I LOVE reading about witches, so I snapped up this ARC right away. However, the dual timelines ended up making this feel like more of a multigenerational family story than a supernatural one. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm not a big reader of multigenerational family sagas. That being said, the book was very well written, the characters were compelling, I did enjoy the use of the supernatural, and I was rooting for the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Luis Jaramillo for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

1943, El Paso: teenager Nena spends her days babysitting and dealing with fainting spells while dreaming of a life of adventure. One night she is visited by a nun who takes her under her wing...in 1792. In present day El Paso, Marta gets word that her grandaunt can no longer live on her own. Upon moving her in, Marta becomes taken with Nena’s story of her missing child and the two begin to work together to try to find her.

This is a fabulous new novel, featuring witches and time travel, but ultimately centered around the power of a mother’s love. Steeped in rich Mexican culture, women are the true heroes of this book, whether Nena, Marta or the coven of witches using the cover of the cloth for their survival.

I found myself connecting more with Nena and her story than Marta, however, all of the characters are incredibly well developed and relatable in their own right. And while this is not a romance, I appreciated its inclusion as a subplot, and how it rounded out this really complex and unique story.

Read if you like:
▪️stories about witches
▪️historical fiction
▪️time travel
▪️multi-generational dramas
▪️dual timelines
▪️Adrienne Young

Thank you Atria Books and Primero Sueno Press for the advanced copy.

What does magic look like?

The Witches of El Paso is a rich, multi-layered tale, that goes beyond the typical witch story.
Three timelines intertwine to tell a story of a family and how they harnessed nature to unleash their magic within.
El Paso,present day.
Marta is an overworked lawyer who comes to care for her aunt Nena. As she and Nena are reacquainted, Marta learns of the baby Nena has left behind… in the year 1792!
As the two set out to find out what has become of this daughter, a story unfolds- one of magic and love, sacrifice and family as they use their supernatural gifts to find the lost child.
Nena explains to Marta that she was sent to a coven of witches, who were cleverly disguised as nuns,and they taught her how to harness La Vista, a powerful yet unpredictable form of magic.
As timelines and realities shift throughout the book, you discover that La Vista is a magic that is conjured through nature,combining culture and the supernatural into something fantastical. What a beautiful melding of magical realism,rich prose and a sprinkling of the Spanish language. Jaramillo's debut novel is a refreshing, magical tale of time travel and lore that mixes in elements of the supernatural, reminding us not to let our own magic dissipate.

This book is a really incredible concept but I found it nearly impossible to get into well enough. The timelines jump back and forth no only from our two main characters, but their timelines are not in chronological order which I found very hard to figure out where/when we were currently at during the story telling. It felt more like two different books that got smashed together and the pages got put in the wrong order. I wanted to like it but honestly I couldn't pay attention long enough to get invested in the plot or our women enough to root for them

The witches of El Paso follows Nena, a witch. I loved the premise of this book as well as the deep seeded cultural and family traditions. However, I struggled with the multiple timelines. It was really hard to keep track of what was happening when. There just wasn’t enough of a clear distinction between the three timelines. The ending was a little bit lacking for me, and overall this one just didn’t quite resonate with me the way I had hoped.

Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a historical fiction with a mix of magical realism and. The premise was good but overall it just fell flat to me as nothing really happened. I felt the story line just didn’t keep you engaged
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

2.5 stars

The Witches of El Paso brings a mix of the modern day, with historical fiction and magical realism. I really enjoyed Nena's character, and a look at her life in the 1940s and the time she spent in the 1700s. I felt like her character was the most well-developed in the story, and I wish it would have just focused on her throughout the whole book, instead of bringing in Marta's character. I also really loved the look at Mexican heritage and folklore in the story.

Unfortunately, the rest of the book was disappointing for me. I did not mind the three timelines, but I felt like the transitions were not always done well and it took me out of the story. I found myself not connecting with Marta's part of the story, and I felt like the court case that most of her story line was centered around, didn't add anything to the book at all. It also has no resolution at the end of the story, and none of the characters in the case play a central role in Nena's story. The magic of La Vista also seemed to be a little lackluster for me, and I didn't really understand its purpose in the practitioner's lives.

The biggest problem with the book, was the climax. The story just ends. With a few pages left, I thought maybe there would be a second book, but it is just a stand alone. Nothing seems resolved at all, and I felt it was an extremely disappointing way to end the story.

