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The First Yule
Moonlight and mistletoe combine for a magical Yuletide.
Witches have been living at Moonfell, the sprawling Gothic mansion in London, for five hundred years. The house and gardens are steeped in magic, and at every Yule the family gathers to reinforce the protection spells on the house.
But this year is different.
When one of the witches starts seeing visions through the moon gates, they realise that other spells are awakening. It seems the first witch has left them a gift – if they can unlock the magic to find it.
The First Yule is an enchanting novella, the first book in the new Moonfell Witches series by TJ Green.
Witches have been living at Moonfell, the sprawling Gothic mansion in London, for five hundred years. The house and gardens are steeped in magic, and at every Yule the family gathers to reinforce the protection spells on the house.
But this year is different.
When one of the witches starts seeing visions through the moon gates, they realise that other spells are awakening. It seems the first witch has left them a gift – if they can unlock the magic to find it.
The First Yule is an enchanting novella, the first book in the new Moonfell Witches series by TJ Green.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
107 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Green
79 books699 followersI'm a writer, a pagan, and a witch, and consequently love all things magical. I write fictional books about witchcraft and the paranormal, and they are jam-packed with fabulous characters, colourful settings, plenty of action, and lots of humour.
I was born in England, in the Black Country, but moved to New Zealand in 2006. I lived near Wellington with my partner Jase, and my cats Sacha and Leia. However, in April 2022 we moved again! Yes, I like making my life complicated… I’m now living in the Algarve in Portugal, and loving the fabulous weather and people. When I’m not busy writing I read lots, indulge in gardening and shopping, and I love yoga.
Confession time! I’m a Star Trek geek – old and new – and love urban fantasy and detective shows. Secret passion – Columbo! Favourite Star Trek film is the Wrath of Khan, the original! Other top films – Predator, the original, and Aliens.
In a previous life I was a singer in a band, and used to do some acting with a theatre company. For more on me, check out a couple of my blog posts. I have also written a blog about how I finally became comfortable about calling myself a witch. It's called Leaning into my Witch.
I was born in England, in the Black Country, but moved to New Zealand in 2006. I lived near Wellington with my partner Jase, and my cats Sacha and Leia. However, in April 2022 we moved again! Yes, I like making my life complicated… I’m now living in the Algarve in Portugal, and loving the fabulous weather and people. When I’m not busy writing I read lots, indulge in gardening and shopping, and I love yoga.
Confession time! I’m a Star Trek geek – old and new – and love urban fantasy and detective shows. Secret passion – Columbo! Favourite Star Trek film is the Wrath of Khan, the original! Other top films – Predator, the original, and Aliens.
In a previous life I was a singer in a band, and used to do some acting with a theatre company. For more on me, check out a couple of my blog posts. I have also written a blog about how I finally became comfortable about calling myself a witch. It's called Leaning into my Witch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 12, 2023
What a fabulous start to the Moonfell Witches series! I love the way the past intertwines with the present in this book and we get an understanding of what helped to shape Birdie, Morgan and Odette to become the strong characters that they are. There is a good fun element, which shows a different side to the witches, to what we have seen before. The more I read, the more I want to read!
November 16, 2023
Spectacular! Moonfell is home to the witches with a long past and profound powers. This is the perfect story to get to know them and how it all began. TJ mixes the perfect amount of mystery and magic. A fabulous Yule treat!
December 8, 2024
Lavender
OK, first off I really enjoyed this wonderful Yule tale full of loveable characters and the history of a house. My wife and I truly believe our current house chose us (an interesting story in itself). But, I had the oddest reaction during the last 20 pages and had a strong urge to go outside, clip some lavender and put on the woodstove. So I ended up finishing the book in a lavender scented room. I know, not so much of a book review so I'll leave you with READ it, you won't regret it.
OK, first off I really enjoyed this wonderful Yule tale full of loveable characters and the history of a house. My wife and I truly believe our current house chose us (an interesting story in itself). But, I had the oddest reaction during the last 20 pages and had a strong urge to go outside, clip some lavender and put on the woodstove. So I ended up finishing the book in a lavender scented room. I know, not so much of a book review so I'll leave you with READ it, you won't regret it.
