Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this one, once I let myself sit down and get lost in it. This is the second in a series, and I hadn't read the first one, so while it would have provided a bit more context, it didn't take away from the story. I felt like I could really identify with Ellowyn, which made it that much better of a read for me.

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I was thrilled to get to continue the journey with Emerson and the gang and absolutely loved the third installment of this series focusing on Ellowyn and Zander! This story felt like reunited with a chosen family after spending time apart.

I really enjoyed the spark and the development of Ellowyn and Zander’s relationship. If you are a fan of cozy witchy romances, this one hits the mark!

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This third book in the Witchlore Series finally answers the question of what *exactly* is going on between Ellowyn and her former (or maybe not so former?) flame Zander Rivers. I'm telling you, I opened this book in the airport during a layover and decided to just peek at a page before my flight, then ended up not even putting it down while I walked to my gate. It opens with a big surprise that had me GASPING out loud, and from there it just keeps on getting better.

I love the world of St Cyprian and the encroaching threat, I love the coven that features past (and future) characters and I absolutely love this romance. Hazel Beck has done it again. If you love cozy, magical small towns, witches and romance, this is definitely a series you should check out.

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I haven't been this invested in a series since I read Gallagher Girls in middle school. This is a cozy, witchy, feminist, small town romance series. It is SO much fun. A coven with your best friends? Come on!

This 3rd book follows Ellowyn's story and her journey with love, family history, learning to trust herself, and stepping into her own. This story has a different tone from the first two books, but Ellowyn comes from a different background than the two sisters whose stories we've read before. That made sense to me. So far, Rebekah's story is still my favorite, but I loved Ellowyn's story too. I did find this to be a slower read in the beginning.

On top of the great storyline, there are some truly quotable lines throughout this book (and the whole series) that resonate with me. Unfortunately I can't share them because I read the ARC copy, but I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves reading women's experiences. The way this series frames love, friendship, and community is something special.

A huge thank you to Netgalley & Harlequin for this eARC. 4.5 Stars.

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"Truly Madly Magically" by Hazel Beck is the enchanting third installment in the Witchlore series by these magical duo authors. As a river witch and an earth witch, their collaboration weaves a captivating tale of love, courage, and the power of truth.

Beck's world-building is nothing short of magical. The Riverwood coven of St. Cyprian comes alive with vivid descriptions, from the ancient trees whispering secrets to the moonlit rituals by the water's edge. The Joywood, the malevolent ruling coven, adds tension and danger, making every page crackle with anticipation.

Meet Ellowyn, our courageous protagonist, who grapples with her identity as a half-witch. Her curse (to always tell the truth) sets her apart, but it also becomes her strength. As she faces the Joywood's wrath, we witness her growth from uncertainty to unwavering determination. Her vulnerability and resilience make her relatable and endearing.

Meet Zander, Ellowyn's first love, who reenters her life just when she needs him most. Their chemistry sizzles, and their shared history adds layers of emotion. Beck masterfully portrays their rekindled connection, reminding us that love can be as magical as any spell.

Ellowyn's journey isn't just about defeating the Joywood; it's about embracing her true self. Her struggle resonates with anyone who's felt like an outsider, and her triumph inspires hope. The prose dances like leaves on a breeze, lyrical and evocative. Whether you're a seasoned witch lore enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this book will cast its spell upon you.

This book is a cozy, witchy delight! “Truly Madly Magically" wraps you in a warm, magical hug. The coven dynamics, from the quirky familiars, the shared spells, to the midnight tea gatherings, create a sense of belonging. You'll find yourself yearning for your own magical circle. So brew a cup of chamomile tea, light a candle, and lose yourself in the pages of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A witch cursed to tell the truth, and the man who won’t let her lie to herself anymore…

Truly Madly Magically
by Hazel Beck
Pub Date: Aug 27 2024

Cursed by her own mother to always tell the truth and one of the only half-witches around, Ellowyn Good has never considered herself an equal part of the Riverwood coven. But when the Joywood, the evil rulers of the witching world, target her directly, she begins to wonder why they want her gone.

