It's been a very long time since I read this, so my memory of it isn't as fresh as it should be. Mind you, it took me almost a month to read it so perhaps it wasn't my favourite this year!

I enjoyed the premise of this, the magic shop and the family story behind the characters, but I think the execution fell a little bit flat for me. Alex meets the very obvious love interest (Jack) on her first coffee run and the conversation felt somewhat forced, and the ensuing romance a bit shoehorned in. Almost like it's a requirement, rather than a natural progression. After all, she's only been in town a day or two! Also, there are plenty of instances where she uses 'always' in respect of knowing something about her newly-refound family (a character quirk, a mannerism, a comment, etc.) when she barely remembers them and hasn't seen them in over twenty years! The same goes for her new job in the shop. She's in a completely foreign environment, yet after only two days behind the counter somehow can be left on her own to serve customers and create (magical) teas to order. It was a bit of a stretch, and I didn't wholly believe it. She's a smart woman, yes, but there's still an awful lot of training that goes into things like creating tea, particularly magical tea, and other items.

I think the trouble with some paranormal/magical cosies is how the MC somehow manages to simply accept that they have these magical powers, despite not knowing they possessed them before, which takes a bit of the conflict out of the book. Alex is one of those MCs. When she finds out about the mermaid history (which is really neat, actually!) and her cousins and auntie tell her that she's got some of these magical powers too, she's all, 'Cool, cool.'

There's a love triangle (because...??), some Hatfield/McCoy-type family conflict with another mermaid family, a murder that gets pinned on her Auntie Lidia, and a mystery wrap up which fell a little flat. So, a bit predictable and trope-ish after all that.

Despite this, I would like to continue the series. I actually liked Alex's family members more than I liked Alex, and the mermaid myth is really unique and fascinating. So, overall, I think it just suffers from a bit of first book-itis, which is not unusual.

I started the audio edition of this book, and I couldn't tell if the narrator was making the heroine a wet blanket, or if it was the text itself. The mystery itself felt solid, and I enjoyed the secondary characters, but I think the author was a little heavy handed in the heroine's introduction, as well as the introduction (and almost immediate road block) to a love interest.

Risk assessor Alexandra Daniels is down on her luck, having just lost her job. She decides to accept her estranged aunt's invitation to visit and help them with their business, an herbal apothecary, in Bellamy Bay. It has been years since Alex last set foot in the seaside town, her father having cut ties with that side of the family after Alex's mother's death. Alex is not prepared for what she finds in Bellamy Bay. Secrets and rumors of mermaids and vikings, witches and land disputes. When her aunt is arrested for the murder, Alex is sure she is being framed and wants to know why--and who is behind it.

I cannot resist a paranormal cozy mystery and A Spell for Trouble was just what I needed when I picked it up to read. It was full of magic and an intriguing backstory about water witches, family secrets, and ancient rivalries. Alex has no memory of her early childhood and gift for water magic. She does not want to believe it at first, and is not sure what to do with it once she realizes it is real. Alex has a perfect mix of skepticism and wonderment at her new found abilities. I really liked Alex's character, although there were a couple of moments in the novel I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her for putting herself in harm's way, but I never stopped rooting for her. The secondary characters are just as well-developed in their own right, and I really enjoyed my time in Bellamy Bay. Alexi's faithful dog is pretty awesome too.

I enjoyed the overall mystery of the novel with its twists and turns. While I guessed early one who was likely behind it all, it was still a delightful reading experience. There's a bit of romance and plenty of magic. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Bellamy Bay.

A unique and interesting cozy! I don't read many cozy mysteries, but I really loved the characters and setting in this book. I ended up listening to the audio version, which was nicely done.

Alexandra Daniels has returned home to her mother's family in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina. She has been keeping away from them since her childhood out of respect for her father's wishes, but after his recent death Alexandra finds herself in need of the comforts only family can provide.

Going back home brings up many long suppressed memories, some of a favorite childhood playmate, others of her mother. Some are of magical dancing waters, that memory couldn't be real, could it?

When Alexandra's aunt is accused of murder, she jumps to the rescue and finds much more than she bargained for, her family and most of the townspeople are hiding a dark and dangerous past. A past that could get Alexandra and everyone she has every loved killed.

