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The Catalain Book of Secrets
The Catalain Book of Secrets
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
3 days and 22:14:02
100 copies available
U.S. only
Faith Falls is a snug little Minnesota town constructed over a mystery, a place where the most impressive building is a gorgeous Queen Anne with turrets, cantilevered gables, and a wraparound porch. In a concealed room beneath the twisting stairs of the Queen Anne lies the Catalain Book of Secrets, the repository of the wisdom the Catalain women have gathered since the beginning of time.
Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered appears at her door in a new form. His return pulls Jasmine, Ursula's daughter, back into the fold. Once the most powerful of the Catalains, Jasmine foreswore her gift to bury a shameful secret.
The ghost of the murdered man also calls home Katrine, Jasmine's sister, who's been banished for fourteen years. Finally able to return to Faith Falls and the beloved Queen Anne, Katrine must claim the Catalain power she's spent her whole life running from if she is to save her mother and sister from the murdered man's curse.
Told in a majestic mosaic of strong women's voices, The Catalain Book of Secrets weaves together alchemy, hope, tragedy, and true love to spin a tale in the style of Garden Spells, Eva Luna, and Practical Magic.
Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered appears at her door in a new form. His return pulls Jasmine, Ursula's daughter, back into the fold. Once the most powerful of the Catalains, Jasmine foreswore her gift to bury a shameful secret.
The ghost of the murdered man also calls home Katrine, Jasmine's sister, who's been banished for fourteen years. Finally able to return to Faith Falls and the beloved Queen Anne, Katrine must claim the Catalain power she's spent her whole life running from if she is to save her mother and sister from the murdered man's curse.
Told in a majestic mosaic of strong women's voices, The Catalain Book of Secrets weaves together alchemy, hope, tragedy, and true love to spin a tale in the style of Garden Spells, Eva Luna, and Practical Magic.
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First published December 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 15, 2018
Lourey, a successful murder-mystery author, has begun a promising foray into magical realism with this tale. While maybe a bit too reminiscent of Alice Hoffman, particularly Practical Magic, the story is strong, the characters are engaging, and the premise is promising.
Katrine Catalain feels strongly compelled to return to the small Minnesota town in which she grew up, reeling from her husband's betrayal, to find comfort with her family (who happen to be witches). She's been away for 15 years, and a lot has changed. For one thing, her sister Jasmine doesn't seem to want to do magic anymore and although Katrine believes it was Jasmine who called her home, Jasmine doesn't seem to want anything to do with her. While Katrine comes to terms with her heartbreak; gets to know her young niece, Tara; and tries to repair relationships; she is unaware that the family curse is stalking both her and Tara, and that Jasmine's secrets might be the key to breaking it.
Being a sucker for both magical realism and Minnesota authors, I just had to request this book when I saw it come available on NetGalley. I was really not at all disappointed! I hope to read more from this author, and wouldn't mind another book set in the world of the Catalains.
Katrine Catalain feels strongly compelled to return to the small Minnesota town in which she grew up, reeling from her husband's betrayal, to find comfort with her family (who happen to be witches). She's been away for 15 years, and a lot has changed. For one thing, her sister Jasmine doesn't seem to want to do magic anymore and although Katrine believes it was Jasmine who called her home, Jasmine doesn't seem to want anything to do with her. While Katrine comes to terms with her heartbreak; gets to know her young niece, Tara; and tries to repair relationships; she is unaware that the family curse is stalking both her and Tara, and that Jasmine's secrets might be the key to breaking it.
Being a sucker for both magical realism and Minnesota authors, I just had to request this book when I saw it come available on NetGalley. I was really not at all disappointed! I hope to read more from this author, and wouldn't mind another book set in the world of the Catalains.
December 19, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/12/19...
Publisher: Toadhouse
Publishing Date: January 2015
ISBN: 9780990834212
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.5/5
Publisher Description: Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered when she was 12 appears at her door in a new form. His return pulls Jasmine, Ursula’s daughter, back into the fold. Once believed to be the most powerful of the Catalains, she foreswore her gift years before to bury a shameful secret. The ghost of the murdered man also calls home Katrine, Jasmine’s sister, who has been banished for fourteen years. Finally able to return to Faith Falls and the beloved Queen Anne, Katrine must claim her true Catalain power to save her mother and sister from the dark family curse.
