layawaydragon
Written on Jan 7, 2023
“Bianca Marais is a genius” — Ann Patchett, #1 New York Times bestselling author
A coven of modern-day witches. A magical heist-gone-wrong. A looming threat.
Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there’s hope, since the imminent return of Ruby—one of the sisterhood who’s been gone for thirty-three years—will surely be their salvation.
But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they’ve ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby’s homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.
The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.
Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais’ clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.
- ISBN10 0778386996
- ISBN13 9780778386995
- Publish Date 15 September 2022 (first published 23 August 2022)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country CA
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint HQ
- Edition Original
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 400
- Language English
Reviews
Terri M. LeBlanc
Written on Oct 29, 2022
I seriously cannot tell you how much I loved this book! I've been gushing about it to all our customers.
This book is The Golden Girls with magic + a kickass teen with an awesome dog named Ruth Bader Ginsberg working together to defeat the men trying to destroy their home. I loved EVERY minute of it. If you are an older woman looking for books with old women kicking some ass while discovering how strong they truly are…this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading
Written on Sep 4, 2022
Bianca Marais may have been a new author for me, but after reading the blurb for The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, I jumped at the opportunity to read and review. After all, lead characters in their eighties are not a usual occurrence in the book world. The idea of octogenarian Witches banding together to save their home intrigued me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.
The story began in an interesting tone, and soon I found myself eager to discover how it would all unfold. However, it took a 360-degree turn and was not for the best. With its slowing pacing and lack of excitement expected, the story became a struggle to get through. The Witches are supposed to be working on saving their home, but more focus was placed on reunions, events from the past and acquainting themselves with the teenager who offered to assist them in protecting their home.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It definitely did not work for me. I kept listening, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I felt disconnected from the characters and the story. The most interesting aspects of the story were
1. the Narration
2. the past events regarding the heist, which ultimately revealed reasons for Ruby’s incarceration.
Amy Landon narrated and her narration gave what otherwise a dull story some life. Her voices aptly portrayed each of the characters. She brought them to life by adding the right emotion to her reading. I had no issues Listening to her narration, which was the main reason I stuck with the story to the bitter end.
Now I know I am in the minority where liking this story is concerned as I have seen several readers giving rave reviews. It didn’t deliver the desired effect for me, but don’t let my views deter you from picking it up if you think it would interest you. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading