A Time of Witches

by Madeline Martin

Two women, bound by blood and betrayal, must break silence across centuries—or be silenced forever, in the dazzling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin.

Lilith Legare’s life is unraveling. Since her mother’s death, strange things have been happening - plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.

Her search for answers brings her from Savannah to England, to the decaying Brackenmere Manor where the past blurs with the present. There, Lilith discovers a legacy she never asked for and along with it, the threat of peril. History must be rewritten, or she too will die.

In 1645 Suffolk, Sybil Brantham stands accused as a witch. An educated, wealthy widow, she is branded a threat by men who fear her independence. As arrests begin and suspicion abounds, Sybil must protect her younger sister, even as betrayal takes root within her household.

Across centuries, Lilith and Sybil are bound by blood and by danger. To save themselves, and each other, they must confront the silence that has stolen women’s power for generations—and dare to claim their voices before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Witches, Fiction, Historical, Autumn, Adult

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

Reviews

[Madeline Martin]

Update July 14, 2026:
Preorder incentive!!

YOU GUYS! Harper Collins put together the CUTEST keychains as a fun preorder incentive for A Time of Witches! If you've preordered the paperback (from any vendor) you'll just need to send your receipt to have an adorable keychain mailed out to you - open to US and Canada (except Quebec): link with info and to submit your receipt here: https://bit.ly/4bdis2w

And just a reminder that if you want a personalized signed copy, you can preorder that from my local bookstore, San Marco Books & More here: https://sanmarcobooksandmore.com/made...

I hope everyone enjoys their keychains! :)

xoxo,
Madeline

Update March 28, 2026:

A Time of Witches is officially now available to request on NetGalley!! https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

OMG this is so exciting!! (and thank you!)

xoxo,
Madeline

Update March 20, 2026:
I recently completed my page proofs for A Time of Witches, which officially means it will be going off to the printer!! This is such an exciting part of the book (and also terrifying) when it means I am DONE with the writing and editing and cannot change another thing in it (that last part is the terrifying part LOL).

While I was between edits on this book, I did a giveaway for the names of two of the animals in this book that I detail in my author's note, so definitely to make sure to check that out when the book comes out. The name of the horse was such a fun story that helped a grandmother bond with her equestrian granddaughter <3

I had a wonderful cover reveal for this book with People magazine and so appreciate how many of you shared my cover and reached out to let me know how much you love it <3 If you'd like to see the article, here it is: https://people.com/madeline-martin-a-...

I have a call with my marketing team in two weeks to start putting together a game plan for the launch, which will include my book tour. Believe it or not, I already have a couple stops planned, including Bury St. Edmunds, England! I'll be part of their literary festival this year with a special launch with Moyse's Hall Museum. I am absolutely over the moon about this!

The last thing I really need to write is the information for the reader's guide. The amazing team at Harper Collins assembles everything in to a pretty file, but I'm the one who provides the details. It's easier said than done!

It really is so exciting to see everything fall into place with this story and I cannot thank you enough for your eagerness and support and love!

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on Sept 12, 2025:

A Time of Witches has officially been turned into my publisher! I did it right before leaving for my book tour for The Secret Book Society - and turning in a book right before book tour is always the BEST feeling ever LOL

After my personal read through and freelance edits, the book ended up being over 80K words, so there was definitely a lot added to it. There was a lot of shifting timelines to get everything exactly as I wanted it to, but I love how it ended up. I expect I'll likely get the edits back in October sometime.

I already heard back from my agent after she read through A Time of Witches and she LOVED it - another friend who reads all my books has said it's my best book I've written. Getting feedback like that so early on after finishing writing it gives me the biggest sigh of relief LOL It's always such an anxious thing when a new book is done and people read it for the first time!

In the meantime, I've updated the blurb with a bit more information on what the book is about and I've started to mention A Time of Witches while I'm on my book tour. I'm so grateful for all the excitement already starting over this book and hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on June 5, 2025:

I just wrote THE END on A Time of Witches!!! My goal was to start May 5th and finish this first draft on June 5th (today1) at 70K words and I finished at 68.9K words. Pretty close to my original estimate :) Some days were great, like at the Highlights writing retreat in PA where I had a cabin in the woods and glorious silence that helped me accomplish 5K words a day. And some days were not great, like when I was traveling and limping along in my word count, or exhausted and just needed a whole day off (meaning zero words).

The months leading up to this point have been filled with intense research, so getting to finally write the story and have it all composed is just beyond thrilling! :)

What's next?

First of all, I wrote the timelines separate to ensure I kept the contemporary voice of Lilith and the 17th century voice of Sybil intact without deviation or crossover. Tomorrow, I will be splicing all those chapters together so the stories weave together. Easier said than done! But it shouldn't take more than a day.

Next, I'll do a full read through/self edit. This will take approximately two weeks to do, then I'll send it to a freelance editor to ensure all the pieces are working. Then I'll have a month for more clean up before turning it in on the due date of August 1st.

Stay tuned for more details as they come! And feel free to ask questions in the comments :)

Thank you for being on this journey with me as I write A Time of Witches.

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on May 13, 2025:

After months of deep research, travel to England and Savannah, plus ridiculous amounts of character development and plotting, I’m officially diving into the writing phase of my 2026 release, A Time of Witches.

My goal is 70,000 words in 32 days. (About 2200 words a day — give or take, depending on whether it’s a chaotic or coffee-fueled kind of day.) Writing quickly like this is how I work best as the just flows out of me and keeps everything cohesive. In my head, it's kind of like when you read a book you can't stop thinking about and can't wait to get back to. But at the same time, it's like the story has been building and building and just suddenly has to explode out.

It can be a bit of a stressful process as I still have to maintain travel, events, emails, life, etc while I'm 'fast drafting' but it's what seems to work best for me. Then, of course, come the edits to ensure it's all smoothed out before turning into my editor.

I'm going to be sharing the process of writing it in my stories on Instagram if you want to join along. I'm about 23K into it as I started it on the 5th and plan to end on June 5th. So feel free to follow along! https://www.instagram.com/madelinemma...

