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Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic #2

The Disappearance of Emily

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A magic mirror. An enchanted world. A mysterious missing mother. A suspicious package. An unexplained death. A community of strange, quirky people. A sassy cat and a hilarious witch. Come visit Destiny Falls and escape to a great time.

Hayden’s life was normal until she fell through a mirror and was thrust into an alternate, magical place. Destiny Falls is not on any map and is home to a family she never knew she had. The town is enchanted and charming, and the amazing mansion she lives in changes to meet the needs of the people who live there, including her! Every day she discovers a new enchantment.

But something is amiss. Hayden gets an ominous warning from a strange woman, who promises to tell her the town secrets and give her a package – if she’ll meet her at the mysterious ferry that lacks a published destination. The ferry visit is cancelled, but the package is delivered. Once it arrives, someone turns up dead. Then the suspicious episodes start, too many to call them coincidences. She and her family are targeted and in danger.

Who or what is causing the chaos? All signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother - way back when Hayden was just two days old. Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away? Can she learn more about the secrets kept for her lifetime? With the help of her sassy sidekick cat, and a host of new family and friends, Hayden finds herself surrounded with support as she solves the mystery of the death and learns secrets about herself.


"Intriguing and totally unput-downable, it draws you in from the word go, and you will not want to leave until it chucks you at "The End." ~ Carol, Goodreads

"I felt transported to Destiny Falls...now that I've finished, I miss it already." ~ Julie, One Book More

"A magical, delightful tale that held my attention." ~ Dru Ann, Dru's Book Musings

"A captivating read! I couldn't put it down." ~ Linda C., Goodreads

"A mix of unique characters, romance, mystery and magic." ~ Charlene Q. Goodreads

"I had a fun time reading this one." ~ Lola, Lola's Reviews

"Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, BAM, a twist." ~ Leslie, Storeybook Reviews

"Funny, fluffy, far-fetched, and fabulous!" ~ Elza Reads

"Generously seasoned with sass, class, and a dose of spunk. Delish!" ~ Pages & Paws


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books are published in over twenty languages. She is also the author of the popular Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and is the mother of four and Nana to one. She hopes you have as much fun reading the Destiny Falls books as she enjoys writing them. Visit her & sign up for her mailing list at nocrysolution.com.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2021

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About the author

Elizabeth Pantley

67 books389 followers
Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes the well-loved Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the new Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books. Visit her and sign up for her newsletter at www.nocrysolution.com

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5 stars
181 (61%)
4 stars
79 (26%)
3 stars
29 (9%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Prockish.
456 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I do recommend reading this series in order as there are events & explanations that take place in book 1 that help with book 2. If you like a little magic in your cozies, then this one is for you!! Check it out!
I have loved getting to know Hayden more and watching her relationship with her long, lost family grow.
Profile Image for Lola.
1,673 reviews266 followers
March 3, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really enjoyed my stay at the town of Destiny Falls in book 1 and was eager to return for another visit. The Disappearance of Emily brings a new mystery as well as more of the world and characters we got to meet in book 1 and some new faces as well. I like the unique feel of this series, it's a bit of a mix of portal fantasy with a (paranormal) cozy mystery element and it works quite well. I like the type of magic here, which isn't as much magic the characters use, but more a magic of the place, with things ever changing.

I enjoy spending time in this magical world, it's such an unique place with how locations can be closer or farther away and things can appear when you need them. The library and local café often look different and the town seems to almost have a will and personality of it's own. Then there's the magical house with ever changing gardens, bookcases that move locations, a bench that moves and new rooms and garages pop up depending on the need of the people inhabiting it. It's fun to read about it.

While I enjoyed this book I felt the mystery plot line wasn't as solid as in book 1. At times it felt a bit jumbled. From the title I had expected the mystery to focus on Emily's disappearance. Emily is the main character's mom who disappeared when she was little. Unfortunately the book doesn't really focus on this, although there is some development on this regard it isn't because of anything the main character does.

The main mystery centers around a person who turns up death. Hayden investigates as she's the only one who knows a vital clue. I was a bit annoyed at times how no one would tell her anything about two of the things she's investigating, one of these seemed like such a normal part of life in Destiny Falls that I didn't get why no one would tell her more. It felt a bit forced with how now she had to research it herself. I didn't really get why Hayden was so obsessed with figuring it out as it didn't seem as important/ relevant for the mystery. It does make sense given a reveal at the end, but I felt that during the book it didn't feel as natural how she focused on this.

