Finding the perfect beach book can be a real challenge.

After all, since the risk of finding yourself on the beach or at the pool with nothing that catches your attention is just too horrible to contemplate, you probably tuck four or five books into your bag. With the release of Face the Fire, Nora Roberts makes finding the perfect book for those precious lazy hours a whole lot easier – and your beach bag a whole lot lighter. And there’s a lot to say for that, don’t you think?

The third book in her Three Sisters Island trilogy, and a thoroughly enjoyable end to a thoroughly enjoyable series, Face the Fire concludes the stories of the modern-day descendents of three witches who created the island hundreds of years earlier as a refuge from persecution in Salem. Not surprisingly, such powerful witches have also drawn the attention of a mysterious evil force determined to destroy them and everyone they hold dear.

While reading the first two books (Dance Upon the Air and Heaven and Earth) isn’t necessary to enjoy this one, you may want to take the time to do so before tackling the final entry. The conclusion to the storyline running through all three takes place in this book – and while it ensures that this trilogy goes out with a very satisfying bang, it does take some understanding of all the elements to completely appreciate.

Mia Devlin, the heroine of Face the Fire, is the most powerful of the three witches and the one who most eagerly embraces The Craft. The owner of a successful bookstore-café, she is a floaty dress-wearing, Prada-shod kind of woman, comfortable in her business, her heritage and in herself. What she isn’t comfortable with, however, is the memory of Sam Logan, another Three Sisters Island native, who callously abandoned her some years earlier. Since then, Mia has virtually sworn off love.

Of course, with that kind of attitude, Sam Logan is destined to return. And return he does, both to take up stewardship of the family-owned inn and to take up again with Mia. And, while I don’t want to give too much away, I will say that Sam does share a few of the same gifts as our heroine. He is also satisfyingly humbled and more than willing to take his knocks for the hurtful actions of his youth.

Mia’s don’t-do-me-any-favors-buddy attitude is one all women can relate to and applaud. But the ties between Sam and Mia are stronger than her will – including the mysterious force that is growing daily in both power and determination.

Satisfyingly spooky, engagingly romantic, and filled with feel-good female-bonding, Face the Fire is classic Nora Roberts. Mia is an appealing character and Sam is sexy, remorseful, and a good match for our strong and powerful heroine. And, I have to say, I really enjoyed all the witchy stuff.

Should it find its way into your beach bag? If you like witches, magic, and the deft hand of Nora Roberts, this one will catch – and hold – your attention. Just don’t forget to your sunscreen.