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My name is Abby Odell, and I’m leading a double life.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it! But being a witch in a predominantly human world is challenging sometimes. My hometown, Holiday Hills, isn’t your typical small town. It’s a magical town, but not to the humans. At least not until recently.

Something’s happening and it’s not good. Magic is no longer hidden, and people are starting to witness events that don’t seem humanly possible. And that’s the problem. They’re not! Now my friends and neighbors are on edge, and some residents are even ready to turn Holiday Hills into the next Salem, Massachusetts.

Someone’s changing the way Holiday Hills works, and it’s my job to fix things before they change humanity and magic forever. The problem is, I don’t know the who, what, when or why…just the where. Now I’ve got to find the witch who’s joining worlds and stop them before they tilt the axis so far, Holiday Hills will never be the same.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2021

415 people are currently reading
226 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

152 books544 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com


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5 stars
470 (58%)
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224 (27%)
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92 (11%)
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16 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,173 reviews108 followers
March 16, 2021
If you ask me to list my favorite ten authors, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson would be on that list. I have read many of her books and not once have I been disappointed. I often find myself surprised by loving the book so much. How does she do that? Reading this book, I knew this was going to be one of those times.
I adore this series. The town of Holiday Hills is the town I most wish existed. The characters in this book are mostly fun. I especially love the familiars. This is the third book in the series and each book just instantly transports me there. I have read these in order so it’s difficult for me to say if they can be read out of order. Most likely you could but why would you want to? This series is a true escape from reality! It has a bit of drama, a lot of comedy, a mystery to solve, (not all mysteries have to have a dead body), and amazing friendships.
In this book the mystery is in who is doing a bit of magic on the town and why. I was so thrilled to see Salem and the witch trials come up in the book in a respectful way. I have been obsessed with witch trials from all over the world but especially those in Salem since I was a preteen. We discussed them in a history class way back when history was an important part of schooling. After that, I took out every book I could find on the subject. Some books are better than others with a few being roll my eyes silly and disrespectful. I was very happy to see the treatment it received in this book. Interesting and respectful, the storyline involving it is one I hope is kept alive in this series.
Abby’s loyalty to her best friend is tested in this book. A friendship that was lost is part of the mystery and solving it may bring an end to Abby and Stella’s friendship. Cooper also has a challenge as he must work with rats! If you have read the prior books you can imagine Cooper’s joy at this turn of events. If you haven’t read the books Cooper has a very in tune with me level of sarcasm. I just love him to bits!
Go get this book and enjoy the afternoon or evening with it. Make a day of it and get all three books. We can all use the escape from reality by now. I know you will enjoy them so I really encourage you to grab them and plan the day around them.
*I borrowed a copy of this book through the Kindle Unlimited Program. I voluntarily wrote a review based on my enjoyment reading it. I gave it five stars because the author earned it by writing a book that made the hours fly by during a weekend that was a challenge for me. I hope you find the same level of enjoyment between its pages.*
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,327 reviews40 followers
February 28, 2021
Someone is pranking the humans and letting their magic hang out, but is it malicious or all for fun? Abby is going to have to figure it out in a hurry as things seem to be escalating in a hurry and her best friend seems to be a target. Great characters, fun plot that keeps you guessing and great twists that make for an exciting read. This series is a fresh take on the paranormal cozy mystery genre that is definitely an enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what happens to these characters in future books!
Profile Image for Sue Em.
1,864 reviews124 followers
March 24, 2023
While Holiday Hills may be a magical town, the himans who live there are unaware of its nature. That is, until lately when strange events are happening for everyone to see. And this makes Abby Odell wary. Perhaps the roots of these strange events can be traced back hundreds of years. Overall it's an amusing cozy with the tongue in cheek profession of the heroine as a writer of paranormal cozies. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Librarian   Bee.
261 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2023
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Another 5 Stars ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
“You’re now the Good Witch of the South.”

Salem witch trials meet a small town in Georgia with so many familiars and added teenage girl drama. Once again I LOVED it. And Gabe wasn't really in it and I still loved everything about it. Abby is the best! I wish there was more on the Atlas, I feel like there could have been more detail and more dialog from him but I guess it wasn't really needed. Oh, and the friendship with Stella had me almost crying, don't mess with your friends!