I really wish I would have enjoyed this one more, but I was glad there were still some things that I enjoyed about the story line.

#TheWitchesOfElPaso: 🔮🐍🪄⁣
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Thank you @atriabooks #AtriaPartner @simon.audio for my gifted copies!⁣
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We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday, so you’re going to see a gourd of photo ops in the next few days. ⁣
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The Witches of El Paso was such a treat. It’s told with dual timelines, you hear from the last, the present, and what it will mean in the end. I loved how it all came together in the end with my big spider web of events all connected in the center. ⁣
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Honestly, my favorite timeline was the 1792 with Sister Benedicta. She was so just.. unique. I honestly couldn’t wait to see what she would do next.⁣
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The audio was so good! Raquel Beattie was the sole reader, but you’d think it was a full cast. Especially with the bouncing timelines, I felt the audio was actually easier to keep up with the timelines. ⁣
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Solid read, perfect for October and all the spooky things that go bump in the night. Just released Tuesday, the 8th. ⁣
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QOTD: If you could go back to being 8 and you’re going trick or treating, what costume would you dress up with?

This was about the third magical Texas/Mexico border story I read in a row and, unfortunately, it's not quite as good as the other two. It's certainly not bad, but it felt a little superficial in comparison. Wonderful to have so many to choose from, though!

I really liked the Mexican culture represented in this book. The characters and their relationships were complex and relatable. Some of the pacing felt off and there were a few times where I had to go back and reread a few parts because they felt disjointed, but overall the story was wonderful.

It's October which means time for all the witchy books. The Witches of El Paso was a fantastic installment for this month.

The Witches of El Paso is a multigenerational story of a family of witches, as well as a historical fantasy, a superb combo in my mind. The prose was exceptional and there was a lot of depth here, not just your typical frothy witch story. I loved the way it combined the things I love about stories like Practical Magic with history of the region the book is set in. So many witchy stories are told in England or New England, The Witches of El Paso had an extra layer of originality for it's setting.

I really enjoyed this one and think it would be a great recommendation for fans of Alice Hoffman and Isabel Canas.

The Witches of El Paso is a richly imagined tale about the bonds of family, magic, and legacy, reminiscent of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina and La Hacienda. The story follows two women from different generations—Nena, a teenage girl discovering her supernatural powers in 1943, and Marta, her modern-day grandniece, who juggles her legal practice, motherhood, and care for the elderly Nena. When Marta agrees to help Nena find the daughter she left behind in the past, both women forge a powerful connection that unlocks long-hidden abilities.

The intergenerational narrative and cultural depth make this book a compelling read, especially through Nena’s perspective. Her journey from a curious girl in El Paso to an empowered witch in colonial Mexico is the heart of the story. The richness of Nena’s character and the exploration of her magical heritage shine through, offering poignant moments about the sacrifices and costs of wielding magic.

However, while Nena’s chapters captivated me, Marta’s story felt less engaging by comparison. Marta's struggle to balance her responsibilities with her emerging powers was interesting, but her sections lacked the same emotional depth, making it harder to stay invested in her arc.

Overall, The Witches of El Paso is a well crafted journey, empowering tale of motherhood and legacy, with a touch of magical realism that enriches the story. Although the imbalance between the two main characters detracted from the overall experience, the book is still worth reading for Nena’s powerful narrative and the vivid, enchanting world Jaramillo has created.

THE WITCHES OF EL PASO
Luis Jaramillo

We are all witches. You make chicken soup when you’re feeling ill. You touch grass when you’re feeling ungrounded, and you can tell a storm is coming simply by going outside.

Let your best witchy self shine this October with the newest novel by Luis Jaramillo, THE WITCHES OF EL PASO.

“Full cause you’re fed.”
Tanerelle
Twin Flame

What feeds you? What makes your soul feel fed? For me, it’s just about everything that happens in the month of October. It’s the horror movie marathons, the yummy fall foods, the seasonal books, and the fall of leaves all around me.

THE WITCHES OF EL PASO was exactly what I was looking for. Its heritage shined bright on the gloomy days and the story got me through the haze of the mornings.

It’s funny and has a sense of humor. It’s atmospheric and rich. It’s full of October and everything it brings. I’m so glad I read it, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to you.

