Having read all three of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic Books previous to this one, although not in the order they were written, I was more than excited to obtain an ARC of her last book in the series " the Book of Magic" Of course I held extremely high expectations for this book, as I do most Alice Hoffman books, andI was not disappointed in the least! "The Book of Magic" while not my favorite of the four books was definitely a solid 4.5. it is a sequel to the original " Practical Magic" novel and follows all of our favorite characters through yet another stage of their lives. Ialthough sad that at least for 5he time being the Iwens' story has ended, I now want to go back to "Magic Lessons" and read them in their chronological order, as I can never get enough of the Owen family saga!

Even if you have never picked up a book about magic or thought you were not interested, please do your self a favor and pick up both "Practical Magic" and it's new sequel " The Book of Magic". These stories are about family and history and contain well developed characters and locales that make them so much more than just the "magic" element. I am sure you will enjoy them enough to make you want to read the two prequels, "Magic Lessons" and "Rules of Magic" or better yet, start with "Magic Lessons" and read all four!

Alice Hoffman is that strange, wonderful author that has the ability to turns words into music. Every time I read her books, the writing just flows from the page that reminiscently sounds like a score from Beethoven or Mozart's greatest works. I LOVED this book. This book is the last in the "Practical Magic" series with the Owens family, and is brimming with romance, history, drama, and magic. I sat down and was lost in the wonderful world of the Owens, and did not want to return to everyday life until I turned the last page. You won't regret reading this book, but read the first one before, so you will understand everything that is happening.

This book is an excellent conclusion to the Practical Magic series. Kylie and Antonia Owens were raised without knowledge of their family's magic - or it's curse. When Kylie's love is threatened and she learns about and sets out to break the family curse, the magic begins anew. I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns in this magical journey and I highly recommend this book.

First, thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this, so I might ramble for a bit here.

First, I just did a re-read of Practical Magic, thinking it’d be a good idea before reading this book. Let me tell you, that was a terrible idea. The story we are told in Practical Magic doesn’t actually match up to the other 3 books in this world. So I spent the first ~40% of this book super irritated that the characters and history were so different. (Some things that were different: Sally’s 1st husband’s cause of death, Antonia’s temperament, knowledge of the curse, who can hear the deathwatch beetle). That being said, I think reading Rules of Magic and Magic Lessons would be important before reading this, because the story is much more consistent with those books.

I did like the second half of the book much more. The story moved quickly and was compelling. I just didn’t connect super deeply with the characters. This is 100% a story that is being TOLD to the reader. I think the lack of showing really keeps the characters at a distance, and I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the big moments.

I completely loved Rules of Magic, and Franny and Jet are my favorite pair of sisters. None of the other books in this world have lived up to that one, so I find myself disappointed. And I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I hadn’t re-read Practical Magic first.

3.5 stars

Alice Hoffman has returned to the Owens' family in the conclusion of the practical magic series. In this story, the Owens sisters finally find found out how the curse can be broken as new members of the family fall in love and dire consequences ensue, even as some of the members have no idea about their bloodline and why such consequences threaten their loved ones and their happiness. This story takes the reader back to Essex County to confront the past and solve the mystery of ending the curse.
Hoffman tells a story of love and especially family unity and care and has crafted a fitting end to the series.
The theme is repetitive of the other books in the series but Hoffman always has a lot to say about strong women who surround themselves with knowledge.

Huh, I'm struggling to match the MANY glowing reviews for this book with what I just read. On the one hand, I'm always up for a story involving the Owens, but everything about this just felt...superfluous, including the book itself. I guess I didn't need or want any of these characters' storylines to be wrapped up in such a pat way. Antonia, Vincent and nearly every side character could have been written out entirely and I wouldn't have missed them even a little. Regarding Antonia, props to her for finding love and a sexual relationship at 9 months pregnant, but like WHAT? Obviously magical realism asks you to suspend belief over and over, but there's a limit for what I can handle apparently. Kylie and Antonia were painfully naive and selfish in ways that outmatched even their (naive and often selfish) Owens kin. And the action was S L O W. When it finally lurched forward toward the end, the narrative was muddled by so many ancillary characters that I was ready to call it quits with less than a quarter of the already short book remaining.

But after looking over some of the reviews, I'm left wondering if maybe I'm suffering from "it's not you, it's me" syndrome. I read TBofM hot on the heels of what was easily, for me, the best book of 2021, so I doubt there's much that could have blown me away. And Jet, Franny and the Reverend were all wonderfully charming and delightful enough at times that I'm willing to believe I'm being extra harsh for that reason. So ultimately I'm giving it 3 stars: it was decent. Good for fans of Hoffman and the Owens sisters, but not something I'd recommend to others who haven't read the prior three books.

