Review: Holding a Witch – Lauren Connolly
Holding a Witchby Lauren Connolly
Series: Seasonal Magic #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: March 16, 2022
Genres: Romance
Pages: 77
Source: the author
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My rating:
He will always wait for her…
Denton fell for Cordelia before he knew how much loving her would hurt. Every time the traveling witch disappears through a portal into another realm, he never knows when or if she’ll return. All the bear shifter can do is wait.
On the sunrise of the spring equinox, Denton and his sister set up a magical altar in hopes of guiding Cordelia home. But when the witch arrives, she has a new companion in tow and shadows in her eyes. As the holiday of Ostara unfolds, the bear shifter attempts to discover the root of Cordelia’s pain, while hiding the depths of his love for her.
Because on the day she inevitably leaves again, he only wants one heart to break.
Holding a Witch is a 15,000 word novella full of spring time magic, buzzing bees, and a swoon-worthy bear shifter. Enjoy a taste of the warm season along with pages full of honey and pining!
I was a little worried before starting this book because while I’ve loved the author’s other novellas, I’m pretty picky about paranormal novellas. After all the world building necessary, sometimes there’s not enough space left for the romance. Luckily my worries were unfounded about this short and sweet childhood friends-to-lovers novella about a bear shifter and a witch.
“If that person who could keep her here exists, she hasn’t met them yet. And without them, Cordelia loves her magic and her freedom to explore more than anything. The day will come when she disappears once more, and I’ll wait with Harriet’s unshaken optimism, burning bright beside the inescapable shadow of my terror.”
For a year, Denton has been waiting and hoping that this holiday will be the one that brings Cordelia, his childhood friend a realm-walking witch, back to him. While his sister Harriet remains hopeful, Denton’s afraid that more hope will only lead to more pain. Because while Cordelia could chose to go anywhere in the universe, Denton’s tied to his home, so it’s best for them both if that love remains unrequited, right?
After spending the equivalent of three years in another realm, Cordelia’s happy to be back, and even happier to see Denton and Harriet. Cordelia’s dealing with a lot of emotional issues from her trip and they give her the space and comfort she needs. I loved the found-family relationship between the three of them so sweet (pun intended!) and it laid a good basis for Denton and Cordelia’s relationship. Watching them reconnect (in more ways than one *eyebrow waggle*) was so comforting and cozy, like dozing in the sun in a big field of wildflowers. I also loved Honey the familiar and the hints of the other townspeople, and I immediately went out and bought the rest of the series. While this is labelled as first in the trilogy, the other two books were previously released, so that makes binging it nice and easy!
Overall, this was so cozy and lovely, and definitely recommended for anyone looking for a romance full of spring magic!
Content notes: View Spoiler »
