Thank you to NetGalley for the arc copy. I enjoyed this book. The pacing was a little off but the story was still interesting to keep me engaged. I thought it wrapped up too soon but maybe we’ll get more from these characters in the later book. 3.75 stars

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins for the ARC.

“To be loved back, in kind, might be the truest form of magic that exists.”

This is a beautiful story about family secrets, curses, magic and discovering not only what love is but what it is worth. This book follows Doreen as she strives to learn the her familiessecrets in order to break the curse that they never know love. Unraveling the mystery is a part of the charm of this book as every time you think you have figured something out there is a twist leading you down a new path. If you are a fan of romantasy books full of twists, surprises and heart break then you should grab this book.

Dnf at around 50%.

This book was both confusing and boring. There are books where you can overlook being a little confused or go back and reread to try and figure out the issue, but this one I was so bored I didn’t even try.

That being said.

I can definitely see where other people might like this book. It gave off almost practical magic vibes. Almost. So I could see where someone else might overlook what I couldn’t.

Dnfed this book about 40% of the way through, there is just way too many grammar mistakes that I can’t over look and there were multiple parts of the book that I had to reread to understand what the author was trying to get across. The idea of this book is really cute witchy, cozy, with a little romance thrown in definitely my type of book but please edit this again before it goes to print.

The Vibes:

—cozy witchcraft

—generational curses (literal)

—gentle romance

Heat Index: 3/10

The Basics:

After being kept from his true love, Ambrose curses the MacKinnon witches, preventing them from finding true love. In turn, they imprisoned him; he'll outlive everyone, trapped in a tempest. Way down the line, MacKinnon witch Doreen frees Ambrose with the intention of breaking the curse—while he has revenge on his mind.

The Review:

All of the above sounds pretty exciting, right? I think it would've been, had this been edited a good bit to up the pacing and give more intensity to Ambrose and Doreen's connection. As it is, you have a great idea, a fun world, and pretty prose, without a lot of... oomph.

There's a lot of coziness here, and I think the premise would've been better served by a lot more tension. I mean. Ambrose has a lot of reason to seek revenge, but I never felt like Doreen was in true danger. They fell in love rather quickly, and then it was like "Welp. They're in love. On to the rest of the plot."

This is a "great concept, needed more work, but the writing is actually technically good" book, which I find rather frustrating.

The Sex:

This is basically closed door. Which I also found frustrating, to be honest. Do what's right for you as a writer, but this kind of intense story could've used some intense sex.

A swing and a miss for me, but I do think Crutcher has talent. She just might not be interested in the types of books that best serve my particular interests.

A dnf at 30%. It was an interesting premise but ultimately I was bored.. it jumped povs and the world building was meh.

I found the book to be enjoyable but there were parts I would be confused and would have to reread or visit old sections to make sense of it. There were some parts where the grammar needed to be improved and could have used a comma.

I enjoyed the book, especially the slow burn romance, although there were times I just wanted Ambrose and Doreen to get together, but it was worth it when they finally did. The banter was enjoyable as well as how each character was distinguishable as their own. I liked the little moments of feminism that were visible in this book.

The more I think about the ending, and how the conflict resolves itself, the more I realize how nuanced the ending actually is.

Ever since falling in love with “Practical Magic” (both the book and the movie) as a teenager, I’ve always been chasing that high with regards to romantic witch stories. Alas, I’ve never quite found the same, well, magic, for lack of a better word! But, ever hopeful, I requested this one right away when I saw it slated for publication this spring!

To start with what I did like, if you step back from the book and look at the overall plot and the grander design of the world and romance, there was a lot to like. The curse itself was interesting, especially its exploration of the morality of the choice the MacKinnons face: do they ensnare a man to love them through magic or do they choose to die young? Both of these have obvious downsides, and the added factor of manipulated feelings and the guilt that this would cause with regards to the former choice were compelling.

That said, the way this curse, these characters, and this world were first introduced was incredibly disjointed and sloppy. Instead of building up a story and a character who, over the course of the plot, would feed us the necessary information with regards to the curse, we are simply spoon-fed an explanation of the history and curse in several exposition-heaving dialogue scenes early in the book. The best word to describe it is clunky. Beyond that, because some of these greater facts are being presented so early, before I had any time to center myself in this world or care about these characters, I couldn’t truly appreciate the stakes of the curse, which should be dramatic.

Beyond that, I think the romance played out rather poorly. It walks right up to the line of instalove and then seems to tap a toe over it. Nothing is egregious, but it also wasn’t built up in a natural manner. Again, I struggled to become invested in these characters, both alone or together. At the same time, given how quickly they seemed to fall for one another, the actual progression of the romance felt very drawn out. I prefer slow-burns, but if you’re going to write characters who instantly fall for one another, I’d rather they act on that sooner rather than later. Instead, we got a rather frustrating game of hot and cold as the story continued.

There was a lot of potential to be found here, and I’d definitely check out another book by this author. I think there was a lot of potential in this world and concept, but some weakness with regards to pacing and characterization. However, if you’re looking for a fun, fast, witchy romance, this may be one to check out!

Rating 7: An intriguing concept with the magical curse, however the pacing and introduction of the world-building was clunky at times.

Link will go live on Feb. 8 on The Library Ladies

I felt like this author was giving Owens Sisters vibes from Practical Magic and I liked that but the story starts rather abruptly. I just didn't feel especially connected to the characters. I would've liked a bit more depth overall. The plot was too simple for me.

"The problem was Ambrose MacDonald. The MacKinnons had locked him away in a slumbering state, where he would live on trapped, unable to be with those he loved."

