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Widow's Bay #5
Curse Strings
Her birds had flown the coop. Her nest was empty but her life was full! Her job, her friends, even her dating life was magical for this witch. Then overnight her nest is about to get very crowded and a new murder will turn this witch every which way!
Things SEEMED in place for local reporter and empty nest witch Marzie Nowak. Broom, check. Wand, check. Coven, check. Vampire boyfriend? Checkity check check! But things aren't what they appear. Everything about her life is about to turn upside down. From a surprise visit from her boss to the re-upping of her mom duties Marzie is just trying to keep it together. But then murder and a betrayal force Marzie to make a terrible choice and catch a killer before she loses everything.
A coven will be put to the test and so will Marzie's washing machine in the next installment of Widow's Bay. Murder, spells, hot werewolves, a bossy cat, and a town festival that literally drops the ball on this magical town will keep you laughing, guessing and wishing you could move in!
Curse Strings is the fifth book in a spellbinding paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like clever heroines, snarky humor, and supernatural small towns, then you’ll love Rebecca Regnier’s bewitching mystery.
Don't miss Curse Strings, Widow's Bay Book 5, and fall under the spell of this witty, whimsical mystery today!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2019
234 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Regnier
26 books155 followersI write, beachy women's fiction, paranormal women's fiction, and I'm also a columnist.
I was in television news for 21 years but hung up the hairspray to become an author.
Give me a follow on TikTok, it's my latest way to procrastinate.
I'm an avid reader and fan. Thank you for connecting with me here!
I was in television news for 21 years but hung up the hairspray to become an author.
Give me a follow on TikTok, it's my latest way to procrastinate.
I'm an avid reader and fan. Thank you for connecting with me here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 16, 2020
Argh..Good Story Needs An Editor
This is book 5 and the egregious sentence errors continue...argh, I get frustrated because these are entertaining stories that need to be reviewed by an eagle eyed editor.
It drives me crazy to come across sentences that I have to read three times wondering if I’m going nuts. For example, after Marzie’s son, Joe, has come home with “unusual” food needs, meaning blood, I read: “I kept raw meat in the oven, just in case.” What? I actually stopped and wondered why she would keep meat in an oven then the light bulb clicked on. She meant the fridge, right? A few pages later, “ I think you need you to take a walkabout.” You get the idea. Toward the end of this book I finally decided to highlight the bloopers so that maybe someone will go back and fix them for the next reader. Hint! Hint!
Yes, I like the characters, the members of the coven and town, and the engaging stories are good enough to read book six in Kindle Unlimited...only now I will use my mighty highlighter more often. Hint! Hint!
This is book 5 and the egregious sentence errors continue...argh, I get frustrated because these are entertaining stories that need to be reviewed by an eagle eyed editor.
It drives me crazy to come across sentences that I have to read three times wondering if I’m going nuts. For example, after Marzie’s son, Joe, has come home with “unusual” food needs, meaning blood, I read: “I kept raw meat in the oven, just in case.” What? I actually stopped and wondered why she would keep meat in an oven then the light bulb clicked on. She meant the fridge, right? A few pages later, “ I think you need you to take a walkabout.” You get the idea. Toward the end of this book I finally decided to highlight the bloopers so that maybe someone will go back and fix them for the next reader. Hint! Hint!
Yes, I like the characters, the members of the coven and town, and the engaging stories are good enough to read book six in Kindle Unlimited...only now I will use my mighty highlighter more often. Hint! Hint!
March 21, 2020
Boomerang Curse
Wow this book was the same but yet different if you can believe that the intensity level went way up. Sometime a person believes they are doing something for the greater good but it is not until they question themselves that they find a nugget of selfishness also guided their choice.
In this story bad things will happen and the coven will have to make some choices. This book really took me deep into the story and I will say this that I was upset with Marzenna and her attitude. I get but I still did not like her character acting this way and that is what truly made this story work.
Not wanting to give anything a way but if you have been reading this series "DON'T STOP" it is getting even better.
The joy of reading and wanting to share cause me to leave reviews for books that interest me.
Wow this book was the same but yet different if you can believe that the intensity level went way up. Sometime a person believes they are doing something for the greater good but it is not until they question themselves that they find a nugget of selfishness also guided their choice.
In this story bad things will happen and the coven will have to make some choices. This book really took me deep into the story and I will say this that I was upset with Marzenna and her attitude. I get but I still did not like her character acting this way and that is what truly made this story work.
Not wanting to give anything a way but if you have been reading this series "DON'T STOP" it is getting even better.
The joy of reading and wanting to share cause me to leave reviews for books that interest me.
August 14, 2022
I truly enjoy this series. The characters are realistic, even the paranormal ones, and the mysteries are difficult to figure out until the very end. This one was intense but I couldn’t put it down. Margie is learning that sometimes her choices as a witch are difficult to deal with.