And thank you again for joining me on my journey to write this book <3

xoxo,
Madeline



Update on February 1, 2025:

Even though A Time of Witches isn't coming out until 2026, I'm already hard at work! I've been doing research for the last three months and will be leaving for England in less than two weeks to explore the area where the historical part of this book will take place. I have several private tours lined up and a list of questions I'm dying to learn answers to!

One of my favorite things about traveling on location is how it makes all that research fall into place. Suddenly street names have relevance, distances can be accurately measured, and seeing pieces in museums helps to bring that world to life for me. There are also so many books to purchase on location that I either can't find or don't even know exists. On the latter note, I always bring a collapsible second bag in my main bag for research trips, which I end up stuffing full of books (and padding with dirty laundry so those books don't get too beat up and dented).

I'm so excited for the incredible things I'm going to learn!

Stay tuned for more - and thanks for going on this journey with me.

xoxo,
Madeline

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I enjoy a good historical fiction when it’s immersive and well written and Madeline Martin definitely delivered. When I came across this title and read the premise I was definitely intrigued. Witch trial books are always fascinating to me. Add in interesting characters along with a good storyline and I’m totally invested.

The dual POV/Dual timeline worked perfectly to tell an amazing story tying together past and present.

I truly enjoyed the mystery/adventure vibe, magic elements, woman empowerment and bits of history. The author’s note was spectacular. I always love it when an author feels so passionately about a novel & explains the thoughts and research that they put into their work.

This book did start a bit slow but that is to be expected with a complex novel that lays the groundwork building up to the plot. The paranormal “ghostly” elements could be a turnoff for the more skeptical readers (which I am not). The almost romance between Lilith & Asher felt a bit irrelevant until I reminded myself that this is a novel about women empowerment in which case it was a great nod towards the modern independent woman

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collin’s Publishers for the advance copy and opportunity to fairly rate this novel

[layan ليان]

someone got the arc 🤭
i cannot wait to read this!

[Kyla Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Madeline Martin book, even though I have others waiting on my TBR!! I won this ARC through a HarperCollins contest on IG!

I love historical fiction and do like magical realism and witch vibes; this was a perfect combo.

The dual POVs and timelines get better and better as the story weaves its way to the finish. It’s a bit of a slow start but worth it when more is revealed about Sybil, Lilith, and Jacinda’s connection and how it crosses the boundaries of time.

4⭐️

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you embrace your power and step into the past to save the future?

Madeline Martin takes historical facts and blends it with a bit of magic to deliver an atmospheric novel about claiming your power, resilience, intergenerational connection, and hope in the face of fear. Told through a dual timeline, present-day Lilith begins experiencing unexplained dreams of a past that feels both foreign and familiar. Those visions pull readers into 1600s England during the witch trials, where Sybil, an independent widow, is striving to protect her sister as well as her friends. This book explores how women, especially in the 1600s, were marginalized and silenced in the face of the unexplainable.

I always enjoy reading Madeline Martin and am consistently impressed by the depth of her research and the way she crafts such compelling narratives with the perfect fictional twist. Her writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the imagery floats through your mind as you read. You can’t help but feel the desperation these women carry as they search for ways to make their situation better — to fight ignorance and oppression. Martin writes fierce women, whether they are central to the plot or supporting characters. While there are still hurdles to overcome, this book highlights the battles women have fought to help shape a better future. There are definitely moments here that make you pause and reflect on how far women have come.

The one thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was the present-day perspective. Lilith’s storyline felt a bit repetitive at times, and while each return expanded on what came before, the repetition occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.

If you’re looking for a little witchy atmosphere especially for Fall with rich historical context, A Time of Witches is a perfect read, complete with a black cat and grimoire.

Thank you to Madeline Martin and Hanover Square Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful ARC to win and enjoy!

I enjoyed the dual POV, it blended together quite well and the story was engaging. (3.75)

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin

I walked into this book thinking it was historical fiction, and was pleasantly surprised that it is fantasy historical fiction. The story is a dual timeline and follows the two main female characters: Sybil and Lilith. Lilith is from present day Savannah and Sybil is from 1645 Suffolk.

The writing throughout the book was simple and straight forward, in a good way. The story felt faster paced and flowed well due to the simplicity. There were a few areas of the story that I wished had more detail (the prison was one that could have been delved into more to create a darker atmosphere), however that is more personal preference.

I loved that Sybil was kind, almost to a fault. I wish that I knew more of her outside of the ‘three day’ timeline that we had for her. I would have loved to get to know her more in depth. I also loved the female friendship portrayed in both timelines. This was so well done and made my heart squeeze in both joy and sadness.

A Time of Witches explores persecution against women, specifically during the witch trials. I would have loved this theme to be tied more into the present day timeline to make it feel more relevant to the reader. With the theme focusing mostly during the witch trials, it felt like it lost some of its weight because we are so far removed from these events.

The conflict of the book really peaked during the witch trials and the imprisonment scenes. Again, the conflict did not carry over for me during the ‘current time’ pieces of the story. The focus there was on the character not disappearing and the crux of the conflict felt ‘meh’. I kept getting caught on details that just weren’t fitting together. *SPOILERS*

*SPOILERS*

Why was it mentioned that Asher painted Lilith disappearing? She found the paintings and then….nothing? That felt like a big deal and was just brushed past. Why did she actually disappear even though the timeline in the past was that Sybil was almost immediately freed from the fire and it didn’t take another few hours? She would have only disappeared if Sybil had actually died? I was confused about this point. It felt like the author needed a ‘climax’ for the current timeline and struggled to make it feel as important as the past timeline.

It was due to some of the confusion in timeline and the current timeline not feeling as important that I gave ⅗ stars. However, it was a really fun and fast read and I loved how the author utilized true historical events to structure the story around.

