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Magic Lessons: A Prequel to Practical Magic
Magic Lessons: A Prequel to Practical Magic | Alice Hoffman
183 posts | 141 read | 3 reading | 80 to read
From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes the origin story of her beloved novel and basis for the cult classic film Practical Magic--taking us on a captivating journey to the Salem witch trials, featuring the indomitable matriarch of the Owens family, Maria. It's no secret that love has plagued the Owens family for centuries. But when did the curse begin, and why? It all began with Maria Owens, who arrived in America in 1680, with a baby in tow... Born with pitch-black hair and pale green eyes, Maria was abandoned in the English countryside by her birth mother and raised by Hannah Owens who warned her, "Always love someone who will love you back." She inherits Hannah's Grimoire--a magical book of enchantments that include instructions to heal illnesses, ingredients for soaps that restore youth, and spells that make a person burn with love for another. When Hannah dies in an attack, Maria leaves for Curacao, where she meets John Hathorne, a magistrate from Salem living freely for the first time in his life as he falls in love with Maria. But Hathorne soon abandons her, before Maria realizes she's pregnant. When she gives birth to a red-headed baby girl, Faith, who possesses immense magical talent, Maria embarks on a voyage to Salem to face her destiny, with or without magic. But aboard the ship bringing her to America, fate intervenes and she meets a man who will change her life, if she'll only let him. Her journey, laced with secrets and truths, devastation and joy, magic and curses, will show her that love is the only answer, always. Infused with Hoffman's "trademark alchemy" (USA TODAY) and her graceful, resplendent, hypnotic storytelling this exquisite novel is, quite simply, magical.
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Marquis784
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Pickpick

In 1664, Hannah Owens finds baby Maria wrapped in a blue blanket in the woods and she brings her home to raise as her own. Maria is not an ordinary child and quickly learns the healing properties of herbs. Having been an orphan herself, Hannah takes pride in teaching Maria how to read and write which are valuable tools during this time period. The lessons of magic are delicate and sacred; not to be entrusted to those who do not value its purpose

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Reggie
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Mehso-so

I liked the last quarter of this almost 400pg book. So it gets a so-so. I loved the movie Practical Magic-I wished for you too!!…😭😭💔So I thought I would love this but the lovely writing doesn‘t support a strong story. There‘s a floofiness and flimsyness, a floofy flimsyness, lol, I didn‘t care for in here. I was missing the grit and heartache 1600s Salem Trials and being a witch ought to have. This was read for bookclub tomorrow. The best👇🏼

Reggie thing I can say about this is it made me long for the best witch and magic books I‘ve read. The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, The Daylight Gates by Jeannette Winterson, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. 2mo
Ruthiella Floofy flimsiness! 🤣 2mo
charl08 Ah such a shame when a new book by an author you loved doesn't work! 2mo
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Kimberlone Interesting take! I quite liked that this one was more lighthearted and optimistic than most books set in this time period. I read it around the same time as Hour of the Witch, which was so grim and bleak and the prose really reflected that dourness, that I thought this one really shined in contrast. But to each their own! 2mo
Reggie @Ruthiella a floofy flimsiness is my fetch. Lol 2mo
Reggie @charl08 I went to bookclub and there was a guy next to me who just loved it and said he was gonna read the rest. And because of the happy way he talked about it just made me happy for him and like the book a little bit more. 2mo
Reggie @Kimberlone I think we need different books at different times. I have a job where reality doesn‘t seem to exist right now and maybe I took that out on Alice. 2mo
Centique Floofy flimsiness is the best ever description! 💕 2mo
Reggie @Centique ❤️Lol. Hope you‘re loving Cantoras. Whenever someone asks me about a queer women book, that‘s my go to. I love that book so much. 2mo
Rissreads Floofy flimsiness! I can‘t wait to use this! 🤣 1mo
78 likes10 comments
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Scochrane26
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Litsy hasn‘t worked for me all day, so after logging out & back in, I can finally post my #jolabokaflodswap gifts. Had to include the wrapping paper in this pic, so cute with the unicorns, rainbows, cats, & llamas. I‘m excited to finally have this book & so much chocolate! (the glass is mine) And I love small candy canes! Thanks so much Rebecca! @Branwen @MaleficentBookDragon

Branwen YAY! Happy Christmas! And Happy Jolabokaflod! 🤭 I'm so glad you like everything! 🍫💕📚 3mo
31 likes1 comment
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mrp27
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November #bookspin

Nothing like waiting until the last minute!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 5mo
15 likes1 comment
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LadyCait84
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed the historical setting, but of course still mostly appreciated this one for its connection to the tales of the modern Owens women I love so much.