Review: This really wasn’t a book built for logical and cogent people that operate in the real world. I guess that’s why we have escapist fiction. This novel really didn’t transport my imagination anywhere. It was at once pedantic, verbose and filled with internal ruminations. Much like a cow chewing endlessly while standing in a field, this novel encompassed the realities and past experiences of three very boring people.
Most of this novel reads like a journal diary or an expository oration where the characters are just there to educate and inform the reader. There is some man crushing by one of the witch girls which flattens the story line even more. I have read this story numerous times in all its clichéd’ inventions. From Accession to the Witches of Eastwick only this iteration is neither creative nor riveting. A very good writer with a bad idea.
Publisher: Toadhouse
Publishing Date: January 2015
ISBN: 9780990834212
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.5/5
Publisher Description: Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered when she was 12 appears at her door in a new form. His return pulls Jasmine, Ursula’s daughter, back into the fold. Once believed to be the most powerful of the Catalains, she foreswore her gift years before to bury a shameful secret. The ghost of the murdered man also calls home Katrine, Jasmine’s sister, who has been banished for fourteen years. Finally able to return to Faith Falls and the beloved Queen Anne, Katrine must claim her true Catalain power to save her mother and sister from the dark family curse.
Review: This really wasn’t a book built for logical and cogent people that operate in the real world. I guess that’s why we have escapist fiction. This novel really didn’t transport my imagination anywhere. It was at once pedantic, verbose and filled with internal ruminations. Much like a cow chewing endlessly while standing in a field, this novel encompassed the realities and past experiences of three very boring people.
Most of this novel reads like a journal diary or an expository oration where the characters are just there to educate and inform the reader. There is some man crushing by one of the witch girls which flattens the story line even more. I have read this story numerous times in all its clichéd’ inventions. From Accession to the Witches of Eastwick only this iteration is neither creative nor riveting. A very good writer with a bad idea.
December 14, 2014
"It's only possible to provide help when it's asked for. The rest of the time, all you can give is love."
(My favorite quote from the book)
Four generations of women are living alone with their guilt/grief/personal demons. Each also has a unique gift to help them navigate the world. The curse that came about to hurt them all is here to destroy them again.
There were parts of this book that were very raw. I'm guessing that the author is intimately acquainted with grief since she was so apt at capturing it on paper.
There is a lot of internal dialogue, memories, and shifting points of view. I like that sort of thing but many people find it distracting. The writing is poetic and evokes a melancholy and yearning feeling throughout the book. Some may find it a bit too flowery, but I felt it set the mood for the tone of the book. I do think it took a little to long to get to the climax of the book. I'm a more patient reader than most, so I think some people may find this their biggest gripe of the book.
There was a good focus on the strength of women and how we can nurture each other through personal demons (or be horrendously viscous to each other).
I found the ending satisfying, but at one point in the last chapter, I felt like I was reading a completely different style/author. I'm not sure if it was the writing style that changed to match the change in tone or what, but it was noticeable. The best books keep me ignorant to the fact that I'm reading, and that moment brought me out of the magic of the book for some reason.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, haunting read for me. Just a few nit-picky things above to be aware of in case they are deal breakers for you.
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As this was an advance reader copy, the quote listed above may not be the same as in the final copy of the book.
Four generations of women are living alone with their guilt/grief/personal demons. Each also has a unique gift to help them navigate the world. The curse that came about to hurt them all is here to destroy them again.
There were parts of this book that were very raw. I'm guessing that the author is intimately acquainted with grief since she was so apt at capturing it on paper.
There is a lot of internal dialogue, memories, and shifting points of view. I like that sort of thing but many people find it distracting. The writing is poetic and evokes a melancholy and yearning feeling throughout the book. Some may find it a bit too flowery, but I felt it set the mood for the tone of the book. I do think it took a little to long to get to the climax of the book. I'm a more patient reader than most, so I think some people may find this their biggest gripe of the book.