The mystery didn't keep me guessing. There aren't many suspects or hints so there is as much guessing. The reveal wasn't a surprise. I was a bit disappointed with how the mystery was solved because the murderer does something stupid and not because the main character does something competent.

There is another storyline going on with a witch who seemed to be behind some things in book 1 and again here, but we don't really find out much more about her. I think this might be something we only find out about later in the series. I didn't get some of the movie and actor references in the book.

While the mystery wasn't as interesting I did enjoy some of the developments in Hayden's life. There's a new task she gets that seem to fit her well. She also struggles with some homesickness and I liked how that got resolved. It's great to see her fit in so well with her new family, although at times it seemed a bit overdone, everyone is one big happy family and they don't have any family troubles at all. I liked seeing her relationship with her dad slowly develop a bit. There is a big group of characters, which means that not everyone gets as much page time at times, but I like how different each character is so you can remember who is who. There are some great characters, familiar ones and some new ones we meet as well. There's even a kitten named Lola.

To summarize: I enjoyed returning to the magical town of Destiny Falls. I like the unique type of magic with a house that changes, stores that have a different interior every time and items appearing when you need them. I like seeing how Hayden is building her new life here in Destiny Falls. There are some interesting developments in her life and connections she builds with other side characters. At times it does feel a bit heavy on the daily life parts especially as the mystery is a bit slow to start up and for a long time doesn't really progress. No big reveals or developments of the mystery take place until the end of the book and even then it feels mostly because of the murderer being stupid. With only a few suspects and not many twists or development sin the mystery it didn't grip me as much. There are also some mystery related mysteries that jumble the plot a bit and taking Hayden's focus in investigating those. There is an interesting reveal at the end that I am curious about.
Profile Image for Gayle B.
347 reviews
March 27, 2021
I love this series! In book two, Hayden is settling in to her life in Destiny Falls as a Caldwell. She is still secretly wondering if she can return to her life with her grandmother, great grandmother and friend and business partner Luna but it isn't looking good. As she branches out, visiting shops, making friends, she is very intrigued by the ferry business at the water. There is no schedule, no information, people seem to come and go, some in summer attire, some with snow ski equipment. No one can tell her how this works or where the ferries go. The captain of a ferry gives her a very strange saying message saying only she can save her. Who is she talking about? The captain asks her to meet her the next day. The captain is found murdered later that day and a box of papers is delivered to her the next day. As the story goes, the box seems to be connected to the captain and Hayden is deep in the middle of the mystery.
More rooms appear in Hayden's part of the house. Her new yoga room has a mirror that she can sometimes see her grandmother and Luna.
I love the magic in this series. It is subtle but you wish it was where you live. I love the behind the scenes story of the witch in the cave.
We learn more about Hayden's past and her parents. The characters and interesting, quirky and likeable...well most.
Excellent feel good ending with a lead into the next book that makes me want it right now.
I received and ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
345 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2021
The Disappearance of Emily is the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. Almost a parallel universe, Destiny Falls lets you in but doesn't let you out. Wonderful characters, and vivid descriptions make this a great escape to another world. Hayden has many mysteries to solve not just the murders that happen around her. How to navigate having a family that she didn't know existed tops the list. And her missing mother well perhaps we will find out more in the next book. I believe the Ms. Pantley must have been a cat in an earlier life, she writes the cats in such a way as you can believe that is what they would do and say. The third book promises lots more answers and questions.
Profile Image for Meesh.
77 reviews12 followers
May 15, 2021
The Disappearance of Emily is book 2 of the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series. Sometimes I feel bad for Hayden because she is in a place that she cannot really talk to the Mighty Minis and Luna about where she is and what has been happening. But I am also a bit jealous of her because she is living in such and interesting and magical place. And with intrigue and magic also comes a great deal of craziness to work though as well.
I enjoyed this book just as much as Falling Into Magic and would very much like to see what is in store for Hayden in the future. I definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Alisha Collins.
350 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2021
The Disappearance of Emily is the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic Series by Elizabeth Pantley is another wonderful read. This is a great continuation of the series that keeps you hooked until the very end, it had me guessing as to who the killer was up until it was finally revealed. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good getaway!
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
968 reviews99 followers
March 26, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author, Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley is a great book about Hayden's new life in Destiny Falls.
Will Hayden find out what happened to her mom?
Hayden Caldwell
Hayden Caldwell has been in Destiny Falls for a month. She has had a whole month to get used to living in Destiny Falls, but she is still finding new things about this place. I wouldn't mind living in Destiny Falls, to be honest. Perhaps I should clarify: the part of Destiny Falls before dead bodies start showing up. Hayden finds some interesting things about her mom in this book. She is still a fabulous character, and I wouldn't mind actually being her friend. Once again, without finding the dead bodies part of it.
The Mystery
The Disappearance of Emily CROnce again, poor Hayden is stuck in a murder investigation, but this time she didn't find the body. She also really never saw the body but learned about it from the sheriff. I have to say that I feel so bad for Hayden. Getting to hear her mom's name but nothing else really sucks. Now she has to figure out who would have killed the ferry captain and what it has to do with her mom? There is a lot of things to look for in this installment.
Five Stars
The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley offers the readers a bit more about the island and its history, but that is it. We have to wait for the next one to learn even more about it. There is a lot to look forward to in the next installment, including if we will ever see Emily Caldwell. I can't wait to dive back into the series once again. On that note, I am giving this book 5 stars and recommending it to anyone that loves to read paranormal cozies.