[Jymmi is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the NetGalley & Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read this e-ARC through the NetGalley. **

4.5⭐️ one of the best historical fictions I’ve read in a long time. This is a captivating story about the power of women, female friendship, ancestral roots and the power rediscovery. You could really tell the level effort and research in each character.

Lilith’s story really felt like a coming of age. She no longer has her mom telling her what she can and cannot become. Her journey for answers was fast pace and I was cheering her on to finally find her power.

Sybil’s story is captivating and heartbreaking. She’s accused of witchcraft and yet shows resilience, poise and strength through some the darkest and tortuous times. I could feel both her strength and fear through the pages.

I have to personally thank the author for Edith. Oh Edith the character and storyline that utterly broke and healed me at the same time. 🖤🫶🏽✨

This is a fascinating read and highly recommend!

[Aura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me witches. Give me old houses. Give me family secrets. Give me women discovering powers they were told to fear. Give me centuries-old connections and a historical witch trial.

I will show up EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

But A Time of Witches wasn’t just the witchy book I thought I was getting.

This book HURT.

And I absolutely loved it.

We follow two women separated by centuries.

In the present day, Lilith Legare has spent most of her life ignoring the strange things happening around her. Plants seem drawn to her. Animals linger near her. A birthmark suddenly tingles. And she keeps having the same absolutely horrifying dream:

She’s being burned alive.

After her mother’s death, the questions she’s spent her life avoiding eventually lead her to England and the crumbling Brackenmere Manor, where she begins uncovering a family history—and a power—that changes everything she thought she knew about herself.

Then we go back to Suffolk in 1645.

And meet Sybil.

😭

Sybil is educated. Independent. Wealthy. Widowed.

In other words, exactly the type of woman certain men apparently found absolutely terrifying.

And she’s accused of being a witch.

The way these two timelines begin weaving together was SO GOOD. At first you’re trying to understand what Lilith’s strange abilities mean and why she’s connected to this woman who lived centuries before her.

And then the pieces start clicking into place.

OH.

OH SHIT.

Suddenly this isn’t just a story about witches.

It’s about inheritance. Blood. Generational trauma. Women protecting women. Knowledge passed down through generations. The consequences of silence. And what happens when women refuse to make themselves smaller simply because their existence makes someone else uncomfortable.

I was FERAL.

And Sybil’s timeline absolutely broke my heart.

Because this is where the book stopped feeling like a fun little witchy historical fantasy and became something much heavier.

These accusations had consequences.

Women were imprisoned.

Women were betrayed.

Women were tortured.

Women died.

And reading those scenes while knowing that witch hunts were not simply something invented for spooky stories made portions of this genuinely difficult to read.

There were moments when I wanted to reach through the damn book and SAVE THESE WOMEN MYSELF.

Madeline Martin really made me sit there thinking:

You feared her because she knew things.

You feared her because she was independent.

You feared her because you couldn’t control her.

So naturally…

WITCH.

The rage I experienced?! 😭🔥

But what I loved most was that this story doesn’t only focus on what was done to women.

It focuses on the women themselves.

Their friendships.

Their resilience.

Their knowledge.

Their sacrifices.

Their love for one another.

Their refusal to disappear quietly.

And then there is the magic. 🔮🌿

I LOVED that it felt connected to nature, ancestry and the women themselves rather than simply existing to make the story fantastical. The magical elements and historical fiction complemented each other beautifully.

And the dual timeline WORKED for me.

Every time we moved between Lilith and Sybil, I needed to know how these two women were connected and whether somehow—against history, against time, against everything—I could get the ending I desperately wanted.

Apparently I am now emotionally invested in changing events that happened in 1645.

Completely reasonable behavior.

By the end I wasn’t just reading.

I was INVESTED.

I was angry.

I was emotional.

I was rooting for women who had been dead for centuries.

And I was completely obsessed with the idea that even when history tries to erase a woman’s voice, another woman can come along generations later and make sure she’s finally heard.

THAT got me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars.

Historical fiction. Witchcraft. Magical realism. Dual timelines. Ancestral connections. Female friendship. Family secrets. Women refusing to be silenced.

This was haunting, beautiful, infuriating, magical and incredibly emotional.

Also, I read an early copy and now I have a problem:

I NEED A TROPHY COPY.

Not want.

NEED.

Because have you SEEN the finished edition?!

I need this gorgeous witchy thing physically sitting on my shelf immediately. Preferably somewhere I can stare at it dramatically while pretending I, too, have inherited mysterious ancestral powers.

Madeline Martin, respectfully:

🔮 GIVE. ME. THE. WITCH. BOOK. 🔮

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual timeline historical mystery with magical realism that delivers on story and message.

After her mother’s death, Lilith, a modern woman at twenty-six, starts to experience strange things. She’s encouraged by Essie, a customer at the bookstore, Shelver’s where she works, to seek out their meaning - enchanted is what Essie calls them - because Lilith “ached to know her own place in the world.” We then switch to 1645, Bury St. Edmunds, England, and Sybil Brantham, a widow, who is being taunted by Robert Walsingham, the Magistrate, who seeks her as a wife and whom she reviles. It’s the time of witch trials and both Lilith and Sybil have magic in their backgrounds.

The story starts off slow but once Lilith discovers Sybil’s identity and reaches out to Brackenmere Manor, where Sybil lived things start to speed up. Upon arrival at Brackenmere, Lilith’s “birth mark” starts to “tingle.” Lilith finds the grimore Sybil used and we soon learn Sybil has been denounced as a witch. The witch trials are the most compelling parts of the book - as with any book which includes witch trials your blood boils a bit. Sybil’s betrayal really gnaws and society’s desire to silence women is a theme that resonates - this is exquisitely called out in How to Kill a Witch where the authors show how women don’t exist except as witches in early Scottish history. The days of burning women “for their connection to the earth” may be gone as is written as the novel ends but women still need to be empowered to “amplify their voices” in the world.

