"This is how you begin in this world. 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."

Magic Lessons

I am one of the few that have not read Practical Magic, even though I love books about magic and witches. Well, I am FINALLY starting this series. Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is the first prequel to the series. Apparently, this series is lucky enough to have two prequels. Maria Owens was abandoned as a baby and raised by Hannah Owens. Hannah is a woman who people of the 1600s feared but yet always wanted her help. Hannah trained Maria in the ways of magic. Soon Maria falls in love and follows her love across the ocean to Salem. The man? His name is John Hawthorne. Maria will find nothing but heartbreak and betrayal, but learn the most important lesson of all: love someone who loves you back.

There is so much to love about this book! First of all, it is narrated by Sutton Foster. That should convince everyone right there. But then there is the magic. There are spells weaved in every chapter and it feels almost personified. The story itself is utterly magical.

Then there is the combination of history. When I wrote my synopsis, if the name John Hawthorne did jump out at you then here is a little explanation: John Hawthorne was one of the judges during the Salem Witch Trials. I can only imagine that this mixture of magic and history only enhances the later books.

There is so much heartache and despair but also hope. The story does move along slowly. But the characters are dealing with emotions that we all experience and sometimes it takes time to flesh out and digest those emotions. Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to see what happens to the Owens family.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

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