Sam’s nearly idyllic life starts to crumble when her boyfriend, Dan, becomes distant. Although their relationship started with a fiery spark, now it is all but diminished. After Dan ditches her at a party, Sam discovers him with another girl, leading to a prompt breakup. Yet, he cannot let Sam go, bombarding her with text messages and hurling insults at her publicly. Despite her best friend’s reassurances, this abuse chips away at Sam’s confidence. Although she has met Cameron, the person best suited for her, a distraught Sam hesitates to advance their relationship. Will Sam ever find the courage to speak up for herself? Why is she reluctant to contact her father with her issues? Will Cameron be any different from Dan? To find out, you must read Bewitched Moon: Emergence, the first book of the Bewitched Moon trilogy by C. R. Stephens.

Despite having a distinct mystical vibe with Sam’s abundant dabbling in tarot card readings, cleansing crystals, and moon rituals, the premise is rooted in real-life events. I was in awe of Sam’s positive mindset, maturity, and strength of character. She exudes the enormous potential of feminine energy. She actively engages in self-care, healing, and self-affirmations in her conscious effort to break out of the abusive relationship. Instead of forswearing love, Sam embraces new opportunities and even rekindles estranged relationships. I liked how she devoted time to process her emotions, steadfastly refusing to let the negative energy engulf her. C. R. Stephens does not allow these changes to happen overnight. Instead, each page chronicles her gradual healing and personal growth. At the same time, Stephens shows how your life could transform after finding your soulmate. I loved Sam’s respectful and open-minded explorations of pansexuality and polyamory, which were engaging and enlightening. While this grand debut is undoubtedly an open-door romance, the steamy scenes are tasteful and artistic. I would recommend Bewitched Moon: Emergence to anyone aspiring to read empowering women’s fiction with a magical undertone.

Bewitched Moon: Emergence by C. R. Stephens is a story of self-exploration. Samantha Thorp is a yoga instructor who worships the moon. Nightmares have disturbed her sleep, and she’s trying to figure out how to cut ties with Dan. August full moon rolls around, and Sam heads to a party with her best friend and flatmate Ashley. Not long after they arrive, Dan disappears, stranding the girls without a ride. A drop-dead gorgeous stranger gives them a lift, but they make a discovery that stuns Sam along the way. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Sam has to battle her inner demons. Her ex-boyfriend Dan has started a campaign of harassment against her, getting in the way of her feelings for Cameron, and her insecurities are blocking her flow, stopping her from moving forward. She turns to her mother and grandmother for help, but when they urge her to speak to her estranged father, she refuses, even though he’s likely the only one who can help her now. Will Sam sort out her feelings? Will Dan stop harassing her? And what will happen between Sam and Cameron?

Bewitched Moon: Emergence by C. R. Stephens is a quirky read, but there are scenes of a semi-graphic nature and language, so it isn’t suitable for younger readers. This is a modern story filled with moon rituals and worship, yoga, and a queer character, not to mention Instagram influencers. It offers us two things; an insight into moon worship and a love-hate triangle. The characters are well-developed, especially the main ones; you’ll love Sam, Ashley, and Cameron, but you will want to boot Dan up the butt and out of the picture. Stephens has researched this story, and her writing style is designed to draw you in and hold you. Plenty is happening in this tale, but it’s intriguing and easy to keep up with. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a modern story with an excellent plot.

Bewitched Moon: Emergence by C. R. Stephens follows the story of yoga instructor Samantha Luna Thorp. Samantha had a special connection with the moon all her life, and she let the moon guide her. However, even the moon couldn’t help her with some aspects of her life. Her relationship with her boyfriend Dan was dying already, and she decided to end it. She thought she had hit the jackpot when she met the charming Cameron. But Sam wasn’t truly over Dan, although Cameron was the man of her dreams. She was caught up in her feelings when things turned ugly with one of her suiters. Before she knew it, Sam had to make a decision and seek help from people who would rather avoid it. But did she have a choice? Or was Sam supposed to find the answers herself?

Bewitched Moon is more of a coming-of-age story of a young woman who was not confused but wasn’t sure either. Sam’s friend Ashley was the real MVP of the story. She encouraged Sam, listened to her, and provided her with sound advice that impacted Sam’s mind and her decisions. I loved Sam’s personality. She enjoyed astrology, did a lot of soul-searching, and looked for answers everywhere but in her heart. Her growth and development were brilliant. Author C. R. Stephens gave Sam plenty of opportunities to grow, learn, and realize that she didn’t need a man in her life to be complete. She was enough, and a partner supporting her was a plus. The narrative style was incredible, light, and fun. It highlighted the issues Sam had, gave readers a look into the mind of our protagonist, and gave readers opportunities to find answers as well. I would highly recommend this spunky story!

C.R. Stephens’s Bewitched Moon: Emergence features Samantha, who follows a faith based on moon cycles, tarot cards, and crystals. She shares an apartment with her best friend Ashley. While at a party, Samantha finds that her boyfriend Dan has ditched them. Cameron offers to give the girls a ride home, and Samantha feels a connection with him. When they stop at a lookout, Dan is there with another woman. Samantha's romance is over, but Dan refuses to accept that their relationship has ended and stalks her in public. When Samantha performs a moon ritual with her crystals, Cameron appears in a dream. In the dream, they acknowledge they will see other people, but they are soulmates. Following her vision, Samantha accepts Cameron's insistence on remaining platonic. She accepts a casual relationship with Max, a singer who practices polyamory. However, Cameron still occupies Samantha’s thoughts.

