Honor of the Witch

Witches of Keating Hollow #12

by Deanna Chase

The moment Brinn Danvers arrived in Keating Hollow, she knew she’d found her forever home. The ghosts that had haunted her for years had vanished, and she finally found the peace she craved. Fifteen years later, Brinn has everything she ever wanted. Well, almost everything. The one person she’d had to give up was Austin Steele, the love of her life, when he left town to follow his own dreams. Only now he’s back, and he’s bidding on her at the first annual bachelorette auction. The problem? He’s only in town for a few weeks, and getting close to him again isn’t an option.

The moment Austin Steele drives into Keating Hollow, he’s itching to leave again. The town holds too many memories that he’d prefer to keep in the past. However, there’s an estate to settle, and the sooner he takes care of it, the sooner he can get back to the life he’s built for himself. But when he a ghost starts to leave hints about his past, suddenly he starts to question everything he thought he knew. There’s only one person who can help him—Brinn Danvers, the woman he’d loved and lost all those years ago. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get back into her good graces… even if it means bidding a fortune for her company at a charity auction.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Second Chance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2022

About the author

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always it’s another sweet romance. I enjoy returning to Knitting Hollow and it’s fun loving characters. It’s a second chance romance.

Rated: 4 Stars

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to Keating Hollow where Brinn Danvers has yet to find love. She gave up dating fifteen years ago when Austin Steele left town and broke her heart. Her friends have convinced Brinn to participate in Keating Hollow’s first bachelorette auction to raise money for the children’s summer arts program. Austin returns town to handle his grandmother’s estate and bids on her. This is the man who holds her heart, but Brinn cannot let him get close to her again. Austin needs Brinn’s help and the only way to get it is to win her at the bachelorette auction. He needs to apologize and explain why he left. The favor Austin wants is not something Brinn can grant. She has a rare gift or curse as Brinn views it. She can see spirits of those who have died. She was plagued by ghosts in college who would not let her rest. She does not want to go through that again. Brinn feels Keating Hollow is her sanctuary because she has not seen a spirit since she returned from college. Circumstances though are changing, and she soon starts seeing spirits everywhere. There is only one place that seems to be ghost free and that is Austin’s home. Austin is happy to welcome Brinn into his home. He hopes this is his chance to make up for the past. Can Brinn embrace her special gift? Is there a chance for Brinn and Austin? Honor of the Witch by Deanna Chase is the twelfth novel in the Witches of Keating Hollow series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you will find it a better reading experience if you read them in order. Honor of the Witch is well-written with developed characters plus steady pacing. There are some delightful characters in this series. My favorite character is Miss Betty who is a hoot. I love the ladies tricked out golf carts which they frequently race (with outrageous bets). I loved that Brinn names her cats after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Even Austin’s dog is named after one of the characters. I loved the big scene at the end. It was dramatic with a unique twist. At the end of the book, we get a glimpse of who will be featured in Promise of the Witch. There is mild foul language in the book as well as innuendos about intimate situations. Deanna Chase combines romance, friendship, humor, and magic into one fun paranormal story. Honor of the Witch is a spirited tale with a long-lost love, steadfast friends, a perplexing request, golf cart competitions, a cheeky octogenarian, and ghosts galore.

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this story. Ghost, second chance romance, Keating Hallow... All yes please. We do get a glimpse of most of our favorite characters throughout the book. But this one is about Brinn. She can see ghost and sometimes isn't very happy about it. Austin is the ex that left. No reason just up and gone. Austin runs into Brinn and decides he needs to tell Brinn what happen and maybe get some forgiveness. He also needs her help. He needs to figure out what happened to his grandma's estate so he can wrap things up and get back to LA.

I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book. I didn't want Brinn to get hurt again and I just didn't see where she was going to get out of this without a broken heart. I am so happy with how this book ending. This may have been one of my favorites of the series.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well it's time to return to my favourite fictional town...Keating Hollow!
Honor of the Witch did not disappoint! It was amazing!
Honor of the Witch centres itself around Brinn Danvers who can see ghosts. Before returning to Keating Hollow Brinn was inundated with seeing ghosts. She couldn't get away from them but since she moved back it has been quiet. But all that changes.....
Now you can read the synopsis to find out what the book is about...
I'm here to tell you that you have to read this series...a series about witches who do good. They help people and each other. Deanna Chase is a phenomenal writer who will capture your attention from the very first page. I usually read her books in a day if I have the time. Each time I read a Keating Hollow book I say it was the best one of the series...but to me I couldn't choose because they are all the best! I keep saying I want to live in Keating Hollow, be friends with all the characters and have golf cart races! I would be extremely happy in Keating Hollow surrounded by witches.
If you like witches, romance and HEA then you need to read this series. Run to your local library, bookstore or computer and get this series. You won't be disappointed!!

Thank you Deanna Chase for bringing me back to my favourite fictional town and giving me somewhere to escape reality for just a little bit...You are the best! Did I say I LOVE this series! Well I do..

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book with a wonderful story. We've met Brinn in prior stories as she always enjoyed the witchy golf cart races. This book is her story and it was wonderful!

I've read the last 10 books of this series in 6 days! Some serious binge-reading but I've loved them all! Now I have to wait until January for the next book! Seriously - just start reading the series. You won't be able to stop either!

Amazon synopsis:
There’s a reason Brinn Taylor will never leave Keating Hollow. It’s the only town that gives her peace from ghosts who haunt her. As an adult, Brinn has everything she’s ever wanted. Well, almost everything. The one person she’d had to give up was Austin Steele, the love of her life when he left town to follow his own dreams. Only now he’s back, and he’s bidding on her at the first annual bachelorette auction. The problem? He’s only in town temporarily, and getting close to him again isn’t an option.

The moment Austin Steele drives into Keating Hollow, all he wants to do is reconnect with Brinn Taylor. Unfortunately, she’s not interested. And for good reason. Once he settles his grandmother’s estate, he’s headed back out of town to the life he’s built for himself. But when there’s a mystery to solve regarding his grandmother’s estate, there’s only one person who can help him—Brinn Taylor. Now he’s ready to do whatever it takes to get back into her good graces… even if it means bidding a fortune for her company at a charity auction.

[ConniW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching 12 books in a series is incredible enough, but for all of them to be wonderful is greatness and this one...has completely become my favorite in the series. I'm so in awe of the way Deanna Chase takes issues from everyday life, turns them into pivotal points of her books and finds a very believable way for the characters to interact on the topic and feel true deep emotions with no fear of ridicule or reprisal.
The continual world building and inclusion of so many new and old characters, never letting anyone fall through the cracks has been such a joy to read and watch develop. Not a single boring scene or person in a book, just lots of love, compassion, integrity and respect keeps me coming back for each new book. The stories are super easy to follow and quick pacing keeps you enthralled. Best of all, you get to see what is coming for the next one and let's do the happy dance that there is another one coming!
This one focuses on Brin and Austin as they try to reconnect with each other after a disastrous break up 5 years prior. This one like others is inclusive as Brin comes face to face with her gift and a whole town's worth of secrets are up for grabs. I once again ended up with a large case of golf cart envy! Family friendly and collectible worthy, and I am definitely adding it to my shelves.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brinn and Austin's Story . . .

Brinn Taylor lives in Keating Hollow for a very special reason. The needy ghosts who can get to her everywhere else do not approach her here. And she is happy, the only exception being that her special guy, Austin Steele, had left town 5 years ago to fulfill his own dreams and broke her heart.

Austin is back in town now to settle his grandmother’s estate, then he will leave for LA again. But when he needs her help with a mystery over his grandmother’s estate, he tries to reconnect with her. He discovered that his grandmother’s assets were apparently to be split between Austin and Gideon Alexander, a former movie producer turned artist. He didn’t think his grandmother even knew the man and would not have left such a large part of her estate to him. Regardless, Brinn doesn’t want her heart broken again when she has to watch Austin leave and she doesn’t want to see him. So he resorts to bidding on her in the annual charity auction. Will she have to help him if he wins? And why is she finding the ghosts approaching and bothering her again asking for favors – except when she is in Austin’s house?

