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A Secret History of Witches

A Novel

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A Secret History of Witches

Written by: Louisa Morgan
Narrated by: Polly Lee
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About this listen

 A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters -- witches whose magical inheritance is both a dangerous threat and an extraordinary gift.

Brittany, 1821.

After Grand-Mere Ursule gives her life to save her family, their magic seems to die with her.

Even so, the Orchires fight to keep the old ways alive, practicing half-remembered spells and arcane rites in hopes of a revival. And when their youngest daughter comes of age, magic flows anew. The lineage continues, though new generations struggle not only to master their power, but also to keep it hidden.

But when World War II looms on the horizon, magic is needed more urgently than ever -- not for simple potions or visions, but to change the entire course of history.

Praise for A Secret History of Witches:

"I loved it. A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic. . .. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time." —Laure Eve, author of The Graces

"Historical fiction at its absolute finest....Deliciously absorbing." —Boston Globe

"At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters." —Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Wolf in the Whale

For more from Louisa Morgan, check out:

The Witch's Kind
The Age of Witches Fantasy Fiction Historical Horror Magic Romance Science Fiction Women's Fiction Scary Paranormal Witchcraft

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What the critics say

"At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters."—Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Immortals
"Epic in scope and heartbreakingly tender in its portrayal of mothers and daughters... Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and readers of feminist fantasy."—Booklist
"I loved it. A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic if it had been set in various time periods, but much more expansive in scope. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time."—Laure Eve, author of The Graces
"Epic relay race that gripped me from start to finish. Fiercely uncompromising and unsentimentally poignant, A Secret History of Witches will transfix you."—Michael Bishop
"A moving multigenerational saga about strong women who work behind the scenes to save the world from tyranny. A deeply satisfying and magical work of great craft."—Carol Goodman, author of The Lake of Dead Languages
"Morgan's transportive words will sweep you away to a time of magic, love, and loss. Simply hold on and enjoy this mesmerizing ride."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Calibri; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Tish Thawer, award-winning author of The Witches of BlackBrook series
"An enthralling journey through time and the hearts of women with powers they must hide. Deeply moving and richly conceived. The secret is out. This is how it happened."—Kay Kenyon, author of At the Table of Wolves
"Historical fiction at its absolute finest.... Deliciously absorbing."—Boston Globe
"Poignant tale of mothers and daughters struggling to survive and preserve their craft in a hostile world. A tale full of love and betrayal, happiness and terror, it will keep you reading long into the night."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Calibri; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Melissa Lenhardt, author of Sawbones
"A grand family saga rich with historical detail and threaded through with magic. You won't want this book to end."—Sharon Shinn, author of Archangel
"A Secret History of Witches is an epic family saga that speaks to the strength of all women and the difference that one true heart can make, not only for herself, but for the world."—Marci Jefferson, author of Girl on the Golden Coin
"Fresh and unpredictable.... [Morgan] depicts with visceral impact the roles of women in a male-centered world."—Historical Novel Society
All stars
Most Relevant
Easy to listen too and kept my attention. Overall it was a good story. Entertaining.

Good story

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Such a great novel. So many twists throughout each character’s life in the different time periods. Love it!

Incredible

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I loved this story, the premise, & the characters.

I only wish the author had spent more time developing the relationship and bond between mother - daughter (Nannette - Ursula). Ursula was just so contrary to her Mom in all things, Insufferable for a daughter that was well loved and cared for by a collection of women,

Being disrespectful and contrary was her whole personality: "you don't know what your talking about Mom, that can't be true." So full of disbelief. Disagreeing with everything just for the sake of it. Nanette had the skills and knowledge to have nipped that character flaw right in the bud at a very young age. Dismissing Nanette's warnings over and over, despite knowing the history, stories and persecution her Mom and Grandma had lived.

Morwan as a youth was just as vapid & utterly clueles. Completely unprepared for life, despite embracing hardwork and her birth dad being available to educate her. Morwen should have been clever and wise beyond her years, observant. Not utterly clueless about the Craft, her Mother's underlying secre[s and motivations.

Too much about the history of their line and the Craft wasn't fleshed out, it was treated as secondary to the plot instead of the main.

Mothers and daughters of the time would have just had each other and spent 99% of their time together, they were also close in age and would have been like sisters. They would have been able to strategize with the help of the Craft, it's gift would have bestowed generational, accumulated knowledge from all who had laid hands on the stone. They could have been midwives/health care providers to endear themselves to society, earn their own money and be respected instead of feared.

They were compelled to pass on the Craft and ensure their daughters would accepted their birthright, act accordingly and not endanger the family, given the times. Mother's would have to raise them with an understanding, and appreciation for everything Craft related, especially if the goal was to build the line back to its former glory.

Only read the review when you've finished the book. Spoilers. I wonder if others feel the same?

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I loved this book so much and listened to it in such short time frame

Wonderful

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Stories are interesting and fast moving. Each captures your interest and each book flows into the next easily. The narrator has a great way of captivating your imagination and is able to change into different characters. I highly recommend this book!

Loved it!

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