A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison

I would give this book a 3/5 simply because the story is sweet and a quick read. Honestly though the whole gypsy -magic -love- story thing just really isn't for me. There was one laugh out loud funny moment. This book also has a story that follows it called, A Stroke of Magic. I don't know if I will read that book or not. This book was okay but not stellar.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): A young, divorced bakery owner discovers she's inherited her gypsy ancestress's fabulous magical powers, but learns that when seeking true love with her hunky new neighbor, a person has to be careful what she cooks up.

If you are into quick, witty, light-hearted witch romances books then this book might be for you. It didn't suck but it was not the best book I have ever read.

The Secret Circle (part 2) by L.J. Smith

Immediately after reading this book I hightailed it to the computer to see if I could find out if another book is planning to follow this one. That's how you know a book is remarkable. So far though I could not find out if there is another one. Ms. Smith I beg you please continue The Secret Circle.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): CAUGHT IN THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL...
Cassie has joined the most alluring—and deadly—in-crowd imaginable. But power comes with a price, and it's more dangerous than she knows. Torn between the dueling desires of the two leaders of the Secret Circle, she must ultimately choose between saving all of the New Salem, and her own dangerous love for bewitching Adam, which threatens to tear the circle apart. In the ultimate battle between good and evil, will Cassie's supernatural powers be strong enough to lead the coven out of danger? Or will she fall prey to the dark forces within?
...WILL SHE SACRIFICE HER LOVE FOR THE CIRCLE TO SURVIVE?

My thoughts: After reading part 1 I instantly picked up part 2. Yes, these books really are that good. Part 2 continues right where part 1 left off. No jumping around or re-introducing people or re-explaining the story, which was very nice. You get a little more depth of the characters and learn more about them in part 2. The only thing that made me sad was when I had finished the book ;( I sincerely hope that Ms. Smith decides to write more books about The Secret Circle.

Whoever decided to re-release The Secret Circle is a genius. Otherwise I probably would have never read these books.

The Secret Circle (part 1) by L.J. Smith

WOW I loved this book. I can not believe that this was written in the 1990's and I had never heard of it until recently. This writer was writing cool paranormal series before it was actually popular. This is a young adult story that kids of all ages would love. This is part 1 (actually books 1-2, which were re-released) titled The Initiation and The Captive part 1. The second book (re-released books 3-4) The Captive Part 2 and The Power is also amazing.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): The circle's power has lured her home
Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witches that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants—even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her.

My Thoughts: I am so glad that I had both books Part 1 and 2 to read because I would have immediately drove to the store to buy it if I had not. Part 1 does start out a little slow but by page 10 I could not put it down.I read through this book all in one sitting. I could not wait to find out what happened next. I could not help but be drawn in to Cassie's world. I related to her, felt sorry for her, got angry with her, but still loved the character. I will definitely be going out and buying up all the L.J. Smith books I can. She is brilliant!!