Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw, 320 pages

This book has been called Practical Magic meets Hocus Pocus. I was a little worried I was too excited for this book. It would never live up to my expectations. It turned out to be my first 5 star read of the year. I could have devoured this book but instead for a couple of days I only allowed myself a few chapters. I was savoring the book. Then today I read probably 80% of the book. I cried at one point, cussed at the book a few times and even got so excited that I dropped the book and lost my place. I found myself re-reading passages because I'd get to reading so fast I was afraid I'd miss something. When I finished I really did turn to the first chapter and read it again. I will definitely be re-reading the entire book. With this setting it may become an annual read. Readers of the book will know exactly when I'll be reading it again.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, 286 pages

The Owens women are witches and unlucky in love.  So it has been for over 200 years.  Two young sisters lose their parents and move across the country to be raised by two elderly aunts they've never met.  Thus begins Alice Hoffman's "Practical Magic."

I missed the book the first time around and read it after reading the excellent prequel, "The Rules of Magic."  Both are entertaining chick lit reads.  I'm glad I went back and read this one, though my heart remains with the Rules.  It was great fun to see how Alice Hoffman has matured as a writer between the 1995 publication of "Practical Magic" and the 2017 publication of "The Rules of Magic."

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, 369 pages

I listened to "The Rules of Magic" by checking it out through one of our download services, Axis360. It is the prequel to "Practical Magic" and tells the story of Franny, Bridget and Vincent Owens.  They are raised in New York City by a mother who has rejected her magical background and their logical psychiatrist father.

Franny is called to the family home in Massachusetts the summer she turns 17 and her siblings come along.  During the summer with their Aunt Isabelle, they begin to understand how and why they are different.

The story follows them into adulthood and is an engaging and fun read.  I never read "Practical Magic, " or saw the movie, for that matter.  I will be remedying that tout suite.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, 784 pages

My semi-regular foray into Harry Potter is finished.  The seventh and final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" does not disappoint.

Harry, his friends and supporters face down Lord Voldemort and his supporters in this great ending to a fantabulous series.

I re-read all the books this time, as opposed to listening to them.  Not sure which I like better . . . listening . . . reading.  Hmm, I guess I'll have to read or listen to the Harry Potter series again in a year or so to see if I can finally decide. 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, 652 pages

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is book six in the seven book series by J. K. Rowling.

Harry is sixteen and Professor Dumbledore is working with him this year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to help prepare Harry for the showdown he is destined to have with the greatest dark wizard of all times, Lord Voldemort.

The only problem with finishing this great book is in knowing that there is only one book left in the original 7-book series and when I'm done with that one I will have to put the magic of Harry Potter away for awhile.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, 784 pages

My semi-regular foray into Harry Potter is finished.  The seventh and final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" does not disappoint.

Harry, his friends and supporters face down Lord Voldemort and his supporters in this great ending to a great series.

The great thing about books is you can keep going back to them if you'd like and I know I'll return to the world J.K. Rowling created once again.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, 652 pages

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is book 6 in the seven book series by J. K. Rowling.

Harry is sixteen and Professor Dumbledore is working with him this year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to help prepare Harry for the showdown he is destined to have with the greatest dark wizard of all times, Lord Voldemort.

The only problem with finishing this great book is in knowing that there is only one book left and when I'm done with that one, I officially have to put the magic of Harry Potter away for awhile.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, 752 pages

Things are heating up for Harry Potter.  He's in his 4th year at Hogwarts School and though only 14, is mysteriously entered and chosen to be a participant in the Triwizard Tournament.  Who could have entered his name?  Who indeed?

Another rousing adventure brought to us by J.K. Rowling.  These books never get old and tired for me.  Hence, the repeated listenings.

I hope to get to #5 soon, but other reading calls first.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, 448 pages

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is book 3 in the 7-book series by J.K. Rowling.

Harry, Hermione and Ron are now 13 and in their 3rd year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  In this volume, crazed murderer Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban - a feat that no one has ever pulled off before.  He seems to be after Harry . . . and maybe Hogwarts isn't even safe.

Another great installment in the series.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, 341 pages

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is book two of the wildly popular seven book series by J.K. Rowling.

I've read and listened to the books before, but just don't seem to get tired of the story.  I'm especially drawn to them in the fall.

Harry is back for his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  With the help of his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, he is able to thwart the evil wizard Lord Voldemort (He Who Must Not Be Named, for you squeamish folks.)

On to the Prisoner of Azkaban . . .

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, 320 pages

It's that time of year again, it is beginning to be fall so that means I need to drag out the Harry Potter books and enjoy them one more time.

Jim Dale narrates the audiobooks and he truly brings the characters to life.  It is such a treat to listen to them again.

I have reluctantly put aside the next Harry Potter book so I can keep up with my "other" reading, but am looking forward to pulling out Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in a few weeks.

Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts 339 pages

"Shadow Spell" is the 2nd book in the Cousin O'Dwyer trilogy.  Following the template of all other Roberts trilogies, there are 3 cousins and this one involves Conner and his lovely long time friend Meara.  Conner, his sister, Branna, and their cousin from America, Iona, are direct descendants of the Dark Witch and they must use their powers to defeat the terrible "dark fog" that threatens their family,their friends and their way of life.   A tale of good vs evil, good witch vs dark witch, with a little love, Irish lore and romance thrown in for good measure. A quick and easy read.

Witches!: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer 144 pages

I found this book a bit difficult to read, which makes it a good thing that I listened to it instead. It seemed to be jammed pack with dates and was constantly cycling with characters. I understand that it is about the Salem Witch Trials and many people were accused, but spread it out a bit more.

The pictures of the book were a bit distracting. Since I listened to the book, I never had to worry about the pictures, but I went back and flipped through them. They seemed to be over the top and at times, a bit weird.

I like reading about the Salem Witch Trials and this book was interesting, but I can’t say that I would have read it without it being required for my Children’s Literature class.

This was read by Jessica Almasy.