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Shadowvale #1
The Trouble With Witches
Shadowvale isn’t typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
No one knows this as well as raven shifter Deacon Evermore, who, like everyone in his family, has a curse. While his position as Shadowvale’s peacekeeper lets him use that curse for good, he’d rather live anywhere else. He stays for his family, but doubts he can last much longer.
Fledgling witch Emeranth Greer is determined to escape her past and make a fresh start in Shadowvale with the aunt she’s never met. Her aunt and the town prove to be far better than she imagined. There’s no way Em is leaving this magical place. Especially when staying means more time with the handsome Deacon.
But when Em’s troubled past catches up with her and nearly destroys the romance budding between her and Deacon, her instinct is to run again. Except there’s magic in the mix now and the town won’t let her leave. Only Deacon can save her, but can a cursed man clear her name…or will her history destroy them both?
No one knows this as well as raven shifter Deacon Evermore, who, like everyone in his family, has a curse. While his position as Shadowvale’s peacekeeper lets him use that curse for good, he’d rather live anywhere else. He stays for his family, but doubts he can last much longer.
Fledgling witch Emeranth Greer is determined to escape her past and make a fresh start in Shadowvale with the aunt she’s never met. Her aunt and the town prove to be far better than she imagined. There’s no way Em is leaving this magical place. Especially when staying means more time with the handsome Deacon.
But when Em’s troubled past catches up with her and nearly destroys the romance budding between her and Deacon, her instinct is to run again. Except there’s magic in the mix now and the town won’t let her leave. Only Deacon can save her, but can a cursed man clear her name…or will her history destroy them both?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2019
About the author
Kristen Painter
130 books3,264 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
October 18, 2023
THE TROUBLE WITH WITCHES is the first in the Shadowvale series, about a magical village where the town gates decide who enters, but no one can leave once they admit you. The sun never shines and it's magically spelled to be safe for vampires (hence the name--Shadowvale.) Deacon is a raven shifter and is cursed like everyone else in Shadowvale. He works in law enforcement. Emeranth is new to town and trying to forge a relationship with the aunt she's never met. She's also a fledgling witch. This is an interesting start to a new series and new town by Kristen Painter. 3.5/5 stars.
May 30, 2019
The right title for TBWW should be The Book of Nothing because the only character in it is nothingness. There is nothing happening, the characterization is next to nil, and so is world building. The cherry on top is the stupid with a side of cretin that is supposed to be the heroine.
At 62%, close to tears, out of pure boredom and to avoid death due to nihilism, I quit.
I can't decide what this book is because it fails on all count. But it reminds me of the worst NA where the only thought in the thoughtless head of the MC is (some part of) the male body.
200 hundreds pages and nothing happens... I can't believe it
At 62%, close to tears, out of pure boredom and to avoid death due to nihilism, I quit.
I can't decide what this book is because it fails on all count. But it reminds me of the worst NA where the only thought in the thoughtless head of the MC is (some part of) the male body.
200 hundreds pages and nothing happens... I can't believe it
May 4, 2019
The Trouble With Witches by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any real sunlight. A town fill with all kinds of paranormal creatures as well as Cursed humans. Emeranth arrives, hoping Aunt Amelia will let her stay while Em gets back on her feet.
I enjoyed reading about this town and it’s inhabitants. Painter has done a paranormal town before but this one is more secluded and while it has a bit of humor in the characters, it has a more serious tone because of the curses that people carry. It would be comforting to know you had a place to hide if necessary. I loved the bakery. Everything is free. Em handled the free part very well, thinking of others before herself.
I absolutely want to read more about this town and it’s inhabitants.
Excerpt of getting ready for the surprise party and because it’s a romance:
“With a look of utter amusement on her face, she tipped her head at the house. “Are you going to let me in?”
He sighed. She made him so dumb. He was going to have to work on that. “Yes, sorry.” He moved out of the way. “Gracie just left.”
“I know.” She walked into the foyer. “I got here too early, so I waited down on the next block until I saw her car go by.”
“Good thinking. I’ll show you the guest room. You can put your bag in there, then you can have that space to get ready in. There’s a bathroom and everything.” He sounded like a rambling idiot. A bathroom and everything. What was that supposed to mean?
She lightly placed a fingertip on his chest, a touch so soft it should have been barely noticeable.
It almost knocked him down.”
Excerpt From The Trouble With Witches by Kristen Painter
This material may be protected by copyright.
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any real sunlight. A town fill with all kinds of paranormal creatures as well as Cursed humans. Emeranth arrives, hoping Aunt Amelia will let her stay while Em gets back on her feet.
I enjoyed reading about this town and it’s inhabitants. Painter has done a paranormal town before but this one is more secluded and while it has a bit of humor in the characters, it has a more serious tone because of the curses that people carry. It would be comforting to know you had a place to hide if necessary. I loved the bakery. Everything is free. Em handled the free part very well, thinking of others before herself.
I absolutely want to read more about this town and it’s inhabitants.
Excerpt of getting ready for the surprise party and because it’s a romance:
“With a look of utter amusement on her face, she tipped her head at the house. “Are you going to let me in?”
He sighed. She made him so dumb. He was going to have to work on that. “Yes, sorry.” He moved out of the way. “Gracie just left.”
“I know.” She walked into the foyer. “I got here too early, so I waited down on the next block until I saw her car go by.”
“Good thinking. I’ll show you the guest room. You can put your bag in there, then you can have that space to get ready in. There’s a bathroom and everything.” He sounded like a rambling idiot. A bathroom and everything. What was that supposed to mean?
She lightly placed a fingertip on his chest, a touch so soft it should have been barely noticeable.
It almost knocked him down.”
Excerpt From The Trouble With Witches by Kristen Painter
This material may be protected by copyright.
November 13, 2023
2,5 stars
The author's Nocturn Falls series are my go-to, undemanding and relaxing Halloween reads with the quirky town and cute paranormal romance tropes.
