All profits from this book are donated to Honeycat Rescue & Sanctuary – a non-profit, no kill, cat rescue that helps as many cats and kittens find new homes as possible, or offers sanctuary.Only a witch would poison a cake.And only another witch would blackmail the poisoner.Hazel Salem is the family disappointment.She isn’t a witch. She doesn’t believe in magic.And she definitely doesn’t want … disappointment.
She isn’t a witch.
She doesn’t believe in magic.
And she definitely doesn’t want a black cat for a pet.
But when she discovers an unsolved mystery amongst her inheritance, she is forced to accept that ignoring her heritage is no longer an option.
Hazel is determined to reveal a secret that’s stayed hidden for years.
But the witches of Wormwood have other ideas…
If you love witty sleuths, smart mysteries, and snarky humour, you’ll love this series. Pick up these page-turning witch mysteries today!
Gluten-free lemon cake recipe included!more
Cute start to a new series.
Hazel has moved back to her hometown after her mother’s death. Not realizing what she was signing up for, she is thrown into the world of witches, black cats and covens. Did I also mention secrets? Yep! The first secret is a dozy….HE’S THE FATHER…a mysterious note found in a tree. It is up to Hazel to put together the pieces.
This series prequel shows that there is lots of great potential for the series and I am excited to see where this picks up, as Hazel struggles to fit in. The character and world introduction are nice and smooth, as well as the first story plot. I enjoyed the cozy and fun characters, especially Hemlock. Who doesn’t love a town stuck in a time warp and tons of mystical magic.
So if you are looking for great cozy fun, then this series is for you.
*ARC provided by Ruby Loren
Hazel Salem is back in Wormwood after the
death of her mother who claimed she was a
witch.
Hazel finds a box on her doorstep. There are
two black kitten inside. She wasn’t inclined to
have a cat….let alone two. But they grew on
her.
The one cat will be influential in helping her
solve a mystery left to her by her mother and
save her from her enemies.
Come alone with Hazel to meet up with the
two black kittens, Hemlock and Hedge
Quick fun story with lots of potential for character development. Am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Great little story. Wonderful introduction to Hazel and Wormwood. As I was reading through this story, I could see and feel the environment around Hazel. When Hemlock introduces himself, the craziness of Hazel’s life is confirmed. Wormwood seems to be filled with many mysteries. I look forward to learning more. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.
I thought it was a cute prequel to the series. I can’t wait to read the rest of the rest of the series.
This is a good introduction to Wormwood and its residents. It has your typical small town vibe with a twist of witchy. This should be a good series, I can hardly wait for the next story.
This prequel short story is a fun start to a promising new series!
Hazel has inherited her mother’s shop and thus moves back to Wormwood. Her mother believed she was a witch, but Hazel is having none of it. When two black kittens show up on her doorstep, she’s NOT going to keep them. No. Um… Not even a day and the kittens have Hazel wrapped around their little paws. And there’s a 27 year old mini-mystery to whet your appetite for this new series.
I loved it. Couldn’t fault it. I liked the dry humour. A good start with enough background mixed with things happening. I was drawn in, into the woods! I thought it was exciting.
OK, one tiny thing then: the main character’s name was mentioned for the first time at over half of the book. All that time I was like ‘what was her name again?’ Because of course I read the blurb when I bought this book, but I couldn’t remember it. Let someone say it in the first chapter: problem solved.
Great new start for a new series. Love it. Love the paranormal.
Fun, easy to read and quick. Really enjoyable. Can’t wait to see where this series goes.
The kitties are great!!!! I agree with the names.
I am waiting to see if Hedge is a late bloomer. HINT HINT HINT to author. Hemlock , don’t worry, they can be different from yours but work in conjunction. Let me know what you think.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
This is a great start to a new series. I can’t wait to see Hazel come into her witchy powers now that she has her familiar, Hemlock. I can’t wait for the next book!
An awesome paranormal mystery new series with great characters, plenty of twists to keep the mystery page-turning and kept me guessing. With the author donating to an animal shelter, I am happy that the book is totally awesome as well.
Hemlock and Hedge is the prequel to Ruby Loren’s newest series. This is a short, intriguing, paranormal mystery. The reader is introduced to the town of Wormwood, many of its quirky inhabitants, our sleuth, apothecary inheriting, witch-in-training, Hazel Salem. A box containing two black cats is left on Hazel doorstep. Later we learn that Hemlock is Hazel’s familiar. This is a well written introduction to this new series.
Hazel has moved to Wormwood after her mother died and she inherited her family home and her mother’s pharmacy for witches. Although Hazel grew up in Wormwood, she hasn’t lived there in years. It is a witchy town which is something Hazel has not identified with. Left on her doorstep are 2 cats who she temporarily takes in. However with help from one of the cats she is able to solve a town mystery.
This is a short story and prequel to a new series. I look forward to reading the first book.
This is a great introduction to a new series about witches.
There was not so much action but rather a setting of the scene, and the introduction of the characters we will no doubt meet frequently in the series proper.
