Tami W. (DragonBreath) reviewed on 5/6/2013

Helpful Score: 1

This was a fun set-up to what I hope will be a nice, long series by Melissa de la Cruz. It is meant to be read by adults, unlike her previous books, which were aimed at Young Adults.

This book centers around 3 women- a mother and her two adult daughters who have been living in the quiet seaside town of North Hampton. Unbeknownst to everyone in town, all 3 women are witches who were forced to quit practicing magic by the mysterious Council, centuries ago.

Younger daughter Freya is a bartender who begins to serve up love potions at the local bar. She is also set to marry Bran Gardiner, the handsome neighbor and head of a wealthy philanthropy.

Older daughter Ingrid works at the local library, where in addition to checking in and out books, she weaves knots to help her friends and neighbors with all of their troubles.

Mother Joanna stays at home, playing with young Tyler, the son of their housekeeper, animating his toys to amuse him. Tyler reminds her of her own son, whose fate is a mystery for most of the story.

Meanwhile, as these 3 women use "just a bit" of their magic, bad things start happening around town. Could they be related? Is something else going on?

I fell in love with all of the characters from the beginning- having to live with rules imposed by someone else, for something you didn't do, living for centuries without being who you really are... eventually, you'll want to be "just a bit" naughty. Your true colors will seep out.

The epilogue leaves you with an idea of what the next story is about, but so many different ideas... you can take it at face value, or remember the lessons learned in the first book.

I'm anxiously awaiting book 2!

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