With Shadowvale, Painter tries a similar set-up, which she wanted to make a bit darker while sticking to her well-versed formula. Trouble is that while she created the skeleton for it, she totally forgot to add some flesh and skin to it all and the book made for a subpar, tired reading experience.
It felt like she really could not care less about characters and plot, and this attitude obviously was less than inspiring for me. Even though I wanted a bit of "mindless" read, I did not want it in such a degree.
I am consoling myself with the fact that it was a kindle freebie.
I would not recommend this book by Painter, but can give a vote in favour her Nocturn Falls series if you are in need of a light, entertaining PNR romance.
The author's Nocturn Falls series are my go-to, undemanding and relaxing Halloween reads with the quirky town and cute paranormal romance tropes.
With Shadowvale, Painter tries a similar set-up, which she wanted to make a bit darker while sticking to her well-versed formula. Trouble is that while she created the skeleton for it, she totally forgot to add some flesh and skin to it all and the book made for a subpar, tired reading experience.
It felt like she really could not care less about characters and plot, and this attitude obviously was less than inspiring for me. Even though I wanted a bit of "mindless" read, I did not want it in such a degree.
I am consoling myself with the fact that it was a kindle freebie.
I would not recommend this book by Painter, but can give a vote in favour her Nocturn Falls series if you are in need of a light, entertaining PNR romance.
May 13, 2021
The Trouble With Witches is book one in the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter and Narrated by B.J. Harrison.
Now I’ve tried Painter before in her Nocturne Falls series which I enjoy; because of the light laid back romances they are. Not a lot to them and sometimes it’s nice to just have something relaxing, cute, and fun.
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any sunlight and only lets in those that need its protections. The town is full of supernaturals and cursed humans. Now this town has potential and I loved learning about it.
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help. She never expected to find a town that fascinates her and feels like home, but her aunt wants her gone. I wasn’t overly in like with our heroine. She was an ok character.
Deacon Evermore is the towns peacekeeper and he wants out of this town. He’s given the task of convincing Emeranth to leave and if he succeeds he will get his wish. I wasn’t overly in like with our hero either. He was just ok.
The Trouble WIth Witches was an agreeable listen. It had its fun moments, but it doesn’t really have a plot which is unfortunate. I did find the town and it’s cast of characters interesting and entertaining. The main focus is on the town and introducing it’s uniqueness. As for the plot/story we don’t get much of anything. No action, adventure, or a climax. And, the build up came with little pay off at the end. Things felt rushed and too easily wrapped up at the end which is sad. The story had potential at the beginning, but then died the farther in I got.
As for the romance between Emeranth and Deacon it happens fast all within a four day period. It wasn’t bad, just quick. I like my romances a little more drown out and not as fast.
Narrator: The saving grace to this story is B.J. Harrison our narrator. This was my first taste of B.J. Harrison and I really approached her narration. She kept the pace steady and moved the story along. All the voices where delightful and pleasant to listen to.
All and all The Trouble With Witches was a nice nonchalant listen. If you’re looking for a laidback relaxing listen then this one, is that. I may continue onto the next book or not. That is still undecided, but if I do I will be listening.
Rated: 3 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
Now I’ve tried Painter before in her Nocturne Falls series which I enjoy; because of the light laid back romances they are. Not a lot to them and sometimes it’s nice to just have something relaxing, cute, and fun.
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any sunlight and only lets in those that need its protections. The town is full of supernaturals and cursed humans. Now this town has potential and I loved learning about it.
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help. She never expected to find a town that fascinates her and feels like home, but her aunt wants her gone. I wasn’t overly in like with our heroine. She was an ok character.
Deacon Evermore is the towns peacekeeper and he wants out of this town. He’s given the task of convincing Emeranth to leave and if he succeeds he will get his wish. I wasn’t overly in like with our hero either. He was just ok.
The Trouble WIth Witches was an agreeable listen. It had its fun moments, but it doesn’t really have a plot which is unfortunate. I did find the town and it’s cast of characters interesting and entertaining. The main focus is on the town and introducing it’s uniqueness. As for the plot/story we don’t get much of anything. No action, adventure, or a climax. And, the build up came with little pay off at the end. Things felt rushed and too easily wrapped up at the end which is sad. The story had potential at the beginning, but then died the farther in I got.
As for the romance between Emeranth and Deacon it happens fast all within a four day period. It wasn’t bad, just quick. I like my romances a little more drown out and not as fast.
Narrator: The saving grace to this story is B.J. Harrison our narrator. This was my first taste of B.J. Harrison and I really approached her narration. She kept the pace steady and moved the story along. All the voices where delightful and pleasant to listen to.
All and all The Trouble With Witches was a nice nonchalant listen. If you’re looking for a laidback relaxing listen then this one, is that. I may continue onto the next book or not. That is still undecided, but if I do I will be listening.
Rated: 3 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
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September 30, 2019
1 star.
*
The Trouble with Witches has such a cool premise when it comes to Shadowvale: a town where every resident has some kind of curse. The beginning of the novel starts out strong in that regard with this magical and suspenseful atmosphere that hooks you right in with the mystery of the town and its residents but, sadly, it doesn’t move beyond that. Adding the lack of plot and one of the POV characters being obnoxious and extremely inconsiderate of others, I’m sad to say this book really doesn’t work for me.
Kristen Painter’s writing is compelling and engaging, it’s just that it doesn’t really go anywhere with this novel. There is absolutely no sense of tension or doom or anything after the first initial chapters. The chapters are filled with tours of the town and bumping into a few residents, plus Em and Deacon thinking about how attracted they are to one another, instead of anything exciting or important. The romance also isn’t developed well and reads quite a bit like instalust/love. So yeah, I did not like this at all.
The premise and the story itself also don’t really address that Em making a fresh start in the town her Aunt lives means moving into her Aunt’s house without asking first. She totally invites herself to move in, arriving with all of her belongings and expecting Amelia to take pity on her and take her in, and when Amelia is obviously against it, Em just continues on with her plan to live there like that’s an okay thing to do and refuses to leave. Like???? Not acceptable. And none of the characters challenge that point of view at any time.