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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

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Happy Reading!



Victim/Toe Tag: Nakita Morozova (N)

Beachcomber Weapons: Blunt Object

Beachcomber Crime Scene: Ferry (boat)

Detectives: Hayden Caldwell (H)

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Missi Martin (Stockwell).
908 reviews21 followers
March 17, 2021
Have you even been reading a book and go to turn the page to read more only to find out that you are at the end ? You turn the page, or in my situation I hit the button on my kindle, and instead of there being another chapter, you are reading the Thanks for Reading page. That is what happened when I was reading The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley. This is the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series and WOW !!!

When I read the first book, Falling into Magic, I was swept into a magical and enchanting story and that is exactly what happened again with The Disappearance of Emily......only this time you would have thought I would have been better prepared. But I wasn't.

In the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series readers are hanging around with main character Hayden Caldwell. In the first book Hayden magically "falls through a mirror" and ends up in Destiny Falls at the Caldlwell Crest and is reunited with her father and older brother. She also learns that she has grandparents, another brother and two sisters. You will have fun reading about her getting to know her family and her new home....and a murder of course.

Well in The Disappearance of Emily Hayden is still getting use to her new home but she is learning to embrace the "magic" and is loving spending time with her new family and friends. Unfortunately she is still struggling with not being able to see her best friend and business partner as well as her grandmother and great-grandmother. Communication is tough and a lot of her emails and texts come back undeliverable.

In The Disappearance of Emily Hayden is confronted by the captain of the ferry in town and is warned to be careful and requests that they meet in a few days. Hayden has been confused by the ferry activity so she is looking forward to getting some answers but before they can meet, the captain is found on the ferry dead. Hayden doesn't know what to do or who to tell because she is afraid something bad will happen to someone in her family. She receives a box of paperwork from the captain and decides to go through it before telling anyone.....which ends up being a bad decision......

I would love to keep talking about this book and the first book but there is so much that readers need to read and experience on their own. This is so much more than a Harry Potter wannabe....readers are going to want to look through their mirrors constantly in hopes of being whisked away to Destiny Falls.

