Collards & Cauldrons by Bella Falls

 

In Charleston for a witch convention, Charli is surprised to learn that she is also going to learn more a about her biological family. But only if she can figure out why the people from Honeysuckle Hollow are causing some consternation among her fellow conference goers. And there’s also the little matter of the murder that some are blaming on her beloved grandmother...

Charli does get to learn a little bit more about her bio family as well but none of it seems good. Her cousin Abigail might be fine but her cousin Ethan is definitely set up to be a big bad later in the series.

I liked that Mason is maybe regaining his feelings for Charli if not all of his memories and that Dash was just a blip. Probably the best book in the series so far.

Three stars

Follows Barbecue & Brooms

Followed by Cornbread & Crossroad

This book came out May 21st, 2019

Opinions are my own

Barbecue & Brooms by Bella Falls

 Charli is finally getting out of the stupid love triangle that's been building in previous books. She and Mason are getting ever closer. To the point that, in the last book, they were sharing their powers. But that has come at a cost. Charli's powers seem to be gone. But that is only a small part of their concerns since the witch's council of Charleston

seems ready to take over Honeysuckle. What can prove that Honeysuckle can take care of itself? A barbecue cookoff! Add in some amateur broom racing who will get to compete against some of the biggest named pros in the business and it seems like fun. Except that local leprechaun Lucky's luck has been stolen. And then there's a death. It's no longer just fun and games.
Fast, fun, and fluffy though I'm super bummed that Falls seems determined to draw the love triangle out by hook crook and every other means.

Three stars

Follows Sweet Tea & Spells

Followed by Collards & Cauldrons

This book came out May 21st, 2019

Opinions are my own

Flea Market Magic by Bella Falls

 

I had been listening to the Southern Charms Mysteries and thought I would try this series. I made it through about two chapters but the narrator (who is absolutely lovely) is the same and there wasn’t much difference in the voice of either the narrator or the series so I switched to Kindle Unlimited. 

This first book is a set up for Ruby Mae Jewell. Even from the beginning we know that she is being set up for a knock to the ego as she first takes down an arrogant flea market seller and then the grandson of another seller who had accidentally gotten ahold of a magical object that allowed her to channel magic. The prediction Ruby Mae get says that she needs to be ready for a fall.
I have to say that, especially after the Southern Charms Mysteries, Ruby was fairly unlikable. She has literally every other "good guy" character in the book telling her not to use the crystal ball but she defies them all and uses it anyway because she is just smarter (and more stubborn) than anyone else. I had hoped that after she was proven wrong she might mellow out a bit but it doesn't seem like it. I will probably give this series one more chance just to see if she changes but I have a feeling she's not going to.

Three stars

This book came out October 30th, 2019

Book borrowed from library

Opinions are my own

Sweet Tea & Spells by Bella Falls

Ugh. I'm going to give this series one more book but I think I'm about to be over it. I rounded up from 2 and a half stars but it has two of the tropes that I dislike most in books - a love triangle and a clueless amateur detective. I don't mind an amateur that knows that they're not an expert but Charli not only runs head first into danger, she likes to lecture the sheriff on how to do his job. Really? REALLY?
The love triangle was less evident in this story since one of the men was not in the story for a lot of it but Charli still thinks about him a lot all while appearing to commit herself to the other man.
Charli's cousin is marrying Charli's ex. But it's actually bringing the cousins closer. Especially since the chef running the rehearsal dinner seems to be so utterly detestable. But that doesn't mean the man should end up dead.

Two and a half stars
Follows Fried Chicken & Fangs
Followed by Barbecue and Brooms
Borrowed as an audiobook from the library
Opinions are my own

Fried Chicken & Fangs by Bella Falls

A new, non-witch seat has been added to the Honeysuckle council and several people are running including three of Charli's friends and Ralph ("Rafe"), the local vampire leader. But there are strange things going on including a former teacher who stands up and starts ranting about why nothing should ever change. When the same teacher is found dead by one of the candidates, it starts off a series of mysteries that end up with Charli in the cross hairs once again.
This mystery wasn't as tight as the first one and I am not a fan of love triangles nor do I enjoy main characters who rush headlong into danger but I will stick with the series for at least a couple more books.

Three stars
Follows Moonshine & Magic
Followed by Sweet Tea & Spells
This book came out January 30th, 2018
Opinions are my own

Moonshine & Magic by Bella Falls

The book opens with Charli Goodwin barely pulling into town on her motorcycle when she encounters a couple whose car has broken down. She's tired, dirty, but not anxious to be home so she stops to help, using almost the last of her magic. It's a nice introduction to the series.
She's home and has one last interaction with her Uncle Tipper before she finds him dead. But his death, though he was old, was not natural. And Charli decides to try and figure out what is going on.
I don't always love amateur detectives but Charli generally has some common sense and travels with her brother who is a warden.

Three stars
Followed by Fried Chicken & Fangs
This book came out January 30th, 2018
Opinions are my own