It is gray and raining outside today so I am perfectly happy to sit inside and enjoy a cozy read- a little bit of magic makes it all the better.
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A Charming Touch of Tarot is the second book in a series by Melissa Holtz. I didn’t realize it was a part of a new series until I had already started it. I wish I had read the first, An Enchanting Case of Spirits, before this one. However I wasn’t lost and enjoyed this one anyway. Now I am going to get the first one and read it ahead of the next in the series that I am sure will follow.
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This stars the most delicious group of friends. I’d love to be a part of their group. These friends all seem to have some recently realized magical skills that they use to come together and help each other.
This time, one of them is being blackmailed and they need to solve the mystery.
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With magic, mystery, and a slow burn romance, this is a fun and quick read. Thank you @BerkleyPub for my advanced ecopy. This hits the shelves tomorrow!! Grab it and be entertained as well.

If Hallmark ever branched into paranormal territory, they’d be grabbing up this series faster than … I don’t know, but really fast. When I was approved for an ARC of this book, I discovered that it was book 2 of a series, and was able to get an audiobook from my library of the first book. I really enjoyed the first one, and was excited to see where the series was heading.

One of my favorite parts of the story is how most of the major characters in the story are in their forties. Each of the club members is in a very different place in their lives, yet they all manage to come together and be supportive of each other. This is one of the coziest aspects of the story, with the friends having a really cool bond between them. Alyssa, Nina, and Lanie are long-term friends, and Corinne is a bit of a prickly new addition to the group, younger than the rest. This book let me feel like I got to know the characters a lot better, as they’re all dealing with issues.

Nina is going through an ugly divorce, Alyssa is just emerging on the other side of grief after her husband died suddenly, Lanie … had something going on, and we don’t really get to know much about Corinne yet, but I’m looking forward to learning more about her. As if that isn’t enough, there are still the paranormal talents to get used to: Alyssa’s being able to see ghosts, and now Nina’s new telepathy talent.

On top of all of that, Alyssa keeps seeing ghosts that clearly have a message for her, but she can’t quite figure out what these messages are. Although there is one ghost whose presence made me laugh a lot of the time, even as I already predicted that they would creating issues. More importantly, there are unsolved mysteries piling up at the police station, and they’re clearly related in some way to these cases, if Alyssa can just figure out what the ghosts are trying to tell her.

I really enjoyed the romance growing between Alyssa and her hot detective boyfriend. They are really developing more than just attraction, but also a great friendship, which is a pretty good way to create a romance that feels natural and realistic. Things are moving slowly, and the romance is closed door, so it actually feels like watching a relationship develop, as opposed to insta-love or something out of convenience. Both Alyssa and Nick are building on a foundation of honesty, cooperation, respect, and vulnerability, and I am enjoying seeing this blossom.

While I loved the romance aspect of the book, I especially appreciated the way that it didn’t overshadow the other aspects of the story, including the friendships and the mysteries. And yes, I did say ‘mysteries,’ because there are several of them in this book. Initially, it was a little bit confusing, but after I got everything situated in my head, I was fully invested. The story is a little slow in the beginning as it sets up all these different questions—what’s up with the ghosts? What are they trying to tell Alyssa? What the heck is going on with Lanie? Who is blackmailing Nina and why? What is happening with the missing girl?—but it does pick up the pace around 25% of the way in, and things move at a pretty fast pace from there to the end.

Overall, I really had a good time with this one. It’s fun, funny, the perfect mix of light-hearted and serious, has the sweetest romance, and what is giving me younger Golden Girls vibes. The author sensitively deals with grief, various types of loss, and still manages to feel light as a whole. Plot twists were a bit predictable, but I kind of like that in my cozy mysteries sometimes—it makes it a fluffy read that doesn’t involve too much overthinking, and it really allowed me to focus more on the different aspects of the story that have been developing over the course of the series. This was a great read, and if you’re a fan of cozies, this is one to check out for sure!

Alyssa is trying to find a balance after the loss of her husband.  Something that I know from experience isn't easy.  The relationship she has with her daughter is wonderful though, it's well-balanced and while she wants to hover, Alyssa still lets her daughter have some freedom.  Despite everything she's been dealing with - losing her husband and gaining the ability to see ghosts - she's handling it well and is upbeat and positive.  I like her a lot.  

The friendship-turned-hopeful relationship she has with the detective next door, Nick West, is fun as well.  Nick is both eager to help her while also attempting to keep her out of danger.  They're a cute couple and do work well together, so I hope that the next book really brings them together.  He's also suffering from a loss and I think that they'll be good for each other's healing process.  

One of the things I love the most about cozy mysteries is the group aspect.  Each sleuth has his or her own group of helpers and it makes the investigating so much more fun.  It can also lead to more chaos, which I live for.  Alyssa and her friend group are diverse and interesting, each with their own backstory and secrets.  Some of which sneak out during this story.  I need to read the first book while I wait for the third.  There's so much to know about all of these people.  

