A deeper magic. A stronger curse. A family lost…and found.

Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, and never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.

After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.

Answers. Family. Home.

And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all.

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  The Orphan Witch
Series:  Standalone (debut)
Author:  Paige Crutcher
Genre:  Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Published:  September 28, 2021
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press
My Rating:  3.5 *rounded to 4*

The Orphan Witch is an intriguing look at the life of one woman with magical abilities that always bring danger into the lives of those around her.  Persephone has always been alone – abandoned as a baby, living through the foster care system, never finding her place, never fitting in, and always, always ready to move on at any moment.  She’s lost and begging to be found, to find a place that accepts her, to find friends that won’t turn away – that she can look straight in the eyes and not harm.  After one more incident where she must move on again, she’ll receive an email that will change her life and open a portal to a world that she never dreamed existed or that she would find all she was searching for… with unexpected complications.

I enjoyed Persephone’s story, it’s an interesting view of finding one’s place in this world, even when one is as unique as Persephone is.  A tale of discovery and acceptance, The Orphan Witch is a good story with likable characters (for the most part).  It’s hard to find a home when you’re different from everyone else around you let alone find romance… check out Persephone’s story for an emotional journey full of magic and possibilities.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story.  It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available in print, audio, or for your favorite e-reader