Small Town Big Magic

Small Town Big Magic follows Emerson Wilde, a woman who rejects the supernatural despite her family's history of witchcraft in the town of St. Cyprian, Missouri. When she returns home to run her grandmother's craft store, strange events force her to confront both her magical heritage and threats to the community. The story centers on Emerson's relationships with three men from her past - her ex-boyfriend, her childhood friend, and her high school crush - who each play a role in the mysteries surrounding St. Cyprian. As she investigates disturbing incidents around town, she must decide whether to embrace or deny her witch powers. Magic and small-town dynamics intertwine throughout this contemporary paranormal romance. The novel incorporates elements of mystery, romance, and supernatural fantasy while exploring themes of identity, legacy, and belonging. Through Emerson's journey, the story examines how the past shapes present choices and the power of accepting one's true nature.

Readers report a fun premise that doesn't fully deliver on its potential. The romance and small-town witch storyline appeals to cozy mystery fans, but many note the plot moves slowly with repetitive internal monologues. Readers appreciated: - The diverse cast of characters - The magical system and witch lore - Small town atmosphere and descriptions - LGBTQ+ representation - Light romance elements Common criticisms: - Pacing drags in the middle - Too much focus on the protagonist's indecision - Romance feels underdeveloped - Predictable plot twists - Writing style can be redundant Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (230+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Great concept but needed tighter editing. The main character spent too much time rehashing her thoughts instead of moving the story forward." - Goodreads reviewer "The witchy elements and friend group dynamics were strong, but the romance subplot felt tacked on." - Amazon reviewer

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling A witchy second-chance romance unfolds in a small Georgia town where a woman's curse on her ex-boyfriend leads to magical mayhem.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen Two sisters with magical abilities navigate love and family secrets in a North Carolina town where an enchanted apple tree changes lives.

Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper A witch returns to her magical hometown for a spellcasting competition and finds herself caught between revenge plots and unexpected romance.

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais Five elderly witches band together to save their home while confronting past mistakes and town prejudices.

A Letter to Three Witches by Elizabeth Bass Three witch cousins face romantic complications and family drama when their grandfather's letter reveals a spell gone wrong in their small town.

🌟 "Small Town Big Magic" is Hazel Beck's debut novel, but "Hazel Beck" is actually a pen name for the writing duo of Vicki Essex and Rachel Herron. 🔮 The story takes place in Madeline's hometown of Thistle Grove, Wisconsin - a setting inspired by real small Midwestern towns with rich folklore traditions. 📚 The book blends elements of contemporary romance with witchcraft and magical realism, reflecting a growing trend in the publishing industry called "witchlit." 🌙 The main character, Madeline, comes from a long line of witches who are one of four founding magical families that protect their town - each family possessing different magical specialties. 💫 The authors drew inspiration from classic witch-themed media like "Practical Magic" and "Charmed," while adding modern elements like social media and contemporary dating challenges.