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

Tedious repetitive book all in the main character's mind. Her anxietys ad nauseum with nothing but day to unfascinating day details (i bought a pastry, who cares? Really you bought another one? Wow!)

The smooth writing style had me from the first page. Ready to find out more and more again....eager to find what comes next. What happens to his young woman after she witnesses her mother's death.

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.

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.