I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

This was such a cute middle grade novel about friendship, first crushes, witchcraft, disappearances, and history. Set in Willow Cove, a town near Salem, it focuses on Abby, a young girl who learns she is a witch on her 13th birthday, and Robby. A few years back, Robby's mother disappeared mysteriously and he has wanted to solve the mystery ever since. There are other characters that the story focuses on including other young girls who gain magical powers and Zeus, an old friend of Abby and Robby.

I had a great time reading this novel and would highly recommend it if you like middle grade. ( )

Thank you to NetGalley and IBPA / Owl Hollow Press for the ARC.

Very enjoyable middle-grade adventure, never a dull moment. From the creepy, atmospheric opening to the solid ending, The Witches of Willow Cove delivered. The pacing throughout was excellent, the characters were well-developed and the storyline did not give anything away to quickly. A fun read, looking forward to a possible sequel. 5 stars ( )

It’s not easy being a teenage witch. Seventh grader Abby Shepherd is just getting the hang of it when weird stuff starts happening all around her hometown of Willow Cove. Green slime bubbling to life in science class. Giant snakes slithering around the middle school gym. Her best friend suddenly keeping secrets and telling lies. ( )

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

The Witches of Willow Cove, is absolutely captivating from start to finish, Had I not been interrupted by my daughter numerous times I would have completed this in one day. I did not want to put it down at all.

Willow Cove is a place where witches exist and unexplainable things are happening to them. We are immediately thrown into the story and the pace never lets up. The story starts out by following Abby and Robby, but the cast of characters slowly grows from there, and while the cast is large it never feels overwhelming. We know who are main characters are and who the supporting characters are, but everyone gets just enough spotlight that you grow to love them all.

I loved Robby, when he was introduced I was afraid he would slowly fade to the background of the story but Roberts made sure that did not happen. While the story does focus on the witches and their power, he made sure that the non magical kids got their share of spotlight and were proven to be needed just as much as their magical friends. It made the storytelling balanced and more enjoyable to follow along.

All while navigating the magic and witchcraft of their world these kids are thrust into, they are also battling everyday life and the struggles of growing up and seeing best friends fight and struggle to communicate in this changing environment was gratifying. When peoples worlds change at alarming rates it does put strain on relationships, so the realness put into that made the story that much richer in context.

The only aspect of the story that did bother me some was the "instant" relationship of Robby and Becca. It was so quick and spontaneous that it didn't fit the flow of the rest of the context. Everyone else was gradually learning their powers, or gradually learning information about the witches, that their instant relationship was odd. I can understand and believe instant attraction to one another, but it would have felt more believable if they gradually worked their way towards a relationship.

The Witches of Willow Cove is a magical, and spooky coming of age tale that I think both boys and girls will love and enjoy! Ill be adding this to my shelf once its released! ( )