Magic Lessons Audiobook By Alice Hoffman cover art

Magic Lessons

The Prequel to Practical Magic

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Magic Lessons

By: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Sutton Foster
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In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a “heartbreaking and heart-healing” (BookPage) celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling. Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Heartfelt Scary
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Critic reviews

"Tony Award winner Sutton Foster narrates the prequel to PRACTICAL MAGIC. In 1664, Hannah Owens takes in baby Maria and teaches her the craft. Maria grows up and falls in love but is abandoned. She follows the object of her affection to Salem, Massachusetts, where she invokes the curse that will affect generations, and, in the process, she learns the real rules of magic. Foster sings beautifully and keeps to a steady pace for the descriptive story. Her emphasis on the word 'blood' as a spell ingredient highlights its importance as compared to common items, which are read softly. Whispered pleas drive home the characters' desperation. The sweetly confident voice of a young witch contrasts with the dry, sardonic tone of the embittered but fair man assisting her in her journey."

Featured Article: 25 of the Best Witchy Listens to Cast a Spell for Halloween


Spooky season is upon us, and it's the perfect time of the year to sink into some wonderful witchy listens—although to be honest, we don't need an excuse to enjoy great stories about the fascinating world of witches. Whether you're into fantastical fiction tales of magic, the more practical informational guides on how to practice witchcraft, or historical tales about the real lives of famous witches, we've rounded up some of the very best witch audiobooks.

Featured Article 25 of the Best Witchy Listens to Cast a Spell for Halloween
Magical Storytelling • Rich Characters • Beautiful Voice • Captivating Plot • Emotional Depth • Calming Tone

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When the movie Practical Magic was released, I was delighted with the story line. I appreciated the relationship of sisters, the pain of unrequited Love, and the message that women could help themselves and were strongest when assembled.

Rules of Magic was FABULOUS; taking the reader through the tail end of the baby boomer era, illustrating self discovery, the futility of ignoring who one truly is, the cruelty of a constantly critical society.

When I heard Magic Lessons was on its way, I wasted no time in pre-ordering and within hours of receiving it, I listened to the entire book. Maria!! A legend 'brought to life.' Once again Alice Hoffman paints a world of women who are dedicated to their own; strong enough to withstand harsh societal oppression and persecution - truly acquainted with the rule of cause and effect. From their romantic lives to their familiars, from innate talent to acquired -- the journey of these women is both inspiring and a cautionary tale. Having listened to this only once so far, you can bet I'll be listening again -- And will be investing in a hard copy for my library. Love these Owens women!!! Thank you Alice Hoffman.

PS - Besides this trilogy, The Probably Future, Seventh Heaven, The Red Garden, are equally worthwhile. So grateful for this prolific author as I continue to read her works!

Alice Hoffman Never Disappoints

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This was a great story. Different perhaps than the movie would have us believe but a nice development of characters we've all met before

How it all began

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What a wonderful and heart rending journey! I am so happy that I found it

lovely

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Absolutely perfect!! As a huge fan of Practical Magic I couldn’t be any happier with this prequel! Totally magical, heart felt, and of course holds the perfect loving message within life’s lessons and sorrows.

Everything I Hoped it would Be❤️❤️

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Obsessed with this book! I am so grateful for the history on the Owen's woman! 💖

Fabulous writing!

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