This series is so amazing! I loved the story line and the characters. I felt sad that Brinn was so hurt. Is there a solution for Austin and Brinn? Or is his leaving her once again inevitable?

[Janet Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! Brinn and Austin's story gave me life. I've read every book in this series and have loved, absolutely loved, every one of them. I have to say that Honor of the Witch is my favorite so far, and that's saying a lot because again, I love every book in the series.

Austin left Brinn 5 years ago. He left her brokenhearted and she hasn't loved anyone since. She's also never truly gotten over Austin. So when he is back in Keating Hollow and wants her back, will she be able to let her walls down and let him in? Will she be able to risk her heart again? Maybe a better question is will she be able to stop herself from giving her heart once again?

This book not only had love and romance, but it also has excitement and surprises. Also, as with all of the Keating Hollow books, family and friendship play a huge role and characters from previous books make a return.

I cannot recommend this book any more than I do. I truly recommend the whole series, but since the books in this series are stand alone book, you can begin with this one. Although it is better from book one because you get to know the characters in the right order and how each one plays a role in Keating Hollow.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brinn & Austin

When she saw him she tried to avoid him. He'd broken her heart years ago, leaving with no notice or explanation. Now he was back and she had no plans to be hurt again. He knew he'd hurt leaving with no explanation. Did he have a chance to change things and have her as his again?

Each had reasons for staying or leaving but were they enough to forgive and forget? Brinn said no and fought the feelings she still had for him. Not only was she dealing with her past but another past in her witching life. Ghosts were drawn to her. Not the whispy shadowy things but ones she could see and those who talked to her demanding she fulfills something left undone in their passing.

Will they be able to get back what they had? How will she deal with the spirits hounding her? Are there some ghosts who want to push them together?

Their witchy friends help (Keating Hollow residents are all witches) Brinn and Austin along with some ghosts close to them. But not everyone is cheering them on. How will it turn out? Will love win?

Good friends new and old, some annoying ghosts, and living enemies as well as secrets that could destroy them both. Read to enjoy another couple from Keating Hollow.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years ago, Austin Steele left Brinn Taylor with a note, shattering her heart. Now, he is back, unfortunately, so are the many ghosts Brinn has spent her life avoiding. Can Brinn learn to control her gift or at least curb the enthusiasm of the many spirits who are drawn to her to complete their life's mission? Can Austin reunite with the one woman who he has never been able to get over?

When Austin Steele returns to Keating Hollow to settle his grandmother's estate, he is faced with a mystery when he discovers that she has left a considerable inheritance to local artist, Gideon Alexander, a man, by all accounts she barely knew. Is Gideon a con-artist or is there something more to his grandmother's wishes?

Can Austin and Brinn work out their mysteries and fulfill their destinies? Ok, so my biggest pet-peeve is when a character tries to avoid her destiny, while Brinn's ghosts are freakin' hilarious, her reactions drove me nuts, but... it was totally worth it in the end!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn Danvers sees dead people. Everywhere. She thought she would find peace back in Keating Hollow where she didn’t see ghosts when she was a child. Returning to her grandma’s house to start her life back up again.

Austin Steele had been gone for five years. He returned to settle his grandmothers estate and he hoped to rekindle a romance with Brynn, the one he let go five years before.

Every romance has its rocky times. Will Brynn be able to forgive Austin for leaving her? Will Austin be able to forgive his Dad for making him choose to leave Brynn all those years ago? Will Brynn finally accept her ability to communicate with ghosts as a gift and not a curse? What secret is Matthew Steele hiding?

