Well, the acid-test of any book is whether it generates 'looking forward' to continuing the read at the next opportunity, which it certainly did for me, throughout. Such an imagination, with the storyline cleverly contrived to link characters across the ages. The author convincingly brings the main character (Harriet) to life by weaving in her emotional journey and relationships with each of her three friends, as she endeavours to understand and confront in time, the terrifying challenges confronting her, in this unique, twisting plot. Apparently written for teenagers; but I enjoyed it as an oldie! It made for a welcome extra dimension to my holiday evenings; (until it was finished of course, when I was left with nothing to look forward to!) Congratulations to the Author.

From the first chapter, I was drawn into a unique world with a high-stakes plot that immediately engaged me. The protagonist, sixteen-year-old Harriet Flynn, is a character you can't help but root for. Her accidental awakening of a dangerous, centuries-old curse in a seventeenth-century holiday village sets the stage for a thrilling adventure. The book's nostalgic charm, reminiscent of childhood favourites, is balanced with a mature narrative that readers of all ages can enjoy. The interweaving of teenage relationships is expertly crafted, blended with the brilliantly executed ticking clock in which Harriet and her friends have just one day to banish the curse. The countdown drives the narrative and builds the tension, making us care for Harriet and her friends, who are going through personal problems while dealing with their newfound powers and abilities after awakening the curse. I felt transported by the in-depth, immersive descriptions - I could feel, smell, and touch the seventeenth-century village inside my mind, and it has inspired me to visit similar historical locations in real life. Hexed is a coming-of-age story that explores our true potential and the unlocking of powers within us.

I’m a huge fan of the supernatural and witches, magic and curses so was really excited to read Hexed. The opening chapter gave me tingles and hooked me right in. I loved Harriet and the relationship between all the main characters. The awkwardness and humour of teenagers was perfectly captured. And it’s deliciously dark and scary at times. Lisa’s love of history gives this story depth and made it an immersive experience. What a great book which teenage me would have been crazy about.