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Magic Lessons

A Prequel to Practical Magic

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Magic Lessons

By: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Sutton Foster
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About this listen

The extraordinary novel tracing a centuries-old curse back to its beginning from the author of PRACTICAL MAGIC and THE DOVEKEEPERS

We first met the Owens in the glorious novel Practical Magic. We discovered the tragedy of the Owens siblings in Rules of Magic. Now we learn how it all began... with a baby abandoned in a snowy English field in the 1600s. Under the care of gentle Hannah Owens, little Maria learns about the 'Unnamed Arts'. Maria has a gift for them - a gift that may well prove her undoing.

When Maria is abandoned by the man she loves, she invokes the curse that will haunt her family for centuries. Because magic has rules, and they must be followed. This is the lesson that Maria will carry with her for the rest of her life, and pass on to her children and her children's children.

©2020 Alice Hoffman (P)2020 Simon & Schuster UK Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Magic Magical Realism Witchcraft

Critic Reviews

'Enticing... conjures up spells, herbal lore and romance in harsh, historical times' Daily Mail

'We first met the Owens in the brilliant novel Practical Magic, then we discovered the tragedy of the siblings in Rules of Magic. Now, we learn how it all began…' Bella

'A vivid and evocative tale – prepare to be spellbound’ Woman

'Storytelling is in Hoffman’s bones, and the skill with which she dispenses information and compresses time, so that a year passes in a sentence, so that a tragedy witnessed becomes the propeller for a hundred-page subplot, is (forgive me) bewitching' New York Times Book Review

'Vivid and enchanting, with a can’t-miss-it foray into the Salem Witch Trials, Magic Lessons is another sublime entry in an arresting series' Esquire

'Hoffman writes deftly, and often beautifully, about nature, and she can plot like, well, a witch, casting a spell on her reader' Boston Globe

'A gorgeous new novel you won't want to miss' Bustle

'In Hoffman’s luminous prose, all characters, even the villains, are not only vividly, but also compassionately, rendered... Hoffman adeptly highlights that how one uses a talent, selflessly or selfishly, has a sweeping impact on many lives' Booklist
All stars
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Beautifully written....Melodiously narratted...... Not a moment of it was lost on me........ l loved it sooooo much l cried when it came to its appropriate completion because l wanted it to never end.....Definitely a wonderful book l would gift my daughter & granddaughter........Without question a book of wisdom from a intuitive heart full of real love....... Thank you Alice for sharing your gift so eloquently with our world........May its blessings never end may all...... both men or women who find your works be forever blessed. 🙏 ✨️ 🙌 💛

ABSOLUTELY DIVINE

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✨ 5-Star Review ✨

I absolutely LOVED Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This novel took me on an emotional rollercoaster—I laughed, I cried, and I was completely captivated by the origin story of the Owens sisters.
Alice Hoffman’s writing is nothing short of incredible, and the narration was beautiful and captivating, and this book is a must-read for anyone who loves history, magic, and powerful storytelling. The narration was beautiful and captivating, making the experience even more immersive.

The witch trials of the 1600s horrified me—I still can’t believe the savagery of the world. This book is a stunning tribute to resilience, love, and courage.

📖 Never watch another woman burn. Know that love is the only answer.

Have you read this masterpiece yet? Let’s talk about it! 👇

It Feels like Magic in Your ears

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Love the Practical Magic series. This was such a beautiful edition taking us back to how the whole Owens women were cursed. Alice Hoffman has weaved a wonderful, heartbreaking at times story of love, magic, persecution, betrayal & a woman’s right for independence. Your heart will go out to Maria Owens.

Magical Series

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My favourite in the series. More gritty, better written and focuses much more on magic. Maria is a wonderful, strong character. I wish the characters in the other books were more like her.

In regard to the narration it would have been nice if the narrator was able to do other accents (such as the British accent) seeing as many of the characters, including Maria, were British or recent migrants from Britain or other parts of Europe. Other than that the narration was excellent.

My favourite in the series

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I absolutely adored this book! I could not stop listening and it made me cry because of the true emotion!

This book is a rare gem!

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Ordering next book now! Wonderful story and narration. Recommended, especially if you are a fan of the film Practical Magic!

Loved it so much x

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Beautifully narrated story with a wonderful array of characters.
Never boring.
A love letter with all the ebb and flow of an old river winding it’s way through life.
Not just magic lessons but life lessons.
I want all the recipes for the different teas. That could be a book of its own.

Magic Lessons is dare I say magical

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I loved the characters, the book is beautifully written and beautifully narrated . The characters have depth and make their share of mistakes but do the best they can.

This is the best possible prequel

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Really enjoyed listening to this story that’s part of a larger series. Loved the narration which helped capture the essence of the story and kept me focused.

Dark Light

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Alice Hoffman’s beautifully woven and told story of women, love and possibility; brushed with shades of light and dark as each character’s choices and story unfolds is a captivating read. As the narrative swirls and meanders, races and slows a central thread is the imparting of wisdom through the magic lessons spun throughout the story.
I will be listening to it again and probably adding the print version to my library.

Beguilingly Beautiful, Enchanting

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