The Witch in the Envelope

By: Laura Detering

Narrated by: Andy Garcia-Ruse

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

This Sleeping Beauty retelling about a girl, her lost memories, and the boy who disappeared is an addictive fantasy romance perfect for fans of Twilight, Graceling, and '90s cult classics like Clueless, Hocus Pocus, and The Witches.

Forbidden love could be her greatest downfall...or her saving grace.

When Liddy Erickson was a child, a hauntingly beautiful yet vicious witch plagued her dreams. But when she wakes one morning with a deep gash on her chest in the same place the witch attacked her, she realizes these were no ordinary nightmares.

Shortly after she confides in her best friend, Will, his entire family disappears, along with her memories of them.

It’s now 1998, and 17-year-old Liddy has one goal—to move out of the cold Chicago suburbs after graduation. Two things that are not in her perfectly planned life: fun and dating.

That is until the new transfer student catches the eye of every girl at Wheeling High School. With intriguing scars and eyes that seem to glow, he awakens something inexplicable in Liddy and proves to know her even better than her closest friends.

When a stranger with a distinct melodic chime to his walk saves Liddy from opening an enchanted envelope, he reveals an outrageous claim that she is a lost Watcher and the saving grace for his homeland, Cristes. Liddy must decide if she can trust the stranger’s orders or risk condemning an entire nation.

The Witch in the Envelope is the first in a trilogy (set to complete, with a “happily-ever-after” ending, in winter 2022). It’s perfect for romantasy fans looking for all the angst and tension of a slow-burn and swoon-worthy couple, but with the graphic steam and spice happening out of view.

©2020 Laura Detering (P)2023 Laura Detering

Wowww, this author is definitely a new favorite.

This book gripped me instantly, and still, only managed to grow even MORE gripping as it went on. The MCs are highly relatable.

This is set in the real world, present day, but there’s definitely something supernatural going on … the question is, what exactly? Just the right amount of mysterious that I’m intrigued, but not bothering to try to predict it, because I’m so engrossed in Lydia’s life, etc. I just … enjoyed it and lived it and found myself in a world I never wanted to leave.

Much of it is set in high school and it’s all very plausible, but an easy read, complete with mean girls, creepy guys, jocks … it took me back a little but mostly I was just engrossed in their world.

In addition to mystery and a bit of nostalgia, this book also packs action, real feels, young love, friendship & loyalty, adventure, Christmas feel (at times) and more. Absolutely dying for the next book in this series.

4.5 stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Note:
I listened to the audiobook and this narrator is great. She’s got a great voice, easy to listen to, uses appropriate tones … I’d absolutely listen to more from her.

intensely amazing 👏 😍

I have been so intrigued since the first chapter, now I can't put it down till it is done .because I need to know how it ends .

Is there a sequel?

I would have rated it higher except that it didn't have an ending. Even books with sequels should have an ending! The only thing driving the story is the mystery of disappearing children and it is never solved.

It felt like the book was written for 12 year olds and what they think teenagers do and how they talk. The dialog was just off, even placing it in 1998. Still, the story had a cute premise.