Bunny's Reviews: Magic Touch Review Spotlight

Such a beautiful cover!

Welcome to the book tour for Magic Touch by A.S. Fenichel. Read on for my review, more info, and a chance to win a signed copy of the book!

Magic Touch is the first book in A.S. Fenichel’s Witches of Windsor Series. Prepare to be taken back in this historical fiction paranormal romance novel. Evil is coming to Windsor, and it is seeking revenge. Esme is a young witch operating a curatives shop. She has no way of knowing that she is about to be visited by the war hero, William Meriwether, as he seeks help for a lingering pain that plagues him. When Esme finds the source of his discomfort she does something else entirely unintentionally. She unlocks something in him that has been locked away for generations. While neither understands why this is happening now, one thing is for certain – William will be needed to fight against what is to come.

Magic Touch is the first book that I have read by A.S. Fenichel, and when I started reading this book I had mixed feelings concerning the story. I wasn’t too keen on the almost instant attraction between Esme and William. It both is and isn’t lust based between the two characters, but it’s also something more. This intrigues me, but then it also makes me feel that the romance angle is trying to be rushed/pushed through so quickly to establish a connection between the two characters. I wanted things to grow a bit more naturally between them, because initially the attraction is primarily physical.

As the story moves along, it ebbs and flows like the tide. There are interesting moments in the story, and then the story slows down and in some instances is less interesting. I like that Esme is an independent woman, and not necessarily a shrinking violet either. I appreciate that the author holds to Emse being a demure lady as it calls for in that time period. She’s strong, but she knows not to push the boundaries and not be snarky. I just wish that she wasn’t so jaded. Her holding someone responsible for their relatives choices is just wrong. I prefer my characters to be tolerable and she is definitely that. I find William to be a bit bland at times though, but I think that as he grows and develops as a character in the story he gets better.

Now, while the first half of the story is a bit sluggish in spots, the second half is another story all together. The storyline eventually really gets moving and engaging. I like the variety of characters in this story and that both of the main characters have individuals that they can count on. Esme doesn’t have as many as William, but as things move forward it’s not that big of a deal. I love Esme’s little familiar Simon. He’s honestly the most faceted of the characters...and he’s a cat. LOL!

Here and there sprinkled throughout the story are backstory concerning things that have happened in the past for both Esme and William. I loved those backstory moments. For me, they really bring the story to life and help the characters gain more dimension. It also explains a few things concerning both William and Esme. While it helps to explain a few things concerning Esme, my opinion remains the same. She should know to separate between one person and their relative who made particular choices. I mean, how would she feel if she was judged based on her mother’s choices and shunned because of them? She wouldn’t think that they were fair – same principle applied.

This book has some good qualities to it, but the beginning chapters were a bit dull for me, but pushing through them was worth it. I just wish that the author had mentioned how much time has passed when it comes to the epilogue. Yes, there are clues to give readers an idea of how much time has passed, but inputting this mentions of time throughout the book in key places would really benefit the story. I’m choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series though to learn exactly what challenges the characters must face.

Magic Touch (Witches of Windsor #1)

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

Genre: Paranormal/ Historical Romance/ Witches

ESME

I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I’m a witch and a healer, and he’s a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what’s begun, I’m forced to seek assistance from the coven I’ve sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William’s sake, I put my family’s hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM

I’m mesmerized by Esme O’Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs, and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch’s touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven’s leaders insist magic never make mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I’ve never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME

Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

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About the Author

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance, she also writes Contemporary Instalove as Andie Fenichel. A.S. is the author of the several series, including Forever Brides, Everton Domestic Society, Wallflowers of West Lane and more. Strong, empowered heroines from Regency London to modern-day New Jersey are what really excites her, and that’s what you’ll find in all her books.

A Jersey Girl at heart, she now makes her home in Southern Missouri with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, travel, history, puttering in her garden and spoiling her fussy cat.

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