A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses

Half-Moon Hollow, Book 7

By: Molly Harper

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.

Complication One: The artifacts are lost somewhere in vampire Jane Jameson’s occult bookshop. Complication Two: Her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, keeps turning up half-naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn’t need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially since Jed’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard. Can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?

©2013 Molly Harper White (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi do it again! :-)

I hope the Half Moon Hollow books continue. this one has more of Jane and friends than some of the others, plus lots of two new characters. I'm never sure of the books because I'm not into what the covers imply. However the stories inside are outstanding. And an exceptional narration by Amanda Ronconi. This story adds some witchcraft into the usual vampire community. I hope these new characters stick around for more stories! These are "feel good" books with a lot of story and not heavy into the explicit sex as some "romances" get. Lots of plot and some mystery and conflict. This story began with a jump start as the lead character found a possum in a kitchen cupboard. "Rat on steroids" as she calls it. I must agree with her on that - when I saw my first possum (or opossum if you prefer) 30 years ago I also thought "giant rat". The woman was fresh from a shower and wearing only a towel when she ran outside and wrapped herself around the guy working in the back yard of the duplex. What a way to meet the neighbor! don't want to give any more away. As usual, lots of laughs and some tears in Molly Harper's excellent book.

Doesn't Disappoint.

I think this was my very first pre-order. Molly Harper's books are always light, funny, and utterly enjoyable but Driving Mr. Dead has always been my favorite. When I saw a second book in the Half-Moon Hollow series I was thrilled. And aside from waiting for the release, Witch's Handbook did not let me down.

The story follows Nola Leary as she leaves Ireland to search for her family's magical artifacts in Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky. In traditional Molly Harper style, she's introduced to her sexy, shirtless neighbor via a coon in the cabinet. While she's wearing a towel. There are, of course, complications. Nola has a relationship back home, she's only in town to save her family's magic, and Jed has some secrets of his own. Aside from the random raccoon, this story has considerably less hijinks than the others, but I liked it. In her search for the artifacts, Nola meets Jane, Andrea, Dick, and all your favorite vampire/werewolf locals. Hilarity ensues, romance wins, and everything works out in the end (mostly). This is why I love Molly Harper's books. They are just plain fun.

I feel like I have to mention the narration on this one. I love Amanda Ronconi. I think she's one of the top narrators out there and absolutely perfect for Harper's characters. However, her Boston/Irish accent threw me at first. I don't think she was doing it wrong, I just think it's an odd combination. I saw several comments in the other reviews, but it didn't bother me after the first few minutes. Don't let it sway you, pick this one up.

Don't let the weird accent distract you...

What does Amanda Ronconi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

When I started listening to the book I wondered what happened to Amanda Ronconi's usual excellence because she had the main character using a bizarre sort of mild Irish, sort of Boston accent. A few chapters in you find out that her accent is exactly how the author describes it. Once I knew it was skill, not lack there of I found it less distracting and was able to really enjoy the story.

Any additional comments?

Half Moon Hollow is always fun!

Did not disappoint!

What other book might you compare A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses to and why?

I've really enjoyed the entire series of Nice Girls in the Half Moon Hollow. Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi are a great combination.
This is the 1st book that contained charactors from accented paths, and Amanda tried to come through for us... I loved the "deep south" accent but "irish" didn't cut it.

Stick with it, the accent is explained

another great Molly Harper bookand once the interesting choice in accent was explained I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Great story but the narration was off

What did you love best about A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses?

The plot twists and new paranormal.

What did you like best about this story?

The strength on the female lead to sever ties of blood when blood was the only connection.

Which scene was your favorite?

I love how Molly uses the everyday moments between characters with sharp, witty banter,

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Dick reveals his true self and connections.

Any additional comments?

Normally I love Amanda's narration, however the inconsistent accent and the poor Irish lilt in her voice just didn't work.

Another great Half Moon Hollow listen!

What made the experience of listening to A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses the most enjoyable?

Having listened to all the Jane Jameson novels and the other two Half Moon Hollow books it was lovely to visit that world again and see how my favourites were going.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved that Dick has another relative!

Really enjoyed this book, well performed.

Great read! Interesting story, makes you want to come back for more Half moon hallow.

Molly Harper does it again

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The whole Halfmoon Hollow story line is great. The characters are flawed and feel real.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dick Chaney is always a great character. 500 years from now he will still be a hillbilly at heart...

Which character – as performed by Amanda Ronconi – was your favorite?

Hard to say. Amanda Ronconi is a wonderful narrator. I have purchased other stories just so I could hear more of her work...

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

When is a curse not just a curse?

Any additional comments?

Although a great stand alone, Reading the other books from the world, (starting with Nice Girls Don't Bite) will improve your enjoyment of the book. There has been a lot of character and town development in the series.

The four elements at work.

This book is a great addition to her Half Moon Hollow series. In fact I enjoy the spin off better than I did the Nice Girls series. There are quite a few laugh out loud moments, this is a very light hearted and fun book. There was lots of characters that made a comeback in this story from previous books. This should not be the first book to read since a lot of references are made from Nice Girls and the other Half Moon Hollow books. I love Amanda Ronconi but it took a while to get used to her British/Irish accent, especially since she would drop it often.