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Starfall Point #1
Witches Get Stuff Done
Reigning queen of paranormal romantic comedy Molly Harper is back with the first book in a spellbinding new series!
Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.
Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secrets? And can she trust herself with the simmering attraction brewing between them?
Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.
Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secrets? And can she trust herself with the simmering attraction brewing between them?
Audible Audio
First published September 5, 2023
About the author
Molly Harper
54 books7,725 followersMolly Harper is the author of more than 30 romance titles including the Half-Moon Hollow series and the Mystic Bayou series. She lives in Michigan with her family. For more information, go to www.mollyharper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,392 reviews
August 16, 2023
As SOON as I felt a gentle fall breeze one semi-chilly August evening (which rarely happens in the South), I felt that fall was upon me. Therefore, I immediately looked at what I had on my Kindle and selected this witchy romance.
Witches Get Stuff Done was an adorable opposites-attract romance with a charmingly slightly-sentient house full of ghosts. I loved all of this one, from its idyllic Michigan lakes island setting and the sweet female friendships that formed.
Perfect for putting us in the fall spirit!
**Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
Witches Get Stuff Done was an adorable opposites-attract romance with a charmingly slightly-sentient house full of ghosts. I loved all of this one, from its idyllic Michigan lakes island setting and the sweet female friendships that formed.
Perfect for putting us in the fall spirit!
**Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
September 5, 2023
Witches Get Things Done by Molly Harper
1st in the Starfall Point series. Paranormal romance. Mild Cliffhanger for the series.
After a rather disastrous ferry ride, Riley Everett arrives on Starfall Point Island in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She’s expecting to meet long lost family, but instead learns of her aunt’s death. She’s given a letter to be read on the steps of the Victorian home and finds herself tied to the house full of antiques that are attached with ghosts.
Riley feels a unique connection with Alice and Caroline and they flounder their way into their own coven. Riley also comes to rely on the town’s main librarian Edison Held. Together they all can keep the ghosts from becoming out of control and also keep the townspeople from having a reason to get into the house.
A delightful “new” witch scenario with quirky characters, both living and dead, and opposing threats to add a bit of tension. A bit of humor, a potential threat, a bit of romance and passion. Plus making new friends and learning her own family history, adds a depth that gives Starfall Point a 3D feel to the story.
I enjoyed the world building and look forward to more of the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
1st in the Starfall Point series. Paranormal romance. Mild Cliffhanger for the series.
After a rather disastrous ferry ride, Riley Everett arrives on Starfall Point Island in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She’s expecting to meet long lost family, but instead learns of her aunt’s death. She’s given a letter to be read on the steps of the Victorian home and finds herself tied to the house full of antiques that are attached with ghosts.
Riley feels a unique connection with Alice and Caroline and they flounder their way into their own coven. Riley also comes to rely on the town’s main librarian Edison Held. Together they all can keep the ghosts from becoming out of control and also keep the townspeople from having a reason to get into the house.
A delightful “new” witch scenario with quirky characters, both living and dead, and opposing threats to add a bit of tension. A bit of humor, a potential threat, a bit of romance and passion. Plus making new friends and learning her own family history, adds a depth that gives Starfall Point a 3D feel to the story.
I enjoyed the world building and look forward to more of the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
March 1, 2023
Good light-hearted story that is a fun to listen. 6 of 10 stars
September 7, 2023
The touristy setting is well done but everything else (and there's really just too much) feels underdone and rushed.
Riley is summoned by an aunt to the touristy town only to discover she's now stuck being a caretaker to a haunted house. Why doesn't this ever happen to me? I promise you I would spend every day in bliss and I wouldn't complain.
Anyhow, her love interest is the local hunky, anxiety-stricken librarian named Edison. They met on the ferry when she puked on his shoes. And then she screams at him for hogging the bathroom. It was a weirdly uncute, unfunny kind of gross "meet cute". Soon after they fall in insta-love with very little romance development. They both have POV's and his often starts with him recapping and skim recalling their dates after the fact which kind of takes all of the fun out of the development of the actual romance and felt like a cheat. Weird. I would've preferred more pages and/or trimming of some of the other unneeded stuff or perhaps just a complete ditching of the romance and having it developed better in another book once this set up book was done.
There are secrets and surprises and new friends and all of that good cozy stuff that made me think of the show "Ghosts" but none of it hits exactly right here. The humor often felt awkward instead of genuine. The narration was well done but I don't think I liked the story enough to read the next one but never say never.
2.5 rounding up to a 3
Riley is summoned by an aunt to the touristy town only to discover she's now stuck being a caretaker to a haunted house. Why doesn't this ever happen to me? I promise you I would spend every day in bliss and I wouldn't complain.
Anyhow, her love interest is the local hunky, anxiety-stricken librarian named Edison. They met on the ferry when she puked on his shoes. And then she screams at him for hogging the bathroom. It was a weirdly uncute, unfunny kind of gross "meet cute". Soon after they fall in insta-love with very little romance development. They both have POV's and his often starts with him recapping and skim recalling their dates after the fact which kind of takes all of the fun out of the development of the actual romance and felt like a cheat. Weird. I would've preferred more pages and/or trimming of some of the other unneeded stuff or perhaps just a complete ditching of the romance and having it developed better in another book once this set up book was done.