It was kind of cool being that feared and respected older person for a change."
Profile Image for Nichole.
78 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2021
This book was such a fun surprise! I totally binged it in one day! It is the 3rd book in the series but I did not feel lost at all being my first book. I loved it. You jump right into the story and it takes off like pushing the gas petal. Lol. The characters were cute and fun and very likeable by the end I was even loving the familiars.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,675 reviews71 followers
February 18, 2021
What an awesome story.

The characters were amazing and just as loveable as they have always been in previous stories.

The storyline was phenomenal and so addicting!! I loved the twists and turns within the story!! It's a fabulous and fun witchy read and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Emma Orders a Mocha.
39 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2021
Our main character, Abby, is becoming increased concerned that evidence of a magical world is starting to become noticed by 'non-magics'. Something feels amiss, and Abby is eager to find out what that feeling of something being out of the ordinary, even in the magical sense, could all mean.

I read Book 3 (Who's That Witch) first, prior to reading Book 1 and 2 in this series, but I didn't at all feel like I was clueless, or out of touch with the storyline. I picked it up, and was with Abby and the people in her life, and understanding it the course of the way through.

This book is a light read, and a good 'balancer' for a reader who may have just finished reading a novel that was perhaps 'heavy' in themes. The language is plain-English, a breeze to read, and enjoyable from start to end.

This story does offer answers about what Abby was feeling off about, and it was only at the end that I realised the books entirety is about working that out. With that said, upon reflecting, a higher rating would be given if the plot became a faster pace, or had more twists or larger scenes. However, for the steady pace, the easy-reading style writing and the likeable characters, I am comfortable with a positive 3 out of 5 star rating.

I would recommend this to a younger reader, or an adult who is interesting in reading more books that are less complicated, who can enjoy the simple, straightforward writing, the consistent pacing and the wonder of magic, and likeable witches.

*I was kindly provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book by the publishing company, Severn River Publishing through NetGalley. All views are entirely my own. Opinions are my own and are not reflective of either the views of the author, the publishing company or NetGalley.
Profile Image for Danielle Bush.
2,010 reviews26 followers
March 2, 2021
This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery full of witches, humans and familiars.. Not having read the previous two books I was a little bit lost in the beginning, but quickly became pulled into the story.
Abby is a witch who it seems has recently come into her powers, she has a best friend named Stella who is a human, a boyfriend who is a police officer.. and my favorite character of them all Abbys cat familiar who talks named Cooper.. Any one that is of the witch variety seems to be able to understand him..

Some strange things are happening around town.. like a human seeing a broom on the street just sweeping on its own with no one behind it.. When more weird things start happening Abby thinks that its something that needs to be investigated.. but not everyone is convinced thats its something sinister.. it could just be a witch that likes to play pranks..
.
I loved the animal characters they were adorable and funny..Cooper was definitely my favorite character, with Prince Charming not far behind. This was a fun, fast read.. If your looking for a lighthearted paranormal cozy mystery you should check this series out.. but I would recommend reading the other books first

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. all opinions are my own.
thank you to netgalley and severn river publishing
1,680 reviews25 followers
February 18, 2021
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