There was a good focus on the strength of women and how we can nurture each other through personal demons (or be horrendously viscous to each other).
I found the ending satisfying, but at one point in the last chapter, I felt like I was reading a completely different style/author. I'm not sure if it was the writing style that changed to match the change in tone or what, but it was noticeable. The best books keep me ignorant to the fact that I'm reading, and that moment brought me out of the magic of the book for some reason.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, haunting read for me. Just a few nit-picky things above to be aware of in case they are deal breakers for you.
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As this was an advance reader copy, the quote listed above may not be the same as in the final copy of the book.
January 14, 2015
I contributed to the Kickstarter project that made this book possible, and I am so glad that I did. In Jessica Lourey's Catalain Book of Secrets, a family of witches fight a curse in Faith Falls, a snug little Minnesota town that is disrupted every 25 years by an eruption of snakes and evil.
Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered when she was 12 appears at her door in a new form. He comes for the rest of her family: her daughters and grand-daughter. It will take powerful magic to break this curse, but the Catalain women are far from their most powerful. They each hide secrets that keep them from trusting each other or their gifts.
Lourey spins a tale thick and warm with suspense, family love and family hate, spells and potions, hope and magic. But I think her true gift to the reader is her wonderful language. So many times I savored a sentence here or there, rolled them around in my mind: "The house creaked, almost as if it wished for arms to hold them." She writes of hearts "lined with ice" and gazes that "felt like butterfly fingers." Let yourself visit Faith Falls, step over a snake or two, and enjoy.
Ursula Catalain, current keeper of the Book of Secrets, is content to concoct spells in her garden cottage until the ghost of the man she murdered when she was 12 appears at her door in a new form. He comes for the rest of her family: her daughters and grand-daughter. It will take powerful magic to break this curse, but the Catalain women are far from their most powerful. They each hide secrets that keep them from trusting each other or their gifts.
Lourey spins a tale thick and warm with suspense, family love and family hate, spells and potions, hope and magic. But I think her true gift to the reader is her wonderful language. So many times I savored a sentence here or there, rolled them around in my mind: "The house creaked, almost as if it wished for arms to hold them." She writes of hearts "lined with ice" and gazes that "felt like butterfly fingers." Let yourself visit Faith Falls, step over a snake or two, and enjoy.
August 1, 2018
Not worth the 99 ¢ I paid for this...
Hard to believe that this was written by a seasoned author....started off well but bogged down in the middle and became tedious and boring...kept reading in hopes that it would get better...
It didn't....waste of time
Hard to believe that this was written by a seasoned author....started off well but bogged down in the middle and became tedious and boring...kept reading in hopes that it would get better...
It didn't....waste of time
April 23, 2022
I took a couple of stars off because I just don’t think this genre is a fit for me. The character development and world building is strong but I just couldn’t get into the premise. I recommend for people who like magic realism.
April 18, 2026
This is a re-release of a previously release story under a different title with “editorial” changes. The story did not show any hiccups in style, with the exception of the ending which did seem to change style of writing a slight bit. Nothing where you can feel that the author has re-written chunks of the book
This story follows a family who happens to be witches, and when one returns after 15 years gone, may things have changed Magical occurrences begin to happen, snakes find their way above ground, and the family begins to question each other. There is a deep feeling of healing / guilt/ grief in which you as a reader feel, though not so heavy as to be depressing. The way the characters interact is like a true family, being both mean and protective, strong and angry but also each others biggest supports.
The writing is poetic to read, very lyrical even in the way things are described. Not at all “fantasy” forward but a realistic look at what life could be like for a family—like any other—that just happens to be magical.
May 8, 2026
My senses were bursting with the play on words by this author. My eyes read it and I saw the color of “smoker’s teeth”. My brain was filled with fantastical images. I smelled the “sage and cucumber”. I felt the anxiety as her heart exploded to know “she was coming”. The movement of hair behind the ears into “question marks”. Brilliant play on words!
This book represents a strong story about magical realism and 4 generations of amazing women living with all that life throws at them. But, the curse! Oh! The curse! It brings them all together with their unique gifts and their secrets must show transparency.
