**Practical Magic Prequel Novel** A Practical Magic prequel novel is set to be released, much to the excitement of fans of the beloved 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The novel is titled "Magic Lessons" and is written by Alice Hoffman, the author of the original book on which the film was based. "Magic Lessons" takes readers back to the early 1600s and tells the story of Maria Owens, the ancestor of the Owens family featured in Practical Magic. This enchanting tale explores Maria's journey from being abandoned as a baby to discovering her powers and the consequences that come with them. The novel delves into the dark and magical history of the Owens family, tracing their lineage and the challenges faced by its members in a world where witchcraft is both feared and sought after. Through compelling storytelling, Hoffman explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of ancestral connections.
This is book number 1 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
Unfortunately, it s the 1600s and independent women, living alone, who speak their minds and offer cures are feared by many mostly men , and all too often wind up accused of witchcraft. Hoffman adeptly highlights that how one uses a talent, selflessly or selfishly, has a sweeping impact on many lives, meaning that one should always choose courage, and that love is the only answer.
Through compelling storytelling, Hoffman explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of ancestral connections. Fans of Practical Magic will be thrilled to learn more about the iconic Owens family and their magical abilities. The prequel promises to provide a deeper understanding of the origins of the Owens sisters and their distinct personalities and powers.
The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #2) (Paperback)
This is book number 2 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
- #1: Magic Lessons: Book #1 of the Practical Magic Series (Paperback): $17.99
- #4: The Book of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #4) (Paperback): $17.99
October 2017 Indie Next List
“In a dazzling, emotive prequel to her bestselling novel Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman brings the reader back into the world of the Owens family. The Rules of Magic takes us back two generations with practical Franny, who must learn how to love; sensitive Jet, who must learn how to persevere; and restless Vincent, who must learn how to be happy. Hoffman's writing is frank, tender, vivid, and elusive all at once. Full of sorrow and beauty and courage, The Rules of Magic is a delicious, satisfying read.”
— Heather Herbaugh, Mitzi's Books, Rapid City, SD
Winter 2018 Reading Group Indie Next List
“In The Rules of Magic, we follow the three Owens siblings through their teen years and as they become adults, through the turbulent 1960s and beyond. Their magical lineage causes their mother to issue many rules for them to live by (or break). One of the biggest prohibitions is falling in love—it never ends well. Alice Hoffman weaves love, family, and the events of the 1960s and ’70s into a beautiful story. No matter what our gifts or our limitations are, love matters.”
— Patricia Worth, River Reader Books (MO), Lexington, MO
Description
An instant New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick from beloved author Alice Hoffman—the spellbinding prequel to Practical Magic.
Find your magic.
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.
From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Yet, the children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the memorable aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.
Alice Hoffman delivers “fairy-tale promise with real-life struggle” (The New York Times Book Review) in a story how the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself. Thrilling and exquisite, real and fantastical, The Rules of Magic is “irresistible…the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last forty pages, savoring your final moments with the characters” (USA TODAY, 4/4 stars).
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.