December 31, 2023
Lovely intro to Moonfell
Much shorter than I'd hoped for but a lovely introduction to the history of Moonfell Manor and its witches. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Much shorter than I'd hoped for but a lovely introduction to the history of Moonfell Manor and its witches. Looking forward to the next instalment.
December 3, 2023
Firstly, I love reading about witches, secondly, I love the back and forth between the ages, thirdly, TJ Green has a knack for making witches special, so heck, of course I loved this novella! Not only do we get re-aquainted with characters we know, we get insight into a past era, 500 in the past, where Sibilla sets the first wards, where Sibilla is gifted the manor house know as Moonfell and where Sibilla and her children start a new traditional, for want of a better word, they put protection spells on the house, the garden and the moon gates, but they also tie the spell to their descendants. Odette starts getting visions and glimpses of the past, of Sibilla and her life and discovers a present has been left by Sibilla and children for future generations, namely, THEIR generation, the spell of the gift is set for 500 in the future.
What fun it was to read how Odette, Birdie, Horty, Morgana and the rest get to unravel the clues. The family gets together each year as it is to renew the wards but this year is different, this year there's a gift mystery to try solve. It's a book so perfect for this time of the year, heck, any time of the year! It's a book of second chances, a book of family that has transcended centuries, a book of love and support and a book of differences. Well, for one, Birdie has been gifted 20 years off her age by a goddess and although everyone is thrilled that Birdie will live longer, will have strength and stamina for longer, there's a tad of very human jealousy from some. I'm not sure how I'D feel if my older sibling suddenly looked way younger than me, a twinge or two would be certain! But through it all, the depth family, the sense of family is so warming to the soul. And when they finally see the gift, Odette says "it's absolutely perfect" which describes this book, it IS absolutely perfect! Perfect for Christmas, perfect for hope, perfect for wrapping the warm fuzzy feeling, like a comfy duvet. Just perfect!
What fun it was to read how Odette, Birdie, Horty, Morgana and the rest get to unravel the clues. The family gets together each year as it is to renew the wards but this year is different, this year there's a gift mystery to try solve. It's a book so perfect for this time of the year, heck, any time of the year! It's a book of second chances, a book of family that has transcended centuries, a book of love and support and a book of differences. Well, for one, Birdie has been gifted 20 years off her age by a goddess and although everyone is thrilled that Birdie will live longer, will have strength and stamina for longer, there's a tad of very human jealousy from some. I'm not sure how I'D feel if my older sibling suddenly looked way younger than me, a twinge or two would be certain! But through it all, the depth family, the sense of family is so warming to the soul. And when they finally see the gift, Odette says "it's absolutely perfect" which describes this book, it IS absolutely perfect! Perfect for Christmas, perfect for hope, perfect for wrapping the warm fuzzy feeling, like a comfy duvet. Just perfect!
December 21, 2023
The First Yule Novella is a perfect introduction to a forthcoming new series of the Moonfell Witches. It is set in the time when women, usually healers, were persecuted and accused of Witchcraft, tortured and sometimes put to death.
The Author cleverly transports the reader between the months of December 1523 and December 2023. We discover that the Manor had been gifted to Sibilla Selcouth, (an ancestor of the Moonfell Witches,) by her employer Baroness Cathrine Montague
We briefly met the Moonfell Witches in other T J Green’s books, the latest one being “Midwinter Magic.” They are, Morgana Cornelius, Birdie, her Grandmother and Odette who was the youngest.
The Moonfell Witches live in large Gothic House called Moonfell Manor which has been passed down from the year 1523 through each generation to the present time. In the gardens of Moonfell were four Moon Gates and Odette was the keeper of these gates. Each Gate was aligned with the one of the four compass points and named after one of the quarters of the Moon. The gates were Magical and sometimes they gave Odette glances of the past and the future.
Odette was attending to the Gates in preparation for Yule celebrations when, on the other side of the gate, she saw a vision of a woman, dressed in Medieval clothing, she was standing in the grounds of Moonfell but not the Moonfell as it was now.
Odette thought it was Sibilla. What did she want? Why was she showing herself to Odette?
And so the mystery begins…..
