This is the third book in the Witch Way Librarian series. Josie's sister, Jean, is in town to attend a life coach seminar. A body shows up at the retreat center, and Jean becomes threatened by the killer. Josie starts investigating to make sure her sister is safe from harm.
I always enjoy Josie's magic lessons and how she communicates with the books. They mystery was good. I can't wait to read more.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Bibliophiles are going to love Josie, a witch who lives and works in a library where she draws her power from books. I have enjoyed the previous outings. Her sister, Jean, is visiting while she attends a life coaching seminar. Both Josie and her mother think Jean is caught.up in a scam but Josie’s concern becomes more solid when two bodies are discovered in two different locations even before the seminar begins.

Top cop Sam wants Josie to stay out of the investigation but when Jean becomes a target, the two sisters work together to discover what is behind the murders. I like the way the story seems to point to one character but then makes it seem like it is nothing but a red herring. Then, later, as more information comes to light, the true nature and motive become clear and it is going to be a close call for both Josie and Jean. But the killer does not count on Josie’s secret powers and her feline assistant.

There were times when it seemed the sisters were overly foolhardy but when the real danger occurs, it is in a familiar and seeming safe environment. It kept things popping. Five purrs and two paws up. Add this one to your summer reading list.

The one, that if it were a blind date with a man,
i would be asking him to marry me the minute we started talking....

...and by the end of the date i would be certain that it was not just a hormones taking over spur of the moment thing but an actual gut instinct gone right, a long lasting marriage for the ages.

Witch upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders ✨

This book is cozy, romantic, witchy, whimsical, booknerdy, mysterious, about sisters bonding and found family...pretty much everything you could ask for and more.

This is what it is about:
Part of the Witch Way Librarian series this book takes place in the small town Wilfred, Oregon. Josie, a librarian, witch and heatpillow to cat familiar Rodney is welcoming her younger sister Jean. Jean is set on finally proving herself to her family but especially to Josie (who cant help but wanting to protect her little sister) and intends to do that by throwing herself into a business workshop by her idol Cookie Masterson in Wilfred. But...(there is always a but, isn't there) of course mysterious murder gets into their way. And since they are revolving around the workshop's participants, for Josie not to investige herself is impossible. After all, she has to protect her sister! But the local sheriff, all feelings aside, thinks otherwise.

Why did i compare this book with being on a blind date, you ask? Well, i did not know anything about this book series, the author or the content of what i was about to read other than the title and cover. Both were intriguing to me (who doesn't love whimsical witch stories?) and thank the heavens the story delivered and surpassed to what i felt like could be just the right book for me. Hence it is now marriage material😅.

I loved the characters (they were unique/specific, had great arcs, distinct motivation and felt grounded), i loved how the story unfolded and i cant wait to now discover the rest of this treasure of a series.

You can read this book as a standalone just like i did. I did not feel like i missed an important plotpoint, but maybe this observation will change once i get my hands on the earlier books in this series.

#bookstagram #netgalley #angelamsanders #witchuponastar

The fourth book in the series but you can read as a stand-alone and not be confused. It’s the perfect cozy mystery to read. Based in a small town in Oregon we follow the witchy librarian sleuth her way through the book.

I thought this was part of another witch-related cosy mystery series for some strange reason (or maybe not so strange if I think too much about it). It was only when I started reading it that I realised I had only read the first book a while ago, and there have since been two others in between.
I was quite happy to realise, however, that not too much time had passed in the plot itself. I was able to pick up at the beginning, and apart from the conflicted emotional state of the lead protagonist, things were pretty smooth sailing. By the last part, I mean my own reading experience and not the events involving the characters in the story.
Witch-in-training Josie is to host her sister in the small town of Wilfred. Her mother has prohibited her from mentioning her burgeoning magic to her younger sister, who has always felt like she is lagging a step behind in the race to become an adult.
The sister is in town for a retreat that costs a lot of money, and her family considers it a sham. In that small group of people who have descended on the town, two end up dead in quick succession. Josie wants to investigate for two different reasons. One is to protect her sister from either being killed next or being labelled as the killer, and the second part is her insatiable curiosity.
Josie wants to grow her powers and use them for the investigation but it needs to be done in secret, and there seem to be too many eyes on her at all times.
The town is slow-growing, with the people in it being both annoying and helpful in equal measure.
I might have enjoyed it even more if I had more information about the events in the books that occurred before this because most of the characters were almost new to me.
The mystery itself had its twists and turns and was quick to read, and the slow-building romance did take a turn in this one, making it a good point to drop back into the series. There are some adventurous moments thrown in as well to wrap things up.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This would make a perfect cozy read for a crisp fall day! Even though thos was the 4th book in a series, I was able to jump right into it. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series as well!
The atmosphere was cozy and I love the storyline. The characters were all fun and it was so hard to put this book down.

