What If Elizabeth Chose to be a Witch Instead of a Wife?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation
THE PREMISE: In a world where becoming a witch is a vocational choice and witchcraft is a skillset young woman could learn, Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas decide that husbands and marriage is an unlikely path for their future and decide to become witches instead. After two years of apprenticeship, Elizabeth and Charlotte prove to be successful in their crafts of brewing potions and castings spells for their community, and theirs is a happy life. That is, until some new acquaintances arrive in town that put them at odds with each other, threaten danger, and make one of them question her choices…
MY THOUGHTS: I love the idea of witchcraft being an accepted skillset and trade in a Jane Austen novel – just like apothecaries or millineries. And the prospect of Elizabeth and Charlotte both deciding to go this route verses courtship and marriage is very believable and fitting. It easy to conceive that both women would do well with this occupation and relish the opportunity to be of instrumental assistance to their community. I loved seeing glimpses of Elizabeth’s and Charlotte’s life at Willow Cottage, whether they be toiling with herbs, brewing potions, or sharing household responsibilities together.
As you can imagine, Elizabeth’s vocation as village witch steers her interactions and encounters with Mr. Darcy in new directions. There is no infamous insult heard round the ballroom – Mr. Darcy holds a high opinion of village witches since Pemberley’s witch saved his mother’s life. And so their relationship is missing the prejudices and misjudgments readers typically see. Instead the tension comes from a mutual growing accord and affinity that they both know cannot be explored or acted on. I love witnessing less arrogance and animosity between these two, and I enjoyed seeing Mr. Darcy confide in Elizabeth and then voluntarily assist with her spells.
There are a lot of exciting events that take place with threatening and powerful spells, tension and discord between Elizabeth and Charlotte, and Elizabeth’s blossoming regard for Mr. Darcy. The danger and drama were very well done, however, I wish we saw a little bit more of the romance. It felt like some of the action accelerated a little too quickly at the end.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🧙🏼♀️ Incantations, charms, and cauldrons – Elizabeth Bennet is in her witchy era.
🌙 A clever and diverting read where Mr. Darcy is bewitched and Elizabeth is charmed.
🔮 Be warned, Zoe M. Warrick’s debut release may put a spell on you – I can’t wait to see what type of story she brews next!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
I happen to have a second copy of Miss Elizabeth’s Charms and I’d love to offer it as a giveaway with my review!*
To be entered for this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!
*This copy is an older edition with an older cover.
- This giveaway is open to US residents.
- This giveaway ends May 12th!
Read this one on ku. It’s awesome! I’d love to add this to my collection so good luck to me and everyone else who comments.
Interesting concept. It sounds more Harry Potter-esque and that intrigues me.
Interesting and unusual. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
I love to see Lizzy independent and sought for her skills instead of just for her ability to dance a reel. 🙂 Lovely cover, btw.
Elizabeth and Charlotte witches? Living together brewing spells and no thoughts of marriage? That’s new! No Darcy insult and instant liking? A definite plus. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as you know I don’t qualify! 🙂
Sounds wonderful! I mean, I love P&P variations and I love magic, so what’s not to like? Just added it to my KU 🙂
I have read P&P variation stories that had a witchcraft theme before. This one looks to be a bit different from the others I have read. I would love to read this one.
I do love fantasy versions, and based on your review, it looks different from the others I have read. Thank you for the giveaway!
Thanks for your review. I love fantasy and like that Elizabeth and Charlotte choose to be witches as their vocation.
I have never read a story by this author, looks interesting
I also love Elizabeth having an excepted skill and a useful one at that. It’s nice to read a story every once and awhile, where ODC don’t have any misunderstandings in the beginning of their relationship. I look forward to reading this.
Fantastic book and would love to add it to my collection.
Gotta to have it!!!
OH MY GOODNESS!!! Being a pagan witch myself, this is EPIC for us 😀 I would absolutely love to read this book! The outline looks amazing and just WOW, the strong women just get stronger 😀 Congrats on the book!