Member Reviews
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of WITCH UPON A STAR (Book 4 of the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries) by Angela M. Sanders in exchange for an honest review. Josie Way is excited about her sister Jean's visit. However, things aren't as idyllic as imagined. Jean is undergoing training to be a life coach, which Josie feels is certainly a scam. Also, Josie can't bring herself to tell her sister about Josie's newish witch powers. Josie's disapproval and secret keeping seems to drive a wedge between the sisters during a time when Josie hoped they would draw closer together. Plus, the dead bodies are adding stress to the situation.
I like this book and recommend it to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries with a paranormal witchy twist.
#WitchuponaStar #NetGalley
Another great cozy read! This is a wonderful series and the books just keep getting better and better! Such a fun.series!
Things are changing for the better in Wilfred, Oregon. The Café is about to reopen after a refit, and the new retreat centre is about to hold its first residential workshop. One of those attending the wellness course is Jean, the younger sister of local librarian Josie Way, who is excited to have her spend vacation time in the small town but a little apprehensive too. Having recently discovered she is a witch who gains her powers through the printed word, Josie knows she has to keep it a secret from everyone around her.
When a stranger to the town is found dead, Josie is determined to let local sheriff, Sam Wilfred, investigate without her assistance for once. When Jean receives a terrifying message however, everything changes, as using her new powers becomes a necessity. With snow falling and local residents having to watch their backs, will Josie discover that sometimes magic isn't enough to save those you love?
Although this is the fourth in the Witch Way Librarian series, it's the first I've read and it all fell into place easily. Josie is a fun main protagonist, and the town of Wilfred has its fair share of quirky residents. The clever and original storyline is really well written and held my attention throughout. I have definitely found a new favourite author and cosy series.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this and happily recommend it, even if, like me, you haven't read the previous three.
Loved reading this book and series. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend her and her books. I suggest reading the books in order
Witch Upon a Star
I’m a sucker for a good cozy mystery, and Angela Sanders’
Witch Way Librarian series is one of my favorites.
Book 4 in the series, Witch Upon a Star, brings Josie’s sister to town for a life coach workshop and a little murder mystery. But, leave it to Josie, her feline friend, Rodney, and her magical books to solve the murder and bring order back to town.
Part of what I enjoy in this series is Josie’s relationship with books. While so many cozies are similar in so many ways, these have a mystical twist that doesn’t fail to disappoint the reader. As Josie learns more about her witchy power, the books develop into a character of their own.
Thank you to NetGalley, Angela M. Sanders, and Kensington Books for the Advanced Readers Copy.
A very enjoyable read! Josie is a delightful character. This is the 4th book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries., which just keeps getting better and better. Filled with lots of suspense. Jose's younger sister Jean comes to visit to attend a retreat. Not long after murder occurs and it points to Jean. Good story plot. Thanks#netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All options are mine.
Delightful cozy series and this fourth book is another strong addition. Josie Way, a librarian and novice witch, eagerly anticipates a visit from her sister, Jean, who will be attending a workshop on wellness coaching in the newly opened retreat center in Wilfred, Oregon. Only thing, their mother asked Josie to keep her newfound witchiness a secret from Jean while convincing her to drop out of the workshop. Whether it is an expensive scam or the real deal has yet to be determined. Once two murders take place before the sessions begin, Jean's own safety comes into question. What I especially love in this series is how Josie's magic draws it strength from books whether it's knowing what book someone needs to read or getting help herself. The mystery is sufficiently twisty and the pages will just fly by.
In her 4th book in the Witch Way Librarian Mystery series, Angela M. Sanders continues to delight readers with her storytelling skill. Josie is happily ensconced in Wilfred, and particularly in her library, with a town full of quirky friends and even the possibility of love, however remote. She is excited to have her younger sister, Jean (short for Eugenie), visit; though there are lots of questions about the credibility of the life coaching seminar Jean is attending at the new retreat center. Josie is also a bit nervous about keeping her witchy powers under wraps during Jean's week long stay. All that pales when not one but two murders occur, both seemingly related to the life coach crew and attendees.
This one checks off so many cozy boxes, including the small town, local library, friendly gathering place, all manner of quirky characters, amateur sleuth/strong protagonist, the hunky lawman, and of course Rodney, the witchy black cat. These characters are fun and likeable.
