The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells

I'm not sure what I expected when I started this, but what I got was hauntingly beautiful. I very much enjoyed this multi POV story of witches, magic, superstition, and mystery.
Magic or a bargain with the mountains always comes with a price.
I very much enjoyed that you got snippets from previous generations of Morgan women throughout this book. Carrie and Cora's POVs were my favourite ones.
Rachel Greenlaw managed to weave a story so beautifully but also had me second-guessing myself. This book was masterfully done, and I would 100% love to return to the town of Woodsmoke and the Morgan women in a future book.

In The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells, Carrie Morgan returns to her hometown of Woodsmoke after a decade of drifting from place to place. Following her grandmother's death, she inherits a dilapidated cottage and decides to stay for just one winter to renovate it. Amidst warnings of old tales about a stranger who vanishes with the spring thaw, she meets and falls for Matthieu, a newcomer who helps with the refurbishment.

This book wasn't what I expected at all - I think I was expecting a cozy paranormal romance but it was a fantastic mix of many things - a romance, a mystery, the supernatural, family drama, and even a bit of gothic suspense with not knowing what was real and what was magic. I've just sat and read it all in one go because the tension of that mystery meant that I needed to see how everything fell out. I changed my mind about the various characters so many times as the story progressed, and it was so cleverly done.

The story is set in Autumn and Winter and it's definitely a perfect story for reading in Autumn or Winter. It's spooky and melancholy to start with, and then full of tension as you find out more about why Carrie originally left Woodsmoke. The snippets from The Morgan Compendium that precede each chapter added depth and intrigue to the unfolding story, making each chapter even more compelling.

This book was a complete surprise and I really enjoyed the journey it took me on! It was emotional and atmospheric and it felt like a real mix of genres but weaved together flawlessly. I'd definitely recommend this as a more serious and emotional tale about magic and coming home.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

I adored this book! So many witch books are set in the USA and it was wonderful to read one set right here in the UK. The magic is woven throughout this book in such a subtle way and the writing is just beautiful. I could picture the cottage and the mountains as I was reading. The story is heartbreaking yet uplifting and I needed a few days to just let it all sink in after reading. The romance is beautiful but what made this book special to me was the focus on the creation, nurturing and healing of female bonds. The feelings I had after reading this book were very similar to the feelings I had after reading Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and that is one of my favourite book series!

The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells

Carrie Morgan expects trouble when she returns to Woodsmoke after ten years.
What she does not predict is the beautiful stranger who walks into her life with the first frost and with whom Carrie begins to fall in love.
Bound to her family’s book of spells and a deep magic that flows from the mountains, Carrie’s family warn that her new love is a curse who will disappear when the frost thaws.

Didn't quite know what to expect when reading this book , it was beautiful , it was evocative , it was fascinating , and it was truly a wonderful read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6629121741

Saw this on TikTok and secured an advance copy through this platform.
Completely fell in love with this book. The writing style was beautiful and not too complicated as some
Books can be! It made you fall in love with
The characters.
I really hope there will be a series and more books to come. I hope it’s not the end for Carrie and co.

I haven’t read a book quite like this before but the description intrigued me and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the magic and the descriptive scenery. I could feel myself doubting what was going on as did the lead character. If you haven’t read anything like this before, give it a go you may well enjoy it.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the eARC of The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells.

As soon as I saw Rachel Greenlaw had a new book out I had to read it. I became obsessed with Compass and Blade and I needed to read this book!
I was not disappointed, this book exceeded expectations. It is written beautifully and it pulls you in as soon as the story starts. I loved the alternating POVs between Cora and Carrie, they gave an excellent insight into the past and the present and really fleshed out the storyline. The characters are all created really well and they are fleshed out realistically, you could imagine meeting Cora, Carrie and Matthieu in real life.
I loved Cora, she was meddlesome but her heart was always in the right place and I just loved how she was with everyone. Carrie for me was my favourite character, her past was intriguing and her present made for an intriguing read. I loved her interactions with Matthieu.
I was gripped reading this book, I really enjoyed how it kept me guessing, I was sure Cora was correct with what she thought (I'm being vague as spoilers) and the twists and turns always had me surprised.
I can not wait for this novel to hit the shelves, I will be getting a copy for sure. Rachel Greenlaw has now become a must read author for me and I urge everyone else to add her to their lists.

A beautiful modern day, dark magic, witchy read. I loved the storytelling and mood of this..I really was able to feel like I was deep in the story among the mountains and cottages of Woodsmoke with Carrie, who has returned home upon the death of her grandmother after a decade of being away.