When it comes to the plot, the book has none aside from the initial conflict of Em wanting to stay in Shadowvale and Amelia wanting her to leave. Towards the end of the book there is a plot point that almost! makes it seem like something interesting is going to happen, but that is resolved as soon as it’s brought up. There is a bit of drama with Em and Deacon’s relationship too, but that’s also solved pretty quickly, so there isn’t any tension regarding their relationship status either.
The ending is a bit abrupt. It’s definitely happy and lighthearted, though, and also really sweet. It just escalates things between Em and Deacon without bothering to develop them first. So, The Trouble with Witches just really fails at being entertaining or delivering a story that is well developed and engrossing. The pace is pretty fast, though, and most of the characters are intriguing, so while this definitely didn’t work for me at all, it might work for you if you enjoy novels that focus more on romance and less on everything else.
*
Series:#1 in the Shadowvale series.
POV: Told mostly from Em and Deacon’s POVs.
Content Warnings:
Instalove:
Steam: No steam!
Love Triangle:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: The Vampire's Cursed Kiss.
*
The Trouble with Witches has such a cool premise when it comes to Shadowvale: a town where every resident has some kind of curse. The beginning of the novel starts out strong in that regard with this magical and suspenseful atmosphere that hooks you right in with the mystery of the town and its residents but, sadly, it doesn’t move beyond that. Adding the lack of plot and one of the POV characters being obnoxious and extremely inconsiderate of others, I’m sad to say this book really doesn’t work for me.
Kristen Painter’s writing is compelling and engaging, it’s just that it doesn’t really go anywhere with this novel. There is absolutely no sense of tension or doom or anything after the first initial chapters. The chapters are filled with tours of the town and bumping into a few residents, plus Em and Deacon thinking about how attracted they are to one another, instead of anything exciting or important. The romance also isn’t developed well and reads quite a bit like instalust/love. So yeah, I did not like this at all.
The premise and the story itself also don’t really address that Em making a fresh start in the town her Aunt lives means moving into her Aunt’s house without asking first. She totally invites herself to move in, arriving with all of her belongings and expecting Amelia to take pity on her and take her in, and when Amelia is obviously against it, Em just continues on with her plan to live there like that’s an okay thing to do and refuses to leave. Like???? Not acceptable. And none of the characters challenge that point of view at any time.
When it comes to the plot, the book has none aside from the initial conflict of Em wanting to stay in Shadowvale and Amelia wanting her to leave. Towards the end of the book there is a plot point that almost! makes it seem like something interesting is going to happen, but that is resolved as soon as it’s brought up. There is a bit of drama with Em and Deacon’s relationship too, but that’s also solved pretty quickly, so there isn’t any tension regarding their relationship status either.
The ending is a bit abrupt. It’s definitely happy and lighthearted, though, and also really sweet. It just escalates things between Em and Deacon without bothering to develop them first. So, The Trouble with Witches just really fails at being entertaining or delivering a story that is well developed and engrossing. The pace is pretty fast, though, and most of the characters are intriguing, so while this definitely didn’t work for me at all, it might work for you if you enjoy novels that focus more on romance and less on everything else.
*
Series:#1 in the Shadowvale series.
POV: Told mostly from Em and Deacon’s POVs.
Content Warnings:
Instalove:
Steam: No steam!
Love Triangle:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: The Vampire's Cursed Kiss.
November 9, 2019
A big disconnect between the first and second halves of this one. I'm not 100% if I want to continue on in this world though. hmm.
June 10, 2019
Awesome series can’t wait for the second book
May 13, 2019
This is a great, imaginative, start to a new series. The author quickly drew me in and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I was left wanting more and look forward to reading what happens next.
October 27, 2020
There was just ...nothing here. The town is cool, but we didn’t really get to actually explore it outside of surface-level descriptions.
I feel that’s what this book was: surface-level.
I feel that’s what this book was: surface-level.
January 12, 2023
Series: Shadowvale #1
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help her. Shadowvale, where her aunt lives, is nothing like she expected and everything she needs. This magical town is filled with supernaturals and humans who are cursed. Everything about this town fascinates her, especially the peacekeeper, Deacon Evermore. Deacon has been given the task of convincing Emeranth that Shadowvale isn’t for her. If he succeeds he will get to leave Shadowvale with his sister. But Em is nothing like he thought and makes him see the town in a new way.
As a huge fan of Kristen Painter, I can’t believe I have waited this long to pick up this series. Shadowvale was fascinating and I love the uniqueness of the townsfolk. Emeranth has had a rough life dealing with her con artist mother. She is determined to make a new life here and to learn about her witch heritage. I loved Em’s strong work ethic and her determination to make a new life for herself. I do think she forgave Deacon a little quickly when he accused her of being a criminal but it didn’t ruin the story for me.
Deacon is a raven shifter and the towns peacekeeper. His grumpy personality was hiding a caring and determined man who is just doing what he can. I liked how determined he was to make his sister happy. These two were cute together and I really wish this was longer so we could see their relationship develop more.
I am excited to read the next book and learn more about Shadowvale and the people who live in it.
Trigger Warnings: Reference to the death of a parent, abandonment by a parent, and of a stillbirth. Toxic mother who is a manipulative con artist.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help her. Shadowvale, where her aunt lives, is nothing like she expected and everything she needs. This magical town is filled with supernaturals and humans who are cursed. Everything about this town fascinates her, especially the peacekeeper, Deacon Evermore. Deacon has been given the task of convincing Emeranth that Shadowvale isn’t for her. If he succeeds he will get to leave Shadowvale with his sister. But Em is nothing like he thought and makes him see the town in a new way.
As a huge fan of Kristen Painter, I can’t believe I have waited this long to pick up this series. Shadowvale was fascinating and I love the uniqueness of the townsfolk. Emeranth has had a rough life dealing with her con artist mother. She is determined to make a new life here and to learn about her witch heritage. I loved Em’s strong work ethic and her determination to make a new life for herself. I do think she forgave Deacon a little quickly when he accused her of being a criminal but it didn’t ruin the story for me.
