Member Reviews
This is the first book in the West Side Witches series and it was a very enjoyable read. I admired a lot of parts of this book.
Zelda, is a witch moves to New York City to help restore and reopen her grandmothers old sandwich shop after she passes away.
While in NYC, Zelda is surrounded by two other magical groups of creatures and is tasked to do something to save their worlds
This book is filled with tons of magic, humor, suspenseful, and heartwarming moments. And a plus? Zelda has the cutest dog named Jester! Who doesn’t love a good dog in a book. There’s even some romance mixed in! This book has a sprinkle of it all.
This series is coming out renamed to this and the West Side Witches Series in December!
I absolutely loved this book. I wish it focused a little bit more on her grandmothers sandwich shop, but potentially it will the rest of the series! I definitely will be reading.
Spells and Sandwiches was a fantastic title for this book and is well worth a read. I read it in an afternoon and could not put it down.
The story follows Zelda, a 40 year old witch who wants to re-open her Grandma’s sandwich shop. It was giving subtle Wizards of Waverley Place vibes which I enjoyed. It’s a fast moving plot, with themes of found family, loneliness and self acceptance. I really enjoyed the protagonist of this witchy book being that bit older in comparison to other books in the genre and found so many of the characters likeable (I’m very picky so that is a big win!). The dogs were adorable too.
Overall, this is an easy, quick read that hits all of the points I would expect for its genre. If you like a book that you don’t have to think too hard about and you’re just there for the vibes/a good time/not overthinking plot, I think this worth your time. I realised the plot twist fairly early on but I do tend to do that.
The only critique I would offer is at times the book felt a little rushed at plot points that needed a little longer to develop. It’s a fairly short book so definitely had some space to expand if wanted. I thought the introduction could have been expanded more as the reader got a lot of information in a very short period of time. The big conclusion scene was finished in the blink of an eye and could have had more tension built. There was so much room for it, but it was a very quick chapter, so was a little disappointing,
Thank you for the ARC!
3.75 stars ✨✨✨
I liked this whimsical book a lot. It’s a story of finding yourself, your “family”, and cute dogs.
As a lover of witchy & fall like books filled with magic this was a cute little read.
The only honest input I have is that I felt that the beginning was off & rushed. I felt like a lot of information was thrown at the reader in so little time.
I also feel that the story jumped around a bit from topic to topic. I almost feel that the book could have been longer, but broken down differently. I felt that we would be so deeply focused on one topic, then jump right to the next.
This may be an unpopular opinion but the age of the characters didn’t make a lot of sense to me, maybe because i am so used to reading young 20s aged characters but I felt that Zelda, Poppy & Daniel acted younger than they were aged in the book.
Overall i really did like this book & it was a cozy read! Thank you to Kate Moseman for letting me read it!!
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers for this amazing ARC! I loved everything about this book from the cover to the amazing story inside. This is my first book from this author, but it will definitely not be my last. I’m going to continue reading about the west side witches I love Zelda. I loved her adorable poodle puppy. It had me laughing so much, and I was totally invested in these characters and in their lives.!! I love vampires and anything paranormal with romance and this did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book and I will continue this book series.!!!
SO CUTE. This was my first ever Kate Moseman book and I loved it. The characters were so funny, I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud. Who couldn’t love a sweet poodle companion 🥹. Also I strive to be a ray of sunshine like sweet Poppy. I absolutely enjoyed Zelda’s story and can’t wait to read the rest of the West Side Witches stories.
I don’t think I was the target audience for this book. I enjoy a contemporary paranormal adventure, but this story didn’t pull me in and I gave up around 30%. I am debating posting a public review as I did not like the book.
The author seemed to forget who was in the room and not provide further explanation, such as when a woman nearly stabs a child at a birthday party and no one in the room has any reaction to the situation? (Scratching my head)
The main character seemed inconsistent, we talk about how she hasn’t used her magic in years, but she seems to have really good control of it. Also very weird boundaries or lack there of with her ex boyfriend. Maybe that would have made more sense if I kept reading, but it wasn’t drawn in and didn’t feel connected to the character so I put the book down after struggling to continue.
This was an amazingly imaginative book I enjoyed that it was set in this world with magic vampires witches and gentry which I'm thinking are like fae. I loved every character except prospero and Jessica and I was funny with victorine at the start. I really loved zeldas magic and can't wait to see what comes next
I absolutely loved "Spells and Sandwiches", by Kate Moseman it's a lighthearted fun read. With a cast of awesome characters, that I wish were real, (but human). I can't wait to read book 2 of the Paranormal series!
Spells and Sandwiches ✨️ Kate Moseman
I really enjoyed this book! It felt very cosy and magical. In this book, Zelda decides to buy a sandwich shop that her grandmother used to own. However, she soon discovers that her landlord is a vampire and she is given an offer that she can not refuse.
