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Member Reviews
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I didn’t realize this was a second book in a series and while I was able to follow the story without issue, I do feel reading the first one would have helped me dive into this one quicker. That said, I loved this book so much that I immediately purchased the first one! The author has written an absolutely wonderful book with a group of likable and relatable friends. I’m happy this is a series because I would have hated to say goodbye to them permanently. The story is a perfect cozy blend of mystery and paranormal suspense, which held my interest to the end.
Thanks so much for allowing me to read in advance and introducing me to this series!
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📖 Book Review 📖 Make sure to catch up on the first book of the series, An Enchanting Case of Spirits before diving into this delicious read! Friendship is a delicate balancing act and life can certainly get in the way, but when this foursome of friends faces a threat to one of their own, nothing can stop the Gin and Tarot club. These middle-aged women are no match for the adventure that awaits them. Melissa Holtz creates a beautifully relatable group of friends and life situations, weaves in mystery paired with the paranormal, and tops it off with tarot cards to create the perfect blend for this cozy novel.
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I enjoyed this book but will say, I didn’t realize it was part of a series at first. I didn’t read the first book and while it gave some good background in this book, I wish I had paused to read the first book before diving into this one.
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If you like your murder mysteries with a little paranormal then this book is for you. A perfect summer read with a slow burn romance, ghosts and seances, and secret organizations. Fun!
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Damn! No sophomore slump in this paranormal romance/mystery series. When we last left Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne, they had just solved their first murder and are embracing their newly discovered abilities. This book picks up a couple months after the action of the last and is just as well plotted and action packed as its predecessor. Melisa Holtz does an amazing job of making these books self contained mysteries while also setting up a larger overarching narrative. I just finished this book and now I need book 3. She left so many unanswered questions
Does Lanie have powers? What is her big dark secret? Is Ava safe? WILL NICK AND ALYSSA EVER GET TO GO ON A REAL DATE??! I need answers
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Thank you Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC!
A Charming Touch of Tarot is a cute and cosy mystery novel with a group of amazing friends! I didn't realise this was a second book in a series until I started reading it. I enjoyed the characters and the found family vibes in the book. The chemistry between Alyssa and Nick was so sweet and cute. The mystery was very interesting and the way everything connected had me impressed.
It's a fun and cosy read for someone who likes mystery but with the cosy aspect.
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I fell in love with this cover and had to pick this book up. I’m so glad I got the arc because it was wonderful. It threw me in, and the characters kept me invested in their relationship. It was so adorable with their banter. Acute read to pick up!
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I just finished A Charming Touch of Tarot by MeLissa Holtz, and I’m completely enchanted! This book is such a delightful mix of insight, charm, and inspiration—it’s the perfect guide for anyone curious about the art of tarot.
MeLissa Holtz has a way of breaking things down in a way that feels approachable and fun, while still capturing the deep wisdom behind the cards. Her writing is filled with personality, making it feel like you’re learning from a trusted friend who truly knows her stuff.
Whether you’re a tarot newbie or someone looking to deepen your connection to the cards, this book is a must-read. It’s as enlightening as it is entertaining, and it left me feeling inspired and ready to explore tarot in a whole new way!
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This book is part of a series. I read the later one first. Anyway. I found the storyline captivating and the characters well developed. It has a bit of romance, a bit of intrigue, with a lot of mystery thrown in. I rarely will sit down and read a book.in one or two sessions, but I was so intrigued with the story and characters I had to find out what happened. There is a conclusion but the author leads the characters to yet another mystery. Really well done. I definitely want to recommend this book and this author.
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Melissa Holtz’s A Charming Touch of Tarot is a charming sequel in the Gin and Tarot Club series, blending magic, mystery, and the enduring power of friendship. Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne face personal challenges and supernatural threats, creating a story with plenty of intrigue and emotional stakes. Holtz’s use of tarot and paranormal elements adds a unique and engaging touch, though the plot occasionally feels a bit overcrowded with subplots, which can distract from the story’s emotional depth. While the book provides enough background to follow as a standalone, readers will likely enjoy it more if they’ve read the first installment, as it adds context to the evolving relationships and overarching narrative. Alyssa and Nick’s romance is endearing, and the bonds between the friends remain the heart of the story. Though not without its flaws, this is an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries with a magical twist.
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I didn’t realize this book was part of a series when I started it, but it quickly became apparent. There is enough background provided that you can read this book without having read the first book. However, readers will benefit from reading the first book in the series before this one, as this book clearly builds on the earlier book. The story itself is amusing and somewhat “hokey.” At times, the transitions between events are too abrupt. There are also some parts that are too rushed.
