I liked this book, but not as much as the first one. It didn't exactly glamorize it, but there was a lot of drinking in this book. I can't be ok with all the drinking while having golf cart races. There were consequences, but not extreme. I may or may not continue on with the series. ( )

Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase is the second tale in Witches of Keating Hollow series. Noel Townsend lives in Keating Hollow, California with her six-year-old daughter, Daisy. Noel runs the Keating Hollow Inn and is an air witch. Three years ago, Noel’s husband, Xavier left without a word and she has not heard from him since. Daisy has not gotten over Xavier leaving and continues to have nightly anxiety attacks. Deputy Drew Baker has been attracted to Noel, but he has been hesitant to change their friendship. Then a call comes in that Xavier has been spotted in the area. Drew is determined to find him and provide closure for Noel and Daisy. Why did Xavier leave his family three years prior? Drew hopes that once the door closes on the past, Noel can open a window to a future that includes Drew.

Heart of the Witch is a well-written and engaging novel. While Heart of the Witch can be read alone, I recommend reading Soul of the Witch first. It lays the foundation for the series. We get to catch up with Abby, Clay, Yvette as well as Lin Townsend. We see how everyone is moving forward with their lives and how Lincoln is handling is treatments. Lin gives Daisy a puppy which adds to the family chaos (and cute factor). They are a close-knit family who love each other and are there for each other (supportive in good times and bad). I found the golf carts and the races hilarious. I would not mind having one myself decked out in my favorite colors (red and blue). The book has a steady pace and there are smooth transitions between sections. The story is told from Noel and Drew’s POV. I like getting to see things from both of their point of views (men and women see things very differently). There is mild foul language in the story (just to let you know). I am rating Heart of the Witch 4 out of 5 stars. Deanna combined magic, mystery, family, and romance into one enchanting story in Heart of the Witch. ( )