The Witch's Daughter: A Novel

Paula Brackston

Jan 2011 · The Witch's Daughter Book 1 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins...

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn't know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories--and demons--long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, Paula Brackston's New York Times bestseller, The Witch's Daughter, is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

Ratings and reviews

Interesting read thru 3 different times in history. Enjoyed learning about surgery in the 1900's. Being in the fields of war was a horrendous journey to take. How strong the beliefs were in what they were fighting for, and the courage taken to fight the way it was then. Then how she weaved the pieces of Elisabeth's stories of love in between.

The thought and research put into this novel had me reeling, I love that the content is from the witch's' perspective as her knowledge of what she is truly develops. The addition of her time spent in the field of medicine was another detailed treat. Immediately purchased The Midnight Witch & The Winter Witch after I completed this.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I haven't read in a really long time and this was my second book Ive read, I couldnt put this book down.,

About the author

Paula Brackston is the author of a travel book, The Dragon's Trail. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK, and her autobiographical writing has been published in several anthologies. She lives halfway up a Brecon Beacon with her partner and their two children.