There are secrets and surprises and new friends and all of that good cozy stuff that made me think of the show "Ghosts" but none of it hits exactly right here. The humor often felt awkward instead of genuine. The narration was well done but I don't think I liked the story enough to read the next one but never say never.
2.5 rounding up to a 3
April 30, 2024
Witches Get Stuff Done
By Molly Harper
This was an entertaining read but not as good as some of her other witch books. Lots of ghosts, new friends, light romance, an unknown enemy.
By Molly Harper
This was an entertaining read but not as good as some of her other witch books. Lots of ghosts, new friends, light romance, an unknown enemy.
November 2, 2022
Riley connects with her estranged aunt not long after her mother dies, and is invited to come see her in the coastal Michigan paradise she calls home; hoping to learn more about her mysterious mother and her own family; and she sets of for an island adventure/family reunion. She finally arrives at Starfall Point after a harrowing boat journey filled with puking and other strange (and perhaps handsome) passengers. Sound intriguing yet? Because I personally found it mostly gross and unnecessarily stretched out. Also it was a bummer for both Riley and myself to find out that her aunt had died just a few days(I think?) previously.
This is where I should point out that I would have given the book one star if it hadn’t been for the fact that this was a free audible audiobook; and I feel like the narrators did a decent enough job that the book deserves an extra star, but sadly I really didn’t enjoy this book.
I found the pacing to be really weird; I couldn’t get a sense of what amount of time was passing, and even when I was literally told that X amount of time had passed since Y-event it just didn’t sit right with me.
The characters.. how do I even begin? How come everyone is bffs or making out etc so quickly? There’s no time for chemistry to ever exist between Riley and Edison, I was so blindsided by them suddenly kissing that I had to re-listen about three times before I understood what was happening. It just ended up feeling extremely rushed, a bit cringey, and not in the least bit romantic.
I enjoyed Riley’s sisterhood with her new friends far more than her boring relationship with Edison - and wish more time was spent exploring the girl-power witches’ coven than the “romantic” aspect of the story.
I did find the conversations very odd though; they sound like they’re pulled straight out of bad sit-coms - and by extension are not realistic at all. Actually I got the vibe that the book is trying REALLY hard to evoke Gilmore girls (even the name of the place, Starfall Point, gives Stars hollow vibes); but with magic. And not really successfully, unfortunately. The book honestly reads more like sloppy fan fiction of a slightly poorly produced hallmark Christmas movie.
Riley spends WAY TOO MUCH TIME plodding around throwing out strangely familiar one-liners to people she doesn’t know, when she should be spending her time unraveling the mystery of her family and her new house. I would personally NOT have the time for some one-dimensional hot guy™️ at the library if I was suddenly thrust into a life of witchcraft and necromancy.
There are aspects of the story that I quite like, the magic; the crumbling estate; ghosts; the three-witches-imagery amongst other things - but it’s annoyingly enough mostly ignored, much in favour of blah romance.
Another aspect that really pulled me out of the story was Edison’s chapters. He was a more one-dimensional and boring character than almost everyone else in the book; and he narrates almost half the story - it’s quite impressive! Honestly, having his chapters read through his inner monologue felt more like an excuse to not have to write proper relationship progression between him and Riley, and I feel like a better way of getting to avoid that would have been to cut him out of the story entirely, since he didn’t add anything but mild annoyance to my reading experience.
Over all though, I didn’t really feel like there even actually was a real story happening. The characters definitely didn’t feel or sound like real people, and I don’t believe in any of their motivations (if they have any).
I will give it this though; the last 3-ish chapters were a bit of fun and set up a further storyline, but I probably won’t give this series another go as it just wasn’t for me.
If you’ve bothered to read this far I’ll leave you with some final thoughts.
In my mind the book literally could have ended with Riley on the ferry saying “and that was all a fever-dream I had while throwing up over the railing” and I would have believed it more than the story itself.
This is where I should point out that I would have given the book one star if it hadn’t been for the fact that this was a free audible audiobook; and I feel like the narrators did a decent enough job that the book deserves an extra star, but sadly I really didn’t enjoy this book.
I found the pacing to be really weird; I couldn’t get a sense of what amount of time was passing, and even when I was literally told that X amount of time had passed since Y-event it just didn’t sit right with me.
The characters.. how do I even begin? How come everyone is bffs or making out etc so quickly? There’s no time for chemistry to ever exist between Riley and Edison, I was so blindsided by them suddenly kissing that I had to re-listen about three times before I understood what was happening. It just ended up feeling extremely rushed, a bit cringey, and not in the least bit romantic.
I enjoyed Riley’s sisterhood with her new friends far more than her boring relationship with Edison - and wish more time was spent exploring the girl-power witches’ coven than the “romantic” aspect of the story.
I did find the conversations very odd though; they sound like they’re pulled straight out of bad sit-coms - and by extension are not realistic at all. Actually I got the vibe that the book is trying REALLY hard to evoke Gilmore girls (even the name of the place, Starfall Point, gives Stars hollow vibes); but with magic. And not really successfully, unfortunately. The book honestly reads more like sloppy fan fiction of a slightly poorly produced hallmark Christmas movie.
