Shortbread and Shadows

Hedge Witches Lonely Hearts Club, Book 1

By: Amy Lane

Narrated by: Lee Phillips

Hedge Witches Lonely Hearts Club: Book One

When a coven of hedge witches casts a spell for their hearts’ desires, the world turns upside down.

Bartholomew Baker is afraid to hope for his heart’s true desire—the gregarious woodworker who sells his wares next to Bartholomew at the local craft fairs—so he writes the spell for his baking business to thrive and allow him to quit his office job. He’d rather pour his energy into emotionally gratifying pastry! But the magic won’t allow him to lie, even to himself, and the spellcasting has unexpected consequences.

For two years Lachlan has been flirting with Bartholomew, but the shy baker with the beautiful gray eyes runs away whenever their conversation turns personal. He’s about to give up hope…and then Bartholomew rushes into a convention in the midst of a spellcasting disaster of epic proportions.

Suddenly everybody wants a taste of Bartholomew’s baked goods—and Bartholomew himself. Lachlan gladly jumps on for the ride, enduring rioting crowds and supernatural birds for a chance with Bartholomew. Can Bartholomew overcome the shyness that has kept him from giving his heart to Lachlan?

©2020 Amy Lane (P)2022 Dreamspinner Press

Cute but a lot to take in

Overall I love the premise and the MC’s were adorable. However, keeping up with the side characters, and the spells and all became confusing. There was a lot going on with animals and spells and intentions and amulets and it was hard to keep up. I almost wish it was longer so there’s more time to explain what was going on. Overall good, unsure if I’ll get the next book though.

Best witch series ever, Book 1

Scr*w ALL the power greedy and controlling jerks, this is the message of this series. Breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for the break from all the mean witches and wizards and boardroom dummies bombarding us at every turn! Really, thank you so very, very much. So bored with it.

The meek (in the ancient sense), well-intended, loving, and caring shall inherit. This is the true modern way to live--giving to and building communities in search of a peaceful existence, supporting each other daily through the tough and heartache, taking care of everything possible, including neighbors and the planet besides the more typical focuses in romances/fiction. No one in power or the media, generally, has this ideal in mind except the characters in this series.

For the first book in the series, there is a unique beginning, or at least something that's relatable. (Think a twist on Galaxy Quest followed by a lot of twists on the standing witchcraft genre.) If you're into basic witchcraft with some umph and all this other stuff behind it, this is the series for you. And it isn't even boring or cute. (Okay, there are a few slightly cute moments, but only slightly and not that often. it isn't boring or all that unbelievable. It could happen.)

This first book sets the stage for several of the main characters in the series. It has a stellar beginning and doesn't force each of the nine characters on you too hard all at once. They are all mentioned, of course, it's necessary, but in the midst of some pretty fun action right off the bat.

Loved it!!!

I really loved this story. Lachlan and Bartholomew are so cute together, once they finally got together. I also love the Wiccan elements and the found family.