The entries at the start of each chapter from the women of Woodsmoke's history really added to the 'folklore' feel of the story

Cora...I absolutely adored her and she was etched deep in my heart by the end of the book. This book truly has it all...beauty, romance, mystery and love.

Carrie Morgan returns to her hometown of Woodsmoke after drifting across different places for a decade. Following her grandmother's passing, she inherits a rundown cottage and plans a brief stay to renovate it during winter. Amidst cautionary tales of a mysterious figure who disappears come spring, Carrie meets Matthieu, a newcomer who joins her in refurbishing the cottage.

The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells surprised me in the best possible way. Expecting a cosy paranormal romance, I instead found a captivating blend of romance, mystery, supernatural elements, family drama, and a touch of gothic suspense that blurred the lines between reality and magic. The story gripped me so intensely that I read it in one sitting, compelled to unravel its mysteries. My perceptions of the characters shifted constantly as the plot unfolded, showcasing the author's adept storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of autumn and winter, the narrative perfectly captures the atmospheric essence of these seasons. It begins with a haunting and melancholic tone, gradually building tension as Carrie confronts the reasons behind her departure from Woodsmoke. The excerpts from The Morgan Compendium preceding each chapter added layers of depth and intrigue, enriching the unfolding tale and heightening its allure.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

A story of strong women and a strong community interwoven with some sort of magic- perhaps?
Morgan women from Woodsmoke are witches, or so their community believe. Certainly there are some strange goings on...bargains with the mountains, herbs at the threshold and a general air of mystery as people make deals with nature via a Morgan to get their hearts desire.
At first a little skeptical as to whether I would enjoy the book I was actually drawn into Woodsmoke very quickly and the magical elements of the story are written to enhance rather than to hammer home all things witch.
Beautifully and intricately woven with nice throwbacks to previous generations of Morgan women to solidify the mystique.

Oh, this story, Carrie and Jess, Carrie and Tom, Jess and Tom then Carrie and Matthieu, the most beautiful story with the most beautiful characters, love, loss, friendship and love again, a heartwarming story, thank you

Beautifully written with magic skillfully woven into a glorious story of romance and family drama.

A truly special book full of charm and authentic characters that endear you to them. And an ending that is uplifting and full of warmth..

I needed a new book to read for Autumn so I chose The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells. Autumn to me means cosy blankets, cold mornings, witches, Halloween, pumpkins, and beautiful colours. This book was a perfect way to enter the "Ber" months and Greenlaw really manages to capture the essence of the season. The writing was haunting, yet whimsical, the setting atmospheric yet cosy, the characters familiar yet intriguing. I think this is probably one of my favourite reads this year and I think it might just need to be reread every year. There are beautiful elements of love and loss mixed in with the fantastical mythical mountains. I love nothing more than a forbidden romance and this story did not disappoint. I was worried that Greenlaw was going to make Carrie get back together with her childhood sweetheart but I am so grateful that she didn't. I would like to point out that although the story does take some time to get going in the beginning, this is a book worth sticking with because it is all so worth it in the end. If you love stories such as Practical Magic, please read this, you will not be disappointed.

I loved Rachel's previous book, One Christmas Morning so I was over the moon to get the chance to read her next book. The Woodsmoke Womne's Book of Spells does not disappoint. A gorgeous magical and mysterious book, a perfect fall read. I love how Rachel describes everything, it's so visual, from the mountains to the small town, you actually feel like you are there.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Loved this! The folklore captures the imagination! Does magic truly exist? Well it certainly seems to in Woodsmoke! The narrative keeps you gripped as it's told from three perspectives (all women from Woodsmoke). Is the stranger magically going to disappear as soon as the frost melts and leave behind a broken heart? I don't want to give the storyline away but it is well worth a read and definitely a book to curl up with.
Will be looking out for more from Rachel in the future. Many thanks to the publishers and to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.

The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw is a captivating and magical novel. After 10 years away, Carrie Morgan returns to Woodsmoke, the small town where she grew up and a place full of superstitions about the surrounding mountains.

Over the years the female members of Carrie’s family have recorded the tales of these mysterious mountains in a book that is passed from Grandmother to Granddaughter. The Morgan’s also protect their community from the dangers of mountains but it always comes with a price.

This book was such an enjoyable read, I was expecting The Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, but it was so much more, with the themes of homecoming, family and female relationships, handled in an honest and relatable way.

