After Aleksandra Daniels' father dies she rethinks her priorities and realizes life is passing her by. She quits her job andheads back to Bellamy Bay, NC for the first time since she was a little girl. Her aunt, who runs an herbal apothecary invites her to stay and live with her and work at the store and she takes her up on the offer. After she confronts her aunt and cousins about rumors she has heard, she finds out they are all true... they ARE witches descended from mermaids. Their potions and teas in the store DO have magical properties. And now someone is using them to frame Aunt Lidia for a murder.
This is the first book in a cozy new mystery series that I can tell you is going to be a lot of fun. The characters are quirky, there is lots of magic, a good storyline and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. This fun, quick read is perfect for every mystery and fantasy lover out there. I personally can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to the author, Esme Addison, and publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alexandra Daniels hasn't set foot in the quiet seaside town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over twenty years. Ever since her mother's tragic death, her father has mysteriously forbidden her from visiting her aunt and cousins. But on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves, and folk remedies.

Bellamy Bay doesn't look like trouble, but this is a town that harbors dark secrets. Alex discovers that her own family is at the center of salacious town gossip, and that they are rumored to be magical healers descended from mermaids. She brushes this off as nonsense until a local is poisoned and her aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime. Alex is certain Lidia is being framed, and she resolves to find out why.

Alex's investigation unearths stories that some have gone to desperate lengths to conceal: forbidden affairs, family rivalries, and the truth about Alex's own ancestry. And when the case turns deadly, Alex learns that not only are these secrets worth hiding, but they may even be worth killing for.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good cozy mystery and this one was fabulous!

The first in a new series titled Enchanted Bay Mystery Series. Alex Daniels has not been in Bellamy Bay North Carolina since her Mother tragically drowned over 20 years ago. Her father has recently died, and she quit her job as a risk manager in New York and decides to visit her Aunt Lidia when she calls out of the blue. Just the thing to relax and figure out what to do next in her life. As soon as Alex steps into Aunt’s house she begins to have memories of life there when they would visit as a child, her cousins Minka and Tamela welcome her with open arms. Since she has nothing better to do, she decides to tag along and go the herbal apothecary that her Aunt Lidia and Minka run. When her Aunt has to step out a customer Randy Bennett comes in looking haggard and wanting to see Lidia, but she is not there. He asks Alex if she is Sobieski and she says yes so, he asks for a good luck potion. Minka gives him a good luck tea but as he is getting ready to go Aunt Lidia returns and has a terrible fight and Lidia raises him off his feet with her temper. Unfortunately, Pepper Bellamy who is a reporter and gossip is in the store and writes all about it. Robert is found dead with the tea beside him and belladonna berries in his stomach and Aunt Lidia is arrested for murder. They get her out on bail, and she is under house arrest with a tether on her leg. Pepper has been doing research on all the old families in town and tells Alex that her family is descended from mermaids and they are all water witches. Alex tells Pepper that sounds like the Little Mermaid and is all a bunch of junk. Unfortunately, when she confronts her Aunt and cousins, she learns it is the truth. Is this why her Father would never let them visit after her Mother died. As she begins to investigate there is a charming detective Jack that she meets the first day in town and then Dylan Wesley of another magical family that is in a centuries old feud with her family. Dylan was a little boy she remembers who made her a crown of violets and they played together in her Aunts backyard. Is he good or bad like the rest of his family? This was an interesting mystery that almost seemed impossible to determine who the actual killer was because of magic. Alex has little magic and is out of her element as she knows nothing about it or to protect herself from it. I enjoyed the story and read this in just one day as I could not put in down. Another love triangle and that is always perplexing, Dylan is so smooth, and I think really does care about Alex and even saved her from death but is she safer with Jack. I hope the next in the series comes soon.

I tried to get into this book since the premise seemed so interesting. A Victorian mystery usually is up my alley but couldn't get into the characters. However for those who love an easy mystery to read, this is for you.

A Spell for Trouble is the first book in the Enchanted Bay cozy mystery series by Esme Addison.

It's a real theme-combo cozy so it's going to have an appeal for a lot of different cozy fans. You've got the witchcraft/ paranormal angle, with a special twist that the witchcraft has a mermaid angle, but you've also got a crafting theme, in the form of soap and perfume making.

The mystery is woven nicely through the entire story, with some strong red-herrings to keep you guessing.

There's also some mystery within a mystery going on, as Addison sets up a few different questions to be explored in future novels. We're left wondering about what really happened to Alex's mother years ago, and how the long-standing feud between the rival witch families will play out. Add to that the mentions of a larger witch council and community as well as a potential love triangle, and there's a lot of opportunities for this series to grow.

I liked Alex as a protagonist, but she was a little naive and slow on the uptake in some places. She was occasionally a tad irksome. Hopefully the character will grow as she gains experience and settles into her role in the town as the series develops.

