Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck

Title: Small Town, Big Magic

Series: Witchlore

Author: Hazel Beck

Narrator: Natalie Duke

Release Date: August 23, 2022

Publisher: print, Harlequin Trade Publishing; audio, Harper Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

TW: bullying, abandonment, sexism, blood, gaslighting, death, terminal illness, stalking, minor sexual content

Synopsis

A witchy rom-com in which a bookstore owner who is fighting to revitalize a small midwestern town clashes with her rival, the mayor, and uncovers not only a clandestine group that wields a dark magic to control the idyllic river hamlet, but hidden powers she never knew she possessed.

Witches aren't real. Right?

No one has civic pride quite like Emerson Wilde. As a local indie bookstore owner and youngest-ever Chamber of Commerce president, she’d do anything for her hometown of St. Cyprian, Missouri. After all, Midwest is best! She may be descended from a witch who was hanged in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials, but there’s no sorcery in doing your best for the town you love.

Or is there?

As she preps Main Street for an annual festival, Emerson notices strange things happening around St. Cyprian. Strange things that culminate in a showdown with her lifelong arch-rival, Mayor Skip Simon. He seems to have sent impossible, paranormal creatures after her. Creatures that Emerson dispatches with ease, though she has no idea how she’s done it. Is Skip Simon…a witch? Is Emerson?

It turns out witches are real, and Emerson is one of them. She failed a coming-of-age test at age eighteen—the only test she’s ever failed!—and now, as an adult, her powers have come roaring back.

But she has little time to explore those powers, or her blossoming relationship with her childhood friend, cranky-yet-gorgeous local farmer Jacob North: an ancient evil has awakened in St. Cyprian, and it’s up to Emerson and her friends—maybe even Emerson herself—to save everything she loves.

Thoughts

Reading "Small Town, Big Magic" by Hazel Beck was an absolute delight for me. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the snark and wit that filled the pages. The descriptions of St. Cyprian were quaint and charming, instantly transporting me back to memories of my own hometown in Missouri. This connection made the book feel incredibly personal and engaging.

One of the standout aspects of the book was its excellent writing. Hazel Beck has a knack for crafting humorous and clever dialogue that kept me smiling throughout. The plot was well-constructed and never lost my interest; I found myself eagerly turning each page to see what would happen next. Emerson Wilde, the protagonist, truly stole the show for me. Her fight-the-patriarchy spirit was inspiring and relatable, and I loved how the book maintained a strong female perspective without losing its sense of humor.

The characters, storyline, and setting evoked nostalgic Charmed vibes, which only enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Emerson is a fantastic heroine, embodying strength, wit, and determination. Her dynamic with Jacob North, the local farmer and her childhood friend, was heartwarming. Jacob is the ideal match for Emerson—a handsome, perfect romance hero who not only complements her but also admires and supports her strength. Their relationship added a layer of romance to the story that felt both genuine and compelling.

The narrator of the audiobook did a wonderful job portraying Emerson’s no-nonsense, feminist, small-town-champion personality. Her performance brought the characters to life in a way that made the listening experience even more enjoyable. I could easily picture Emerson standing up to her lifelong arch-rival, Mayor Skip Simon, and uncovering the hidden magical powers she never knew she possessed.

Overall, "Small Town, Big Magic" is a fantastic blend of fantasy, romance, and humor, with a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The book’s strong female perspective, combined with its charming setting and engaging characters, made for an unforgettable read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a witty, magical adventure that celebrates the power of women and the charm of small-town life.