I liked that the main character, Zelda, was 40 years old. I feel like that is quite uncommon, and I would like to read more books with older main characters. I thought the premise of the story was really interesting, and the magic system was well thought out. The first chapter really drew me in and while I enjoyed the rest of the book it did feel like the pacing of the book was very 'one note', I think this is perfect if you are looking for a cosy fantasy read but you might want to keep it in mind if you are looking for a more traditional fantasy story.
I found the minimal romance in this book refreshing. There are love interests and a little romance, but it is not the focus of the book. I prefer fantasy books that are not too romance heavy. I also loved that Zelda's main focus was that her dog, Jester, was okay.
I think you would like this book if you are looking for a quick, cosy, magical read. Especially if you like the pacing of Legends and Lattes and the magical feeling of The Ex Hex.
Thank you to @netgalley and Fortunella Press for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
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It's not often a title grabs my attention but this one certainly did.
I'm not sure how to describe this genre of this book, maybe cosy fantasy,which at the moment is my goto I wouldn't normally go to this but now can't stop reading books based on this topic.
A modern day story about a middle-aged aged witch ( which is fantastic to have an older lady based as a witch) with family issues we can all relate to. It's a nice plot that doesn't use over complicated magic systems and i introduces magic abilities I haven't heard of before. Loved all the characters well obviously not the bad guys and i wish they were my friends. It was a book that I managed to read in two days whichnis amazing considering my job. It just felt like you weren't reading at all. I'm not sure why i haven't heard of this series before they are going on my tbr list to continue. I'm looking forward to how it all pans out.
Would definitely recommend this if your in a reading rut. It will get you out and wanting more.
The witchy vibes! I absolutely loved this! It was a delightful read that I couldn’t put down. I need to reread this during spooking season.
This book was an absolutely delightful short read. The witchy vibes were SO GOOD and I’m so glad this is being made into a series. I’m so ready for more of these cozy fantasy vibes!
rarely do i wish a book was longer. but with this book i was just praying it would never end. i mean… this storyline…. the characters quickly became like my friends and I felt myself swooning at the MMCs. Wow. Book 2 cannot come out sooner!
Spells & Sandwiches is a book that screams to be read at Halloween. Kate Moseman gives us all the witchy vibes in this one & I am so glad this is a series. I’ll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.
Thank you NetGalley & Fortunella Press for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
i really enjoyed this book. Great characters and excellent world building.. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Zelda Hawkins has always known she was a witch, but has never let it define her. Living in Florida she has worked in restaurants all her adult life. Now though, as she hits middle-age, she is in New York ready to take over her grandmother’s sandwich shop which, as it's been boarded up for years, isn't as easy as it sounds!
Things change however, after an unexpected meeting with a powerful and enigmatic vampire who hires her to mend a protective mirror resulting in new friends, enemies, and room mates for Zelda and her rescue poodle. Without her help the balance of the mystical world will shift and not in a good way, but even with her assistance things are never going to be the same again.
This is book one in a fun sounding soon to be trilogy, and author Kate Moseman has written an original and instantly likeable group of main protagonists who work brilliantly together. The ending provides plenty of scope for an equally enticing second adventure for them all which is already available.
I was able to read a copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Fortunella Press, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading book two before the third is released in mid July.
This book looked so interesting, I had to request it. At first, I wasn’t sure I would like it. I couldn’t get a handle on Zelda and at least liking the main character is important to me. However, it didn’t take long for me to come to love Zelda and her band of misfits. This book is more like a prequel mixed with the first book, but in a good way. By the end, I was more than ready for more, and I really want to get to know the characters more. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Title: Spells and Sandwiches,by Kate Moseman
West Side Witches, Book 1
3.5 Stars
Zelda Hawkins finds herself unexpectedly drawn into the world of magic when a vampire offers her free rent on her family's restaurant in exchange for repairing a magical mirror.
With the help of an eclectic group of friends and her inherited witch powers, Zelda navigates a world of witches, vampires, and fae while renovating the restaurant.
As she delves deeper, she discovers that masks and mirrors are just the beginning of the mysteries she must unravel. Previously published as Undercover Paranormal, this book offers a delightful blend of magic and urban life in Manhattan.
An enjoyable read, with vivid character descriptions and a vibrant setting in NYC. However, I was not a huge fan of the ending, leaving me wanting more. While I appreciated the concept of an unwilling mature hero (in her 40s ) and enjoyed the magical elements, I wasn't fully invested in the romantic subplot. The chemistry between the characters felt lacking to me, though I appreciated the exploration of age and immortality themes.
Overall, it's a cozy fantasy set in a modern world of witches, vampires, and fae, with an intriguing premise and unique characters that drew me in.
Thank you to The Publisher Fortunella Press ,The Author Kate Moseman & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Very excited to read, review, and acquire this spelltastic book! I love a good supernatural book once in awhile, but in a fun light hearted way. This perfectly fits the bill and gets the readers excited at the upcoming Halloween season