Book 23 - Dime Store Magic

As far as supernaturals go, witches aren't my favourite. My adoration for them kind of ended after Practical Magic and reading Nora Roberts' Three Sisters trilogy.

But in Dime Store Magic, author Kelley Armstrong creates sympathetic characters in Paige and her young charge Savannah. Which is a good thing since I was a bit hesitant to read this book once I learned it didn't focus on Elena the werewolf (Bitten) but rather I character I hadn't fallen in love with in Stolen.

As with all of her books, Armstrong has a way of making you feel as though you've living the story rather than reading it (tight psychic distance as Steve Berry would point out) and in Dime Store Magic there was much for me to relate to - like the dynamics between Paige and Savannah.

Savannah reminded me of my stepdaughter, and Paige's struggle to walk that fine line between "guardian" and "friend" is reminiscent of my life. I may have even picked up a few tricks (grin).

Paige is a normal young woman - despite being a witch and the Coven leader. She worries about her weight and whether she'll ever find a boyfriend. She takes Savannah to school, tries to fit in with the PTA, volunteers, and keeps pre-made dough in her freezer for emergency feel-good cookies.

So when the locals start petitioning for her to leave town and strange black magic surrounds her house, Paige isn't entirely equipped to deal with the drama. Her "dime store magic" isn't strong enough - yet - to protect everything she holds close to her heart, and her Coven sisters have left her to fend for herself. Eventually she gives in and enlists the help of (gasp) a sorcerer names Lucas Cortez.

While Lucas - the eventual love interest - is a great sorcerer and friend to Paige and Savannah, especially during a custody battle caught in a whirlwind of magic and controversy, I didn't fall in love with him. Even at the end. He comes off as a bit wimpy and the description felt a bit lack-luster. But I suppose not all of Armstrong's heroes can have the raw sexuality of Clayton, Elena's phenomenal mate.

I'm taking a break from the paranormal for a book (or two) but when I return, I suspect it will be with another of Armstrong's novels. She's a brilliant writer and Dime Store Magic was well worth the time invested in reading it. I'm just sorry it's taken me so long to discover her!