The season of the witch is upon us, so light a candle, conjure up a cup of tea, and peruse my list of witchy book recommendations designed to cast a spell over your “to be read” list.
Weyward, by Emilia Hart, takes its title from the wayward sisters in Macbeth. This novel follows the timeline of three women separated by generations. You can read my review here.
I love Louisa Morgan’s sweeping historical novel A Secret History of Witches. Beginning in Brittany in 1821 and ending as World War II comes to a close, this brilliantly structured book weaves together the stories and secrets of generations of women who practice the craft. You can read my review here.
Do you love witches? Are you a fan of classic 19th century novels? If you answer yes to both of these questions give Salt and Broom a try! This delightful book by Sharon Lynn Fisher reimagines the novel Jane Eyre, but Fisher’s protagonist uses her witchy knowledge to break the curse that has been haunting Rochester. You can read my review here.
Mary McMyne takes readers back to Shakespeare’s time with her witch novel A Rose By Any Other Name. Told from the point of view of The Dark Lady made famous by Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence, this narrative will delight those looking for a new take on literary history. You can read my review here.
Looking for a story about a middle age witch? Rebecca Buchanan's Geek Witch and the Treacherous Tome of Deadly Danger fits the bill! This action packed novella will keep you turning pages as you learn about magic. You can find my review here.
The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgyn takes place in my home state of Connecticut where a young woman had inherited a Victorian estate filled with ghosts, secrets, and mysteries. The protagonist must come to terms with her witchy abilities to heal generational trauma. You can read my review here. Morgyn's next novel, The Bane Witch, releasing in March 2025, looks promising as well!
Weep, Woman, Weep is a Gothic tale about the legend of La Llorona, and magical and witchy vibes abound! Maria DeBlassie presents compelling characters in an evocative setting. She also explores the impact of generational trauma as her protagonist reclaims her identity through gardening enchantment. You can read my review here.
If you enjoy your witches with a side of spicy romance, Sophie H. Morgan’s The Witch is Back may be the book for you! Emma Bluewater, the owner of a bar named Toil and Trouble, is forced to marry the handsome warlock who left her at the aisle. You can read my review here.
Another spicy, witch romance in my “to be read” is Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi. The book promises hedge mazes, palm readings, and midnight Halloween rituals as a kitchen witch navigates a hex with the help of a globetrotting museum curator.
If you prefer your witchy romances to be sweet, check out Brianne Randall’s The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Billed as a cross between Practical magic and Gilmore Girls, this book follows the story of Sadie Revelare as she learns to deal with heartbreak and grief.
High on my “to be read” list is Paige Crutcher’s novel A Circle of Uncommon Witches. The protagonist is one of the most powerful and lonely witches in her family, and she must work to break a centuries old curse. The book doesn’t release until next year, but it promises to be full of witchy goodness! And while you wait, check out Crutcher's book What Became of Magic. Review coming soon!
Finally, no list of witchy fiction is complete without Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic Series. This set of four books follows the Owens family as they learn about life and love. Pour yourself a midnight margarita, get a slice of chocolate cake, and cozy up for Hoffman’s enchanting prose.
Kelly Jarvis works as the Assistant Editor for The Fairy Tale Magazine where she writes stories, poems, essays, book reviews, and interviews. Her poetry has also been featured or is forthcoming in Blue Heron Review, Mermaids Monthly, Eternal Haunted Summer, Forget Me Not Press, The Magic of Us, A Moon of One’s Own, Baseball Bard, and Corvid Queen. Her short fiction has appeared in The Chamber Magazine and the World Weaver Press Anthology Mothers of Enchantment: New Tales of Fairy Godmothers. You can connect with her on Facebook (Kelly Jarvis, Author) or Instagram (@kellyjarviswriter) or find her at https://kellyjarviswriter.com/
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