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The Conjurer's Wife
In nineteenth-century Venice, a young woman’s marriage to an illusionist hides secrets that go deeper than his spectacular acts. The stage is set for transformation in a mesmerizing short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary.
In 1820s Venice, world-renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff confounds sold-out crowds with his astounding manifestations. Even his beautiful wife and assistant, Olivia, is mystified. Her job is to smile and recite her lines—onstage and in society. But the thankless routine is bringing out her rebellious side. Then, on the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions. Now the finale belongs to her.
In 1820s Venice, world-renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff confounds sold-out crowds with his astounding manifestations. Even his beautiful wife and assistant, Olivia, is mystified. Her job is to smile and recite her lines—onstage and in society. But the thankless routine is bringing out her rebellious side. Then, on the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions. Now the finale belongs to her.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
1461 people are currently reading
6386 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Penner
5 books8,448 followersSarah Penner is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society. Her books have been translated into more than forty languages and her debut, The Lost Apothecary, has sold over one million copies worldwide.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah spent thirteen years in corporate finance and now writes full-time. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking. She also sits on the Board of Directors at her local animal shelter, Friends of Strays. Sarah and her husband, Marc, live in Florida.
To learn more, visit SarahPenner.com.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah spent thirteen years in corporate finance and now writes full-time. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking. She also sits on the Board of Directors at her local animal shelter, Friends of Strays. Sarah and her husband, Marc, live in Florida.
To learn more, visit SarahPenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 996 reviews
December 29, 2024
I loved the story but it ended too abruptly.
This was a fun holiday novella. Well, a sprinkle of holiday but mostly magic. I loved the story itself by the story ended so abruptly, it pulled me right out.
I would have liked a few more solid answers in this story as well. I'd read something full size from this author, I'm just a little hesitant given the way it ended.
Overall a fun read!!!
This was a fun holiday novella. Well, a sprinkle of holiday but mostly magic. I loved the story itself by the story ended so abruptly, it pulled me right out.
I would have liked a few more solid answers in this story as well. I'd read something full size from this author, I'm just a little hesitant given the way it ended.
Overall a fun read!!!
January 7, 2025
Marmalade!
I’m in love with Marmalade, the baby, red fox. But the show isn’t all about Marmalade. No it’s about magic and the magician and the assistant of the magician.
The assistant is also the wife of the magician and she is a great part of the show. This is how she became a good friend to Marmalade, who is adorable.
Although her love for Marmalade is strong and pure, she doesn’t feel like she has any control over her own life. She decides that she is going to be a better person and take control over her life.
Marmalade will thank her.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m in love with Marmalade, the baby, red fox. But the show isn’t all about Marmalade. No it’s about magic and the magician and the assistant of the magician.
The assistant is also the wife of the magician and she is a great part of the show. This is how she became a good friend to Marmalade, who is adorable.
Although her love for Marmalade is strong and pure, she doesn’t feel like she has any control over her own life. She decides that she is going to be a better person and take control over her life.
Marmalade will thank her.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 14, 2024
"Perplexing, indeed."
Oof. This was disappointing. Sarah Penner, you gave us The Lost Apothecary! What happened here??
Oof. This was disappointing. Sarah Penner, you gave us The Lost Apothecary! What happened here??
January 5, 2025
blah, a quick short, I believe it's a prequel or sequel of sorts to the author's next novel, but I just sort of felt like I was missing something? Had a twist & I liked the fox cub, Marmalade
January 7, 2025
This was a fun read. Usually, novellas aren't for me, and don't have enough sustenance for my liking, but this one did. The visuals were phenomenal. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would've like a bit more answers. I'd still recommend this as a read to anyone. Sarah Penner is an auto read from me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2025
4 Stars
One Liner: Nice!
