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Walking in a Witchy Wonderland

Walking in a Witchy Wonderland

by Juliette Cross 2021 211 pages
4.02
5.3K ratings
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Plot Summary

Cursed Christmas Chaos

A hexed man seeks help

Evie Savoie, a witch and hex-breaker, is approached by Marcus Romano, a man suffering from a bizarre Christmas curse: a red nose, involuntary movie quotes, and compulsive "bah humbug" outbursts. Skeptical at first, Evie quickly senses real magic at play. With her sisters and werewolf boyfriend Mateo by her side, she agrees to investigate, setting the stage for a holiday season filled with supernatural mischief, laughter, and the warmth of found family. The Savoie sisters' bar, The Cauldron, becomes a hub of magical problem-solving, love, and community as the holidays approach, blending the mundane and the mystical in New Orleans.

Neighborly Hexes and Healing

Resolving magical neighbor disputes

Evie, accompanied by protective Mateo, visits Marcus's duplex to break the curse. The culprit is Tia, a witch neighbor with a penchant for Christmas music and a grudge over a decapitated snowman. The confrontation reveals underlying attraction and unresolved tension between Marcus and Tia. Evie mediates, proposing a joint karaoke performance as an act of atonement, turning a magical feud into a potential romance. The scene highlights the Savoie sisters' role as supernatural peacekeepers, blending humor, empathy, and a touch of matchmaking to resolve conflicts and foster harmony within their magical community.

Savoie Sisters' Festive Frenzy

Holiday preparations and sisterly bonds

The Savoie sisters—Evie, Violet, Isadora, Livvy, Clara, and Jules—immerse themselves in party planning for the twins' birthday and Christmas celebrations. Each sister's unique magical gift and personality shine as they decorate, craft, and bicker with affection. The bar transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with handmade ornaments, magical centerpieces, and the anticipation of family and friends gathering. Amidst the chaos, romantic subplots simmer, and the sisters' deep love and loyalty to one another anchor the story, reminding readers that family—by blood or by choice—is the heart of every celebration.

Karaoke, Cake, and Confessions

A night of music and revelations

The twins' birthday party at The Cauldron is a riot of food, drink, and karaoke. Marcus and Tia's forced duet breaks the ice, while Violet's haunting singing voice stuns the crowd. Jules, usually stoic, gets drunk and unleashes her magic onstage, prompting her sisters to intervene. The party's emotional highs and lows mirror the complexities of love, rivalry, and healing within the Savoie family. As the night ends, Evie and Mateo steal away, their passion and devotion underscoring the transformative power of love and the magic of shared joy.

Love Spells and Lust Potions

Magical mischief and unintended consequences

Isadora and Devraj's relationship deepens as they navigate family traditions, gift exchanges, and a mysterious ornament laced with a love spell. Clara's well-intentioned magic, meant to nudge stubborn hearts together, instead unleashes a wave of uncontrollable lust among unsuspecting couples. The sisters scramble to contain the chaos, learning that even the best intentions can backfire. Through laughter, embarrassment, and honest conversations, they reaffirm the importance of consent, communication, and respecting the boundaries of love—magical or otherwise.

Family Games and White Elephants

Holiday games reveal hidden desires

The Savoie family's Christmas party features drinking games, confessions, and a raucous White Elephant gift exchange. Playful competition and strategic gift-stealing expose secret crushes, sibling rivalries, and the lengths family will go to make each other happy. Isadora's ornament, enchanted by Clara, becomes the catalyst for a series of romantic entanglements, pushing Violet and Nico, as well as Jules and Ruben, closer to confronting their feelings. The games serve as a microcosm of the family's dynamics—competitive, loving, and always a little bit magical.

New Year's Resolutions of the Heart

Facing feelings and moving forward

As the year turns, Charlie, the Savoie sisters' close friend, resolves to move on from his unrequited love for his best friend, JJ. A New Year's Eve party brings new possibilities and heartbreak, as Charlie kisses someone new while JJ grapples with jealousy and confusion. The emotional fallout forces both men to confront the truth about their feelings, setting the stage for vulnerability, honesty, and the hope of something more. The chapter captures the bittersweet nature of change, the courage required to risk one's heart, and the promise of new beginnings.

