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The Sacred & the Divine
History, romance, and the occult come together in a mesmerizing tale of sisterhood, fate, and the darkness lurking in our world.
Past, Present, Future. What do the cards say? Only the Wolfson sisters know.
The year is 1848, and Daisy, Morrigan, and Avery Wolfson are skilled in the supernatural, particularly tarot readings. Daisy has insights about the future, Morrigan has ties to the past, and Avery has a special connection to the present. Although Massachusetts is known for its hostility to such talents, the village of Redcliffe is eager to use the sisters’ abilities for its own gain.
Then Daisy meets Harvard medical student and occult skeptic Jasper Fitzwilliam, as well as handsome newcomer Nate Winthrop, whose fiery nature might just rival Daisy’s. Caught up in the throes of first love, Daisy grows distracted, which is only further muddled by a mysterious feud between the girls’ mother and their spiritual tutor.
But when the sisters accidentally unleash a bloodthirsty demon on their sleepy town, the lines between friend and enemy get blurred. Will Daisy, Morrigan, and Avery escape unscathed, or is an unfortunate fate written in the stars?
Past, Present, Future. What do the cards say? Only the Wolfson sisters know.
The year is 1848, and Daisy, Morrigan, and Avery Wolfson are skilled in the supernatural, particularly tarot readings. Daisy has insights about the future, Morrigan has ties to the past, and Avery has a special connection to the present. Although Massachusetts is known for its hostility to such talents, the village of Redcliffe is eager to use the sisters’ abilities for its own gain.
Then Daisy meets Harvard medical student and occult skeptic Jasper Fitzwilliam, as well as handsome newcomer Nate Winthrop, whose fiery nature might just rival Daisy’s. Caught up in the throes of first love, Daisy grows distracted, which is only further muddled by a mysterious feud between the girls’ mother and their spiritual tutor.
But when the sisters accidentally unleash a bloodthirsty demon on their sleepy town, the lines between friend and enemy get blurred. Will Daisy, Morrigan, and Avery escape unscathed, or is an unfortunate fate written in the stars?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2025
About the author
Kate Christensen
21 books452 followersKATE CHRISTENSEN is the author of eleven novels, most recently The Arizona Triangle (as Sydney Graves) and Good Company. She has also published two food-centric memoirs. Her fourth novel, The Great Man, won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. Her stories, reviews, and essays have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies. She lives in northern New Mexico with her husband and their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review and advance copy of this novel.
If you’re looking for a book that blends science with the spiritual, this book is for you. This book follows a family of women as they navigate through the world while working to process their reality with the view points of others, and holds true to the notion that we all have value regardless of our circumstances, gender, or beliefs. Perfect for spooky season with elements of tarot, crystals, potions, and astrology, combining with the medicine of the time to heal the darkest of wounds.
Can’t wait for the next in the series and this one isn’t even released yet!
If you’re looking for a book that blends science with the spiritual, this book is for you. This book follows a family of women as they navigate through the world while working to process their reality with the view points of others, and holds true to the notion that we all have value regardless of our circumstances, gender, or beliefs. Perfect for spooky season with elements of tarot, crystals, potions, and astrology, combining with the medicine of the time to heal the darkest of wounds.
Can’t wait for the next in the series and this one isn’t even released yet!
August 26, 2025
In 1848 Redcliffe, Massachusetts, the Wolfson sisters--Avery, 17, who intuits the present; and 16-year-old fraternal twins Daisy, who has a healing touch, and Morrigan, who has visions of the past--accidentally unleash a demon and learn family secrets as they try to restore order.
Entertaining and immersive--but also a bit of an enigma to me. I enjoyed the setting, with its rich period details about “novel” doughnuts and trains (can you imagine living in an era without doughnuts? Apparently, that was all of history before 1847. Maybe the Dark Ages would have been less dark if only there’d been better breakfast options). There’s a lot of cozy, small-town life here: autumn festivals, town dances, luxurious meals described in detail. At times, the sisterly dynamics combined with the setting recall Little Women (but with lurking demons, instead of scarlet fever and Civil War). As best as I can tell, Redcliffe is not a real place. An introduction by the publisher states that the novel is inspired by the Fox sisters, but the ARC that I read did not include a historical note to provide context—and when I fell down the rabbit hole of looking up the Fox sisters (rabbit! fox! hah!) (please forgive my terrible punning) I didn’t see many similarities, to be honest—aside from the very basic fact that, like the Wolfsons there were three Fox sisters who dabbled in spiritualism around 1848. But the eldest Fox was twenty years older than her younger sister; the Fox sisters lived in New York, not Massachusetts; and their “spiritualism” was later confessed to be a hoax. This novel, on the other hand, makes magic real and presents it as an extension of science—the parts of the universe that science guesses at but can’t quite explain, and that the Wolfsons’ gifts can tap and manipulate. That’s really cool...