Samantha’s first-person narration was well-written by C.R. Stephens. The details Samantha conveys in her thoughts make it easy for readers to understand her turmoil. I found the cat Mr. Chuckles to be an entertaining addition to Samantha’s home life. The sexual relationship with Max was described tastefully, and the dialogue Samantha engaged in with "them" was enlightening. Dan’s stalking was frightening. The family dynamic Samantha grew up in was something I found relatable. I liked the maturity that Cameron and Max exhibited. The vivid descriptions of the settings made every location feel as though I could be in the same room. The transitions from one event to another were clear, and I had no problem following the timeline. I recommend Bewitched Moon to readers who enjoy watching a female character mature as her life changes.

There were things done in this book which were unexpectedly more adult than I thought, others not so much. It had a lot more complex relationships that Samantha as the protagonist goes into while others issues in some are left on the surface level. From the start to end it was a ride of emotional levels I wasn't prepared for done in time jumps of weeks over nine months. It of course happens in the pivotal time where she is 20 and makes it to 21. Being spiritual pagan her decisions and maturity on some issue's, especially with familiar and love or sexual based relations, where based on her trust in the universe, connection with the moon and herself. A solid growth happens after she makes a break or lets go of complications from her past which is not easy but a beautiful thing to change.

All that said this was done well enough to be considered good by my impossible standards, even though I was indifferent but understood the reasons Sam acted the way she did at many points in the book. Often with explanation right up front and other times I had to have patience for her the openness of her actions. Being someone that is spiritual myself this felt very easy and relaxing to read through but also frustrating and super awkward at certain moments with the upbeat then quick lows the next chapter. They were long winded but it did not disturb me enough to be of major impact for this standalone. And for that alone ,not to mention the variety of growth and change Bewiitched Moon was a decent read.

Bewitched Moon was definitely an enjoyable read, I sailed through it in a day. The story follows Sam yoga instructor and resident witch through different phases of growth, self reflection, and evolving relationships. This story really emphasized the importance of communication and accountability to build and foster healthy relationships. Through mistakes, misunderstandings and misguided assumptions we follow along as Sam learns to open her heart and mind to relationships she may have never considered before and to trust herself after walking away from a toxic relationship turned dangerous.

The story has so much heart and attention to detail!

I loved that the setting took place in Madison and all around my beloved East Side.

The story came alive through the characters, and they all felt like people you would meet in the neighborhood.

Great characters. Great story. I was enthralled with Samantha's personal growth in this quirky coming of age story.

It took me less than 24 hours to read this book. I could not put it down. I felt Sam's pain, her anger, and her love. I loved the twists; it was written so well I felt like I was watching each scene unfold. The heat and electricity between Cameron and Sam tore at my heart as I read and every time I felt they were going to get together there was another twist. The universe seemed to be against them. The ending left me wanting more. I really hope there is a sequel.

I couldn’t put this book down! Bewitched Moon by C R Stephens is a great read and once you pick it up you’ll want to race through till the end. It is full of twists of turns that leave you wanting more. The story follows Sam is a witch and a yoga instructor and follows her through her different phases of growth. Also it follows her through her relationship and finding the strength to walk away from a negative situation and to finally open herself up to a healthy and loving relationship.

This is a pleasurable read, Samantha aka Sam is at the helm of the story, being a certified yoga instructor she leads her life her own way. She is a genuine and lively character living in the perils of young adult life.

There's a lot going on in her life but most importantly, the story stays true to her character. Living a presumptuous life, she is trying to find her way through an independent life.

While making decisions, Sam sometimes supresses her own feelings and sometimes she lets it out explicitly which is her specific trait. Her life is a learning curve of an unforgettable experience like all of us have.

The story starts with Sam trying to get away from a dying relationship with a man named Dan which she finds better to end on her own term when time comes. Blessing follows the loss so she finds an honest and generous man next, but not everything goes according to her wishes.

This book covers a lot, it sets example for friendship between Ashley and Sam, a love story between Sam and Cameron, and her relationship with her father and other family members.

A blend of all is something that gives this novel a touch of authencity. Sam believe in horoscope matchups and spritual brightness is something that keeps her moving ahead despite the difficulties.

All around, this is really good read, there's a lot that goes through in a young person's life and Sam's story can be an ideal reflection of it. Definitely, recommended to anyone who's looking to have a pleasurable read in chick-lit genre.

C. R. Stephens has done a fabulous work and created a heartwarming and refreshingly pleasant story line in "Bewitched Moon- Emergence". The title and cover photo of the novel is totally befitting and suitable.
It's about Samantha, a Yoga Instructor, having an intriguing relationship with the moon itself. The story picks up pace from the very first page and keeps the reader wanting more. It is quite an addictive plot revolving around the struggles, upheavals, dilemmas, emotional crossroads faced by the protagonist. It highlights a very strong message that misunderstandings in any relationship are heightened due to lack of communication.
The narrative is simple, crisp and in first form, making it all the more relatable. An equally enjoyable climax giving a strong message that "we shall never let others to define who we will be" and it is better to walk away from toxic relationships.