Books Like...

The Return of the Witch by Paula Brackston is a sequel to The Witch's Daughter, following the journey of Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith as she tracks down her former apprentice, Tegan, who has been kidnapped by the villainous Gideon. The story combines elements of history and fantasy, taking readers on a time-traveling adventure to rescue Tegan from the clutches of evil. The writing style is described as exquisite and beautiful, with detailed descriptions of magical education and character dynamics that keep readers engaged throughout the novel.

'The Witch's Daughter' by Paula Brackston follows the life of Elizabeth Hawksmith, a witch pursued through time by an evil warlock. The story alternates between various historical periods and the contemporary era, as Bess navigates centuries of challenges while trying to defeat her old enemy. The novel combines elements of witchcraft, history, and supernatural themes, creating a richly detailed and engaging tale that spans over hundreds of years.

The book intricately weaves together narratives from different time periods, offering a mix of present-day and historical fiction, and blending wiccan witchery with supernatural elements. Through Bess's journey, readers get a glimpse into witch persecutions, curses, and the challenges she faces while trying to evade her immortal stalker, Gideon. The storytelling approach, with its mix of magic, historical detail, and character development, keeps readers captivated as they follow Bess's quest for survival and redemption.

'The Sparrow Sisters' by Ellen Herrick is a captivating story about three sisters, Sorrel, Nettie, and Patience, who run a plant nursery in a small American town. The sisters possess magical abilities to make plants flourish beyond belief. However, their idyllic life takes a dark turn when a young boy dies, and one of the sisters is accused of causing his death. The book delves into themes of sisterhood, community, love, loss, and the power of women coming together to protect their own. The writing style is enchanting, reminiscent of Alice Hoffman's, and draws readers in with its vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters' habits and relationships.

'The Midnight Witch' by Paula P.J. Brackston is a paranormal tale set in the early 1900s before World War I, focusing on Lady Lilith Radnor who becomes the Head Witch of the Lazarus Coven after her father's death. As Lilith navigates her responsibilities, family issues, and an engagement to a fellow witch, she finds herself falling in love with an artist named Bram. The story unfolds with dark forces threatening Lilith and her coven, leading to a mix of sorcery, love, and conflicts in a poignant and fascinating setting of early 20th century England.

'The Winter Witch' by Paula P.J. Brackston is a historical fiction novel set in 19th century Wales, focusing on the story of Morgana, a mute young woman with mysterious gifts, who is married to Cai Jenkins, a drover. The plot revolves around Morgana's journey as she discovers her magical abilities and faces challenges from a powerful witch, Isolda, who threatens their peaceful life in the Welsh countryside. The writing style is described as detailed, lush, and filled with historical and magical elements, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.

The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick is a novel that follows the story of Sorrel, the eldest Sparrow sister gifted in planting flowers, as she travels to the UK to mend an old Shakespeare garden. The book weaves a tale of mystery, possibly a love story, and the unraveling of hidden messages within the garden. Readers are taken on a journey filled with enchanting elements, historical garden research, and a touch of magic, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful garden and intriguing characters. The plot is a mix of family saga and fantasy elements, with a focus on the magic and allure of gardens, both historic and mystical.

The Hawley Book of the Dead follows the story of Reve Dyer, a magician with a unique ability to disappear instantly, who accidentally kills her husband during a performance in Las Vegas. Fleeing to her family in Massachusetts, Reve discovers her real magical origins and must uncover family secrets to protect herself and her children. Set in both the present and a mysterious abandoned town called Hawley Five Corners, the book blends elements of suspense, fantasy, and supernatural powers, creating a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns. The writing style is described as dreamy, lyrical, and engaging, drawing readers into a world where magic, illusion, and real powers intersect.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is a prequel to the Practical Magic series, delving into the origins of the Owens family and their magical lineage. Set in the 1600s, the story follows Maria Owens and her daughter, Faith, tracing their journey from Essex, England to Salem, Massachusetts amidst the backdrop of witch trials. The book weaves together elements of historical fiction, witchcraft, love, and family curses, creating a rich and captivating narrative that explores themes of magic, resilience, and female empowerment. Hoffman's writing style brings to life the characters, settings, and emotions, immersing readers in a world of spells, familiars, and the complexities of human relationships.

"Dark Sister" by Graham Joyce follows the story of Maggie, a frustrated English housewife who discovers an old Book of Shadows in her house. As the diary within the book fills with delicate writing, Maggie uncovers her own powers and delves into the world of witchcraft. The novel explores a mix of mysticism and the mundane, showcasing a woman's journey of self-discovery and the awakening of hidden abilities. Joyce's clean and uncluttered writing style vividly depicts Maggie's exploration of herbal lore witchcraft, her encounters with strange characters, and the unexpected twists that add depth to the story.