This is yet another real page-turner from T J Green. You won’t want to put it down until you reach the last page.
The Author cleverly transports the reader between the months of December 1523 and December 2023. We discover that the Manor had been gifted to Sibilla Selcouth, (an ancestor of the Moonfell Witches,) by her employer Baroness Cathrine Montague
We briefly met the Moonfell Witches in other T J Green’s books, the latest one being “Midwinter Magic.” They are, Morgana Cornelius, Birdie, her Grandmother and Odette who was the youngest.
The Moonfell Witches live in large Gothic House called Moonfell Manor which has been passed down from the year 1523 through each generation to the present time. In the gardens of Moonfell were four Moon Gates and Odette was the keeper of these gates. Each Gate was aligned with the one of the four compass points and named after one of the quarters of the Moon. The gates were Magical and sometimes they gave Odette glances of the past and the future.
Odette was attending to the Gates in preparation for Yule celebrations when, on the other side of the gate, she saw a vision of a woman, dressed in Medieval clothing, she was standing in the grounds of Moonfell but not the Moonfell as it was now.
Odette thought it was Sibilla. What did she want? Why was she showing herself to Odette?
And so the mystery begins…..
This is yet another real page-turner from T J Green. You won’t want to put it down until you reach the last page.
November 16, 2023
The Moonfell witches have lived in their weird and spooky house since this was gifted to Sibilla five hundred years ago for her magical powers which she did her best to hide at the time. She loved the house and felt that this should remain in her family no matter what so she carried out a great protection spell and bound the house to her family. Currently Birdie and her two grand daughters Morgana and Odette live there, and they too carried out protection spells and blessings during every Yule ceremony. However this year Odette, who had the gift of seeing the truth of things, was seeing images of times past in the moongates and she knew that this years celebrations held something different for her family, something more meaningful. I love that this magical tale depicts the two times and allows us to meet the first Moonfell witch and her family, as well as her descendants living today in the same beautifully described manor house. I also love the idea of the moon gates and though these witches are different to the White Haven witches I am already falling in love with their stories and look forward to a full length novel next time around. Can they find the surprise Sibilla left for them five hundred years ago hidden in their spooky but grand house?
December 20, 2023
"The First Yule" by TJ Green is a fascinating book that serves as an introduction to the world of witchcraft in England. It focuses on a family of witches who have lived in the same old Gothic House for centuries, delving into the history of the house, the power of the family, and the spellcraft that they have developed over the years. During the Yule season, the family gathers to reinforce the protection spells on the house, and the mystery of the house is revealed. The book hints at adventures that have occurred in other novels by the author, which piques your interest to follow them in other books. The characters are well-developed and described, showing individual personalities and their relationships within the family. It's a terrific book, and I hope it serves as an introduction to a whole new series.
-Mason
-Mason
December 6, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. What an excellent spin off. A different sort of magical feel and it will make you want the next book soon!
We are taken back to the beginnings on Moonfell, and treated to brief glimpses of the family. It’s so well written you expect them to just turn up in the modern day.
There is a very special present that’s been left and I get the feeling we will read more about this in later books too.
This author just blows my mind with her insights and inventiveness. I have never read so many books from just one writer without boredom or rushing to see the back of a book- but this lady is an exception, I want the books to last for ages!!
We are taken back to the beginnings on Moonfell, and treated to brief glimpses of the family. It’s so well written you expect them to just turn up in the modern day.
There is a very special present that’s been left and I get the feeling we will read more about this in later books too.
This author just blows my mind with her insights and inventiveness. I have never read so many books from just one writer without boredom or rushing to see the back of a book- but this lady is an exception, I want the books to last for ages!!
December 6, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 0. This was a cute short festive themed witchy read. I liked the characters and the premise this sets for the series with the history of moonfell.
It had cosy and wintery vibes which I enjoyed for reading in December!
I think this series has great potential and there are a lot of characters I would like to learn more about.
Odette and her mysterious abilities.
The two younger male witches (should I call them warlocks? Although they aren’t called this in the books) who are moving into moonfell this summer.
I will read more from TG Green and intend to continue both series I have started from this author.
It had cosy and wintery vibes which I enjoyed for reading in December!
