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A Secret History of Witches

The spellbinding historical saga of love and magic
By Louisa Morgan
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3.84 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 24,145 ratings, 2,512 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan is a multi-generational tale that follows a family of witches from the late 19th century through World War II. Their power, passed down from mother to daughter, faces the trials of love, danger, and societal change. As the women navigate an ever-changing world, they must guard their secrets while embracing their identity and heritage.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy multigenerational tales of powerful women navigating family dynamics and mystical legacies. With its rich blend of historical fiction and the supernatural, it weaves a compelling narrative of magic, secrecy, and resilience through the lives of its characters.

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A sweeping novel of family, sacrifice, love, and magic for fans of A Discovery of Witches, The Witchfinder's Sister and Outlander.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Discover a magical historical saga of mothers, daughters and the power of witchcraft – perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches, Outlander and Nora Roberts.

'Will sweep you away to a time of magic, love, and loss . . . mesmerising' — Tish Thawer

'It's true, ma petite. If they know – if they discover what we are – they will try to kill us'

Brittany, 1821. After Grand-mère 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, practising 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.

A Secret History of Witches is a moving 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.

Shortlisted for the Endeavour Award

'A deeply satisfying and magical work of great craft' — Carol Goodman, author of Incubus

'Deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters' — Jordanna Max Brodsky

'Enthralling . . . Deeply moving and richly conceived' — Kay Kenyon

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

'Epic in scope and heartbreakingly tender . . . Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts' — Booklist

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Secret History of Witches is praised for its intimate portrayal of the bond between mothers and daughters, described as a moving multigenerational saga with strong women influencing world events. The book draws comparisons to Practical Magic, offering a more expansive and varied historical context. Reviewers highlight the transportive quality of Morgan's storytelling, emphasising the engaging and magical journey it offers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356511566

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 May 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 199.0mm

Height: 131.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 528

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Best Sellers at Book Hero Fantasy Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Louisa Morgan New Release Fiction Romantasy (Fantasy Romance) Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Louisa Morgan is a pseudonym for award-winning author Louise Marley. Louise lives in the Pacific Northwest where she and her Border Terrier, Oscar, ramble the beaches and paths of Washington State.

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  • The Great Witch of Brittany
    Return to the world of A Secret History of Witches with the bewitching tale of Ursule Orchiere and her discovery of magical abilities that will not only change the course of her life but every generation that comes after her. Brittany, 1741: There hasn't been a witch born in the Orchiere clan for generations. According to the elders, that line...
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  • The Witch's Kind
    From the author of A Secret of Witches comes a new standalone novel set in the same world: an absorbing tale of love, sacrifice, family ties, and magic, set in the US in the aftermath of World War II. Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches, Outlander, and Nora Roberts. Barrie Anne Blythe and her Aunt Charlotte have always...
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  • The Age of Witches
    Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches and The Witch's Kind, returns with another captivating tale of family, witchcraft, and love that spans generations. Harriet Bishop is descended from a long line of witches and uses her magic to help women in need - not only ordinary women, but also those with powers of their own. Frances Allington...
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  • The Faerie Morgana
    In this atmospheric and bewitching novel, Louisa Morgan reimagines the story of Morgan Le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and powerful women in Arthurian legend. To the other priestesses of the Nine, a powerful council at the Lady's Temple, Morgana is haughty and arrogant as she performs feats of magic no human should be capable of. Rumours start that...
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  • The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird
    A woman's ability to see ghosts draws her into a journey of redemption and unexpected friendship in this unforgettable story from the acclaimed author of A Secret History of Witches. The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan introduces us to Beatrice Bird, who is plagued by ghosts. It's a gift she's had since she was a small child. Unfortunately,...
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