I have loved this series from the start! This is book 4 in those series. I can not wait for the next one

.Josie is eager to show off Wilfred's delights to her visiting sister, Jean--even though Josie must conceal her magic from her. In any case, Jean is excited to attend Cookie Masterson's trademark "Ready-Set-Go!" workshop on becoming a life coach. Then there's the grand reopening of Darla's Cafe, where the doors are thrown open to reveal . . . a dead man, stabbed in the back. That was definitely not on the revamped menu...

Even more worrisome, the sheriff receives a report of a fresh corpse at the retreat center. Maybe murder isn't so uncommon in Wilfred anymore, but two unfamiliar bodies within an hour certainly is! Josie's willing to let law enforcement take the lead--after all, she's gotten into some trouble from the hints the library's spellbound books keep feeding her about the patrons. But when her sister receives the killer's chilling calling card, she'll use everything within her otherworldly powers to divine just who in town has homicide as his new slogan . . .
This one kept me guessing I was targeted in on one person and she totally flipped the script I was shocked. The way she writes is a gift, I totally want her and the sheriff to get together and solve crimes. I can't wait to see his reaction when he finds out she's a witch.

I really enjoy these Witch Way Librarian stories. Josie is hosting her sister, Jean who is in town to take a master class from a life coach named Cookie who is touting her Ready, Set, Go course for way more than Josie's family is comfortable with.. This causes a bit of conflict between the sisters plus their mom is telling Josie not to spill the beans about being a witch to her sister. This mystery was really good and following it was a pleasure. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Witch Upon a Star: A Witch Way Librarian Mystery
By Angela M. Sanders
Kensington
June 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

Book lovers may often feel as though their favorite reads are speaking to them, providing guidance, comfort, and emotional support. For librarian Josie Way though, the books actually do communicate with her and will even fly off the shelves when they believe it’s in her best interest. Josie has recently learned that she comes from a lineage of witches, although it seems to have skipped a member when it comes to her sibling Jean. Always the Little Sister, their mother has asked Josie to keep their witch legacy a secret so as to not make Jean feel inadequate. Still finding her way in life, insecurity is a thing that Jean has long battled but now she has come to the town of Wilfred, Oregon as a follower of the celebrity life Cookie Masterson. While their mom worries that Jean may be under the sway of a cult or scammer, Jean is an unwavering supporter and one of Cookie’s many so-called “Crumbs.”

Josie had been enthusiastic about showing Jean all of the delights Wilfred has to offer, but a body in the new café was not on her travelogue list. When yet another deceased newcomer is found in Cookie’s retreat center, it’s impossible to see this as just a coincidence. In addition to her gift with books Josie is a truth teller, which means that she is unable to allow these multiple deaths go uninvestigated. This will complicate her growing feelings for Sam, who is not only her neighbor but also Wilfred’s new sheriff. Jean isn’t the only one in the dark about Josie’s gifts, and keeping that a secret is becoming as much an obstacle to their relationship as her involvement in his criminal cases. So in addition to determining the legitimacy of Cookie’s “Ready-Set-Go” life-coaching seminars, Josie must attempt to solve a murder while downplaying the clues given to her by extremely helpful books.

This fourth in the series skillfully weaves in Josie’s witchy talents with her practical, compelling investigation. Book lovers will of course appreciate the hints and advice given to Josie through their text and occasionally even through actual voices. Their involvement gets even more proactive by the end, making this a truly magical reading experience. Those looking for a more grounded mystery will find much to like as well, not in the least of these being the charming descriptions of tourist-attracting town and its gathering-place café. Josie’s not-a-familiar cat Rodney continues to be more of a purring roommate than a witch’s assistant, while the library recharges her gifts as a book-housing battery. A low-key romance, quirky town characters, and the relatable sibling relationship make this a very fun mystery that delves deep into the complicated life-coaching trend.