It’s out now and I’m a little late with this review. All of this is good news for you because you can get your hands on it today. Right now!

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria/Primero Sueno Press for the advanced copy!

THE WITCHES OF EL PASO…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read this for Latine Heritage Month, and it was so fantastic! I am not typically a historical fantasy reader by nature, but the aspect of the family of witches intrigued me. I was willing to give this a chance. And I'm glad I did! The way the author writes the generational intricacies is exceptional. I love that in the Lantie heritage, the matriarchs of the families are typically the most respected members of the families. This book handles those relationships expertly. A must read!

I really liked the premise of The Witches of El Paso. It is a multigenerational story where a time traveling witch seeks healing through her grand niece in the present. Nena is 90 years old and has been seen as the mentally unstable. Her illusion was that she travelled from the 1920's to the 1700's when she was young through a mysterious power. During her time in the past she is taken in by a group of nuns (who are actually a coven) but eventually winds up pregnant. It is only after giving birth that she is unwillingly called back into her present, leaving her newborn behind. A wound any mother would carry with her the rest of her life, Nena believes her grandniece has the power to get her back and allow her to see her daughter.

I always like intergenerational stories where each character learns from the other and the way in which Nena and Martha work together at cross purposes is interesting. While they do eventually find some healing and growth with each other, the journey itself is often confusing and , sadly, a little boring. The two (or really three) time periods often bleed together making the narrative hard to follow, a the story that should be very character driven doesn't go more beyond the basic outline of the plot. I had hoped for more depth and more feeling.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the opportunity to read this book! October is finally here and that means time for all the books with "witch" in the title. At least that's what I believe.

This is not just a story of family. It's a story of generations of the same family, with emphasis on the women and how they continue the family's history. Luis Jaramillo built a community, one with borders that has been populated by the same families for many generations. He builds an atmosphere of tension and belief that keeps the townspeople on edge while the spirits move amongst them. As the story unwinds, the reader is drawn into a conflict that's as old as the town, where the outcome is uncertain and the warriors are those who can see the past battles. It's a book to read in silence, no distractions as the "visual" builds and the end draws near. Wow!!!!

Witches of El Paso was definitely a fun read. While, I don't think it will stand out to me in any large way nor will it be a read that I think about for years to come, during the time I was reading I was engrossed and had a good time. I found the conversational Spanish to be very authentic and I really enjoyed the character development throughout the story. I did not love the marriage and/or relationship between our main female character and her husband. It felt very off to me. Something about her husband just really rubbed me wrong and I honestly couldn't tell you exactly what that is. It was just the vibe.

I enjoyed the dual timeline narration. I found myself equally engrossed in both, whereas normally I find myself pulled towards one time line more than the other. I would've liked to have seen more of the relationship between Marta and her sons as well as more towards the case that Marta was working on. I feel like that was kind of a black hole when it came to the storyline. The case seemed to be a pretty significant part of Marta and her overall sense of character, but we didn't learn very much and I felt like the whole situation ended very abruptly with no real resolution. La Vista was also a bit confusing. It seems like at times they couldn't control it and then other times that they could, but there was no explanation as to why it kind of flip-flopped between control and wildness.

Overall, this was okay. I’m already not a fan of present and past timelines, and unfortunately this story is told that way. It makes it challenging to following and keep up with what’s happening. I also felt like it makes it difficult to be invested in both timelines. The past timeline, focusing on Nena, is much more interesting and entertaining y, while the present timeline felt more dry and boring. Absolutely nothing about it kept my interest, and all I wanted was to get everything over it.

It felt like nothing and so much happened. With the struggles of the two timelines, becoming invested in the characters was mildly difficult. I felt no connection to either character and therefore was unable to really process their emotions and feelings. Their personalities were lacking and felt underdeveloped. The entire premise of the story sounds interesting but overall felt flat for me.

The biggest and strongest takeaway from this was the cultural aspect, especially if one can relate to the multi culture the author infuses. I loved the descriptions of the different settings, as well as the magical element with the witches and the past of Nena.

Overall, not a memorable and favorite read but might be appreciated by a better audience.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6894181103

I cannot stop talking about this book! Elena is such an intriguing character. She was so relatable, in how she handled her situations. The way the author wrote this made it feel like I was hearing a story from one of my relatives. I am already planning to reread this before the end of the year. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this available.