Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
We all have our favorite genres and those we tend to avoid. For me I avoid anything with aliens, vampires, werewolves or zombies. Witches and ghosts also used to be included on that list. Paranormal stuff just wasn’t my “cup of tea”. But thanks to authors like Heather Blake I have changed my mind. I am one of those people she talks about in her post below. Maybe you are too!
Hi Heather!
Hi Everyone!
Enchanted
I knew that when I started writing the Wishcraft mysteries that some of my readers wouldn’t be as enchanted with them as I was. Mostly because of the content—after all, the stories center around witches, and some people just don’t do witches—as I heard discouragingly time and again.
I understand, I really do. I was in their position recently with Meg Cabot’s vampire series. I don’t particularly care for vampire books, but I love Meg Cabot’s books and her writing, so I gave the vampires a try. The result? I loved them. Lesson learned. I’d never let a stereotype dissuade me.
So my response to my readers? Give my books a try. Especially if you’ve read and enjoyed my other novels, give this series a chance. Trust me as an author, and trust my writing enough to deliver a satisfying story.
Most did. The result? They were…enchanted.
Why?
Because my books are all about the characters. Darcy, who stars in the Wishcraft mysteries, is just a woman trying to figure out who she is and how she belongs. She’s had more downs than ups, but she’s strong and willing to fight for what’s right. She’s relatable and flawed. And she just happens to be a witch.
Then there’s one of her sidekicks, the town historian with a long history, big talent as a clothing designer, a cranky disposition, and a penchant for biting. He’s also a mouse—something easy to forget as one gets wrapped up in the story.
The characters are unique and lovable, fun and endearing. They become…friends.
So for all of you who are on the fence about reading a “witch” book…give it a shot.
Maybe you’ll be enchanted, too.
~Heather
I have definitely been enchanted by these stories! Heather, I hope you come back again to visit soon!!
About This Author
Heather Blake (aka Heather Webber) is the author of over a dozen novels. She’s a Dr Pepper enthusiast, total homebody who loves to be close to her family, read, watch Reality TV (totally addicted, especially to competition shows), crochet, occasionally leave the house to hike the beautiful mountains in the northeast, bake (mostly cookies) and dreams of owning a house at the base of Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, VT. Heather grew up in a suburb of Boston, but currently, she lives in the Cincinnati area with her family and is hard at work on her next book. Find out more at http://www.heatherblakebooks.com/
A Witch Before Dying:
A Wishcraft Mystery
2nd in Series
An Obsidian Mystery
Published by New American Library (August 7, 2012)
A Division of the Penguin Group
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451237637
Cover Illustration by Bella Pilar
Darcy Merriweather is a wishcrafter who can grant wishes for anyone but herself. She works for her Aunt Ve’s personal concierge service, As You Wish.
Aunt Ve is feeling a bit under the weather plus she is trying to plan her wedding. Darcy is trying to help her but she also takes on Elodie Keaton as a new client.
Elodie’s mother has been missing for so long Elodie realizes that she can no longer afford to pay all the bills and keep her mother’s house. Her mother was a bit of a hoarder and Elodie hires Darcy to clean out the house so she can list it for sale. The motto of As You Wish is “No Job Impossible” but this house is close to impossible. Darcy just starts to make a little headway through the piles of boxes, newspapers and other “treasures” when she makes a disturbing discovery. She finds Elodie’s mother’s body buried under all the chaos.
It has been over a year since Patrice Keaton was seen. She disappeared shortly after an argument with her charmcrafter boyfriend. Darcy is determined to figure out just how Patrice ended up being part of her own collection. Was she killed in a fit of jealousy? Or was she killed because she had something someone else wanted? Darcy knows she doesn’t have much time and while she can’t grant her own wishes she has to make sure the wrong person’s wishes don’t come true.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I am definitely enchanted by this story and its characters! Darcy, Ve, Nick and Mimi will wish their way right into your heart.
Blake has crafted characters that not only include some delightful witches but the familiars are absolutely charming! Archie and Pepe had me in stitches. Easy for Pepe as he’s a tailor who also happens to be a mouse. Archie is a parrot that can quote a line from almost any movie. Archie has a unique run in with a very large dog that had me giggling out loud and reading the snippet to everyone I could.
The story has a really fairy tale feel. As Pepe was sewing away I was picturing the mice in Cinderella as they granted her wishes. Heather Blake wraps her fairy tale with a bewitching mystery, snappy dialogue, and a bit of romance in a truly Enchanted Village.
A magical story to escape into today. It is a fun, lighthearted read that I know you will enjoy. Watch for the next book in this series, The Good, the Bad and the Witchy: A Wishcraft Mystery
Would you like to win a copy of this wonderful book?