She’ll need to work with her newly formed coven to survive, which includes dealing with her first love, past wreckage and a whole new complication she didn’t see coming. With their fates in the balance, Ellowyn will have to learn to trust Zander again—or be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. Assuming they all survive the Joywood’s latest bid for absolute power over the witching world…

Witchlore

Book 1: Small Town, Big Magic
Book 2: Big Little Spells
Book 3: Truly Madly Magically

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It took me a bit to get caught up with this story but it was an enjoyable read. Lots of witches and magic and a second chance romance. The romance seemed doomed from the start but El and Zander have such a strong pull to each other. The coven is still battling the Joywood (such an odd name for something not at all joyful) so there's plenty to keep you reading. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

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I love a good stand alone series. I enjoyed reading the different personalities of the characters. No one was cookie cutter and just had a life of their own

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This third book in the Witchlore series is worth the wait. I love this group of friends, each with their individual personalities and stories but also with a larger story of friendship and community. The authors did a nice job of developing both Ellowyn and Zander's characters further, and especially of chronicling Ellowyn's internal transformation as she comes to know herself and her past motivations better, forging a better, more open path for her – and her new family's – future. Hazel Beck's writing feels so conversational and fun, like being told a story by a lively, imaginative, intelligent friend. I can't wait to see what they do with Georgie in the fourth book.

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Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I have enjoyed reading Hazel Beck's writing and the storyline of this series. It is very Sabrina The Teenage Witch coded and I loved that about the storyline. I would also agree that the series does get better with each book and that this series is good for a Young Adult audience.

Ellowyn has been the most interesting character throughout the series, in my opinion, and I was excited to see that she was getting her own book, as well as, FINALLY hearing more about her and Zander! I felt that their relationship had a lot of growth and I was happy to see that and how vulnerable they were able to be with each other.

My main complaint with this book however, is that Ellowyn's character fell a little flat, compared to what I was expecting her to become based off of her personality in the two previous books. I was fully expecting her to show everyone a "don't mess with me" type attitude and don't feel as though we truly got that.

Overall, the series have been interesting and fun to read!

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A witch cursed to speak the truth must learn how to stop lying to herself about her power, love, friendship, and family. This third books in the Witchlore series is a powerful lession in the lies we tell ourselves and how community can save us all.

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This series has gotten better with each installment and I'm interested to see where it goes I'm the next installment.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!

I've been meaning to read Hazel Beck's witch lore series for some time now, and started the first book before it was returned on Libby and never finished. So dropping myself into the third book wasn't quite as disorienting as it may have been for any other readers who started here -- this is a series that I think is best enjoyed in order for the full lore, though I was completely able to follow having only read a few chapters of the first.

Beck writes a witchy romance that is unique in its moving plot -- genuinely, this is a small-town witchy romance that keeps me engrossed, not just for the romance (which occupies a 50% stake, compared to typically an 80+ stake), but for the quest and wish to see our little found family succeed as they try to oust the evils in their leadership. I've seen this marketed as a "cozy" romance -- and while this is set in a small-town with witches who are herbalists and tea-drinkers, I would definitely characterize the vibes as halfway between a real fantasy novel and a cozy romance.

I was quite excited to get our two characters, Ellowyn and Zander, in this book, as they've been sniping at each other all alone. I knew this was going to be a great second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers type situation. There's clearly been longing, and while we don't get the full force of the angst, or flashback to their breakup (which sometimes I enjoy, and sometimes is just a lot), we do get an explanation that pretty much forgives Zander instantly. And it works, because, we're in a witchy romance, not a contemporary one. This book does start with a pregnancy, for those who may appreciate that in their content warning, but I'll admit that it's not every something that bothered me/we start off with Ellowyn telling Zander about the pregnancy, and so it feels like a catalyst but not a looming part of the book. I was bound to the plot from the start, I'll admit, wanting to keep progressing and learning more about all the history that's been erased -- and was particularly fond of our ancestral ghosts (who were written so cutely!). Hazel has a way of writing that feels more distant, less contemporary and colloquial, which makes her series both unique, but also more of a "I want to be engaged in a book" and not a "silly little me, let's pick up a silly little romance to pass the time." Autumn vibes, I guess. And a true joy to read and consume, as someone who reads a lot of witchy books. I'd give this book a true 4 stars, and will be going back to read the previous two books in their entirety -- I have the sneaking suspicion that either 1 or 2 (the immortal longing seems exciting, ngl) will get the 5.

