Laced with Magic

Starred review from June 15, 2009
Half-sorceress Chloe Hobbs and policeman Luke MacKenzie, the only humans in the sleepy Vermont town of Sugar Maple, face worldly and unearthly challenges in this sweetly charming sequel to 2008's Casting Spells
. When Luke's ex-wife, Karen, shows up in town claiming that their dead daughter is trying to ask them for help, Chloe must deal with smalltown gossip and fix her relationship with Luke while she battles her old Fae enemy, Isadora, over the child's spirit and the future of Sugar Maple. Bretton seamlessly blends a playful world of eccentric and meddling supernatural creatures living in the midst of New England with a warm, natural and romantic story and just a hint of mystery. Scenes in Chloe's yarn shop and helpful knitting tips hold extra appeal for yarn aficionados while never distracting from the plot.

August 15, 2009
Continuing her magical mystery series, begun with "Casting Spells", Bretton gives half-sorceress, knitting-shop owner Chloe Hobbs her biggest challenge yet: the arrival of her human lover's ex-wife claiming to have talked to their daughterwho just happens to be dead! Ghosts, a vindictive faerie, argumentative townsfolk, and a cast of colorful creatures add charm and humor to a well-written tale rich with knitting detail and small-town flavor. It cleverly tells the story from multiple viewpointsone chapter at a time. VERDICT Best known for excellent contemporary romance, Bretton has created a paranormal series that is both engaging and timely; for those who like their fantasy with a down-home flair. Bretton lives near Princeton, NJ.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.