A new year has barely begun and Edindale, Illinois, family law attorney Keli Milanni already has her hands full at work. But her private practice—as a Wiccan—may cause her worlds to collide… accusations of witchcraft aimed at the owner have some Wiccan patrons calling it a hate crime. And when things escalate to murder, the community turns to Keli…
As a friend and customer, Keli wants to help. But there’s one problem: she’s fiercely private about her religion. How can she stop the harassment, not to mention catch a killer, while keeping her faith hidden from her colleagues, clients, and her promising—and long awaited—new boyfriend? At a time meant to banish darkness, will Keli have to choose between risking the spotlight and keeping her beliefs locked in the proverbial broom closet? Or will she call on her deepest convictions to conjure the perfect path?…
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“Bell, Book, & Candlemas” earns 5/5 Amethyst Crystals and Aromatic Herbs!
Keli Milanni, family law attorney and borderline yuppie, has a secret even her BFF doesn’t know. She is also a Pagan…a “Solitary Wiccan” practicing her faith in private not with a coven. She guards her secret from public scrutiny, since her Wiccan faith could be misconstrued by her associates and friends, and possible derail the budding relationship she has with artist/photographer Wesley Callahan. However, the recent rash of burgled businesses, vandalizing of a Wiccan shop, revelation of cryptic notes vilifying the Wiccan community, and an oddly staged book burning stunt has Keli suspecting her private life could become a public casualty.
First, there is Mila Douglas, owner of Moonstone Treasures, upset by being twice vandalized and receiving cryptic notes with biblical references to Old Testament style punishments for psychics, fortune tellers, and witches. Then, there is Reverend Nathanial ‘Natty’ Schmidt, leader of the First Church of the New Believers, very vocal with his congregate expounding on the evils of the new age practices, alcohol, and the like. Next, there is the local realtor, Yvette Prime, eager to persuade Mila to sell her property, and Trish Holiday, tourism director, hoping to create a certain image for the town to attract upscale visitors. Last, there are the thieves and vandals plaguing certain local businesses, and the body…yes, a body has been discovered.
Keli and Farrah, her BFF, join together to find clues to all that is happening in Edindale, Illinois by participating in a murder mystery dinner theater, discreetly asking questions of the various guests, discovering a possible pattern with the robberies, putting into action “Operation Alley Cat,” and getting a palm reading at the scene of the crime. All this while Keli deals with a nosy reporter, searches for a murderer, untangles the clues behind the robberies, and tries to find time for romance. Lots is going on, but could it put Keli or her friends in danger?
This second book in the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series is engaging and entertaining…I loved it! It shares a realistic, not fanciful, view of the Wiccan faith where celebrations and spells for protection and strength are ritual, not hocus-pocus. Keli is a down-to-earth young woman who enjoys her work, cares for her friends, and is devout in her faith, and the romance with Wes is fun to see evolve. I enjoyed the unfolding mystery—robberies and murder, the characters—some quirky, some boisterous, some suspicious, and pondering the conflicts many face whose faith is said to be outside the norm. I was so intrigued that I went on my own journey of exploration—the history behind the Wiccan faith and its current practitioners. It is rich with deep spiritualism, respect of nature, and sense of community. This is a not to miss reading adventure.
great writer enjoyed reading
Wiccan holiday Candlemas is fast approaching and attorney, Keli Milanni, is busy at work. When her friend, Mila, who owns the metaphysical store, Moonstone Treasures, is receiving threatening notes and facing multiple acts of vandalism, Keli must decide whether to openly help or keep her faith a secret. But when things progress and there’s a murder at the store, Keli knows she must help her friend and is openly investigating. Farrah, Keli’s best friend, has a theory about the vandalism and the other break-ins that have been occurring at the downtown stores seemingly from the inside. Can Farrah and Keli figure things out before someone else is killed? On the romantic front, Keli and Wes have a huge misunderstanding to get past.
I really enjoyed this book. I love that this is a series that portrays Wicca as it is, a spiritual path, and not something to be feared. The book’s well-written with wonderful characters who are totally relatable even those who are less than likable. The author also captures small town atmosphere. I highly recommend this book and the one that came before. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Great story, I couldn’t put it down
Nice read..not serious but entertaining. A light enjoyable read.
Lots of laughs….. great read for women that like to see other women making a statement. Was also funny and I really enjoyed.
I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the plot kept me guessing until the end. Nice job! Good read!
Already wrote a review
It is was all right. I did not find that interesting. The characters did not interest me.
Very cute, fun cozy read!
The book had an interesting concept about witches among us. However, I really didn’t need to hear the ingredients of every smoothie or meal the vegan main character ate.
Learned interesting facts about Wicca.
it’s been a bit since I read this, but I thought it was fun and kept my interest. I really did enjoy reading it, and the author is a good writer.
I read Bell, Book & Candlemas !
Enjoyed every Page of every chapter ! So give yourself the gift of a truly fun book
A quick fun read!
This was a cute story. A friends shop is vandalized and Keli is drawn into the mystery. It appears that someone may want the property or it could be someone who is against the Wiccan owner. Keli’s friend Farrah and Keli’s boyfriend help Keli in her quest to help the shop owner. There were twists and turns. The characters are fun. This is a relaxing and entertaining cozy.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
A good plot, kept me guessing, enough romance without being overdone.
Solved by chapter 3. So 1star not challenging stopped reading check the end I was right.