Deacon is a raven shifter and the towns peacekeeper. His grumpy personality was hiding a caring and determined man who is just doing what he can. I liked how determined he was to make his sister happy. These two were cute together and I really wish this was longer so we could see their relationship develop more.
I am excited to read the next book and learn more about Shadowvale and the people who live in it.
Trigger Warnings: Reference to the death of a parent, abandonment by a parent, and of a stillbirth. Toxic mother who is a manipulative con artist.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
December 30, 2019
I love Kristen Painter. I fell in love with her when I read House of Comarre, loved the spin off, and vowed to read anything she wrote after the Nocturn Falls Series. When I heard she was starting a new series I was excited to read it, but this was just disappointing. There was no plot throughout 80% of this book. A small secret hinted at throughout the book culminated at the end in a plot that was born and died before it ever really caused problems. It all felt rushed and far too simple in the end. There was a lot of build up with no pay off at the end which left me scratching my head saying "when did all this happen?" I felt like this book could have been a lot better if certain events were reversed or came earlier. It also felt far too much like a Nocturn Falls novel. It was so much like it that I kept expecting one of the characters to drop the Nocturn Falls name and make it a spin off. I struggled to see what this couldn't have been a book in the Nocturn Falls series.
Will I read the second one? Probably. I have a theory that first books in the series are not a good representation of the series as a whole because they have the job of introducing characters and the world they take place in. I just hope that the second one is infinitely better than the first in this case.
Will I read the second one? Probably. I have a theory that first books in the series are not a good representation of the series as a whole because they have the job of introducing characters and the world they take place in. I just hope that the second one is infinitely better than the first in this case.
May 13, 2019
Followers of my reviews will know that I am a huge Kristen Painter fan, and as such I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new series!
If you are new to Kristen Painter this is a great place to start. This is the first in a totally new series set in "Shadowvale" - a haven for the cursed, both supernatural and human, that you can only find if the town deems you need to be there. Yes you read that correctly - THE TOWN decides - as in the town is sort of alive, which is fun and different.
It has all the things I have come to expect from a Kristen Painter book, amazing character detail, including the secondary characters, which I personally feel can make or break a book, a quirky new town, and a little mystery that gets wrapped up so NO CLIFFHANGERS!
As a debut for a series goes this one totally knocked it out the park. Fans of the Nocturne Falls series won't be disappointed, and new fans can jump on for what looks to be a fun ride!
I can't wait for book 2 to release. I didn't think a town would top Nocturne Falls as a place I'd want to move to but Shadowvale might be it. Wonder if the gates would let ME in!
An easy 5 stars from me! V""V
If you are new to Kristen Painter this is a great place to start. This is the first in a totally new series set in "Shadowvale" - a haven for the cursed, both supernatural and human, that you can only find if the town deems you need to be there. Yes you read that correctly - THE TOWN decides - as in the town is sort of alive, which is fun and different.
It has all the things I have come to expect from a Kristen Painter book, amazing character detail, including the secondary characters, which I personally feel can make or break a book, a quirky new town, and a little mystery that gets wrapped up so NO CLIFFHANGERS!
As a debut for a series goes this one totally knocked it out the park. Fans of the Nocturne Falls series won't be disappointed, and new fans can jump on for what looks to be a fun ride!
I can't wait for book 2 to release. I didn't think a town would top Nocturne Falls as a place I'd want to move to but Shadowvale might be it. Wonder if the gates would let ME in!
An easy 5 stars from me! V""V
May 17, 2019
First in a new series - Shadowvale is a magical town full of paranormal characters and permanent gloom. The town can’t be found on any map, and the only people who the town lets in are usually cursed.
Don’t let that turn you off though - this is one town I’d like to live in - the characters all have curses, and some are downright dangerous - but there is laughter, respect and mateship among the inhabitants.
Em is a main character with a secret shady past and a desire to escape her current life and start over with her aunt. She is NOT expecting Shadowvale to be - well - magical! She meets the town’s grumpy law enforcer who does his best to convince her to go. He has a secret as well and their secrets are what propelled the wonderful story forward.
I have preordered book 2 and happy to see that the author is writing book 3 already - yay!
Don’t let that turn you off though - this is one town I’d like to live in - the characters all have curses, and some are downright dangerous - but there is laughter, respect and mateship among the inhabitants.
Em is a main character with a secret shady past and a desire to escape her current life and start over with her aunt. She is NOT expecting Shadowvale to be - well - magical! She meets the town’s grumpy law enforcer who does his best to convince her to go. He has a secret as well and their secrets are what propelled the wonderful story forward.
I have preordered book 2 and happy to see that the author is writing book 3 already - yay!
May 1, 2019
As a fan of Kristen Painter's Nocturne Falls series, I’ve been really looking forward to a whole new series from this imaginative world creator. Where Nocturne Falls is a celebratory party 365 days a year, welcoming all who come there, charming even the reluctant, Shadowvale by contrast is literally a town that pushes you away. Only in Painter’s talented hands could a place that lives under a curse, a town that literally tries to keep you out of it, a heroine with a shady past, a grumpy male love interest, and a grudging supporting character, could be made into something so engaging.
Painter is not just good at world creation; she’s a solid writer, describing her scenes and characters with detail and deftness befitting of, like her name says, a painter. It is this talent that pulls you in despite yourself. It is a book that is slow to open just as Shadowvale is slow to reveal itself to a new community member like protagonist Em, but it rewards the reader for their curiosity. This book is so full of promises of what’s to come in this series, despite its length, it feels like a delicious amuse bouche. Not surprisingly that it left me with questions that I’m sure she will resolve in further installments.
If you prefer your books a little bit more challenging and moody, this is a perfect place to start reading Painter. If however you prefer your cosy mystery romances to be more sunshine than overcast ambience, then I suggest Nocturne Falls is a place to start reading talented author Kristin Painter.
