Audio Book Review: A Witch's Concern

A Witch's Concern

By:  N.E. Conneely

Publish Date:  August 1, 2015, Audiobook Release January 16, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 25 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hays & Laurie Catherine Winkel

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th in Witch for Hire series; 1st Book ~ Witch for Hire, 2nd Book ~ A Witch's Path, 3rd Book ~ A Witch's Trial

Impression:  Michelle's clan scar is explained as she fights for her freedom.

Synopsis:
Michelle has been figuring out what her life is like now that the demon has been killed, and Sylvia and Varro are dead. Even the clans of witches trying to attract her to their way of life have backed off and given her a chance to grieve. Her relationship with Elron is stronger than ever, but there are things left unsaid.

On the way to her parents' wedding, the delicate calm she’d been living in is broken. Witches are out for her blood, her family is caught in the crossfire, and friendships are threatened. Work doesn’t let up either, and she partners up with Elron to deal with magic gone wild. Michelle finds that her problems are larger than one clan of witches, and is forced to choose between the people she holds dear and the way of life she loves.

This is the fourth book in a series, following A Witch's Trial. It is a standalone novel, however, your reading experience will be greatly enhanced if you've read the previous books.

First Sentence:
"Braden Reis."
He didn't look up at the sound of his own name being spoken from the doorway.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible 

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I like the blend of two narrators, dividing the male and female roles. It gives more dynamic to the characters. Jeff knows these characters well, and has all their voices ready to go for us here. Laurie is new to me and the series, and reads through the female cast with heart. When I first started I didn't know if I liked the up-swing at the end of her sentences when voicing Michelle. It gave Michelle a felling that she was better than others that I didn't think Michelle had. As the book went, it eased and Laurie fell into Michelle's voice for me.

Michelle is such a nice person/character. I like that about her. Trouble finds her because she works with the police on cases. But in this books, it's because she's a clanless witch and her grandmother is determined Michelle will take her rightful place in her clan. Michelle, however, likes the freedom of being clanless. Michelle doesn't want to hurt anyone, she wants to help and not be tied to a specific clans rules. However she still has lingering memories of what she had to do in the last book. It weighs on her mind, even though it was the only option and something Sylvia wanted. She worries about her and Elron as well as it's something she doesn't want to do.

Oh my. Elron is such a great person. He's an elf, and he's fighting his protective instincts when it comes to Michelle. Elron's feelings for Michelle are finally seen by Michelle. Michelle starts to see that even though she had to do what she did, Elron does not hold it against her. They are just so adorable!

We have a case of characters that live in the lodge. It's always great seeing them as they are friends and a few rotate through. We don't see as many of them in this book as this book is focused on Michelle and the problems that have found her - the clans. We do get answers to Michelle's clan scar and things with her grandmother. Michelle fights hard against many things, but she's going to have a very full future ahead of her.

This book felt to be a little different in the story line. We follow Michelle and the troubles that find her, bringing her to make some tough choices. We don't get a case she's working on, though there are small items that come up she tends to. This is mostly Michelle learning about herself and growing. The story still has the same action and full of spell being thrown around, but it's about Michelle this time and not just helping others.

There are more books in the series with Michelle. I'm looking forward to them as there are hints of what's to come in this book... what's next in Michelle's life, demons, and more I'm sure.



****If my thoughts helped you, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: A Witch's Trial

A Witch's Trial

By:  N.E. Conneely

Publish Date:  February 8, 2015, Audiobook September 10, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 49 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hays

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  3rd in Witch for Hire series: 1st Book ~ Witch for Hire, 2nd Book ~ A Witch's Path

Impression:  Everything we've learned and crossed were small blocks, even though tough fights, for what's to come. Michelle has found herself in the path of a demon's sights!

Synopsis:
When Michelle pulls an old book out of a fire, she finds answers and heartbreak. The book confirms that a demon walks the land, though according to legend they were all dead. Now, she needs to rediscover the secrets to killing demons before her loved ones fall victim.
Elron’s budding relationship with Michelle suffers a blow when his mate returns. While he struggles with love and guilt, it becomes clear that not everyone gets their happily-ever-after.

This is the third book in a series, following Witch for Hire and A Witch's Path. Your reading experience will be greatly enhanced if you've read the previous books.

First Sentence:
Tears gathered in my eyes as I watched Elron page through the book.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.

****POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS****

The reality sinks in. Michelle has a demon after her. She has destroyed three parts of Gremory's plans already. She must figure out how to stop, and kill, Gremory before he harms and kills more kids or her family that he's threatening. Michelle worries for all around her and works at her personal stumbles with the battles of magic that the demon sends her way. Her parents, who have now told they will be getting married in two weeks along with moving and would like her to be part of the wedding. Elron, whom she's dated and now not sure where their relations his is as he recently found out his wife is alive and has Sylvia's diary as she's been in Gremory's grips. She also has several clans requesting her time and attentions to join, along with a demand by her grandmother to come home to her clan.