Sanders creates a truly enchanting world in this series and oh so appropriately involving books. When Josie communes with the written word, in the diverse multitude of books in her library and elsewhere, I am transported. I can almost feel the magic ebbing and flowing between them. As an avid fan of cozy paranormal mysteries, I can honestly say it is beguiling in a way no other witchy powers have captivated me.
I strongly recommend this book, but encourage you to read all 4 books in order.
I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to review this book prior to its publication. I am always thankful for the opportunity to review books, but the review is not impacted by their generosity.
This was my first time reading a book by Angela M. Sanders. When I picked up the book, I did not know that this was the fourth book in a series. The cover does list this book as "A Witch Way Library Mystery," but it doesn't indicate the book number. When I was reading the book, I definitely picked up on things that sounded like plot points from previous books. Ultimately, I don't think I needed to have read the previous three books to enjoy Book 4, <i>Witch Upon a Star</i>, by Angela M. Sanders at all.
<b>Book Overview</b>
This book centers around Josie Way, a librarian living in Wilfred, Oregon. She gets her powers from books, which I thought was an interesting and novel approach to witch powers. She can literally hear the books talking to her, giving her advice, and recommending themselves to customers who may need their wisdom. Admittedly, this can get Josie into a little trouble when she recommends a book like <i>What to Do When You're Expecting</i> to someone who hasn't told anyone she's pregnant yet.
In this book, Josie's sister, Jean, comes to Wilfred for a conference. Jean is the third sister (the baby of the family), and her mother and older sisters seem to be a little too protective of her. On top of that, Jean has no idea the other women in her family are witches. Heck, Jean doesn't even know she has powers. Admittedly, Jean's powers are nothing compared to Josie's, but I won't divulge any of those fun moments here.
Josie's mother thinks Jean has joined a cult. The cult of motivational guru Cookie Masterson and her "Ready-Set-Go!" workshop. Jean hopes to become a wellness coach. She already teaches yoga and sees Masterson's workshop as helping her take her life to the next level. Of course, Jean also thinks everyone who is against Cookie and her VERY expensive workshop are just trying to keep her down.
On the first morning of the workshop, a man is found with a knife in his back in the local diner, which was having its grand reopening, and a woman is poisoned at the workshop itself. Josie just can't help herself and starts investigating, much to the chagrin of her neighbor/sheriff/love interest, Sam.
<b>Book Critique</b>
I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm a fan of paranormal cozy mysteries, so it's always fun to see a new and interesting take on everything. One of my biggest critiques is I wish there were more clues dispersed throughout the story. Giving nothing away, I just wish there had been a more interesting breadcrumb trail along the way that clearly led to the killer. Instead, I found the explanation a bit more convoluted. Half the fun of reading a cozy is figuring out the murder and how it was done, but this one isn't as straightforward as many.
I found the writing style very clear and engaging. I think the world Sanders has created in Wilfred, Oregon, is fun. She has all the usual tropes you'd expect to find in a cozy mystery. As such, I would definitely recommend to all fans of cozy mysteries. After reading this book, I'm definitely interested in going backward and picking up the other three books now.
I enjoyed this fourth book in this series. I liked that we got to meet Josie's sister Jean and hope that she will be brought back in future books. One thing I would like from this series is for the author to expand on the cast of characters. This one was limited to the events at the seminar that Jean was attending. Josie got involved to protect her sister. It was interesting to see the interaction between the sisters. I find the paranormal aspect of Josie's power with the books and library entertaining. The action flows throughout the book and comes to a good conclusion.
WITCH UPON A STAR is the fourth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. This spellbinding cozy mystery series captured my attention from the very first book and I always look forward to the next new release, and Witch Upon A Star did not disappoint! With Josie Wray’s youngest sister, Jean, visiting her at small-town Wilfred, Oregon, Josie has to go to great lengths to hide her magic. I enjoyed getting to better know Josie, from Jean’s viewpoint this time around. It gives some insight into her character that the townspeople might not see. The author’s depiction of librarian Josie’s skills and powers, especially in communicating with the library books, added to the entertainment. The characters were all expertly crafted and had distinct personalities and, as charming small-town settings tend to do, a lot of the core characters feel like they’ve become close friends.
The mystery itself was well-plotted, and the action starts early on. Adding to the suspense is the threat that appears to target Jean after two murders occur. It gives added incentive to Josie to try to solve the crimes before her sister becomes the next victim. I appreciate that Josie doesn’t have to investigate entirely on her own. She’s got the ear (and perhaps has caught the eye) of her next-door neighbor, Sam, to aid her. This well-crafted cozy mystery had me turning pages until I’d finished the very last word and left me wishing to read the next book right away.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adore this book! This is my favorite in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
I was a little sad that Roz and Lyndon were missing in this one but quickly became absorbed in the story and didn't even notice. Was such a goofy bunch, loved that we got to know Jean and hope she's in future books. Also I really came to like Desmond and am glad he's staying and hope he's a regular in this quirky gang.
