Not All Witches Cast Spells – Make Believe Book Review

Make Believe (The Hexford Witches Book One) by C.B. Hallam is a warm hug wrapped in magic, witchcraft, and fierce protectiveness.

Firstly, I have to talk about the chapter art. I was wholly unprepared for the impact such a simple design would have on me, but I loved it. The art is wholesome and homey, evoking a sense of kitchen magic right away. Fresh breads, herbs, fruit, and more adorn each chapter heading, which makes the start of each chapter a visual feast.

The writing is delicious. It is poetic without being overdone, warm and inviting, and immediately brings you into the fold of what this story is about. I have very rarely connected a writing style so vividly with the story, but Hallam has woven poetry with his words.

Now to the actual story. In short (spoiler alert): I loved it.

Our story begins in the small village of Hexford, nestled somewhere in the Yorkshire countryside. I say somewhere because Hexford isn’t on any maps, and one can only visit the village with true intention. We centre onto Kallin Beck, a cottage idyllically set on a river that’s housed and guarded a line of witches for centuries, who’ve guarded it, and the entire village of Hexford, right back.

Dinah Nye is a witch who lives in Kallin Beck. Her magic of choice? Kitchen and home magic. Through baking, beverages, and herbal concoctions, she shares her magic with the house and with the Hexford inhabitants. She also has a very strong sense of knowing—powerful intuition. Everyone knows she’s the village witch, but it is not a title she dons willingly, believing her power to be nowhere near as strong as her ancestors.

Eshe Morgan is a researcher living at Kallin Beck, hoping to uncover the mysteries the cottage holds. She isn’t a full believer in witchcraft, but she’s determined to figure out the secrets. She scouts and records the runes carved throughout the cottage so that she can prove once and for all where the supposed magic comes from.

Isolde is a witch, strong in her power and from elsewhere. She comes from a line of powerful witches who have sent her to Kallin Beck to determine whether Dinah should be relieved of her power so her family can steal the cottage and the village from her. Her power is evident in every word Hallam writes.

Our mystery begins when a trio of village characters report unsettling nightmares. It seems innocuous enough, but Dinah feels like there is something more going on. These nightmares are harrowing, and no one can remember them when they wake. But they all wake with fear and trepidation, and a wariness about falling asleep again.

Gentle questioning of these characters reveals they’ve all recently been on a camping trip together that none can remember. From here, the tension really ramps up, revealing a storyline steeped in fear, power, history, ancestry, and inheritance.

As someone who has studied and practised witchcraft in various forms for many years, the way this book is written has either been incredibly well researched or Hallam has his own practice. It is a very refreshing take on the witches trope to have such realistic elements practised by many across the globe.

Perhaps my favourite addition is the inclusion of Dinah’s recipes in the back of the book. I think this is such a powerful way to immerse the reader in the story afterwards… I can just imagine making a batch of Dinah’s Home-from-home Scones and sitting down with them and a cup of Nana Haigh’s Hot Milk to enjoy Make Believe a second time. Hallam also includes two other recipes for household protection… Or a tasty chicken rub.

When I say that I devoured this book, I really mean it! It’s a quick read at 173 pages and beautifully formatted. If you love witches or enjoy a cosy story that has real stakes but doesn’t leave you feeling tense and uneasy, Make Believe is one for you.