by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of Magic & Macaroons, along with a link to purchase the book.

It’s been just a year since Katie Lightfoot began working at her aunt and uncle’s Honeybee Bakery in Savannah and discovered that she is a heredity hedgewitch. As much as that latter knowledge has added to her life, it’s not been without a few bumps in the road. The latest stumble arrives when a young woman interrupts Katie’s spellbook book club meeting, murmurs a few words about a gri-gris, and then collapses at Katie’s feet.

Katie soon learns that the young woman is the niece of Franklin Taite, a former New Orleans police detective intent on tracking down practitioners of dark magic. Three months ago, Franklin contacted Katie from beyond the veil, placing Katie in the very uncomfortable position of being the only one aware of his death. It gets more disconcerting when she’s informed that Franklin’s body has finally been discovered, but inexplicably to Katie, he is only recently deceased.

The young woman remains in a coma. Katie has information she is unable to share with the police without revealing her powers, she and her coven of friendly witches begin to investigate what led Dawn Taite to their doorstep. Also aiding Katie is hunky fireman Declan McCarthy, although his fear of her powers and his own sporadic possession by an ancient relative is a bit troubling. Another complication that Katie does not need is her ex-boyfriend Steve Dawes attempting to make her “besties” with his new girlfriend.

Once again Cates lures readers into a realm of bakery delights and magic, where Katie’s friends and family are as engaging as they are charming. Readers learn about the mythology of magic, voodoo, and spells along with Katie, and this lore is compelling. There is a genuine sense of suspense as these very real and likable characters battle against a continuing series of dark threats. This is a series that continues to be full of wit and charm, and watching Katie develop her powers is an intriguing delight. Recipes, baked goods, and clever dialogue enhance this smartly plotted mystery.

To enter to win a copy of Magic and Macaroons, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Macaroons,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 8, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).