...but the plot is incredibly complex, and this book left me with more questions than answers. I cannot find any information that confirms this as an intended series. As is, I don’t feel that it stands alone: the final scene dangles to-be-continued vibes and leaves much drama unresolved.
Entertaining and immersive--but also a bit of an enigma to me. I enjoyed the setting, with its rich period details about “novel” doughnuts and trains (can you imagine living in an era without doughnuts? Apparently, that was all of history before 1847. Maybe the Dark Ages would have been less dark if only there’d been better breakfast options). There’s a lot of cozy, small-town life here: autumn festivals, town dances, luxurious meals described in detail. At times, the sisterly dynamics combined with the setting recall Little Women (but with lurking demons, instead of scarlet fever and Civil War). As best as I can tell, Redcliffe is not a real place. An introduction by the publisher states that the novel is inspired by the Fox sisters, but the ARC that I read did not include a historical note to provide context—and when I fell down the rabbit hole of looking up the Fox sisters (rabbit! fox! hah!) (please forgive my terrible punning) I didn’t see many similarities, to be honest—aside from the very basic fact that, like the Wolfsons there were three Fox sisters who dabbled in spiritualism around 1848. But the eldest Fox was twenty years older than her younger sister; the Fox sisters lived in New York, not Massachusetts; and their “spiritualism” was later confessed to be a hoax. This novel, on the other hand, makes magic real and presents it as an extension of science—the parts of the universe that science guesses at but can’t quite explain, and that the Wolfsons’ gifts can tap and manipulate. That’s really cool...
...but the plot is incredibly complex, and this book left me with more questions than answers. I cannot find any information that confirms this as an intended series. As is, I don’t feel that it stands alone: the final scene dangles to-be-continued vibes and leaves much drama unresolved.
March 15, 2025
I truly loved this book and could not put it down. It was a joyful jaunt through mid 19th Century New England sensibilities. The three teenaged Wolfson sisters use tarot, magic, astrology, and herbology to address everything from race, gender inequality, health issues, to matters of the heart.
The historical research is impressive, the pacing impeccable. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to those who enjoy witchcraft. And the use of tarot cards to frame the hero’s journey is brilliant!
The historical research is impressive, the pacing impeccable. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to those who enjoy witchcraft. And the use of tarot cards to frame the hero’s journey is brilliant!
May 17, 2025
This is a fantastic novel! The captivating story combines elements of tarot reading, the occult, witchcraft, and a quest to hunt demons. The three main characters, the Wolfson sisters, are wonderfully developed throughout the narrative. I had a difficult time putting it down. I highly recommend it.
January 1, 2026
3.5 stars.
October 6, 2025
Review of free ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book reads almost like a cozy read with a historical fiction, small town environment. And, a magical flare to it. It was a pretty good light read. Most of the environment and characters were described well and well-developed, and it was pretty easy to connect to the main character.
It took me quite a long time to get into this one. It moves very slowly. Much of it reads as an encyclopedia or user's manual for tarot and for crytals/herbs. I could have definitely used more interest placed on the plot and fewer card definitions or descriptions.
This book reads almost like a cozy read with a historical fiction, small town environment. And, a magical flare to it. It was a pretty good light read. Most of the environment and characters were described well and well-developed, and it was pretty easy to connect to the main character.
It took me quite a long time to get into this one. It moves very slowly. Much of it reads as an encyclopedia or user's manual for tarot and for crytals/herbs. I could have definitely used more interest placed on the plot and fewer card definitions or descriptions.
August 12, 2025
I personally did NOT enjoy this book. However, I would have EATEN IT UP as a YA reader and it says it’s intended for grades 9-12. Witches and sisterhood and demons in 1848 Massachusetts? I would have loved this in elementary/middle/ early high school. It just didn’t appeal to ME where I am right now. At parts it felt like it dragged on and the pacing wasn’t really there. It took me so long to finish it because I got bored haha. The end of the book was really good for a few chapters and I did get excited to see what happens next!!