Jeff and his talented many voices. I love all the different voices! Which it also makes it easy to know all the characters as the cast is a full one with many visiting as well. The different voices also keep it interesting and keeping my mind from drifting. The emotion he shares. Jeff knows when to put the accent pauses in and drawn emotion in his voice at the right places. All accents the story and what the characters are bring to the scene. He brings the story to life, giving the story a fourth dimension we would not get by reading alone, like talking with a group of friends.

This story picks up EXACTLY where A Witch's Path ends. Oh, the crazy days of magical troubles. Magical people and beings living in the world with humans keep Michelle on the go with the active troubles.

Michelle grows closer with Elron in this story, though for some of the book she doesn't realize it with all that must be running through Elron's mind and emotions. Michelle and Elron still banter, but it's fun. They are both strong minded and don't fear small comments. They do make me smile. (Dances with Mud. lol. I love that one.) We have our friends and family that we've seen since the first book. Landa is a great motherly friend. She's wise in her advice to Michelle and helps to keep Michelle true to herself. Landa is a rock for Michelle and grounds her back to the world, preventing her from getting lost in sorrow or uncertainty. We also have a few new allies and friends for Michelle. Julius is a gargoyle that's sent by Horst to help keep an eye out around Michelle's home. The gargoyle's sense the presence of evil, and demon. I enjoy seeing the gargoyle's present in this story. They do bring some long history with them. They, too, made me giggle at their having fun with fighting the dangerous evils around.

Demon's are extincted and the only information about them are fables and lore. This is where Julius comes in handy. He is old. So old that he lived in a time when Demons and terrible evils were fought. Though he doesn't know exactly what the Hunters did to kill the demons. It all comes around and things make sense in this well written story while Michelle fights off the chaos Gremory is releasing in her home area.

This third book has added to the world and troubles Michelle is facing magnificently! I thoroughly enjoying the story and narrations. It's drawn me in deeper with the depth of all Michelle has been through leading to now. Amazing building upon all events we've been through to get to this point with character, world, and troubles from the previous books. The world rules have become clearer with each step as well.

This book is good clean fun with the world of paranormal creatures and beings. There's not a lot of sex or swearing (actually at this point I think none). There are close relationships of love for family and friends and growing loves along with battles fought and dangers in the world. I didn't miss the swearing and sex in this story. Michelle is on the go with enough troubles and turmoil that they aren't needed to keep your attention.

There is more to come, we see that now. And in a world full of magically potential troubles, why not?! I can't wait to get more with Michelle and our cast of colorful characters!

Audio Book Review: A Witch's Path

A Witch's Path

By:  N.E. Conneely

Publish Date:  September 4, 2014, Audiobook August 8, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 26 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hays

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  2nd in Witch for Hire series: 1st Book ~ Witch for Hire

Impression:  Crafty magical world with a witch making her way in life, and helping in dangerous moments - with cops and personally.

Synopsis:
After a near death experience, Michelle has vowed to do her job, magical assistance for the police, and leave the heroics to someone else. Besides, life should be settling down for her since the trolls have been captured and the sorceress was neutralized. Unfortunately, the power behind the sorceress wants her dead, Elron starts acting funny, a magical creature wreaks havoc on a town, and there’s trouble with the werewolves. As if that wasn’t enough, the clans have started to notice her power and she has more reasons than ever to fear the clans.

Things go from bad to worse when Michelle’s best friend is abducted, and she must decide between her friend and her vow to stay out of dangerous situations.

First Sentence:
"Oaks Consulting, Michelle speaking," I said as I answered the phone.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Things were to be calming down since the sorceress's death. Michelle is busier than ever. She bounces from one crises to the next. Gremlin troubles, evil presence, looking for gargoyles, suicides of teens, a T-rex attack, and preparing to teach classes. Then her friend Amber is worried she's being stalked and suddenly kidnapped. All while trying to not focus or worry over the death threats she's been getting. It starts to wonder if it's all connected. What demon is out there hunting her and why?

Elron is still at the lodge and working for the university at their garden. They want him full time to build more gardens and are willing to give him a perfect position he can't refuse. Not even with his Calling drawing him to other things.

This was such an enjoyable listen! Jeff is talented with voices. (Which I found out are all him! Not synthesized.) All the different voices bring the story to life and makes it easy and fun to listen to. Jeff adds the emotion of delay in speaking words or that infliction can add, all what we do not get when reading. We hear the concern and worry in voice to go with the words on the page.

