Shortbread and Shadows

Shortbread and Shadows by Amy Lane was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Bartholomew Baker, hedge witch and baker, didn't realize that half truths and lies would make his world implode in a weird and unexpected way. Lachlan Stephens, woodworker and crushing on Bartholomew, saw Batholomew needed him and dove right into keeping his Tolly and his coven safe. I really had fun with this book. It was lovely, and heartwarming to see two people, one shy and other bold but cautious, fall for each other despite the magical mishap. True love can conquer even magic.

First, a disclaimer. I’m not a believer in wicca, nor do I believe that people can cast magic spells that actually affect the real world. I do like a good fantasy tale, though. And I loved this newest story from Amy Lane, the author who effortlessly shifts from dramatic angst in one book to a fluffy tale of young witches figuring out life together in the next.

Bartholomew “Barty” Baker is a shy young man with a day job in the IT field. His true vocation and love is baking, and toward that end he sells his wares at craft fairs and conventions. Barty’s best friends and neighbors all support his dream – and are all members of their cul-de-sac coven. For some time Barty has yearned for another craft fair regular, woodworker Lachlan.

A misdirected spell leads to hordes of people being drawn to Barty, for more than a taste of his sweet treats. A spectacular escape from a craft fair engineered by Lachlan leads to our main characters discovering their mutual affection for one another. There’s so much more, not least of which that the misdirected spell continues to wreak havoc in the cul-de-sac.

This book is a feel-good story that left me sighing with escapist pleasure; and it’s the first in the Hedge Witches Lonely Hearts Club series. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.