In the Author’s Note at the end we gain some historical insight into the book. Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk, England, was a site of witch trials in 1645. Some of the people mentioned in this book were actual people affected by these trials. The character of Sybil is fictional to the time but not to the place as a real Sybil was born there and in the early 1900s who fought “prejudice.” That’s all I will reveal but be sure to take in the recipes at the end - the Moonlight Relaxation Tea looked appealing.

I know books about witches can be overdone at times but this one appealed to me because of its atmosphere for women wanting to be heard. I felt though that the budding romance between Lilith and Asher wasn’t needed but I can accept as Lilith is a woman seeking her own power and the choice to live is part of that. But even that didn’t diminish my interest in the story or the sadness the witch trials bring to history.

Putting out a book to call out how women have been silenced through time and history was one of the reasons I gave this book five stars - in this time of DEI we cannot call this out enough. I also appreciated how true the author was to writing about the witch trials. And I really enjoyed the read so much I am thinking about adding to my re-read list.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press (HarperCollins) and NetGalley for the ARC!

In “A Time of Witches,” women are mysteriously connected despite the constraints of time. Lilith, a woman of the present in Savannah, Georgia, has just lost her mother, a woman for whom she harbors conflicting feelings. As Lilith is coping, she begins having strange dreams and interactions with nature that eventually lead her to unfurl her family history and take a journey to the English countryside. It is here she is tasked with an unfathomable quest. Sybil, in 1647, is a noblewoman who, after the loss of her husband, is accused of witchcraft, as are many other women in her inner circle. She worries about her fate, but more for her sister, Jacinda, a young woman with powers beyond her control and a need to hear the secrets Sybil harbors. The urgency of the link between these women becomes increasingly evident as the narrative progresses.

Martin adheres to a fairly standard set of rules in this work of fiction, keeping with stereotypical witchy aspects like black cats and grimoires that make worldbuilding easy to follow. The narrative alternates between Sybil’s and Lilith’s perspectives, meaning it moves from the past to the present consistently. Despite the opportunity for vast exploration with magic, time travel, and the abundance of side characters, the scope remained rather small. The majority of the chapters had the same general format, setting, and conflict, sometimes staying still rather than pushing the story along. Martin notes that she applied a lot of her research, meaning that aspects of the story are rooted in truth, which is likely a contributing factor to Sybil’s chapters’ confines. I just wanted more!

The characters are all deeply likeable and real. Essie played a perfect best friend, a true ride-or-die that made me tear up in one of the later phone scenes between her and Lilith. Aunt Jaqueline encapsulated the eccentric aunt and Edith and Kat were truly adoring friends, the trio with Sybil plucking the heartstrings. The flirtatious arc between Lilith and Asher felt realistic given the amount of time they spent together, which is something I really appreciated.

This book is fantastical yet informative, the history evident in its pages. It speaks out for women, against oppression, and reminds readers that our world is still in need of change today. Although both protagonists are grown and there are some serious themes, I believe this is a great book for YA audiences looking to transition into adult books. The story is just as entertaining and alluring as it is a serious representation of why violence against women needs to be shut down.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeline Martin’s A Time of Witches had me bouncing between present-day Savannah and 1645 England, and I already knew which timeline was going to completely own me. A huge thank you to Hanover Square Press for the gifted copy. Tell me I’m not the only one who gets especially invested when a dual-timeline story starts revealing exactly why those two women are connected.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After her mother’s death, Lilith begins noticing some very strange things. Plants seem drawn to her, animals linger nearby, her birthmark tingles, and she keeps dreaming that she’s being burned at the stake. Her search for answers eventually takes her from Savannah to Brackenmere Manor in England—and straight into a family history she never knew existed.

Then we meet Sybil in 1645 England, and friends…this is where my heart really belonged.

Sybil is a wealthy, educated widow who has committed the unforgivable crime of being an independent woman in a time when certain men would much rather women simply obey. When she’s accused of witchcraft, the story becomes heartbreaking, infuriating, and honestly difficult to read in places. Knowing how many women truly suffered during the witch trials made those scenes hit even harder.

I loved watching the connection between Lilith and Sybil slowly reveal itself across the centuries. There’s magic, a grimoire, family secrets, ghosts, a wonderfully witchy black cat, and a race to change history before Lilith’s own future disappears along with it.

Sybil was absolutely the standout for me. Her strength, her friendships, and the way she refuses to completely surrender herself—even when everything is being taken from her—had me rooting for her so hard. I also really enjoyed the historical details woven into her story, and definitely don’t skip Madeline Martin’s author’s note because learning what was inspired by actual people and events adds another layer to everything you’ve just read.

The modern storyline took me a little longer to settle into, and I wanted a bit more explanation surrounding some of the magic connecting the timelines. But once Lilith reached England and the pieces began coming together, I was invested.

This one is witchy, atmospheric, emotional, and ultimately about women finding their voices when the world would rather silence them.

Which grabs you more in a dual-timeline story—the present-day mystery or uncovering what really happened in the past?

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

You know? I had a difficult time putting in to words my feelings about this book. I enjoyed Martin’s novel, The Last Bookshop, and was going into this one with a lot of expectation that just wasn’t met.

Lilith (too on the nose for me) has started noticing strange phenomena around her. Particularly, nature’s response to her and the vivid dreams of a woman being burned at the stake. There’s magic inside her, but she doesn’t know where it comes. After a reading from a mysterious woman, she decides to research her family history and travels to England in search of answers.

Sybil is a noblewoman in 1647 who has been accused of witchcraft. A widow who was left enough money to live independently, she has made enemies simply because of the power she possesses. It’s a dangerous time for a woman with agency, and Sybil must uncover who has accused her and prove her innocence before it is too late.

The story didn’t feel fleshed out to me. In fact it felt very much like a first draft. There were a lot of questions that weren’t fully answered or if they were, weren’t quite satisfactory. The first thing I had an issue with was the spell that connected Sybil and Lilith. How was it possible that Jacinda, a young woman who had no idea she was a witch, could come up with such an elaborate spell without any training? Sybil purposely keeps her ignorant of her family history and the magic that has been passed down through the matrilineal line. It just wasn’t conceivable to me that she would be able to do that. Especially since the grimoire that could hold such a spell is hidden away in a secret room.

