The Rules of Magic
by Alice Hoffman
Indie Author: No
Kindle Unlimited: No
Publication Date: 10.10.17

Genres: 
Historical Fantasy
Occult Fiction

Page Count: 385 Pages

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Synopsis:

Find your magic.

For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.

Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.

From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Yet, the children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the memorable aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.

Sabetha’s Review:

 5/5

I thought Magic Lessons was heartbreaking, but it had nothing on this book.

Throughout the story we learn of what happened to the descendants of Maria Owens. With the story focusing on the two Aunts that Sally and Gillian come to live with in Practical Magic.

Though they are the main characters, it is cool to see other witches, and discussions of other family members throughout the story. How they each handle the witchcraft that runs in their blood and such.

Frances and Bridget live sheltered lives, and try and hide from the curse, and who they are from time to time. But what’s in their blood will always bring them back to where they belong.

The lessons of love and life that are within these pages are magical yet gut-wrenching. These back stories give so much depth to the Aunts we meet in Practical Magic. Not to mention the town’s history with the Owens women. It’s insightful to see how deep seeded the feuds, and rumors run.

As with Magic Lessons, this book is filled with witchcraft mementos that make you feel fully immersed, and wondering if they are true. I adore the writing style of Alice Hoffman. These books feel like you are reading family history, not fiction.

You’ll love this series if you enjoy reading about love, family bonds, and witches.

“The only remedy for love is to love more.”

Read more reviews from Sabetha!