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Review:
From Goodreads: Ivy LaRue didn’t intend on being happy when she moved to Sage Springs, Mo., but that’s exactly what happened. First, Eliza and Lexi wiggled in through the cracks of her carefully constructed defensive walls. Now her best friend, a spirit, is in the flesh thanks to mysterious circumstances. And Ivy can’t help but notice it’s some mighty fine flesh, which just adds another layer of complication to her life.
With only days to find a cure to keep her friend in human form, Ivy attempts to find the town’s magical spring to save his life. While doing so, however, she must battle an unseen spirit who seems determined to make Ivy’s life as difficult as possible. Assistance comes from unlikely places as she faces her past to attain the future she never thought she wanted.
Casting spells, dodging love and forming friendships soon make this snarky witch realize life is much more interesting than she ever imagined it could be.
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After reading Hollie Westring’s debut novel, Whispers and Wishes, I was sold on the beautiful and haunting town of Sage Springs. With her quirky characters, charming townsfolk, and overall laid back atmosphere, Westring easily draws readers into Sage Springs, throwing in twists and turns where we’d least expect it.
Whereas Whispers and Wishes focuses on the character of Eliza, Spirits and Spells gives readers a more in-depth look at Eliza’s spunky sidekick, Ivy LaRue, a young woman running from both past and present. Bedding down in the illustrious Sage Springs, with her candle business booming and the magical realm just beneath her fingertips, Ivy’s story drew me in right away, especially as I see a bit of myself in her. A little stand-offish and full of snark, Ivy’s cover for her heart of gold, she continually blames herself, closing doors on relationships before one can say “happily ever after.” But when a dark spell begins to threaten those she loves, Ivy really begins to come into herself, and there is no limit on surprises that Westring throws at readers as this sweet love story unfolds.
Oliver is, of course, to die for… He completes Ivy in a way no else ever has, and I just loved their back and forth quips throughout the novel. Hilarity ensues as the novel progresses, and Ivy’s strong kick-butt personality, along with Eliza’s pragmatism, Lexi’s cheer, and Oliver’s swoonworthyness will make this a novel you won’t soon forget. With a dash of mystery, romance, and magic, this novel is sure to be your perfect afternoon read. Four stars.
In exchange for an honest review, I received an ARC of this novel from the author.
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About the Author:
Hollie Westring hails from Kansas City, Mo. She used to be a journalist, which probably explains her extreme dislike of the serial comma and her preference for AP style.
After realizing the hours of journalists were not productive to any type of social or family life, she settled into a job at a publishing syndicate. She worked with comics, astrology columns, word puzzles and feature columns for six years. Although she enjoyed her time there, Hollie decided to leave the nine-to-five world and join the twenty-four/seven world of motherhood. Now she edits from home.
When not writing, editing or reading, Hollie can be found baking cookies or watching more than her fair share of crime TV. She’s a loyal Royals and Chiefs fan.
Links:
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Hollie is a UtopYA Nominee for
BEST DEBUT NOVEL
BEST PARANORMAL NOVEL
GO VOTE:
http://bit.ly/VOTEutopYAawards2014
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