The revelation around Nina's backstory was interesting and made me really feel for her.  She went through a lot and still managed to make a good life for herself.  The revelation of her psychometry - being able to see things by touching an object - was fascinating to me.  I had thought Alyssa would be the only one with psychic inclinations and was pleasantly wrong.  Makes me curious to see what will be revealed in the next book.  

A Charming Touch of Tarot is exactly that - a charming and adventurous story about friends and lost love.  Alyssa and her group of friends are fascinating and I can't wait to learn more about their group dynamics - and everyone's histories - as the series goes on.

This book was brilliant!! It is book 2 of The Gin & Tarot Club #2 and I was anxiously waiting for it.

I Love Corinnes, Lanies, Nina and Alyssa's dynamic. Their friendship is one of the things I loved the most in this series. Even the challenges they were facing couldn't break them apart and I loved that. I need friends like this.. I have a real softspot for cozy mysteries and when they have a paranormal element.... that's a dingdingding!!!

What you will get... Some of the most incredible writing in the genre. Suspense out the wazoo... Some of the most magically heartfelt moments.

I definitely loved the paranormal parts the most but the mysteries were definitely a highlight too!! There was definitely more going on in this book and I was sucked right in!!

I did have a little listen of the audiobook as well and it was excellent too!

4.5 stars

Thank you to @berkleyromance @authormelissaholtz and @netgalley for my gifted copy

I’m torn with the book. It’s ok, but the characters feel shallow, a lot is not explained or finished. The paranormal aspects seem to be used to explain gaps in reasoning & to move the story. #ACharmingTouchofTarot #NetGalley

I have to say that I absolutely loved this book…it was so fun! It touched on whimsical magic, strong female friendships, and a new budding romance. It also demonstrated what it’s like to live in a small town and help take care of your neighbors and support the residents at large.

Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne have been friends for some time. They love wine, margaritas, book clubs, and vision boards! They gather at least once a week for a ladies night out at one of their houses. They also love to talk about the magic that surrounds them and the powers that they have whether this be through ouija boards,

Their friendship is being put to the test recently as they are trying to solve a mystery that starts in their town but becomes a much larger affair. They are also keeping secrets from one another which is a first for their friendship group. Nina’s marriage is falling apart. Lanie is acting distant and weird. Alyssa has a crush that is turning into a romance. And, no one seems to be able to trust Corinne recently. Throw in a dead body or two, a few spirits, a poltergeist, and a prestigiously old secret society to the mix and everything becomes much more complicated and complex. The ladies and law enforcement aren’t quite sure what they are up against.

Please do yourself a favor: 1) add this book to your TBR and 2) put on your sneakers and run to the book store to grab your copy today!

I only read half this book, as I lost interest. It was cozy and I believe patrons will enjoy it, but it did not hold my attention

Melissa Holtz’s “A Charming Touch of Tarot” (Berkley, $19) offers a feel-good mystery with a spirited twist … literally.

Alyssa Mann can see spirits, which comes in handy when a drowned girl’s ghost appears on Christmas Eve. And even more so when the same girl turns up dead days later. With her tarot-wielding, secret-sensing besties by her side, Alyssa dives into a twisty investigation that spans from Rhode Island to New Orleans, uncovering blackmail, long-lost relatives and shady figures who’d rather stay buried.

Holtz mixes paranormal charm with cozy mystery vibes, centering women in midlife who juggle motherhood and trauma, and includes a budding romance with a skeptical cop, whose dead ex also has a few opinions. This lively second installment in the “The Gin & Tarot Club” series delivers supernatural sleuthing and heartfelt moments, perfect for readers who like their whodunits with a side of spells and snark.zz

Thank you for the free book @penguinrandomhouse and @berkleyrpub! #penguinrandomhousepartner #berkleyIG #BerkleyBookstagram.

What if you can see ghosts and then one night, a ghost appeared and you find out that she was the ex fiancée of the guy you’re currently dating!? 😂

This is definitely starting to be one of my favorite series! It’s pretty much about a group of friends with psychic abilities helping to solve murder cases! It has ghosts, seances, sleuthing, a side of romance between two widows, with the female leads resembling the cast of Sex and the City! I love it so much!

I binged this book and wish I hadn’t because now I have to wait a full year again before I get to the next book 😂 You don’t have to read the first book - they’re totally different storylines buuut you’d just be familiar with the characters more if you do.

This comes out today and I highly recommend for you to pick it up! Definitely one of my fave mystery series!

This was a really fun and relatable mystery! If you're looking to read a mystery with a bad ass group of women and just a little bit of romance, I can promise you're going to enjoy A Charming Touch of Tarot! And don't hold off on this until spooky season when everyone is pulling out their witchy and magic books- just read it now! you'll be glad you did!

I didn't realize going into this that it was a sequel, and having never read the first I was still completely able to enjoy it. For the first couple of chapters I was thinking it might be a DNF, but then the actual mystery case started and saved the book for me. Genuinely a fun read, nothing too overpowering (from the romance or mystery side) but just enough to keep a reader interested. Star rating is rounded up from a 3.5.