In Holiday Hills somthing fishy is going on, and Abby Odell is determined to get to the bottom of it. Non-magical residents are not supposed to be able to see the magic that the magical community performs, but something has gone haywire, and suddenly , they are seeing things that they can't comprehend......
I started out reading this book, but felt lost with very little backstory, so I went on Kindle Unlimited and checked out the first two books and read those before I went back to this one. I have to say that I enjoyed those a little bit more, just because this had so many names to keeo up with. I am terrible with names, so take that with grain of salt. Abby is a lot of fun, and I really love her familiar, Cooper. He is so snarky, he will keep you laughing. This is a fun, quick read, perfect for anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,114 reviews84 followers
March 7, 2021
Who’s That Witch? By Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the 3rd tale in The Holiday Hills Witch Cozy Mystery Series. I do recommend reading the series in order. I found myself lost in the beginning since I have not read the previous two books. I was able to pick up information on our main character and her friends as I got further into this amusing paranormal mystery. I found the story easy to read with quirky characters. My favorite character being Abby’s familiar, Cooper. I enjoyed his snarky and sassy comments. The mystery of who was behind the magical mischief was fun. I liked the humor in the story that kept it upbeat. There is some repetition of details and I wish the author hade provided Abby’s backstory at the beginning. Who’s That Witch? provides a great break from the everyday world. Clint Eastwood fans will find themselves chuckling over Prince Charming’s antics and lines. Who’s That Witch? is a merry tale with magic, mayhem, and mystery.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,935 reviews45 followers
February 8, 2021
Sometimes it doesn't matter if you are witch or not, there are things that are always the same. Fights with friends over boys, stupid fights with friends...you know what I mean. But when those things happen and night turns into day, day into night, and brooms are seen sweeping on their own by mortals, you know those things just aren't right. Abby sets about trying to find out the source of the evils and a way to stop them.
Favorite characters and familiars have returned along with new ones and some pretty funny familiars. Abby discovers some shocking secrets, and survives the wrath of evil. Such an exciting book! This is a fantastic series, and each book added makes it even better.
12.8k reviews191 followers
March 23, 2021
Definitely lighthearted fun, finding out who’s messing with humans. The witches are delightful and brightened my day. Don’t miss out.
Profile Image for Jackullin.
34 reviews
December 30, 2025
cute, cosy story. occasionally was annoyed at how the main character was so so incorrect in her suspicions but she figured it out in the end so it's okay.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,010 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2021
When a witch in town begins to play pranks on Holiday Hills, Abby takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. I enjoy the Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes great characters who are able to be connected with; both magical and humans. I also enjoy that there are messages throughout her stories about life and friendships that pertain to every day. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's Holiday Hills series has great pacing; it makes me want to keep reading and find out the whodunnit.
Profile Image for Skye.
6 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2021
I went into this book expecting it to be a mix of Sookie Stackhouse and Stephanie Plum, something magical and fun with a hint of danger and a happy ending. A paperback part of a series that I could enter at any point to go along for a mystery ride.

The only good point that I have for this book is that Abby's familiar, Cooper the cat, is a delight to read. Until he starts leering at human teenagers, which just throws off the whole vibe.

This book did not deliver. The dramatic tension was flimsy and the mystery/drama was juvenile at best. I never, not once, believed that there was any danger or real threat for Abby to face. Most of what she goes through is sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong and she causes more problems for herself than any outside source. Everything of interest happens in the last ten-ish pages of the book, which made everything before then a slog to read through.

If you like low-stakes plots and Halloweentown III, then I think you'll like Who's That Witch?
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2021
This is a fascinating mystery story. Someone is messing with the magic in Holiday Hills and it is affecting the heroine of this story, Abby Odell, cozy mystery writing witch. It was fun following along as Abby solved this mystery. I liked how much support she got from her familiar, a cat named Cooper and her mentor, the owner of the Enchanted Book Cafe, Bessie. I can't wait to see what mystery Abby gets to solve next.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for Karen.
698 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read in the series (and this author), but it won’t be the last!
A great paranormal cozy with interesting characters and a mystery that kept me engrossed.
I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
2,282 reviews32 followers
April 3, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here:. You have to love a book that has a familiar by the name of Cooper who is fast on the funny comebacks, slightly on the sardonic side and is intensely loyal to Abby. She is a witch who only recently discovered she was one and also discovered she happens to be very powerful. Her mother hid her powers from her but since her mothers death, she is coming into to her own. Her little town is a combination of humans and magical- even her best friend is human. One of the witch rules is humans must not be aware. So when Abby and her best friend experience some decidedly paranormal activities, Abby must find the source and stop it.

Many of the other local witches think it is but a flux, a blip in the magic, but Abby is convinced there is something far more sinister at play. It turns out Abby is correct and it all stems back to the Salem Witch Trials. She is shocked to learn several of her friends are hundreds of years old and were there during the events. One of them has such a huge gripe that she is willing to wait centuries for revenge. But which one? They all seem to have secrets. Or could there be someone else in the dark who is orchestrating all the chaos?

I fell in love with the little town and all the witchy characters. I especially love the familiars including two very funny rats. And, of course, Cooper. If I was a witch, I would want to familiar like him.

Five purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Chrissie.
137 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2021
🪄 Book Review

🪄 Who's that witch?

The third book in the Holiday Hills Witches Cozy Mystery series)
A novel by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

🪄 Thank you at Netgalley for my copy.