Praise For…
PRAISE FOR THE RULES OF MAGIC BY ALICE HOFFMAN
**INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**
**OFFICIAL REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK**
BEST FALL BOOKS SELECTION BY * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * NEW YORK POST * POPSUGAR *
“Hoffman has conjured up another irresistible novel in The Rules of Magic. This is the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last 40 pages, savoring your final moments with the characters.”—USA Today (4/4 Stars)
“[T]his is a novel that begins with the words, ‘Once upon a time,’ and its strength is a Hoffman hallmark: the commingling of fairy-tale promise with real-life struggle. The Owens children can’t escape who they are. Like the rest of us, they have to figure out the best way to put their powers to use.”—New York Times Book Review
“In this prequel to Practical Magic, Hoffman, a master of magical realism, draws us back into the spellbinding universe of the Owens family with gorgeous prose set against a backdrop of vivid imagery.”—Marie Claire
“The story unfolds in romantic and magical ways against the backdrop of 1960s, with the Stonewall riot, LSD in Central Park, Bob Dylan and Vietnam all making appearances. Hoffman will keep you guessing until the very end of the book how the Practical Magic generation fits in, a clever, heartbreaking finale.” —Newsday
"Hoffman delights in this prequel to Practical Magic as three siblings discover both the power and curse of their magic. Hoffman’s novel is a coming-of-age tale replete with magic and historical reference to the early witch trials. The spellbinding story, focusing on the strength of family bonds through joy and sorrow, will appeal to a broad range of readers. Fans of Practical Magic will be bewitched.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Hoffman weaves a spell….Readers who enjoy a little magic mixed in with their love stories…will relish this book.” —Library Journal
"It’s clear why Hoffman is a favorite for fantasy readers: She creates interesting mythologies; she’s able to weave magic into the modern world; and she alludes to the magical properties of herbs and everyday items without overexplaining them and overcomplicating her narratives."—Bookpage
"Reading [The Rules of Magic] was like being caught in a current, floating along with a river's twists and turns, glimpsing familiarity and difference in varied measure before tumbling into something like the sea. I kept reading, not because I wanted to reach the end, but because I wanted to dwell in the honey-light of Hoffman's words. I wanted to hold these characters' hands. Hoffman's prose is as tender, dreamy and sweet as ever, laced with the sting of vinegar and broken glass."—NPR Books
“Just in time for Halloween, Alice Hoffman brings us back to the world of the Owens family, whom we first met in Practical Magic. It's a world where magic exists and love is a curse. The Rules of Magic will transport you. An utter delight.”—Popsugar (Best 2017 Fall Books)
"[The Rules of Magic is] a novel readers didn’t know they were waiting for until it arrived." —Bustle
"Reading an Alice Hoffman book is like falling into a deep dream where senses are heightened and love reigns supreme. The Rules of Magic is no exception—as I tumbled into the story of three siblings desperate for and cursed by love, I never wanted to awaken."—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things
"No one's more confident or entertaining than Hoffman at putting across characters willing to tempt fate for true love. Real events like the Vietnam draft and Stonewall uprising enter the characters' family history as well as a stunning plot twist—delivering everything fans of a much-loved book could hope for in a prequel."—Kirkus Reviews
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Historical
- Fiction / Occult & Supernatural
- CD-Audio (June 26th, 2018): $19.99
- CD-Audio (October 10th, 2017): $39.99
"Mysterious, magical and with important lessons about love and life, I cannot wait for it!” —Parade
With her signature blend of beautiful prose and captivating storytelling, Alice Hoffman invites readers to immerse themselves in this magical world once again. **The main idea of the Practical Magic prequel novel is to explore the history and origins of the Owens family, and to delve deeper into the captivating world of witches and magic.** Hoffman's novel is sure to enchant fans and new readers alike, as they are transported to a time where magic is both a gift and a curse..
Reviews for "The Story You've Been Waiting For: Uncover the Secrets of Practical Magic in a Prequel Novel"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Practical Magic prequel novel. I felt like it lacked the magic and charm that made the original book and movie so nostalgic and special. The plot felt disjointed and I didn't connect with the characters at all. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the original story.
2. Michael - 1 star - I found the Practical Magic prequel novel to be incredibly boring. The pacing was slow and it felt like nothing of substance happened throughout the entire book. I also felt like the writing style was lackluster and didn't capture the essence of the original story. I was hoping to get more insight into the Owens family, but instead, I was left feeling unsatisfied and uninterested in continuing with the series.
3. Samantha - 3 stars - As a fan of Practical Magic, I was excited to read the prequel novel, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt forced at times and it didn't have the same whimsical atmosphere that made the original so enjoyable. While it did provide some backstory for the Owens family, I found myself not really caring about the characters or their struggles. It was an okay read, but not something I would recommend to others.
4. Brian - 2 stars - I found the Practical Magic prequel novel to be lacking in originality and depth. It felt like a watered-down version of the original story, with predictable plot twists and uninteresting characters. The writing was average at best, and I didn't feel invested in the story or the Owens family. Overall, it was a disappointing read and didn't live up to the magic of the original book and movie.
5. Rachel - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy the Practical Magic prequel novel as much as I had hoped. The story felt repetitive and didn't offer anything new or exciting to the Owens family saga. The characters were one-dimensional and the romance felt forced. I wanted to love it, but it just fell flat for me. I would recommend sticking to the original book and movie instead of wasting time on the prequel.