I did feel like the characters weren’t necessarily written for 1848, but rather had modern sensibilities. They talked about gender neutral language (herox? Are you kidding me???) that just felt too 2025. I hate saying that because it makes me sound bigoted and that I don’t want representation in books, but it didn’t feel well written and in place. I DO want queer representation in books I promise!!!!!
There WAS a really cool passage where the main character acknowledged her internalized racism as a revelation in a time period appropriate way. She was thinking about how she prided herself on not being prejudiced, but she only interacted with POC during festivals and normally stayed within her white bubble. I really appreciated it and I thought it was really well written! I also think because this is a younger readers book it’s a good introduction to thinking critically for these readers.
Another thing I did not like was the P&P esque romance. The love interest is named Fitzwilliam. Please. I do think it’s a really cute homage for YA readers who may have not read P&P but I didn’t like it.
Again, this book was fine. While I personally didn’t really like it, I think it’s because it’s not intended for someone in her early 20s. If I read this at age 12? I would have been ENAMORED. I can fault it for many things — but at the end of the day how I felt about it may have been due to it not being for me.
I did feel like the characters weren’t necessarily written for 1848, but rather had modern sensibilities. They talked about gender neutral language (herox? Are you kidding me???) that just felt too 2025. I hate saying that because it makes me sound bigoted and that I don’t want representation in books, but it didn’t feel well written and in place. I DO want queer representation in books I promise!!!!!
There WAS a really cool passage where the main character acknowledged her internalized racism as a revelation in a time period appropriate way. She was thinking about how she prided herself on not being prejudiced, but she only interacted with POC during festivals and normally stayed within her white bubble. I really appreciated it and I thought it was really well written! I also think because this is a younger readers book it’s a good introduction to thinking critically for these readers.
Another thing I did not like was the P&P esque romance. The love interest is named Fitzwilliam. Please. I do think it’s a really cute homage for YA readers who may have not read P&P but I didn’t like it.
Again, this book was fine. While I personally didn’t really like it, I think it’s because it’s not intended for someone in her early 20s. If I read this at age 12? I would have been ENAMORED. I can fault it for many things — but at the end of the day how I felt about it may have been due to it not being for me.
November 26, 2025
3.5.
The Sacred and The Divine was a collaboration between two authors, Kate Christensen and Melissa Henderson. And to their and the book’s achievements I must admit the book was very cohesive the whole way through and did not feel like two separate voices were telling the story. It could have been nice to hear what co-authoring exactly looked like to them.
The book is considered YA, so I have to be a little more mindful when reading it. Admittedly I think I would have enjoyed this more in my teenage years or even early 20s. I still found the book good, but I had my own gripes with it.
Prose: The language was easy to read and rather good, although it had some rather cringy moments or moments that felt too modern for 1848. (Herox’s journey? Seriously? What trendsetters!). My disbelief was not suspended at all times when it came to the language used and with some historical accuracy even if mostly it was fine.
Plot: A rather predictable and straight-forward, although that is usually to be expected for a YA book. The story had many themes of my interests, like Tarot, 1800s, history of medicine and folk remedies.. Although my interest and knowledge in these topics also made me more critical than perhaps needed. Like, why did they seem to read Tarot with only the Major Arcana? I know some readers who do that, and I suppose it was for convenience’s sake, but it still sort of vexed me.
Characters: The characters were fine. I liked some of them, especially Henry (although he didn’t really fit Daisy’s first explanation of his personality - perhaps Daisy was quite prejudiced and her opinions stemmed from childhood?), Avery and Frankie. Daisy was clearly the main character, and honestly, she was a little annoying. Not distractedly so, but she was one of the characters I had least interest in which does not bode well with her being the main character.
Relationships: Almost every relationship interested me more than the main ones, the love triangle between Daisy, Nate and Jasper. It felt very predictable and Pride and Prejudice -esqued in the beginning and it never quite shook off the impression even if the story had many different elements to it. I would’ve liked to see more of Henry and Morrigan and Avery and Frankie. Even the relationships between Bernadette, Kathryn and Brother Terrence were much more intriguing. It is not to say that I didn’t cheer for a certain couple or that I didn’t believe in their attraction and feelings, but me being indifferent with Daisy also led me to be less interested in her relationship dramas.
Impact: I think this story has some good lessons and remainders to younger readers, about women’s rights now and in the past, racial issues, Tarot practices and overall open-mindedness. But I did feel a little weird about the cover of the book having Rider-Waite Tarot cards and some descriptions of Daisy’s hand painted cards lining up with that deck too, seeing that it was painted in reality much later by a possible biracial woman, who was used horribly by the system and lived life in poverty despite the huge success of her artwork in the deck. I know it was not the intention, and some of the cards were described very differently to the Rider-Waite, but it still irked me knowing Pamela Colman-Smith’s story. A quote by her was used in the book, so I know the authors are familiar with her. It could’ve been a good opportunity to use illustrations of Daisy’s deck in the cover or maybe as chapter art. The chapter art was very nice, by the way, even though they weren’t unique to the chapter sadly, but repeated once or twice.
Ending: The ending was quick and sort of left on a cliffhanger. Is there going to be continuation to the book? We’ll have to see. If there is, I might pick it up, even if this book only for 3.5 from me. It was rather close to a 3.75 and I’m interested enough to see where the story goes if there is another book, I’m especially interested if Morrigan and Henry ever get together and to learn more about Bernadette and Kathryn.
The Sacred and The Divine was a collaboration between two authors, Kate Christensen and Melissa Henderson. And to their and the book’s achievements I must admit the book was very cohesive the whole way through and did not feel like two separate voices were telling the story. It could have been nice to hear what co-authoring exactly looked like to them.
The book is considered YA, so I have to be a little more mindful when reading it. Admittedly I think I would have enjoyed this more in my teenage years or even early 20s. I still found the book good, but I had my own gripes with it.
Prose: The language was easy to read and rather good, although it had some rather cringy moments or moments that felt too modern for 1848. (Herox’s journey? Seriously? What trendsetters!). My disbelief was not suspended at all times when it came to the language used and with some historical accuracy even if mostly it was fine.
Plot: A rather predictable and straight-forward, although that is usually to be expected for a YA book. The story had many themes of my interests, like Tarot, 1800s, history of medicine and folk remedies.. Although my interest and knowledge in these topics also made me more critical than perhaps needed. Like, why did they seem to read Tarot with only the Major Arcana? I know some readers who do that, and I suppose it was for convenience’s sake, but it still sort of vexed me.
Characters: The characters were fine. I liked some of them, especially Henry (although he didn’t really fit Daisy’s first explanation of his personality - perhaps Daisy was quite prejudiced and her opinions stemmed from childhood?), Avery and Frankie. Daisy was clearly the main character, and honestly, she was a little annoying. Not distractedly so, but she was one of the characters I had least interest in which does not bode well with her being the main character.
Relationships: Almost every relationship interested me more than the main ones, the love triangle between Daisy, Nate and Jasper. It felt very predictable and Pride and Prejudice -esqued in the beginning and it never quite shook off the impression even if the story had many different elements to it. I would’ve liked to see more of Henry and Morrigan and Avery and Frankie. Even the relationships between Bernadette, Kathryn and Brother Terrence were much more intriguing. It is not to say that I didn’t cheer for a certain couple or that I didn’t believe in their attraction and feelings, but me being indifferent with Daisy also led me to be less interested in her relationship dramas.
Impact: I think this story has some good lessons and remainders to younger readers, about women’s rights now and in the past, racial issues, Tarot practices and overall open-mindedness. But I did feel a little weird about the cover of the book having Rider-Waite Tarot cards and some descriptions of Daisy’s hand painted cards lining up with that deck too, seeing that it was painted in reality much later by a possible biracial woman, who was used horribly by the system and lived life in poverty despite the huge success of her artwork in the deck. I know it was not the intention, and some of the cards were described very differently to the Rider-Waite, but it still irked me knowing Pamela Colman-Smith’s story. A quote by her was used in the book, so I know the authors are familiar with her. It could’ve been a good opportunity to use illustrations of Daisy’s deck in the cover or maybe as chapter art. The chapter art was very nice, by the way, even though they weren’t unique to the chapter sadly, but repeated once or twice.
