The Book of Magic (Practical Magic 2)

A Novel

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle

Continuing the spellbinding saga of Practical Magic, master storyteller Alice Hoffman returns with the stunning sequel, brimming with lyric beauty and vivid characters.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING NICOLE KIDMAN AND SANDRA BULLOCK!

For over three-hundred years a curse has kept the Owens family from love—but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work.

A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love.

A heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to a beloved series, Practical Magic 2 celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love.

Critic reviews

"Ehle provides distinct voices for the young and old, happy and grieving family members. She seamlessly switches between posh British and rough Cockney accents. Latin spells are spoken confidently as the Owens' journey propels them to contemplate the thin line that marks the crossover to dark magic."

The End

it's good that the author decided we needed a suitable ending to the Owens saga. The book "Practical Magic" was very important to me as a middle aged woman with a toad or two in her garden. It gave me hope and a bit of magic in love. Now, as a woman who has more in common with the elderly aunts and a couple of middle aged daughters of my own, I enjoyed seeing the fruition of the love of this family.

Mixed

Good to wrap it all up but it’s a lot to throw out there. Multi/generations on top of each other. Too much recapping needed stretched it out too much at times. The narrator spoke too slowly. First time I have ever had to put the dial up past 1.0.

Best book in the series!

This puts the whole story to rest in the best way! By far my favorite! Worth the read!

Enchanting

This series is so wonderful, and this last book was so magical and heartfelt. I didn’t want it to end. I feel like I grew up with the characters.

We need the movies!

I’m enjoying this whole series. All the back stories and then learning what happens next. So good. Series would make wonderful movies! Re-make Practical Magic!!