The Witch’s Kind
In 1947, Barrie Anne Blythe loves living on her farm in the Pacific Northwest, tending to her garden. Her family has long held an affinity to water and uses it to channel premonitions. Barrie’s Aunt Charlotte begins to teach her the skill, which leads to some troubling revelations, including why Barrie’s errant husband, Will, has disappeared. When an abandoned infant winds up in Barrie’s house, there are more secrets to keep, including the baby’s origins. When Will suddenly returns, he begins to make trouble. Faced with protecting her charge, resolving her marriage troubles once and for all, and standing up for herself, Barrie must make some life-changing decisions.
The story is told in interchanging chapters between Barrie and Will’s courtship years, their marriage years, including hints of the war, and the present day with Barrie and baby Emma. Bonds of mothers, daughters, and women in general are a strong theme throughout. Aunt Charlotte adds flair to the story, and her independence and feistiness are commendable. The magic is light, focusing more on family, love, and ultimately personal strength. Fans of Morgan’s The Secret History of Witches will appreciate this latest installment, and newcomers will be equally enchanted by baby Emma. I hope her story comes next.