Another fabulous Keating Hollow novel with a sprinkle of the quirkiness that makes us love this town so much and demand more!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this author really knows how to do romance. In this latest book in the Witches of Keating Hollow book, Brinn can see ghosts but not in her hometown. She stays there to keep from being overwhelmed even with remembering her love who left her Austin. But her two worlds collide when Austin wants her back and she can see ghosts even in her safe haven. They are related, but does she have the courage to find out. This is another Hallmark-movie like book with great characters, warm, endearing romance, and some suspense. I found this plot to be an interesting one with the intriguing end. Well-written, heart-warming romance. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review

Book 12 in the series
Story takes place in Keating Hollow.
Hero is Austin Steele Heroine is Brinn Taylor. This story is heartwarming, full of suspense and laughter. It has it all
Brinn feels comfortable in keating hollow , she’s a witch that is also a medium. Seeing ghosts / dead people draines her.
Austin arrives in Keating Hollow and his one purpose is to reconnect with Brinn . The couple ( Austin & Brinn ) broke up over a misunderstanding. Brinn still has walls around herself . Something happens in the town that terrified Brinn , her subconscious has her running to Austin .
You will love this story.
Gabra Zackman Performance was fantastic, her voice and tone was fantastic for the characters

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

for the audio
Honor of the Witch was easy to listen to and the characters were presented well. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Austin when he first talked to Brinn. I did like both him & Brinn, but I found that like Brinn I couldn’t get behind his logic of 5 years prior. It’s a good thing that these two were woven together so well. It seemed like all of the issues were a slow burn into the last hour of the story. Then everything tied up well. I did enjoy the other characters and getting to experience their interactions. Gabra Zachman did a consistent and level job presenting the story and helping to bring the characters to life.

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars. As I first started reading Brinn's story, the trope sounded familiar - couple used to be together, split up for reasons explained, and now hero wants to get back together with his former girlfriend. However, that is where the familiarity ended. Yes, it was the underlying theme to the romance part, but the addition of ghosts and Brinn's journey of learning what her gift really meant and how to use it was a fresh twist that was welcomed. Overall enjoyable story....and love that the golf cart races still make their sneaks into the series. Good read.

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brinn never left and Austin did, breaking her heart. Austin comes back to handle his grandmother’s estate. He’s hoping to make amends but Brinn is too hurt. She can see ghosts but is protected in her hometown, until she’s not. When she begins seeing ghosts, Brinn tries to block them but finds the only sanctuary is Austin’s house. This is a second chance romance with a ghostly twist that caught me off guard.

I love these characters and love Keating Hollow. Can’t wait for Zya’s story.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There really is nothing better than a strong coffee, sweet pastries and a visit to Keating Hollow.
Deanna Chase and her magical words always bring a sweet smile to my face and a contented sigh from my lips.

Brinn and Austin!!! He walked out 5yrs ago leaving her broken hearted, does Austin deserve a second chance?
Walking away from her was stupid but he needed to… now Austin is back in town and will do anything to win Brinn back.

I love this town, I love the atmosphere and I adore all of the characters.
The supernatural side is always extra entertaining.

[Heather Huth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old flames still burn hot

Brinn and Austin's story is a heartwarming one of lost loves finding each other again. But this is not your typical Deanna love story - oh no. There are the usual witches along with some unusual while inappropriate ghosts and an entire crew of pets. The pop culture references are spot on and the addition of some feisty retirement community members was hysterical. I love that there is always resolution and a happy ever after in this series. I finish each book with a light feeling and a little peek of which witch we will meet next.

[Dana Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to be venturing back to Keating Hollow! The people here are so awesome, I so wish I lived there! This is the 12th book in the series and they keep getting better with each one. I love how the same characters move in and out of the story like getting to visit with old friends. Bring is having issues when her 1st live Austin comes back to town. He wants to re kindle their love, but she can’t seem to get past the broken heart he left her with so long ago. I can’t wait for the next trip back to Keating Hollow, one of my favorite places to visit!

[Stephanie]

Brinn and Austin

Brinn Taylor and Austin Steele get the spotlight in the twelfth book of the Witches of Keating Hollow series. Brinn list her heart five years ago when Austin left Keating Hollow, with just a note. Now Austin is back to settle his grandmother's estate and to reunite with Brinn. Broken hearts, ghosts, possession and a dysfunctional relationship bring Brinn and Austin a second chance.

