Funny, Snarky, Sweet, GREAT Story

What did you love best about Witched at Birth?

There was plenty of humor mixed into a wonderfully entertaining story. Each and every character had their own individuality, and in just about every case, something about each character gives you a little giggle.

Of course there's Winnie, the main character, who we find in the beginning has a bit more of a problem with her anger than most of us do when we're blown off by someone we thought was a good guy. Most of us would LIKE to blow things up...she actually did. This (and several other previous bad choices) sends her to a sort of witch jail -- especially when much of what she blows up are the prized 80's possessions of THE lead witch. But what she quickly comes to find out is that jail isn't even half as life changing as her assigned rehab once she's out of jail. I loved her attitude through it all -- real, with the perfect mix of snarky. I think we could be good friends!

Have you listened to any of Hollie Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first Hollie Jackson performance I've listened to, but surely not the last!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There was definitely quite a bit of laughing in this book!

Any additional comments?

The narrator did a great job with the majority of the voices, and with clearly telling the story. I had a tiny bit of an issue with getting a good feeling of the lead male's character (I don't want to give too much away), because I felt like the narration didn't fit his true emotion as well, but it wasn't terribly distracting. The other general narration (when just narrating, not doing the other voices) similarly seemed a bit...too sharp, I guess is the best way I know how to put it, almost sounding a little sarcastic when not needed. However, every other voice done, including each child, was very well done. Therefore, as a whole, I certainly wouldn't mind listening to this narrator again.

3 people found this helpful

The best combination - romance and comedy

What made the experience of listening to Witched at Birth the most enjoyable?

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. So to me, that means reviewing both the book and the audio performance. Let's take them in order...

The book was a blast! I was laughing by the end of the first chapter and continued to do so throughout the book. But it wasn't all just snark-tastic responses to some truly embarrassing situations. As I got to know Winnie, I really started caring about her. The personal growth she went through was both satisfying and uplifting. She truly earned her happily ever after. The book is a rom-com with a spark of magic and a lot of heart - a masterful combination!

Hollie Jackson is the voice that brought the story to life. And what a job she did of it! Each character had their own unique sound, from the wise-cracking Ichabod to sweet Lola, from crusty B.I.C. to a great guy dealing with loss, our hero Ben. And Winnie - Ms. Jackson nailed the subtle changes in Winnie from brash and selfish to vunerable and caring.

I'm already listening to the second book in this series and will be adding the rest of Dakota Cassidy's books to my To-Be-Read list!

What did you like best about this story?

The personal growth of the main character, Winnie. I also really liked how Winnie and the children (especially Lola) interacted with each other.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first thing that pops into my mind is Winnie and Lola at the flagpole. I think that's when I fell in love with Winnie.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

B.I.C.'s recommendation. Can't say more - spoilers!

Any additional comments?

I am now very glad that I never had a Cabbage Patch doll when I was little!

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining read...

For me the story was kind of disappointing until a few chapters in, then the book became interesting. I actually enjoyed the rest of the book. D Malaise

1 person found this helpful

Enjoyed!

This book was a fun book to listen to. The narrator is great. The book has a great storyline and is full of humor. Loved it!

3 people found this helpful

I witched this lasted longer ... pun intended

I loved this book. at first I wasn't crazy about the narrators voice... but it soon fit the characters perfectly! I can not wait to follow up reading the next in the series.

2 people found this helpful

Standard tale of redemption

This is a tale of redemption and heartache wrapped up in a paranormal romance. It was okay and the characters were likable. Winnie and Ben have a chemistry that is written very well. I do think Lola’s story was a little lacking in the emotional scale for what she has gone through. I think my favorite character was Ichabod, Winnie’s familiar.

The story was all about Winnie, her redemption and finding a place where she fits. The author through I a last minute mystery/conflict but I don’t think the book needed it. It opened some plot holes and maybe the author will expand on the universe in the series’ future books.

The narrator was good. I only got confused some of the times on the male characters but overall not a bad book and it was easy to listen to.

More graphic than Witchless in Seattle series

Let me first start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoy Hollie Jackson's narration and the storyline. I've listened to all of the Witchless in Seattle series and I did compare this book to those books. In the Witchless series, there is no cursing or any sex scenes. When I heard the first F bomb dropped, I was a little surprised-not that I'm against cursing (I do it myself often enough) but I think there are scenes that may lend themselves to cursing and I didn't think it needed to be included in this book. Nor did I think the semi-graphic sex scene needed to be as detailed. It may be unfair of me to compare the two series but I did and didn't think using the F bomb and describing how hard Ben became really added anything to the book. I did like the storyline and as usual, there are lessons to be learned.

Did the author rush this off?

Dakota Cassidy had written some fine and well developed stories in the past. Unfortunately she faltered on this one. Her smooth writing style and good character description are present in this book. That was why it was an OK car book on a 300 mile trip. However, the plot was a total mess. Yes, it is fantasy, but there has to be logic within the story.

To start with:. a witch capable of replacing the polar ice caps with a tropical paradise on a whelm,. but then needing to put up with mundane, everyday problems? How about climbing up on the roof of a house in the middle of the night because of something she thought she saw, but then turned out not to be there? Afterwards no one suspects that bad magic was afoot?

Those were the really big problems. On the smaller level the two protagonists decide to have vigorous sex right after she suffered a physical trauma that might have killed her. She appears to have no aches and pains the next day.

Then the big villain of the story makes an appearance in the last quarter of the book without hardly any development.

I really enjoyed Ms Cassidy's other supernatural books. I liked much about this one. The narrator was excellent. Her editor needs to push the author to do better.

What a blast

Grabbed my funny bone from the first chapter. The characters are fun to get to know. This is my first Dakota Cassidy book and it won't be the last. Hollie Jackson brought all the characters to life with different voices for all.

1 person found this helpful

Light, fun magic

Cassidy's characters never fail to make me giggle, roll my eyes & cheer for them to achieve their happy endings. I look forward to the next Paris installment!

1 person found this helpful