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Louisa Morgan
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A Secret History of Witches: A Novel Hardcover – September 5, 2017

by Louisa Morgan (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 5,590 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
A sweeping 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.

Brittany, 1821.

After Grand-Mere 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, practicing 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.

Praise for A Secret History of Witches:

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

"Historical fiction at its absolute finest....Deliciously absorbing." —Boston Globe

"At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters." —Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Wolf in the Whale

For more from Louisa Morgan, check out:

The Witch's Kind
The Age of Witches
 
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    496 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Redhook
  4. Publication date
    September 5, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    6.38 x 1.75 x 9.63 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0316508551
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316508551
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  1. “You would think they’d be grateful for women with knowledge.” “It’s rarely true. Men are vain.”
    Highlighted by 171 Kindle readers
  2. “Morwen, this is the way life is. It is both too long and much too brief, sometimes sweet, often bitter. Try not to feel bad about it. Remember that we women of the craft have more power over it than most. And remember that there is power in words. Power in ritual.”
    Highlighted by 155 Kindle readers
  3. “We use a new candle to prevent contamination by any earlier intention,” she said. “Salt water is for protection, because salt is necessary to our survival, and is therefore strengthening. It’s important. We make ourselves vulnerable to evil elements when we cast.”
    Highlighted by 124 Kindle readers
  4. “Love is a certain kind of magic, Ursule. A specific kind of magic. I asked for it, and the Goddess provided it.”
    Highlighted by 121 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

A Secret History of Witches

Editorial Reviews

Review

"""A Secret History of Witches examines the bonds between mothers and daughters, and the power of hidden magic to quietly save the world, particularly as the world braces for another global war."""

"Fresh and unpredictable.... [Morgan] depicts with visceral impact the roles of women in a male-centered world." "

""Epic relay race that gripped me from start to finish. Fiercely uncompromising and unsentimentally poignant, A Secret History of Witches will transfix you."""

"An enthralling journey through time and the hearts of women with powers they must hide. Deeply moving and richly conceived. The secret is out. This is how it happened."

"A grand family saga rich with historical detail and threaded through with magic. You won't want this book to end."

"Morgan's transportive words will sweep you away to a time of magic, love, and loss. Simply hold on and enjoy this mesmerizing ride."

"At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters."

"Poignant tale of mothers and daughters struggling to survive and preserve their craft in a hostile world. A tale full of love and betrayal, happiness and terror, it will keep you reading long into the night."

"I loved it. A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic if it had been set in various time periods, but much more expansive in scope. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time."

"A moving multigenerational saga about strong women who work behind the scenes to save the world from tyranny. A deeply satisfying and magical work of great craft."

"Epic in scope and heartbreakingly tender in its portrayal of mothers and daughters... Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and readers of feminist fantasy."

About the Author

Louisa Morgan is the author of A Secret History of Witches, and 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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Redhook; First Edition (September 5, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316508551
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316508551
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.6 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.75 x 9.63 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 5,590 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Louisa Morgan

Louisa Morgan

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Louisa Morgan now lives and writes in beautiful, friendly southwest Oregon. A musician and a yogini, she finds time to teach writing workshops here and there and she loves visiting bookstores and book clubs as well as middle and high schools.

She says, "It's been fascinating writing about witches, and it was great writing the ghost story I had always wanted to tell. Now, in a return to magic, THE FAERIE MORGANA will be out in September, and preorders are open!"

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
5,590 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this novel's rich fabric of storytelling, particularly its story of five generations of witches in England, and appreciate how the female characters are fully formed. The book is well-written, easy to read, and transforms readers' hearts and souls, making it a fast read that can be completed in one sitting. While customers find the characters vibrant and strong, some find the narrative repetitive and predictable.

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328 customers mention "Story quality"271 positive57 negative

Customers praise the book's rich fabric of storytelling, with each story being aptly written.

"...enjoyment came from the fascinating personalities, everyday life related to the era, family interactions, and how they related to those around them...." Read more

"...I found Morgan development of each woman really strong and well done and I was satisfied by how she managed to make each one's story unique in their..." Read more

"...This book would fall into category of "sweeping saga" as it spans 4 generations of women, some who inherit abilities to practice the craft...." Read more

"...Overall, it was a good book, but not my favorite." Read more

59 customers mention "History"56 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's historical and witch fiction elements, particularly its story of five generations of witches in England and the varying glances into history throughout the narrative.

"...acceptances and denials, and differences that make for an intriguing family history and personal journeys...." Read more

"...There was so much to explore in this book, from social views towards witchcraft and women to family struggles to struggles of social status and..." Read more

"Totally enjoyed this book. I truly enjoy anything witches and warlocks with a history of course. A true story here." Read more

"...It was nice to see an understanding and acceptance of witchcraft by the characters, and how they dealt with the persecution the healers of each..." Read more

59 customers mention "Writing quality"44 positive15 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it wonderfully well written and very easy to read.