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Serenity_Within86
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Next book

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squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

I went into this with low expectations, as I don‘t really ‘do‘ witches, plus it‘s a prequel and I didn‘t know if it would stand alone. I only read it because part of it is set in #curacao, but I ended up really liking it. (And it‘s fine as a standalone)

I‘m not sure I would read any more of the rest of the series though, but this was certainly a pleasant surprise.

#readingtheamericas23

Caroline2 Every Halloween I plan to read this and then never get round to it. Like you, I‘m not sure on witch stories but sounds like I need to give it a go. 👍 9mo
Librarybelle Oh! I did not know of the #ReadingTheAmericas2023 connection! I have a copy of this, so maybe I should plan to read it this year. 9mo
BarbaraBB I didn‘t know either. Great suggestion 9mo
70 likes3 comments
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Andrea4
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Pickpick

When Baby Dude refuses to be happy until he can sleep on you, you are forced to read 😂
A great origin story full of very fun characters, though TBH kind of wanted to slap Faith, haha. IYKYK.
You're going to want to read if you're a fan of Practical Magic or just witch families. That said, I did feel it was a little lengthy due to some passages that drew me out of the story and into historical commentary, IMHO.

dabbe Awwww. He knows where he is most comfy! 💙💚💙 9mo
Andrea4 @dabbe seems like he does! My arm may be sore but I don't really mind 💗 9mo
dabbe @Andrea4 Think of it like a workout; your arm is building some major Mommie-muscle! 🤩🤗😍 9mo
Gissy Those precious moments❤️❤️❤️ You look so great and happy👌 (edited) 9mo
Andrea4 @dabbe mommy- muscle indeed! And the weight just keeps on getting bigger 😂. @Gissy thank you! I am very happy! 9mo
26 likes5 comments
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ambrosiasalad
This post contains spoilers
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“These are the lessons to be learned. Drink chamomile tea to calm the spirit. Feed a cold and starve a fever. Read as many books as you can. Always choose courage. Never watch another woman burn. Know that love is the only answer.”

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BookwormAHN
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Pickpick

This was a reread of my favorite of the Practical Magic books. This is the story of Maria Owens and her coming to the States. And the beginning of the curse 🧡
#DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks
#NoShameReadathon22 #HistoricalRomance @Nessavamusic

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 1y
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Sargar114
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Pickpick

I just love this world and would spend all the time in it! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

This was a #bookspin or #doublespin for me earlier this year but snuggling with one of my 6 yo right now so not getting my notebook to find out which one 😁

Texreader I agree! Great quote. 1y
DanaManiac I loved this whole series 💕 1y
Sargar114 @DanaManiac I just realized there was a 4th….so just adding to the TBR 1y
DanaManiac @Sargar114 Ahh! I hope you like it! 1y
24 likes4 comments
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Sargar114
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Some fall reading 🍁🍂

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bridge12
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Pickpick

I absolutely ADORED this book. By far my favorite of the Owens story. Started it in Salem, so a bit fitting, will certainly be coming back to this one. I‘m giving it the coveted 5⭐️ #botm

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slategreyskies
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On sale today on Kindle in the US for $1.99, in case anyone hasn‘t read it yet and wants to pick up a copy. :)

MartinaLove I bought it the other day. 📚 2y
42 likes1 comment
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LibrarianBecky
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Pickpick

Wow!! This book just felt like home!! Since reading Practical Magic .. I knew I wanted to find out more!! This is how it all started in the 1600s!! So good!!

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Mustlovebooks1088
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Let the Fall reading commence!!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes!!! 🍂🧡🍁 2y
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TheLushMama
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Pickpick

Another delicious, striking, poignant and hopeful installment of the Practical Magic series. A perfect origin story.

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monalyisha
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Pictured: a bunch of books I was REALLY excited for… & still haven‘t read! 😅🙈

Honestly, all I feel like reading right now is contemporary romance; none of these are that but they‘re what I‘m working with.

Which one would you choose to read next?
I‘m leaning towards Magic Lessons. Maybe. ✨

Lindy I enjoy multiple perspectives, so I would read either The Glass Hotel or Fates and Furies. But for you, I recommend picking up whatever calls most. So, Magic Lessons? 2y
fredthemoose I loved Malibu Rising! Anxious People, not so much (but I was definitely in the minority) 2y
Soubhiville I‘m with you @fredthemoose , loved Malibu Rising, didn‘t love Anxious People. I also loved An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and thought Fates and Furies was pretty good. Haven‘t read the others. 2y
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Dragon Malibu Rising- I enjoyed it and I‘m a big #romantsy reader 💚🐉 2y
dylanisreading I really liked Fates and Furies, and I've heard good things about Anxious People. 2y
peanutnine I loved An Absolutely Remarkable Thing 🤖 2y
staci.reads I loved Malibu Rising and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing! 2y
Line I would say "Magic Lessons". That is the one I would pick myself. Actually, I wanted to listen to it on Libby the other day, but it was unavailable and I chose "Practical Magic" instead. So "Magic Lessons" is still on my list. 2y
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CaitlinByTheBook
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Pickpick

This book was so good! Such a beautiful and tragic story, full of darkness but also love. I will definitely keep reading this series. 5⭐️

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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

I‘ve had this one sitting on my shelves for what seems like ever. I have to say, I‘m really glad I picked it up. The story of Maria Owens is engaging, empowering and, of course, really entertaining. I read this one without reading Practical Magic or it‘s sequel but that wasn‘t a problem and now I want to read them so the TBR will continue to grow. Great historical fiction.

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TracyReadsBooks
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There‘s nothing like waking up early on a cold, wintery morning and enjoying a good book with a hot cup of coffee (or tea). Definitely one of my favorite things. This book has been on my shelf since well before it‘s release date. It‘s long overdue for a read!

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Linsy
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Pickpick

My first read of the games! I'm trying to finish off what I started last month. This book was like a big, warm magical hug. I loved revisiting this world. Excited to read the finale! ✨

#wintergames2021 #mistletoemaniacs #adventathon #botm
@Clwojick @ozma.of.oz

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TurnerofPages
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I'm very excited to read this, but I need some advice. Should I read Practical Magic first? This is a prequel to that, so it only makes sense to read it first. Any suggestions?

Linsy I would read Practical Magic first! I know that this one comws first in the timeline, but I'm not sure I would have liked it as much if I hadn't read it first. That being said, this one is much more overtly magical, so I guess it depends on your preferences. 2y
TurnerofPages @Linsy Perfect! I will take your advice I have all of them now, so I just may start these this weekend. And yes, I prefer the more overtly magical, so I will be counting the ticks of the clock till I get to this one!!! VERY EXCITED!!! 2y
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sprainedbrain
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Pickpick

I (finally) read Practical Magic this fall and was inspired by @mklong to read the series in chronological order.

Magic Lessons starts with the first Owens woman, following Maria from 17th century rural England to Curaçao to Salem. It‘s about women, family, the rules of magic, finding strength, celebrating love, and of course, a family curse, all with Hoffman‘s glorious storytelling and endearing characters. Of course I loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

mklong Woot! So glad you loved it. Kind of knew you would 😉 2y
Jee_HookedOnBookz Yup I really enjoyed this one too! Have you read her latest? 2y
sprainedbrain @Jee_HookedOnBookz not yet, but soonish! I‘m going in order. 2y
Jee_HookedOnBookz @sprainedbrain 👍 Looking forward to reading what you think! :) 2y
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sprainedbrain
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It‘s been a couple of days since I finished this fantastic book, and I know that Alice Hoffman writes (really good) fiction and all, but damn if all of that isn‘t as true as can be. ❤️

Deblovestoread 💜💜💜 2y
Suet624 So true. 2y
59 likes2 comments
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JenlovesJT47
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Pickpick

I had to read the prequel in the Practical Magic series before diving into the 4th and final book. We learn the story of Maria Owens in the 1600s, the one who put a curse on any man who would ever love an Owens woman. I love the way Alice Hoffman tells a story and this is just as good as the rest of the series. I can‘t wait to read the new one! 5⭐️

#BOTM
#historicalfiction
#witchery
#magic

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cottagelantern
Bailedbailed

bailed ☹️ I really wanted to love this book, and I was so excited for it. however, I ended up not finishing it, which is very rare for me! it was just too dark, and the elements of the story were not strong enough for me to offset the depressing-ness. maybe I‘ll come back to it at some point.

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DMC_run8
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Pickpick

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The story follows Maria Owens, a woman with the power to heal all types of ailments, from Essex County, England to th island of Curacao to Salem, Massachusetts.

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Loreen
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#firstlineFriday #firstlinefridays
“She was found on a January day in a field where the junipers grew, wound in a blue blanket with her name carefully stitched along the border with silk thread.”

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BookBosomed1
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Mehso-so

While this was not my favorite book out of the series, I am glad to have read it. I dig the feminist magic that anchors the series. At the core of this particular story is the message that amazing things happen when women realize their voice has volume.

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BookBosomed1
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Isn‘t that the truth.

16 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

I loved learning the backstory to the the O.G. Owens matriarch Maria. Vividly told and deftly woven, this story did not disappoint. I‘ve never read Practical Magic, only seen the movie, so I‘m looking forward to reading that one too. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
44 likes1 comment
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BookBosomed1
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My Sunday evening ready buddy, Henry.

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Linsy
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Hoping to get to this beauty — along with her newest — next month! ✨
#witchesandwizards #littensdressedinblood @midnightbookgirl

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booksandsympathy
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While at my local bookstore, I decided to pick up a paperback of Magic Lessons. I just couldn't resist.

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MeganAnn
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Pickpick

It‘s raining outside and I‘ve spent a delightfully cozy day so far finishing this book. This prequel follows Maria Owens and her daughter as we learn about the start of the Owens family and how they came to be cursed in love. I loved it and I‘m looking forward to rereading Rules of Magic & Practical Magic later this month.

15 points for team theme + 1 participation #teamhendrix #scarathlon2021
8h15min for #screamathon #bookspinbingo #spookoween

TheSpineView Rainy days are the best book days! ❤🌧📖🌧 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
53 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Enjoying this witchy historical novel on #audio on my walks. #currentlisten

46 likes1 stack add
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BookBosomed1
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Freddy likes to keep an eye on me when I read in my bedroom chair, even if it means he falls asleep in the process. He is my best bud.

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CaitlinR
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Mehso-so

Well , I finished this, but I‘m not sure why. I‘ve enjoyed Hoffman‘s Owens Family books, but was disappointed by Magic Lessons. The book serves as a prequel to Practical Magic, telling us the us the early tale of Maria Owen and her daughter Faith.

Not much depth. The narrative is quite repetitive and tells us little that we didn‘t already know from the other books in the series. A disappointment.

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Jgacreations
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Pickpick

So many ways to love this book.…..who doesn‘t love practical magic???? The prequel and the similarities between the Owens in the 1600 and the ones today are beautiful. Very magical.

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Skygoddess1
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Pickpick

It was great getting to learn how everything started with Maria Owens and the love curse she cast on herself and all Owens to come. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
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StaceGhost
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Pickpick

Finally the weather has turned! Enjoying the Practical Magic series and making a TON of apple cider, apple sauce, apple pies, apple butter, etc. 🍎🍏🍎🍏love this time of the year 🍁photo by Rebecca of aclotheshorse

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mklong
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Pickpick

This was my #BOTM a year ago and I am just now getting around to it. Easily my favorite of the series! I‘m planning to reread the other two to get ready for the new (and maybe last? 😢) one. Counting on it being an October BOTM option.

And couldn‘t resist posting this cute pic of Sandy on our hike this morning instead of a picture of the book!

Leftcoastzen So cute! 3y
BookNAround Sandi is too adorable. 3y
Nute Hey, Sandy!🐶🧡 3y
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Karkar Hi Sandy! You are a cutie! ❤️🐾❤️ 3y
LeahBergen Sandy!! ❤️❤️❤️ 3y
Cathythoughts Cutie 😍 3y
57 likes6 comments
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BookBosomed1
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My cuddle bug. Always ready for evening reading cuddles.

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Kimberlone
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Pickpick

I was truly enchanted by the book, which I wasn‘t expecting since I wasn‘t really impressed by Practical Magic when I read it a few years ago. The epic and magical tale of Maria Owens, from Essex County, England to Curaçao to Salem, Massachusetts, touches on themes of fate, power, redemption, and, of course, love in all its forms. I am definitely seeking out Rules of Magic next.

Kimberlone This was a strange juxtaposition with Hour of the Witch, which I finished earlier this week. Both take place in basically the same time period in Puritan late-1600s Salem, Massachusetts around the time of the infamous witch trials. Both MCs endure undeserved punishment and oppression and eventually find happiness, but while Hour of the Witch left me feeling cold and somber, Magic Lessons was full of light and charm. 3y
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BookwormAHN
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Pickpick

I can't believe I waited so long to read these books. I loved this book. This prequel tells of how Maria Owens came to Salem and started the curse that's messed with her family for generations 🧡
#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville #aamah
#LittensDressedInBlood #BlackMagicWoman @MidnightBookGirl

Kimberlone Currently reading this. Enchanted! 3y
StaceGhost I‘ve never read these either but I watch Practical Magic at least once a month 3y
samantharoberts I loved Practical Magic and Rules of Magic. I need to read this one this fall! 3y
MidnightBookGirl I love this series too! I read Practical Magic for the first time in the early 90s, but I remember not loving it. However, I wanted to read Rules of Magic, so I re-read Practical Magic and older me loved it. I still have this one on my TBR though. 3y
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Kimberlone
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Into the last third of this book. I finished Part 3: The Talisman last night around midnight, with tears streaming down my face. I have no idea where this is going from here, but I am looking forward to finishing this (hopefully tonight?).

Trashcanman Give the dirt a little room. 3y
46 likes1 comment
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Kimberlone
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Started this a couple days ago, and absolutely loving it so far. I was pretty underwhelmed by Practical Magic when I read it a few years ago (the movie was better in my opinion), but I have been completely drawn into this epic tale of Maria Owens. The language and imagery are just beautiful!

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rather_be_reading
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Heads up!