Shadowvale isn’t typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. No one knows this as well as raven shifter Deacon Evermore, who, like everyone in his family, has a curse. While his position as Shadowvale’s peacekeeper lets him use that curse for good, he’d rather live anywhere else. He stays for his … his family, but doubts he can last much longer.
Fledgling witch Emeranth Greer is determined to escape her past and make a fresh start in Shadowvale with the aunt she’s never met. Her aunt and the town prove to be far better than she imagined. There’s no way Em is leaving this magical place. Especially when staying means more time with the handsome Deacon.
But when Em’s troubled past catches up with her and nearly destroys the romance budding between her and Deacon, her instinct is to run again. Except there’s magic in the mix now and the town won’t let her leave. Only Deacon can save her, but can a cursed man clear her name…or will her history destroy them both?
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The Trouble With Witches is book one in the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter and Narrated by B.J. Harrison.
Now I’ve tried Painter before in her Nocturne Falls series which I enjoy; because of the light laid back romances they are. Not a lot to them and sometimes it’s nice to just have something relaxing, cute, and fun.
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any sunlight and only lets in those that need its protections. The town is full of supernaturals and cursed humans. Now this town has potential and I loved learning about it.
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help. She never expected to find a town that fascinates her and feels like home, but her aunt wants her gone. I wasn’t overly in like with our heroine. She was an ok character.
Deacon Evermore is the towns peacekeeper and he wants out of this town. He’s given the task of convincing Emeranth to leave and if he succeeds he will get his wish. I wasn’t overly in like with our hero either. He was just ok.
The Trouble WIth Witches was an agreeable listen. It had its fun moments, but it doesn’t really have a plot which is unfortunate. I did find the town and it’s cast of characters interesting and entertaining. The main focus is on the town and introducing it’s uniqueness. As for the plot/story we don’t get much of anything. No action, adventure, or a climax. And, the build up came with little pay off at the end. Things felt rushed and too easily wrapped up at the end which is sad. The story had potential at the beginning, but then died the farther in I got.
As for the romance between Emeranth and Deacon it happens fast all within a four day period. It wasn’t bad, just quick. I like my romances a little more drown out and not as fast.
Narrator: The saving grace to this story is B.J. Harrison our narrator. This was my first taste of B.J. Harrison and I really approached her narration. She kept the pace steady and moved the story along. All the voices where delightful and pleasant to listen to.
All and all The Trouble With Witches was a nice nonchalant listen. If you’re looking for a laidback relaxing listen then this one, is that. I may continue onto the next book or not. That is still undecided, but if I do I will be listening.
Rated: 3 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
Brilliant author with unputdownable stories!
Em is running from her past and finds comfort in Deacon. But, her past comes between them. It is entertaining how they get past the trouble. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is great. I can’t wait for more from this author, I received this book , as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Just okay. Likable enough characters, setting. Just seemed like not much was happening. Reminded me of the show Once Upon a Time though not as good.
The Trouble With Witches (Shadowvale, #1) by Kristen Painter
Meet Deacon Evermore(Raven Shifter) and Emeranth Greer(Fledgling witch) this is their story. Shadowvale is a magical place for people who are cursed. There are many interesting people in this story that has angst, mystery, laughter, tears, love, friendships and a HEA. I can’t wait to read more of the Shadowvale books.
Em and Deacon
This is the first book I have read by Kristen Painter and it certainly will not be the last. It is so creative! Wonderful, wonderful characters that you want to meet and live next to. The town has shops I want to visit. I know I will read the rest of the series to see if my guess about the Tiger is true. 🙂
A cozy paranormal
I LOVED IT SO I LISTENED TO THE AUDIOBOOK TWICE. This invisible town seemed a god send to many people, if they could find it that is. I loved Em’s character, she is just so likable and sweet, independent and giving and her mum is the opposite, so l was really rooting for her success. The magical story pulled at my heartstrings. RECOMMENDED.
Countess Amelia Marie Antoinette Marchand created Shadowvale out of love, she is responsible for this town and all it’s residents. She lives on her estate with her Majordomo, Beckett and her tiger Thoreau, she’s happy here if not a bit lonely. That’s all about to change, and Amelia has to get Emeranth to leave. To that end she enlists Deacon Evermore to show her around and convince her it’s not a place she should live.
Emeranth Greer is on her way to Shadowvale to meet her aunt. After being pulled over by the police she’s lucky not to get a ticket, but the officer also tells her there is no one living in Shadowvale and the gates have been locked closed as long as he could remember. That is until they opened for her. Now she just has to hope her aunt will let her stay.
Deacon takes her on a tour of town, first stop is the Cemetery and he’s trying to find something to scare her into leaving. He thinks he’s found something only it backfires.
We meet a lot of different folks and learn of their curses. The meeting with Thoreau was interesting as well. There’s one curse in particular that when accidentally triggered, makes it difficult for Em to return to her world, even though she doesn’t want to anyway. Then there’s Em being initiated as a witch by Amelia. Something her mother should have done years ago.
Twists, turns, laughter, tears and romance that changes things up.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Really enjoy this author. She had an uncanny way of presenting her characters,
The lightness of her writing makes the darker parts
Edgey and humoress,
This is a new series for me which I wasn’t sure would
Keep my interest but has. Keeps me in a good mood to find something of another world like the Grimm’s fairytale’s did for me growing up.
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help her. Shadowvale, where her aunt lives, is nothing like she expected and everything she needs. This magical town is filled with supernaturals and humans who are cursed. Everything about this town fascinates her, especially the peacekeeper, Deacon Evermore. Deacon has been given the task of convincing Emeranth that Shadowvale isn’t for her. If he succeeds he will get to leave Shadowvale with his sister. But Em is nothing like he thought and makes him see the town in a new way.
As a huge fan of Kristen Painter, I can’t believe I have waited this long to pick up this series. Shadowvale was fascinating and I love the uniqueness of the townsfolk. Emeranth has had a rough life dealing with her con artist mother. She is determined to make a new life here and to learn about her witch heritage. I loved Em’s strong work ethic and her determination to make a new life for herself. I do think she forgave Deacon a little quickly when he accused her of being a criminal but it didn’t ruin the story for me.
Deacon is a raven shifter and the towns peacekeeper. His grumpy personality was hiding a caring and determined man who is just doing what he can. I liked how determined he was to make his sister happy. These two were cute together and I really wish this was longer so we could see their relationship develop more.
I am excited to read the next book and learn more about Shadowvale and the people who live in it.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was a great introduction to the new series !
To the outside world, Shadowvale is clouded in mystery.
To the residents, Shadowvale is their home.
It was created as a safe haven for the supernatural, but it came at a cost.
Emeranth “Em” is coming to Shadowvale for a second chance.
Deacon was hired by Em’s aunt to discourage Em to stay in Shadowvale.
Deacon is trying to scare Em in leaving, but Em is made of much stronger stuff.
Shadowvale is looking more + more like a home for Em.
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.