A relationship to be rekindled and ghosts to manage. I voluntarily reviewed Honor of the Witch provided by the author.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! We're upto book 12 already and I am still in love with Keating Hollow and it's residents. Brinn and Austin's story really resonated with me as it dealt with trust and partnership. This is truly why I love Deanna's books. They take real life, modern day problems and solve them with real life, modern day solutions. They show that if you're committed and truly want your HEA, that it takes work. I love how strong Brinn is and that she's not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. I look forward to continuing this series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Keating Hollow!

We’re drawn into Brinn’s life quickly and teased with her ability that she’s been hiding from. When she’s reunited with Austin it’s anyones guess how they will get along now.

It’s not long before you realize your hooked and keep the pages turning! There are several secrets revealed that are a shock and keep you thinking just one more chapter then I’ll go to bed, then you’ve finished!

Great read! You won’t regret it.

[Julie Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing Ghosts

Brinn is safe in Keating Hollow, she doesn’t see ghosts here! She believes she is a mediocre air witch and doesn’t understand why she had ghosts following her when she was in college. Then the love of her life returns to Keating Hollow & she doesn’t know if she can survive another broken heart.
Deanna Chase has done it again & hit another story out of the ballpark!! I have found another favorite book in the Keating Hollow series!!

[Amy Hannagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this story of Brinn was a total call back to the magic of book one in the Keating Hallow series and why I fell in love with this wonderful town to begin with. It's a second chance romance of the best kind with wonderful characters, a familiar setting we already love, and a story that makes us crave a touch of our own magical romance. Ms Chase really outdid herself with this one. It's really a beautiful story that has all the feels and kept me reading late into the night.

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Austin and Brinn make for a great lost love story served with a side of paranormal! Their story is a great addition to the series! The story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but is even more enjoyable knowing the other character histories! The narrator did a fantastic job with providing unique voices for each character and appropriate tone inflections for each scene. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun revising Keating Hollow.
This is such a sweet second chance romance with a bit of ghosts. I absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrator, Gabra Zachman does a great job portraying the characters, especially Austin and Brinn.
I really enjoyed the paranormal element in the story and how it tied up nicely in the book! I can’t wait to revisit Keating Hollow for the next one!

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Deanna Chase’s Keating Hollow books, this one is really cute. The persistence of Austin in perusing Brinn because he’s no afraid of taking risks in order to never lose Brinn again is refreshing. The plot is a bit predictable and could use a few more twists & turns to amp the suspense up but all in all, I think it’s a great set-up for the next witch in the series and how Brinn can use her ghost abilities to solve future mysteries.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. Brinn and Austin have a past, and are brought together again when he comes back to town to handle his late grandmother's estate. Brinn's ghost-seeing powers also come back, driving her crazy with all the ghosts constant demands. Austin's house is a safe haven for her, and the forced close proximity (a trope I love) bring these two together.

A sweet, feel-good romance, and a wonderful addition to this series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Keating Hallow books are awesome and this book is no different. You have two people with a past and one is trying to reconnect with the woman he left behind. Austin left Brinn for a number of reasons but the love he had for her was always there. His grandmother passes away and he is the executor of the estate.
Doing all the things the will requires bring him to a mystery and a possible reunion with his father. Things begin to happen because Brinn is what I call a ghost whisper but others would call her a medium of sorts. She has a gift which allows her to see and talk to ghosts. Not all ghosts are nice but it makes for an interesting story.
You will find that as Austin makes the acquaintance of Gideon many things will happen and and the story gets even more interesting. You will meet a bunch of knitters and elderly people but it just adds to the story. So as the action builds and some tempers fly read this romance/action/mystery story and enjoy!

[Stacey Scheibelhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet read.

As usual another great romantic read from Deanna Chase. I've loved all twelve! However I am very disappointed that another of my favorite authors seems to be going on a long vacation. Its going to be 10 months before the next book in this series is out. Ugh! LOL Thank you for all your wonderful HEA books MS. Chase.