Magic is like a pool. It is vast, deep, and mysterious. Just like a pool, magic is a source of endless wonders and possibilities. When you dive into a pool, you immerse yourself in a new world, where gravity feels different, and you can explore the depths unknown. Similarly, when you embrace magic, you open yourself to a realm where anything can happen. Just like a pool's surface may appear calm and still, magic can hide its true power beneath a seemingly ordinary facade.
Bait And Witch is the first book in a new series. I found it highly entertaining and immensely fun. I am always a fan of witch or book-related cozies, and this book has both. Josie is a witch with a unique magical ability, she just didn’t know it until she found herself hiding out in a library in Oregon, and the books started talking to her. Unfortunately, she finds out that the library may not be around for long as there are plans to bulldoze it. But with the news, a body turns up, and before she knows it, she is looking for a new place to hide, because somebody may want her dead. The murder of an unknown woman comes on the heels of Josie arriving in town. After hearing a backroom deal being made by a politician and a contractor, Josie, along with a co-worker who goes missing, is in danger. She takes the job in Oregon to spend a few quiet weeks, hoping that no one will be able to track her to the town.
After 11 years as a congressional investigator, Angela realized she was more fascinated by the stories at the edges of her investigations the decrepit exercise equipment in the ladies room of a Czech oil company; the curious number of framed photographs of women on a nuclear weapons official s desk; the stupendous speed by which a particular Agriculture undersecretary inhaled chili dogs than by the policies she evaluated. In traveling to the small town, Josie experiences something she cannot describe and comes to realize that she is a witch whose power comes from books.
Just like a pool's surface may appear calm and still, magic can hide its true power beneath a seemingly ordinary facade. It takes a keen eye and an open heart to recognize the magic that exists around us. The pool reflects the sky, the trees, and everything surrounding it, creating a mirror-like effect that enchants those who gaze into it.
Bait and Witch
A librarian, who is also a whistleblower, on the run and hiding out in a small town, what could go wrong? Josie intent on doing the right thing is a whistleblower and tells the FBI about a bribe she overhears in the Library of Congress. Instead of staying in town, she take a vacation and a new job in a small town across the country that should make it hard to find her. However, the town has problems and mysteries of its own. In traveling to the small town, Josie experiences something she cannot describe and comes to realize that she is a witch whose power comes from books. Of course when she gets to her small town she finds a dead body, and the library is in trouble. Josie decides that even if she isn’t staying she will help as much as she can, and in the process maybe she realizes that this small town is good for her and her reclaimed abilities. Eagerly looking forward to the next books in the series.
Character List/Book Summary:
Josie Wayfield – has a star birthmark that started burning when she crossed the Continental Divide. Overheard a bribe for a defense contract and fled after giving evidence to the FBI. Gets magical sense from books. Discovers a dead body on her first day in Wilfred. Solves the murder and a few other mysteries along the way.
Lyndon Forster – caretaker of the Wilfred library and one of the board of trustees. Picks Josie up from the airport after attending a secret meeting. Vegan and has a way of working with flowers.
Darla Starling – hired Josie after an interview over the phone, did not tell her the trouble the library was in. Is basically the de facto mayor (owns the trailer park, tavern & dinner). A library trustee and has a secret that Josie figures out.
Toni – Josie’s sister and a physician
Roslyn “Roz” Glover – assistant librarian, and works on a secret project in the library by a window that overlooks the grounds. Tells Josie about the library possibly being demolished and turned into a retreat.
Marilyn Wilfred – left the library to the town in her will, townspeople call her Aunt Lyn
Ilona Blackwalter – real estate agent handling the sale of the library. A library trustee. Her secrets are uncovered as Josie is hunting down the killer.
Dylan – high school intern
Jean – Josie’s younger sister
Sheriff Bert Dolby – sheriff of Wilfred. Knows about Josie’s issue with the FBI and claims to be working with them. His secrets are part of the plot twist.
Duke McConway – library trustee, member of knitting club, convinced Craig is guilty
Thurston “Sam” Wilfred – the 5th, lives next to the library in the “big house” that the Wilfreds own. Lives in LA, the sheriff knows his real job and why he is in town. Josie finds out his secret after the explosion in the library.
Craig Burdock – arrested for murder, small time criminal, and uses his vulnerability to get his way with women.
Lalena Dolby – Bert’s sister, does tarot/palm reading/and communicates with the dead. Dated Craig and knows he couldn’t have killed the woman Josie found.
January Stephens – a “fixer” who was found murdered on the library grounds.
Sita and Ruff Waters – buyers of the library. Sign a letter of intent to purchase the library at a meeting. Plan to turn the library into a retreat.
Judge Valade – the judge ruling on the suit to stop the purchase of the library. Josie gets a report to him on how valuable the library is to the community.
Duke McConway – library trustee, member of knitting club, convinced Craig is guilty
Magic, too, reflects the world we see but also reveals a world beyond our comprehension. When you immerse yourself in a pool, you become weightless, free from the constraints of gravity. Similarly, magic frees us from the limitations of our reality. It allows our imagination to soar, and our dreams to come true. By exploring the depths of the pool, we discover new worlds and uncover hidden treasures. In the same way, magic enables us to tap into realms unknown, unravel mysteries, and harness extraordinary powers. A pool can be a place of solace, where one finds peace and serenity in the cool, refreshing water. Similarly, magic offers a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the chaos of the world. It provides a haven where one can embrace their truest selves, escape the ordinary, and find solace in the extraordinary. Just as a pool can transform a mundane day into a memorable experience, magic has the ability to transform our lives. It adds a touch of enchantment to even the simplest of moments, turning them into extraordinary memories. The pool and magic hold the power to transport us to other worlds, ignite our senses, and fill our lives with wonder. In conclusion, magic is like a pool. It is a vast, deep, and mysterious well of wonders. By diving into its depths, we can unlock its secrets, tap into its power, and transform our lives. So, let us embrace the magic around us, just as we would immerse ourselves in the enchanting waters of a pool..
Reviews for "The Enchanting allure of the Magic Pool"
1. Emma - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Magic like a pool". The plot was incredibly slow and uneventful, and the characters felt one-dimensional and unrelatable. There was a lack of depth and development, making it hard for me to connect with the story. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and forgettable read.
2. David - 3/5 - While "Magic like a pool" had an interesting concept, I felt let down by the execution. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing moments. The writing style also felt disjointed, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "Magic like a pool" to be quite boring and predictable. The plot lacked originality and failed to grab my attention. Additionally, the characters felt cliché and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about their journey. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are seeking a captivating and unique fantasy read.
4. Ryan - 2/5 - "Magic like a pool" failed to captivate me from the start. The world-building was weak, and the magic system felt underdeveloped. The plot meandered without any clear direction, and the characters lacked complexity. I struggled to stay engaged with this book and found myself skimming through pages in search of something more interesting. It was a disappointing read that I wouldn't recommend to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.