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I loved the first book in this series. It was cute and cozy, but this one sadly didn’t hit the same. I loved the relationship starting between Alyssa and Nick in the previous book but she felt needy this time and it got on my nerves. Honestly, the whole book just had a lot going on and felt a bit all over the place at times.
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The best parts of this book involve friendship and loyalty even when they test each other. Super cute fall read!
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Thoughts: I did not realize this was part of a series when I chose this book, but it’s obvious from the beginning that it is one. I discovered later that this is #2 in the series. Still, though the beginning was a bit confusing, once I got into it, it was easier to follow. Add to that, the huge thread left dangling at the end and you know the series will go on. The smaller of the two mysteries was settled by the end, which was nice.
I loved the slow burn between Alyssa and Nick. They’re not going into their relationship in a hurry. But the best part of that was the ghost of Nick’s old girlfriend trying to make sure they’re suited for each other, including asking Lyssa about her interest in football and racing (neither of which Nick is into anymore). She really wants someone for him to love so she can move on. So funny.
If I wanted anything more, I’d love a small (one sentence) explanation of each card that heads the chapters so we know why they relate to that chapter. Maybe a sub-heading type of thing.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of “A Charming Touch of Tarot” by Melissa Holtz. All opinions are my own and are not influenced or required by anyone.
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The emotional complexity of the characters, combined with the supernatural elements, makes this book a satisfying and thrilling read. You’re hooked, not just on the mystery, but on the relationships, both romantic and platonic, that fuel the story forward. I loved it.
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I had read this first book in the series and enjoyed it quite a bit. I saw this title, and I had completely forgot about the first one. However, it didn’t take me long to get back up to speed while reading this one. I just love Alyssa and Nick’s romance; they are so darn cute together. Their is also a deepening mystery which intrigues me because it’s an over arching plotline, one I’m excited to learn more about in the next book. This is not exactly a cozy mystery, and it's not exactly not, either! LOL! What it is, though, is well-written and interesting. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of “A Charming Touch of Tarot” by Melissa Holtz in exchange for an honest review.
The cover and title of this book captured me. I don’t typically gravitate toward the mystery genre, but the paranormal trope enticed me to look into this book. I also did not realize this was the second installment to a series, so now I will have to go read the first!
This book centers on Alyssa and her group of friends, who have all been blessed with supernatural abilities. Each character has a separate story line and throughout the book we learn more about how their pasts have been haunting them. Someone out there is threatening their lives, and with the help of Alyssa’s love interest, Nick, they are on the case to track down the mysterious threat.
This book had a charming prose that kept me reading and trying to solve these mysteries with the characters. I enjoyed the bonds between friends, as well as the blooming romance between Alyssa and Nick. If you are into cozy mysteries with a bit more bite, this is the book for you!
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Cute & cozy mystery with a great friend group!
I didn’t realize this was a second book in a series until I started reading it. At first I felt like I was playing a little bit of catch up but otherwise read this fine by itself.
I enjoyed the characters and liked the friend group a lot. Definitely found family vibes. The romance here is cute. Alyssa and Nick had good chemistry and were very sweet.
The mystery is interesting and I liked the idea of the plot. Everything connected which was nice and impressive. There is a bit of an open ended story with one of the friends, but perhaps that’s setting up for another book. Otherwise I felt the plot wrapped up nicely.
A fun read if you’re looking for a cozy mystery but not Hallmark haha.
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I absolutely love this book!
It was a page turner! And the new mystery and how everything connects? That was so cool to uncover!
The tension between Alyssa and Nick is just as amazing if not better than book one and I loved seeing more of their relationship develop! Even with all the surprises and new things we find out!
There’s a surprising 👻 in this book, but The Gin and Tarot Club are still so much fun!
I am dying to understand what is going on with Laine so this means we will get more right?! I need more!
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A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz is a whimsical and enchanting read that introduces readers to the world of tarot through a blend of mystery and romance. Holtz’s writing is warm and accessible, making the tarot concepts easy to understand for both beginners and enthusiasts alike, while weaving them seamlessly into the plot. However, while the story is enjoyable, the romance aspect feels a bit predictable and doesn’t always provide the emotional depth needed to make the connection between the characters truly resonate. Some of the pacing can feel uneven, with certain moments feeling rushed or underdeveloped, leaving key plot points feeling less impactful. Despite these minor issues, A Charming Touch of Tarot is an uplifting and charming read, perfect for those looking for a light, mystical romance with a touch of intrigue.