The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams

The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams

I’m a huge Babysitters Club fan so The Babysitters Coven had a more grown-up and modern (and WITCHY) twist on it that was right up my alley. I loved how it introduced the world and the characters so we were getting to know their powers along with them. The ending was so action-packed that I really just wanted to see it as a Netflix series so I could watch it all play out. 

After reading this book, I looked it up and was surprised to see that it was a re-release (apparently?) because the initial reception wasn't so hot. Publishers Weekly mentions that the slang, pop culture references, and political stances could make it seem dated, but those didn't stand out to me. Also, I still think 1999 was 4 years ago, but still. 

Complaints from Smart Bitches Trashy Books include that the narrator is "wildly insecure but also extremely judgmental" and that the book "tries VERY hard to sound teen-like while not sounding teen-like at all." Again, I feel like not noticing these issues probably speaks very clearly about where I am in life, ha, but honestly, the book rang true for me. As true as witchy babysitters can be, anyway. 

Kirkus Reviews said the humor was not funny at all (I laughed to myself many times) and that it was a ripoff of Buffy (which I have never seen) so yeah... I guess all of that just fuels my argument that this was a good read for me but might not land for you, unless you're a lot like me. (And if so, sorry, it's miserable, isn't it? Ha.)

The biggest bummer is that my library only has book one. However, I think I’ve got to get this series to read them all. I can’t wait to see how things progress!

You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly

You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly

I read the first four books in this series in the fall and had to wait for this one to be released. I got it for Christmas but just read it in February due to my never-ending TBR and library checkouts.

It was good timing because I needed a cozy escape from reality, though, and this did the trick! I think this book progressed the side storyline of Carly and Ari nicely and it felt like that story was happening organically. Too often the romantic storylines of cozy mysteries either feel forced or rushed. While Carly and Ari are pretty innocent overall, I buy the sweetness and their relationship journey overall. I hope the series continues so we get to see their wedding, which should be happening soon!

I also love how the other characters are becoming more dimensional, for he most part. I loved getting to see more of Carly's sister, Norah. I also loved the development of Nina, and hope to see more from her. Suzanne seemed a bit pulled back this book, and I wonder if she's going to go away in the next, or if something's going on in her life she didn't really address... (Yes, I know it's fiction, but c'mon, I'm invested!) It was interesting to have some new players in this mystery, but I have to say I loved Grant coming back for the holidays. I'd read a side series starring him, even if it focused on food and music instead of mystery.

Overall, I think this was a great fifth book in the series. It was cozy, moved the overarching story along, and made me want to read more. I've recommended this series to a lot of people who seem to enjoy it as well, so give it a try!