The Plymbury Witch

by Kendra Vaughan

Nestled along the coast of Massachusetts sits the quaint town of Plymbury, steeped in history, tradition, and an undercurrent of magic. Ravenna Greene is the latest to inherit the mystical Sea Glass Apothecary in this town where stars turned to glass and fell into the ocean. Local legend whispers that after centuries of tumbling, they'd be used to grant wishes by a witch with one green and one brown eye.

But when Pastor Chase Wilkinson arrives, he incites prejudice among the townspeople and a devastating fire that consumes the apothecary. With an unusable shop needing repair and multiple rejections after inquiring about a temporary space to sell her magical creations, Ravenna accepts a room in Chase's church. But with one caveat: no magic.

Now, caught between two worlds, Ravenna must navigate loyalty to her lineage and a growing attraction to Chase. On one side, her heritage calls to her—a lineage of witches whose influence weaves into the very fabric of Plymbury. On the other side, the ordinary life she craves—far from the weight of her family's magical legacy and the prejudice of this conservative Christian community.

Soon, Ravenna will be faced with a heart-wrenching choice: love or magic.

364 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2024

About the author

Kendra Vaughan is a bestselling author who writes Magical. Mystical. Meaningful. fiction set in the coastal New England town of Plymbury—a place where quiet magic lingers and every tide carries a story.

Her work blends the everyday with the extraordinary, weaving subtle magic into emotionally resonant stories of transformation and self-discovery.

If you love New England settings, generational secrets, and the kind of quiet magic that reveals itself slowly, you’ll feel right at home in her stories.

Born and raised in the Boston suburbs, Kendra writes from a deep love of Massachusetts’ rugged coastline—where magic lives in the shifting tides, the salt-stung air, and the quiet pull of something just beyond the ordinary.

She believes in the power of story to heal, reveal, and gently transform. If you’ve ever sensed something unseen stirring beneath the surface of life, you’re not alone.

Reviews

[April Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Awesome!

"The Plymbury Witch" was delightful to read, partly because of nostalgia and also because of several personal synchronicities! It reminded me of walks on Duxbury Beach, fireworks at Plymouth Harbor, and fried seafood on the waterfront. I could practically smell the ocean air while I was reading!

The story depicts religious intolerance on two sides of a divided community, but also those who bridge the gap and bond with everyone. It brings to light the difference between sacrifices we make to keep the peace and those that compromise our fundamental beliefs or limit our personal growth. 

A "wicked awesome" story with lovable (and some not so lovable) characters, "The Plymbury Witch" combines a little romance and a little magic into an unpredictable, unique tale, which is definitely worth reading.

[G Sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a story can transport me its pages. The Plymbury Witch did this with ease. I also really enjoy reading of places that have a familiar feel (small coastal towns in Massachusetts). The story line of Ravenna Greene ( a witch) living in a modern world with all the normal issues of today’s world and a special gift to grant wishes is just what I needed to lose myself for a little while.

[Lydia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of book is not in my normal go to genre, but I chose it due to the close to my home proximity of the beach towns south of Boston. This first time published novel author's writing style is fantastic. Lately I have had a hard time concentrating on even my favorite author's books, but had no problem getting caught up in this story. With not a lot of time to devote to reading.. I very much appreciated the concise/short chapter styles as well. I also learned so much about the history of witchcraft. All that being said.. it turned out the story, in parts, did also satisfy my romance loving genre self. Any genre lover will thoroughly enjoy it!

[MelissaMangs]

Didn’t finish. Despite taking place in a fictional town near where I live I couldn’t get into this. Writing wasn’t very good and the character development was lacking.

[Victoria Kueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly such an emotional roller coaster! I could feel all the emotions of the characters. It shows us that we can love someone even if their beliefs are different then ours and that magic is all around us

[Reagan Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra wove an intriguing tale of mysticism that will transport you to a small beachside town on the shores of Massachusetts. It’s full of mystery, pain, and sorrow, but also celebrations of life and nature. It confronts the dangers of bigotry and misplaced hate while revealing the quiet power of love in all of its forms. It’s a must-read!
#theplymburywitch

[JB Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the witchy aspects of this book. I found the wishing wall and the type of magic the main character did very interesting, but there were issues I just couldn’t get over. For instance, I live in this area the South Shore of Massachusetts and I am completely unfamiliar with the Christian sect that the author would be referring to. I felt like if the book were set in the south maybe I could buy that were a group of Christians that would be so vocal about hating witches or if I lived 300 years ago, but set contemporarily I didn’t find that piece realistic. I also felt that an opportunity was lost with the sub plot of romance. There really wasn’t much to their romance, except possibly a mutual silent crush. I feel like if you were going to make them getting together or not getting together be so important, you need to make their romance more significant than it was. Getting engaged after one kiss was not believable. I think maybe they went out on one date. That really needed to be beefed up if it’s going to be a significant part of the plot. And finally, I didn’t believe that she would give up magic at all outside of not using it in the church while she was renting there. It didn’t make any sense that he would ask her not to when they weren’t even dating yet I think that part needed to be fleshed out more so that we could see that there was a romance budding between them, but that he needed a partner who wasn’t going to do magic and that she was so head over heels for him that she was willing to try to stop doing her magic. Then there could be the big crisis with her friend and whether or not to use the magic.
And then there was the break up. It was so matter of fact. There was no story line behind it. It was basically he wanted her to give up her magic. She knew that all along she gave it up and then decided now I don’t want to and broke up with him. All that said, I was page turning through the whole book and read it in the car, because I was enjoying all the witchy parts of it. I just wish it went deeper into that plot and didn’t bother so much with the romance or that it fleshed out the romance significantly more. I feel like we ended where we began, and there wasn’t enough of a journey for me.