Painter is not just good at world creation; she’s a solid writer, describing her scenes and characters with detail and deftness befitting of, like her name says, a painter. It is this talent that pulls you in despite yourself. It is a book that is slow to open just as Shadowvale is slow to reveal itself to a new community member like protagonist Em, but it rewards the reader for their curiosity. This book is so full of promises of what’s to come in this series, despite its length, it feels like a delicious amuse bouche. Not surprisingly that it left me with questions that I’m sure she will resolve in further installments.
If you prefer your books a little bit more challenging and moody, this is a perfect place to start reading Painter. If however you prefer your cosy mystery romances to be more sunshine than overcast ambience, then I suggest Nocturne Falls is a place to start reading talented author Kristin Painter.
May 21, 2019
This was a beautiful story about new beginnings and the author proves once again why she is the queen of cosy paranormal romance. She brings an interesting new place for readers to fall in love it and a sweet clean romance suitable for everyone.
There is so much world building in this book. Shadowvale is simply amazing in its size, peculiar features, and its inhabitants. There is a lot of magic and unusual occurrences. The characters are wonderful, lovable, and so well developed, they feel like good friends.
Emeranth, or Em how she prefers, is a young witch, who doesn't know she's a witch. Em is need of a fresh start and family, and coming to Shadowvale in hopes her aunt would help her. She never even dreamed of what she finds there. Then there is Deacon who is desperately trying to leave, and aunt Amelia with her own complicated life and a heartbreaking past.
Shadowvale is full of magic and has a mind of its own which makes this story even more interesting. Sun never shines in Shadowvale and the sky is always clear at night. And although the atmosphere seems a bit somber at first, Em makes it cheerful and happy, as the reader observes the world through her eyes. Em's personality is so positive, happy and outgoing, I just got hooked on it. Couldn't stop reading. Fortunately, Em gets exactly what she deserves in the end. I mean it with all my heart.
I have loved this author and her impeccable writing style for a long time, and she still manages to amaze me with her imagination and creativity. This is a beginning of a beautiful new series and I loved it. I'm so glad the next two books have already been announce, because I can't wait to read them.
Reading order: The Trouble With Witches (Shadowvale, #1), The Vampire's Cursed Kiss (Shadowvale #2) coming in June 2019, and The Forgettable Miss French (Shadowvale #3) coming in August 2019.
There is so much world building in this book. Shadowvale is simply amazing in its size, peculiar features, and its inhabitants. There is a lot of magic and unusual occurrences. The characters are wonderful, lovable, and so well developed, they feel like good friends.
Emeranth, or Em how she prefers, is a young witch, who doesn't know she's a witch. Em is need of a fresh start and family, and coming to Shadowvale in hopes her aunt would help her. She never even dreamed of what she finds there. Then there is Deacon who is desperately trying to leave, and aunt Amelia with her own complicated life and a heartbreaking past.
Shadowvale is full of magic and has a mind of its own which makes this story even more interesting. Sun never shines in Shadowvale and the sky is always clear at night. And although the atmosphere seems a bit somber at first, Em makes it cheerful and happy, as the reader observes the world through her eyes. Em's personality is so positive, happy and outgoing, I just got hooked on it. Couldn't stop reading. Fortunately, Em gets exactly what she deserves in the end. I mean it with all my heart.
I have loved this author and her impeccable writing style for a long time, and she still manages to amaze me with her imagination and creativity. This is a beginning of a beautiful new series and I loved it. I'm so glad the next two books have already been announce, because I can't wait to read them.
Reading order: The Trouble With Witches (Shadowvale, #1), The Vampire's Cursed Kiss (Shadowvale #2) coming in June 2019, and The Forgettable Miss French (Shadowvale #3) coming in August 2019.
April 29, 2019
This is now my favorite series of Kristen Painter’s. Now I want Jayne Frost to visit Shadowvale lol. I loved all the characters. I want to know more about the mysterious tiger, Thoreau. Hope the next book will be coming soon. The MC Em really went through a lot in life. Her past is chasing her everywhere she goes. Will she find peace at her aunt’s, whom she’s never met? Little does she know, this isn’t a normal town. And she has lived her whole life not knowing she is an actual witch. Shadowvale is hidden from outsiders. But it lets her in. This opens up a whole new world to her. A world with relatives of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Everyone here has a curse. This is a place where the weird fit in making them not so weird. If you are a misfit, you might some day find yourself in this town.
July 25, 2020
2019 bk 424. 2020 bk 247. She's done it again. The author has created another world that is self sustaining and filled with characters of interest, and a plot that keeps you interested in more, more story, more books. The community of Shadowville is populated by those who don't want to be out in the general population. They have issues, or the world has issues with them. The magic used in creating the community included gates that only open to a few from the outside and rarely lets anyone leave. Into this town comes a new person, the great niece of the founder of the town, and a woman on the cusp of learning about her own magic as a witch. Cute guys abound, quirky shops, and possible friends. Now how quickly can I get book 2 to me. Almost as good as the author's Nocturne Falls series.
August 31, 2019
This story really had potential. Shadowvale almost reminded me of Halloween Town. Vampires who live in the swamp, Werewolves, A Goblin King, and curses all in one town!? This could have been a great story!!! But it fell soooooo short. I'm still adament on the fact that nothing even happened. There was no story or climax or conclusion. I kept reading because something was bound to happen, right!? Wrong. I didn't believe in the love interest at all. Everyone got a happy ending with literally zero consequences or risk or any kind of hard work. I don't know where all these 5 star reviews came from. This story was stagnant, not interesting whatsoever and very lackluster.
July 13, 2019
This was cute, but a little too simple and naive for me. I really just wanted to finish it. Shadowvale is a haven for those with curses and the supernatural and it’s all quaint and picturesque, but overall it feels too perfect. The characters were insta-amazing and so perfect and the way Em’s past came to light made me almost roll my eyes right out of my head. It felt so flimsy and stupid. Not sure if I’ll continue the series or not.
December 17, 2020
This is not an unpleasant book, but there really is not much of a story. It's not as if I was expecting high literature, but I was hoping for something a little less bland.
