Essence of the Witch

Witches of Keating Hollow, Book 8

By: Deanna Chase

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 5 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Miranda Moon has been cursed. Ever since she had the misfortune to come in contact with a crude love spell, she’s had one bad date after another. After lighting a man’s hair on fire and ending up on a blind date with her cousin, she’s ready to lose herself in the books she writes and live her life as a spinster, until Gideon Alexander, the one man she’s always wanted, walks back into her life.

Gideon Alexander doesn’t date. He’s been burned one too many times. But when he’s asked to plan the Keating Hollow Christmas ball with his old friend Miranda Moon, suddenly, he finds himself breaking his own rules. Maybe, dating the sexy author is just what his scarred heart needs.

The only problem?

Miranda’s curse has the potential to destroy their relationship before it even begins.

©2019 Deanna Chase (P)2020 Deanna Chase

8th book in the Witches of Keating Hollow series

This was another fun read in the Keating Hollows series! In this book, Miranda is a hopeless romantic, with one bad date after another. I liked how she recalled past experiences, and felt very real and relatable for a lot of women out there. There's a great mix of the old and the new, along with twists and turns keeping the listener guessing as to what will happen next. The story was enjoyable, and had fun magical elements.

Better than Book 7, Got Better Midway 3.5

I was very excited to get to this volume of Miranda as I love stories about writers and hoped after the last volume we would get back to a focus on Keating Hollow and out of Hollywood. Alas it was not to be, this story again deals with the struggles of dealing with the Hollywood scene and mostly trying to not get ripped off by the folks involved in productions of the silver screen. I was happy to see some very interesting scenarios with magic and some interactions with the Keating Hollow community but I really would have loved more. I will say the story got stronger midway through and I found myself more interested in Miranda and Gideon and appreciated how direct Miranda was and that there was less forced drawn out tension over misunderstandings. I am very eager for this story to get back to being in Keating Hollow developing the audiences view of the town, businesses, community, and friendships. This is where I feel like these stories thrive and these last two books have felt stuck in a limbo where the audience isn't totally immersed in Keating Hollow but is only talking about talking with folks based in Hollywood. I will say the final chapter that shifts to Wanda's perspective had be cracking up and eager to dive into the next installment. I am totally aware that some folks might enjoy this shake up from the Keating Hollow focus but I am not one of them. I do feel this was a step up from book 7 which was very disappointing, but this volume was not my favorite. Looking forward to where the Wanda takes us next.

Emotional and Dramatic Second Chance Love Story

As usual Deanna Chase and her narrator do not disappoint. I have listened to the series from book one and they just get better and better. This story is emotional, dramatic, has some suspense and betrayal and finally an enduring love. Also very entertaining story and plot with that extra added intrigue of the paranormal thrown in. Please listen to this book, which can be independently listen to but highly recommend you go and listen to other books in series. Loved it! Can't wait for Book 9.

Loving these books

I really do love this series and I'm super excited to get into the Witches of Christmas Cove too!!

Loved it!

I was looking forward to Miranda's story and I wasn't disappointed. She was so interesting when she was introduced in an earlier book that I was happy to see she got her own. This is a great second chance romance. The narrator did a great job, as always.

Cursed in Love

Paranormal writer Miranda Moon couldn't believe the bad luck she's had lately with her dates. Normally, her curvy body in tight fitting dresses was enough to bring men to their knees. For the last few weeks, they have been falling at her feet... literally. She hasn't had one successful date... her dating fails included a blind date with her cousin! She really couldn't believe her luck. She felt like she was cursed! Content with her new life in Keating Hollow, parked at her usual table at Incantation Cafe while busily working on her new book, she decided to swear off men... until the one that got away strolled right back into her life!

Ace Media studio exec, Gideon Armstrong couldn't believe his eyes. There she was, in all of her beautiful glory... the one he let slip away 15 years before. In Keating Hollow for a vacation from the Hollywood media scene, Gideon was just looking for some off-the-radar R&R. He never dreamed he'd see her again.

Would they be able to get past their past and the studio exec who had stopped at nothing to prevent Gideon and Miranda from living their perfect lives? Would her very first book, the one that told the love story of she and Gideon be the catalyst to bring them back together to live the ending she wrote in the book? Will love truly conquer all?

Loved it!

Miranda and Gideon’s story is so heartwarming. They find each other again after years of separation, not even a love curse can keep them apart. I was rooting for Miranda the entire story and was ready to punch her ex manager in the face. I am interested in knowing who put the curse on her. The Christmas ball sounds like a wonderfully magic event that anyone would love to attend. I can’t wait for Wanda’s story, hopefully there will be a lot of cart racing!

Miranda and Gideon

Stepping back into the charming world of Keating Hollow, Essence of the Witch is Miranda Moon and Gideon's story. Former high school sweethearts, Miranda finds herself writing a book about Gideon. Turns out it's a best seller! However, only few know this is how Miranda would've liked her relationship with Gideon to end. Gideon finds himself in Keating Hollow. Finding out that Miranda is now living in there, he wonders if he should go out with her. After all, none of Miranda's dates have gone well...terrible in fact, does he want to be the next casualty?

Yay for Miranda, her book has been bought by a producer, only now the producer wants to change the story...I voluntarily reviewed Essence of the Witch from the author.

Excellent addition

Just when you think there is no more to tell Deanna Chase brings another wonderful addition to Keating Hollow. Miranda and Gideon's was wonderfully written and the narration by Gabra Zackman was a treat as always. I love getting a hints of whats to come as well as updates of the pass characters. This series is great to listen to when ever I need to escape what is happening in the world today.

too short

I love these stories they are light and charming and just what's needed when you don't want anything to serious but they are done in a day. wah!