Author: Alice Hoffman
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Book Description: In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.
When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.
Magic Lessons is a celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: I am going to be completely honest with you, I loved the movie Practical Magic more than the book. The Rules of Magic was just ok for me also. When I was able to get an ARC of Magic Lessons I was just hoping this would break the mediocrity that I felt for the other books, and boy did it.
This is a prequel, to the previous books in the series taking place in the 1600’s in London, Massachusetts, and New York. Maria who is found as a baby and raised by Hannah Owens. Hannah is witch, and right away she knows Maria is special. She is not only a witch, but it comes from her bloodlines. Hannah raises Maria in all the teachings of the craft and to be good.
When Maria loses Hannah to biases and hatred, she finds herself on a ship and sold to servitude where she continues to refine her craft. She falls in love and Faith is born of that relationship, she will do anything to protect her.
This is wonderful lush story, that I never wanted to end. Hannah, Maria and Faith are so memorable. Personally, I could visualize a movie the entire time. Savor this one, I am not sure we will get another story that is about Owens women.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Obsessed Bookaholic 