A trilogy by Nora Roberts follows a trio of magical ladies as they embrace their gifts and learn to love on a fictional island off Cape Cod. This cozy spot in Massachussets has all the trappings of Martha’s Vineyard– the beach, the history, the small town feel–but the magic is unique. Long ago to escape the Salem Witch trials three women came together to create a place that they could call home.
However a curse exists on the island. To break it, three modern-day women with the island’s magic must be careful not to make the same mistakes as their ancestors. Whether it’s falling hard for a dangerous man, fighting love away as a defense, or trying to control love by giving it all up, each woman must face her challenge.
This series spoke to me because I love to summer in Cape Cod. Unlike a lot of the Cape themed novels out today, this has a paranormal witchy aspect to it. I think this series is very unique in that way, and so it may interest readers who love witches, spells, magic, or paranormal thrillers.
Primarily the stories are romance. Taking place in a small town, you are introduced to most characters from the start. The main characters are sweetie-pie chef Nell, aggressive policewoman Ripley, and fiesty bookstore owner Mia.
Three women are imbued with special powers on the island, but that doesn’t mean they are ready to use them against brewing dark forces. Neither are they prepared to fall in love, but they best get ready as both magic and love stalks into their lives.
The first two books were my favorite even though I adore Mia as a character. Mia spotlights in the third book but by then the fantasy aspect of the series neared conclusion. As a device in the first two books the curse was great, but the lead up to the climax was the achilles heel of the trilogy.
Renowned romance author Nora Romance does a great job with the relationships, love, sex, friendship and warm fuzzies. I was pleasantly surprised by her depiction of witches and found it to be a nice balance between fantasy and realism. She writes some great rhyming spells and her scenes of witchcraft are well written. Magic has impressive effects but doesn’t seem too powerful.
For a beach or comfort read, dig into the books. Just don’t expect a masterful wrap-up to the island curse plot. I found myself skimming the parts about the curse in the midst of book three, just waiting to see how the romance would end.
This book supports the message that all ladies can be powerful goddesses. And that I will always be willing to read.
Book One on Amazon
Series Package for Kindle