Best Friends, Hidden Feelings

Unspoken love and growing tension

JJ and Charlie's friendship is tested as jealousy, regret, and longing simmer beneath the surface. JJ's protective instincts and Charlie's attempts to move on collide, leading to awkward conversations, hurt feelings, and moments of unexpected intimacy. The Savoie sisters, ever perceptive, offer support and gentle nudges, encouraging both men to be honest with themselves and each other. The slow burn of their relationship is marked by missed opportunities, lingering glances, and the fear of losing what matters most.

The Kiss That Changes Everything

A moment of truth and transformation

After a night out, JJ finally acts on his feelings, kissing Charlie in a moment charged with years of suppressed desire. The kiss is electric, shattering the boundaries of friendship and forcing both men to confront the depth of their emotions. The aftermath is a whirlwind of confusion, hope, and fear—will this new intimacy ruin their friendship or unlock the love they've both been yearning for? The chapter captures the vulnerability of first love, the terror of change, and the exhilaration of finally being seen.

Confessions and First Dates

Honesty, risk, and new beginnings

JJ, emboldened by his feelings, confides in Isadora and plans a "first date" with Charlie, who is still reeling from the kiss and the end of his previous relationship. Their dinner is filled with nervous energy, meaningful gifts, and the unspoken question of what comes next. As they navigate the transition from friends to lovers, both men grapple with insecurity, hope, and the fear of rejection. The chapter is a tender exploration of what it means to choose love, to risk everything for a chance at happiness, and to trust that the person you love will catch you when you fall.

Lovers at Last

Passion, vulnerability, and belonging

JJ and Charlie finally give in to their feelings, sharing a night of passion that is both tender and explosive. Their physical union is a culmination of years of friendship, longing, and unspoken love. In the aftermath, they navigate the new terrain of their relationship, balancing desire with the comfort of deep emotional intimacy. The Savoie family welcomes their union with open arms, and the couple looks forward to a future filled with adventure, laughter, and the certainty that they have found their home in each other.

Witchy Work and Rivalry

Ambition, competition, and unexpected attraction

Livvy Savoie enters a high-stakes supernatural PR competition, determined to prove herself. Her main rival is Gareth Blackwater, a grim whose dark aura and telepathic abilities both infuriate and intrigue her. Their professional rivalry is complicated by undeniable chemistry, sharp banter, and the challenge of resisting magical and physical temptation. As they are forced to work together, the line between competition and collaboration blurs, revealing vulnerabilities and desires neither expected.

Grim Temptations and Telepathy

Secrets, seduction, and surrender

Livvy and Gareth's rivalry intensifies as they become finalists, their interactions charged with sexual tension and mutual respect. Gareth's telepathic slip reveals his fantasies, shocking Livvy and deepening their connection. Both struggle to maintain professional boundaries while grappling with the magnetic pull between them. Their story explores the dangers and delights of surrendering to desire, the importance of trust, and the transformative power of being truly seen by another.

Babies, Babysitting, and Realizations

Parenthood, partnership, and future dreams

Nico and Violet babysit Evie and Mateo's magical triplets, navigating chaos, laughter, and the challenges of supernatural childcare. The experience brings them closer, prompting honest conversations about their own hopes for a family. As they witness the joy and exhaustion of parenthood, they realize that love, patience, and teamwork are the true magic that binds a family together. The chapter is a celebration of growth, commitment, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

Wolfish Love and Future Dreams

Commitment, vulnerability, and new beginnings

After a night of babysitting, Nico and Violet confront their fears and desires, deciding together to start a family of their own. Their love is fierce, playful, and deeply rooted in mutual respect and understanding. The decision to build a future together is both exhilarating and terrifying, but they face it with open hearts and unwavering support for one another. The chapter is a testament to the power of partnership, the beauty of shared dreams, and the promise of a love that endures.

Hope, Healing, and Home

Forgiveness, growth, and belonging

Across the Savoie family and their circle of friends, old wounds are healed, new bonds are forged, and the meaning of home is redefined. Whether through magical intervention, honest conversation, or simple acts of kindness, each character finds their place within the tapestry of family and community. The story affirms that healing is possible, that love can overcome even the deepest hurts, and that true belonging is found in the hearts of those who accept us as we are.

Magic, Family, and Forever

Celebration, unity, and lasting love

The Savoie sisters and their loved ones gather for one final celebration, reflecting on the journey they've shared. Magic, in all its forms, weaves through their lives—not just in spells and curses, but in laughter, forgiveness, and the everyday miracles of love and friendship. As couples dance, children play, and old rivalries are set aside, the family looks to the future with hope and gratitude. The story ends with a sense of fulfillment, the promise of new adventures, and the certainty that, together, they can weather any storm.