Michelle is an amazingly organized woman. It sounds like a lot is happening, which it is, but it's spread out through a few days and Michelle is great at setting things up around the emergency moments. I love that Michelle always keeps a level head and keeps moving forward. With this personality, all the crazy happening around her doesn't feel like it's crazy. She is also responsible and respects the proper ways. Michelle does her best to do as she's to do within the law. She then comes to a point that she can't wait any longer and has to act, but she knows very well what the consequences are and will accept them for her friends life.

Elron is present and wants to help Michelle, so he does show up a bit more to banter with Michelle. Elron still has a past he is working through, and a past that will haunt him (and Michelle...). Michelle and Elron finally come to a friendship that is blooming. It's lovely to see them together here and learn about their pasts as they talk. Elron should be around for a while, at least I'm hoping.

All the characters are a pleasure to read/listen to in this world. They are all diverse in their personalities and actions. I enjoy the troubles and ideas they all bring to the pages.

The story has grown from what we scratched the surface of in the first book. The writing feels as it's improved in this book as the story starts to deepen. The cases are becoming darker, and messier. We learn more about clans and Michelle's family. The clans... We do start to see a bit more of the clan talk, not much but we do learn the connections to Michelle and that she's special.

I've enjoyed the calming ways of Michelle as she fights the evils and dangers of this world. It's a vast world of all sorts of beings and creatures and I look forward to listening to many more stories of Michelle and her adventures.

Audio Book Review: Witch for Hire

Witch for Hire

By:  N.E. Conneely

Publish Date:  January 11, 2014

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 14 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hays

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Witch's Path series

First Impression:  Magic aware world where a witch works with police to help in magical ways to solve magic cases.

Synopsis:
Most witches don’t work for police departments, but Michelle isn’t your average witch. She’s clanless, looking for a warlock who isn’t offended by her lack of family connections, and in danger of losing her job if she can’t find the escaped trolls before they start eating the local residents.

Trolls, angry police, and misbehaving spells are the least of her problems. Statues attacking homeowners might be problematic for your average witch, but to Michelle it’s another day at the office. Her real concern is the wizard suddenly interested in dating her and an old elf set on pestering her. When her happy family is rocked by a long kept secret her stable life falls apart faster than she can pick up the pieces.

And she still hasn’t found those trolls.

First Sentence:
Phone. That had to be my phone waking me up.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

My Thoughts and Summary:
At her home, and a bed and breakfast run by a brownie couple, Michelle learns a tip that there is someone experimenting with the magical beings of the world. This could explain why Michelle received the three AM phone call from the sheriff's office and had to capture the strange chihuahua type creatures fling around the mayor's house. Michelle sees banners for a group publicly demanding that the trolls need to be free. Trolls that are known for eating all living things.There are even spelled household items that were sold at a family yard sale around causing troubles among people. All this and the frustrating attraction Michelle feels for a beautiful elf staying at the bed and breakfast has her reflecting on questions in her own life. Elron is also struggling with his own life traumas and feels a draw to the young witch.

I listened to this book and was pleasantly surprised with all the voices! I am impressed with the variety of voices to go with each character here. I'm thinking Jeff, the narrator, used a system to modify his voices for different tones and pitch for each character. And I highly approve! Female and male, all sounding different to differentiate between different people (magical or not). This made it fun to listen to.

Hmm. I'm impressed. Nice, quick beginning that had me smiling but then slowed as we got to see into Michelle's history and surroundings, even Elron's too. But when I started to think it was to much into personal life, the story took off with the cases she's running between...the magic she crafts to help the police with, I was taken away with the story as she tried her hardest to track trolls and work tips for other troubles in the areas around her. There are hints of troubles and promises that could be used in future books. I find that I'm curious to read/listen to those stories.

This world is magic filled and all know of the magic and magical "people" that are present in it. There are so many magical beings here. From fey to elves, witches, vampires, brownies, unicorns, dwarfs, and oh so many more.

Michelle lives at a brownies bed and breakfast. It's interesting all the beings that pass through and stay here as it's close to wooded lands and peaceful area. But with others passing through it's a nice way to meet different beings and being a kind home, get tips of things in the supernatural world.

The chapters are primarily divided between two character's POV's. Michelle and Elron. Most of the story is Michelle's POV with short chapters from Elron's POV. Elron is an 1500 year old elf recently trying to find his way in the world again. Though he's not part of the investigations that Michelle works on. He's more a view of a potential suitor and one that wants to see her safe. Michelle is a clanless witch, which is a hidden secret by her mother and the father she's never meet. They were worried that she would be in great danger from the clans. Or something more? I'm looking forward to learning what they are hiding her from and why. She works in different counties for the police helping on different cases with her knowledge of the magical world and how to help solve problems and mysteries with spells.

I found I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next stories to come. There are many things that could happen in a magical world this big. And I'm curious as to her father and the deal with the clans. Also that nice young man she had coffee with. I'm thinking that this book has given us the ground work for the world and the stories will take off from here.