Thus the story unfolds. It wasn't bad but I didn't love it either. Charming overall but I had trouble staying interested.

A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a charming concoction of curses, romance, and just the right sprinkle of magic, but it left me wanting a bit more depth. Doreen’s quest to break a 300-year curse is packed with potential—enemies to lovers, generational trauma, and a fight for real love? Sign me up! However, the execution felt a little rushed, with the world-building barely brushing the surface and pacing that dragged in places.

That said, fans of whimsical witchy reads and light paranormal romance will enjoy the cozy, escapist vibes. It’s a story that feels like curling up under a spellbound moonlit sky—enchanting but fleeting. Not quite my perfect potion, but I can see it charming others.

Enchanting and utterly delightful! I will definitely be re reading!
This witchy romance concocts an irresistible mix of magic and love, sure to cast a spell on readers. The characters are mesmerizing, each bringing their own unique charm and depth to a storyline brimming with enchantment. The author’s writing is honestly so captivating, while effortlessly blending romance, mystery, and a playful dash of whimsy. With its vivid world-building and moments of heartfelt emotion, this novel is an absolute page-turner. A truly magical tale that enchants your heart and keeps you spellbound until the very last word!

A Circle of Uncommon Witches follows Doreen on her quest to break a 300 year curse to never find true love, with the man who cast the curst on her family generations ago. Doreen has until age 30. to find true love or die, and she isn't willing to settle for less than real. love. I enjoyed how this book tackled generational trauma and I always love an enemies to lovers romance, but this one felt like I was plopped into the. middle of the story with little world building before hand. This, coupled with chapters that seemed to drag on, turned this cute paranormal read into a love story I wasn't really rooting for.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title.

As a huge Jane Austen fan, I was wrapped into this novel. It totally gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes. While some of the trials Doren was put through could have been shortened, overall I enjoyed the book. More than likely, I'll purchase a copy so I can reread my fave parts.

**Spoiler Quote**
"You cannot deflect from this. Not here when we are at the end of things. I am not under your spell. Though you are bewitching. I think I maybhave fallen a little bit for you the moment you pulled me from my cage. If I am lucky, I will love you everyday for the rest of my life. However short it is."

2.5 stars

I really don’t like rating this story so low, because I truly think this is a me thing, but I’m trying to be consistent in how I rate my reads. I wanted to like this story - this is my second attempt reading, and I hoped it was just the head space I was in when I tried reading the first time, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. I spent most of the story confused and often caught myself skimming.

The POVs jumped around without warning, the magic system is never fully explained, and although the lore is interesting, it’s dumped on the reader randomly throughout the story and did little to increase my understanding. I felt disconnected from the characters and to me the plot was a whole lot of tell. I wish there were glimpses of Margot and Doreen as younger witches, so I could more fully understand their relationship with Stella and the ways in which their magic formed. A prologue showcasing Ambrose’s and Lenora’s doomed romance would also have been extremely helpful.

This story had a whole lot of potential, but I just couldn’t get engaged and had to force myself to finish. I’m sure this book has its audience, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I got this digital ARC and needed to wait until I had the time to sit down and properly read it to give it the time it deserved. HOLY SMOKES. Such great read. If you liked Practical Magic in any way shape or form you’ll like this book. The vibes are the perfect blend of romance, magic and such perfectly paced it really is over to soon.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I TRULEY adored it!

The premise was really interesting but I couldn't connect with the characters. The heroine did not have agency. Things just seemed to happen to her.

I loved it....i couldn't put it down.

The enemies to lovers vibes had me excited for when they got to the love part.

Everything was done for love, it was beautifully broken and mending. This story was so much more than a circle of witches, it was the heart of witches.

Ambrose & Doreen

The one who put to the curse and the one who desires the curse to be broken for love, they both fall in love and break the curse. It went full circle.

I was entertained with the journey, the trials, the magic. It was a compelling story.

"It says that love is like wildflowers, found in the most unlikely of places," he said.”

✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-no hope of finding true love
-a curse & a leap of faith
-complete the trials and win
-magic comes with a cost
-secrets
-the queen & her shadow army
-lavender tea, sweet apple cider, shortbread cookies
-#isthisakissingbook: closed door

thank you smp for the advanced copy!

1.5 stars (rounded up)
Crutcher has talent as a writer, with specific descriptions ripe with imagery, and her sentences are lovely and rhythmically executed. Unfortunately, beyond the style of the writing, A Circle of Uncommon Witches did not work on nearly any level for me. The plot was the biggest executive failing--the characters didn't really make choices, the plot just sort of nudged them into place. Important world building elements weren't explained, and I spent so much time honestly just confused as hell with what was going on, and the structure of the book never made any sense to me. I am a pretty savvy reader and used to fantasy shenanigans, but this was just confused. I think the author struggled with the plot as well, since in-story mysteries in this all-important trial were simply revealed to the characters; if they 'figured it out," it wasn't through any knowledge we, the audience had as well, so it seemed deus-ex-machina'd all over the place to pull the characters through the book, as though the writer was figuring it out as she went. And perhaps, if I'd enjoyed the characters more, I'd have been fine with all of that, but none of the characters were interesting enough on their own to make it worthwhile. I found all the motivations ridiculous and the villains honestly farcical. I didn't ever care about the stakes for this group.

So, interesting premise and great sentence-level writing, but ultimately, clunky and not executed in a way that worked for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

I am so grateful for this book but it was unfortunately not for me. I appreciate it and see it’s allure to others.