Riley spends WAY TOO MUCH TIME plodding around throwing out strangely familiar one-liners to people she doesn’t know, when she should be spending her time unraveling the mystery of her family and her new house. I would personally NOT have the time for some one-dimensional hot guy™️ at the library if I was suddenly thrust into a life of witchcraft and necromancy.
There are aspects of the story that I quite like, the magic; the crumbling estate; ghosts; the three-witches-imagery amongst other things - but it’s annoyingly enough mostly ignored, much in favour of blah romance.
Another aspect that really pulled me out of the story was Edison’s chapters. He was a more one-dimensional and boring character than almost everyone else in the book; and he narrates almost half the story - it’s quite impressive! Honestly, having his chapters read through his inner monologue felt more like an excuse to not have to write proper relationship progression between him and Riley, and I feel like a better way of getting to avoid that would have been to cut him out of the story entirely, since he didn’t add anything but mild annoyance to my reading experience.
Over all though, I didn’t really feel like there even actually was a real story happening. The characters definitely didn’t feel or sound like real people, and I don’t believe in any of their motivations (if they have any).
I will give it this though; the last 3-ish chapters were a bit of fun and set up a further storyline, but I probably won’t give this series another go as it just wasn’t for me.
If you’ve bothered to read this far I’ll leave you with some final thoughts.
In my mind the book literally could have ended with Riley on the ferry saying “and that was all a fever-dream I had while throwing up over the railing” and I would have believed it more than the story itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
I'm so annoyed.
This book was so good until about 75% in. The story is great and has a really unique setup. The romance had a fun start and proceeded really well. They share their truths with each other and their hurts. And then, he actually says "i want to date you"... which, shockingly, is rare in a romance novel. And I loved it.
I don't know why, but there's something that just goes wrong. Like the author poked a hole in the balloon and the air just rushed out and the balloon (story) went flat. I wish I could understand what it was.
Around 90%, I had to put this audiobook on double speed cause I still wanted to make it to the end, and the ebook isn't out yet.
The ending made me super sad. Yes, the romance works out, but the villain stuff just broke my heart. It didn't make sense.
I won't be reading the rest of this series.
This book was so good until about 75% in. The story is great and has a really unique setup. The romance had a fun start and proceeded really well. They share their truths with each other and their hurts. And then, he actually says "i want to date you"... which, shockingly, is rare in a romance novel. And I loved it.
I don't know why, but there's something that just goes wrong. Like the author poked a hole in the balloon and the air just rushed out and the balloon (story) went flat. I wish I could understand what it was.
Around 90%, I had to put this audiobook on double speed cause I still wanted to make it to the end, and the ebook isn't out yet.
The ending made me super sad. Yes, the romance works out, but the villain stuff just broke my heart. It didn't make sense.
I won't be reading the rest of this series.
November 12, 2024
I tore through this book by Molly Harper so quickly that I didn’t even get to post a “Currently Reading” graphic on my bookstagram! Witches Get Stuff Done is the first book in the Starfall Point series and was exactly what I needed to pull me back to reading after the emotional slump of the last week. Molly may be a transplant to Michigan, but she nails the pieces that make me proud to be a Michigander and mixes that thoughtfully into a book that explores grief, identity and found family in the midst of a house inhabited by toaster ghosts and the most endearing Ghost Butler. While this is the first book in the series so therefore has a bit of a cliffhanger, it also feels like a satisfying resolution for the central characters Riley and Edison while leaving a reader ready to binge book 2 straight away to uncover more mysteries of Shaddow House.
July 21, 2023
I picked this book up because I enjoy books about witches and this one sounded like fun. Molly Harper is a new author for me, but I enjoyed this book so I will be looking for the next installment in this series.
Description:
Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.
Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secrets? And can she trust herself with the simmering attraction brewing between them?
My Thoughts:
This was both a paranormal romance and a mystery. This house Riley has inherited is full of ghosts, so the book is a bit different in that respect. The romance was fun and the mystery surrounting Riley's aunt and her history was really interesting to me. This was a book with a different sort of twist. I hope the next book comes out soon because I'm ready for it!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book is expected to be published on September 5, 2023.
Description:
Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.
Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secrets? And can she trust herself with the simmering attraction brewing between them?
My Thoughts:
This was both a paranormal romance and a mystery. This house Riley has inherited is full of ghosts, so the book is a bit different in that respect. The romance was fun and the mystery surrounting Riley's aunt and her history was really interesting to me. This was a book with a different sort of twist. I hope the next book comes out soon because I'm ready for it!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book is expected to be published on September 5, 2023.
January 26, 2024
Book 3 of the
2024 Read Your Hoard Challenge
3.5 stars
I generally enjoy Molly Harper's fiction and this book is no exception. For the first half of the book, I got strong Jane Jameson vibes from Riley Everett. Jane kind of accidentally became a vampire and Riley is introduced abruptly to her witchy heritage. Jane and Riley have similar senses of humour. Thankfully Riley does not have Jane's lack of self confidence.