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Hazel Beck's books just keep getting better! This one had me hooked from the start, and I almost finished it in one sitting. I wasn't sure what to expect from Ellowyn’s story, but it definitely didn’t disappoint—it broke my heart a little, in a good way. Beck writes about strong, self-doubting women who stand up for what they believe in, and it’s so inspiring. I could read this book over and over. Some parts felt like they were speaking directly to me, and while it left me a bit heartbroken, it also put me back together. I’m really hoping there's another book coming because I’ll be first in line to read it!

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I really enjoyed this installment in the series! I was worried after the second book let me down, but this one saved the series for me. I still liked the first book more, but thanks to Truly Madly Magically I am now looking forward to the fourth book! I really liked how Ellowyn was cursed to always speak the truth, but I do think that ability could have been used better by the characters/authors. There were times where they weren't sure if something was true, and I got a little frustrated because she could easily just try to say it out loud to see if it was (not giving specifics as I don't want to give any spoilers). I also liked the pregnancy trope in this, I think it was done really well. If you read the first book in this series, Small Town Big Magic, I highly recommend reading this one (you could even skip over the second one). I do think it might be a little hard to understand everything in this book without having read at least the first book.

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I was surprised at how easy it was to fall into the series after realizing I hadn’t read the first two books.

I wasn’t a fan of the pregnancy trope, however it created a good source of conflict and forced proximity.

I enjoyed the addition of the spirits, but the comedy/humor fell a bit flat for me.

Overall a great read, good characters, and enjoyable flow through the book

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I love a witchy romance especially in the fall months. Ellowyn reminded me of Ella in Elle enchanted when she was cursed. I loved how we got a much deeper look into the family history!

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The journey back into St. Cyprian was AWESOME! I love this world and these stories about a group of powerful witches trying to uplift and protect the place they love and all the witches in it! This was an exciting story and I loved it. I definitely was annoyed at the constant resistance Ellowyn had to just embracing Zander and her own strength for the entire story! But I’m glad she finally comes to terms with it and embraces all that she was meant to be! This one is perfect for fall time reading with all the witchy amazingness in the story!!!

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This was a sweet new addition to Beck’s magical series. I loved getting to see the characters from previous book still continuing their stories, and I enjoyed getting the further insight into these Ellowyn and Zander. From book one, was fascinated with how Ellowyn was unable to lie, and I was definitely looking forward to seeing how it played out in this book. Some of the pacing had me struggling not to skim past some parts to get to the next. I’m glad I didn’t skip, though. There were new characters to enjoy, I’m hoping Georgie’s story will be soon- definitely seems like there were many references to this. I’m conflicted on if the way each character is extra special feels like too much…but it’s still a joyful read!

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This is book THREE of the Witchlore series and absolutely one of my favorite witchy series’. I ate this one up just as I had the first two. I absolutely recommend reading the first two to catch up and understand book 3. We have magic, a small town & some politics with the covens. The character development and world building in this is🤌🏼 and I just absolutely adored Ellowyn and Zander.

This book we trail along Ellowyn as she pieces apart the history within her family and along the way finds that her own magic is stronger than she ever thought. Is she a threat….you’re about to find out. I cannot wait for more! I absolutely love Becks writing and always look forward to her new releases.

Thank you @netgalley and @harlequintradepublishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

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