The best advise that I can give you is to RUN to the store or your computer and get your copy of BOTH of these books and get to know Hayden, her family, and her town.....just be careful when you get near the end of the book, there really should be a warning !!! Pantley knows EXACTLY how to keep readers reading !!!
Profile Image for Seraphia.
1,910 reviews26 followers
April 1, 2021
The Disappearance of Emily is book two in Elizabeth Pantley’s Destiny Falls Mystery & Magi series. I ate this book up. Since all of the major characters and relationships have been established this book grabbed me from the beginning and pulled me through like crazy. I couldn’t get enough of this book and I am more than a little excited for the third book in this series. Like seriously…just hand it here…like…now….right now right now. LOL!
Hayden is adjusting to life pretty well in Destiny Falls, but she still has a lot of questions and she’s more than a little homesick. I can’t say that I blame her. She’s so close yet so far from those that she loves and due to the magic of the island it’s not like she can just reach out and tell them what’s going on and where she really is. This story flows so well and I love how beautiful and unique this author has created Destiny Falls. I literally laughed out loud and gasped at some of the stores that Hayden visits and experiences exactly how unique they are.
Of course, the author piques my interest when a specific woman approaches Hayden as secretively as she can to warn her of a danger that is yet unseen by Hayden. The woman promises to explain, but things don’t pan out. So now Hayden has a mystery to figure out as to who killed her and why? All of it surrounding the mysterious ferry that some people are paying high amounts of money to travel or at least attempt to travel on.
There is so much going on in this book and the author does a fantastic job keeping me engaged from beginning to end. The first book I felt took a while to get going, but I love that this book really grabbed me and kept me page-turning to the very end…which left me on the edge of my seat for the next book.
No issues to complain of with this book! Absolutely fantastic story from start to finish! I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
If you read the first book in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series and enjoyed it then I highly encourage you to pick this book up. I’m choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I’m really looking forward to the next book, because the mystery is only deepening! This book so well written and I'm sure that if you read the first and enjoyed you're going to love this installment.
1,018 reviews27 followers
March 11, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in this series (gave it a 4-stars rating), but I loved this one. I couldn’t put it down! The first book in a series is always difficult because the writer has set the foundation for the entire series while at the same time hooking you into the story. With the second book, the series is then able to really take off. And take off, this one did!

That gorgeous cat on the cover will always pull me in. Sassy, now known as Latifa, is truly a sassy cat. I love the scenes with Latifa and the other two felines in the Caldwell home.

This is a delightful, magical story with lots of humor. There are a few additions to the already diverse cast of characters – the good, the bad, the ugly, the crazy. My heart goes out to Hayden – She loves her developing relationship with the family she never knew she had. But she misses the grandmother, great-grandmother, and best friend that she left behind. The flamboyant Cleobella is still one of my favorite characters. She tends to dress between a cross of Lady Gaga and Cher. And there is a possible romance budding for Hayden. Which hot single man is it?

The town of Destiny Falls defies imagination. It can’t be found on maps. It automatically adds rooms and garages for new occupants. I can’t even describe what happens when you walk into its sporting goods store or its library. You just must read it for yourself.

But amidst this idyllic environment, danger lurks for the Caldwell family. Who is targeting Hayden and her family? And does it have anything to do with the disappearance of Hayden’s mother when she was only two days old? And there is a mystifying cliffhanger at the end. I eagerly await the release of Book 3. I do recommend that you start with the first book in the series; otherwise, you miss the how and why of Hayden being in Destiny Falls.

I received this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.
181 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2021
Hayden Caldwell has resided in Destiny Falls, where objects tend to have magical powers, for a month and is enjoying getting to know relatives and townspeople. Although Hayden misses her family and best friend left behind in Seattle. Will she ever see them again? She gets caught up in a mystery when the ferry captain in the community sets up a clandestine meeting between the two of them. Before they can meet, the captain is killed. However, during the initial encounter with the captain, Hayden is warned not to reveal any of their conversation as it will put the Caldwell family in danger. When Hayden receives a box, she keeps it a secret from her family until a member of the family is snatched. Are the contents of the box related to the kidnapping? Who is responsible for the captain’s death, and what will be the outcome of the abduction?

The Disappearance of Emily is the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series, which revolves around Hayden Caldwell and the bewitched town of Destiny Falls. Inanimate objects project human characteristics, the environment appears to be enchanted, Hayden communicates telepathically with her cat, a witch is vying for freedom from entrapment, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Hayden’s mother is seemingly connected with the suspicious and unusual events happening in the camouflaged town. Part of the storyline relates to Hayden’s vision of who might be the unidentified man in her future.

Elizabeth Pantley has written an enjoyable sequel that allows readers to revisit a familiar world and the characters who inhabit it. All of the characters are believable and memorable with their own vibe and appeal. The engaging characters and setting descriptions conjure vivid mental images of the town, surrounding areas, and the animals and people of whom each serve a purpose in the story. It is not clear as to one of the character’s names, and in one scene there is confusion in the location of a character. The book can be read as a stand-alone. However, anyone who wants to know more about what led to Hayden’s appearance in Destiny Falls and the adventures she went through prior to the second book will want to read Falling into Magic. The ending scene is a good lead-in to the third book in the series, which is titled The Ghost Camper’s Tall Tales.
Profile Image for Shelle Perry.
483 reviews29 followers
April 8, 2021
The Disappearance of Emily is the second book in the Destiny Falls & Magic Series. Elizabeth Pantley has done a remarkable job of building a wondrous magic world with a modern touch that will appeal to not just Cozy readers.