Thank you! This was a fantastical read! I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As this was an advance reader copy.
This book represents a strong story about magical realism and 4 generations of amazing women living with all that life throws at them. But, the curse! Oh! The curse! It brings them all together with their unique gifts and their secrets must show transparency.
Thank you! This was a fantastical read! I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As this was an advance reader copy.
Read
March 15, 2016The description makes major claims: a book that is in the style of Garden Spells (by Sarah Addison Lee), Eva Luna (Isabel Allende) and Practical Magic (Alice Hoffman). The trouble is that whilst all three of these books are magic realist books with strong female characters they are very different and appeal to different readerships. Of these readerships I think the Addison Lee crowd are the ones who are going to have most problems - with the rape that forms a major plot element in the book and with Ursula's sexual promiscuity. You know that I do not have a problem with grittiness in a story (it's one of the reasons I like Alice Hoffman) but others will and I don't understand why you would invite Addison Lee readers to buy the book.
So what did I make of The Catalain Book of Secrets? There is a lot of magic in this book - all the Catalain women are witches and each has a different form of magic. One makes magic food, one brews potions in the garden shed, one makes magic sweets, one sees people's potential, another their emotional wounds... Usually in magic-realist books (particularly of this type) the central characters will have one form of magic. Add to this that the Catalain witches are fighting a demon and I begin to wonder if this is close to being urban fantasy or something similar.
A main theme of the book is that of sisterhood both in the literal sense but also in the sense of the sisterhood of women in the face of violent men. As the Catalain Book of Secrets says:
"Nothing multiplies your power like a sister."
And the converse is also the case: what weakens women's power are secrets kept from one another, silence in the face of male abuse, and the rivalry and tensions we feel for one another. When the Catalain women act on their own, they are too weak to take on the male demon, but when all seven act together...
The mother/daughter relationship is also explored with both Ursula and Jasmine trying not to be like their mothers and making different mistakes. As a mother and a daughter that theme rings very true to me.
This is a more demanding book than those by Addison Lee and similar cosy magic realism writers. Not only because you are made to think, but also because of the narrative style. The book is written from the points of view of the main characters and moves between them. There is also some movement in the time settings. This does have the effect of slowing the book a bit as we get up to pace with the different characters, but after a while the story really kicks off. The author's slightly poetic style of description also might slow things for some people, but I enjoyed her turns of phrase - there are some particularly good descriptions of taste as you might expect given the food magic.
I understand that this is Jessica Lourey's first magic-realist book and one which she used crowdfunding to publish - she already has a successful career as a writer of mysteries. I am fascinated to find out why she decided to diversify into magic realism and will be interested to see what she produces next.
I received a free review copy from the author in return for a fair review.
So what did I make of The Catalain Book of Secrets? There is a lot of magic in this book - all the Catalain women are witches and each has a different form of magic. One makes magic food, one brews potions in the garden shed, one makes magic sweets, one sees people's potential, another their emotional wounds... Usually in magic-realist books (particularly of this type) the central characters will have one form of magic. Add to this that the Catalain witches are fighting a demon and I begin to wonder if this is close to being urban fantasy or something similar.
A main theme of the book is that of sisterhood both in the literal sense but also in the sense of the sisterhood of women in the face of violent men. As the Catalain Book of Secrets says:
"Nothing multiplies your power like a sister."
And the converse is also the case: what weakens women's power are secrets kept from one another, silence in the face of male abuse, and the rivalry and tensions we feel for one another. When the Catalain women act on their own, they are too weak to take on the male demon, but when all seven act together...
The mother/daughter relationship is also explored with both Ursula and Jasmine trying not to be like their mothers and making different mistakes. As a mother and a daughter that theme rings very true to me.
This is a more demanding book than those by Addison Lee and similar cosy magic realism writers. Not only because you are made to think, but also because of the narrative style. The book is written from the points of view of the main characters and moves between them. There is also some movement in the time settings. This does have the effect of slowing the book a bit as we get up to pace with the different characters, but after a while the story really kicks off. The author's slightly poetic style of description also might slow things for some people, but I enjoyed her turns of phrase - there are some particularly good descriptions of taste as you might expect given the food magic.