This was book four in the Witch Way Librarian series, and this was another great addition. Josie, her cat Rodney, and her witchy book abilities are back to solve more murders.
In Witch Upon a Star Josie's sister, Jean comes to Wilfred to take part in a workshop retreat and stays with Josie at the library.
How will Josie keep her sister safe when the murders begin?
I just love all the magic in this series, and all of the characters are fun and likable. Wilfred is a charming little town filled with interesting personalities.
This was a super cute, cozy mystery. I can't wait for the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Small town librarian Josie Way is thrilled that her younger sister Jean is coming to visit her in her newly adopted home of Wilfred, Oregon. But Jean isn’t there just to catch up with family. Wilfred’s recently opened retreat center has booked a life-coaching seminar that she’s incredibly enthusiastic about attending, too. The seminar promises to teach attendees not only how to better their circumstances, but also how to make a profit while teaching others the same thing. Unsurprisingly, enrollment costs a substantial sum of money.

Josie and Jean’s mom was so alarmed at exactly how much money that she’s convinced Jean is being suckered into a cult, and asks that Josie do her best to save Jean from its clutches. While Mom certainly has a reputation for being over-protective, for once Josie might actually take her side.

It isn’t only that the Way women all have magic running through their veins, and that their mom’s sense of intuition is usually spot on. And it definitely isn’t, as Jean complains, because she’s seen as the screw-up baby of the family who must be coddled and protected at all costs. Josie just has a very rational skepticism of the seminar’s claims and quasi-pyramidal profit model, one that’s compounded by her initial run-in with the workshop’s leader, Cookie Masterson herself.

Cookie is a self-made self-help guru whose Ready-Set-Go model has helped thousands of people achieve the successes they desire. Josie, however, is put off by Cookie’s seeming prioritization of money over everything else. While Josie’s instincts are to protect her little sister from what she’s sure is merely an expensive scam, a posthumous letter from her grandmother reminds her that sometimes it’s better to let people make their own mistakes:

QUOTE
That went for letting Jean learn her own lessons, too. She was enthusiastic about Cookie’s workshop. If it was a rip-off, then it was a lesson for Jean. If Grandma was right and my interference could tip destiny, by keeping Jean from the workshop I might prevent her from meeting someone or learning something–even something incidental–that could change the course of her life for the better.
END QUOTE

Josie’s resolve to not get involved is sorely tested when not one but two dead bodies linked to the seminar are found dead in separate places around town. Her neighbor and long-term crush Sheriff Sam Wilfred warns her to stay out of the investigation, but relents a little when she admits her fears for her sister’s safety. Jean insists that she’ll be fine, but the more secrets are unearthed about the workshop and its participants, the more uneasy Josie becomes about her sister’s continued participation. Will she be able to balance her desire to help her sister grow as a person with her desire to keep Jean safe from harm, or will their relationship be irrevocably damaged as danger looms ever closer?

I love how thoughtful this paranormal series has become regarding the ethics of everyday life, witchy or otherwise. I could absolutely empathize with Josie’s reactions, while also appreciating how hard she worked to give Jean the independence and support her younger sister needed. I also adored the developments in Josie’s love life in this installment. The romance felt natural and inevitable and swoon-worthy all at once.

Of course, another large part of this series’ charm is the humor. While I was sad not to see any of the enterprising Buffy and Thor in this book, it was a delight to read of the knitting club’s decision to lean into the recent spate of murders in order to draw tourism to their town:

QUOTE
“For a slogan, how about, ‘People are dying to come to Wilfred’?” Neil asked. “We have folks kicking the bucket left and right. Let’s take our greatest asset and run with it.”

“I love it,” Gloria said.

“You don’t think it’s too gruesome?” Mona asked.

“Nah. People really go for stuff like that. Check out the TV listings. Look at true crime podcasts. I bet Josie would tell us that murder mysteries are popular.”

“Super popular,” I admitted.

“Then why not make the most of it?” Neil said. “It’ll get Wilfred a lot further than bragging about scenery and fresh air.”
END QUOTE

This paranormal cozy series is delightfully modern, with complicated murder mysteries and one of the most charming casts of characters in contemporary fiction. I love how real all the characters feel, even in the most surreal of circumstances. It’s a lovely juxtaposition that only serves to underscore the quality of Angela M Sanders’ storytelling.

