Alice Hoffman's novel "Magic Lessons" takes readers on a captivating journey through time and generations, exploring the origins of the Owens family's magical abilities. Set in 17th-century England during the tumultuous time of witch trials and persecution, the story revolves around the life of Maria Owens, a young woman condemned for her witchcraft. Through the pages of the book, Hoffman delves into the backstory of the beloved Owens family, which readers previously encountered in her novels "Practical Magic" and "The Rules of Magic." As Maria Owens faces the hardships and prejudices of her time, she discovers her inherent gift for magic and learns to harness its power. Magic, in this enchanting narrative, becomes a metaphor for personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Hoffman beautifully weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the timeless bond of family.
SHADOW SPELL: With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O'Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It's where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can't be broken. A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape--by a long-awaited kiss.
It s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can t be broken. It s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can t be broken.
Hoffman beautifully weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the timeless bond of family. The novel explores how the choices we make can have a lasting impact on our lives and the lives of those who come after us. Throughout "Magic Lessons," Hoffman's prose is poetic, evoking a sense of magic and wonder.
Nora Roberts: Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy: Dark Witch, Shadow Spell, Blood Magick (MP3 CD)
DARK WITCH: With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland. Where her ancestors' blood and magic have flowed through generations--and where her destiny awaits.
Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan's directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O'Dwyer. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horseman, he's three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona's family tree and must be defeated.
SHADOW SPELL: With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O'Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It's where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can't be broken. A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape--by a long-awaited kiss.
Meara Quinn is Branna's best friend, a sister in all but blood. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess. things Connor has always taken for granted--until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself--and their friendship--to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood.
BLOOD MAGICK: County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O'Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop. Branna's strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family--along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there's a single missing link in the chain of her life: love. She had it once--for a moment--with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood.
Branna and Fin's relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear.
- Romance - Suspense
- Romance - Contemporary
- Romance - Paranormal - General
- Boxed Set (November 25th, 2014): $51.00
Meara Quinn is Branna's best friend, a sister in all but blood. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess. things Connor has always taken for granted--until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself--and their friendship--to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood.
Her vivid descriptions bring the world of 17th-century England to life, immersing readers in a rich tapestry of history and enchantment. The story effortlessly transitions between different time periods, seamlessly connecting the past with the present and setting the stage for the fates of future generations. As Maria Owens embraces her magical heritage, she becomes a symbol of empowerment and resilience. Her journey mirrors the struggles faced by women throughout history, as they navigate a world that seeks to suppress their power and independence. Despite the challenges she faces, Maria remains steadfast in her pursuit of love and freedom, leaving a lasting legacy for the Owens family. "Magic Lessons" is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Through her captivating narrative, Alice Hoffman reminds readers of the magic that exists within us all and the importance of embracing our true selves. The novel serves as a prequel to Hoffman's beloved series, shedding light on the origins of the Owens family's magic and further immersing readers in the enchanting world she has created. In conclusion, "Magic Lessons" is a spellbinding novel that combines themes of love, magic, and self-discovery. Alice Hoffman's masterful storytelling transports readers to a world of enchantment, where the Owens family legacy is brought to life. As Maria Owens embarks on her journey, readers are reminded of the power of resilience and the enduring magic of the human spirit..
Reviews for "Lessons in Resilience and Magic from Alice Hoffman's "Magic Lessons"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Lessons" after reading the synopsis, but I was ultimately disappointed. The writing style felt disjointed and the pacing was extremely slow. The characters were underdeveloped and their motivations were unclear, which made it difficult for me to connect with them. Overall, I found the story to be lackluster and unengaging.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I couldn't get into "Magic Lessons" at all. The plot lacked a clear direction and the magic system in the book was poorly explained. The main character was supposed to be a powerful witch, but she came across as weak and indecisive. Additionally, the author's writing style felt clunky and forced, making it hard for me to immerse myself in the story. This book just wasn't for me.
3. Michael - 1 star - "Magic Lessons" was a big disappointment. The storyline was predictable and cliché, and I found myself easily predicting the twists and turns. The prose was overly flowery and convoluted, which took away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The characters lacked depth and were one-dimensional, making it difficult to care about their fates. I was hoping for a captivating and magical read, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed.
4. Emma - 2 stars - I have to say, "Magic Lessons" didn't live up to the hype for me. The pacing was slow and the plot dragged on, making it a struggle to get through the book. The characters were bland and their actions felt forced. Moreover, the author spent too much time describing insignificant details, which took away from the overall flow of the story. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and not worth the time investment.