Natalie Goertzen

The Sword and the Pentacle Natalie Goertzen

Jasper and Nicole's happy marriage is enough to keep them warm in their icy northern Canada home. Also, it doesn't hurt that they're both witches-Jasper can control fire, and Nicole can manipulate earth, wind, and water. Talk about a power couple!



For the most part, the two witches spend their days mastering their elements and looking after their pets-a polar bear cub named Hunter and a shapeshifter named Betty. Nicole also designs clothing and sells it at her boutique, which happens to be staffed by other magic users.



However, everything that Nicole and Jasper have worked for is threatened when a stranger named Lou walks into Nicole's boutique. He seems intriguing at first, but it soon becomes clear that his intentions are less than honorable. When Lou starts using his dark powers to sap Nicole's strength, Jasper and his friends must find a way to defeat Lou and cast him out.



The Sword and the Pentacle is an exciting fantasy romance filled with moments of authentic vulnerability. Though the story contains many magical elements, its treatment of toxic relationships and codependence is very real.