I adore this series and her newest book is just as fabulous. We get to meet Josie’s sister Jean who is fighting to break out of her family’s view of her as the one always needing help and who can’t quite be trusted to make good decisions. Well she convinced me because she was a smart and strong character and helped Josie in this investigation.

I so enjoy following Josie's magic lessons and watching both her and her magic mature. The fact that she has settled into this community is really highlighted as we see it through her visiting sister's eyes.
Josie’s ability to communicate with the books and make them move and dance comes in huge and so entertaining in this book. The way it was integrated into the investigation in such the perfect way, so key but not too over the top / making it too easy for Josie. And the ending was fabulously brilliant! The last chapter got me SO EXCITED for more!!

Josie's sister is coming to visit! Sure, Jean is only there because of some MLM-ish scheme that teaches you to become a life coach, but Josie is still ecstatic. Until two dead bodies show up, both with ties to the same retreat Jean is attending. Josie is worried and, of course, she's going to investigate. But this will be while keeping her new powers on the down low.
This was an enjoyable book to the series but I seem to be on a series of books where the characters make some bad decisions. Even her cat thinks her decisions are bad at one point but Josie barrels ahead.
Thankfully, it's not like some other series where she's actively interfering but it seems to be getting close

Three and a half stars
This book comes out May 23, 2023
Follows Witch and Famous
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

This witchy librarian cozy series is a really enjoyable one, and I loved getting to see a little more of Josie's life with the visit from her sister in this one. The seminar in town is the perfect opportunity for a crime to take place and the community to show up. I really love the library in this series- there's just enough authenticity to it.

Witch Upon a Star is a fun and entertaining read. It was much more than I expected it to be.

Josie is a librarian and a witch in training. I love how much her powers are intertwined with books. To be able to touch a book and know if they can give you the knowledge you need within seconds. That’s a pretty nifty ability to have. The books give her a lot of advise, whether she wants it or not. In Witch Upon a Star Josie has tasked with showing her sister Jean around her, cozy little town while she’s there for a retreat, so to speak. And then to keep her safe from a killer on the loose all while keeping her witchy secrets, a secret.

A self-help promoter is doing one of their seminars and Josie‘s little town and Jean, her little sister is all about this opportunity. Although it does not look to be the best opportunity, and when murder comes hand-in-hand with what’s going on around this seminar, has Josie on full alert. Josie is trying to keep her sister safe while twist interns thrown at her within this mystery, keep her on her toes. During the course of this novel, Josie is able to build bonds with her sister and help solve a murder. I enjoyed Witch Upon a Star. It is a unique subject collaboration for a cozy mystery. I love the fact that her powers are connected through books, and that makes it even more exciting.

I look forward to going back and seeing how the series started. And to see wants to become for this witchy librarian.

I love the cover of this book and didn’t disappoint me, so funny and cute 🥰
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the book

Thank you, NetGalley, for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Witch Upon A Star by Angela M. Sanders. I was estatic to receive a copy for free in exchange for my honest review. I am now a huge fan of the author.

Witch Upon A Star is the first book I've read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised that the story is so engaging and well written. I was so entertained by it that I found it to play out like a movie in mind, and I am looking forward to reading the first three books in the series. Furthermore, I can't wait until the next installment comes out. I liked all the red herrings in the book, and I couldn't figure out who was the killer. This is always a huge plus to me. I do wish the author would have recapped the background of the sheriff, Sam, a little earlier in the book, but other than that, I don't really have any complaints about the book.

I've been in love with this series since i read the first instalment. I think it's an excellent cozy mystery series and one of the best paranormal cozy.
There's plenty of fresh ideas, a cast of quirky characters and the mystery are always solid and well plotted.
I was happy to catch up with Josie, Rodney, and Sam. Jane, Josie's little sister, was a lovely addition and I liked how the author dealt with a topic like life coach and very expensive courses.
There's plenty of twists, surprises and I was kept guessing till the end. There's enough going on that make me wish I could read the next story soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I have enjoyed this series immensely and was thrilled to see a new offering.
I recommend you read them in order but you will not be disappointed.
Interesting characters and a top notch whodunit.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.