The world-building and mermaid legacies felt a little complication and under-explained, but I'd give the author the benefit of the doubt and read a future installment because it's a pretty ambitious magical system or a cozy so might just need time to develop.

A unique cozy with potential as a series opener.

This was a light, enjoyable read and an excellent opening for a new cosy series.

I always enjoy witchy books and this one had a good little mystery going as well, with a big twist at the end just when you think you have worked it all out. Several story lines were set in place for future books in the series.

The magic system was entertaining if a little troubling at times. I am not sure I could live in a house where everyone was eavesdropping on my thoughts. The characters were all interesting and our main character already has the requisite two men in her life to cause maximum indecision and confusion. Lots to look forward to in the next book!

I like how this story was presented with the introduction of the various characters that all have pivotal roles as this multi-arc story unfolds. The mystery was nicely done with suspects aplenty and clues spliced throughout the telling of this tale. When her aunt is the only suspect, Alex takes it upon herself to investigate butting heads with the local detective and with the town’s secret that some desperately want to keep hidden. It is those interactions with the characters that propelled this drama and I enjoyed watching it all play out as one by one, uncovered secrets take center stage as the identity of the killer led to a frenzy fight to the finish. The author did a great job in telling this tale that boasted a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and a small-town atmosphere.

Release Date: May 12, 2020.
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I LOVED this book. I was a huge fan of Sabrina the teenage witch and this book is like an extension of that! I am hoping that Bellamy Bay is a going to be a series! @esmeaddison did a wonderful job explaining and explore the magical world in a way that made logical sense.

Alex moves to Bellamy Bay to stay with her aunt and two cousins, who she hasn’t seen in 20 years, after quitting her risk management job in NYC. She reconnects with a boy from her childhood, meets a handsome police detective and helps solve a murder of two! I highly recommend this book!

This book was so fun and engaging. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.

Alexandra had not been to Bellamy Bay, NC since her mother died over twenty years ago because her father did not want her to go there. After her father's death and some work problems, she finally accepted an invitation to go visit her aunt and cousins.

While Alexandra is there she decides to help out at the family herbal apothecary shop and soon discovers that things are not as she expected. After a customer dies from poison, her aunt Lidia is arrested, and Alexandra decides that it is up to her to get to bottom of what happened. In the process she learns way more than she anticipated about her family history.

I received a copy of this book to review through Netgalley and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I can't put into words how much I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. It gave me a Little Mermaid mixed with Practical Magic vibe which I loved, they are both my favorite movies. I am a sucker for books were the main characters reunites with family, then finds out about their magical roots. Alex is a great character but she does do something that could cause trouble not just for herself and family but the case as well. As she starts to understand her lost family a dead body makes them the prime suspect. The town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina is a place I would love to visit and the author did a wonderful job bringing it to life. The writing was very easy to follow and it was fast pace. I could hardly put it down and I would definitely recommend this to my family and friends. I might even have to tell my mom to read it ASAP.

This is a great story! I was hooked from the first pages.

The story features Alex, a woman who has recently quit her job in New York and lost her father. She is invited to visit her aunt and cousins in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina, whom she hasn’t seen in years, since her mother passed away. Immediately, you realize that Alex’s family is special, little things like them seeming to read her mind. I also love Alex’s German Shepherd Athena, who failed police K9 training because she is too friendly.

Alex’s aunt and cousin own a herbal remedy shop called Botanika. When an unwanted visitor from Aunt Lidia’s past comes to the store begging for a good luck potion, she is witnessed having quite a confrontation with him, but relents and gives him some tea. Later that week, the man is found dead, and Alex’s Aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime.

Alex learns that her family are descended from mermaids and are water witches. Alex is at a disadvantage because she grew up without magic as a mundane. Alex needs to learn how to shield her thoughts from others, and how to protect herself. Everything is not always what it seems. Add in the handsome witch Dylan, and a friendly but suspicious detective Jack. I really enjoyed this story with a plot twist at the end. I can’t wait to read more books from this series! I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal cozy mystery.

My thanks to #NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this new cozy series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Mysteries for the free Advanced Reader's Copy.

Esme Addison has built a cool new addition to the paranormal cozy. Aleksandra Daniels has returned to her mother's village Bellamy Bay, North Carolina. She has not been to visit her mother's family in many years. Her father, a police officer, has recently died. Aleksandra has recently lost her job. Deciding there is no reason not to visit anymore, Aleksandra goes for a visit.

While she is there, she finds out her family owns an herbal apothecary. The town seems to visit the store for herbal remedies of all kinds. Suddenly, her aunt is arrested for poisoning someone in the village. Bit by bit, Alex starts to discover that all things are not as they seem in the town or in her own family.