Another question I had was if Asher’s ancestor was the magistrate, why did his Aunt have magical powers? Never is it intimated that the women in his ancestry have magical powers. So how is it possible that not only does she have these powers, but she knows all about Lilith and her family?

I did like the central theme of the novel, but it was heavy handed. Yes, women who have had agency and independence have been persecuted by men throughout the centuries, and it is important to make critical commentary about this. I just felt it could have been handled more deftly.

I enjoyed the idea of the story very much, I just think the bones of the story needed more meat.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This newest book by a favorite author, Madeline Martin is a historical fiction novel that weaves together both fantasy and time travel. This dual timeline story is told by two young women living centuries apart.

Sybil, a healer with a special connection to the earth, lives in the mid 1600’s in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England. When she repeatedly turns down a magistrate’s advances, he exacts his revenge on her by wrongly accusing her of witchcraft and thus imprisoning her until she confesses or is sent to her death.

Fast forward to present-day Savannah, Georgia, where Lilith is haunted by recurring nightmares of a woman being burned alive at a stake, accompanied by the word “witch.” A fortune teller warns her that she must save the woman in her dream or risk “ceasing to exist”. Lilith journeys to St. Edmunds to Brackenmere Manor, where Sybil once lived with a young woman, Jacinda, who Sybil was determined to protect at all costs.

A touch of romance blossoms when Lilith meets Asher, whose family owns the manor. The romance is subtle and adds depth to Lilith’s character.

From here, Lilith uses time travel to the manor in 1645 and must find a way to save Sybil in order to also save herself. Her crescent shaped birthmark tingles any time she’s on the right path to finding answers.

There are some cringeworthy moments and some twists in the story as Sybil’s side is revealed. The story intensifies as time is running out and Sybil is getting closer to the end while Lilith is determined to rescue her.

Madeline Martin’s masterful use of language and vivid details draws readers into the 1600s, making it easy to distinguish between the two time periods. While this can be distracting if not handled well, Martin’s writing beautifully captures the era’s atmosphere.

The novel offers a fascinating look at the persecution and brutal torture faced by women, and even some men, accused of witchcraft during this time period.

Thank you to Madeline Martin and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Candace Sewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this one, but it did a fall a little short for me.

Lilith is struggling with life and her friend Essie tells her maybe she needs to check out a fortune teller. What she discovers will change her life… or maybe end it.

Let’s start with the good.

I love a good split timeline. The past story, Sybil’s timeline, is great. I was entranced, hooked, and dying to know what came next in her world. The injustices she experienced, the strength of her character, and her sisterhood were all immaculate. I loved her story. The current story, Lilith’s part was very underwhelming for me. Everything was just a little too convenient and people a little too believing. She definitely has her hardships and of course the reader is rooting for her success, but it doesn’t hit as hard as Sybil’s story for me and really brings this book down. If I was rating the past half of this book, it would be approaching a 5 star rating, but as it stands it really didn’t do that for me.

The characters… at risk of sounding a bit too scathing, who names their main witch character Lilith? It felt way too on the nose for me and had me immediately rolling my eyes.

Moving past that, the characters are pretty well rounded. They have weak moments and strong moments, and they’re not perfect people, which is always nice. The lead male character contributes to the story but doesn’t overpower the plot, and the villains are really, really unlikable. Lilith is not my favorite FMC, and Sybil and Jacinda far outshine her.

The writing is very easy to read and the tone feels appropriate for this. It’s ominous and feels suspenseful when it needs to as there is a lot of time sensitive elements in this book.

I don’t regret reading this book, but it did not meet my high expectations. The premise was great and the past story was fantastic, but the current timeline and choice of name for the FMC made this one flop a bit for me. It was still enjoyable, but it could’ve been better for me personally.

[Amanda Bray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I fear there has never been a more perfect book for fall.

After her mother's passing, Lilith Legare starts experiencing odd events she can't explain. A recurring nightmare of being burned at the stake finally sends her searching for answers, which she finds in the form of a psychic's warning that she needs to right a wrong, or she'll soon cease to exist. After a quick look through her mother's things, she decides she must go to Brackenmere, an old manor in England, where the past and present blur together. It's there that Lilith finds Sybill, a family member from the 1600s who stands to be tried as a witch and needs Lilith's help to escape before it's too late.

I loved every second of this book! It had all my favorite elements and themes from books like Weyward by Emilia Hart and The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner, but with a few twists that made it completely unique. I really enjoyed how suspenseful and high-stakes the story was. I was on the edge of my seat as we neared the end, and it seemed like all hope was lost. Beyond the mystery and thrills, I think what made this book truly special was the bond between Lilith and Sybill that transcended time. There's nothing quite like the strength of female friendships, even separated by centuries, to get me in my feels. There was so much power in the way all the female characters looked out for each other and took back what had been weaponized against them.

I was able to listen to the audiobook as an advanced copy. It is a single narration done by Saskia Maarleveld, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. She did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and I would recommend giving it a listen over reading a physical or digital copy if you are an audiobook lover.

This is the perfect book to pick up during spooky season, especially if you enjoy witchy books with a little bit of historical fiction and feminine rage!

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Libro.FM for the ALC of this title for review purposes.

[GroveLifeLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Martin has written a mesmerizing story of two women bound together across centuries by a magic more powerful than either woman can comprehend. One woman has embraced her powers while the other was forced to repress the powers given to her from the earth. When Lilith discovers her connection to a special magic, she will also discover that her life holds a far greater purpose, one that could decide the fate of many generations.

Lilith has always felt that she is different but her mother’s control prohibited her from exploring the powers she holds. Sybil has finally began to embrace the powers she holds and uses her gift to help those in the community. However, for Sybil, using her gift is a dangerous venture, for she lives during the time of witch hunts. This period in England was a dangerous time for women who were deemed different or possessed independence. In Sybil’s case, she was wealthy and independent, after losing her husband. She had also helped so many in the community through her herbal remedies.