Characters

Evie Savoie

Empathetic hex-breaker and peacekeeper

Evie is the heart of the Savoie sisters, gifted with the ability to break curses and mediate supernatural disputes. Her compassion, intelligence, and sense of responsibility make her a natural leader, though she often doubts her own strength. Deeply in love with Mateo, her werewolf partner, Evie's journey is one of embracing vulnerability, balancing duty with desire, and learning to trust in the power of love. Her relationships with her sisters are foundational, providing both support and challenge as she navigates the complexities of magic, family, and romance.

Mateo Cruz

Protective werewolf and devoted partner

Mateo is fiercely loyal, both as a lover and as a member of the supernatural community. His inner wolf, Alpha, is a constant presence, embodying his primal instincts and protective nature. Mateo's love for Evie is transformative, helping him heal from past wounds and embrace his dual nature. He struggles with jealousy and the need to control, but ultimately learns to trust in Evie's strength and their partnership. His journey is one of self-acceptance, growth, and the realization that true power lies in vulnerability and connection.

Violet Savoie

Rebellious artist and magical innovator

Violet is the wild child of the Savoie family, known for her sharp wit, bold style, and groundbreaking magical tattoos that help werewolves control their shifts. Beneath her tough exterior lies a deep well of loyalty, creativity, and longing for acceptance. Her relationship with Nico is a slow burn, marked by banter, mutual respect, and eventual surrender to love. Violet's arc is about embracing her softer side, allowing herself to be cared for, and daring to dream of a future filled with both passion and stability.

Nico

Steadfast werewolf and gentle soul

Nico is Mateo's cousin and Violet's eventual partner, embodying quiet strength, patience, and unwavering devotion. He is a calming presence, able to weather Violet's storms and support her ambitions. Nico's journey is one of persistence, gentle encouragement, and the willingness to wait for love to blossom in its own time. His desire for family and stability complements Violet's need for freedom, creating a partnership built on trust, humor, and shared dreams.

Isadora Savoie

Nurturing healer and reluctant leader

Isadora is the Savoie family's herbalist and conduit, channeling healing magic and providing emotional support to her sisters. Her relationship with Devraj, a centuries-old vampire, challenges her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace passion, adventure, and the unknown. Isadora's arc is about finding her voice, claiming her desires, and learning that true strength lies in both giving and receiving love. Her gentle wisdom and quiet courage anchor the family through times of crisis and change.

Devraj Kumar

Charismatic vampire and passionate lover

Devraj is a blend of old-world charm, modern sensuality, and deep emotional intelligence. His love for Isadora is transformative, helping him heal from centuries of loneliness and embrace vulnerability. Devraj's journey is one of balancing his predatory instincts with tenderness, learning to trust in the power of partnership, and finding joy in the everyday moments of domestic life. His humor, loyalty, and willingness to adapt make him an integral part of the Savoie family.

Clara Savoie

Joyful aura and secret matchmaker

Clara is the emotional barometer of the family, able to sense and influence the feelings of those around her. Her optimism, kindness, and mischievous streak make her both beloved and occasionally exasperating. Clara's magical interventions—especially her love and lust potions—often have unintended consequences, forcing her to confront the limits of her power and the importance of consent. Her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to balance her desire to help with respect for others' autonomy.

JJ (Jeremy Breaux)

Reliable bartender and hidden romantic

JJ is the Savoie sisters' steadfast friend, known for his gruff exterior, dry humor, and unwavering loyalty. Beneath his tough shell lies a heart full of longing, especially for his best friend, Charlie. JJ's journey is one of self-realization, courage, and the willingness to risk everything for love. His transition from friend to lover is marked by vulnerability, passion, and the joy of finally being seen and cherished for who he truly is.

Charlie

Charming event manager and hopeful dreamer

Charlie is JJ's best friend and the object of his secret affection. Outgoing, witty, and deeply caring, Charlie struggles with unrequited love, the fear of rejection, and the challenge of moving on. His journey is one of self-acceptance, bravery, and the realization that true happiness comes from embracing one's desires and trusting in the love of those who matter most. Charlie's arc is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the magic of finding home in another person.

Livvy Savoie

Ambitious influencer and fierce competitor

Livvy is the Savoie family's boldest member, wielding her magical persuasion with confidence and style. Her entry into the supernatural PR competition pits her against Gareth Blackwater, a grim whose dark allure both infuriates and attracts her. Livvy's journey is one of ambition, self-control, and the challenge of balancing professional rivalry with personal desire. Her story explores the complexities of power, the dangers of temptation, and the liberation that comes from embracing one's true self.