Ending: The ending was quick and sort of left on a cliffhanger. Is there going to be continuation to the book? We’ll have to see. If there is, I might pick it up, even if this book only for 3.5 from me. It was rather close to a 3.75 and I’m interested enough to see where the story goes if there is another book, I’m especially interested if Morrigan and Henry ever get together and to learn more about Bernadette and Kathryn.
June 6, 2025
I was absolutely blown away by The Sacred and The Divine—an electrifying, emotionally rich, and hauntingly atmospheric novel that masterfully blends gothic horror, romance, and dark academia. As an ARC reader, I feel incredibly lucky to have had an early glimpse into this lush, twisted world that lingers long after the final page.
From the very first chapter, Brennan sinks her claws into you with poetic prose, vivid imagery, and a foreboding sense of mystery. The setting—a remote religious academy hidden in the mist-shrouded hills—feels like a character all its own. There’s an intoxicating eeriness to the landscape, where candlelight flickers in stone chapels and secrets are whispered in the shadows of cathedral walls.
The story follows two sharply drawn protagonists: Hester, a fiercely skeptical, emotionally guarded atheist sent to the academy under false pretenses, and Caleb, a devout, charismatic student with a troubled past and a deep belief in the supernatural. Their slow-burning connection is riddled with tension—intellectual, emotional, and romantic—and the way Brennan explores the themes of faith, doubt, trauma, and connection through them is simply brilliant.
The novel’s exploration of religion is particularly compelling. Brennan doesn’t shy away from complex questions: What does it mean to believe? How does faith heal or destroy? Can two people with completely opposing worldviews truly understand each other? These questions are tackled through lyrical, heart-wrenching dialogue and deeply personal internal monologues that never feel preachy or one-sided. It’s not just a romance—it’s a spiritual and psychological journey.
The supernatural elements are subtle at first, woven in through strange rituals, ancient relics, and ghostly visions. But as the plot intensifies, so does the gothic horror, and by the last third of the book, it’s absolutely unputdownable. There are chilling twists, a few genuinely terrifying scenes, and a climax that is as emotional as it is harrowing.
Every character is layered and alive. Even side characters—students, priests, faculty—feel like they carry entire histories beneath their words. The book deals with grief, abuse, religious extremism, and the scars of the past in a raw but respectful way. There are no easy answers, but there is catharsis.
Final Thoughts:
The Sacred and The Divine is an unforgettable read—a masterclass in character development, thematic depth, and gothic storytelling. Sarah Rees Brennan has written something that feels both ancient and urgently modern, romantic and terrifying, sacred and profane. If you love stories like The Secret History, A Deadly Education, or The Raven Cycle, you need to read this. I’m already itching for a re-read, and I know this is a book I’ll be thinking about for years to come.
Bravo, Brennan. This one’s a revelation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
Beautifully written and mysterious, this book is a historical fiction with magic and a touch of romance. Set in Massachusetts in 1848, three sisters with magical gifts seek to help those in need in their community. Of course, not everyone believes in their powers. The sisters must navigate their position as healers and Tarot readers in the community while they also navigate social life, dances, and courtships. Meanwhile, the sisters have accidentally opened the door for a demon to infiltrate their town, and once they realize the danger, all focus shifts to banishing the demon.
I think this book is perfect for fans of Bridgerton or Jane Austen who are also looking for magical plots. The Tarot readings and cards were always described in detail, so readers can easily follow along without prior knowledge. I found this book to be mysterious but not particularly eerie or spooky except for a couple of small parts. The epilogue, however, will give you the chills.
I read the summary again and am wondering if I should have been able to deduce that this book had multiple love interests. It’s not directly stated but seems implied with hindsight. I am simply not a fan of anything remotely like a love triangle. I don’t like trying to figure out who to like, and in this case, I picked the wrong guy. I don’t like who Daisy ended up with at the end of the book. Their dynamic frustrates me and makes me think it won’t last. I won’t describe their relationship in detail, because I don’t want to make it obvious for those picking up the book. I am sure there will be many readers that completely disagree and think she picked right. So, if you like two young men getting into a fight over a girl (and their complicated past) don’t let my disapproval of Daisy’s choice stop you from reading.
Thank you to Net Galley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Melissa de la Cruz Studio for letting me be an ARC reader.