Em wants to set up a new life in a magical town, and it happens without a glitch. She gets everything she wants without any problems, she loves everything and everyone loves her. Then her past comes back to haunt her for about 5 seconds, but everything is magically resolved without any trouble. The end.
Em wants to set up a new life in a magical town, and it happens without a glitch. She gets everything she wants without any problems, she loves everything and everyone loves her. Then her past comes back to haunt her for about 5 seconds, but everything is magically resolved without any trouble. The end.
June 11, 2019
Ok
I liked this new world. A town full of people cursed is interesting. Lots of world building then suddenly the ending was super rushed. I’m also not a fan of men be arses and then being forgiven instantly. Until the last 20% I was at 4 or 5 stars.
I liked this new world. A town full of people cursed is interesting. Lots of world building then suddenly the ending was super rushed. I’m also not a fan of men be arses and then being forgiven instantly. Until the last 20% I was at 4 or 5 stars.
September 26, 2024
First in the Shadowvale paranormal romance series and revolving around a small town that is a refuge for cursed supernaturals. The focus is on Deacon Evermore and Emeranth Greer.
My Take
It's about finding a safe place where a person can be happy with Painter using a third person global subjective point-of-view from the perspectives of a number of characters, particularly Emeranth, Deacon, and Amelia.
A dramatic place where you can be yourself, Shadowvale is salvation for many of the residents, and it would be truly lovely if more towns were like this. Then again, once you're in, you can't get out. Sort of.
Ooh, nasty. Emeranth has to be scared out of town, and if she isn't, Deacon ain't getting out. And that boy is desperate to leave!
I do like Deacon and his siblings. They have such a cozy relationship. That Beckett is certainly interesting. Wait'll you read what his real job is!
There are some interesting conflicts . . . for a fictional town, they do have some realistic issues with killer bugs, evil forests. Hey, don't tell me you don't hate mosquitoes . . . ! The characters worry about and support each other.
The Trouble With Witches is particularly useful for introducing us to Shadowvale, its reason for existence, and the characters. It's definitely an easy read with characters who drive the story. Most of the action is around Emeranth and her great-aunt and the Evermores — there has to be a focal point. But Painter does fill it out with colorful detail as other citizens of Shadowvale interact with the town's peacekeeper.
It is a fun read and at very reasonable price, lol!
The Story
Deacon Evermore wants out. Out of Shadowvale. To be free of his curse . . . and the same for his sister.
All he has to do is drive Emeranth out. Then he discovers the real reason Em is here. It isn't good.
The Characters
Emeranth Greer is the great-niece of Amelia Marchand and badly in need of a fresh start. Her mother, Manda Greer, is a con artist.
Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter and the town peacekeeper, has two other brothers — Bishop (has a tree trimming service) and Shepherd (he's in charge of the fire department) — and a sister, Gracie Evermore, an accountant who has just turned twenty-five. Tinkerbelle is Gracie's little white dog. The Evermores have been caretakers in Shadowvale for generations.
Shadowvale, an. . .
. . .an untypical small town America that is open 24/7 and has mountains, a swamp, lake, river, bayous, and an enchanted forest. Amelia funds most everything in town with production from the local gem mines. The sun never shines (which attracts a lot of vampires), the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
Countess Amelia Marie Antoinette Marchand is the witch who created Shadowvale seventy-five years ago. Indigo House is her home. Pasqual had been the vampire who betrayed her. Beckett is both majordomo and warden. Thoreau is the resident tiger. Grandmama Pavani is/was Amelia's inspiration. Vivian is the chef with a specialty in French cuisine. Other employees include gardeners; housekeepers (Helen is the live-in housekeeper); a handyman; the pool service; and, the mechanic, George.
Mrs Fitzwilliams lives on Sorrows Lane and her hair sets itself ablaze when she gets upset. Fred Chimes, the butcher at the Green Grocer, goes invisible when he's nervous. Carmela Westin had been an early love. Brutus is a behemoth of a gator. Lucy Smothers sneezes and lightning strikes. Jason is a minotaur. Frieda Ruhday breaks out in venomous spines (and is half mermaid who can't shift). Brianna is Frieda's immune daughter. Henry, a.k.a. Dr Hendrick Jekyll, is also known as Edgar Hyde in his other form. No, he's not the original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Maggie Thorpe. Skeet Lander keeps chickens. Medalina is Medusa's younger sister. Robin Gallow is the deposed goblin king and the mine foreman. Oluf Erikson is a Viking berserker with time-traveling issues. Rico Martinez is the alpha of the local wolf pack; Zeke is part of his pack. Jerry Washington. Lola is a waitress. Bianca Wynters is actually a vampiric Snow White, and she runs the Red Apple Bed and Breakfast. The seven dwarves are miners. The Brothers Grimm live in Dark Acres.
The Thibodeauxs are a vampire family: Josephine is the matriarch; Valentino is the eldest son and runs the jazz club, Club 42; Constantin is second-oldest and runs the Gilded Page; Daniella is the oldest daughter and grows orchids and other exotic plants; and, Juliette is the youngest, a painter. Isabelle Lagasse sings at Club 42 and is a Thibodeaux cousin.
Nasha Black runs the Black Horse Bakery with its free goodies; Clara and Brighton are her employees. Her father is Famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and is a mortician who runs the funeral parlor. Bewitched Broomsticks; Varina's Potions and Spells; Professor Durant's Impossible Tech; Deja Brew is where Joaquin is the barista; Mr Applegate owns the Sunshine Diner, which provides Vitamin D as part of the atmosphere (Carter is their moody son); the Five Bells Pub where Maisie Sweeney is one of the bartenders; and, Stella's Bargain Bin is run by Stella Kittridge.
A meowl is a cat with wings who prefers to live in the cemetery. Droxes are winged foxes. Lylianna is one of the grove nymphs. Officer Baker gives Emeranth a warning.