I am really enjoying this series!
So while we are getting Nina's story and following up on the details we received at the end of the last book, Alyssa and Nick are still our main characters, and I love it. We pick up a bit after the end of Book 1, and Nick and Alyssa are attempting to date, but it's not easy with Nick's job as a homicide detective. And is made even more difficult when a certain ghost makes an appearance.

I love the banter between Nick and Alyssa, as well as the ride-or-die friendships with Nina and Lainie. This book had me laughing out loud, and on the edge of my seat, waiting for personal secrets to be revealed and finding out who the killer was.
I can't wait to see how Lainie's story is going to go!

A delightful and enjoyable continuation! These characters are excellent and it's nice to be back with them, and the magic is easily understood and well balanced with the real. I am hoping for more!

A Charming Touch of Tarot is the second book in The Gin and Tarot Club series by Author Melissa Holtz. Not having read the first book, I was at a loss at times, but there were enough details given that I could usually figure out some of what happened before.

This paranormal mystery is a little darker than a cozy mystery, with lots of ghosts, poltergeists, darkness, and danger. Multiple stories occur, and various crimes are committed. Through it all, Alyssa, her detective boyfriend, Nick, and several friends are in the thick of things. Alyssa can see and talk with ghosts, and her friend, Nina, touches people and knows what’s going on in their lives or thoughts. Lainie is sometimes there as comedic relief but also knows more about an organization with its tentacles in many places. I chuckled a few times at their outlandish actions to figure out whodunnit.

With multiple murders, lots of bad dreams that have meaning, some disbelief, and reconciliation, the story proceeded at a good pace. The flow was sometimes interrupted, not realizing that a location change or a new day was unfolding. They all seem to get on board with the ghost, dreams, and what they’re trying to tell them. We are taken on multiple adventures through Massachusetts, Florida, and New Orleans to gather clues and discover additional connections and details.

Nick seems to need the help of Alyssa and her friends behind the scenes to save some lives. The story does have closure with a chance of a few happily ever afters, but it ended too abruptly. The chapter titles all related to tarot cards were an added bonus.

A Charming Touch of Tarot is darker than a cozy mystery and has a lot of paranormal effects. Sit back as Alyssa, Nick, and the others gather the clues to figure out whodunnit.

The review is posted on NovelsAlive.

I absolutely adored the characters in this cozy supernatural story! The author knows how build great characters and an amazing storyline that sucks you in from the first page and keep you hooked til the end. I definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a cozy supernatural story with a love story mixed in.

I didn't realize this was book 2 of a series. I was fairly lost at the start, but was able to get into it regardless. There is a mystery that will likely span the entire series, so I am definitely going to go back and read book 1 as I'm likely to continue this series. The cozy mystery vibes are here and I love them, so if that's something your looking for this is it. However I'd still recommend reading the first book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC

Fast-paced, empowering, and fun!

A Charming Touch of Tarot is a spellbinding blend of suspense, sisterhood, and the supernatural. I didn’t realize this was the second book in The Gin & Tarot Club series, so I quickly grabbed the audiobook of An Enchanting Case of Spirits to acquaint myself with the characters and their backstories—and I’m so glad I did! The friendship between Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne is the heart of this story, and I loved how their magical abilities were woven into the rising tension. From ghostly encounters to telepathic twists, the danger felt real, but so did the strength of their bond.
A delightful mix of charm, mystery, and magical mischief.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

There sure was a lot going on in this book. The mystery was compelling, but there was so much going on that I think the story got a little convoluted. I like Alyssa, Nina, Lanie and Corrinne, and their friendship felt true to my life. Even with the magic in their lives. I will definitely continue with the series, and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!

First off I wish the discription pointed out that this was a 2nd book in a series. I did go back and purchase the first to read.
Even though this book did start off slow and a bit confusing overall the enjoyment outweigh the start.
Grief, death and new discovery of ones self was the overall theme in this Paranormal cozy atmosphere. The mystery was fun (a bit predictable) and the romance was just the right amount with more of the close door feeling.

3.25/5 rounded down

Thank you Berkley Books for the advanced reading copy!

Firstly, I didn’t know this was the second series and it would definitely have been helpful to read the first one. It took me a little bit to get into the characters because I didn’t know their previous relationships, and there were definitely a few moments where I wasn’t sure what was going on... though I’m not sure if that’s because of not having read the previous book or if I just was confused by the plotting.

The inclusion of the tarot was definitely interesting, and at some parts felt like it added to the story and sometimes felt unrelated. I think there could have been a bit more of that, actually, to make it feel connected to the title.

I feel fairly neutral about this book overall. I didn’t hate it, wouldn’t go so far as to say I really liked it. The story itself was fine and fairly well written. I think the plot got away from me a little bit, and there were times when it was challenging to see where sub plots related to the overall story, even after these were thoroughly explained. Overall, would recommend this if you’re looking for a magical, lightly romantic, mystical mystery, but would definitely recommend you read the first one first.