Amazon synopsis:
Witch Marzie Nowak. Broom, check. Wand, check. Coven, check. Vampire boyfriend? Checkity check check! But things aren't what they appear. Everything about her life is about to turn upside down. From a surprise visit from her boss to the re-upping of her mom duties Marzie is just trying to keep it together. But then murder and a betrayal force Marzie to make a terrible choice and catch a killer before she loses everything.
Amazon synopsis:
Witch Marzie Nowak. Broom, check. Wand, check. Coven, check. Vampire boyfriend? Checkity check check! But things aren't what they appear. Everything about her life is about to turn upside down. From a surprise visit from her boss to the re-upping of her mom duties Marzie is just trying to keep it together. But then murder and a betrayal force Marzie to make a terrible choice and catch a killer before she loses everything.
August 10, 2020
Curse Strings is Rebecca Regnier's 5th episode in her amazing Widow's Bay collection. The Bay is hopping and the wands, and tempers, are flying! A murder on Mainstreet has everyone in a tizzy, especially the coven. Yooperman can't seem to shut up, or keep his opinions to himself. Marzie suddenly finds herself with a photographer/wingman when her boss, Garrett DeWitt, makes a surprise visit to the Bay office. All Hell breaks loose when the Moose bump Beltane in favor of The Testicle Festival. If the witches can't get Beltane back online what else is going to go off the rails? Read this witty rendition of witchy madness to find out!
March 8, 2024
I thoroughly relished this book. It was a thrilling experience, and I found myself compelled to keep turning the pages. Admittedly, there were minuscule moments that prompted a subtle eye roll, but on the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Why, you ask? Well, the introduction of Marzie's twin boys adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The looming threat of the Coven being taken over and the precarious situation of the Wolf Shifters, seemingly abandoned by the Coven, adds a palpable sense of suspense.
What unfolds in this four-star tale? Dive into the pages to unravel the mystery. A cosy narrative at its nearly finest.
Why, you ask? Well, the introduction of Marzie's twin boys adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The looming threat of the Coven being taken over and the precarious situation of the Wolf Shifters, seemingly abandoned by the Coven, adds a palpable sense of suspense.
What unfolds in this four-star tale? Dive into the pages to unravel the mystery. A cosy narrative at its nearly finest.
May 31, 2020
WOW!
I highly recommend this magically imaginative book in this fantastic series, especially to readers who know age is just a number. There is so much to love and enjoy in these books it would take too long to write here, mainly because I'm in a hurry to read the next book in this series. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this magically imaginative book in this fantastic series, especially to readers who know age is just a number. There is so much to love and enjoy in these books it would take too long to write here, mainly because I'm in a hurry to read the next book in this series. Enjoy!
January 23, 2021
3 Stars
This is a good fast paced story that continues the saga of Widow's Bay. The stories prior to this did a good job of catching you up in each of the books so if you hadn't read them in order you could still enjoy them. And of course each did a Happy For Now ending. Not so with this book, it truly leaves you up in the air for a resolution to the story.
This is a good fast paced story that continues the saga of Widow's Bay. The stories prior to this did a good job of catching you up in each of the books so if you hadn't read them in order you could still enjoy them. And of course each did a Happy For Now ending. Not so with this book, it truly leaves you up in the air for a resolution to the story.
April 20, 2022
Story is delightful but editing errors are blatant
What do you say to a beautiful girl who still has spinach in her teeth? This story is beautifully written but it seems to have been hurried in the final stages. There are so many careless mistakes that were missed. Use Grammarly to clean up your text and the story will shine as it should.
What do you say to a beautiful girl who still has spinach in her teeth? This story is beautifully written but it seems to have been hurried in the final stages. There are so many careless mistakes that were missed. Use Grammarly to clean up your text and the story will shine as it should.
October 5, 2020
Excellent Read
This book was impossible to put down. The characters are interesting and with the new additions, and learning more about the Town, makes this book exciting. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This book was impossible to put down. The characters are interesting and with the new additions, and learning more about the Town, makes this book exciting. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 19, 2020
Paranormal murder mystery
Another in the series of paranormal murder mysteries. Slow growth of the characters. Seriously disappointed in the heroine in this story, her angst and back/forth is starting to annoy
Another in the series of paranormal murder mysteries. Slow growth of the characters. Seriously disappointed in the heroine in this story, her angst and back/forth is starting to annoy
April 28, 2021
Just great
I’ve become so involved in this series, and know that it is one that I will revisit like an old friend. This book has such phenomenal characterization and world building that you get completely sucked in! Highly recommended!
I’ve become so involved in this series, and know that it is one that I will revisit like an old friend. This book has such phenomenal characterization and world building that you get completely sucked in! Highly recommended!