The Cover and Title
The cover makes the colors neon bright with its deep, dark blue background lightened with buzzing yellow fireflies. At the very top is an info blurb in lilac. The author's name is below this in white. Below this is the gates of Shadowvale in a royal blue that gradiates down to turquoise with a black raven centered on that gate. The gate provides the series info. Beneath this is the title in lilac and outlined in white.
The title is more about Manda Greer than anyone else, for she's the epitome of The Trouble With Witches.
My Take
It's about finding a safe place where a person can be happy with Painter using a third person global subjective point-of-view from the perspectives of a number of characters, particularly Emeranth, Deacon, and Amelia.
A dramatic place where you can be yourself, Shadowvale is salvation for many of the residents, and it would be truly lovely if more towns were like this. Then again, once you're in, you can't get out. Sort of.
Ooh, nasty. Emeranth has to be scared out of town, and if she isn't, Deacon ain't getting out. And that boy is desperate to leave!
I do like Deacon and his siblings. They have such a cozy relationship. That Beckett is certainly interesting. Wait'll you read what his real job is!
There are some interesting conflicts . . . for a fictional town, they do have some realistic issues with killer bugs, evil forests. Hey, don't tell me you don't hate mosquitoes . . . ! The characters worry about and support each other.
The Trouble With Witches is particularly useful for introducing us to Shadowvale, its reason for existence, and the characters. It's definitely an easy read with characters who drive the story. Most of the action is around Emeranth and her great-aunt and the Evermores — there has to be a focal point. But Painter does fill it out with colorful detail as other citizens of Shadowvale interact with the town's peacekeeper.
It is a fun read and at very reasonable price, lol!
The Story
Deacon Evermore wants out. Out of Shadowvale. To be free of his curse . . . and the same for his sister.
All he has to do is drive Emeranth out. Then he discovers the real reason Em is here. It isn't good.
The Characters
Emeranth Greer is the great-niece of Amelia Marchand and badly in need of a fresh start. Her mother, Manda Greer, is a con artist.
Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter and the town peacekeeper, has two other brothers — Bishop (has a tree trimming service) and Shepherd (he's in charge of the fire department) — and a sister, Gracie Evermore, an accountant who has just turned twenty-five. Tinkerbelle is Gracie's little white dog. The Evermores have been caretakers in Shadowvale for generations.
Shadowvale, an. . .
. . .an untypical small town America that is open 24/7 and has mountains, a swamp, lake, river, bayous, and an enchanted forest. Amelia funds most everything in town with production from the local gem mines. The sun never shines (which attracts a lot of vampires), the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
Countess Amelia Marie Antoinette Marchand is the witch who created Shadowvale seventy-five years ago. Indigo House is her home. Pasqual had been the vampire who betrayed her. Beckett is both majordomo and warden. Thoreau is the resident tiger. Grandmama Pavani is/was Amelia's inspiration. Vivian is the chef with a specialty in French cuisine. Other employees include gardeners; housekeepers (Helen is the live-in housekeeper); a handyman; the pool service; and, the mechanic, George.
Mrs Fitzwilliams lives on Sorrows Lane and her hair sets itself ablaze when she gets upset. Fred Chimes, the butcher at the Green Grocer, goes invisible when he's nervous. Carmela Westin had been an early love. Brutus is a behemoth of a gator. Lucy Smothers sneezes and lightning strikes. Jason is a minotaur. Frieda Ruhday breaks out in venomous spines (and is half mermaid who can't shift). Brianna is Frieda's immune daughter. Henry, a.k.a. Dr Hendrick Jekyll, is also known as Edgar Hyde in his other form. No, he's not the original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Maggie Thorpe. Skeet Lander keeps chickens. Medalina is Medusa's younger sister. Robin Gallow is the deposed goblin king and the mine foreman. Oluf Erikson is a Viking berserker with time-traveling issues. Rico Martinez is the alpha of the local wolf pack; Zeke is part of his pack. Jerry Washington. Lola is a waitress. Bianca Wynters is actually a vampiric Snow White, and she runs the Red Apple Bed and Breakfast. The seven dwarves are miners. The Brothers Grimm live in Dark Acres.
The Thibodeauxs are a vampire family: Josephine is the matriarch; Valentino is the eldest son and runs the jazz club, Club 42; Constantin is second-oldest and runs the Gilded Page; Daniella is the oldest daughter and grows orchids and other exotic plants; and, Juliette is the youngest, a painter. Isabelle Lagasse sings at Club 42 and is a Thibodeaux cousin.
Nasha Black runs the Black Horse Bakery with its free goodies; Clara and Brighton are her employees. Her father is Famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and is a mortician who runs the funeral parlor. Bewitched Broomsticks; Varina's Potions and Spells; Professor Durant's Impossible Tech; Deja Brew is where Joaquin is the barista; Mr Applegate owns the Sunshine Diner, which provides Vitamin D as part of the atmosphere (Carter is their moody son); the Five Bells Pub where Maisie Sweeney is one of the bartenders; and, Stella's Bargain Bin is run by Stella Kittridge.
A meowl is a cat with wings who prefers to live in the cemetery. Droxes are winged foxes. Lylianna is one of the grove nymphs. Officer Baker gives Emeranth a warning.
The Cover and Title
The cover makes the colors neon bright with its deep, dark blue background lightened with buzzing yellow fireflies. At the very top is an info blurb in lilac. The author's name is below this in white. Below this is the gates of Shadowvale in a royal blue that gradiates down to turquoise with a black raven centered on that gate. The gate provides the series info. Beneath this is the title in lilac and outlined in white.
The title is more about Manda Greer than anyone else, for she's the epitome of The Trouble With Witches.
November 7, 2021
Shadowvale might not be your typical place to live, but seeing as how the people who inhabit it are anything but typical themselves, it works out kind of nicely. I mean, where else would vampires be able to settle down without fear of the sun (because the sun doesn't shine there) or witches and others of their ilk be able to practice openly? Nowhere, I'm thinking.