[Robert DeCoste · Rating 5 out of 5]

While on a recent cross country flight I found myself with nothing to read and of course the plane had no video screens. My wife had a copy of the Plymbury Witch that was written by a local author but the genre is nothing like I normally read. My genre is the complete opposite of this book. I m a Mitch Rapp/ John Reacher guy. But I had a 5-1/2 hour flight and figured I would give this local author a shot. Boy was I grateful the plane had no TV screens. Otherwise I never would have read this amazing novel by author Kendra Vaughn. From the first chapter throughout the entire book she brings each character to life. Her story telling ability is right up there with Grisham, Childs and Vince Flynn( 3 of my favorite writers). I was transported to the town of Plymbury by her writing style. She brought each character to life and I found myself routing for and against certain characters in this book. This is a must read and I can’t wait for the next novel.

[Laurie Langill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plymbury Witch – my new favorite book!
The Plymbury Witch is a story that blends mystical magic and heartfelt emotions with a totally unpredictable storyline. With each chapter, I wondered where the plot would lead next. I was never disappointed and couldn’t put this book down, reading it all the way through in one sitting!
I felt a personal connection to the characters, as though I’d spent time with them. Their emotions felt authentic and relatable, even in the magical world of the story. They stayed in my mind well beyond the last page.
I loved The Plymbury Witch and highly recommend it!

[Jay Hardeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy, comfy, magical, mystical

This book was a welcome escape and kept me turning the pages. The characters were sharply delineated and the conflict interesting - but where Kendra really shines as a writer is in creating sensory-rich, cozy settings. I wanted to go to Plymbury and enjoy the wish shop, Ashley’s restaurant, the beach, and even Chase’s church. I removed one star because some of the story’s internal logic felt a bit silly to me, but it all worked out in service of the tale being told, and I found I didn’t want to leave Plymbury. I hope Kendra keeps writing!

[Sarah Whittemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story to be beautifully written! The characters are great, you’ll find yourself attached to them quickly. I have really enjoyed Kendra’s writing in this, beautifully crafted sentences, strong character descriptions and character building. Some twists and turns I really didn’t see coming had me turning the pages and finish this book in 2 days. I can’t wait for the sequel & to journey back to the lives of the Plymouth witches ❤️

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book because I met the author at a local book signing. A beautiful book, inside and out. If you are a fan of witchy books that have a hint of romance, this is perfect for you. Although this book takes you through all seasons, reading it felt like a late summer evening to me. A light read that dives pretty deep into family drama, friendship struggles, and finding acceptance within yourself.

[Hannah Carolus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I don’t want to be rude about a book, I understand it’s a work of art. I would give this book 2.5 stars. Now that I’ve finished it, the story makes sense. However, when I was reading it, it felt choppy. It felt like there were abrupt changes in the story. Also, I understand the story is about witches vs. Christians, but the negativity towards another human plus the self doubt the main character had for so much of the book made me roll my eyes nonstop.

[Kestrelmorn Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, and a beautiful, cozy location. I appreciated that the magical system used was very natural and real.

In my humble opinion, this book has a great story with a very topical theme: There is no room for hate in religion.

The story is well-told, and everyone with an open mind will love it.

[Delia Halnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself thoroughly lost in the pages and felt like I was a part of the story. So much so, that when I finished reading the last sentence , I was left with wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. This is a cozy, magical mystery (and a bit of romance) with lots of twists and turns that I couldn’t put down. I really enjoyed this book so much until the end which led me wanting more. The ending felt rushed and I hope this only means there is a sequel coming!

[William Sirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I loved the way the characters interacted with one another and truly enjoyed the story. I will be looking forward to reading more from this amazing author!

[Kristine Pagsuyoin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simply, this book thoroughly irritated me.

[Laurie Gagne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start and overall an easy enjoyable read. Nice imagery and description of south shore. Ending a bit predictable leaving me wanting to give four stars but couldn’t due to this.

[taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

a thoroughly addicting read
i enjoyed all of the complicated dynamics the characters had with each other & loved that it took place in a beach town in massachusetts:)

[K.M. Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra Vaughan's "The Plymbury Witch" captivated me from its opening pages with its meditation on transformation and authenticity. The central metaphor of sea glass—those jagged, broken pieces tumbled smooth by ocean waves—runs throughout this contemporary fantasy as protagonist Ravenna navigates the tension between who the world expects her to be and who she truly is.
Vaughan's prose has a contemplative quality that invites readers to slow down and notice: the twinkling stars painted on wish room walls, the smell of burning sage mixing with coastal air, the grounding ritual of burying bare feet in sand. There's a reverence for nature here—the way flowers sing in celebration of creation, how the ocean itself seems to pulse with ancient wisdom, the connection between a witch and her familiar that transcends words.

I enjoyed how Vaughan explores the idea that we're all constantly being tumbled and reshaped by life's currents, our sharp edges gradually smoothing as we learn to rewrite our stories with greater authenticity. Ravenna grants wishes using sea glass stars, but her own journey is about discovering what happens when we stop performing for others and start honoring our genuine selves—even when that truth complicates everything.

This is a story about belief, belonging, and the courage it takes to love across divides. Each of us crave more love in our lives, but e I've only skimmed portions of the book, Vaughan's thematic depth and lyrical attention to the natural world left a lasting impression.

Recommended for: Readers who appreciate witchy fiction with emotional depth, coastal settings, and explorations of spiritual identity.