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Magic Lessons

The Prequel to Practical Magic

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Magic Lessons

Written by: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Sutton Foster
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In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a “heartbreaking and heart-healing” (BookPage) celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling. Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Magic Scary Fiction Witchcraft Heartfelt Fantasy
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What the critics say

"Tony Award winner Sutton Foster narrates the prequel to PRACTICAL MAGIC. In 1664, Hannah Owens takes in baby Maria and teaches her the craft. Maria grows up and falls in love but is abandoned. She follows the object of her affection to Salem, Massachusetts, where she invokes the curse that will affect generations, and, in the process, she learns the real rules of magic. Foster sings beautifully and keeps to a steady pace for the descriptive story. Her emphasis on the word 'blood' as a spell ingredient highlights its importance as compared to common items, which are read softly. Whispered pleas drive home the characters' desperation. The sweetly confident voice of a young witch contrasts with the dry, sardonic tone of the embittered but fair man assisting her in her journey."
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Alice Hoffman takes you into a magical world and I loved each and every character.

such an enjoyable read !

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I love these books so much - the imagery, the plants, the relationships and the characters. So wonderful to be immersed in. Highly recommend any in the series.

These books are truly magical

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This book was enchanting and I think I’ll be listening to it again. My favourite so far out of the series. But that’s probably because I am enchanted by stories from this time. Alice Hoffman is a wonderful writer and I’m going to start the next book in series right away!
The performance was good as well. I felt comforted listening to this story.

Wonderful story telling

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I was unable to stop listening. I was there with Maria Owens learning with her and her daughter Faith. I'm glad I read this novel first before the other prequel to Practical Magic.

Alice Hoffman is magical

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I am a fan of Practical Magic and this book did not disappoint. couldn't stop listening to it. Was sad when it was over

read this!

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