I love this series! Love it!
There is nothing quite as satisfying as a cozy mystery on a cold night. Last night and tonight I read this book and was transported once again to a town where everyone is a little kooky, the library is in a mansion, and magic is real.
This time around, Josie's sister Jean has come to town to attend a retreat hosted by a wellness coach/lifestyle guru named Cookie. Josie is skeptical, Jean is enthusiastic, and murder is afoot. Son enough bodies start appearing and we're off on a ride to discover whodunnit and why.
Angela Sanders has created a charming town and a great cast of characters. The story moves along nicely and has just the right number of twists and turns. And there's magic. I want Josie's witch powers! I want books to talk to me and tell me things! I mean, more than they already do.
This series continues to be a fun read and I eagerly await more volumes. Especially after what happens on the last page.......
Oh I've been anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. And it did not disappoint. I seriously was so sad when the book ended. I need more. 😉😂
Witch Upon a Star is another great addition to this series.
Josie Way is still learning about the powers of her craft, and a visit from her sister has her a bit tense.
A new self help promoter is visiting the small town, and Josie's sister Jean is participating.
Josie prepares to hide her talents from her sister, while Jean struggles to be taken seriously.
This is my favorite so far, and I can't wait to see what happens next, especially with Sam and Josie.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#WitchuponaStar #NetGalley
With her little sister coming to town for a workshop, Josie is eager to see Jean. However their Mother is not too happy about Jean taking the class and makes Josie promise to watch over her…oh and not tell Jean she’s a witch.
Once the workshop starts, Josie is rather concerned, but tries to let Jean make her own decisions as a grownup. But when two people tied to the woman leading the workshop are murdered, Josie can’t help but try and keep her sister safe. When another attendee is almost killed, Jean tells Josie they HAVE to solve this as she’s been received threats and her own life is at stake. But who could have done it? They need proof and that’s the one thing they can’t seem to find. The sisters just have to hope they can figure it out before Jean’s number is up!
A great entry in this series. I really enjoy this one as the library’s books talk to Josie and give her guidance. It’s always amazing how the author ties in other titles to the story and mystery. I can’t get enough of this one and am already eagerly awaiting the next book!
I enjoyed this story and had completely forgotten I'd read the first book in the series 9still don't recall it), but this stands alone well. I liked the storyline, Wilfred's denizens and the role Josie's sister plays in allowing the storyline to develop.
Liked it enough to get books 2 and 3 from the library.
I received my copy of book 4 from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Josie Way has settled into her life as a librarian in Wilfred, Oregon and is getting used to the fact that she is a witch when her younger sister Jean comes to visit. Jean, who has long felt like she is in the shadow of her two older sisters, is looking forward to attending Cookie Masterson’s “Ready-Set-Go!” workshop which will help her become a life coach. Josie has her doubts – doubts which are quickly justified when dead bodies start piling up and Jean finds threatening notes directed at her. Josie will do anything she can – including using her powers - to protect Jean and find the killer before Jean becomes the next victim.
“Witch Upon a Star” is the nicely done fourth book in Angela M. Sanders Witch Way Librarian cozy mystery series. This was the first book that I have read in the series but by the second chapter I had gone and ordered the first three books – that’s how much I loved this book! I love the premise of this book – Josie’s witch powers allow her to communicate with books – this is such a unique premise and very well done by Sanders. I love the small town setting, Josie’s relationship with Sam, and her relationship with Jean – and the paranormal aspects. The mystery itself is extremely well done with plenty of twists and turns and a surprise solution to the murders. All in all I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading not only the first three books but future books in the series.
“Witch Upon a Star” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Loved the newest book in the series. Josie is one of my favorite characters. I'm glad we got to see a bit more of Josie's family with her sister coming for a visit. I liked their dynamic. And that ending...when is the next book coming out? I need to know what that ending means...
I want to live in a library! Just like this one! Super story with a great who done it plot. Not too gory/ violent thank goodness. Just a fun story with great characters (love Josie and her sister - reminds me of my own sister and me). And a black cat that is a bit magical and “talking books”? Geez! It’s all wonderful.