I really enjoyed Lana Harper's writing style. She weaves everything together so seamlessly and I totally believed that there could be a magical town in the middle of Illinois with witches. There were a lot of characters but somehow all were memorable and easy to follow. The chemistry between Emmy and Talia is fierce. I also enjoyed Emmy's growth and watching her rethink her reasons for leaving and staying. The one thing I had a problem with was the reason she left, that all her frustrations and angst is based off of, seemed kind of mild to me - and not a reason to abandon everyone you know and love. But maybe that's just me. I also wouldn't say this was a page-turner, but it kept me engaged and as I said, I loved the writing.

Short summary: Emmy is never returning to Thistle Grove. Well, except to fulfill her role as Arbiter in the Gauntlet competition between the founding families. Upon arrival, she reconnects with Talia, as their relationship deepens and she spends more time in the town, she wonders if maybe there's something to small town life afterall.

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