touch it because he is old enough to make up his own mind who he wants to live with, but something doesnt add up to Penny.
Penny and her coven witches are trying to learn the water spell, but before they can do that they all need to make peace and practice forgiveness with their emotion baggage. Penny is finding this very hard to do and dont know if she will be able to move on.
Enjoyed this installment in this cozy series.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
January 20, 2020
Think this might be my favourite so far

A great read. A shooting in an alley of a drug dealer and a teenage boy running away from home. Why does she think that there might be more to it than that, after all they had already arrested a man who confessed to the murder. This read is much more emotional then the previous books. The next spell the coven has to do means that they have to deal with any issues from their lives. Her issues nearly undo her. Rage at the father that was never in the picture and the fear of a lasting relationship with any male. Would they too leave her?
Drugs, lies and deception abound. Can she put the lessons from Turkey ( he's now the CEO of his own advertising company) to get to the truth? What will it cost her and will the teenage boy be okay?
Profile Image for C.J.
128 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2019
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I've loved all of the Hillcrest books but with this particular one, I having mixed feelings. I'm not really happy about the fact that Penny became a vampire, I wanted her to remain a witch.

Firstly, It felt rushed, like she was still contemplating spending forever with max, but because she got shot by Petra she had no choice but to let Max turn her.

Secondly, Being a vampire and witch at the same time doesn't really make sense to me, isn't she supposed to loose her status as a witch when she became a vampire?

I'm glad that her dad showed up in the end though, that was one of the happy moments I loved in the book.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,690 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2019
Two and a half stars for ambivalence

A teen suddenly leaves home and moves to another state to live with his father. His distraught helicopter mom refuses to believe every investigator that concludes he is safe and decides he must have been kidnapped. Have drugs and death found this little town?

Penny is one of the most irritatingly childish characters ever and completely unbelievable as a detective; however, she does have a good heart. The characters are one-dimensional and better editing is needed. BUT the witch lessons are surprisingly insightful with a depth that has real life applications. Color me ambivalent about this series.
Profile Image for Carol Krout.
134 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2019
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion.
Oh my....this is the best one yet!!!!! So much happening in this book. Cora has some news concerning her pregnancy. Is Max and Penny off or on in their relationship? Penny has some work to do....first she has a case. Did Benton get kidnapped or did he run away and is he mixed up in some messy business? Then Penny has to work on herself if she's going to do the water spell.
You'll find out what's going on in The Case of the Water Spell.
10 thumbs up.
122 reviews
July 21, 2019
Good read

Penny & the Terra coven are once again embroiled in mayhem, mystery and murder. The girls are working on the water spell cycle 8 out of 13, causing emotional angst especially for Penny when they have to figure out their emotions and the reason behind them, on top of all this a teenage boy goes missing whose mother hires Penny to investigate, but not all is as it seems!
Is Penny once again in danger? Will Turkey face his fears and take flight on a broomstick?
Start at book 1 and follow the coven through their journey to become witches.
2,259 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2019
I know I've said it before but this series just gets better and better. Not only does Penny have another case to solve, but we also learn more about her personal life, and unresolved issues she has. And someone she never met comes back into her life, along with a surprising revelation. I don't want to give too much away. The book is so good. So many changes happen in this book for Penny, that I can't wait to see what happens next. A must read!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
625 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2019
This newest book in the Hillcrest Witch Series is a fantastic story. I love how good Penny's investigation skills as a P.I. are in the book. She is gaining a lot of ground in this book. The story is very intriguing and the Water Spell is probably the most revealing spell yet. If you are a Penny Bank's fan you have to get this book and read it.
786 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2019
WOW! Chris is going to loose his marbles!

Well that was just fantastic! I just turned the last page and l feel like l could pick up pennys broom and fly myself. The ending left me on a real high, l'm going to be thinking about this book all day.
This series of books are Soooooo good. You have to read them in order, well you don't have to but it would be perfect if you did. Recommended reading.
122 reviews
April 7, 2023
The most exciting so far!

This book was the most exciting one so far. There was a murder to solve, but there was also a missing teenager to find. Things weren't always what they seemed. I didn't see the ending coming. Wow! I am super excited to see what happens next. These characters are so interesting and these books are a great escape.
507 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2019
Good story.

I like this storyline,however, in this installment Penny seemed to regress and be more scattered. The conversations are a little forced but the plot flows at a good pace. The ending was a surprise. I look forward to the next spell.
Profile Image for Michelle.
756 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2019
BEST. BOOK. SO. FAR. Oh my gosh, I loved this story so much! It was the hardest cycle to date, lots of emotional turmoil, and wow the mystery was intense! I gasped a little three times toward the end, near the end, and at the very end. Haha. Loved it so much!!
21 reviews
October 21, 2019
A good read

I've been following this series and am enjoying it. Penny's night of writing about her Father was wonderful. Right now, I need to work something out about forgiving somebody in my past. I will try to copy her.
Profile Image for Shelley.
195 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2019
This was one of the best books so far. So much happening with the water spell and Penny having to get her emotions together. Then her case and poor Benton. Then what happens to Penny in California, it had me in tears, and what Max had to do for her. Then her dad.... this was so good.
Profile Image for D Marie.
650 reviews
February 21, 2020
Triplet babies/pups, lost long father and a vampire witch. This book was a good read, no pun intended, and I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a good series.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
892 reviews
May 24, 2020
Okay this book gets more back on track for Penny and her magic. An unfortunate occurrence kinda answers the question of whether it will be Max or Chris that she spends her life with and she finally meets her dad! Looking forward to the next book to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
649 reviews
April 9, 2023
Excellent book

Excellent book another book by antiotte Anderson. Another hit on her Anderson. Way to go. Way to go. Another way to go!! Another way to go way to go!!!! Looking today to go with Air spell to go!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
26 reviews
July 2, 2019
Best of the series yet. So many changes in these witches lives since they first started learning magic. I am absolutely thrilled with this story and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
July 5, 2019
Enjoyed

I really enjoyed this latest book of yours and looking forward to the next one,penny being turned into a vampire wow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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