This book has some of the most creative world building I have ever read. It's just dripping in backstory and mysteries of every kind. And it's not just the murder, it's the family secrets!!! It's the truth about Alexandra's mother, and the story that has always been told about how she drowned. I love a book with a great cast of characters, and when it's a family of characters with magic, I am all in!

I'm excited to see where this series goes.

Alex Daniels has left her high-pressured NYC life to return to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina for the first time in 20 years. Alex is getting reacquainted with her aunt Lidia who owns an apothecary store with her daughter Minka when she witnesses a weird and nasty encounter between Lidia and a man named Randy Bennett.

When Bennett is found poisoned to death at home, Lidia is suspected of murdering him with her special tea blend. Alex is determined to help her aunt but is stunned to learn the truth behind their family: they are water witches with magical abilities. Did another magical kill Bennett or was a normal person responsible for the crime?

As Alex learns more about her family's history and secrets, she realizes that there are long-held grudges and feuds in play.

This was an enchanting debut mystery with the right amount of paranormal included infuse the story with a unique charm.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Alex Daniels comes home to Bellamy Bay NC, after years away. Her father never wanted her to return. But with his death she has no other family and her aunt has always said she was welcome. Aunt Lidia and her daughter run a herbal apothecary shop Botanika. It sells teas, herbal remedies and other things.

The characters were quite believable. The plot twisted and obscure at times, but that seems to be normal for everyone. I do recommend this story to anyone who wishes we had magic back in their world. I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley for honest review.

What a fun start to a new cozy mystery series! I was so excited to be able to read Esme Addison's debut. Alex Daniels hasn't been to Bellamy Bay, NC - a quiet seaside town - in years. She used to visit her mother's family there regularly, but ever since her mother died her father has forbidden her from visiting them. But needing a break from her high stress job she travels south for a visit...and finds herself working at her family's herbal apothecary. Bellamy Bay may look peaceful but Alex soon discovers some dark secrets, including some malicious gossip about her own family - notably, that they are magical healers descended from a line of mermaids! Alex resists this as nonsense at first...but then certain things start to make sense. When Alex's Aunt Lidia is arrested for a murder, Alex knows she's innocent and will do everything she can - including use her newfound powers - to prove it.

Bellamy Bay is a fun place to spend time in! Alex is a compelling protagonist, and the cast of secondary characters is charming and interesting. It took me a minute to get into the story, but once I did I was hooked! Addison is a good writer and I enjoyed how she wove magic into the plot. I also enjoyed how she incorporated her in-laws' Polish ancestry into the story, Fans of magical cozies won't want to miss this new series and I'm looking forward to book 2!

I received A Spell For Trouble by Esme Addison from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been reading a lot of paranormal cozy mysteries lately, and jumped at the chance to read the first book in this brand new series. This cozy takes place in an herbal shop owned by the main character, Alexandra's aunt and cousins. After her mother's death, her father estranged her from this side of the family. In the beginning of the story, Alexandra's father has died, and she has quit her job. Her aunt sent her an invitation to visit, and it seemed like a good idea, and some time away would help her figure out her life. From there, she starts to work some shifts in the shop and witnesses a confrontation between her aunt and a customer. The customer later winds up dead, and Alexandra's aunt it the prime suspect. Alexandra decides to investigate and save her aunt.

As far as cozy mysteries go, Alexandra's character is pretty on par with other cozy amateur detectives. She sometimes doesn't think things all the way through and makes poor choices from time to time or jumps to wrong conclusions. This is typical of the genre. I think as the serious goes on, she will make less of these errors. She does have passion and is willing to look at things differently and without the constraints that police officers face. If you add in the paranormal aspect, the police don't have a chance of solving it without her help.

My favorite character is Alex's cousin Minka. There is something very spunky and refreshing about her character. I also enjoyed Pepper, the intrepid reporter. She is somewhat of a busy-body and like a dog with a bone when it comes to stories. I hope in the next book we learn more about the Wesley's and the history between them and Alex's family. I would like more about Dylan as well.

