Thunder roared and lightning crashed through the sky, illuminating the clouds above Thorn Manor. [opening of Accidental Magic]
"Hello there," he said. "Taxi to the train station, ready and waiting."
"To the train station, eh?" Constable Perkins said, his voice dripping with suspicion. "I thought you said you were going to stay with old Marjie."
Rosemary sighed. She was backed into a corner, and she knew there was nothing for it but the truth. [excerpt from 49% of Accidental Magic]
Welcome to Myrtlewood, a quirky town, steeped in magic, tea and mystery…
Life’s a struggle for Rosemary Thorn and her teen daughter, Athena. But their regular troubles are turned upside down after Granny Thorn’s mysterious death.
Despite her cousin's sinister manoeuvrings, Rosemary returns to Myrtlewood and the sprawling, dilapidated Thorn Manor. But there's more to the old house than meets the eye, as Rosemary and Athena soon find out — in a whirlwind of magic, adventure, mystical creatures and endless cups of tea.
Life in Myrtlewood would be bliss if Rosemary could only clear her name in a certain murder investigation, solve the mystery and stay out of mortal peril – for at least a little while!
A small town with endless secrets, strange activities and a house with a mind of its own.
If you love mystery, witches, magic and a big dose of humour, you’re going to love Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 1. [Goodreads Summary]
Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2024?
So many! It has been an exceptional reading year so far. I am planning to share my mid-year top reads in a future post, but thought this would be the perfect time to give some love to books I read the first half of the year that didn't make that final list. I loved each and every one of these and highly recommend them!
Are there any books that have stood out for you the first half of this year?
Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.Which do you enjoy doing more on the 4th of July: watching fireworks light up the sky or reading an inviting book? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
I have many good memories of celebrating the 4th of July when I was growing up: spending the day at my aunt and uncle's house, swimming in their backyard pool, barbecues, and joining the neighbors in my aunt and uncle's cul-de-sac to watch my uncle set off fireworks; or that time we traveled across the country to spend the holiday with family in Pennsylvania, seeing a parade and the town fireworks display.
When my daughter was younger, my husband and I made an effort to make sure Mouse wouldn't miss out on the fireworks. Family get togethers weren't really a thing for us since we lived so far from our families. One year we went over to a friend's for pool time and enjoyed the city's firework show from her backyard. Another summer, my coworker offered us a view of the city's fireworks from her backyard. Then there were a couple years we went to minor league baseball games and the firework shows after. The year we all had COVID, we stood in our driveway and caught partial views of some of the illegal fireworks going off in the neighborhood. Mouse and I ended up catching a recorded television broadcast of the fireworks in Washington D.C. that year as well (Anjin was so sick he went to bed early). Watching them on television just isn't the same though.
Our enthusiasm for catching a fireworks display for the 4th of July isn't what it used to be. I think we all would rather be home reading and trying to keep the cats calm. Mouse is older now and the holiday doesn't hold the same magic for any of us that it once did.
Do you celebrate the 4th of July? Do you enjoy seeing the fireworks or do you prefer staying in with a good book?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading!
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What a magical opening. The book I am highlighting today is the book I enjoyed the most all month.
ReplyDeleteAnne - And it was about a town full of magic! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteYou have reminded me of how much I have loved reading magical books in the past!
ReplyDeleteDeb - I have a soft spot for books involving magic. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI wish my library had a copy of Accidental Magic; it sounds like a very fun read. And I love watching the fireworks on the 4th of July...although I'll probably stay home with a good book this year. :D
ReplyDeleteLark - It was an entertaining read! I've enjoyed being able to see the fireworks in the past, but I don't have the energy motivation or energy to go this year--especially since it is a work night and I have to be in the office so early the next day. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteAccidental Magic does sound good. It's the sort of thing that I would like to read more of.
ReplyDeleteWe don't do 4 July here in the UK but I used to love fireworks when I was little. It's not quite the same now as the kids are young and get bored. Your family memories sound lovely.
Have a great weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2024/06/28/book-blogger-hop-4-july/
Emily - I look forward to reading more in the series. I imagine there's so much more to discover in Myrtlewood.
DeleteThat's pretty much where we are at now with my daughter. She's not interested in seeing the fireworks on the 4th like we used to. That's okay though. I am not sure I am up for it either.
I hope you have a great weekend too! Thank you for stopping by!
Accidental Magic sounds like a delightful blend of the TV shows Gilmore Girls and Once Upon a Time!
ReplyDeleteKaris - I think I have seen this series compared to the Gilmore Girls before given Rosemary and Athena's relationship. :-) I am glad I had the chance to read this one. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThat book cover is so pretty! I love it. I've had a couple of 5 star reads this year so far, I just posted my mid year freak out and it has my favorite reads so far!
ReplyDeleteAsh @ Essentially Ash
Want to follow me on Bookstagram, booktok, add my snapchat or check out my photography?
I have never liked fireworks so I will be home reading. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat opening. It draws you right in. Sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteWell I still watch the DC fireworks on PBS, lol. It's usually the way to stay cool enough and enjoy. Growing up we had good fireworks in Redlands which we could see from our yard. We loved those. I hope you see some. Your book picks look good. I think the Bandit Queens is one that I should put on my TBr. thanks. & Happy 4th.
ReplyDeleteI'll be staying home with Falcor for the 4th. He doesn't like all the noise and I have to make sure my apartment building doesn't get set on fire from the illegal fireworks.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I would definitely enjoy! Thanks for sharing. :)
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ReplyDeletethe Kiss Countdown looks like a cute one. Glad you liked it.
This sounds like such a fun book. Thank you for sharing! Hope you have a wonderful week! :)
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