Riley and Edison Held have their meet cute on the ferry on the trip to Starfall Point. Edison is having a panic attack in the loo and Riley pukes on his shoes. Harper manages to transform him from jerk to love interest smoothly. It's obvious from the first that they will be a couple.
It's fun to watch Riley find her circle of friends, otherwise known as a coven. Alice and Caroline prove to be great backup and excellent people. It's a normal part of urban fantasy, something I truly love about the genre. Found families really appeal to me.
If I have a complaint, it's that I feel that the whole plot felt rushed. The women click together a bit too quickly and I personally would have preferred the romance to proceed at a slower pace. But the next book seems to centre on Caroline, so Riley's plotline needs to be wrapped up by the end of the first volume. Now to source a copy of volume 2….
3.5 stars
I generally enjoy Molly Harper's fiction and this book is no exception. For the first half of the book, I got strong Jane Jameson vibes from Riley Everett. Jane kind of accidentally became a vampire and Riley is introduced abruptly to her witchy heritage. Jane and Riley have similar senses of humour. Thankfully Riley does not have Jane's lack of self confidence.
Riley and Edison Held have their meet cute on the ferry on the trip to Starfall Point. Edison is having a panic attack in the loo and Riley pukes on his shoes. Harper manages to transform him from jerk to love interest smoothly. It's obvious from the first that they will be a couple.
It's fun to watch Riley find her circle of friends, otherwise known as a coven. Alice and Caroline prove to be great backup and excellent people. It's a normal part of urban fantasy, something I truly love about the genre. Found families really appeal to me.
If I have a complaint, it's that I feel that the whole plot felt rushed. The women click together a bit too quickly and I personally would have preferred the romance to proceed at a slower pace. But the next book seems to centre on Caroline, so Riley's plotline needs to be wrapped up by the end of the first volume. Now to source a copy of volume 2….
July 29, 2023
Who doesn’t love a witchy romance in the middle of July? This book was tons of fun! It’s heavy on the magical storyline and lighter on the romance, but I didn’t mind because the concept of the Shaddow House was so interesting.
This book has:
• A small-town romance 🏠
• Low angst: The characters got together almost immediately, so if you’re looking for an angsty slow-burn, this is not for you
• The found family trope
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
This book has:
• A small-town romance 🏠
• Low angst: The characters got together almost immediately, so if you’re looking for an angsty slow-burn, this is not for you
• The found family trope
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
November 12, 2022
While there's some funny bits in this audiobook I was barely able to finish it. So much of it was downright cringy and the plot was not very interesting. Luckily you can do the dishes and walk your dog during audiobooks.
November 4, 2022
This needed... something. I don't know if it needed more "page time" (since it's an audio listen, that's what I'm going with) or what, but I feel like I would have liked it more if... something.
The characters were way too accepting of ghosts and magic, for one thing. And there were some characterization plot holes that felt like they weren't properly thought out ahead of time.
The bad guy was obvious, but that's usually the case with Molly Harper. This also didn't feel very romantic. After a rocky first start, Edison and Riley fell into a relationship pretty easily. And that would have been fine if I'd gotten more of a chick lit or a magical mystery vibe, but the book didn't really go into either of those things.
I did like the relationship between Riley, Caroline, and Alice and would have enjoyed more there. This is definitely the first in a series though, so I'm assuming that will happen -- although I do wish I'd known that before I picked it up. There is nothing like a time gap to kill my desire to read the next book in a series. Only Ilona Andrews gets away with that on a regular basis these days. Molly Harper is still fun, but her more recent stuff just doesn't have the same zing that her early stuff had.
Regarding narration, this book commits one of my cardinal sins: the two narrators were clearly not given the same notes. Amanda Ronconi pronounces the butler character's name as rhyming with "clover" -- in fact at first that's what I thought that was what the name was. Teddy Hamilton pronounces it with a softer "ah", like "father." It takes me out of the story every time dual narrators do this and I don't understand how massive issues like that make it through the editing process.
The characters were way too accepting of ghosts and magic, for one thing. And there were some characterization plot holes that felt like they weren't properly thought out ahead of time.
The bad guy was obvious, but that's usually the case with Molly Harper. This also didn't feel very romantic. After a rocky first start, Edison and Riley fell into a relationship pretty easily. And that would have been fine if I'd gotten more of a chick lit or a magical mystery vibe, but the book didn't really go into either of those things.
I did like the relationship between Riley, Caroline, and Alice and would have enjoyed more there. This is definitely the first in a series though, so I'm assuming that will happen -- although I do wish I'd known that before I picked it up. There is nothing like a time gap to kill my desire to read the next book in a series. Only Ilona Andrews gets away with that on a regular basis these days. Molly Harper is still fun, but her more recent stuff just doesn't have the same zing that her early stuff had.
Regarding narration, this book commits one of my cardinal sins: the two narrators were clearly not given the same notes. Amanda Ronconi pronounces the butler character's name as rhyming with "clover" -- in fact at first that's what I thought that was what the name was. Teddy Hamilton pronounces it with a softer "ah", like "father." It takes me out of the story every time dual narrators do this and I don't understand how massive issues like that make it through the editing process.