🪄 Publication Date 9th March 2021

🪄 My name is Abby Odell, and I’m leading a double life.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it! But being a witch in a predominantly human world is challenging sometimes. My hometown, Holiday Hills, isn’t your typical small town. It’s a magical town, but not to the humans. At least not until recently.

Something’s happening and it’s not good. Magic is no longer hidden, and people are starting to witness events that don’t seem humanly possible. And that’s the problem. They’re not! Now my friends and neighbors are on edge, and some residents are even ready to turn Holiday Hills into the next Salem, Massachusetts.

🪄 While this is the 3rd book in the Holiday Hills series, I was not lost by the characters or the previous storylines. The characters were well explained but I do not feel they would have been over explained to someone who had read books 1 and 2.

🪄 The book is a quick fun read with great characters and familiars.

I'll definitely be purchasing and reading the first 2 books and any more than come out by the author.
2,058 reviews
Read
May 7, 2024
So, I managed to read 50% of this book but couldn't go any further. Everything was getting weird and the main character was over-analyzing everything. It was no longer entertaining for me.

Amazon synopsis:
Welcome to Holiday Hills, where the only thing more magical than the town is its residents! Oh, and they’re quirky, but in a small town, that’s a given, right?

I'm Abby Odell, and I've got a witchy secret to spill: I'm leading a double life! I've got my cauldron and broomstick on standby, but my bestie is in the dark about my supernatural abilities. Oh, the pressure!

As if that wasn't enough, something spooky is happening in town. Magic's no longer playing hide and seek, and everyone's freaking out over the unexplainable events. It's like a spell's been cast, and our little haven of enchantment is on the brink of being exposed to the muggles!

But hold on to your potions, folks, 'cause it gets worse! Some folks in the hood are keen to turn our cozy community into the next Salem. Uh, hello? This isn't the 1600s! We've got electric brooms, people!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book.
482 reviews
February 9, 2021
Good storytelling around witches and familiars is not easy to find. Having not read the first two in this series, The Holiday Hills Witch Cozy Mysteries, readers suddenly find themselves immersed in the lives of Abby Odell, witch, and Cooper, her cat and familiar, with little introduction to the characters.

Trouble quickly finds Abby. Her best friend, and non-witch, Stella, sees a broom, with no one holding it, sweeping the sidewalk on her way to meet Abby. As more magic incidents occur, Abby becomes concerned since the practice f magic in front of humans is forbidden.

Abby and Cooper start to investigate who might be behind the exposure of magic and why. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes an engaging tale about witches and the practice of witchcraft. The beginning is a bit slow, possibly due to not knowing the characters and setting, but soon the pace and action pick up. An enchanting read for those who enjoy a mystery with a touch of magic.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,203 reviews28 followers
February 14, 2021
Who's That Witch? (Holiday Hills Witch #3) by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: March 9, 2021

Who's That Witch? is the third book in the Holiday Hills Witch series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. I hasn't read the previous books in the series, which I think made it harder for me to get into the book. It can be read as a standalone book, but I felt lost until I was about halfway through.

This was a quick read with an interesting storyline. The characters were good and the mystery was fascinating. I'll definitely be reading the previous book in the series to see if things work better for me.

By the end of the book, I really liked it. The first two books are available on Kindle Unlimited, so I would definitely recommend reading those first.

I'm so grateful to Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, Severn River Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
2,130 reviews46 followers
March 28, 2021
Abby and her familiar, Cooper, are experiencing unusual phenomenon. Abby knows that things aren't right in Holiday Hills. She doesn't understand why her BFF, Stella, sees them too. That's impossible. Stella is human! She's doesn't know that supernaturals exist. Is someone out to destroy Abby's friendship with Stella? Or is it two Salem witches still bitter over their unhappy past? Or is someone trying to hurt Abby? I enjoyed seeing Abby work to find what is happening and who's behind it. She's a loyal friend and a great sleuth. Cooper has her back. He may be snarky and always hungry but he'll make sure that his witch is safe. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has written an excellent cozy. This story has many surprising twists that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure until the very end who was behind the craziness. I enjoyed this visit to Holiday Hills. I enjoy the characters both human and supernatural. I'm always glad to see Abby and her friends especially her magical boyfriend Gabe.
784 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2021
An absolutely delightful read that keeps you engaged as this magical adventure pans out. Great characters, some good and some bad, add to the depth and enjoyment of the story. Twists, turns and ongoing adventure with a fast pace add to the overall mystery and intrigue. We meet new characters as well some very unique "familiars" that accompany some of them. A parrot that imitates "Clint Eastwood"; A cat that becomes a ferocious tiger when necessary, not to mention a couple of crime boss rats! Add in some unique characters that seem to possibly come from the "Salem Witch" era and you have one engaging story that will delight every person who enjoys paranormal cozy mystery.