Thanks to the people at Penguin
I have 2 copies to giveaway!!
U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.
Leave a comment for Heather for 5 Bonus Entries !
If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End September 5, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winners Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I truly enjoyed It Takes A Witch and would love the opportunity to win the second in the series. I must admit that I already enjoy reading books with a paranormal flair. I look forward to reading more of your books and learning more about your characters…especially Pepe!
I love writing books with paranormal in them and hope the genre sticks around for a long time! Pepe’s a hoot–hope you like him.
Hi – Book one is on my t-b-r list, but I wouldn’t mind having book 2 in my hands when I finish it. I love books with witches. Dee
Dee, I hope you’ll like my witches! They’re fun. And quirky. And definitely flawed…
I loved loved It takes a Witch and really looking forward to this one. I would love to win a copy.
Lisa, I’m so glad you liked ITaW! I hope you like A WITCH BEFORE DYING too!
This looks like a great series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but I plan to.
Sarah, I do hope you’ll give it a try! The first chapter of IT TAKES A WITCH (the first book in the series) is on my website if you want to see what it’s about. 🙂
Can’t seem to get enough of your books. Just wish you could write them as fast as I can read them – ha ha.
Thank you, Pam! I’m trying to write faster. LOL. I’m working on the first book in my Magic Potion Shop books now. Lots of fun!
I haven’t read the first one but the series sounds really interesting! I’m adding it to my TBR list right now. I agree, people shouldn’t discount an entire genre of books simply because they have read a few that they didn’t like. There are always books out there that will surprise you! Then again, I will read pretty much anything I can get my hands on 😀
Stefanie, I’m glad you’re not swayed by stereotypes! Thanks for adding my books to your TBR pile–I appreciate it.
It seems that this will much read series.
Thanks for stopping by, nylyne!
Lori, thanks so much for having me here today! And for the wonderful review. I have to admit Pepe and Archie are some of my favorite characters, too, and are back and better than ever in the third book as well.
Good luck to everyone with the giveaway–and thanks for all the kind words!
I loved the last book and I still would like to know more about Pepe too. I can’t wait to read the second book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Natalia, Pepe is going to be around for a long, long time. I love him!
Have loved everything you have written. Getting a copy of A Witch Before dying would be a big treat.
Thanks, Cheryl!
I LOVE my Dr. Pepper! 🙂
I’m a total addict!
I recently got into cozy mysteries, and requested a bookmark from the Cozy Chicks blog. I received an envelope full of bookmarks from them, including one signed by Heather! I just started the first in the series, and can’t wait to read more! 🙂
Hi Marie!
Welcome to the cozy craze. The authors are awesome!!
Marie, I’m glad to hear that! Thank you!
I’m addicted to the cherry Dr. Pepper—so I feel like kin. I’m anxious to meet Pepe the mouse.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Definitely kin, Sue! Pepe is one of my favorites, for sure, and he seems to have quite a fan club. See my daughter’s drawing of him on my website–he’s a cutie!
I bought this book and look forward to reading it. I had received a postcard announcing it from Heather and ordered it immediately.
Rachelle, I’m so happy to see that about the postcard. I always wonder if they’re worth all the effort. They are! Thank you!
I loved the first book and know I will love this one as well. It is on my Wish list!
Thanks, Nancy! I hope that wish comes true. 🙂
Heather- I love your writing! Keep up the great work. 🙂
Thank you, Orchid! 🙂
I haven’t read any of this series, but it’s definitely on my TBR list now! A Witch Before Dying sounds like a fantastic read!
Thanks for another amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Thank you, Elizabeth! I hope you love the series.
Hi Heather!
Loved your comments as always and have enjoyed the first Heather Blake book, witches and all. I really like how you have hidden them in plain sight! 🙂 I look forward to Darcy’s (and family) continued adventures.
Thank you so much, Julia! xoxo
I too, read just a few paranormal books but I have to agree with Heather Blake. I will read this and be open to the Witch series. I already have put on my TBR the book(s) on Goodreads! The characters sound likeable and a mouse~ Pepe…too cute! Thank you for a new series to read.
Thank you for giving it a chance, Cyndee. I hope you love it! (And Pepe, too!)
I love the sound of this book…
Hi Kelly! I hope you give the book a whirl… 🙂
Book looks good. Just love cozy mysteries.
Thanks, Kiki!
on my WishList!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
congrats & good luck to Heather!!
Thanks, Cyn! 🙂
hi heather
i would love the chance to win one of your book s
i love your stories
and look forward to buying you witch series books
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Good luck with the contest!