There were so many passages in this book that caused me to pause, re-read, breathe and savor. The fourth book in the saga of the Owens women is wonderful and a fitting end to their tale.....although I wish it didn't have to end! Perhaps Alice will change her mind...

Overall I really enjoyed this book! It was a great sequel to Practical Magic. I will be highly recommending this one to everyone.

I loved the first book in this series, and I loved this one even more. It was wonderful to revisit old characters and meet new ones, and it was just such a lovely way to wrap up the story of this magical family. I'm very glad I got to read it early!

As always, Alice Hoffman creates the world of magic filled with richly developed characters who remain with you long after the novel ends. After the death of Jet, the Owens family reunites to save one of their own from the curse that has haunted Owens forever. Even Vincent reappears to assist his long lost family and they all are led on a chase that takes them back to England and the beginning of their line. So real, so magical it makes the reader long to be born with the gift of magic!

Thank you to NetGalley for obtaining a copy of this book for me to read.
This story is about a family, the Owens, who are witches and have the power of magic. I did not read the other books in the series. I did not think, it was an easy follow. In the beginning with all the characters who appear to be equally involved in this story.
However, getting past that , the story was about a family curse set 300 years ago. It appears that if you love one of these witches, it is a death sentence.
The story goes thru a multitude of spells, curses, love, trust, and pain. The character development was excellent and the bond of family and the sense of love for family is a core that binds the story.. There are three generations of family interacting and each has their own experience with the gift of magic. It is very well done to see how each one has evolved thru this story. Yet I imagine if you read the series it would give a fuller impact.
I’m not a reader of magic but totally enjoyed this story.

This is the final book in the series of books about the Owens family. This is a family that included witches and magicians. The family had been cursed for over 300 years by an ancestor who decreed that anyone they loved would die.
When Jett heard the death rattle beetle and realized that she would die very soon, she set out to undo the curse. So she left a note for her sister. However her niece, Kylie, found the note after a car accident left her boyfriend in a coma. Kylie realized that the accident was the result of the curse and the boyfriend might die like every other person who had fallen in love with an Owens descendant.
So three generations of Owens traveled from the family home in Massachusetts to France and back to their origins in England. They hunted for Kylie and also a way to end the family curse.
This book is beautifully written and can be read as a stand alone book or as a conclusion to the series of 4 books. The author makes many references to the original family members and their treatment as witches and healers. The characters are so well developed that the reader will feel he knows each one of them very well.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This book opens with one of the greatest opening lines I've ever read, and it remains incredible throughout.

The Book of Magic feels like a love letter. A love letter to books. A love letter to history. A love letter to magic. A love letter to libraries. A love letter to love.

Alice Hoffman is a master of magical realism, a queen of character development, and her ability to weave a tail that is both easy to read and simultaneously demanding of the reader is unmatched. The Book of Magic in many ways supersedes the rest of her books in this endeavor (although it comes close to Dovekeepers, which I still hold as her true masterpiece). As I followed the Owens women across the Atlantic, where they attempted to make the impossible possible and undo a centuries old curse, I found myself thinking about my relationships with my sisters and the way I approach topics of love and devotion. Her ability to take me to a magical place, while constantly reminding me of the world around me, is her literary gift.

I anticipated this book being emotional as I'm very attached to the Owens sisters, but I found I'm also attached to their things. Their home, their magic book, their spells and curses. Throughout this book the Owens sisters are asked to let go of things, and to recognize the value of letting go especially in love, and it feels like a lesson for the reader as well. If I asked Jet and Frances Owens for love advice, I feel like the message they would give me is encapsulated in this book. Let go, and love.

Fall in love whenever you can, right?

Hoffman has outdone herself yet again, and woven some powerful magic here...

The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman is an amazing novel that is the last book in one of my favorite series: Practical Magic. I truly loved it.

I have read all four books in this group, and this is most definitely a wonderful and fitting end to an excellent series. I was obviously excited to read Ms. Hoffman’s latest installment, however saddened to see the last glimpse of this extraordinary family.

I was so glad to spend a little more time with Jet, Franny, Sally, Gillian, Vincent, and the rest of the Owens family. I teared up a few times, I gripped the edge of my seat at others, and after finishing, I have a warm, satisfying feeling. There was mystery, suspense, history, and a stunning narrative that kept me enthralled.