I think this series has great potential and there are a lot of characters I would like to learn more about.
Odette and her mysterious abilities.
The two younger male witches (should I call them warlocks? Although they aren’t called this in the books) who are moving into moonfell this summer.
I will read more from TG Green and intend to continue both series I have started from this author.
December 20, 2023
Witches have been living at Moonfell, the sprawling Gothic mansion in London, for five hundred years. The house and gardens are steeped in magic, and at every Yule the family gathers to reinforce the protection spells on the house.
But this year is different.
When one of the witches starts seeing visions through the moon gates, they realise that other spells are awakening. It seems the first witch has left them a gift – if they can unlock the magic to find it.
Great characters .
The past and present work well in the same story.
An excellent book and a must read.
But this year is different.
When one of the witches starts seeing visions through the moon gates, they realise that other spells are awakening. It seems the first witch has left them a gift – if they can unlock the magic to find it.
Great characters .
The past and present work well in the same story.
An excellent book and a must read.
December 19, 2023
I do not normally like spin-off novels as they just dont have the same plot and depth of characters. However, the first Yule was completely different! I loved it and read it in record time!
I was completely hooked, the way TJGreen described Moonfell meant I cud smell the potions being cooked up and feel the tingle in the air as the magic grew stronger.
I am really looking forward to the next installment.
I was completely hooked, the way TJGreen described Moonfell meant I cud smell the potions being cooked up and feel the tingle in the air as the magic grew stronger.
I am really looking forward to the next installment.
December 20, 2023
Wonderful tale!
This story tells of the long family history of witches whose home has endured for 500 years! The magic, the mischief, the hardships and the wonder of keeping a family home alive and thriving for 5 centuries! How magical it would be to be blessed with such a rich history when most families don't know much, if anything, about their ancestry. Beautifully told and an endearing story!
This story tells of the long family history of witches whose home has endured for 500 years! The magic, the mischief, the hardships and the wonder of keeping a family home alive and thriving for 5 centuries! How magical it would be to be blessed with such a rich history when most families don't know much, if anything, about their ancestry. Beautifully told and an endearing story!
January 5, 2024
This quick novella is a sweet introduction to more of the Moonfell Witches family, history, and the gothic mansion that is their home. A few of coven members are introduced in two of the author’s other series, but this book marks the start of their own series—based both in history and the present. These unique characters and their past are going to make for great fun. I look forward to the next volumes.
January 15, 2024
the start of another brilliant series
Really enjoyed this book, how exciting, first book in a new series and new characters and all different personalities, and strong willed and and powerful characters, I look forward to getting to know the moonfell witches. Loved the history of the house too, from the first moonfell witches to the present. Another cracking read from one of my new favourite authors.
Really enjoyed this book, how exciting, first book in a new series and new characters and all different personalities, and strong willed and and powerful characters, I look forward to getting to know the moonfell witches. Loved the history of the house too, from the first moonfell witches to the present. Another cracking read from one of my new favourite authors.
December 6, 2023
I have read this book and giving my honest review. Another brilliant book from TJ Green.
Enjoyed this book from beginning to end, could not put it down, wanted to know what happened etc.
lovely to know how the witches got their home and the magic they did. Not spoiling you really need to read this book it was excellent.
so hoping we learn more next time. So excited
Enjoyed this book from beginning to end, could not put it down, wanted to know what happened etc.
lovely to know how the witches got their home and the magic they did. Not spoiling you really need to read this book it was excellent.
so hoping we learn more next time. So excited
December 12, 2023
We first meet the “Moonfell witches” briefly, when they help the hunters in “Immortal dusk” I knew I would love them then and I have not been disappointed. This new family (Old really) promise to be a truly lovely addition to TJ Greens amazing world of magic. Looking forward to the next in the series already.
December 19, 2023
The First Yule sets the scene for the house of Moonfell, the house that was gifted to the witches as thanks from a thankful lady. The book goes from the ancient time to the modern time, and you gradually get drawn in to the story, leaving you wanting much more! Fortunately T J Green has written a host of good books to follow on from this First Yule…..try them all!