October 13, 2023
I’m gonna be honest - after reading and loving The Ex Hex, I was really looking forward to another small-town, witchy romance, but this book just wasn’t very good.
I had pretty high hopes, since the writing wasn’t bad and it started off fairly strong, but it quickly went down hill from there. I seriously thought I had maybe skipped a whole section of the book, cause the progression of the relationship (and almost everything else) happened so fast it gave me whiplash. It was like they barely just met, and the next moment they were in love and going on dates. There was no point where we could actually witness their relationship grow.
Everything else also progressed at a breakneck speed. There wasn’t any time to actually get to know any of the characters, or develop any (romantic or platonic) relationships. The plot also kinda felt like a afterthought thrown in, and the ending wasn’t satisfying at all.
I think I’m so disappointed in this book because it had great potential. I just wish the author put more care into it. After the initial setup, it kind of felt like the author lost interest and was just rushing to get it done.
🎃 Spookoplathon prompt: They're Burning The Witches Even If You Aren't One
I had pretty high hopes, since the writing wasn’t bad and it started off fairly strong, but it quickly went down hill from there. I seriously thought I had maybe skipped a whole section of the book, cause the progression of the relationship (and almost everything else) happened so fast it gave me whiplash. It was like they barely just met, and the next moment they were in love and going on dates. There was no point where we could actually witness their relationship grow.
Everything else also progressed at a breakneck speed. There wasn’t any time to actually get to know any of the characters, or develop any (romantic or platonic) relationships. The plot also kinda felt like a afterthought thrown in, and the ending wasn’t satisfying at all.
I think I’m so disappointed in this book because it had great potential. I just wish the author put more care into it. After the initial setup, it kind of felt like the author lost interest and was just rushing to get it done.
🎃 Spookoplathon prompt: They're Burning The Witches Even If You Aren't One
September 11, 2024
Molly Harper is skilled at building a setting and she does it so well you really feel like you’re there. And that’s not to say she slacks on her characters they feel like your besties. Riley is funny af, relatable (other than the haunted shit) and easy to root for.
Whimsical feee spirited Riley who’s had a variety of odd jobs finds herself locked in as a caretaker for an inherited haunted Victorian house after her aunt dies
As far fetched and supernatural the storyline….riley’s incredulity lent credibility
Pop Culture Connections:
•(Mitt: local guy that gives town tours on a bike reminded me of rob lowe parks n rec)
•Overall plot of her inheriting a haunted Victorian home reminded me of the comedy tv show Ghosts
•main guy is named Edison (minor qualm) so I changed his name to Eddie in my mind but in the cute way Jlo calls matthew mcconaughey eddie in the wedding planner
•ferries <3 forever will remind me of greys anatomy
Whimsical feee spirited Riley who’s had a variety of odd jobs finds herself locked in as a caretaker for an inherited haunted Victorian house after her aunt dies
As far fetched and supernatural the storyline….riley’s incredulity lent credibility
Pop Culture Connections:
•(Mitt: local guy that gives town tours on a bike reminded me of rob lowe parks n rec)
•Overall plot of her inheriting a haunted Victorian home reminded me of the comedy tv show Ghosts
•main guy is named Edison (minor qualm) so I changed his name to Eddie in my mind but in the cute way Jlo calls matthew mcconaughey eddie in the wedding planner
•ferries <3 forever will remind me of greys anatomy
September 5, 2023
This is a witchy romance that is full of surprises. Riley is a fish out of water in her new town and home. As she is landing from Florida and swiftly learning that she isn't here for a visit, it is now home, in Michigan. We watch her grow into her surroundings and new magic. The cast of characters is built, and I liked them all. She becomes friends with the locals in town, both human and spiritual as well as the ghost that haunt her new house. As her tribe assembles so does her love interest in Edison, the town librarian. She makes her way through family trauma, tricky situations and what seems to be an endless treasure hunt for clues about her new magic. It was cute, sweet, funny, and emotional at times. I really enjoyed it and recommend you add it to your list of reads for spooky season.
August 28, 2023
What worked for me:
🔸The setting
🔸Coven Sisterhood
🔸Found Family
🔸Supernatural Elements
What didn't work for me:
🔸Riley and Edison's relationship was a little too "instant love" for me.
🔸The book has dual POVs but I didn't really feel as though Edison's POV added a whole lot to the story.
🔸The characters have a lot of potential but need more development to truly shine.
🔸It felt as if something was missing.
Unfortunately I don't think this series is for me. Even with the cliffhanger at the end I don't have that push to find out what happens next.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this gifted copy!
🔸The setting
🔸Coven Sisterhood
🔸Found Family
🔸Supernatural Elements
What didn't work for me:
🔸Riley and Edison's relationship was a little too "instant love" for me.
🔸The book has dual POVs but I didn't really feel as though Edison's POV added a whole lot to the story.
🔸The characters have a lot of potential but need more development to truly shine.
🔸It felt as if something was missing.
Unfortunately I don't think this series is for me. Even with the cliffhanger at the end I don't have that push to find out what happens next.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this gifted copy!
December 2, 2023
DNF
This book is not for me. There are things in this book that I do not understand. It seems like I have to read the first book.
Anyway... moving on
2 stars
This book is not for me. There are things in this book that I do not understand. It seems like I have to read the first book.
Anyway... moving on
2 stars
November 3, 2022
Riley travels to Starfall, a small town in Michigan where she discovers she has a very witchy heritage. It's her job to help ghosts move on and to protect the many powerful ghosts who live in her new home.
This book is a return to form for Molly Harper. Her Jane Jameson series was brilliant and many of her books tried to build on that success by treading the same path. And for the most part it worked but her last few books have felt a little tired, like she was just checking boxes.
Not so here. It's a departure from what worked in the past and it very much works in the now. I've seen a little criticism in reviews because it's not like those other books. Not from me. I loved this book.
This book is a return to form for Molly Harper. Her Jane Jameson series was brilliant and many of her books tried to build on that success by treading the same path. And for the most part it worked but her last few books have felt a little tired, like she was just checking boxes.
Not so here. It's a departure from what worked in the past and it very much works in the now. I've seen a little criticism in reviews because it's not like those other books. Not from me. I loved this book.
February 5, 2023
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I grabbed this Audible Original title that came free with my membership. I wanted a light romance to listen to while I was at the gym - but sadly, I learned that sometimes you get what you pay for.
This was a light read but even though it's only been a week since I listened to it, the details are vague and clearly this book didn't make a big impact on me. It had all the right ingredients for a supernatural romance - a cool mysterious island/haunted house setting, a hot librarian dude and an interesting familial supernatural backstory, but it didn't live up to its potential. It was hard to find a plot in this book (but the InstaLove is strong) and I was left with a blah Hallmark movie feel that had a dash of supernatural, a lackluster romance and a grudge about a boat bathroom that went on for too long.
Narrator Note: One thing I found distracting is this audiobook's repeated use of one of my biggest pet peeves - the pronunciation of the word 'foyer' as 'foy-er'. The American pronunciation (foy-er) is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Don't ask me why but it grates on me down to my very marrow. You see, Canadians (me)/Brits pronounce it with foyer's French origin - 'foy-ay'. This short audiobook used the American pronunciation and 'foyer' was used a ridiculous 20+ times and I gritted my teeth every .. single .. freakin' time it was uttered.
This story had great elements but didn't work for me and I'm glad I didn't pay for it. I can't help but feel it would have been better as a 3-hour novella with a lot more focus on the supernatural element.
I grabbed this Audible Original title that came free with my membership. I wanted a light romance to listen to while I was at the gym - but sadly, I learned that sometimes you get what you pay for.
This was a light read but even though it's only been a week since I listened to it, the details are vague and clearly this book didn't make a big impact on me. It had all the right ingredients for a supernatural romance - a cool mysterious island/haunted house setting, a hot librarian dude and an interesting familial supernatural backstory, but it didn't live up to its potential. It was hard to find a plot in this book (but the InstaLove is strong) and I was left with a blah Hallmark movie feel that had a dash of supernatural, a lackluster romance and a grudge about a boat bathroom that went on for too long.
Narrator Note: One thing I found distracting is this audiobook's repeated use of one of my biggest pet peeves - the pronunciation of the word 'foyer' as 'foy-er'. The American pronunciation (foy-er) is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Don't ask me why but it grates on me down to my very marrow. You see, Canadians (me)/Brits pronounce it with foyer's French origin - 'foy-ay'. This short audiobook used the American pronunciation and 'foyer' was used a ridiculous 20+ times and I gritted my teeth every .. single .. freakin' time it was uttered.
This story had great elements but didn't work for me and I'm glad I didn't pay for it. I can't help but feel it would have been better as a 3-hour novella with a lot more focus on the supernatural element.
September 1, 2024
This was so cute!
Leaving it off on a cute cliffhanger as well.
Riley’s character is adorable as well as Edison’s, having to live in that house with all of those characters was refreshing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Leaving it off on a cute cliffhanger as well.
Riley’s character is adorable as well as Edison’s, having to live in that house with all of those characters was refreshing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 23, 2023
1.5 ⭐️
Guys…we don’t HAVE to give every witchy book with fall vibes a 4-5 star rating. I love an atmospheric read as much as the next guy, but this book was genuinely bad and it’s okay to review it in a constructive way.
The plot was messy, with random events seemingly just thrown in. The romance was rushed and I didn’t understand why they even liked each other because they literally went from hating each other to making out. The friends/coven? Silly and borderline offensive to actual covens tbh.
Light-hearted reads are one thing, but you can have humor without using terrible, sexist characters as your punch lines, or creating villains out of random people who’s motives don’t make sense. Half a star extra for great spooky house settings and ghostly ambiance, but overall this was HELLA cringe.
Guys…we don’t HAVE to give every witchy book with fall vibes a 4-5 star rating. I love an atmospheric read as much as the next guy, but this book was genuinely bad and it’s okay to review it in a constructive way.
The plot was messy, with random events seemingly just thrown in. The romance was rushed and I didn’t understand why they even liked each other because they literally went from hating each other to making out. The friends/coven? Silly and borderline offensive to actual covens tbh.
Light-hearted reads are one thing, but you can have humor without using terrible, sexist characters as your punch lines, or creating villains out of random people who’s motives don’t make sense. Half a star extra for great spooky house settings and ghostly ambiance, but overall this was HELLA cringe.
August 4, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I love a good witchy book and I have heard great things about Molly Harper as an author. Unfortunately this book fell very flat for me.
We are following Riley who is traveling to Starfall Point, Michigan with hopes of meeting an aunt she didn’t know she had. When she arrives she learns her aunt has passed away and she has inherited Shaddow House, which turns out to be a house full of ghosts. We area also following local librarian, Eddison, who has been trying to get a glimpse of Shaddow House for years.
The premise of this book was very promising, but I did not feel that the book lived up to the promising premise.
Nearly every character seemed to have some sort of tragic background to the point that it felt that the tragic backgrounds were being used to give the characters depth rather than relying on true character development.
There were quite a few things that came across as very nonsensical and made me roll my eyes. Riley and Eddison have a very awkward first meeting as Eddison is terrified of boats and stays in the ferry bathroom to help him through the trip, but Riley is quite seasick and needs to use the bathroom. That alone has the potential to create a fun and lighthearted enemies to lovers vibe, but instead, even though everyone in town seems to know why Eddison struggles with boats, they turn against him instantly because he offended Riley, who they have never met.
We learn that Eddison’s fear of boats stems from a boating accident that led to the death of his fiancé. Again, that alone was fine, but then it turns out that adds to what seems to be a very toxic relationship with his parents that really didn’t add to the story. His parents have been disappointed in him for not having a more powerful career. On the day of the boat accident, they pushed Eddison to go out on the boat despite a storm coming in, promising they would be back before the storm hit. They get stuck in the storm and the boat capsized and fell apart. Somehow, if his parents had not called the coast guard so quickly, he would have been blamed for his fiancé’s death, so now he owes his parents and maintains the toxic relationship with them. It just made no sense to me and added nothing to the actual plot of the book.
Overall, this was just not the book for me, and I struggled to finish it. I liked many of the side characters more than the main characters. There were some sweet found family vibes that were slightly redeeming.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We are following Riley who is traveling to Starfall Point, Michigan with hopes of meeting an aunt she didn’t know she had. When she arrives she learns her aunt has passed away and she has inherited Shaddow House, which turns out to be a house full of ghosts. We area also following local librarian, Eddison, who has been trying to get a glimpse of Shaddow House for years.
The premise of this book was very promising, but I did not feel that the book lived up to the promising premise.
Nearly every character seemed to have some sort of tragic background to the point that it felt that the tragic backgrounds were being used to give the characters depth rather than relying on true character development.
There were quite a few things that came across as very nonsensical and made me roll my eyes. Riley and Eddison have a very awkward first meeting as Eddison is terrified of boats and stays in the ferry bathroom to help him through the trip, but Riley is quite seasick and needs to use the bathroom. That alone has the potential to create a fun and lighthearted enemies to lovers vibe, but instead, even though everyone in town seems to know why Eddison struggles with boats, they turn against him instantly because he offended Riley, who they have never met.
We learn that Eddison’s fear of boats stems from a boating accident that led to the death of his fiancé. Again, that alone was fine, but then it turns out that adds to what seems to be a very toxic relationship with his parents that really didn’t add to the story. His parents have been disappointed in him for not having a more powerful career. On the day of the boat accident, they pushed Eddison to go out on the boat despite a storm coming in, promising they would be back before the storm hit. They get stuck in the storm and the boat capsized and fell apart. Somehow, if his parents had not called the coast guard so quickly, he would have been blamed for his fiancé’s death, so now he owes his parents and maintains the toxic relationship with them. It just made no sense to me and added nothing to the actual plot of the book.
Overall, this was just not the book for me, and I struggled to finish it. I liked many of the side characters more than the main characters. There were some sweet found family vibes that were slightly redeeming.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
Witches get Stuff Done was a light, cozy paranormal romcom set on Starfall Point island, a quaint tourist town accessible by ferry. Riley Denton-Everett gets a request from her aunt. It said, “You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.” Only when Riley arrives her aunt is dead and a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques and ghostly aspirations. Riley learns that she comes from a long line of witches whose magic protects the living.
In true Harper fashion she delivered colorful characters from new besties to ghosts. I adore the butler and chuckled at some of the haunted antiques. As we learn the backstory of the Denton’s along with Riley, we encounter several problem antiques and a budding romance with Edison Held, the local librarian who knows nothing of ghosts. It was a hoot and not without complications.
From learning her new powers to finding a place for herself, this story pulled me in. Amanda Ronconi delivered the chapters from Riley’s perspective and did a delightful job with her and secondary characters. Teddy Hamilton brought our hot librarian to life and added to the story.
