Episode 20: Witches
Summary: Let’s get witchy with it, friends! This week, Holly and Devin live out their dreams of discovering late-in-life magical prowess by discussing books centered around witches. Devin found her love of the sorceress lifestyle very early in life, whereas Holly was enchanted later. They agree that whether you’re discussing the Salem witch trials or the Wicked Witch of the West, these stories embody what has culturally been feared about women, and explore what happens if women have power.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (5:33): Holly discussed The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke, a novel centering around Liv, an artist with three young daughters, the trip to paint a mural in a remote lighthouse in Scotland, and how it all goes very horribly wrong. Her key takeaways were:
Cooke, author of the acclaimed novel The Nesting, delves into the secrets of witches that have reached across centuries in this chilling Gothic thriller.
While hinging on the disappearance of Liv, Saffy, and Clover who left middle-daughter Luna to fend for herself and search for her family for 23 years, this book also features a grimoire that explores life on the island centuries before.
When Luna’s younger sister Clover reappears decades later but still ages just seven years, she realizes she must return to the lighthouse and confront the past if she ever hopes to unravel the creepy mystery.
The Heart (19:50): Devin discussed The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, a delightful romp through the town of Graves Glen, Georgia, and Vivi Jones after she gets over her teenage heartbreak with vodka, candles, and a less-than-sober hex on her ex, Rhys Penhallow. Her key takeaways were:
This book was essentially Sabrina the Teenage Witch combined with Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) plus some extra sexy steam; Vivi is the witch we’d all love to be and Devin tried to Zillow homes in Graves Glen before remembering the town is fictitious.
Our hero, Rhys, is not only unreasonably attractive and magical, but has a Welsh accent that makes you want to melt even if you’re not listening to this book on audio. His chemistry with Vivi, combined with the very real challenge of his family history and the potential disaster it implies for the town, keeps you guessing and intrigued the whole time.
With ley lines, hexes, a witch college, possessed toys and a talking cat, this book is the perfect, lighthearted witchy romance for spooky season; grab a mug of mulled wine, light a candle, and dive in.
Hot On the Shelf (41:30):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (45:19):
Devin: Ghosts on CBS
Holly: The Patient on on Hulu
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