I found Esme Addison's writing fresh and engaging. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed learning about the legend of the mermaid of Warsaw and herbal remedies. I would definitely recommend this series. I am looking forward to the next installment.

This was an outstanding first book in a new series!

Aleksandra Daniels hasn't set foot in the quiet seaside town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over twenty years. Ever since her mother's tragic death, her father has mysteriously forbidden her from visiting her aunt and cousins. But on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves, and folk remedies.

Bellamy Bay doesn't look like trouble, but this is a town that harbors dark secrets. Alex discovers that her own family is at the center of salacious town gossip, and that they are rumored to be magical healers descended from mermaids. She brushes this off as nonsense until a local is poisoned and her aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime. Alex is certain Lidia is being framed, and she resolves to find out why.

Alex's investigation unearths stories that some have gone to desperate lengths to conceal: forbidden affairs, family rivalries, and the truth about Alex's own ancestry. And when the case turns deadly, Alex learns that not only are these secrets worth hiding, but they may even be worth killing for.

I thoroughly enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this cozy mystery. The characters were intriguing and the setting was idyllic. I loved the premise of an apothecary family business. The whodunit was top notch and kept me enthralled and guessing.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Thanks NetGalley for the book. A very engaging and nice story. Looking forward to read more from this author.

This was such a nice start to a new cozy series. I loved the setting of Bellamy Bay. Alex has come to Bellamy Bay to visit with the family she hasn't seen since her mother died.. What she doesn't know is that her family and herself are water witches. A murder occurs and Alex's Aunt Lidia becomes the prime suspect. Her and her cousins set out to prove Lidia's innocence. The characters were well written and very relatable. I loved Alex's character and really connected with her. The mystery had many twists and every time I thought I knew the killer I proved to be wrong. I did not see that ending coming. I also like Alex's blossoming relationship with Jack. It will be interesting to learn more of his backstory hopefully in future books. Overall this was a great start to a series. I highly recommend it. I received this book from net galley in exchange for a review.

Alex is coming home. She is now alone in the world except for her aunts and cousins in Bellamy Bay. Their soap and herbal remedy store is full of flavor and spices. Are they witches as the town gossip states? Throw a couple of murders in the midst, two hot men and Alex has her hands full. The author has the setting for a part two and I look forward to reading it. You will enjoy this book if you like magic, mystery, family and hot men.

What a charming book! Set in coastal NC, Alex finds herself at loose ends and visits her aunt and cousins, whom she has not seen in years. Family secrets abound, including a whopper secret her family being water witches!
Alex uncovers a family history she did not know, her own powers and reconnecting with a family she missed while solving the local mystery of who killed her aunt's arch enemy.

Loved the story, loved the setting and loved the magic. will be back for more!

Loved this book I loved the mystery that came with it and the suspense that was held.
While I was reading it I felt like I want here and that I could visualized the shop and places

A Spell for Trouble is an enchanting start to a new series! Addison does a fantastic job creating the world of witches and mermaids in this series. I loved how magic was woven into the story but did not over take it.

Alex was an extremely relatable character. She was smart, kind, and really took everything in stride. I mean, she found out that her family were witches and she just processed it and kept on moving. And when her family was arrested for murder she did not hesitate to try and prove her innocence. Some cozy mysteries struggle to find a reason for their lead to solve a crime, but this was seamless. She was motivated by the love of her family. I think that is something that many people could relate to.

I am looking forward to reading more of this series and seeing where it goes.

Description

Aleksandra Daniels hasn't set foot in the quiet seaside town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over twenty years. Ever since her mother's tragic death, her father has mysteriously forbidden her from visiting her aunt and cousins. But on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves, and folk remedies. Bellamy Bay doesn't look like trouble, but this is a town that harbors dark secrets. Alex discovers that her own family is at the center of salacious town gossip, and that they are rumored to be magical healers descended from mermaids. She brushes this off as nonsense until a local is poisoned and her aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime. Alex is certain Lidia is being framed, and she resolves to find out why. Alex's investigation unearths stories that some have gone to desperate lengths to conceal: forbidden affairs, family rivalries, and the truth about Alex's own ancestry. And when the case turns deadly, Alex learns that not only are these secrets worth hiding, but they may even be worth killing for.

My Review
A Spell for Trouble is the first in what a hope to be a cozy mystery series. The characters are well-written and enjoyable. As we are introduced to Bellamy Bay in NC we learn that Alex is a witch. Maybe not a great witch, but nonetheless a witch and she goes about reconnecting with an old friend. While working at the family store she learns her aunt has been accused of murder. Knowing that is a mistake she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery..

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion and I love it. Esme Addison is a great storyteller. Great twists and turns keeps you interested until the very end.

Highly recommend A Spell for Trouble.