I'll be the first to admit, sometimes I just need an easy read, and when I do Nora Roberts is one of the first I go to. The theme for my bookclub this month is fantasy, and since this book centers around witches, I figured it was a good bet. 
 At the end of the day, this book just fell flat for me. Sure, I read it quickly and enjoyed it, but it just wasn't my favorite. I know that Nora Roberts can do so much more with her characters and the dialogue and the plot. 
 The plot started off very ..... odd for me. It's as though there should have been a book BEFORE this one, just so you could fully understand what was happening. There was that much back story that you were just expected to understand and flow with. It bothers me. 
 I also really couldn't stand the main character, Iona. I found her whiny, and just plain obnoxious. I understand that the stereotype of Americans is that we are fast talkers, who are loud and don't always accept social norms, but with Iona it was just taken to another level. She rambled so much that it wasn't even believable. It got a bit better, but not much. I much preferred the dynamic and development of the supporting characters (who will, in turn, be the main characters in the second and third books). 
 I recommend this book for lovers of Nora Roberts, but want everyone to be aware that this is not the best book from her.