Plot Devices

Magical Realism and Urban Fantasy

Blending the supernatural with everyday life

The narrative weaves magic seamlessly into the fabric of New Orleans, creating a world where witches, werewolves, vampires, and grims coexist with humans. The Savoie sisters' bar, The Cauldron, serves as a microcosm of this world, a place where the extraordinary and the ordinary collide. Magic is both a source of conflict and a tool for healing, driving the plot through curses, spells, and supernatural interventions that mirror real-world struggles with love, family, and identity.

Multiple Interwoven Romances

Parallel love stories with unique arcs

The book employs a tapestry of interconnected romantic subplots, each with its own emotional arc, challenges, and resolutions. From Evie and Mateo's passionate partnership to JJ and Charlie's friends-to-lovers journey, the narrative explores the many faces of love—fiery, tender, hesitant, and transformative. These romances are not isolated; they influence and are influenced by the broader family dynamics, creating a rich, layered storytelling experience.

Humor and Banter

Levity amidst drama and magic

Witty dialogue, playful teasing, and situational comedy provide relief from the story's emotional intensity. The sisters' banter, the chaos of magical mishaps, and the absurdity of supernatural babysitting ground the narrative in relatable, human experiences. Humor becomes a coping mechanism, a way to navigate the challenges of love, loss, and change.

Acts of Atonement and Forgiveness

Healing through action and understanding

The concept of atonement—making amends through meaningful action—recurs throughout the story, from Marcus's karaoke performance to the sisters' efforts to repair magical mishaps. Forgiveness is not given lightly; it is earned through vulnerability, honesty, and the willingness to change. This device reinforces the themes of growth, redemption, and the power of second chances.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Hints of future developments and deeper meanings

Magical objects (like the enchanted ornament), recurring motifs (such as karaoke and holiday games), and subtle hints in dialogue foreshadow character growth and plot twists. Symbols—like the family's Christmas tree or the act of sharing food—underscore themes of unity, hope, and the enduring nature of love.

Ensemble Cast and Multiple POVs

Diverse perspectives enrich the narrative

The story shifts between the viewpoints of various sisters, partners, and friends, allowing readers to experience events through different lenses. This structure deepens character development, reveals hidden motivations, and creates a sense of community. The ensemble cast ensures that every character's journey is given weight, contributing to the overarching narrative of family, magic, and belonging.

Analysis

A celebration of love, family, and the magic in everyday life

"Walking in a Witchy Wonderland" is a vibrant, heartwarming tapestry of interconnected stories that blend supernatural intrigue with the universal challenges of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. At its core, the book is a meditation on the power of chosen family—the bonds that sustain us through joy and hardship, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the healing that comes from honest communication. The Savoie sisters and their circle embody the messy, beautiful reality of relationships: they fight, tease, meddle, and sometimes hurt each other, but always return to the table—literal and metaphorical—where acceptance and understanding await. The supernatural elements serve as metaphors for real-world struggles: curses as trauma, spells as attempts to control the uncontrollable, and magical healing as the slow, imperfect process of growth. The book's humor, sensuality, and emotional depth invite readers to believe in the possibility of transformation, the necessity of forgiveness, and the enduring magic of love. In a world that often feels fractured, "Walking in a Witchy Wonderland" offers a vision of hope, reminding us that, with a little courage and a lot of heart, we can create our own wonderlands—wherever, and with whomever, we choose to call home.

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Review Summary

4.02 out of 5
Average of 5.3K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Walking in a Witchy Wonderland is a beloved holiday anthology in the Stay A Spell series, featuring five short stories about the Savoie sisters and their supernatural partners. Readers praise the steamy romance, humor, and heartwarming moments. The book offers glimpses into established couples' lives and introduces new pairings, leaving fans excited for future installments. While best enjoyed after reading previous books in the series, this collection is a festive treat that captures the essence of family, love, and magic during the holiday season.

Your rating:
4.49
17 ratings

About the Author

Juliette Cross is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, known for her best-selling Stay A Spell series. A native of Louisiana, she resides in Cajun country with her husband, four children, and various animals. When not writing, Cross enjoys binge-watching shows with her husband while sipping red wine or whiskey. She actively engages with her audience through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Fans can sign up for her newsletter to receive updates on upcoming news and releases, demonstrating her commitment to keeping readers informed about her work.

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