Lilith feels compelled to travel to England and learn more about her family history. She also knows that her very existence hangs in the balance of what she discovers once she reaches Brackenmere Manor. Embracing her true identity will bring her peace but also great danger. Will Lilith be able to discover as much as she needs to in order to save herself and Sybil?

A Time of Witches is such an incredibly well written story. It is so easy to see the amount of time and research put into this book. Martin perfectly develops her characters and builds a story line that draws you in and holds your attention throughout the story. Reveals are carefully placed in a way that pulls you in even more and creates a deeper connection to the characters and what they are experiencing. A Time of Witches is an absolute must read for 2026!

Thank you so much to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Time of Witches.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey this book will take you on! The story alternates between the present day and 1645 story lines and with tension building, lets the reader in on the truths, betrayals, and connections. Lilith is at a crossroads in her life in Georgia and has found that the Brackenmere Manor in England with next door Bed and Breakfast is the place where she will hopefully find the answers to her nightmares and other odd things that have been happening to her. In 1645, Sybil lives a simple life helping others with cures and remedies until the day she is accused of being a witch. She finds the strength to survive in the unspeakable conditions in the jail. Her sister, Jacinda as a spirit, makes a connection with Lilith in the Mansion and convinces her that she is the one to save Sybil.
I enjoyed both the present day and historical stories. Kudos to the author for the amount of background research she did about the English witch trial era. I felt like I was back in the 1600s with the smells and feels of the day. The magical part of the story where Lilith can connect with the past made sense within the plot and added to both time lines. There is a little romantic connection between Lilith and the owner of the B & B that I was rooting for. The female secondary characters were wonderful, smart, and you cheered them on while the many historical male characters were true to form for the time (in other words, awful humans). I thought Aunt Jacqueline, at the B & B, also was a great character that helped connect the present to the past. There is an adorable black cat that adopts Lilith and other animal characters throughout, but none are ever harmed.
I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans who would like a little fantasy in their lives.

#ATimeofWitches #NetGalley
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Stephanie Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars

Madeleine Martin did a fantastic job with A Time of Witches. This is an immersive, beautifully written historical fiction novel with compelling characters, a strong storyline, and just enough magic woven through the history to keep me completely invested.

The story follows two women separated by centuries—Lilith in present-day Savannah and Sybil in England in 1645. I’m always drawn to a good dual timeline, and while I enjoyed seeing how the two stories connected, I definitely preferred the historical timeline. Sybil’s story felt especially compelling, and I thought the historical setting and supporting characters were more richly developed.

The beginning was a little slow for me, but I think that groundwork was necessary for everything that came later. Once the story started gaining momentum and the connections between the timelines began falling into place, I was hooked.

I also appreciated that romance is not at the forefront here. At its heart, this is a story about women—the ways they have been viewed, controlled, judged, and persecuted by society, but also their resilience, friendships, family bonds, and refusal to be silenced. The witch trials add a darker and more emotional layer to the story, particularly knowing the very real history behind them.

And I have to mention the author’s note! It was spectacular. I always love when an author shares the research and thought that went into a novel, and Madeleine Martin’s passion for this story and its history really came through. And don’t forget the recipes at the end! That was such a fun extra touch and a wonderful way to finish the book.

Historical fiction, witchcraft trials, family secrets, strong women, magical realism, and dual timelines, there was so much to enjoy here.

Definitely add A Time of Witches to your TBR! 🖤

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hanover Square Press, and Madeleine Martin for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ummuhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yazardan ilk defa bir kitap okudum. Kalemi biraz zorladı, doğruya doğru. Kurgunun teknik detaylarla süslenmesi de etkili bunda, Türkçe çıktığı zaman ki umarım çıkar, tekrar okumak isterim.
Kurgusu yazar notunu okuduktan sonra ayrı bir kazanıyor. Lilith ve Sybil ile yola çıkıp aslında orta çağ da katledilen kadınlara değinen, altı dolu bir hikaye vardı. Klasik bir tarihi kurgudan ziyade tarihte yaşanmış olaylardan yola çıkan yazar, gerçek kişilere de değinmeyi unutmamıştı.
Başlarda adapte olma noktasında zorlandım, doğruya doğru. Bir aşk hikayesi, romantik bir kitap değil bu. Ana karakteri kadınlar olan iki ayrı zamanda yaşanan bir sesini duyurma hikayesi.
Sybil ile 1645 yılında yaşamış bir kadının hayatına konuk oluyoruz. O zamanlarda zengin, yaşlı, güzel, dul, hastalıklı olması fark etmiyor. Tek derdi var olması olan kadınların yaşadığı zulümlere tanık olduk. Yazarın erkeklerin dünyasında yaşamaya çalışan akıllı kadınları anlatma biçimiydi bir nevi o yıllar.
Lilith ile de Savannah dan başlayıp İngiltere'ye uzanan bir kendini bulma hikayesine dahil olduk. Aslında aradan geçen yıllara rağmen bugün de biz kadınların sesimizi duyurmaya çalıştığımızı göstermek istemiş yazar. Büyücük ve bitkilerle harmanlanmış, fantastik yönlerin arasına azıcık bir kurgu serpiştirmiş.
Bu hikayeden bir aşk romanı beklemeyin.

Okuduğum kurguyu sevdim, zorlanmış olsam da altında yatan anlam beni sarmaladı. Ancak kurgu yönünde geçmiş kısımları okurken bir tık sıkıldığımı itiraf etmem gerek. Son dakika geçişleri, karakterler ve zamanlar arası atlamalar yorucu geldi. Bir de bazı sahneler -özellikle 1645 yılında geçen- olmasa da olurmuş hissi uyandırdı. Son kapanışta bile yazar heyecan katmak istemişti ama bana zorlama bir ilerleyiş gibi geldi.
Yine de iyi ki okudum. Böyle kurgular okumayı da seviyorum, bana iyi geliyorlar.

[MariaVi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨️
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Madeleine Martin continues to be an author I look forward to reading. I really enjoy her writing style, and A Time of Witches was no exception. Beautifully written, immersive, and engaging from beginning to end.
This story follows two women across dual timelines connected by family, hidden truths, resilience, and the courage to stand up for themselves in worlds that try to silence them. I especially appreciated the themes of strength, survival, identity, and women reclaiming their voices despite mistreatment and abuse. The emotional elements of the story felt authentic, and I found myself invested in both timelines.
The dual storyline was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. I enjoyed uncovering how the connections between past and present would unfold, and the pacing kept me turning pages.
The reason this wasn’t quite a full 5 stars for me was that one aspect of the timeline mechanics left me with questions. I wasn’t fully sure I understood how one part of the connection between timelines worked, and at times it felt a little circular in a way that made me wonder whether I had missed something or whether the ambiguity was intentional. A little more clarity there would have strengthened the reading experience for me.
That said, this did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Madeleine Martin once again delivered an atmospheric and compelling story with strong female characters and emotional depth.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, dual timelines, family secrets, and stories centered around strong women.
Thank you again to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. 📚✨

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to Harlequin Audio for the ALC of this book via Netgalley!

This audiobook was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, and she did such a fantastic job! I think that she has quickly become one of my favorite narrators, and I always get so excited when I see that she's narrated a book that I'm interested in!

I love a historical book that has elements of magic in it, and this one gave me exactly that!

Our present day FMC is Lillith, a woman from Savannah who has just received a really chilling fortune that if she doesn't save someone named Sybil, that she will cease to exist. Lillith goes home and does some digging through her mother's belongings and found some ancestry information that links her family back to an old English manor - naturally, she decides to give it a shot and fly across the Atlantic to see if she can find more information about her family's history and check out the manor. Once she arrives, the older woman who emailed her lets her know that the house has been "waiting for her," which seems a bit ominous.

Our past FMC is Sybil (yes, the same one that Lillith must save....somehow) lives in the 1600's, which was a time where women were accused and killed all in the name of "witchcraft" at the church's behest. Sybil has found herself accused of not only witchcraft but of the murder of her deceased husband and both accounts are almost never able to be contested during this time as ALL of the methods used were only to incriminate the women and were without any factual evidence of any real wrongdoing.

Somehow, Lillith has to find a way to save Sybil from the pyre, or else she will find herself to have never existed in the first place.

I loved this one, and it gave me all the autumn feels that I look for in a witchy historical novel.

[The Starry Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin is a time slip novel about witches, female empowerment, and magical inheritances...

Lilith Legare has an unusual life, with a strange connection to nature, recurring dreams of being burned at the stake, and a birthmark that won't stop tingling. When her recurring nightmare won't leave her alone, she discovers a connection to an centuries old estate in England where the answers to her haunting dream may finally be found. In 1600s England, Sybil Brantham is a healer with a special connection to the natural world, when she becomes wrongfully accused and jailed for being a witch. Through a magical spell, Lilith and Sybil are destined to help each other through time and reignite their earthy powers.

I really enjoyed this story. I have read many books about the witch trials, but I have never read a story where a woman is able to help another from being burned at the stake centuries into the future. This was a creative way to discuss generational trauma, magical inheritance, and ancestral healing. The graphic descriptions of Sybil and the other victims torture was hard to read at times and a stark reminder of the historical traumas each and every woman carries within herself. The earthy magic of the women in the story was a beautiful way to symbolically show the connection to nature and the craft of healing that women possess. I really liked the ending and its magical twist.

I would highly recommend A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin for fans of witchy stories, time slip adventures, and historical fantasies.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Ever since her mother's death, Lilith has started experiencing strange happenings. She swears she can hear nature, her birthmark keeps tingling, and she keeps having the same nightmare about a woman being burned at the stake. When her best friend convinces her to see a psychic, Lilith expects to hear the same tired script they give everyone, but instead, Lilith learns that she must save the woman in her vision or cease to exist. Lilith's investigation into her family history takes her from Savannah to the decaying Brackenmere Manor in England, where the past begins to blur with the present. Lilith uncovers a legacy that ties her to a woman named Sybil Brantham, who was tried as a witch and put to death in 1645. Now, Lilith has only a few days to rewrite history, or else she forfeits her future.

I've only read one other book by this author, but it immediately made me want to read everything by her, so I couldn't wait to pick this up. I loved the blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The dual timelines worked so well together. Martin did a brilliant job at weaving them together and making me equally invested in both women. It was harrowing watching everything that Sybil had to endure after being accused of witchcraft. I was so angry and frustrated on her behalf. It was interesting how she and Lilith were tied together, and I liked how no one seemed to make a big deal out of Lilith's powers. Even though I figured Lilith was going to find a way to save Sybil and herself, I couldn't help but feel so stressed about how she'd pull it off. If you want an atmospheric story about women reclaiming their power, I highly recommend checking it out.

[Ash [Ginggercakes] · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: death, cancer, terminal illness, death of a parent, incarceration, torture, injury, bullying, emotional abuse, sexual assault, rape, abandonment, religious bigotry

She did not even have a whisper of the earth’s power. All she had was the fortitude of a woman protecting what she loved. And a vow to live long enough to see this man fall.

I loved the historical aspect and the magic sprinkled throughout this story — more of a connection to the earth and intention than cauldrons and spells — but the dual timeline is where I struggled. Everything felt so much stronger in the past timeline as there was a lot more weight to it than the present timeline, more structured and intense plotline, more information, more character connections, even the glimpses of romance and lost love hit with such accuracy. Unfortunately, the present timeline did not have that: the romance was lacking, the characters were interesting and sweet but other than a seemingly lovely friendship the character chemistry felt flat, and the plotline felt pieced together and didn’t flow as well as the past timeline did. The past timeline carried this book, it was incredible to read - descriptive, interesting, emotionally gripping — and the plot of the book as a whole was incredibly exciting but for some reason the present time line fumbled that as well. Its hard to rate a book that I have such complicated feelings about but at the end of the day I did enjoy it and I’m glad I got the opportunity to read it.