Anyone that has loved any of these books before, will truly love and appreciate this true gem.

Beyond excellent.

5/5 stars

Thank you Simon & Schuster for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Another wonderful story by Alice Hoffman and the perfect wrap up to the series. Beloved characters from previous books return and others leave us. But the ability to love is restored! Beautifully written. A highly recommended read.

Another wonderful book in Alice Hoffman's series on witches. I loved reading it and continuing the story of the family. Wraps things up nicely. Well done!

Reading an Alice Hoffman book never fails to create a warm, immersive and exciting feeling. This conclusion to the story of the Owens witches pulls you in immediately and wraps up a world tour of family history. All your favorite characters are back, all the famous places are visited and the ending of a generations-long curse gets everyone their happily-ever-after. This one will make a perfect fall read!

I have always said you can never go wrong with an Alice Hoffman book. The Book of Magic is a work of pure genius. Alice Hoffman evokes pure magic with every stroke of her pen. To say I loved this book does not even come close to how I truly feel about it. You are set loose in the world of the Owens family. Where spells, enchantments, curses, revenge, trust, turmoil, and love is a spinning, tumbling, whirling storm that rains down upon you. You can feel every emotion, all their pain, and the love for each other that bursts from this family.

For over 300 years, the Owens family has been cursed in love. They utter that simple four-letter word to another, dare to feel a spark for someone, and their loved one is on a way trip to the grave. Will the Owens family ever be able to overcome this horrible pain that the curse has conjured over the passing generations? Or are they doomed to a loveless life or a life where there is a string of lovers sent to their death simply for loving another.

The Book of Magic brings to light all the past characters that you feel head over heels for in the past books in the Practical Magic series. Hoffman not only develops these beloved characters but brings to life a whole new set. That bring more depth, knowledge, and feelings to the book. Her descriptions land you right in the center of the story. You can see the magnolia trees in Massachusetts, hear the toads in Essex County, England, feel the cool water washing over your body, smell the lavender, and see the blue threads sewn into their clothing.

I was brought to tears at the end knowing I was saying goodbye to some beloved characters, Jet, Franny, Maria, Vincent, Sally, and the list marches on. You are also left feeling satisfied. There is closure, and questions are finally answered. If you are in the need of the most enchanted read, with love and family being at its core, be sure to add this book to your list. You will not be disappointed. Thank you to Alice Hoffman, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this truly enchanting book. One last point always beware of the deathwatch beetle. You never know when they will call!

Oh, the Owens family. I did not know I needed more of their story, but apparently I did! From the beginning story told in Practical Magic I have been a fan of the Owens'. I love the twists and turns each story takes as it entwines the reader forward and backward motion, This fourth, final chapter of the story does not disappoint. Small holes missing, that I was not even aware of, were filled in, as the story continues into the modern age with Sally's daughters not aware of their heritage or the full nature of the family curse. Desperate times call for desperate measure, though, and Kylie, the younger of the two sisters sets out, determined to change the course of history. We meet familiar characters - Jet and Frannie; Sally and Gillian, and even Vincent makes a re-appearance. Time has passed and much has changed, but family ties and history are the glue that make this story work.

Thank you, Alice Hoffman, for telling a story that is satisfying and fascinating all at once. My only complaint? I would love to know the recipes for Black Soap - and for the famous Tipsy Cake!

Alice Hoffman has done it again! This book is part of the Practical Magic series and what a wonderful addition to the series. In this tale, the Owens Family is fighting a 300-year-old curse, confronting evil, and finding strength in themselves and each other. Each Owens family member has dealt with the curse of love and loving in their own way. But when the deathwatch beetle comes for Aunt Jet and one of the youngest member of the family learns of the curse in a devastating way, things for this family begin to change. The story takes the reader on a journey from Massachuttes to Paris and London, heading to Essex where things went horribly wrong years ago. I first read Alice Hoffman, several years ago, I loved that bit of magical undertone, hidden in plain sight that she weaves into her stories. The Practical Magic series brings the magical undertone out in the open more but without the twitching noses aspect. I also enjoy how she weaves the different stories of each character seamlessly into the story. Each character brings a voice to the story, no one voice overpowering the other but evolving, maybe twisting, ultimately adding to the story. The sense of family that is woven into this story is wonderful. Whether it’s a sisters or siblings, I can sense the connectedness of this family. If you have read Alice Hoffman before, you will certainly enjoy this story. If this is your first book, you are in for a wonderful treat. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Owens family in this Practical Magic series, sit down, get cozy and prepare to be delighted.