In this book, Hayden is getting comfortable in her new life in Destiny Falls. She has made some new friends, is crushing on a couple of hot guys, and is really enjoying getting to know her brothers and sisters. A chance encounter with the ferry boat captain leaves her unsettled though. She is warned that there is danger, to not trust anyone. Hayden is looking forward to getting more information at a later meeting, then the captain is murdered. Not long after, she receives a box of paperwork from the captain. Worried about the possible danger to her newfound family, she decides to investigate it herself using the spectacular town library and her new position as the editor of the local online newspaper for resources.

Most of the wonderful characters (both human and animals) introduced in the first book are back, along with a few quirky new ones to delight readers. The town has a few more surprises for readers and the story behind the disappearance of Hayden’s mother takes on a whole new dimension. Hayden manages to find out more about the geography of the island and those that surround it. As a reader, I am both excited and frustrated by the slow trickle of information in that regard. I want the WHOLE story NOW!!!! It really is that much fun to read. I am very much looking forward to the next book due out in April.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Steph Warren.
1,464 reviews29 followers
April 1, 2023
*I received a free DRC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

This is book two in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series of YA novels and I would recommend reading book 1 first, as it sets up the magical location, characters and explains about Hayden’s backstory and how she ended up in Destiny Falls.

The Disappearance of Emily picks up where Falling Into Magic left off, with Hayden and her sassy cat Latifah now living through the mirror with her dad and his family, the Caldwells, in the magical town of Destiny Falls. Hayden is still settling in here, as her family and the concept of magic being real is all still very new to her. But she doesn’t get much time to get used to things, as the mystery of her missing mum still hangs over everything, not to mention strange packages, sudden murder, and an island that no one wants to talk about.

So, lots of mystery! There is also some romance, with two potential love interests on the horizon for Hayden. But, as with the murders, the romance is all very PG and mostly consists of some light flirtation – nothing graphic!

On the fantasy side of things, there is the telepathically communicative cat and the responsive house, and there is also a witch plotting somewhere in the background, although at this stage it isn’t quite clear what her role is in events – part of the series story arc, rather than this individual piece of it.

This is fun fantasy-mystery series that teens (or even tweens) upwards can enjoy and as this is a running series, you can expect that while the current mystery will be solved, questions remain to be answered in the next instalment…!

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,538 reviews163 followers
March 23, 2021
Welcome back to Destiny Falls. A magical town that you won't find on any map, at least not one in the non-magical realm.

Hayden and Latifa are back, along with the rest of the gang and some new friends including a new 4 legged friend. The town is the same, ever-changing as the needs of the citizens change. We meet several new townsfolk and they are quite a motley crew. But this isn't a bad thing because Hayden is now the editor of the town newspaper and can use the contacts. It wasn't really a request by her grandmother since she doesn't really ask but rather "orders" people to do things.

There is a murder in town and the details as to why are sketchy until Hayden uncovers some information that points the police in the right direction. Who killed this person isn't too much of a mystery because there aren't a lot of options, unlike the first book. But there are other mysteries just waiting to be solved - what happened to Hayden's mom Emily? What is Gladstone? Where does the ferry go when it leaves? Will Hayden ever see her grandparents and friend Luna? Who is the witch in the cave and who is her sister (I have my suspicions so I can't wait to see if I'm right)?

I felt like this book expanded my knowledge about Destiny Falls and the Caldwell family but it also left me with a few more questions than answers so I can't wait for the third book to discover more about this little town.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and we give it 4 paws up.  If you like magic and mystery, this is a series you will want to check out.
8 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2022
The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series is wonderful! I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook for The Disappearance of Emily. In this story, Hayden learns more about the family she didn’t know she had. She is contacted by the Destiny Falls Ferry captain who has something for Hayden. However, before they can meet, the captain is found dead! Hayden, along with her family and new friends get busy figuring out who killed the captain. In the meantime, the captain had shipped her a box of documents that provide clues about people who have been approved to visit the mysterious island of Gladstone which included the mother she has not seen since just after her birth - Emily. Unfortunately, no one wants to talk with Hayden about Gladstone and that makes her want to find out more about it, of course.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this story and learning more about the wonderful town of Destiny Falls. The Caldwell house where Hayden lives is literally magical. It changes to suit the residents needs. Hayden gained a yoga room in this story with a mirror where she can see the family and friend she left behind in her old world. This is very much a feel- good story that kept me listening and not wanting to hit pause. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.