The mystery was well done. I didn't guess who the killer was until almost the end. It kept me guessing in several places. I also enjoyed the fact that Alexandra's family is Polish. I love all the references to the different polish foods and legends. This is a take on cozies I haven't seen before. I do wish that the author had included some recipes for both the herbal concoctions as well as the polish foods Aunt Lidia makes. A lot of cozies include recipes and I would love to try making some of the things I read about in the book. I look forward to reading the next in the series when it comes out.

4 Stars

I enjoyed all the quirky and eccentric characters. The story moved a long at a great pace and the twists and turns kept me quessing. I would highly recommend this series

This was such a bewitching mystery! I fell in love with Alex, Athena and their family from the beginning. It was very well written and I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for Bellamy Bay next. Each of the characters draws you in whether a main character or a secondary one. It is definitely enchanting!!!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars, It was okay. Sort of.

Book 1 in a new series.

I had a hard time getting in to this one. For someone in Risk Management, the main character sure took a lot of stupid risks. But the biggest problem with this book was that it was utterly forgettable. I put it down for awhile (there's a love triangle that really turned me off) and forgot all about until I saw it in my NetGalley list.

The premise is a good one, and I will likely look up the next book in the series, in hopes that it's better having established characters. But it will definitely be a library read. And please, resolve the love triangle!

This is a great start to a new cozy mystery series! I loved the setting of Bellamy Bay. I am sucker for books set in the south so that was a bonus for me. I loved the paranormal aspect to the series and felt that the author did a really great job incorporating it into the story. The mystery itself was well done and well plotted with enough twists to keep it interesting. It also had a great cast of characters. I am already looking forward to book 2!

I love this new cozy mystery! I read in one sitting! This book is one you can not put down!! Can not wait for next in series!

First I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I ended up enjoying this story, but I will admit I had a hard time getting into it.

Alex returns to Bellamy Bay after more than 20yrs to visit family and try to get her life back together again. While there she learns she has "powers" that she forgot she had, and she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. This first book in the series is all about secrets coming out in the open and finding your true self. Now that I have met these characters I will definitely return to Bellamy Bay.

A SPELL FOR TROUBLE by Esme Addison
The First Enchanted Bay Mystery

When Aleksandra Daniels quits her job in Manhattan, she knows she needs time with family, even if she hasn't seen her aunt and cousins in over twenty years. Ciocia Lydia and cousins Minka and Kamila welcome Alex with open arms and lots of Polish baked goods. Helping out in the family's apothecary shop, Alex can't help but enjoy the exotic teas and body care products, but is stunned when her aunt loses her temper on a customer. When the man is found dead the next day, it's thought to be a terrible accident. However, when it's discovered he was poisoned, Ciocia Lydia is arrested. Now it's up to Alex to prove her aunt's innocence, as that good looking detective thinks the case is closed. Can she trust her childhood friend? Or that nosy reporter? As Alex looks into the murder she also uncovers the truth about her family. Will she embrace her heritage or turn away from it as her parents did?

The first Enchanted Bay Mystery is a triumph! I love everything about it, from the Polish culture, to the family dynamics, from the paranormal to the police dog drop out. I love how food was weaved into the story. It's such an important, yet common and everyday part of traditional Polish life and really adds verisimilitude. But there's more. There is a lot of moral ambiguity to be found here. Difficult decisions must be made, sometimes with no clear positive option. I especially love that the characters are not all "good". They all are shades of grey, some with darker secrets and leanings. I find a great affinity for Ciocia Lidia...and I could well imagine doing exactly what she did all those years ago. She's a strong, powerful, good woman, but there is a very realistic edge. I find myself at odds with the "good" detective, and rooting for the childhood friend. But neither of these two are all good...or all bad.

My favorite aspect of A SPELL FOR TROUBLE is the Polish connection. I fondly remember my Ciocia Brunia, and calling her that as well as Aunt Bert! My mouth was watering when everyone was munching on kolaczki and pączki. But even more than that, I thought it was brilliant how the Sobieski family's magick was entwined with the very real Mermaid of Warsaw.

A SPELL FOR TROUBLE introduces readers to a wonderful magickal world. Family and tradition are its foundation while a finely crafted mystery lies at its core. I can't wait to see Alex rediscover more about her family, herself, and her magick. Now if only I had a slice of sernik and a cup of Calm Down tea!