I’m reluctant to write much more as I don’t want to give too much away, the beauty of this book and Greenlaw’s writing is how she skilfully reveals aspects of the plot, leaving you unable to put the book down. However if you’re looking for an atmospheric autumnal page turner that features an enigmatic stranger who arrives with the frost this is the book for you.

Thank-you HQ and NetGalley for is ARC.

I was completely captivated by this book from Rachel Greenlaw. I initially expected a cozy, witchy read but was delighted to find it delving into much darker themes. The story masterfully explores the weight of curses, the sacrifices tied to magic, and the strain on fractured relationships. The pacing strikes a perfect balance—steady without ever dragging—allowing the intricate characters and their complexities to shine. The haunting, atmospheric setting, with its looming mountains and ever-present sense of foreboding, added an extra layer of depth that I loved. An unexpectedly immersive and beautifully crafted tale.

Atmospheric read between magic and reality

I really enjoyed this book. The women and their relationships, the way everything is rooted in nature and the seasons, the way the author, Rachel Greenlaw, keeps you guessing until the very last page!

Set in a small town near the mountains, this novel is both about the relationships between the female characters, through whose eyes it is told, and the Morgan family's history with the mountains and the magic they believe to be there. A mysterious stranger appears, just as to several generations before the current one, and it is impossible to tell whether he is real or not.

There is a lot going on in this book but the author skillfully weaves all the threads and plot lines together. The atmospheric setting and descriptions are the cherry on top. It's a very cosy, somewhat wild read, perfect for autumn or winter!

Highly recommend if you are into herblore and magic, family mysteries and curses and complicated bonds between women both family and not!

LOVE LOVE LOVEDDDDDDD THIS BOOK!

no more needs to be said! Defo going to buy the physical of this I enjoyed that muchb

wow what a book!
i absolutely devoured this i couldn’t put it down. and loved the stiorybthe settling and the characters.
it was a magical tale with loads of twists that has you gasping out loud.
loved it!!

A perfect witchy read with cures, secrets, and mystery in abundance. Carrie returns to the mountains after the death of her grandmother, but can she stay? Secrets never stay hidden forever. Friendship and family are main themes in this fabulous story, but who is the mysterious stranger? Beautifully written and full of surprises, I could not put it down!

This was really cosy and it gave me autumn vibes, but in summer - fantastic for when it’s due to be released. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.

The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells is a wonderful tale of magic, curses and romance. The story takes place in the cosy, mountain town of Woodsmoke, where everybody knows everybody else, and nothing remains a secret for very long. In the midst of this town live the Morgan women - a family of natural witches, who pass their special book of magic down from one generation to the next. However, the book is more than a grimoire or book of shadows. It is a history of romance, of all the loves and losses of the Morgan women down through the ages, told in the style of a collection of fables, in the hope that future generations of women can learn from the losses of their ancestors.

Into this environment sweeps Carrie, the youngest of the Morgan women and the only one who tried to break free and leave the town for good. But when her grandmother, Ivy, dies and leaves her everything, Carrie has to return to sort out the cottage and the shop that Ivy left behind, and to make her peace with her great aunt, Cora, the witch who currently holds the family book of spells.

The Morgan women aren't just run of the mill witches. They are mountain witches and the mountains and hills of Woodsmoke are sentient, the mountain trails populated by the spirits of winter, who prowl in the frost. It is the legacy of the Morgan women to keep the townsfolk safe from the threat of being taken by the mountains. So when Carrie returns, tongues start wagging.

This is a fantastic book full of winter's charm and the practice of witchery. It has all the cosy vibes of Stars Hallow, with the enchantment of Practical Magic and the insidious threat of The Village. The author even mentions the film, Practical Magic, in the novel, giving a nod to her inspiration and the obvious parallels between the two stories. This book is just as magical, just as cosy and it's just as hard to put down.

In The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells you will find a mysterious love interest, family feuds, cosy cottages, witchcraft, skate dates, blood magic and blood ties and the ominous mountains brooding over the frosty town. It reminded me of the time I spent in Glencoe, where the mountains do seem to be sentient beings that will either protect you or kill you! As Carrie attempts to find her place in the world and make up for past wrongs, I couldn't help but be drawn into her story, although Cora is my favourite character as she is so feisty! I sincerely hope that this novel kicks off a series and that there will be more tales of the Morgan women, because I enjoyed this one so much.

If you like the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman, then you will love this book too. Just don't forget to ward the thresholds before you read. You never know what's out there, ready to come tap, tap, tapping at your window! The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells is the perfect October read. Enjoy!

Brights Blessings

Marie x