July 18, 2021
Marzie's sons are drawn to come to Widow's Bay and move back in with her mother. How can she keep the secrets of the town from them? When you have a talking cat familiar in the home, secrets don't last long. Things move fast and Marzie needs her coven now more than ever.
April 15, 2020
Love this series
I have binged this series since I was introduced to the Widow's Bay Witches. I love the characters and that they come into their full power as they age.
I have binged this series since I was introduced to the Widow's Bay Witches. I love the characters and that they come into their full power as they age.
May 29, 2020
Excellent read
Oh, the loss , the heartache, the growth of the coven . Looking forward to the next book. Love this series
Oh, the loss , the heartache, the growth of the coven . Looking forward to the next book. Love this series
May 31, 2020
Another great read! Unfortunately they go so fast, I pick it up and I have to finish it. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 11, 2020
Love this series
October 5, 2020
Loved it!
I felt all of the emotions that the ladies felt. From indignant to frightened, sad to depressed. I got sucked into the story and it didn't let me go.
I felt all of the emotions that the ladies felt. From indignant to frightened, sad to depressed. I got sucked into the story and it didn't let me go.
January 14, 2021
Curse strings
This book was a bit of a downer, I realize that all the characters needed to grow and change but a little up lift at the end would have been nice
This book was a bit of a downer, I realize that all the characters needed to grow and change but a little up lift at the end would have been nice
December 30, 2022
Not sure I like the addition of her family. Gonna get complicated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
This read was hilarious and cute. Definitely worth reading, especially during the fall and Halloween season. What’s not to love about witches, vampires and other mythical creatures?!
December 31, 2020
A wake up call
The witches recieve a wake up call and as usual things are not as they seem. Things get out of hand with dire consequences. This is a little more serious than the last books but it moves the overall plot along and gives depth to the characters. Still a good mystery and twist.
The witches recieve a wake up call and as usual things are not as they seem. Things get out of hand with dire consequences. This is a little more serious than the last books but it moves the overall plot along and gives depth to the characters. Still a good mystery and twist.
December 11, 2019
More Agnes!
And the twins come to visit. And Beltane festival wars, another mystery murder, A rabid werewolf, a visit from Marie's boss and a run in with the moose.
And the twins come to visit. And Beltane festival wars, another mystery murder, A rabid werewolf, a visit from Marie's boss and a run in with the moose.
September 10, 2019
It hasn't happened often lately, but Marzie gets the scoop on forty gallons of rancid potato salad that was meant to be served at the Testicle Festival. Unfortunately, her arch rival gets the scoop on a murder committed at the end of the first day of the Festival. One of the vendors hired by the Benevolent Independent Order of the Buck, is gunned down in the street. Not only is her friend accused of the murder, her boss, the owner of Your U.P. News decides to pay a personal visit, and her 21 year old twin boys show up and announce their plans to spend the summer with her. The DLC has to find a way to throw a big bash for Beltane, which was usurped by the Testicle Festival, to honor the goddess and one of their own.
Laugh out loud funny, magic spells, curses, flying brooms, wands, with plenty of surprises and unexpected twists in the plot. Sometimes snarky, always funny characters working together to make a safe home for the humans and paranormals in the small town of Widow's Bay. They will learn, too late, that the consequences of cursing someone may cost more than they are willing to pay. This series just keeps getting better, I can't wait for the next book. Fantastic read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Laugh out loud funny, magic spells, curses, flying brooms, wands, with plenty of surprises and unexpected twists in the plot. Sometimes snarky, always funny characters working together to make a safe home for the humans and paranormals in the small town of Widow's Bay. They will learn, too late, that the consequences of cursing someone may cost more than they are willing to pay. This series just keeps getting better, I can't wait for the next book. Fantastic read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
September 15, 2019
This book was a great addition to the series. Marzie and The Coven are gearing up for The Beltane Festival when it is taken over by Ridge and The Moose Lodge and made it into a testicles festival. They seem determined to shut the coven out of everything and will use every dirty means possible. Their biggest weapon is the newsman Yooper. His stories have been so damaging for the girls. Then Marzie boss shows up. She has to really work to beat Yooper on the news. Bad things start to happen to the coven. They take two major hit and find out they have to have The Beltane Festival are it will get worse. So they start planning it and how to get back at the men. They work up a curse but later find out it can have a bad return to them and it does. When Marzie's twins show up she starts to feel overwhelmed. They have some major news to share with her. She starts to question her role as leader for the coven.
There was a lot going on with this story but it was handled very well. I really loved the story. I am starting to get tired of Marzie's attitude. I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
There was a lot going on with this story but it was handled very well. I really loved the story. I am starting to get tired of Marzie's attitude. I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
September 9, 2019
Who rules the Festival?