I understand that this is Jessica Lourey's first magic-realist book and one which she used crowdfunding to publish - she already has a successful career as a writer of mysteries. I am fascinated to find out why she decided to diversify into magic realism and will be interested to see what she produces next.
I received a free review copy from the author in return for a fair review.
December 17, 2014
The Catalain Book of Secrets by Jessica Lourey is a delightful and magical book! The Catalain ladies are magical. Velda, Ursula, Helena, Xenia, Katrine, Jasmine, and Tara are the Catalain women. Each has their own magical gift. Katrine has been gone from Faith Falls for a number of years, but has now felt the call to come home. Jasmine (Katrine’s sister) has been keeping a secret, and, unfortunately, secrets can be this families undoing. You need to read The Catalain Book of Secrets to see what happens to these magical ladies and how revealing their secrets can free them. I loved this book and did not want it to end. I hope there will be more books about the Catalain family.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
January 8, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing itself was a bit disjointed and seemed to assume the reader knew these characters as well as the author did. Skipping past that, you are then faced with the rampant promiscuity of the Catalain family. Throw in a heaping helping of spells, incantations, and candle rituals and you have this book in a hand basket.
Not for me.
The writing itself was a bit disjointed and seemed to assume the reader knew these characters as well as the author did. Skipping past that, you are then faced with the rampant promiscuity of the Catalain family. Throw in a heaping helping of spells, incantations, and candle rituals and you have this book in a hand basket.
Not for me.
March 18, 2015
***disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
DNF 12%
There is nothing terribly wrong with this book. I found it boring and knew early on it was not a book for me. I think women who have gone through a divorce and enjoy magical realism will like this book.
DNF 12%
There is nothing terribly wrong with this book. I found it boring and knew early on it was not a book for me. I think women who have gone through a divorce and enjoy magical realism will like this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A haunting, hypnotic tale of trauma, family, love, power, and healing, The Blackthorn Women was an enchanting trip into Ms. Lourey’s oh so very talented mind. With a creeping sense of foreboding that further expressed the atmospheric vibes, the Practical Magic-like feel to this one were only the beginning of the fun. You see, the emotional depth to this novel was quite the unexpected bonus. Paired with the enigmatic mystery lying just beneath the family’s dark secrets, the magical realism-meets-gothic suspense plot had me utterly glued to the pages. After all, this tangled web of relationships told a thought-provoking and heartfelt story that had an underlying edge of quiet tension. Weaving a magical spell over me in no time at all, this book easily became a one-sitting read as I ate up every single word.
Let me back up just a minute, however. You see, I don’t want to shine a light on only one side of this story as I gush away. On top of the touching side of this witchy read, there was also a dark, redemptive plot of women coming together to stand up against evil men. And let me tell you, that’s one of my all-time favorite themes. Combined with the handful of serious topics—all of which were handled with sensitivity and care—and I was quickly blown away by the oppressive yet poignant feel of this dynamite tale. So if you are a fan of Alice Hoffman or just love books packed with girl power and ghosts from the past, grab this one now. Poetic, immersive, unique, and heart-wrenching, it was yet another story from Lourey that not only packed a punch but was impossible to put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
P.S. Please oh please say that there’s going to be a sequel??? After all, I need more time with this family!
SYNOPSIS:
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
Thank you Jess Lourey and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 26, 2026
Content warning: infidelity, poisoning, murder, sexual content, sexual assault, mention of: domestic abuse, child abuse, molestation
Let me back up just a minute, however. You see, I don’t want to shine a light on only one side of this story as I gush away. On top of the touching side of this witchy read, there was also a dark, redemptive plot of women coming together to stand up against evil men. And let me tell you, that’s one of my all-time favorite themes. Combined with the handful of serious topics—all of which were handled with sensitivity and care—and I was quickly blown away by the oppressive yet poignant feel of this dynamite tale. So if you are a fan of Alice Hoffman or just love books packed with girl power and ghosts from the past, grab this one now. Poetic, immersive, unique, and heart-wrenching, it was yet another story from Lourey that not only packed a punch but was impossible to put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
P.S. Please oh please say that there’s going to be a sequel??? After all, I need more time with this family!