Anywho. On the romance end, we have Em, who's looking to settle into Shadowvale (although she has no clue of her magical birthright OR of what Shadowvale is when she sets out to meet her aunt), and Deacon, who desperately wants to leave to give his sister the life she deserves. Em's aunt tasks Deacon with showing Em all the reasons she SHOULDN'T stay and he's, well, he's trying. But Em's pretty enchanted with the town in general. Even the weird, dangerous parts.
For all that the longer he spends with Em, the more he's coming to like her, Deacon still does his part in trying to dissuade her from staying. On Em's end, she has no clue the boon her aunt has offered Deacon if he can convince her to leave and BOY things could have been messy when it all came out.
A quirky town full of quirky folk, family of both the good and not-so-good variety, a lady trying to find herself, and a man who's trying to do right by the people who matter to him even if it costs him his own happiness. Shadowvale is weird and wonderful and very, very fun!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Anywho. On the romance end, we have Em, who's looking to settle into Shadowvale (although she has no clue of her magical birthright OR of what Shadowvale is when she sets out to meet her aunt), and Deacon, who desperately wants to leave to give his sister the life she deserves. Em's aunt tasks Deacon with showing Em all the reasons she SHOULDN'T stay and he's, well, he's trying. But Em's pretty enchanted with the town in general. Even the weird, dangerous parts.
For all that the longer he spends with Em, the more he's coming to like her, Deacon still does his part in trying to dissuade her from staying. On Em's end, she has no clue the boon her aunt has offered Deacon if he can convince her to leave and BOY things could have been messy when it all came out.
A quirky town full of quirky folk, family of both the good and not-so-good variety, a lady trying to find herself, and a man who's trying to do right by the people who matter to him even if it costs him his own happiness. Shadowvale is weird and wonderful and very, very fun!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 30, 2019
3.5-4 Stars. This was actually a pretty good start to the series. For some reason there was this whole "Haven" vibe to it that really drew me in. Though the story isn't anything near that show plot wise it still gave me the same vibes and I'm really intrigued to see what else is going to happen here.
Emeranth, our FMC, journeys to Shadowvale to find her illusive "aunt" in order to get a fresh start on her life and escape the horror show that is her mother. Shadowvale however is a town that has a mind of its own and as Emeranth discovers shes not quite ordinary also. As she fights to stay in town and start a new life amidst these people who treat each other like family she discovers the curses laid upon the town and its people. The curses however aren't the problem, its her past and her mother.. they are about to catch up to Emeranth...
I was expecting this to be a little more on the paranormal side even though it had a ton of supernatural races and powers. This was a little more cute, romance, which kind of surprised me. I think pleasantly. I'm definitely down to see more of this series when I can find time!
Emeranth, our FMC, journeys to Shadowvale to find her illusive "aunt" in order to get a fresh start on her life and escape the horror show that is her mother. Shadowvale however is a town that has a mind of its own and as Emeranth discovers shes not quite ordinary also. As she fights to stay in town and start a new life amidst these people who treat each other like family she discovers the curses laid upon the town and its people. The curses however aren't the problem, its her past and her mother.. they are about to catch up to Emeranth...
I was expecting this to be a little more on the paranormal side even though it had a ton of supernatural races and powers. This was a little more cute, romance, which kind of surprised me. I think pleasantly. I'm definitely down to see more of this series when I can find time!
August 9, 2021
This first half of this book was so promising, but then it just crashed and burned. It's like she ran out of pages and summarized everything plot and romance related. Example: proposing after knowing each other only 3 days. That could have waited until MUCH later in the series. Or not actually meeting the unusual residents face-to-face and conversing with them (talking about them instead) - lame. Oh, and the super convenient way the mom's evil-doing was repaired without breaking a sweat. Not cool, writer. You can do better than this.
October 17, 2022
So the new world built by Painter (Shadowvale) was interesting. But the insta-love and pacing were not so good. I've read a few of Painter's books at this point, and I'm not sure they're for me. I like a sweet, low-angst book, but there's a blandness in the ones I've read that just makes me want to say "meh."
May 4, 2023
This started out as a big info dump, then the MC had to find out the same information. We could've found out along with her instead of wading through all the guff.
The 2 MCs were ok in a bland dogooder way, no real tension. The only redeeming things were the town itself, Shadowvale, and Beckett.
If I didn't know better I'd say this was a first book, but I'd enjoyed, in a solid 3 star way, the first Nocturne book a few years ago. Not sure what happened to this one.
I didn't enjoy having to wade through the story and forcing myself to finish as I read it for a challenge. Won't be continuing this series but I will try more of Nocturne Falls.
The 2 MCs were ok in a bland dogooder way, no real tension. The only redeeming things were the town itself, Shadowvale, and Beckett.
If I didn't know better I'd say this was a first book, but I'd enjoyed, in a solid 3 star way, the first Nocturne book a few years ago. Not sure what happened to this one.
I didn't enjoy having to wade through the story and forcing myself to finish as I read it for a challenge. Won't be continuing this series but I will try more of Nocturne Falls.
March 12, 2022
Lovely story!
I was looking for a light break from the Wheel of Time series, and I spotted this in my to-read pile so I thought, why not.
The premise is promise, the characters mostly interesting and funny. There were some parts that I wanted to explore Shadowvale and its citizens more in depth, but looks like there will be more books in this series.
I was looking for a light break from the Wheel of Time series, and I spotted this in my to-read pile so I thought, why not.
The premise is promise, the characters mostly interesting and funny. There were some parts that I wanted to explore Shadowvale and its citizens more in depth, but looks like there will be more books in this series.
April 27, 2019
This is the first book of the Shadowvale series. It features Em, who comes to Shadowvale to restart her life. Em seeks out her aunt, who she finds out is a witch. Em learns that she comes from a line of powerful witches and asks her aunt to teach her. Meanwhile, her aunt enlists the town peacekeeper to show Em the more seedy population of the town in order to detour her from moving in. The plan backfires and Em and Deacon end up falling for each other, making Em want to stay in Shadowvale even more. There is a nice twist throughout the book, as Em's mother is a conwoman and may have used Em to hide a bunch of money. Very enjoyable and can't wait to see what happens next in this very mysterious town.
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