With merely the word “spell” in the title of Esme Addisons book “A Spell for Trouble”, I knew I wanted to read this delightfully covered book. What’s not to love about a book that promises magick, apothecary and hints at mermaids? I do love a good, magical, family centered series and this book did not disappoint. Several times I thought I had figured out “who dunnit” but waited till the end to get to the truth. This book is a light read, nothing deep or heavy, nor any ironic twists that has the flavorings of a young adult offering. What it is, however, is a great way to spend some time with your coffee or cocktail in a quick and easy read that provides a good escape from life’s more pressing matters. I would have liked to see some botanical recipes sprinkled about but the author chose instead to lightly mention them without detail. That would have been fun! Perhaps we will see some in the next installment of this Enchanted Bay series. If you like easy reads with magical storylines, this is for you! Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this first book by Esme Addison.

Frankly, it was so well written it emersed me immediately into Aleksandra Daniels' world. A world now turned upside down due to family lies and secrets. Bellamy Bay, North Carolina is our seemingly picturesque setting with poor Aleksandra needing to find a murderer to save her aunt. While I love a good romance with my mystery, I didn't enjoy the vague romantic aspects here as I simply didn't feel that they fit this story. But the characters were different and very engaging. The story as a whole was a joy to read with plenty of suspects for the mystery and still lots of unknown personal answers at the end. I look forward to seeing what happens in Ms. Addison's next Enchanted Bay mystery!

I believe this series will be best enjoyed by those who like Bailey Cates, Jenn McKinlay, Kate Young, and Lena Gregory.

A Spell For Trouble is the first book in the An Enchanted Bay Mystery series.

Alex Daniels is looking to turn her life around. Her company has passed her up for a promotion and she is still recovering from her father’s recent passing. Then she receives an invitation from her Aunt Lidia to come to Bellamy Bay, NC for a visit with her and her cousins. Alex hasn’t seen them for nearly twenty years, ever since her mother passed and her father didn’t want Alex to have anything to do with them and offering no explanation why.

Alex arrives in Bellamy Bay and while getting reacquainted with Aunt Lidia and her cousins, Minka and Kamila, Alex learns that Aunt Lidia and Minka have a herbal apothecary store. She welcomes the chance to help out at the store when Aunt Lidia asks her. One of the first customers she waits on is Randy Bennett who is looking for a potion that will bring him luck, it seems he is going through a messy divorce. When Lidia comes to
the front of the store she tells him to get and an argument breaks out and it soon escalates and finally, Lidia lifts him and slams him against a wall.

The next morning the body of Bennett is found in his home with the package of tea he had recently purchased from Lidia’s shop beside him. Early in the police investigation, Lidia is considered a possible suspect, but when they also learn of her confrontation and autopsy results showed he died from poisoning from the tea he had recently purchased, Lidia is soon arrested for his murder, but will soon be released on house arrest. Alex will now set out to clear her aunt’s name. She soon finds there is no shortage of suspects.

Shortly after arriving in Bellamy Bay Alex learns that she, her aunt, and family are water witches. She learns that her aunt’s coven has been warring with another faction for years and begins to wonder if they might be responsible for the murder and are trying to blame her aunt’s witches.

The book is well-written and has an enjoyable cast of believable characters. Witchcraft plays a good part in the book, but just lightly touches on the practice of witchcraft.

OᐯᗴᖇᐯIᗴᗯ: Alex hasn't been back to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over 20 years. But after an invitation from her Aunt Lidia and her cousins, Minka and Kamila, Alex decides to visit. Her aunt owns an herbal apothecary that is known for its potent remedies. Rumors swirl in the town that Alex's family is descendents of the mermaids and possess magical powers. Alex is quick to brush this off, but quickly learns there is more to the town than meets the eye. And when Aunt Lidia is arrested for murder, Alex is determined to figure out what role magic played in the death, if any, and prove her aunt's innocence.

ᗰY TᕼOᑌᘜᕼTᔕ: An enchanting start to a new cozy mystery series, I immediately liked Alex and her family. With several potential romantic interests in town as well, there is a hint of what may come in future books in the series. I'm intrigued by their power to hear each other's thoughts and communicate without talking. The mystery in this one was well done and the ending was satisfying!

ᖇᗩTIᑎᘜ: ★★★★

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.