Wedding Bells and Deadly Spells by Danielle Garrett Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 4 hours 1 minute
Series: A Touch of Magic Mysteries #3
Published by Tantor Audio on April 12, 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Cozy Mystery
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Rating:
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A drop of poison is all it takes to bring the biggest wedding of the season to its knees.
Anastasia Winters adheres to the adage that the show must go on, but when the groom of her latest wedding drops dead before “I do,” she’s left with no backup plan.
Things get even stickier when her friend and esteemed caterer, Francois, is named the top suspect.
Ana's loyalties are tested as the investigation turns into a vicious tug-of-war. She believes Francois is innocent, but holding the other side of the rope is the lead detective--her serious boyfriend--and the more she struggles, the more her own chance at happily ever after starts to unravel.
It’s up to Anastasia to find the killer, while gripping tightly to her relationships before they break and leave her with nothing.
***
Wedding Bells and Deadly Spells is the third novel in a new series of paranormal mysteries by Danielle Garrett. Step inside the magical world of the Seattle Haven and see what happens when the magic and wedding worlds collide! Packed full of laughs, magic, mystery, and a little romance, this series is sure to have something for everyone.
Rich, entitled, and very connected makes a jerk groom and his bride, Anastasia’s personal penance for months through planning their nuptials. She dreams of their ‘I do’ moment with happiness more than they do. I have such a good time with this author’s books that I couldn’t wait to jump back in her paranormal cozy mystery world.
Wedding Bells and Deadly Spells was the third of the Touch of Magic series that is a spinoff of the Beechwood Harbor Magic series. This series should be read in order to get the full storyline for main character and recurring characters, but it also works especially best after getting the older series because there is a small crossover with that series main character into this book.
Anastasia is a premier wedding planner for a big well-established agency. She’s at the top of her game with her career and her romantic relationship with Caleb, her Supernatural Police Agency boyfriend. But, when the snobby and annoying groom is murdered and her caterer friend stands accused by Caleb as the investigating officer even as she gets pounced on by a boss always waiting to catch her out, she is on the verge of losing everything. And, what’s with her younger sister sneaking around and lying to her? Can’t a poor witch catch a break?
I loved how this one turned out. Anastasia really got put through the wringer personally. It still had a light and fun feel, but also touched on personal relationships, career dreams, and big changes for her future while offering up a good murder mystery. She hit a low time and had to struggle which made it all the more engaging.
The mystery was good, but, I confess, that I only gave it half a thought because I was more interested in the intrigues of her personal life this go around.
Amanda Ronconi is very familiar and was a welcome sound when I picked this one up in audio edition. She has been the voice of all the author’s books and let me say, that is a good thing. She makes listening to this series and the others an enhanced experience because she captures her characters, the world, and the tone of the author’s writing so well. There is an inter-changeableness in that Ana sounds like Holly and Scarlett and Caleb sounds like the other heroine’s boyfriends, but I didn’t mind nor did it confuse me.
I think this series is getting better with each new release since this was the best yet to me. If you want entertaining cozy mystery set in a paranormal world with a well-developed cast of characters, you need look no further.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
It does sounds like a fun series
Oh yes, I am definitely a fan. Not sure if there will be more in this series since it felt like it was wrapping up, but I hope so.
Gosh i love these covers and titles lol. 🙂
Aren’t they a hoot, Greg?
I’ve enjoyed your other reviews of her books thanks Sophia Rose and this one looks really good
Oh yes, one could safely say that I’m addicted. LOL
This sounds so super cute! You have me wanting to check out this series!
They are very cute and just some light fun listening.
Wow Sophia, I find you everywhere. lol
I enjoyed your review. I haven’t read this author but I’m glad you seemed to have enjoyed this.
You made me think of that old Beach Boys song ‘I Get Around’, Mary. LOL
It was another fun one. I’m glad she’s writing so many now. 🙂
What a cute little series. And can I just say that the kitties you have for your rating system are just so cute?
It’s been a fun distraction reading and listening to these, Alicia.
Aren’t the kitties adorable? Love the graphics Lily chooses for the blog.
I am loving the sound of this book.
These are so entertaining. You’d have a good time with them, Nadene!
These sound like lovely little cosy mysteries Sophia and quite quick at only four hours! I’ve been trying to get into audiobooks but lose interest when they waffle on for too long so this is perfect for me. So glad the series gets better with each book! Great review Sophia, really enjoyed it.
Oh yes, these do go pretty fast, but still have a developed story. Sounds like a good fit for you, Kelly.
I love Amanda Ronconi’s narration and I’ve been intrigued by the original series since reading your reviews. I’ll have to start at the beginning at some point. Wonderful review, Sophia Rose! 🙂
She is one of my favs, too, Rachel. I think I might have picked the original book up as a result. Then I got hooked. 🙂
It seems so light and fun!
It sure is, Sophie. A blast!
I like the sound of this series! I need to pick them up at some point. I hear nothing but good things about Garrett’s books.
They’re just so light and easy, Nicci. Perfect if you don’t want anything challenging, but still want a nice story and mystery.
This is an author that I really need to try. Her books just sound like a lot of fun. I love Ronconi’s narration so I am thinking audio would be the way to go. Great review, Sophia Rose!
Oh yes, double the pleasure since I think you’d enjoy the stories and you already like the narrator, Carole. 🙂
This series sounds like it would be a lot of fun to read! Thanks for sharing it and bringing it to my attention. 🙂 Lovely review!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Glad to introduce you, Lindsi! They are highly entertaining while also being light and quick.
I like it when a seriel protagonist gets put through the wringer personally. It really enlivens what could be a ho hum case. I’m glad you enjoy these so much!