Terrific read. A great plot based on a struggle between men and women. The men want to rule and be dominant whilst the women care for each other and the community around them. Taking on the role of caregiver for all. The women have an advantage they have magic! When the men take over the local Festival (by shouting loudest and using their economic power) the women try to stand against them. Only for one member of the inner coven to be accused of the murder of one of the men. Did she do it? As leader of the coven she must try to determine the facts and make sure that peace reigns in their community. Her job as a reporter is to report the facts. Throw in the owner of the paper she works for, the death of a senior witch, taking back the Festival, her two sons, another death caused by casting a curse. Will she find the killer? Is there anything they can do about the second death? How can she be the leader if she now doubts herself, her powers and her actions?
A really strong plot with wonderful characters, emotions and loads of magic.
Terrific read. A great plot based on a struggle between men and women. The men want to rule and be dominant whilst the women care for each other and the community around them. Taking on the role of caregiver for all. The women have an advantage they have magic! When the men take over the local Festival (by shouting loudest and using their economic power) the women try to stand against them. Only for one member of the inner coven to be accused of the murder of one of the men. Did she do it? As leader of the coven she must try to determine the facts and make sure that peace reigns in their community. Her job as a reporter is to report the facts. Throw in the owner of the paper she works for, the death of a senior witch, taking back the Festival, her two sons, another death caused by casting a curse. Will she find the killer? Is there anything they can do about the second death? How can she be the leader if she now doubts herself, her powers and her actions?
A really strong plot with wonderful characters, emotions and loads of magic.
September 8, 2019
This is just a fantastic series.
The widows in Widows Bay are a coven of witches, learning it from the older ladies.
This next part in this series, which you could read as a stand alone, but why would you? is about a murder and Marzie her sons are coming to her.
Things aren't looking that good in Windows bay with the men taking over and the beltane festival not taking place. This is a bad sign for the witches and even more bad things are happening.
Next to that Marzie her boss shows up and he acts a bit weird from time to time. Her sons show up with a surprise for her and she is surprising them with what is happening in the village.
But above all her best friend is accused of a murder.
How will the witches deal with all this?
For that you have to read the book and you won't regret it.
It is a book with humor, action and it is about taking care of friends and family
The widows in Widows Bay are a coven of witches, learning it from the older ladies.
This next part in this series, which you could read as a stand alone, but why would you? is about a murder and Marzie her sons are coming to her.
Things aren't looking that good in Windows bay with the men taking over and the beltane festival not taking place. This is a bad sign for the witches and even more bad things are happening.
Next to that Marzie her boss shows up and he acts a bit weird from time to time. Her sons show up with a surprise for her and she is surprising them with what is happening in the village.
But above all her best friend is accused of a murder.
How will the witches deal with all this?
For that you have to read the book and you won't regret it.
It is a book with humor, action and it is about taking care of friends and family
September 10, 2019
Some lines are just to funny especially when they include rotton potato salad and missing meat at a certain festival. Well Marzie is having to deal with a ahem man festival her boss visiting and her son's are in town not to mention hexed chickens and a Grand Poobah and the ever present but so annoying man cave news. Then there is a murder her fellow coven member and friend Tatum is in trouble. Her boss is having issues and before its all over Marzie will have to deal with disappointment, regret, grief and anger her relationship will suffer but her family and friends will be there for her though. These books are never dull there hilarious and from beginning till the end they will keep you engrossed and counting the day's till the next Widows Bay Book releases. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 21, 2019
I really enjoy the books in this series. You get a great mix of mystery, humor and romance.
These witches will fight hard for their town against the "club". This one has her having to take on her role of mother which conflicts with some of the other new things in her life. Explaining the town to her sons is a fun scene that goes differently than you expect.
There is a big twist at the end which really makes her question things and I am looking forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
These witches will fight hard for their town against the "club". This one has her having to take on her role of mother which conflicts with some of the other new things in her life. Explaining the town to her sons is a fun scene that goes differently than you expect.
There is a big twist at the end which really makes her question things and I am looking forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
September 9, 2019
Upper Michigan fun
This is a fun storyline that takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There are lots of festivals and this book was no exception. The plot and subplots move quickly making it hard to put the book down. This book seemed to be a turning point and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a fun storyline that takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There are lots of festivals and this book was no exception. The plot and subplots move quickly making it hard to put the book down. This book seemed to be a turning point and I can't wait to see what happens next.
September 11, 2019
Couldn't put this one down. Marzie and her coven are at it again - neck deep in a murder investigation. This time a dear friend is in trouble and two beloved characters pay a huge price to protect the DLC. The "regular" menfolk have it in for the DLC and a new shifter comes on the scene. He just might have his eye on a mate. More heartfelt than the others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews