The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais – 400 pages  

ARC from Mira and Netgalley for an honest review 

Book Blurb:

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.

My Review: 4 stars

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The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais is an enjoyable read that celebrates a magical sisterhood, enduring friendships and aging gracefully. There are not many books that honors elderly women, and this story applauds their spirit, sense of humor and healthy sex drive.  

This band of found sisters find themselves pitted against the Patriarchy as their land is to be taken from them if past-due mortgage payments are not paid. Enter a high school social media wizard who wants to learn from these women and fight for them, even if it means going against her own father. 

I just loved the acceptance and encouragement that made this crew a family. The plot tackles ageism, secrets, LBGTQ+, magic, friendship and romance. Marais works magic (no pun) in creating memorable characters that are fleshed out and individualized which is important with a large cast. 

This book is completely different from the author’s previous books and I love she’s so adept at genre jumping. It’s a testament to her skill as an author. If you liked the magical games in Harry Potter, you’ll love what these ladies come up with. 

Overall, if you’re looking to laugh and enjoy the total escapism that magic provides, you should read this as soon as possible. 

Quotes I liked: (These may differ from finished copy.)

It’s such a pity that intellectualizing doesn’t actually do anything to diminish it.”

“The strongest alliances you will ever have in your life will be with the women you choose as your family.”

“Knowing a person’s story doesn’t mean you have the right to tell it. And sometimes the right to hear it has to be earned.”

“Aging gracefully is a bore. Aging disgracefully is something to be proud of.”

“She thinks of how sometimes the most sacred conversations we’ll ever have are the ones that require no words, and there are very few people in our lives who we’ll ever speak that silent language with.”