I like witch stories. I love Darcy’s story and cant wait to read the 2nd book in the series. 🙂
Thanks so much, Elisa! I hope you love A WITCH BEFORE DYING!
wow thanks for the giveaway… will keep my fingers crossed… 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Marilyn! Good luck!
Heather,
As always I love your books! I can’t wait to get into this series! I know I’ll love it as much as I love Lucy Valentines!!!
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
<3 Tobi
Hi Tobi! Thanks for coming by! Good luck with the contest–Lori was so generous to give away TWO copies.
I absolutely loved a It takes a Witch and thank you so much for the sticker for the book! It is amazing keep writing as you inspire all of us who want to write as well!
Melody, that’s so sweet! Thank you so much.
I’m just starting to get into the paranormal cozies – and I have to admit that I LOVED the first Wishcraft book. I’m really looking forward to Book2!
Thanks, Karen! That’s music to my ears.
Heather, the first book I’d ever read of yours was Truly, Madly. The premise just plain sounded so fun and then from there continued with that series (oh how I love Lucy) and then picked up Nina Quinn and eagerly anticipated Darcy’s debut. Oh how much fun she is! I agree with you and Dollycas that we should never say never. There is another book blog I pop into from time to time where the blog author states she won’t read any paranormal, but again if you’ve read other works by the same author, why not give one a try. The worst that can happen is that it won’t be for you and that’s that. The best that can happen is you’ll discover a fun new series and maybe even more series and authors beyond that. You never know, right?
What I love about your Lucy Valentine and Wishcraft series is the lighthearted and fun nature of both. There is another paranormal cozy I picked up in the last few months and although the premise is totally lovely, the witchcraft is taken a little bit more seriously and to a higher level than I care for and consequently I don’t know if I’ll continue following that series. Might check out the next one just to see if the witchcraft eases up a bit or not. Either way that one was still a fun read.
Anyway, thanks for the chance to win! I’ve got my fingers crossed!
Kristin, you put that perfectly! There’s not much to lose in trying something new… and a lot to gain if you end up loving it. Good luck with the contest! Crossing fingers. xoxoxo
Thanks Heather for writing a series that takes me on an enchanted journey.
Aww, thanks, Dru Ann! xoxo
I’ve had It Takes a Witch on my to be read shelf for a while. I started it just before we had to head back to school. I’m 2/3rds of the way through and I love it. I’ve been having to read a lot of books to see if they would be a good fit for our school library. And I’ve been having to read a lot of books for other committments. It Takes A Witch is turning out to be my “treat” read for August. I love Darcy and the other characters. I’m glad this is the first in a series because that means there are many more to come.
Beverly, I’m so happy you’re enjoying It Takes a Witch! And let’s cross fingers for many, many more in the series.
I love cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist. I would love to give this series a try!
Debi, good luck!
Heather your books are great and fun and cozy. Keep up the great work!
Aww, Kelly! Thank you so much!
Hi Heather,
I loved the first book in the series and can’t wait til I can read the next one. Thanks for writing such wonderful books.
Donna Jean, thank you!!!
I love Lucy Valentine but I haven’t been properly introduced to Darcy yet. Looks like another winner from Heather Blake! And I must say, I LOVE the cover! So cute and just adore the colors!
Thanks so much for the giveaway, Lori!
Lori, I hope you’ll enjoy Darcy, too! And the covers are *gorgeous* in person.
I never read Heather Blake’s series of books but would love to begin.
GloriaDeal@aol.com
Gloria, I hope you give them a try! Good luck with the contest.
I hope I win, they all sound good but especially A Witch Before Dying. Thank you Lori for your awesome giveaways.
Have an awesome day everyone 🙂
Good luck, Jody! Lori is so generous with her giveaways–so thankful.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. It sounds like a marvelous read! I love anything paranormal unless it is so dreadful that it gives me nightmares. It’s nice to escape the ‘normal’ because most of the time real life is not so pleasant.
Hi Heather, I read It Takes a Witch and truly enjoyed it. I bought A Witch Before Dying and it’s waiting patiently to be read….I’m reading as fast as I can to get to it soon…very soon! Best of luck to you on sales!
I really enjoyed the first book and would love to win this giveaway.
I loved the first book in the series! was my favorite new cozy series!
drakebdog@gmail.com
I bought It Takes a Witch without bothering to read the description because I liked the Lucy Valentine series so much. Thanks for the great reads! 🙂
I really enjoy your books, Heather (both Webber and Blake). Even if I did not already… the covers would totally make for impulse buys! Thanks for the giveaway!
This sounds like such a great, fun book! I like the fairy tale feel to it! I can’t wait to read it!
Entered, thank you!
I haven’t read any of the series, but they look good. Happy Holiday.
Congrats Heather on your second book. I can’t wait to read it. I enjoyed your first book. 🙂