Witches Get Stuff Done

Harper (Calling) gets her Starfall Point paranormal romance series off to a muddled start, introducing Riley Everett as she leaves Florida for the island of Starfall Point in response to an invitation from Nora Denton, the aunt Riley never knew she had. On the way into town, Riley has an antagonistic encounter with a man who turns out to be the attractive but reclusive local librarian, Edison Held. Then she discovers that Nora has died, leaving behind both a legacy of witchcraft and Shaddow House, home to a friendly ghost butler and a host of other spirits, each bound to a valuable antique. Riley attempts to unravel the frustrating puzzles her aunt has left for her while recruiting her new friends—antique shopkeeper Alice and coffee shop owner Caroline—into her fledgling coven. Meanwhile, the island’s “Nana Grapevine” helps push Riley and Edward together, and he becomes not only Riley’s boyfriend but an associate member of the team despite his lack of magical ability. Though the tone feels overly light for the content in several spots and the romance itself is distinctly lukewarm, Harper’s assemblage of ghostly residents sparkles and the trio of women develops enough personality to carry the series through their inevitable romantic sequels. It’s not perfect, but it has its charms. (Sept.)