What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #2
Wicked Brew
Thistle Winchester is at her witchy wit’s end.
Great-Aunt Tillie is selling wine at the curb of The Overlook – like it’s a lemonade stand – and her mother and aunts are about to burn someone at the stake. Unfortunately, it’s up to her and cousin Bay to put out the fire.
When the two cousins take a stand, they’re interrupted by the arrival of an injured and dazed little girl. She won’t speak, and she appears to have undergone some sort of trauma.
Thistle steps up to the plate – mostly because the child seems to have latched herself onto the grumpy witch – and the Winchesters launch an all-out investigation into who she is, and where she came from.
As things start to unfold, Thistle’s heart is at risk. This newest guest at The Overlook has a troubled past, and she’s especially vulnerable, which makes Thistle especially vulnerable.
It doesn’t help that that Aunt Tillie has taken a special interest in the child she deems “Basil,” or that Landon wants to arrest Aunt Tillie for her secondary wine business.
Can the Winchesters save the day? Thistle is determined to do just that. She just might need a little help from her family.
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 20,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading.
Great-Aunt Tillie is selling wine at the curb of The Overlook – like it’s a lemonade stand – and her mother and aunts are about to burn someone at the stake. Unfortunately, it’s up to her and cousin Bay to put out the fire.
When the two cousins take a stand, they’re interrupted by the arrival of an injured and dazed little girl. She won’t speak, and she appears to have undergone some sort of trauma.
Thistle steps up to the plate – mostly because the child seems to have latched herself onto the grumpy witch – and the Winchesters launch an all-out investigation into who she is, and where she came from.
As things start to unfold, Thistle’s heart is at risk. This newest guest at The Overlook has a troubled past, and she’s especially vulnerable, which makes Thistle especially vulnerable.
It doesn’t help that that Aunt Tillie has taken a special interest in the child she deems “Basil,” or that Landon wants to arrest Aunt Tillie for her secondary wine business.
Can the Winchesters save the day? Thistle is determined to do just that. She just might need a little help from her family.
Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 20,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2015
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
259 books2,718 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 12, 2020
Love the stories with Annie...
January 28, 2022
Another mystery
They find Annie wandering down the word. Aunt Follow of course names her Basil.Aunt Till is is always up for something but this time she co.d's to the rescue.
The little girls mom is found, arrests are made, and we get a happily ever after.
They find Annie wandering down the word. Aunt Follow of course names her Basil.Aunt Till is is always up for something but this time she co.d's to the rescue.
The little girls mom is found, arrests are made, and we get a happily ever after.
October 8, 2019
This book was just beyond adorable. Great plot. Wonderful characters. I cannot wait to read more.
September 13, 2016
Wicked Brew: Wicked Witches Of The Midwest Short 2
The entire series revolves around a family of witches. Usually, the lead character is reporter Bay Winchester. In this story roles are swapped and her cousin Thistle is the lead character. It is a nice touch. The story adds colour to Thistle's character and highlights her resemblance to Great Aunt Tillie.
The author's synopsis says it all, Great Aunt Tillie is increasing her wine sales. Her marketing strategy is to sell by the roadside. I laughed when she and her Great Niece Thistle discuss the plan!
The plot is ropey but it will pull at your heart strings, so it gets away with it. It is only a short story so go for it, even if it is just for completion sake.
onnect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imjussayin2
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
The entire series revolves around a family of witches. Usually, the lead character is reporter Bay Winchester. In this story roles are swapped and her cousin Thistle is the lead character. It is a nice touch. The story adds colour to Thistle's character and highlights her resemblance to Great Aunt Tillie.
The author's synopsis says it all, Great Aunt Tillie is increasing her wine sales. Her marketing strategy is to sell by the roadside. I laughed when she and her Great Niece Thistle discuss the plan!
The plot is ropey but it will pull at your heart strings, so it gets away with it. It is only a short story so go for it, even if it is just for completion sake.
onnect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imjussayin2
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
May 24, 2019
Aunt Tillie is up to her old tricks and is selling (illegally) wine she has made from a lemonade-like stand by the street. This creates problems for Landon, of course.
To add to his problems there's a young girl, about eight, that appears, slightly injured by for some reason not speaking at all. The family takes her in to help her while Chief Terry and Landon start to try to figure out just where the girl came from and where her parents are.
Things get quite dark when the answers they obtain are not what they expected and create problems of their own. They have to find out if her mother is still alive, somehow reunite them and yet deal with relatives that want the girl for themselves.
Another good addition to the series.
To add to his problems there's a young girl, about eight, that appears, slightly injured by for some reason not speaking at all. The family takes her in to help her while Chief Terry and Landon start to try to figure out just where the girl came from and where her parents are.