I was so grateful to receive this book as an ARC from Harper Collins and Netgalley, all thoughts and opinions listed above are my own.

[Shradha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

"A Time of Witches" is an example of a book that you don't want to think too deeply about, lest the plot holes ruin the magic. The historical portions are well done, and the descriptions of the hardships and torture of the witch trials are very well researched. (I appreciated the fact that one of our main characters, Sybil, was being threatened with being burned at the stake, not because of her being accused of witchcraft, but because of simultaneously being accused of petty treason. A small historical detail, but one that shows that the author was invested.)

The weakest portion of the book would have to be the modern day narrative. Lilith is a mainly passive character, and at first this fits her history of being emotionally abused by her mother growing up. Yet, despite the inclusion of magic rituals meant to affirm her agency, she never really makes much of a mark on the narrative, save for a brief moment near the end. And, quite frankly, this moment could have easily been executed by one of the characters in the past had Martin decided to make this a purely historical fantasy. Most of her story arc seems to revolve around her blossoming romance with Asher, the current owner of Sybil's mansion, which honestly seems a bit of a waste.

I understand the message that Martin was trying to go for, and as a historical fantasy extolling the power of women should they choose it, it's a fun read. Just skim through the chapters from the present day.

Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for allowing me to read a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gripping and powerful read. Haunting, magical, and deeply emotional, it pulled me in completely. The writing was beautiful, and the meticulous research was clearly evident. This book gave me all the feels—hurt, frustration, heartbreak, and so much rage over the horrific way women were treated during this dark period in history.

Madeline Martin does a magnificent job of transporting you into the lives of these unjustly condemned women. When they were locked inside a filthy cell, I felt as though I were right there beside them, experiencing their fear, pain, and desperation. I could feel the sheer evil and injustice of it all, and I hurt for them as they were starved, tortured, and ultimately put to death. A couple of scenes in particular absolutely broke my heart and left me in tears.

And yet, alongside all the darkness, this was also an incredibly empowering story about the strength of women and the power of friendship, solidarity, and support. The women who refused to back down or be silenced had me cheering them on. Their courage was truly inspiring.

The dual timeline was exceptionally well done, with both threads unfolding beautifully and coming together in such a satisfying and meaningful way.

I read this via audiobook. Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators, and once again, she delivered a phenomenal performance. She brings so much emotion, nuance, and depth to the story, making an already powerful book an even more moving experience.

I received a copy for review from NetGalley, but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows two women with a connection that was over two hundred years old.
Lilith Legare is our present day woman who after her mother's death, finds herself with strange powers, including the fact that plants and animals seem to be attracted to her., and the birthmark on her arm seems to react in unusual ways.However, she has a recurring nightmare of being burned at the stake.

In the past, we meet Sybil Brantham, a woman who unjustly has been accused of witchcraft and is due to be burned at the stake.

The story explores the connection between these two ladies as the times of of the seventeenth century and England's treatment of women who were oftentimes accused of being witches by men who were covetous of them.

However, there is a connection to the earth that both of these ladies possess and another deeper allegiance that binds them through the centuries.

I enjoyed the premise but the set up to the story was often confusing as the chapters alternated between the ladies and for me, I did lost track sometimes of events.

If you do enjoy "witches's" stories than I am sure you would like this telling as Ms Martin did her due diligence in researching and traveling to the place of many witch burnings, hangings, and drownings. Men were in total control and many of them were corrupt and held a hatred for a successful woman.

It surprises me still that people enjoyed watching the spectacle of death and were so easily led to believe anything. I think that is still the case today sadly.

[Jackie (thebookishwray) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you HTP Books and the Hive for the gifted book and ALC!

I love Madeline Martin’s writing and I was very intrigued by the witch trials aspect, so I was really excited to receive this one!

This book was so well written and even before reading the author’s note, I could tell she had put so much into researching this story! All of the topics were handled with such care. It was such a beautifully written and emotional story. For most of the book I either had chills or tears in my eyes. The story focuses on women’s empowerment, reclaiming your voice, power and resilience. It takes place in both the past and present, where two women are connected through a birthmark. I really enjoyed the dual timelines and uncovering how the past and present would connect. I thought Aunt Jacqueline was the perfect character to help connect the past with the present. I also loved all the familiars! One of them was a skunk, which was absolutely hilarious. I also liked how both of the characters stories ended. They both got their HEA but in very different ways. I thought Lilith’s was perfect.

“Their world was one of empowerment, of strong women with even stronger voices, even for those who try not to listen. Now is the time for the daughters of the earth, needed more than ever to bolster the women of the world, to amplify those voices. Now was the time to reclaim the power, for now was a time of witches.”


I highly recommend this book for those who like historical fiction and want a little magic mixed in!

[Persis Lassiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin was a beautifully atmospheric read filled with history, magic, family secrets, and the strength of women who refused to be forgotten. 🖤🕯️

I was completely pulled into this haunting story of witchcraft, ancestral connections, and the powerful bond between women across generations. I loved the dual timelines and how Lilith and Sybil’s stories slowly unfolded, revealing the ways their lives were connected and the secrets that had been carried through time.

The historical elements surrounding the witch trials were heartbreaking and added so much emotional depth to the story. Sybil’s journey of fighting against fear, betrayal, and a world determined to silence women was one of the most powerful parts of the book.

The gothic atmosphere, mysterious manor setting, and themes of discovering your roots and reclaiming your own power made this such an enchanting read. Madeline Martin’s writing pulled me into the world and gave me all the witchy, historical fiction vibes I love.

While the pacing felt slower in some moments, the emotional journey and the message behind the story made it completely worth it. If you love historical fiction with a touch of magic, strong female characters, family secrets, and hauntingly beautiful storytelling, this is one to add to your TBR. ✨

A gorgeous reminder that the power, stories, and voices of women can survive through generations. 🖤