I think this book is perfect for fans of Bridgerton or Jane Austen who are also looking for magical plots. The Tarot readings and cards were always described in detail, so readers can easily follow along without prior knowledge. I found this book to be mysterious but not particularly eerie or spooky except for a couple of small parts. The epilogue, however, will give you the chills.
I read the summary again and am wondering if I should have been able to deduce that this book had multiple love interests. It’s not directly stated but seems implied with hindsight. I am simply not a fan of anything remotely like a love triangle. I don’t like trying to figure out who to like, and in this case, I picked the wrong guy. I don’t like who Daisy ended up with at the end of the book. Their dynamic frustrates me and makes me think it won’t last. I won’t describe their relationship in detail, because I don’t want to make it obvious for those picking up the book. I am sure there will be many readers that completely disagree and think she picked right. So, if you like two young men getting into a fight over a girl (and their complicated past) don’t let my disapproval of Daisy’s choice stop you from reading.
Thank you to Net Galley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Melissa de la Cruz Studio for letting me be an ARC reader.
May 17, 2025
The Sacred & the Divine is a mesmerizing alternate-history novel where witchcraft is real, woven into the fabric of America’s past. Authors Kate Christensen and Melissa Henderson craft a rich, immersive world where three well-meaning sisters—each with their own distinct magic—accidentally unleash a dark force upon their town. What follows is a gripping tale of responsibility, sisterhood, and the unintended consequences of power.
What stood out most to me was the book’s vibrant setting—a town that mirrors America’s diverse cultural and racial landscape, brimming with complex characters, including queer voices that feel organic to the story. The central romance, with its Elizabeth-Darcy-Wickham-esque tension, was especially compelling, adding layers of passion and rivalry that kept me hooked.
The authors blend historical depth with magical intrigue, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and urgent. By the end, I was left craving more—this world and its characters are too rich for just one book! Here’s hoping for a sequel.
If you love witchy alternate histories with strong familial bonds, political undertones, and a dash of slow-burn romance, The Sacred & the Divine is a must-read.
What stood out most to me was the book’s vibrant setting—a town that mirrors America’s diverse cultural and racial landscape, brimming with complex characters, including queer voices that feel organic to the story. The central romance, with its Elizabeth-Darcy-Wickham-esque tension, was especially compelling, adding layers of passion and rivalry that kept me hooked.
The authors blend historical depth with magical intrigue, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and urgent. By the end, I was left craving more—this world and its characters are too rich for just one book! Here’s hoping for a sequel.
If you love witchy alternate histories with strong familial bonds, political undertones, and a dash of slow-burn romance, The Sacred & the Divine is a must-read.
August 22, 2025
This book had such a fun mix of gothic vibes, sisterhood, and supernatural drama. Set in 1848 Massachusetts, the Wolfson sisters - Daisy, Morrigan, and Avery - inadvertently unleash a dark force on their town.
I really enjoyed the eerie small-town setting mixed with romance, gossip, and occult secrets. Daisy’s messy love life (between the skeptic Jasper and fiery Nate) added drama, but what really stood out for me was the bond between the sisters. It felt raw, believable, and carried the story even when chaos hit. The tarot elements gave it that extra spooky flair, and the demon storyline kept me thoroughly entertained.
Overall, it’s perfect if you’re into witchy vibes, historical settings, and a mix of romance and dark suspense.
Tropes
🃏 Tarot and the occult
👩👩👧 Sisterhood
🌙 Gothic New England town
💔 Love triangle
👹 Demon gone wrong
Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide | Melissa de la Cruz Studio for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the eerie small-town setting mixed with romance, gossip, and occult secrets. Daisy’s messy love life (between the skeptic Jasper and fiery Nate) added drama, but what really stood out for me was the bond between the sisters. It felt raw, believable, and carried the story even when chaos hit. The tarot elements gave it that extra spooky flair, and the demon storyline kept me thoroughly entertained.
Overall, it’s perfect if you’re into witchy vibes, historical settings, and a mix of romance and dark suspense.
Tropes
🃏 Tarot and the occult
👩👩👧 Sisterhood
🌙 Gothic New England town
💔 Love triangle
👹 Demon gone wrong
Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide | Melissa de la Cruz Studio for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2026
Wow, The Sacred and the Divine ended up being nothing like I first anticipated in the best ways possible - a wonderful YA read. Thank you Kate Christensen, Melissa Henderson, Melissa de la Cruz Studio/ Disney Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I loved the way the book was outlined, having each chapter coordinate with a tarot card. As someone that’s always been interested in Tarot and the unexplained as a whole it was a friendly beginning to the cards but I can’t speak to the accuracy. I also enjoyed the way the authors blended the historical storyline with the future (what’s to come) through the sister’s visions. It was an interesting way to explain certain things and remind readers of earlier times.
I think it’s a fun YA read for anyone that loves witches and historical fiction with a sprinkle of sisterhood. I’m interested to see how the story could continue!
I loved the way the book was outlined, having each chapter coordinate with a tarot card. As someone that’s always been interested in Tarot and the unexplained as a whole it was a friendly beginning to the cards but I can’t speak to the accuracy. I also enjoyed the way the authors blended the historical storyline with the future (what’s to come) through the sister’s visions. It was an interesting way to explain certain things and remind readers of earlier times.
I think it’s a fun YA read for anyone that loves witches and historical fiction with a sprinkle of sisterhood. I’m interested to see how the story could continue!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
Thank you Melissa de la Cruz Studio for this ARC book.
The magic system is an interesting blend of spiritualism, healing, and tarot that combines the fantasy and historical fiction genres really well. The characters are well written and I particularly enjoyed the sisters relationship and how their magic shaped their roles in the family and their town. The small town setting for most of the book also fit well with the fantasy vibes, but I also really enjoyed their trip to the city and seeing the more modern "worldly" citizens reaction to their magic. The book skews a little more towards the younger end of YA which I don't have any complaints about but I was expecting it to be on the older end so I thought it was worth mentioning. All around I fully enjoyed this book and think it blends Historical Fiction and Fantasy so well.
The magic system is an interesting blend of spiritualism, healing, and tarot that combines the fantasy and historical fiction genres really well. The characters are well written and I particularly enjoyed the sisters relationship and how their magic shaped their roles in the family and their town. The small town setting for most of the book also fit well with the fantasy vibes, but I also really enjoyed their trip to the city and seeing the more modern "worldly" citizens reaction to their magic. The book skews a little more towards the younger end of YA which I don't have any complaints about but I was expecting it to be on the older end so I thought it was worth mentioning. All around I fully enjoyed this book and think it blends Historical Fiction and Fantasy so well.
April 25, 2026
this book had some good parts, like i liked the writing sometimes and the concept was interesting, but on the whole it was soooo sloooow and a drag to read. it put me in a reading slump, and not in a it-was-so-good-that-nothing-i-read-will-ever-compare way. it’s written in a way that makes it confusing to understand and i was left with more questions that answers by the end. it kind of felt like a first draft. i will say, i did love daisy and jasper. jasper fitzwilliam the man you are.
November 8, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions expressed are my own.
Tarot, history, and romance in one book? Sign me up IMMEDIATELY. I loved every moment of this book and I love when witches accidentally summon a demon. Every witch needs her skeptic and I absolutely adored Jasper. I love how cozy it was and it was the perfect Halloween read.
Tarot, history, and romance in one book? Sign me up IMMEDIATELY. I loved every moment of this book and I love when witches accidentally summon a demon. Every witch needs her skeptic and I absolutely adored Jasper. I love how cozy it was and it was the perfect Halloween read.
January 18, 2026
This book is perfect for spooky fall vibes. It’s mystical, moody, and has meaning. There’s a mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It follows three sisters who embody the past, present, and future. The story unfolds through the “hero’s journey” of tarot, flipping each card in order. It’s a great read if you love stories with magic and a touch of mystery.
August 30, 2025
I can't even begin to imagine the research that went into this! Kudos to the author for an authentic look at tarot, divination, astrology, pre modern medicine...
The end left me hoping there would be more to come. I will be waiting!
The end left me hoping there would be more to come. I will be waiting!
July 10, 2025
Wonderful representation of the occult. Great mysterious adventure and hidden twists and hidden layers of clues. The character interaction and building was fantastic. Great read.
October 28, 2025
Not for me. Love the title.
December 1, 2025
2.5 stars. DNF 50%. I still couldn't find that emotional connection to the characters.
August 3, 2026
The book has unreached potential and is dragged down by monotone telling that keeps the beauty and magic of the story from being fully seen.
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