The heroine, Hazel, doesn’t believe in witchcraft, which is a tad problematic when she’s not only moved back to Wormwood, but has also taken over the running of her late mother’s shop.
Her first puzzle is finding out who was responsible for a poisoning some years ago.
Easily solved for once, with a bit of research…and the help of Hemlock, a talking cat….
He is my favourite character and I would rate him best talking cat since Salem in the TV series “Sabrina, Teenage Witch”.
I look forward to the rest of the series!
Delightful intro to new series! A town full of witches and black cats…what could go wrong? LOL!! Love Hazel, the main character, who descends from witches but doesn’t believe in them. And the kittens, Hemlock and Hedge are adorable and very funny. Can’t wait to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A short prequel to a new series by author Ruby Loren. Hazel has recently inherited an apothecary shop from her mother who was a witch. Terms of the will have Hazel coming to Wormwood and she is tasked with keeping the shop open. Hazel cannot understand her mother’s reasoning, as she does not have any magical powers (or does she?) “Hemlock and Hedge” is a book with magic, black cats and not so nice witches. Who are “Hemlock and Hedge”? Pick up this light hearted mystery and find out. I received an ARC of this book and look forward to the next.
This short story is a charming prequel to a new series. This author can pack a lot of story into a few pages! I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more about Hazel and her adventures in Wormwood. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
This is a short wonderful book to read, set it in a town called Wormwood. Hazel is a amazing character. Loved reading this book.
Hemlock and Hedge #1 – A different approach to starting life as a witch after the death of her mother sets up the foundation in this introductory prequel. Basic development of characters but since this is a series, Ms. Loren will be having plenty of character growth as the series progresses. Interesting storylines, which of course will develop more, too.
Again there’s an interesting animal involved; the familiar is a hoot with intelligence. Working together although unbeknownst to Hazel, she and Aziraphale solve the mystery. Aziraphale’s secret comes out along with other secrets. There’s good suspense and intrigue, and the thought process used to solve the mystery is good, but Ms. Loren writes more substantial plots than the usual cozy genre. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
DARK HORSE SERIES:
Standalones, but a well written series! If you love Sooky, you’ll love this series. Each book gets better, as do the characters and the plots are suspense-filled, intriguing and action-packed.
Death’s Reckless Reaper, Prequel – An introduction to January. I’m glad I read Death’s Dark Horse first, since the anticipation of discovering what her other form was well fed by the delay in revealing the truth. This little story starts with her move to Paris and her experiences with her first vampire marked for death and a twist. Read after Death’s Dark Horse is my recommendation, if at all. The author said she was going to rewrite Reaper and make it 1.5 instead of a prequel. 5*
Death’s Dark Horse #1 – A well written, suspense filled story with a unique and surprising character and many other interesting characters, along with humor thorough out the story. The plot is well thought out and the reader is kept guessing as to what is so specially about the main character: her job is surprising and you may guess at her animal. I guessed it but put it out of my mind and surprise I was right. I’ve read many of Ms. Loren’s books and she gets better with each new book. 5*
Death’s Hexed Hobnobs #2 – The story takes place a year after Death’s Dark Horse ends. This book is amazing! I felt like I was reading a Butcher novel. This well written, action paced, suspense filled novel kept me prisoner to its pages. The plot twisted like an angry rodeo bull and the suspense never stopped, along with humor thorough out the story . The characters, while well thought out in DDH, become stronger and evoke all sorts of emotions from the reader. I can’t wait to see what #3 is has in stock for the reader.5*
Death’s Endless Enchanter #3 – This book starts right where Death’s Hexed Hobnobs ended. Well written, filled with suspense and intrigue, humor and well developed characters with realistic dialog – (not stupid dialog). Although the book concludes the issues that arise in this book, it’s a cliffhanger and the book doesn’t end the way the reader would expect. 5*
Death’s Ethereal Enemy #4 – This book starts a month after Death’s Endless Enchanter ended. Well written, intriguing with the suspense starting later in the chapters than usual, but making up for the delay. Still with humor, but some darkness appearing and new revelations as the plot twists and the pace picks up. 5*
Death’s Last Laugh #5 – This is a whooper! There’s a lot happening in this book: action; intrigue; suspense; romance; and humor. Another well-written story that keeps the reader immersed in the pages, and too soon, the end is reached. This very substantial book with it’s well thought out twists and turns, along with the continuous growth of the characters makes it hard to put the book down. So ease up with the tea. I’m so glad I contacted the author to review her books. She hasn’t disappointed me yet and she has traveled a long was from Larch Hall. 5*
Dark Horse Series end.
Great Start to A New Cozy Series!
This short prequel begins a new series. If this is a good indicator, the series should be fantastic. There seem to be enough secrets in this small town to keep everyone busy for several lifetimes. The excessive amount of black cats also adds a fun note to the craziness. The plot possibilities seem endless as do the characters. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
A beautiful story… funny… magic… surprising…
A charming town… wonderful plot and characters… with interesting twists… that will kept you reading until the end…
A book to all that love witch stories!