The Witch's Daughter

The Witch's Daughter follows Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, a witch who has lived for over 300 years, as she recounts her life story through her Book of Shadows. In present-day England, Elizabeth meets a teenage girl named Tegan and begins teaching her about herbs and natural magic. The narrative moves between Elizabeth's past lives across different time periods, including plague-stricken England in 1628, Victorian London, and the trenches of World War I. Through each era, Elizabeth must confront Gideon Masters, a dark warlock who pursues her through time and threatens everything she holds dear. The story combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural while exploring themes of power, survival, and the price of immortality. Elizabeth's journey raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and what one must sacrifice to protect those they love.

Readers describe this as a slow-burning historical fantasy that follows the protagonist across multiple time periods. Many found the historical details immersive and appreciated the dark atmosphere, particularly in the Salem witch trial segments. Liked: - Rich descriptions of herb lore and magic - Strong female protagonist - Historical accuracy and research - Gothic elements and darker themes Disliked: - Pacing issues, especially in modern-day sections - Romance subplots felt forced - Present-tense narration style - Some found the villain one-dimensional Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (48,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Common reader quotes mention "couldn't put it down during historical sections" but "dragged during contemporary parts." Several reviews note they "expected more witchcraft" and "less romance." Multiple readers commented on the strength of the first third compared to later sections.

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🌿 Author Paula Brackston was inspired to write the book after moving to Wales and becoming fascinated by its rich history of folk medicine and witchcraft. 🌙 The novel spans multiple centuries, from the witch hunts of the 1600s to Victorian London and through both World Wars, exploring how immortality affects the protagonist's relationships and sense of identity. ⚕️ Many of the herbal remedies and healing practices described in the book are based on actual historical records of traditional medicine used in rural England. 🔮 The character of Gideon masters both dark magic and modern medicine, reflecting a historical pattern of witch hunters who were often educated men in positions of power. 📚 Though published under Paula Brackston, the author's earlier works were released under the name P.J. Brackston, and she teaches creative writing at Lancaster University.