I received an ARC copy of the book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
Profile Image for Kimberly.
646 reviews48 followers
February 14, 2021
A quick, fun little read. It took me under five hours to read it. I think it could be read as a stand alone, but having not read the first two books, I was confused for a minute when we suddenly had talking animals, but I figured things out quickly. It also took me over half the book before I could keep all of the side characters straight. I never did fully understand why the guilty culprit messed with the town though. I did really like the characters of Abby, Stella and Bessie. And how could you not love all of the animal familiars. Prince Charming made me laugh and Cooper was fantastic. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and you like light stories about witches, you will enjoy this book.

Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #Who’sThatWitch
877 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2021
This book is a fun, cozy , paranormal mystery full of the usual tropes - humans live alongside witches and their familiars totally unaware of the magic around them .

Abbey , our witch, has a familiar called Cooper and a best human friend called Stella ( who is totally unaware of Abbey's powers )
When the humans in Holliday Hills start to see things they should not ...... a broomstick sweeping the road on its own etc , then Abbey realises something is amiss .
Most other witches see the occurrences as pranks but Abbey is not convinced ... is something more sinister going on ?
The characters are entertaining , especially Cooper, the dialogue witty and the story moves along at pace - a fun read .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
905 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2021
A Witchy Whodunnit

We get to catch up with Abby Odell who is coming to terms with the fact that she is a witch and has a snarky cat familiar called Cooper. Abby lives in the magical town of Holiday Hills where the magicals live side by side with humans, who know nothing of the goings on around them. Abby’s best friend Stella is human and not being able to share her secret with Stella is hard on Abby. In this book the police chief Gabe is her boyfriend he also happens to be a warlock. Strange things have been happening in Holiday Hills and Abby is determined, with the help of her witchy friends to find out who is behind it and put it right, without the humans realising what’s going on. I love a good witch fight with plenty of magic flying around. Thoroughly enjoyable.
1,953 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the third in a series. I have not read the other books in this series. That being said, maybe i needed to. Maybe I needed some background. As I couldn't figure out what the big deal was. I didn't see the point of the book. Abby seemed nosy, and why was it her job to fix whatever she thought was the problem. I didn't get it. Sorry. I had a hard time finishing it. I liked her familiar Cooper but even the cat got odd. Leering at teenagers. Seemed like it took forever to get to the point. Of course, this doesn't mean it is a horrible book-just not for me. I am sure many will enjoy this cozy mystery with a bit of magic. 2.5 stars
2,751 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2021
Is this a prank, or just plain evil?

Abby Odell is slowly becoming the powerful witch she was always meant to be but she is beginning to think she might be the target of all the craziness happening around town. Either that, or some magical is trying to expose magic to the humans. Her boyfriend, Gabe, is out of town on Magical Bureau of Investigation (MIB) business so Abby will have to solve this on her own before someone is seriously hurt.

This is a fun Cozy series with book humor, plenty of magic, and good characters. I love the crazy familiars – I mean, a parrot that channels Clint Eastwood?? I give this series a big thumbs up!
Profile Image for Carole Craddock.
286 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2021
This series is so adorable! I love the characters, and this one has some wonderful characters. A parrot familiar that impersonates Clint Eastwood? Brilliant! Abby Odell recently learned she was a witch, and she is just learning what it is all about. Her cat, Cooper, is her familiar who has been watching over Abby all along, and it is nice to see their witch/familiar relationship grow in each book. Her best friend though is not a witch, and humans usually don't see the magic going on around them...until now. Abby needs to figure out what is happening in both worlds before things get too tricky to fix! Bravo to Ms. Aspenson on another fantastic book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

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