The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
My Rating: 4.5
Genre: Fiction/Magical Realism
Format: eArc*
Publication Date: August 23, 2022
Author: Bianca Marais
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The Witches of Moonshyne Manor Blurb
“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.
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor Review
As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:
- 1 star: Did not finish
- 2 Stars: Finished but I do not recommend
- 3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
- 4 Stars: Loved this book!
- 5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.
My star ratings are also based also genre based. I compare all books with books of the same genre. While I would love to believe that my love of books in general transcends all bias, there are genres I prefer over others.
I’m human.
Example: If I read a mystery novel and think it deserves a 5-star rating, then I have compared it to other mystery books, and determined it to be one of my absolute favorites. The unputdownable mystery.
This will hopefully keep me from comparing Outlander, a personal obsession of mine, with the experience of reading The Hate You Give. Both 5 star books for me, but completely and totally different. I couldn’t even try to rate them against each other, so I don’t. Makes my life easier. 🙂
My Thoughts
I already know that The Witches of Moonshyne Manor will be one of my favorite books for the fall. Beyond its witchy story, the characters are simply magical. Someone online said that The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is akin to Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls, and quite honestly, the comparison couldn’t be more accurate.
Each of the ladies in The Witches of Moonshyne Manor have distinct personalities, but they come together to create this wonderful chosen family. They love each other like sisters and its so much fun to read. Like the Golden Girls and Practical Magic, these women push the boundaries of societal norms, creating space and love within the manor for everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or beliefs.
The feminist vibes are extraordinary. So much strong womanhood it almost bursts from the page. Everything, even the smallest details, are so wonderfully quirky from the dog named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the potion for a beautiful lady bush. I cant get enough of these characters, I kind of hope there’s a sequel just so that I can go back to the manor.
Conclusion
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is easily one of my favorite magical realism novels.
*Special thanks to Bianca Marais, Netgalley, and MIRA for providing a copy of The Witches of Moonshyne Manor in exchange for an honest review.
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