My usual habit is to sample everything before I commit to reading. Deanna Chase is one of my very few "just buy it" authors. I've read almost everything she's published and haven't found a clinker in the lot. This book was no exception.

Set in Premonition Pointe, a magical community in a mythical California, Star-Crossed brings back some familiar names and faces to those who've read the Premonition Pointe series. I sank into the story like a warm bath.

The story unfolds nicely as Miss Marion Matched launches her midlife dating service - one that depends on her own magical talents to find the perfect matches. Her plans tumble around her in a cascade of magically induced catastrophes driven by the usual suspects - self-doubt and shadowy actors.

As always, for me at least, it's the characters that pulled me in. From Marion Matched to her found and genetic family to the libido-driven ghost and the ever reliable, ex-mayor, Iris, to Jax - the one-that-got-away boyfriend from Marion's past. Every one of them made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next.

A great opener to what promises to be a magically delicious series.

Highly recommended.

[Transparency: I know Deana online. We share Slack space with some other writers for years. She doesn't know I'm reviewing this book.]