Holding a Witch

Seasonal Magic #1

by Lauren Connolly

He will always wait for her…

Denton fell for Cordelia before he knew how much loving her would hurt. Every time the traveling witch disappears through a portal into another realm, he never knows when or if she’ll return. All the bear shifter can do is wait.

On the sunrise of the spring equinox, Denton and his sister set up a magical altar in hopes of guiding Cordelia home. But when the witch arrives, she has a new companion in tow and shadows in her eyes. As the holiday of Ostara unfolds, the bear shifter attempts to discover the root of Cordelia’s pain, while hiding the depths of his love for her.

Because on the day she inevitably leaves again, he only wants one heart to break.

Holding a Witch is a 15,000 word novella full of spring time magic, buzzing bees, and a swoon-worthy bear shifter. Enjoy a taste of the warm season along with pages full of honey and pining!

Genres: Romance, Shapeshifters, Witches, Paranormal, Novella

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2022

About the author

Lauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.

Reviews

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicking off a new series with witches, bear shifters, and dragon-type familiars, how can I be anything but charmed? The story kicks off from Denton's point of view. He and his sister have been a live "homing" beacon sending out signals for their friend Cordelia to find them and come home. The first chapter is a bit disorienting if you don't read the blurb. Full disclosure, Ms. Connolly is on my automatic read list. I don't need to know what the story is about, I will read it.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Lauren loves llamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little worried before starting this book because while I’ve loved the author’s other novellas, I’m pretty picky about paranormal novellas. After all the world building necessary, sometimes there’s not enough space left for the romance. Luckily my worries were unfounded about this short and sweet childhood friends-to-lovers novella about a bear shifter and a witch.

“If that person who could keep her here exists, she hasn’t met them yet. And without them, Cordelia loves her magic and her freedom to explore more than anything. The day will come when she disappears once more, and I’ll wait with Harriet’s unshaken optimism, burning bright beside the inescapable shadow of my terror.”

For a year, Denton has been waiting and hoping that this holiday will be the one that brings Cordelia, his childhood friend a realm-walking witch, back to him. While his sister Harriet remains hopeful, Denton’s afraid that more hope will only lead to more pain. Because while Cordelia could chose to go anywhere in the universe, Denton’s tied to his home, so it’s best for them both if that love remains unrequited, right?

After spending the equivalent of three years in another realm, Cordelia’s happy to be back, and even happier to see Denton and Harriet. Cordelia’s dealing with a lot of emotional issues from her trip and they give her the space and comfort she needs. I loved the found-family relationship between the three of them so sweet (pun intended!) and it laid a good basis for Denton and Cordelia’s relationship. Watching them reconnect (in more ways than one *eyebrow waggle*) was so comforting and cozy, like dozing in the sun in a big field of wildflowers. I also loved Honey the familiar and the hints of the other townspeople, and I immediately went out and bought the rest of the series. While this is labelled as first in the trilogy, the other two books were previously released, so that makes binging it nice and easy!

Overall, this was so cozy and lovely, and definitely recommended for anyone looking for a romance full of spring magic!

I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Content notes: captivity/kidnapping, weight loss as a result of malnutrition, death of parents (before book starts), missing parent (before book starts)

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. Her books are filled with such fantastic worlds and fantastic magical creatures and humans. Cordelia is a traveling witch who has the power to travel from realm to realm where time may be different than on earth. Denton is a bear shifter who loves Cordelia and waits while she travels from these realms, never knowing if or when she will return. Cordelia has just returned from the realm of Meztra where she spent three years but only one year has passed on earth. While in Meztra Cordelia found her familiar Honey, a druzvel, a type of golden lizard and she brings her familiar home with her. Denton so wants to let Cordelia know he loves her but he also never wants to hold her back from her travels. Should he tell her or should he wait. This is such a sweet love story, just a bit steamy, but so good. Love the characters and the world they live in. If you have not read any of Lauren's books you really need to start. They are wonderful.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short, cute story that's just about perfect for a quick romance break. It features Denton, a bear shifter, and Cordelia, a witch with the power to travel to other dimensions. Denton and Cordelia, along with Denton's sister, have been best friends since they were children. Both Cordelia and Denton have had unrequited crushes on each other for years, but Denton knows Cordelia has the urge to travel to other realms, while he is tethered to home and the magical beehives that he tends. She's been gone for a year and Denton and his sister want nothing more than to call her home, but even as they go through the ritual, he never expects her to actually show. When she does, can these two finally find their way to each other's hearts?

I've read a couple of the author's other shorter stories and she has a real knack for telling a complete romance in a short page count without making the reader feel like the story has been rushed. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kt Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely book in the seasonal magic series.
Although this is the 3rd release it’s marked as book 1, but each book is stand alone so reading in order is not necessary.
The story itself is gentle, romantic and comforting. As it’s quite short we don’t get the amazing character development Lauren has normally in her longer books, but it is a lovely way to pass the time when you are looking for something to loose yourself in for a few hours without giving you a book hangover or anxiety over a characters choices!

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire Turvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holding a Witch is a lovely gentle and slow story. It is almost retrospective in style, as we learn about Cordelia’s adventures while she was away.

There is a bit of a steep learning curve as we learn about the world the story is set in, however it is done without being a complete info-dump.

It is a quick read with a satisfying conclusion, which has left me looking forward to the next in the series.

Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance that I'd use as an escape from real life drama. It is a quick read so there's not a ton of character development but I don't feel it took away from the book. There's witches, shifters, strange animals and portals to other places so a little for everyone!
I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review

[Ann Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but it took me way too long to read a book this short. I found the thoughts of the mc’s sometimes hard to follow. Although the characters were likable, I didn’t feel any connection to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[shonnareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a very quick paranormal romance read and this did not disappoint. I felt like I got an overall picture of their relationship and personalities even though there wasn't much time for backstory, which can be hard to do in novellas. I will be continuing this series, it was written well and I enjoyed the story.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short but sweet romance story. It was one of those feel-good reads, that leaves you all warm and fuzzy.
Cordelia and Denton have a history, but she is never around due to being a 'traveling' witch. Finally home, the feelings are still there, but Denton is reluctant to admit anything in case she leaves again.
My first book from this author, but won't be the last!

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, sweet romance between a witch and a bear shifter. I found it totally charming. Cordelia and Denton were very engaging. A quick read I absolutely loved. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[KM’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a surprising amount of worldbuilding and character backstories built into this little novella! It was a fun read. Perfect for when you're in the mood for something feel-good and light. I will definitely continue with the series.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a shorter and because of that I think I was missing some character/story building. But it has the paranormal going for it. Was a pleasant read.

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denton and Cordelia

A sweet short novella about a realm traveling witch and her childhood friend who would like to be more. Great start to a new series.

[Joie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

I love the sweet relationship that finally comes to fruition between Denton and Cordelia. It's one of those stories that makes you sigh with a smile.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The imagery is so beautiful. And this particular installment is no exception.

The Bluebells are the cutest family. Harriet has her butterflies and Denton has his bees. His magic sex bees?? Honestly, it works in the story!!

I can't wait to see the next season. <3

[Ali Lopez ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, and unique

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Léa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rapide, et tres très basique. Du coup, pas le temps de s'attacher aux personnages ou à l'histoire, on voit tout venir et hop c'est la fin.

[Demogarose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, emphasis on the sweet.

[Yanira Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute

Sometimes, you need a short, sweet, love story. One that feels good to the soul. This makes me look forward to the rest in the series.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet story.

[x · Rating 3 out of 5]

So beautiful! And oddly nostalgic for me. This series is great writing inspo tbh, I don't know how to put it into words it's just so whole.