"...Louisa Morgan’s writing style does well to envelop the reader by illustrating the various settings, environments, and lifestyles through descriptive..." Read more

"...With that said, I loved everything else about the book. It was well-written, the characters were interesting and it kept me turning the pages." Read more

"...Purity brings its own rewards. I enjoyed the author’s writing style...." Read more

"...but the writing was not so accurate to the times that it was difficult to read...." Read more

58 customers mention "Character development"50 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the female characters are fully formed and vibrant, with one customer highlighting the expressive dialogue that brings them to life.

"...outsiders, secret, but my personal enjoyment came from the fascinating personalities, everyday life related to the era, family interactions, and how..." Read more

"...Also, the role of men in the story was ponder-worthy. Some men were kept blissfully ignorant and unaware. Other men turned violent...." Read more

"...There were many characters, but they were all underdeveloped...." Read more

"...family saga of a line of witches brings vivid details, interesting characters and an engaging plot to life...." Read more

25 customers mention "Emotional depth"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, noting how it transforms hearts and souls, with one customer describing it as a spiritual practice.

"...Morgan wrote a multi-generational story in such a compelling and meaningful way...." Read more

"...Most satisfying...." Read more

"...The story started strong, it drew me in emotionally, and stayed that way for the first few witches but there were inconguencies in the last section..." Read more

"I looked forward to reading this book and started with gusto. The first few women’s stories were really entertaining and I devoured them quickly...." Read more

21 customers mention "Readability"16 positive5 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fast read that can be finished in one sitting, particularly noting how quickly it goes by on Kindle.

"This book captured your attention and was not slow moving as some books often are. It actually made you want to read more...." Read more

"I was enjoying this light reading, was a bit put off by the selfishness of some of the women, but in the end the totally off the wall idea that..." Read more

"...Her exact words..." Perfect. Read it in one sitting"" Read more

"...in the last section that made it seem as if the author was rushed to finish...." Read more

17 customers mention "Strength"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, noting its well-developed female characters and solid construction.

"...Brilliantly woven through the lives of five women and the eras in which they lived, Louisa Morgan has provided an extraordinary tale of love,..." Read more

"...I found Morgan development of each woman really strong and well done and I was satisfied by how she managed to make each one's story unique in their..." Read more

"...sequel, and I do hope I'll have the opportunity to revisit this deftly crafted world." Read more

"...Very believable! I love that the witches were strong women in times where men were in control of everything. It is enjoyable and worth reading...." Read more

18 customers mention "Recompetition"3 positive15 negative

Customers find the book rather repetitive and boring, with several noting it's hard to stay attentive.

"...here, but the story (as many other reviewers mentioned) is so repetitive I can't think there could be many after the first section of the book..." Read more

"...It could sometimes feel repetitive...." Read more

"...I had a hard time staying attentive through the first half but I think that more so had to do with relation to that particular era...." Read more

"...Flat characters and insipid repetitive storyline do not inspire a repeat reading of the next generation" Read more

Pretty good so far
4 out of 5 stars
Pretty good so far
But did anyone else’s book have the edges come like this? Is it supposed to look like an old book or is this just a manufacturing error?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kathleen C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Secret History of Witches earns 5+/5 Glowing Crystals...Epic & Engaging!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An epic journey through five generations of fascinating Orchiéres women spanning more than a century filled with secrets, illicit affairs, sacrifice, jealousy, and witchcraft. The journey begins in 1821 France, the Romani clan fearful after hearing another poor woman burned as a witch. In danger, Grand-mère Ursule directs her family to cross the water to an island far away and begin life anew, then using her last breath hides them from the notice of an angry mob bent on killing. When morning comes, the family prepares to flee leaving behind a freshly made resting place for the great witch that had protected them, saved them, and shared with them their future lay miles away. Leaping forward to 1834, “The Book of Nanette” shares the life, love, and magic of the now young woman who had been devastated to leave her grand-mère behind. She learns the way of her sisters, and after a night with a handsome stranger, she is blessed with a daughter she names Ursule to honor her grand-mère. The lineage continues from Ursule to Irène, from Irène to Morwen, from Morwen to Veronica; each of the women are tied together by their ancestry, their witchcraft, and the crystal that has a power only they can manifest along with individual strengths and talents, desires and dreams, acceptances and denials, and differences that make for an intriguing family history and personal journeys.

    Brilliantly woven through the lives of five women and the eras in which they lived, Louisa Morgan has provided an extraordinary tale of love, sacrifice, family, and magic. Although the women are all witches, they differ in how they embrace their powers, use it to their advantage, and share it with their daughters. The drama does not focus entirely on the witchcraft element; it is part of the women like a religion, kept from the view of outsiders, secret, but my personal enjoyment came from the fascinating personalities, everyday life related to the era, family interactions, and how they related to those around them. The book is organized into five “The Book of...” focusing on each woman through a third-person narrative. Louisa Morgan’s writing style does well to envelop the reader by illustrating the various settings, environments, and lifestyles through descriptive language as well as the tone and personalities through the expressive dialogue. Entertaining. Engaging. Epic in a way I didn’t want my journey to end. Is anyone listening? Book Two...five more women spanning another century to arrive at today?
    18 people found this helpful
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  • Jordan
    4.0 out of 5 stars A magical historical tale covering five generations of witches!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A Secret History of Witches falls more into what I would call historical fiction with a touch of magic or maybe historical fantasy than it is straight up fantasy, but regardless of what you want to call it, there's no denying that it's magical and enchanting journey through the ups and downs of five generations of Orchiére witches.

    The story begins in the year 1821 and continues until just past the end of World War II. It's a lot of time and history to cover, but Morgan managed to write it in a way that allowed it flow naturally. I'll be honest and say that I was slightly skeptical of how five entire generations could be explored in a book under five hundred pages, but I'm really impressed by how Morgan decided to explore the lives of each Orchiére daughter. I worried that there would be a bit of repetition at play and although there were elements throughout the generations that had similar elements and there tended to be patterns you could predict (which was a bit of a drawback at times), there was enough difference within each woman's life to make each snippet feel unique and engaging. It also made it feel almost like a folklore setup where there are similar main story elements, but they differ according to each specific story. At times, it almost felt as though I were reading interconnected novellas or short stories with how we got to experience a certain amount of time with each woman before encountering a momentous moment and moving onto the next, all while keeping the long Orchiére story and tradition alive in each one.

    The Orchiére women we follow are Nannette, Ursule, Irène, Morwen, and Veronica. I found Morgan development of each woman really strong and well done and I was satisfied by how she managed to make each one's story unique in their own way. There were some that believed the magic from birth, some that were skeptical, some that liked their life, some that hated it--all of the emotions and family struggles that one might expect across five generation were present and made this book such a joy to explore. Of the five women, I would say I most enjoyed Nannette, Morwen, and Veronica's storylines and my least favorite was probably Irène's. Nannette really kicks off the story well with her strong passion for the tradition of her Orchiere witchcraft and understanding of the perils associated with it and Veronica wraps up the story nicely with a great example of her usage of the magic as well. Irene was the hardest for me to get behind (and frankly, I never really did) because of her ungratefulness to her mother and somewhat narcissistic-leaning personality. I appreciated some of her confidence and determination, but it was mixed with too much hatred and selfishness to grab me. I don't know if we were supposed to particularly like Irene or not, so I applaud Morgan for adding such a diverse group of women in this large story.

    I really love the way that Morgan incorporated the witchcraft and magical elements to this story. The magic that exists is very much in the fashion of the sort of 'traditional' old-fashion witchcraft you might expect from the time periods this story covers. There are 'simple' spells made to help with small things like nausea, colds, sleeping, etc., as well as scrying stones, rituals, familiars, and a few more similar elements.

    Watching the Orchiére family over give generations was truly exciting and it was so interesting to me to see how attitudes towards the witchcraft of the family differed throughout time. There was so much to explore in this book, from social views towards witchcraft and women to family struggles to struggles of social status and economics and so much, this book really has a little bit of something for everyone.

    I was really pleasantly surprised by how Morgan wrote a multi-generational story in such a compelling and meaningful way. Definitely pick this one up if you like historical fiction, witches, or stories that explore a lot of family dynamics and lore!
    21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Michelle G
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, great read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love all things witches and this really fit the bill. I truly enjoyed this read.
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  • Aisling McCarthy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    What I really enjoyed about this book was the slightly unconventional timeline of the story. It follows the same family of witches from 19th century Brittany, to WWII era England, tracking the adversity they faced in preserving their craft and traditions. Thoroughly engaging from start to finish, with well developed, strong female characters that you can't help but be moved by. If you enjoyed 'A Discovery of Witches' by Celia Harkness or Paula Brackston's 'The Winter Witch' then you'll love this. Don't expect wildly dramatic magic, this is a more subtle sort, it is more about the human story and the relationships between the women of the Orchiere line.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sara Foley
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review
    Reviewed in Australia on November 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book - it was easy to read with complex, strong characters and plenty to keep me interested.
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  • Monica
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Feminist Novel!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love the plot and the characters in the novel. Love the feminine touch and side of it! so many statements in it will definitelty resonate to many women out there. Can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the series!.
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  • Client d'Amazon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bof
    Reviewed in France on December 12, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Au départ c'est un peu dur à démarrer, ensuite ça devient intéressant mais le dernier chapitre en trop et inutile. Rajouter la reine d'Angleterre dans un récit pareil ça m'a pas fait rêver, ça a tout cassé de la magie du départ.
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