If you enjoy a good paranormal cozy mystery, this series is for you. Elizabeth Pantley weaves a wonderful story and always leaves me wanting to read more! I was given an audio format of this book in the hope that I would review it. I am happy to do so.
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,151 reviews199 followers
Read
February 25, 2021
The second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series, The Disappearance of Emily begins shortly after the conclusion of Falling Into Magic with Hayden in Destiny Falls, unable to return home and acclimating to her new life and family. As she becomes more ingratiated in the community, she investigates a mysterious ferry and a murder that might connect to her family.

The magical world of Destiny Falls continues to intrigue me. It is an ever-changing community that morphs according to the needs and wishes of its inhabitants. The local café, for example, has a new décor every day, and the sports shop now looks like the outdoors. The library, homes, and other locales are vividly described and really immerse you into the world. Destiny Falls takes on a life of its own, and I like how it constantly morphs to benefit and help the people who live there.

The story is interesting, and I liked seeing Hayden grow closer to her siblings, though I wished the book delved into this aspect of the story a little deeper. There are many unique and interesting characters in the series who I want to know more about and see Hayden connect with. I’m curious to find out how these relationships grow in the next book, especially after that major revelation at the end of the story. Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2021
Elizabeth Pantley has once again had me transfixed and immersed in reading an entire day away in Destiny Falls! Mystery, magic, cats!, family, move onward in this second fantasy brought to life. I feel I’ve spent my day there, along with Hayden and her family and friends and kitties. Mysteriously brought and trapped ( however somewhat willingly) in a magical house and town, Hayden brings you along in her search for answers to how and why, and also discovers some answers she had not been told yet of her past. Between two families and two worlds on either side of the mirror, she searches for not only her discoveries but finds much information for and about the entire town!
Many superbly described truly individual and unique characters, amazing and baffling magic, and a natural and imaginative gift for storytelling intertwine in this second book. Elizabeth has outdone herself once again! I cannot wait to see what happens when I read what comes next-and will probably spend the whole day with yet another book I just cannot put down! Only referent as the old person that I am is not having a physical book to hold onto and treasure!
30 reviews
March 13, 2021
This was a very unusual book. It's not quite a cozy mystery, because it is less about solving the mystery and more about the magical elements that pervade the setting. The amateur sleuth, Hayden Caldwell, has fallen into the magical land of Destiny Falls, and the author frequently describes this fantasy realm of wonders that are reminiscent of rooms in the Wonka Chocolate Factory or settings in Narnia. The manner in which Hayden arrives in Destiny Falls has a Through the Looking Glass quality to it, and the author actually draws to the similarity in a few scenes of the novel. The mystery in the novel is only partially solved; Hayden is drawn into a curious set of circumstances that ultimately involve a death, a kidnapping, and a clue about the disappearance of Emily, which is the mystery that actually interests Hayden. Emily's disappearance is not solved in this book, and the author leaves a cliffhanger which will motivate interested readers to want to start the next book quickly. This installment in the series contains many references to events that occurred in book one, and the characters aren't well-enough developed for readers to understand their motivations, so readers would be wise to read the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series in order. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
43 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2022
I enjoyed this second installment detailing Hayden’s new life in Destiny Falls. Because we’re still getting to know this magical place, I felt the murder took a back seat to the world building descriptions, which is not a bad thing! I so desperately wish the Destiny Falls library were a real place.

The introduction of Gladstone and it’s deep secrets was riveting and I’m looking forward to learning more as this series progresses. Hayden’s sweet excitement about her discovered family members is so tender and I found myself wanting to hug her.