SYNOPSIS:
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
Thank you Jess Lourey and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 26, 2026
Content warning: infidelity, poisoning, murder, sexual content, sexual assault, mention of: domestic abuse, child abuse, molestation
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of The Blackthorn Women, by Jess Lourey, from Thomas & Mercer /NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
As several other reviewers have pointed out, this book is very much in the vein of Practical Magic.
And you know what? That’s OK. Because we really can’t get enough good books about the power of love—especially when one comes with a semi-sentient house, a multi-generational family of strong women, and wonderful descriptions of kitchen and garden magic.
That snakening, though? That I might could’ve done without. Gives me the heebie-jeebies just writing about it now. But it certainly was the right thing for this book!
Great way to escape for a few hours and read in the pretty spring sunshine. When I finished I wanted to water all my plants that I moved from inside to the deck, screened porch, and yard this weekend (done) and then go inside and make some avgolemono (still to come). So this book definitely worked its spell on me!
DESCRIPTION
A terrible family curse threatens four generations of women in a spellbinding novel of haunting secrets, magic, and healing by the Edgar Award–nominated author of The Taken Ones.
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
Revised edition: Previously published as The Catalain Book of Secrets, this edition of The Blackthorn Women includes editorial revisions.
Received a complimentary copy of The Blackthorn Women, by Jess Lourey, from Thomas & Mercer /NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
As several other reviewers have pointed out, this book is very much in the vein of Practical Magic.
And you know what? That’s OK. Because we really can’t get enough good books about the power of love—especially when one comes with a semi-sentient house, a multi-generational family of strong women, and wonderful descriptions of kitchen and garden magic.
That snakening, though? That I might could’ve done without. Gives me the heebie-jeebies just writing about it now. But it certainly was the right thing for this book!
Great way to escape for a few hours and read in the pretty spring sunshine. When I finished I wanted to water all my plants that I moved from inside to the deck, screened porch, and yard this weekend (done) and then go inside and make some avgolemono (still to come). So this book definitely worked its spell on me!
DESCRIPTION
A terrible family curse threatens four generations of women in a spellbinding novel of haunting secrets, magic, and healing by the Edgar Award–nominated author of The Taken Ones.
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
Revised edition: Previously published as The Catalain Book of Secrets, this edition of The Blackthorn Women includes editorial revisions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jess Lourey’s The Blackthorn Women is about, well, The Blackthorn women. It’s a revised edition of Lourey’s 2014 novel, The Catalain Book of Secrets. A family of witches comes together to battle the curse of a spiteful paedophile of a husband. This involves coming to terms with their own flaws and secrets and extending forgiveness to their mothers, daughters and sisters. Don’t go in lured by the mysteriously dark cover, because all the witchery in this book amounts to homely herbalism and positive ‘practical magic’. It's really a book of family and community joining forces to protect their innocent from violent assault.
The major theme is of intergenerational trauma and how people try, in their own way, to break the cycle. However, as in Jasmine's case, attempts to shield others without dealing with one’s own share of trauma first leads only to the festering of wounds. In Ursula's case, her efforts to be a good mother while keeping secrets from her daughters only creates distances between them. Closure is reached when secrets are shared and empathized with.
The sexual promiscuity of the older Blackthorn women is what I couldn't understand. Looking for love in the wrong places is a thing, but why seduce married men just for the sake of physical satisfaction? None of the men seem to hold any emotional significance for them. Dagmar Baum seems to be villainised for nothing. The younger Blackthorn's look for love and stability, and that is understandable, though the almost instantaneous connection between people seemed far-fetched to the ever-so-cynical me.
The nerd in me appreciated the thought that went behind naming the major women characters, and the explanatory mention of the genetic theory at the end.
The book was pleasant enough, but I did not find it to be a compelling read. It was a nicely rounded off narrative though, no jagged edges sticking out to mar the end product. A book that shows overcoming fear and shame is possible has a good heart, and I’d say it’s a 3.75⭐ read.
