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/ From The Bookshelf

Book Review: Witch in the Lighthouse

Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Buy on Amazon

Title: Witch in the Lighthouse

Author: Azalea Forrest

Publication Date: February 20, 2018

Genre: Fiction, Paranormal Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Cover:

Sometimes, it is the simplest of covers that draws the eye to them. In the case of Witch in the Lighthouse, I found myself drawn to the expansive cloudy sky with the lighthouse jutting up into view. I also like the handwritten quality of the font, which fits perfectly with the storyline.

Premise

Magnolia Hanna is a young witch who quite unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s lighthouse in the seaside town of Lightview. Magnolia, or Maggie, has lived in a small community in the mountains where witches are common and valued, but now she finds herself the only witch in a town that is not ready to accept her. As the story is told, the reader learns more about the village’s history and what happened ten years prior when the last witch, Basil Olivander, lived there. What unfolds is a story of loss and redemption with a whimsical, magical element that is sure to entertain.

Why I chose this book:

While scanning through various tweets one day on Twitter/X, I came across a tweet from author Azalea Forrest about her book. The title instantly drew my attention, and when I saw the cover, I was enamored. The description also piqued my interest as I read about Magnolia’s lighthouse inheritance and the villagers who hated magic.

First Impression:

This is the perfect book to curl up with as it can easily be read in one day. As I got a few chapters in, I found myself comparing the feel of the story to the TV series The Good Witch. It has a light and fun energy about it with enjoyable characters. I immediately liked that male witches were included and that the author took the stance that anyone can be a witch since it is all about channeling one’s intention.

What I loved:

Forrest has a lovely, fanciful, and highly descriptive writing style. She does an excellent job of engaging the senses. There were moments when I felt like I could see, smell, taste, hear, and feel what she was describing, which is always a treat. I also enjoyed the contrast in characters. The protagonist, Magnolia, is a reluctant hero who is kind, unselfish, intuitive, and brave. At times, she accesses power and strength that she did not know she even possessed, and she does it all for the good of others. On the other hand, Basil is quite the opposite. While he is brilliant and powerful, he is also arrogant and selfish. He has a massive chip on his shoulder and refuses to take responsibility for anything. These characters provided a certain sense of balance.

There are many themes embedded in this story. There is the obvious battle between good and evil, but the book also tackles the ideas of overcoming prejudice, learning to forgive, and giving people room to evolve into better versions of themselves. As I read the story, I couldn’t help but think that these are topics that our modern-day world also struggles with.

Additional Thoughts:

I wish the book was longer! Yes, it was meant to be a novella; however, a certain amount of world-building was required, and when combined with the back story and current story, it felt rushed and needed breathing room with additional detail. This resulted in certain situations being wrapped up too quickly and neatly, such as Magnolia forgiving Basil for his past actions. There were also abrupt shifts as Basil recounted events from his past that would benefit from a smoother transition.

Quotable Quotes:

• There was something about the sea breeze that was comforting to Magnolia. It was the smell. It was always with her and where it wasn’t, it was suddenly all the more powerful when it was again. If she could, she would wrap her arms around it. She would kiss it. That was how much she felt the sea breeze comforted her.
• “Well, tea is just water infused with plants,” she explained. “Herbs and fungi, mostly. But a potion is with an infusion of magic. I make the tea more effective and can choose which properties to pull forward and which to eliminate completely, if I know what I’m working with.”
• Despite death, life continued on.
• Maggie could hear the remorse in his voice, but she was still confused and upset. She couldn’t find it in her to forgive him, or to even understand him. He was like a petulant child, blaming others for his mistakes and running from his problems.

Who might enjoy this book:

Witch in the Lighthouseis ideal for readers looking for a quick read featuring likable characters who use magic to save their town.

Overall Impression:

Four stars. Forrest has a unique storytelling ability that makes a paranormal fantasy novel accessible to mainstream readers who might not have previously dabbled in this genre. I would love to see this story expanded into a longer novel because I see the potential it holds to be a novel of greater substance. Thanks to Forrest, I want to fly on a broom, live in a lighthouse, and make Maggie my best friend!

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