This series is just cute, fun, and magical. Such a welcome respite.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator, however her focus on enunciation was a little distracting, so I sped it up to 1.5x speed (I’ve never done this) and it helped a lot.
Profile Image for Patty.
92 reviews25 followers
April 1, 2021
This is the second installment in the Destiny Falls & Magic series, and much like the first book, this one is a quick, fun and charming read! I was so excited to hear how Hayden was faring in her new magical home, Destiny Falls. She has met her long lost family, learned that her mother Emily, who disappeared 2 days after her birth may be closer than she thinks! I’m in love with the quirky but believable characters and especially love the “possible” budding romance between Hayden and the deliciously handsome Han. Will she ever see her Nana, Granana and best friend Luna again who wait on the other side of the magic mirror?
There is mystery and mayhem, tears of joy, and tears of regret. Mix that in with the most magical and beautiful town; a cryptic warning from the Ferry Boat Captain; murder or two, a telepathic cat, a dark and evil island, a mysterious and crazy old witch that has been imprisoned in a cave by her sister for something horrible she did in the past..( Who is she? What does she want? And what did she do?) And you’ll have the most enjoyable cozy read this side of Destiny Falls.

I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed and my comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Elaine.
322 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2022
I have an Audible copy of this book. I really enjoyed listening to it on my daily walks. Destiny Falls is such a magical place! This is the second book in the series and Hayden is getting used to living in such a magical place. And then she finds evidence that her mother had been there at some point. The mother that she had never known because she left her when she was just a day old. The murder mystery seemed like a minor part of the story and the mystery of Hayden's mother is the greater part. The last chapter of the book is a cliff-hanger that makes one want to get the next book and read on. I definitely like this series!
Profile Image for Angela.
19 reviews
March 31, 2021
I am so glad we did not have to wait long to read the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. It was even better than the 1st (which I raved about here). Twists and turns, tugs of family on both 'sides' of the portal, and the perfect balance of mystery. You will not be disappointed! Can you believe the same author that helped us get our kids to sleep writes these intriguing mysteries?!
Profile Image for E.
1,554 reviews
March 24, 2021
More than 5

There are not enough stars for this series. This book grabbed me from the ending of the last book and took me on a fantastic adventure. I could not put it down. The story is original, the setting is beautiful & the characters are awesome. I can't wait to see what happens in book 3.
Profile Image for Carol Lee.
648 reviews7 followers
Read
September 24, 2022
I liked catching up with what was going on in Destiny Falls. Hayden is getting used to her new life and family. She still misses her family back home and soon finds ways to connect with them. She also has another mystery to solve when the ferry captain wants to talk to her, but then ends up dead. She has to decide if it was tied to what she was going to say. To add to the mystery she gets a package, but is not sure how it is tied to everything.
I really enjoyed listening to the story and love the cats.
Profile Image for Annabelle.
3 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2021
Even better than Book One!

This story is truly remarkable and interesting. It opens your mind to all kinds of possibilities and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Books to put on your read again shelf.

Profile Image for Kara Marks.
322 reviews72 followers
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much! It’s the second in the series; I also read and loved the first book. This could be read standing alone, but you’d really be missing out by not reading the first book, which really sets the whole backstory of Destiny Falls, Hayden, and the background of her family. This author is so creative—I can’t believe how much I inhaled this sweet fantasy mystery book. It’s one of those books you really think about when you’re not reading it and you’re eager to get back to reading. I can definitely recommend this book; I was provided a copy, but these opinions are my own.
3 reviews
July 1, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive advanced copies of book 1 and book 2. I didn't really know what to expect, but I was hoping for some fun, lighthearted reading. I wasn't expecting to be pulled into such a captivating story! It's been a long time since I found myself reading something that I couldn't put down, but these books were so good I finished them within a day and I was disappointed that I had to stop and wait for book 3. These books are pure magic. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Annabel.
Author 1 book20 followers
March 29, 2022
The Dissapearance of Emily is the second book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. It's a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery with lots of magical elements. Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, it was very easy to follow and can definitely be read as a standalone.

I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,342 reviews14 followers
December 29, 2023
Book 2 and it gets even better. Hayden is now settled in Destiny Falls, and much as she loves her new found family, there is always the chunk missing in her life, the place where her bestie, Luna and her Granana and Nana is and there is no way of going back to visit. And then there is the whispered clandestine meeting with the mysterious captain of the ferry boat service, who is found dead before Hayden has a chance to find out what that was about.

Intriguing and totally unput-downable, this second book draws you in from the word go and you really will not want to leave until it chucks you at at "The End". Can hardly wait to see what else is brewing in the mind of this amazing author!
68 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2021
fun, clean, magical cozy mystery

I won a copy of this book so I purchased the first book in the series to read first. My first thought was that it was a young adult book. It is actually a well written, clean, adult mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and hoping that Hayden solves the mystery of her mothers disappearance and brings her family back together again.
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