Fans of light paranormal romcoms with a touch of mystery and plenty of ghosts will want to travel to Starfall Point. I am hoping we get the next audiobook in October. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In true Harper fashion she delivered colorful characters from new besties to ghosts. I adore the butler and chuckled at some of the haunted antiques. As we learn the backstory of the Denton’s along with Riley, we encounter several problem antiques and a budding romance with Edison Held, the local librarian who knows nothing of ghosts. It was a hoot and not without complications.
From learning her new powers to finding a place for herself, this story pulled me in. Amanda Ronconi delivered the chapters from Riley’s perspective and did a delightful job with her and secondary characters. Teddy Hamilton brought our hot librarian to life and added to the story.
Fans of light paranormal romcoms with a touch of mystery and plenty of ghosts will want to travel to Starfall Point. I am hoping we get the next audiobook in October. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this! I lowered my rating a bit because A) I didn't love the choice of who was revealed as the burglar in the end and B) I would've loved some more romance scenes between Riley and Edison! However, what I really enjoyed most of all was the setting: Upper Peninsula, Michigan in the summertime (mostly). It made me so nostalgic for the summers I've spent in Michigan, the time I dragged my family damn near kicking and screaming to Mackinac Island, the pounds I've put on indulging in U.P. fudge and Superman ice cream (alternating with Blue Moon ice cream). And with the added plot of inheriting this literal haunted house, befriending two locals and forming a coven... I mean REALLY this book was everything I could want as we transition from summer to spooky season!
August 20, 2023
This was a fun, small town, dual POV, paranormal romance between a librarian and a new witch slash ghost hunter who inherits a haunted house and is tasked with freeing spirits trapped in magical objects. Equal parts humorous and heartfelt, this was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like The ex hex or the Fix it witches series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
November 6, 2023
Some backstory: My wife has a high school friend who is an actress in LA, and though I’ve never met her, I’ve chatted with her when she’s been on the phone with my wife, and we’ve bonded over our shared love of FaRo books. My wife is amused at all this because she is specially NOT interested in that genre. Anywho, my ‘book buddy’ and I (my wife’s name for us) were recently raving over Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros which is of course, awesome (if a bit too long IMHO). I tell her I’m currently reading The Witch Collector series and she says she’s listening to the Audible Original audiobook Witches Get Stuff Done. Now I don’t usually listen to audiobooks because my family barely tolerates my reading addiction as it is, and putting AirPods in my ears while reading may be a tipping point I want to avoid. Anywho (x2)…
I did have some Audible credits to burn, so I decided to give WGSD a try, thinking I can listen to it when I’m by myself in the car, or doing non-heavy-thinking tasks at work. Turns out, the audiobook has been delightful because it’s puff enough that I can listen to it sporadically, and not lose the plot thread. Anywho (x3), all this is leadup to my riveting review:
The story is good not great, as far as paranormal (witchy) romances go. Even though the book is written in dual POV, the romance felt tacked on to the found-family aspect of the story, which was fine. Bottom line, I am enjoying the series only because it’s not filling up my precious book reading time.
P.S. These chicklit > romance books should have some type of warning, or maybe its own classification. Who can we get to work on that?
I did have some Audible credits to burn, so I decided to give WGSD a try, thinking I can listen to it when I’m by myself in the car, or doing non-heavy-thinking tasks at work. Turns out, the audiobook has been delightful because it’s puff enough that I can listen to it sporadically, and not lose the plot thread. Anywho (x3), all this is leadup to my riveting review:
The story is good not great, as far as paranormal (witchy) romances go. Even though the book is written in dual POV, the romance felt tacked on to the found-family aspect of the story, which was fine. Bottom line, I am enjoying the series only because it’s not filling up my precious book reading time.
P.S. These chicklit > romance books should have some type of warning, or maybe its own classification. Who can we get to work on that?
September 12, 2023
I was so intrigued by the overall concept of this book, but unfortunately, I don't think it was well executed. I assume it was going for an enemies-to-lovers storyline (because of the disastrous meet-cute at the beginning), but to be honest I was confused. There was no build up whatsoever to the romance--one moment it didn't exist and then all of a sudden the characters were in a relationship (and then just as quickly they had what felt like an extremely random and for no reason fight and broke up). I was also constantly left confused because of how much seemed to be taking place off-page which simultaneously left me annoyed because it didn't seem like much was happening on-page. I found myself bored and all the things I kept expecting to happen or be explored never were. All of a sudden months would pass but it didn't feel like we were any closer to knowing more about the characters or their histories or their burgeoning friendships/relationships or even about Shaddow House itself.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing a NetGalley ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing a NetGalley ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 26, 2023
The set-up for this book was so good-- an island setting, a spooky haunted house, a family whose secret legacy is that they are witches who guide and guard ghosts, and a found coven. It didn't deliver. So much happened off-page. We didn't get to see Riley and Edison's relationship develop, or the coven hone their skills, or anything else. We were just told that this much time passed, and this happened, but we didn't see any of it. I also figured out the bad guys right away, which normally doesn't bother me, but since we didn't get to experience much of the story, it bugged me this time. I know that this is a quick, cozy type of story, but I can't help thinking that this set-up in the hands of Nora Roberts or Anne Rice would be really frigging good.
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