December 19, 2023
This is a lovely gentle witchy story about a magnificent house, a magical family and a protection spell. The characters are strong and the alternating between the past and the present is superbly handled. I loved the very special gift arranged by the sixteenth century family for their descendants 500 years in the future.
December 19, 2023
Beautifully written introduction to the Moonfell witches. Including the history of how they came to Moonfell. TJ sets the scene and we meet extended family members past and present. Not the usual rip roaring adventures we're used to, however lovely character development and scene setting. I look forward to seeing the Moonfell witches in future adventures
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January 9, 2024I read it at one sitting.
An entrancing book full of delight. I would really like to visit Moonfell and the witches. Perhaps I related to them more than the other book characters because of the mix of ages. Birdie and I are contemporaries though no goddess has revitalised me ,sadly!
But I love all of T J Greens books and cannot wait for more.
An entrancing book full of delight. I would really like to visit Moonfell and the witches. Perhaps I related to them more than the other book characters because of the mix of ages. Birdie and I are contemporaries though no goddess has revitalised me ,sadly!
But I love all of T J Greens books and cannot wait for more.
December 21, 2024
Fiction / Romance / Yule / Magic / Witches / Paranormal / Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
This is a cozy fantasy holiday novella. I think this prequel will lead to great stories to come. I enjoyed the glimpse into all the characters. I am not normally a fan of back-and-forth timelines but I understood early on we needed to know the past to understand the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
This is a cozy fantasy holiday novella. I think this prequel will lead to great stories to come. I enjoyed the glimpse into all the characters. I am not normally a fan of back-and-forth timelines but I understood early on we needed to know the past to understand the future.
November 13, 2023
Wow, what a wonderful story! The interweaving of the past and present lives of the Moonfell witches was amazing. The story gives you a warm Christmas glow and it leaves you wanting to know more about both the old and new witches. It’s a great start to a new series.
November 18, 2023
Magical Yuletide
Enjoy learning more about the interesting Moonfell witch families of the past and present in this wonderful new series that takes place in a magical gothic mansion and gardens. You want to get to know even more about both families and the intriguing characters they have.
Enjoy learning more about the interesting Moonfell witch families of the past and present in this wonderful new series that takes place in a magical gothic mansion and gardens. You want to get to know even more about both families and the intriguing characters they have.
December 6, 2023
Truly a wonderful book.
I wanted to know more about the Moonfell witches. This book did not disappoint. The interaction between Then and Now is fantastic and the whole book left me with such a sense of peace.
Well done TJ. Thank you.
I wanted to know more about the Moonfell witches. This book did not disappoint. The interaction between Then and Now is fantastic and the whole book left me with such a sense of peace.
Well done TJ. Thank you.
December 12, 2023
An explanation of the beginnings of Moonfell Manor and occupants the Moonfell Witches.
A different setting for a new series. I think will prove to as thrilling as we have come to expect from TJ Green.
A different setting for a new series. I think will prove to as thrilling as we have come to expect from TJ Green.
December 19, 2023
Oh my goodness!!
I want to live at Moonfell.
I love, love, love EVERYTHING about this newest series from TJ.
The Moonfell witches are by far my favourite so far. I seemed to finish this far too quickly.
I enjoyed it so very much.
I want to live at Moonfell.
I love, love, love EVERYTHING about this newest series from TJ.
The Moonfell witches are by far my favourite so far. I seemed to finish this far too quickly.
I enjoyed it so very much.
December 19, 2023
Such a fun story to get to know the Moonfell Witches both past and present. Definitely leaves you wanting to read of their adventures for years to come. Thank you TJ for creating such fun and interesting characters.
December 19, 2023
Another excellent story by TJ Green. As always very hard to put down, exciting from start to finish. The Moon fell Witches series promises to be as interesting and well written as all TJ's other creations. Will highly recommend to all.
December 20, 2023
perfect read for Yuletide and beyond of course
Love all of TJ Green’s books, this was no exception. The beginning of the Moonfell witches, how I would love to see and live in the house. If you love witchy books, this is a must!
Love all of TJ Green’s books, this was no exception. The beginning of the Moonfell witches, how I would love to see and live in the house. If you love witchy books, this is a must!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews