Book Review: Seven-Year Witch (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #2) by Angela M. Sanders
There’s something undeniably magical about a book that intertwines the art of reading with witchcraft, and Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders certainly captured my attention. As a book blogger and an avid reader, I’m always on the lookout for stories that blend the quirky with the mysterious—and this one was no exception. With a librarian as the main character diving deep into her newfound magical powers (alongside a juicy murder mystery), I couldn’t resist exploring the eccentricity of Wilfred and its quirky townsfolk.
At the heart of the story, we have Josie Way, who is really coming into her own as the Wilfred librarian. The magical letters from her grandmother provide both guidance and comic relief. However, she faces unexpected turmoil when curses and a tight-knit community embroiled in secrets and intrigue come to light. Josie’s journey feels relatable; she navigates love, friendship, and the fear of not being accepted—all while grappling with a very real curse that threatens her town.
The book’s pacing left me feeling a tad overwhelmed, as there’s a whirlwind of plot threads interwoven throughout the narrative. From Josie organizing a search party for Fiona, Sam’s estranged wife, to discovering a body and the awakening of a vengeful land spirit, it’s a lot to unpack! I found that while the abundance of plot twists can ignite excitement, it also risks losing focus, making it somewhat chaotic. Still, Sanders’ writing style remains engaging and occasionally whimsical, which kept me turning pages even as I tried to piece together the myriad of developments.
One character who shone brightly is the endearing Mrs. Garlington, the poet and organ teacher whose comedic flair added much-needed levity. I couldn’t help but laugh at her quirky interactions with the townsfolk. The relationship dynamics—especially with Josie’s friend Roz and her advice on love—felt genuine and brought a comforting familiarity, emoting the feel of a small town bustling with life, quirks, and warmth.
Yet, while I adored the charm of the setting and the magical threads, some subplots felt a bit heavy-handed, like the drawn-out drama surrounding Sam, who seemed to have an identity crisis of his own. The interpretations of his relationship with Fiona, coupled with the notion of an unclaimed paternity, felt convoluted and distracted from Josie’s central narrative. Wouldn’t it have been more fulfilling to focus solely on the mystical elements instead of convoluted romances?
Overall, I rated Seven-Year Witch 3.5 stars because although it sparkles with creative ideas, the execution sometimes falters under the weight of its ambitions. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries steeped in magic and a touch of romance, this book can still appeal to readers seeking light-hearted, whimsical adventures with a supernatural twist.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a librarian being at the center of both the literary world and a mystery, dive into Josie’s exciting escapades, but perhaps buckle in for a rollercoaster ride of plots along the way! I found it to be a delightful, if chaotic, read that reminded me why I love cozy mysteries: the blend of friendship, magic, and that always-engaging small-town charm.
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