1821, Italy
Olivia Van Hoff is the wife and assistant of famous conjurer and illusionist Oscar Van Hoff. The crowd goes crazy to attend his shows, and Olivia wonders about his magic acts. Her routine job of smiling and reciting the same lines for every show bores her. When a random act leads her to a secret, Olivia decides to take control of the situation.
The story comes in Olivia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This 40-page short story uses the craze for illusionists and ‘spiritual stuff’ in the 19th century as the backdrop to talk about the identity crisis, the role of women, the art of magic, etc.
Though people flock to see professional illusionists and are proud that they don’t encourage fraudsters, they also have a generational hatred for witches (pagan magic and women).
For a short piece, this establishes both characters, provides intrigue, reveals a few secrets, and leads the finale to an open ending. In a way, the end suits the character arc and lets readers come to their own conclusions.
The atmosphere and setting are well done despite the word limit. It is easy to visualize the scenes and characters, especially Marmalade (read to find out who/ what it is).
Though the story has a slightly heavier vibe, there’s a sense of lightness too. The balance is quite good and makes the story engaging. It’s a quick read as well.
To summarize, The Conjurer's Wife is an interesting and entertaining short story that touches on a few important themes.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheConjurersWife
One Liner: Nice!
1821, Italy
Olivia Van Hoff is the wife and assistant of famous conjurer and illusionist Oscar Van Hoff. The crowd goes crazy to attend his shows, and Olivia wonders about his magic acts. Her routine job of smiling and reciting the same lines for every show bores her. When a random act leads her to a secret, Olivia decides to take control of the situation.
The story comes in Olivia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This 40-page short story uses the craze for illusionists and ‘spiritual stuff’ in the 19th century as the backdrop to talk about the identity crisis, the role of women, the art of magic, etc.
Though people flock to see professional illusionists and are proud that they don’t encourage fraudsters, they also have a generational hatred for witches (pagan magic and women).
For a short piece, this establishes both characters, provides intrigue, reveals a few secrets, and leads the finale to an open ending. In a way, the end suits the character arc and lets readers come to their own conclusions.
The atmosphere and setting are well done despite the word limit. It is easy to visualize the scenes and characters, especially Marmalade (read to find out who/ what it is).
Though the story has a slightly heavier vibe, there’s a sense of lightness too. The balance is quite good and makes the story engaging. It’s a quick read as well.
To summarize, The Conjurer's Wife is an interesting and entertaining short story that touches on a few important themes.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheConjurersWife
January 28, 2025
Incredibly satisfying novella coming from someone I have only read bad reviews about.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 13, 2024
Ad hod read December 2024
A free short story from Amazon that was actually quite fun.
How does the Venetian conjurer do the amazing tricks that keeps his audiences enthralled, not even his assistant, his wife, knows. How does he produce real live foxes from out of thin air, how does he turn audience member’s wallets into real flowers.
Growing in curiosity as to how he actually does these amazing tricks, and also still concerned about the accident that caused her amnesia a year ago , his wife Olivia resolves to discover the truth.
On the evening of what was supposed to be his greatest ever performance, his wife having uncovered his secret and the answer to her accident and amnesia, she puts into play her plan. Will it succeed and give her the freedom she desires.
An interesting story that was quite fun and an enjoyable short story.
A free short story from Amazon that was actually quite fun.
How does the Venetian conjurer do the amazing tricks that keeps his audiences enthralled, not even his assistant, his wife, knows. How does he produce real live foxes from out of thin air, how does he turn audience member’s wallets into real flowers.
Growing in curiosity as to how he actually does these amazing tricks, and also still concerned about the accident that caused her amnesia a year ago , his wife Olivia resolves to discover the truth.
On the evening of what was supposed to be his greatest ever performance, his wife having uncovered his secret and the answer to her accident and amnesia, she puts into play her plan. Will it succeed and give her the freedom she desires.
An interesting story that was quite fun and an enjoyable short story.
December 7, 2024
Prestidigitation Situation
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (December 1, 2024), released in advance of the official publication by Amazon Original Stories in eBook format & by Audible Originals in audio format (January 1, 2025)
I went into The Conjuror's Wife having never previously read Sarah Penner's books. So going into it cold I thought this would be more along the lines of historical fiction with an early view of the arts of illusion and stagecraft. It does read like that for the most part until the reveal, when the twist for the reader takes it into the realm of fantasy fiction. I don't want to spoil it any further.
The front facade of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy which is the setting for much of the action in "The Conjuror's Wife." Image sourced from IntroducingVenice.com
Readers of Penner's earlier novels such as The Lost Apothecary (2021) may be better prepared to know what to expect. I generally do not read fantasy fiction so this was only so-so for me. I chose this as my Amazon First Reads selection for December 1, 2024 and it isn't officially published until January 1, 2025, so it is an Advance Read of 2025. Now that's some magic 🎩🪄🔮!
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (December 1, 2024), released in advance of the official publication by Amazon Original Stories in eBook format & by Audible Originals in audio format (January 1, 2025)
The woman in the front row has a playbill resting in her lap, her hand lying protectively over it. Olivia has seen the playbill enough times, knows precisely what it says in big, bold letters:
STARTLING FEATS AND
MARVELOUS AMUSEMENTS
MR. OSCAR VAN HOFF
WORLD-RENOWNED
CONJURER & TRANS=
FORMATIONIST
AT THE
TEATRO LA FENICE
ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE
AND AIUTANTE, OLIVIA
DECEMBER 21, 1821
DOORS OPEN AT 7:15 P.M.
SHOW COMMENCES AT EIGHT O’CLOCK
I went into The Conjuror's Wife having never previously read Sarah Penner's books. So going into it cold I thought this would be more along the lines of historical fiction with an early view of the arts of illusion and stagecraft. It does read like that for the most part until the reveal, when the twist for the reader takes it into the realm of fantasy fiction. I don't want to spoil it any further.
The front facade of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy which is the setting for much of the action in "The Conjuror's Wife." Image sourced from IntroducingVenice.com
Readers of Penner's earlier novels such as The Lost Apothecary (2021) may be better prepared to know what to expect. I generally do not read fantasy fiction so this was only so-so for me. I chose this as my Amazon First Reads selection for December 1, 2024 and it isn't officially published until January 1, 2025, so it is an Advance Read of 2025. Now that's some magic 🎩🪄🔮!
Trivia and Links
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
September 25, 2025
“But always, in the back of her mind, a thought nags at her: I am the one who fell. I am the one who lost my memory. Who should be pitying whom here?”
― Sarah Penner, The Conjurer's Wife
I absolutely adored this book. I lost myself in the beautiful and descriptive prose.
This is a short story that reads like a full length novel in my mind, because it is completely satisfying, just as satisfying to me as a full length book.
Olivia’s husband can conjure up almost anything, and that is the key to his fame.
At every show scores of people are in the audience, enamored and enchanted, never knowing what magic tricks he will be performing, and what he will be conjuring up.
Will it be a flock of lovely birds? A breathtaking thoroughbred? Luxurious jewelry? An adorable red fox? One never knows does one?
Olivia knows.
She is the conjurers wife. There is a lot about Olivia that’s as big a mystery as her husbands magic. But you’ll know a lot more by the end of the story.
The conjuror is not the best husband. this really isn’t a spoiler as you find that out pretty quickly at the beginning. Olivia is mysterious and curious and she does not know the secret to her husband’s magic Sheezus clueless about that as the audience.
I was completely swept away in this. I absolutely loved it, and though I can understand why so many said it should be longer, I thought it was just great. It’s one of those short stories that is packed with everything it needs, energy and fantastical happenings and stunning descriptions, and mystery and magic. It’s just amazing.
I have already ordered her upcoming full length book that takes place in Amalfi, and which is out in April.
I very rarely pre-order books, but this was my first introduction to the writer and the book was referenced in the short story and now I want to read it because it sounds fantastic.
So This gets a strong 4.5 stars I do have to say something that includes spoilers so if you haven’t read this yet and you like your books to be historical fiction with plenty of intrigue and beguilement, then I suggest you pick this up. And now I must talk about Marmalade.
SPOILERS
I love all animals and always have since I was a child but few things make me melt inside like the face of an adorable red fox.
I absolutely love red foxes. They are so cute. I used to look at them and wish I could own one.Lol. What can I say? They make my inner child sing
I love the mischievousness, and the camaraderie between Olivia and her precious red fox Marmalade.
What a great name. If I had to sum up this short story, I’d say delightful.
But I couldn’t end this review without a shout out to Marmalade an adorable little magic trick in and of herself .
I am so glad that I know the work of this author now and I cannot wait to read more from her.
― Sarah Penner, The Conjurer's Wife
I absolutely adored this book. I lost myself in the beautiful and descriptive prose.
This is a short story that reads like a full length novel in my mind, because it is completely satisfying, just as satisfying to me as a full length book.
Olivia’s husband can conjure up almost anything, and that is the key to his fame.
At every show scores of people are in the audience, enamored and enchanted, never knowing what magic tricks he will be performing, and what he will be conjuring up.
Will it be a flock of lovely birds? A breathtaking thoroughbred? Luxurious jewelry? An adorable red fox? One never knows does one?
Olivia knows.
She is the conjurers wife. There is a lot about Olivia that’s as big a mystery as her husbands magic. But you’ll know a lot more by the end of the story.
The conjuror is not the best husband. this really isn’t a spoiler as you find that out pretty quickly at the beginning. Olivia is mysterious and curious and she does not know the secret to her husband’s magic Sheezus clueless about that as the audience.
I was completely swept away in this. I absolutely loved it, and though I can understand why so many said it should be longer, I thought it was just great. It’s one of those short stories that is packed with everything it needs, energy and fantastical happenings and stunning descriptions, and mystery and magic. It’s just amazing.
I have already ordered her upcoming full length book that takes place in Amalfi, and which is out in April.
I very rarely pre-order books, but this was my first introduction to the writer and the book was referenced in the short story and now I want to read it because it sounds fantastic.
So This gets a strong 4.5 stars I do have to say something that includes spoilers so if you haven’t read this yet and you like your books to be historical fiction with plenty of intrigue and beguilement, then I suggest you pick this up. And now I must talk about Marmalade.
SPOILERS
I love all animals and always have since I was a child but few things make me melt inside like the face of an adorable red fox.
I absolutely love red foxes. They are so cute. I used to look at them and wish I could own one.Lol. What can I say? They make my inner child sing
I love the mischievousness, and the camaraderie between Olivia and her precious red fox Marmalade.
What a great name. If I had to sum up this short story, I’d say delightful.
But I couldn’t end this review without a shout out to Marmalade an adorable little magic trick in and of herself .
I am so glad that I know the work of this author now and I cannot wait to read more from her.
February 2, 2025
Wow!!! This was really interesting! I highly recommend it!
December 5, 2024
✨️ Amazon First Reads Pick ✨️
This was a lovely and interesting story with a couple twists.
I like the idea of the magic in the story
.. little was said but you could feel it's bigger energy too.
Perfect length but I would have still read it as a novella as well. 👍🏼
Would recommend, I wouldn't mind reading more from this author.
This was a lovely and interesting story with a couple twists.
I like the idea of the magic in the story
.. little was said but you could feel it's bigger energy too.
Perfect length but I would have still read it as a novella as well. 👍🏼
Would recommend, I wouldn't mind reading more from this author.
January 2, 2025
Stars: 3 out of 5
First review of 2025!
This short story is straightforward to read, and I would say that this was its biggest flaw. The events feel too rushed, especially towards the end. The ending itself leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
That being said though, I liked Olivia, and she felt really "alive" to me. I was invested in her quest to find out what happened to her and in her well-being as well, so I had fun reading this story. And the author did a good job creating this atmosphere of slow dread and showing with slight details just how wrong the relationship between Oscar and Olivia was.
But questions remain. How did Oscar come into possession of the magic box? And what do the witches have to do with anything in this story? At first, I thought maybe Olivia was one of the witches that Oscar kidnapped somehow, but the ending seems to tell us that it isn't so. And if that's the case, then I am not sure why the witches are even mentioned.
The author could have taken the witches out of this story and used those pages to develop the reveal a bit more. We got a lot of preparation and descriptions of Olivia's small rebellions against her controlling husband, but when she discovers the source of his magic, she takes it a little bit too quickly in stride. And figures out how to use it a bit too conveniently as well.
PS: I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First review of 2025!
This short story is straightforward to read, and I would say that this was its biggest flaw. The events feel too rushed, especially towards the end. The ending itself leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
That being said though, I liked Olivia, and she felt really "alive" to me. I was invested in her quest to find out what happened to her and in her well-being as well, so I had fun reading this story. And the author did a good job creating this atmosphere of slow dread and showing with slight details just how wrong the relationship between Oscar and Olivia was.
But questions remain. How did Oscar come into possession of the magic box? And what do the witches have to do with anything in this story? At first, I thought maybe Olivia was one of the witches that Oscar kidnapped somehow, but the ending seems to tell us that it isn't so. And if that's the case, then I am not sure why the witches are even mentioned.
The author could have taken the witches out of this story and used those pages to develop the reveal a bit more. We got a lot of preparation and descriptions of Olivia's small rebellions against her controlling husband, but when she discovers the source of his magic, she takes it a little bit too quickly in stride. And figures out how to use it a bit too conveniently as well.
PS: I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2025
Not bad, but way too short
July 10, 2025
In 19th, century Venice, a young women is married to an illusionist who hides secrets that go deeper than his performances. World renowned magician Oscar Von Hoff, he sells out shows with his astounding manifestations. Even his wife/assistant is mystified by his skills. Her job? just smile and recite her lines onstage and in society. This routine is bringing out her rebellious side. On the night that promise's to be Oscar's greatest show, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter her husband's illusion's. Now the finale belongs to her.
I am rounding up this book to a 2.5.
Honestly the beginning of this book was really confusing for me. I didn't fully get the beginning of the story. I don't usually read short novellas, but for Sarah Penner I would and this one was a little bit disappointing. I am excited to read her next book coming out. I think it's called "The Almafi Curse." I do love how short Novellas are because they are easier to finish and don't take long to get through. I just couldn't wrap my head around this story to fully understand it. This was confusing until about halfway through, then I kind of started to understand the story. This was an okay book. I would give it a shot if you like this author because your opinion on this book could be different than mine. Happy Reading!!!!!!!
I am rounding up this book to a 2.5.
Honestly the beginning of this book was really confusing for me. I didn't fully get the beginning of the story. I don't usually read short novellas, but for Sarah Penner I would and this one was a little bit disappointing. I am excited to read her next book coming out. I think it's called "The Almafi Curse." I do love how short Novellas are because they are easier to finish and don't take long to get through. I just couldn't wrap my head around this story to fully understand it. This was confusing until about halfway through, then I kind of started to understand the story. This was an okay book. I would give it a shot if you like this author because your opinion on this book could be different than mine. Happy Reading!!!!!!!
March 1, 2025
A delightful little story of how much men fail to comprehend women, even when they use magic to make them. 5 ⭐.
January 1, 2025
I love this short story about a magician’s wife and her discovery of how he conjures up his magical displays. It’s got vibes of empowering women and embracing the life you’re dealt and taking control of your own destiny. At around an hour long, it’s a perfect short listen.
January 2, 2025
With this lovely cover and an author I adore, I had to grab this one!
A conjuring magician and his assistant. I loved our POV as the assistant. Her sass and curiosity were great and, even though it was a short story, I thought the author did a great job of really giving us the world and the personality of our narrator. I did this as an audio and was hooked right from the start.
The magic was so mesmerizing, I didn't even try to guess where it was going and was completely shocked by the twist. Is this a hint at what our author is researching and that we might get more? I'd LOVE to read more of this story, this world, and definitely this main character.
Charming, dark and dangerous - I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A conjuring magician and his assistant. I loved our POV as the assistant. Her sass and curiosity were great and, even though it was a short story, I thought the author did a great job of really giving us the world and the personality of our narrator. I did this as an audio and was hooked right from the start.
The magic was so mesmerizing, I didn't even try to guess where it was going and was completely shocked by the twist. Is this a hint at what our author is researching and that we might get more? I'd LOVE to read more of this story, this world, and definitely this main character.
Charming, dark and dangerous - I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 2, 2024
This short story was very well written and just what I needed to help me through my reading slump!
December 15, 2025
This is not an author I know but this book was a freebie from somewhere and a short story is a good introduction. Magical realism, or whatever this is, isn’t my thing at all but I found this quite entertaining. I love to read about a woman successfully getting her revenge! I just might read something else by this author.
January 7, 2025
This was a really great novella and it mentions the Amalfi witches which is what Sarah Penner’s next book is about the Amalfi Curse and I can’t wait to read that one. While it was really short, it packed in a lot of story and emotion and the end was so satisfying.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
August 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kept me on the toes.
Enjoyed the nice little rush at the ending 📚
Kept me on the toes.
Enjoyed the nice little rush at the ending 📚
January 11, 2025
📌New Review
Thank you #partners @netgalley & @amazonpublishing for my #gifted copy.
📲: The Conjurer’s Wife
✍️: Sarah Penner
🖨️: Amazon Original Stories
📈: 3⭐️
🪄: Magical Realism
📝:
This was a quick, cutie little novella told by a magician’s wife, Olivia. Oscar Van Hoff is a world-renowned illusionist, but his beautiful young sidekick claims just as much attention from the audience. He would truly be lost without his wife & it shows when she purposely begins to aggravate him by saying the wrong lines, & standing too far away from her assigned spots on stage.
Life hasn’t been the same since her accident the night of their wedding exactly one year ago & she can’t quite put her finger on why. That is until one night she’s rooting around somewhere that she doesn’t belong & the proof is in the pudding. Now there will be hell to pay for dear old hubs.
💭: What’s your favorite tale of magic?
🙋🏻♀️: Hocus Pocus or Sabrina The Teenage Witch 🐈⬛
🏷️
#newbook #amazonpublishing #amazonoriginal #amazonoriginalstories #partner #fantasybooks #fantasyreads #fantasyreader #fantasybook #magicalrealism #magicalbooks #booksonmagic #witchyreads #bookreview #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreads #newnetgalleybook #newreleasebooks #justlikemagic #hocuspocus #sabrinatheteenagewitch #primereading #amazonprime #primereads #freebook
Thank you #partners @netgalley & @amazonpublishing for my #gifted copy.
📲: The Conjurer’s Wife
✍️: Sarah Penner
🖨️: Amazon Original Stories
📈: 3⭐️
🪄: Magical Realism
📝:
This was a quick, cutie little novella told by a magician’s wife, Olivia. Oscar Van Hoff is a world-renowned illusionist, but his beautiful young sidekick claims just as much attention from the audience. He would truly be lost without his wife & it shows when she purposely begins to aggravate him by saying the wrong lines, & standing too far away from her assigned spots on stage.
Life hasn’t been the same since her accident the night of their wedding exactly one year ago & she can’t quite put her finger on why. That is until one night she’s rooting around somewhere that she doesn’t belong & the proof is in the pudding. Now there will be hell to pay for dear old hubs.
💭: What’s your favorite tale of magic?
🙋🏻♀️: Hocus Pocus or Sabrina The Teenage Witch 🐈⬛
🏷️
#newbook #amazonpublishing #amazonoriginal #amazonoriginalstories #partner #fantasybooks #fantasyreads #fantasyreader #fantasybook #magicalrealism #magicalbooks #booksonmagic #witchyreads #bookreview #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreads #newnetgalleybook #newreleasebooks #justlikemagic #hocuspocus #sabrinatheteenagewitch #primereading #amazonprime #primereads #freebook
January 3, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sarah Penner for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Conjurer's Wife out January 1, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In 1820s Venice, world-renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff confounds sold-out crowds with his astounding manifestations. Even his beautiful wife and assistant, Olivia, is mystified. Her job is to smile and recite her lines—onstage and in society. But the thankless routine is bringing out her rebellious side. Then, on the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions. Now the finale belongs to her.
It was definitely shorter than I thought! I enjoy this author’s work, so I wanted to check this out. Sometimes I really love short stories in between longer books. It helps to break up things. I enjoyed the formatting of the book. I’m obsessed with Venice. It’s a beautiful city. I loved the setting. I really enjoy the theater and plays setting. I loved it! I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short historical stories!
In 1820s Venice, world-renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff confounds sold-out crowds with his astounding manifestations. Even his beautiful wife and assistant, Olivia, is mystified. Her job is to smile and recite her lines—onstage and in society. But the thankless routine is bringing out her rebellious side. Then, on the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions. Now the finale belongs to her.
It was definitely shorter than I thought! I enjoy this author’s work, so I wanted to check this out. Sometimes I really love short stories in between longer books. It helps to break up things. I enjoyed the formatting of the book. I’m obsessed with Venice. It’s a beautiful city. I loved the setting. I really enjoy the theater and plays setting. I loved it! I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short historical stories!
March 14, 2025
This is a fantasy story set in 1820 Venice. I read it as a part of the monthly reading for March 2025 at SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases group.
The story is about Olivia Van Hoff. She and her husband Oscar have the hottest performance in Venice this season. All tickets are sold out and each time Oscar performs another unique conjuring, driving the craze even higher.
Olivia is twenty-four, and despite her popularity, she lacks a single true friend. Moreover, her own past is rather hazy: a year ago she was found with a dreadful head injury and no memories from before the accident. Oscar helped to return her to health, for which she is thankful, but she doesn’t recall why she ever fell in love with such a man. Driven by her curiosity, she once checks Oscar’s things…
The story is interesting but a bit predictive, like if one has amnesia and the only source of what has been before comes from one’s spouse, you clearly have a suspect.
The story is about Olivia Van Hoff. She and her husband Oscar have the hottest performance in Venice this season. All tickets are sold out and each time Oscar performs another unique conjuring, driving the craze even higher.
Olivia is twenty-four, and despite her popularity, she lacks a single true friend. Moreover, her own past is rather hazy: a year ago she was found with a dreadful head injury and no memories from before the accident. Oscar helped to return her to health, for which she is thankful, but she doesn’t recall why she ever fell in love with such a man. Driven by her curiosity, she once checks Oscar’s things…
The story is interesting but a bit predictive, like if one has amnesia and the only source of what has been before comes from one’s spouse, you clearly have a suspect.
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May 17, 2025Well, I read it. That's about all I have to say about it.
December 2, 2024
Great Amazon First Reads choice! Fast read that spiked my interest fast. Rated 4 stars instead of 5 just because I wanted to know the magicians response to everything at the end. 😀. I enjoyed this short story.
June 16, 2025
Sarah penner can do absolutely no wrong. I’d have loved 600 more pages of this story
January 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this historical fiction short story of a wife's ultimate revenge! If you're an Amazon Prime member you can read this for free and I would definitely recommend it! Perfection in a short story!
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