The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan

The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 dats

Pages - 437

Publisher - Orbit

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches , returns with another riveting tale of family, witchcraft, and love that spans generations, set in Gilded Age New York and London.Harriet Bishop, descended from a long line of witches, uses magic to help women in need -- not only ordinary women, but also those with powers of their own. She must intervene when a distant cousin wields dangerous magic to change the lives of two unsuspecting young people... one of whom might just be a witch herself.Frances Allington has used her wiles and witchcraft to claw her way out of poverty and into a spectacular marriage with one of New York's wealthiest new tycoons. She is determined to secure the Allingtons' position amongst the city's elite Four Hundred families by any means necessary -- including a scheme to make a glorious aristocratic match for her headstrong and reluctant step-daughter, Annis, using the same strange power with which she ensnared Annis's father.To save Annis from this dark magic, Harriet reveals to her Frances' misuse of their shared birthright and kindles in Annis her own nascent powers. Together, Harriet and Annis must resist her stepmother's agenda, lest she -- and the dashing young lord she suspects she could come to love -- lose their freedom, and possibly their lives.


My Review

I LOVE LOVE LOVE books with witches and it has been a while I think since I read one like this. We open in 1692, a woman being charged & dealt with as a witch, her thoughts go to her daughters, both have abilities, both very different. Then the book goes to 1890 and we go between main characters Harriet, Frances & Annis. Harriet and Frances are cousins but now estranged, Frances is Annis's step mother. Coming from poverty Frances has used all her magic and knowledge to claw her way into the finer things in life, including Annis's father. She has high hopes getting into higher society and Annis is her key, a good marriage will sort her place in society, where she has always seen herself. Annis is headstrong, not your routine lady of the times, she is hands on with her horses even down to the stallions and breeding which is unbecoming for the times. When Frances dips into her craft to manipulate and bend people's will Harriet is forced to act. What happens when strong magic is used for opposing goals, good vs bad.

Oh I love a bit of magic, Harriet is very much the peoples person, making potions etc to help people. Frances however is far more self involved and uses dark magic despites the dangers, even when confronted, nothing will get in Frances way. We see love spells, manipulation, dark magic, healing, action family relationships, romance, lust and when magic comes up against magic.

I really liked this one, a wee bit of family history, a lot of magic, the authentic feel of the times, the restrictions and expectations set on women, having to toe the line and do as is told and expected of. Annis is a sweet but head strong girl, I loved the difference between the three female characters, all strong in one way or another. This was my first by this author, I have already ordered more and got some on my wishlist. I really liked how she wrote and pulled you into their world, plus hello witches and magic, 4.5/5 for me this time.

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A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 288

Publisher -

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s encouragement and feedback inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.


My Review

Think this is my first time reading this author. Hailey is so over it, her ex has suddenly appeared after they broke up three years ago. He had zero faith in her ability as a song writer and singer which is something she loves and breathes. He eroded her confidence so much she has barely written a line let alone a song since he left. Her mother has never really gotten over it as she loved him/them and now knows it won't be long before the pressure is on, oh and it is Christmas practically. When Hailey gets a chance to escape to a cabin by herself, this is the chance to make some music and just have some her time with her guitar. She has an encounter with a wild animal and a local comes to her rescue, Jay. Jay also has a love and passion for music as well as his own issues with a musical past. The two connect and music bonds them, attraction is there, could this be perfect timing and finally everything in her world coming together?

Some of the characters in this one ripped my knitting, the ex, what an absolute banger like seriously who pops back after three years and doesn't take no for an answer. Her mum as well, so so rude and ignorant of Hailey's feelings and more interested in getting them back together. To be fair though I was like Hailey come on, find your spine and get them telt!

I loved the wee town, how they were like initially a wee bit shady but then totally accepting. Her and Jay are quite cute too and I loved the time/feel/aspect of the community there. Her sister I wasn't a huge fan of for small parts but then I actually came round to her and really liked her.

Family, friendship, music, romance, annoying exe's and an isolated wee cabin, all that was missing was befriending a wild animal and I would have been delighted. Nice read for this time of the year and just switching off from the world, 4/5 for me this time. I will be checking out her other books.

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