Title: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018
I read Gift of the Witch a long time before I had the chance to read Soul of the Witch. Which just meant that I had an inkling of a few of the road blocks Abby and Clay were likely to experience. Plus, I knew I was going to enjoy going back to the beginning and finding out how their love story truly started. It’s always nice to read a story that you know you’re going to enjoy. Plus, it’s nice to actually get to know Keating Hollow a little bit – there isn’t a huge amount of background and world building in Gift of the Witch.
I love that Abby and Clay get a second chance and a chance to heal in Soul of the Witch. There is a whole lot of history for the two of them, but not quite as much angst and anger about the past as I had expected. I mean, if I was in either of their shoes, I’d be rehashing the past more than either of them do. But I kind of liked this simplicity – they get a second chance with a whole lot less anger and regret than I anticipated. Honestly, the majority of the angst is all Abby’s – Clay is just trying to figure out his life and get his priorities straight.
Even though it takes a while, I love that Abby starts to work on forgiving herself for Charlotte’s death and finding a way to actually thrive, not just survive. It’s amazing that Chase so easily and non-judgementally incorporates therapy and the process into this story. And that Abby is finally able to admit that, even though we all make mistakes at the age of eighteen, the consequences aren’t always just ours to carry. Particularly in Abby’s case – where the consequences of her actions came about from a whole number of horribleness that led to the Perfect Storm.
Clay’s biggest battle is external rather than internal, it is the battle for custody and trying to be the best father he can possibly be. Honestly, at one point, I was more intrigued by the idea of Clay and Olive finding their happily ever after. Not really overly worried about Abby and Clay finding the romance that they want. I mean, the happiness of a little girl is so important and her mother is just so damn selfish. I love that everything ends up with a happily ever after and a big smile on everyone’s faces (mine included).
In Keating Hollow, the town isn’t just a small town with lots of romance, it’s also one built around magic. I really enjoyed how magic is just a part of everyday life and incorporated into everyday things. Rather than a huge deal or something that left people feeling unequal. It’s a joyful world in which everyone learns about magic alongside all the other things we learn as we grow older.
Earth and Skye 