Falling into Magic by Elizabeth Pantley
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series (book 1)
November 12, 2020
Mystery/Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
Welcome to Destiny Falls
When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat had escaped the house and ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her. She knew because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world and had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate.
Twenty years later Hayden discovers the true secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it by a mysterious villain. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had. But danger brought her here, and it followed her. And now, Hayden is on a mission to see that the threat is removed, so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.
BUY LINKS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55764193-falling-into-magic
REVIEW
Falling Into Magic is a mystery with humor and magic, almost fairytale like. It has wonderful characters (both the friendly and unfriendly ones), a magical setting, and vivid descriptions. I really enjoyed the magic of Destiny Falls, especially the library. In fact, Destiny Falls is its own character. Scene stealer – a sassy Himalayan cat who once they have arrived in Destiny Falls, is able to communicate with Hayden. Some things are left unfinished which I’m sure will be tied up in book two (ie she left one world/family for the newly discovered one and I wonder if they will ever be combined). Fine for young adult, even high schoolers. A nice cozy mystery. Well done.
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (December 4, 2020)
ARC provided by author
* * * * Reviews * * * * *
“A magical, delightful tale that held my attention with a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue, a pleasantly appealing universe, and an intriguing plotline that I could not put down. I can’t wait to see where we go with Hayden’s next adventure.” — Dru Ann, MWA Raven Award winner, http://www.drusbookmusing.com
“What a captivating read! . . . I couldn’t put it down. A great story, full of interesting people and places to get to know, with surprises around every corner.” — Linda C. Goodreads reviewer
“The world-building and magic system is fascinating. Destiny Falls is a wondrous place that seems to cater to citizens’ wants and needs. I love that it is almost a character in its own right, and I was intrigued by the constantly changing world. Vivid imagery paints a clear picture of Destiny falls and its inhabitants. Falling into Magic is a dynamic introduction to the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series.” — Julie Petitbon http://www.onebookmore.com/
“Finally! An author who manages to pin the Disney/Hallmark magic down on paper.” – Mareli & Elza, https://elzareads.blogspot.com/
“This is no run-of-the-mill paranormal book! Unique ideas. You will be glad this is a series!” – Susan G., Amazon reviewer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one. This is her first work of fiction.
https://www.nocrysolution.com/books/
Instagram | WordPress | Amazon |
EXCERPT
Prologue
It all began when Hayden was six and she lost her cat.
Fluffball was a Himalayan rescue, the softest ball of fur Hayden had ever seen. She had visited the shelter with her grandmother and was immediately drawn to the cat’s amazing blue eyes. She begged to take her home and promised she’d take good care of her. Nana had finally given in and the cat had joined the family.
She’d only had her a few weeks, but she had loved Fluffball. Then one day, her cat was gone. Snap. Just like that. The adults told her that the cat had likely snuck out a door or jumped out the bedroom window and ran away. But she knew the truth. It was the mirror.
Many children have odd fears. Clowns, bathtubs, monsters under the bed. Hayden was afraid of mirrors. She was so adamant that they had to take the mirror out of her bedroom. She only trusted those that were adhered to the wall, like the one above their fireplace.
Even as she grew up, she continued to be uneasy around them. She kept her distance and learned as a teen to put on her makeup and do her hair in the reflection of her shower door or in her small hand-held compact mirror. Sometimes, when she’d walk by a mirror, she’d swear she saw a man in there, looking at her. Oddly, she came to understand that it could be any mirror, but not every mirror. It was unpredictable. Over time, with nothing bad ever again happening, she convinced herself it was a good image that she saw – like a guardian angel. It prevented her from completely freaking out, and eventually he even became a welcome sight.
If anyone questioned her, she explained away her unease by saying she was superstitious – breaking a mirror means seven years of bad luck and all that. But the truth was harder to believe.
comfychairbooks.com 
One thought on “Book Review w/Excerpt: Falling into Magic by Elizabeth Pantley”