Things get quite dark when the answers they obtain are not what they expected and create problems of their own. They have to find out if her mother is still alive, somehow reunite them and yet deal with relatives that want the girl for themselves.
Another good addition to the series.
June 14, 2018
Little girl lost or just displaced?
Another great read but just a shame that in this one they were sooo slow in taking a proactive stance. Aunt Tillie is up to her old tricks and causing everyone to combat. However the sudden appearance of an injured little girl has everyone displaying protective tendencies. Where did she come from? Where is her family? Loved the part when they all closed ranks to protect the little girl but wondered what happened to make them take so long to do anything. Aunt Tillie and Thistle are at their best in levels of sarcasm and snark.
Another great read but just a shame that in this one they were sooo slow in taking a proactive stance. Aunt Tillie is up to her old tricks and causing everyone to combat. However the sudden appearance of an injured little girl has everyone displaying protective tendencies. Where did she come from? Where is her family? Loved the part when they all closed ranks to protect the little girl but wondered what happened to make them take so long to do anything. Aunt Tillie and Thistle are at their best in levels of sarcasm and snark.
August 20, 2018
Good Read
Thistle’s Short closes the gape in the full books where Annie & Belinda come to be at the Overlook Inn. I just cannot say enough of how much I enjoy every single book of “Wicked Witches of the Midwest” saga. Full stories & Shorts, this is the TV series I could watch for years but make sure Amanda M. Lee keeps all of her rights to it because the networks destroy everything they get the rights to.
Thistle’s Short closes the gape in the full books where Annie & Belinda come to be at the Overlook Inn. I just cannot say enough of how much I enjoy every single book of “Wicked Witches of the Midwest” saga. Full stories & Shorts, this is the TV series I could watch for years but make sure Amanda M. Lee keeps all of her rights to it because the networks destroy everything they get the rights to.
February 13, 2019
Short & Sweet
I've read the 1st 5 books in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series and the 1st 2 books in the short novellas. This short was from Thistles point of view which is different and interesting & involves helping a lost child, standing up to bullies, incl good ole Aunt Tillie. The characters are full of loyalty & love & helping someone in need is a given. I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read further, full novels and novellas...
I've read the 1st 5 books in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series and the 1st 2 books in the short novellas. This short was from Thistles point of view which is different and interesting & involves helping a lost child, standing up to bullies, incl good ole Aunt Tillie. The characters are full of loyalty & love & helping someone in need is a given. I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read further, full novels and novellas...
April 24, 2023
Oh Thistle
Decent read, kind of chaotic like I suppose Thistle is.
I have to say this again, how is it the short stories are better than the long reads from this author? It's kind of mind boggling. I definitely think she succeeds at novellas but the longer ones kind of go nowhere and have the same M.O. each time but the short stories follow the same path as well just faster and with more action.
If you're a fan of the series, read this book.
Decent read, kind of chaotic like I suppose Thistle is.
I have to say this again, how is it the short stories are better than the long reads from this author? It's kind of mind boggling. I definitely think she succeeds at novellas but the longer ones kind of go nowhere and have the same M.O. each time but the short stories follow the same path as well just faster and with more action.
If you're a fan of the series, read this book.
September 1, 2020
Good read
The humor in this series and the lovable quirky characters have been such a boost to my sister’s spirits, because, even though she’s not a reading addict like me, I text her the lol choice bits of Aunt Tillie’s wisdom. We want a Netflix series made, so we can binge on healthy hilarity. So more it be🔮👍👍👍💜
The humor in this series and the lovable quirky characters have been such a boost to my sister’s spirits, because, even though she’s not a reading addict like me, I text her the lol choice bits of Aunt Tillie’s wisdom. We want a Netflix series made, so we can binge on healthy hilarity. So more it be🔮👍👍👍💜
December 17, 2020
Love it.
I have been wanting to read this one for awhile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The change in point of view was fun. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
I have been wanting to read this one for awhile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The change in point of view was fun. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 20, 2023
I love Aunt Tillie
This is a great series. The characters are well thought out and realistic. There is a touch of magic, mystery, and mayhem through out the books. The author's snarky personality comes through in her writing. I love these books and can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a great series. The characters are well thought out and realistic. There is a touch of magic, mystery, and mayhem through out the books. The author's snarky personality comes through in her writing. I love these books and can't wait to see what happens next.
May 8, 2023
Good read
This story is short and sweet. If you've read the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series, you'll remember Belinda and Annie. This is Thistle's version of events that followed finding little Annie wandering the road by the Inn. This author knows how to hold your attention and pull at your heart strings. Highly recommend.
This story is short and sweet. If you've read the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series, you'll remember Belinda and Annie. This is Thistle's version of events that followed finding little Annie wandering the road by the Inn. This author knows how to hold your attention and pull at your heart strings. Highly recommend.
July 30, 2017
Love the shorts
Another great story from Amanda M. Lee. This one was from Thistle's point of view. There's interaction between Aunt Tillie and a sweet little girl in trouble. It's a grand and humorous adventure.
Another great story from Amanda M. Lee. This one was from Thistle's point of view. There's interaction between Aunt Tillie and a sweet little girl in trouble. It's a grand and humorous adventure.
January 7, 2019
When Annie arrived
So cute! I have read the books without the shorts and am catching up on what has been happening in between.
I love how the shorts are told by other characters, it makes them , "come alive" even more.
So cute! I have read the books without the shorts and am catching up on what has been happening in between.
I love how the shorts are told by other characters, it makes them , "come alive" even more.
May 3, 2019
Rescue Annie
Thistle with her blue hair gets to save the day and a young child in this short. The Winchester witches are surly among themselves, but they know right from wrong. They help a young girl who wanders down the road, hurt and abandoned. Good read.
Thistle with her blue hair gets to save the day and a young child in this short. The Winchester witches are surly among themselves, but they know right from wrong. They help a young girl who wanders down the road, hurt and abandoned. Good read.
August 10, 2019
Again I'm not a huge fan of this narrator. And this installment the girls find a little girl and are in charge of taking care of her while they find her family. Entertaining storyline I just wish it was the original narrator
October 8, 2020
A Hemlock Cove short.
Aunt Tillie is selling bottles of her wine at the end of their property and discovers a young girl who had been hurt. The mystery is who is she, how did she get there and how did she get hurt. A nice short story, can't wait for the next book.
Aunt Tillie is selling bottles of her wine at the end of their property and discovers a young girl who had been hurt. The mystery is who is she, how did she get there and how did she get hurt. A nice short story, can't wait for the next book.
October 22, 2020
Different perspectives
Loving the insights into different characters’ perspectives. And the plot I. This short was gripping too. Enjoyable read which takes you away from the harsh realities of the world.
Loving the insights into different characters’ perspectives. And the plot I. This short was gripping too. Enjoyable read which takes you away from the harsh realities of the world.
December 25, 2021
Hooray for Annie!
I wondered how Annie and Belinda fit into the stories. The events were alluded to, and remembered by, the Winchesters, but it's great to know the whole story.Good job!
I wondered how Annie and Belinda fit into the stories. The events were alluded to, and remembered by, the Winchesters, but it's great to know the whole story.Good job!
December 6, 2022
Excellent reading , a can't miss.
I absolutely love the" Witches of the Midwest " book series ! Well written with some mystery , engaging characters , and humor ! An all-around delight to read
I absolutely love the" Witches of the Midwest " book series ! Well written with some mystery , engaging characters , and humor ! An all-around delight to read
August 24, 2024
great short story !
A great short story ! I just wish that they were included in the normal series as I keep missing them and they talk about them in the main series and the short stories are so good and let you see things from another characters point of view.
A great short story ! I just wish that they were included in the normal series as I keep missing them and they talk about them in the main series and the short stories are so good and let you see things from another characters point of view.
May 22, 2017
Seriously hilarious series!
February 17, 2018
Great Read
As always, I wasn't disappointed. The short stories are the perfect compliment to the novels. I was thoroughly entertained and laughed out loud.
As always, I wasn't disappointed. The short stories are the perfect compliment to the novels. I was thoroughly entertained and laughed out loud.
June 4, 2018
For only a short story, it packs a pretty good punch. I really do enjoy these characters though, never a dull moment.
August 7, 2018
Fun to be in Thistle's head this time.
I thoroughly enjoy the wicked witches of the midwest. It was fun to be in Thistle's head this time. She's my snarky hero.
I thoroughly enjoy the wicked witches of the midwest. It was fun to be in Thistle's head this time. She's my snarky hero.
December 10, 2018
DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT
It was difficult to realize was just a different viewpoint not twisted tale. It did give you some insight into Thistle's character.
It was difficult to realize was just a different viewpoint not twisted tale. It did give you some insight into Thistle's character.
December 15, 2018
My favorite WWMW short! This family is so amazingly strong. I love that we got to learn about the softer sides of Thistle & Marcus.
July 24, 2020
I truly enjoyed this story. So different, yet full of life, mystery, and vigor. The Winchester's are something else!
January 8, 2021
Slow but still kept my attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews