The Witching Time (G K Hall Large Print Book Series (Cloth))

Rating:
Summary: A Well Intentioned Let Down
Review: This author writes well, and manages to set up the opening situation with a grieving woman who decides to move and start a new life. The manner in which the witches become involved in her life seemed to be intentionally unemphasized, the main character's reactions rather washed out. From there, her descriptions of the characters and making the plot move forward are wonderful. Unfortunately, it seems as though the author is not truly emphasizing the role of the "good" witches so much as the "feminine" role, much more general. It just seemed as though the reader is set up for something exciting and meaningful to happen at the climax, and the climax is over before it starts. Leaving the reader puzzled and unsure of what has just happened. In my opinion, it was a feeling that I had been prevented from completing the transformation into the world of the book. As before stated, the author is technically very talented at description, but the story line seemed shaky, and perhaps the author needed to do some more research into the subject at hand.

Rating:
Summary: Totally Bewitching!
Review: Unlike the first reviewer, I fell in love with "The Witching Time". The author, Jean Stubbs, manages to evade the cliches that seem generally inherent in a story line that revolves around witchcraft. Sure, there is the obligatory stone circle and the fight between the the forces of Light and Dark, but it's done with intelligence and a lot of humor.The main character of Imogen Lacey is someone you can relate to. She's good looking without being intimidating...intelligent, but capable of making bad choices...and all-in-all, a very likeable person. In fact, all of Jean Stubb's characters are fully formed individuals. Some you like...some you hate, just like in real life. As for the village of Haraldstone, well, I'd live there in a heartbeat. And to give Stubbs her due, she does manage to make the reader feel as if they DO indeed live among the inhabitants of this quirky little hamlet. This is more than a story about witches. It's a rich blending of the fantastic, mixed with a good old fashioned "Who-Done-It". Take these elements and combine them with a touch of romance and the meaning of true friendship and what you come up with is story telling at it's best. Yes, this may be light-hearted fluff to some, but if you are in the market for an entirely enjoyable mental vacation, then this book has your name on it. I personally rate this in my top 10 books of last year. I work at a library and read over 400 books last year, so this is no small recommendation. At the least, if you are still not certain, go to your local library and check it out. I think you are in for a most pleasant surprise. Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Totally Bewitching!
Review: Unlike the first reviewer, I fell in love with "The Witching Time". The author, Jean Stubbs, manages to evade the cliches that seem generally inherent in a story line that revolves around witchcraft. Sure, there is the obligatory stone circle and the fight between the the forces of Light and Dark, but it's done with intelligence and a lot of humor.The main character of Imogen Lacey is someone you can relate to. She's good looking without being intimidating...intelligent, but capable of making bad choices...and all-in-all, a very likeable person. In fact, all of Jean Stubb's characters are fully formed individuals. Some you like...some you hate, just like in real life. As for the village of Haraldstone, well, I'd live there in a heartbeat. And to give Stubbs her due, she does manage to make the reader feel as if they DO indeed live among the inhabitants of this quirky little hamlet. This is more than a story about witches. It's a rich blending of the fantastic, mixed with a good old fashioned "Who-Done-It". Take these elements and combine them with a touch of romance and the meaning of true friendship and what you come up with is story telling at it's best. Yes, this may be light-hearted fluff to some, but if you are in the market for an entirely enjoyable mental vacation, then this book has your name on it. I personally rate this in my top 10 books of last year. I work at a library and read over 400 books last year, so this is no small recommendation. At the least, if you are still not certain, go to your local library and check it out. I think you are in for a most pleasant surprise. Enjoy.