The major theme is of intergenerational trauma and how people try, in their own way, to break the cycle. However, as in Jasmine's case, attempts to shield others without dealing with one’s own share of trauma first leads only to the festering of wounds. In Ursula's case, her efforts to be a good mother while keeping secrets from her daughters only creates distances between them. Closure is reached when secrets are shared and empathized with.
The sexual promiscuity of the older Blackthorn women is what I couldn't understand. Looking for love in the wrong places is a thing, but why seduce married men just for the sake of physical satisfaction? None of the men seem to hold any emotional significance for them. Dagmar Baum seems to be villainised for nothing. The younger Blackthorn's look for love and stability, and that is understandable, though the almost instantaneous connection between people seemed far-fetched to the ever-so-cynical me.
The nerd in me appreciated the thought that went behind naming the major women characters, and the explanatory mention of the genetic theory at the end.
The book was pleasant enough, but I did not find it to be a compelling read. It was a nicely rounded off narrative though, no jagged edges sticking out to mar the end product. A book that shows overcoming fear and shame is possible has a good heart, and I’d say it’s a 3.75⭐ read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Blackthorn Women is a beautifully haunting novel—one that wraps you in its spell from the moment Katrine Blackthorn returns to Faith Falls and steps back into the tangle of magic, memory, and generational wounds she thought she’d left behind. There’s a quiet ache running through the story, the kind that lingers like the scent of something half‑remembered, and it gives the book a depth that’s as compelling as its mystery.
The Blackthorn women themselves are irresistible. Velda with her effortless charm, Ursula with her sharp instincts and protective edge, and Jasmine, fragile in ways no one dares to name. They feel like a family shaped by both love and fear, bound together by a curse that has shadowed them for generations. Katrine’s return unsettles everything, and the novel captures that sense of old magic stirring with a lovely, understated tension.
The omens—snakes rising with the thaw, a stranger arriving at just the wrong moment—give the story a creeping, atmospheric dread without ever overwhelming the emotional heart of it. What stands out most is the way the book balances the supernatural with the deeply human: grief, estrangement, the longing to heal what’s been broken, and the courage it takes to face the truths we’ve spent years avoiding.
As Katrine begins to confront the darkest secret of her lineage, the novel becomes not just a tale of curses and magic, but one of reclamation. It’s about rediscovering power, rewriting inherited stories, and choosing to break cycles rather than be defined by them.
Spellbinding, intimate, and quietly fierce, The Blackthorn Women is a gorgeous exploration of family, magic, and the kind of healing that doesn’t come easily—but is worth everything when it finally arrives.
with thanks to Jess Lourey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The Blackthorn women themselves are irresistible. Velda with her effortless charm, Ursula with her sharp instincts and protective edge, and Jasmine, fragile in ways no one dares to name. They feel like a family shaped by both love and fear, bound together by a curse that has shadowed them for generations. Katrine’s return unsettles everything, and the novel captures that sense of old magic stirring with a lovely, understated tension.
The omens—snakes rising with the thaw, a stranger arriving at just the wrong moment—give the story a creeping, atmospheric dread without ever overwhelming the emotional heart of it. What stands out most is the way the book balances the supernatural with the deeply human: grief, estrangement, the longing to heal what’s been broken, and the courage it takes to face the truths we’ve spent years avoiding.
As Katrine begins to confront the darkest secret of her lineage, the novel becomes not just a tale of curses and magic, but one of reclamation. It’s about rediscovering power, rewriting inherited stories, and choosing to break cycles rather than be defined by them.
Spellbinding, intimate, and quietly fierce, The Blackthorn Women is a gorgeous exploration of family, magic, and the kind of healing that doesn’t come easily—but is worth everything when it finally arrives.
with thanks to Jess Lourey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey is one of those books that really wants to be haunting, mysterious, and profound...and sometimes gets there, but not without wandering off for a bit first.
The premise is genuinely intriguing. Four generations of cursed women, a brooding family home, and a main character returning to deal with both personal baggage and whatever ominous nonsense her ancestors left behind. The small-town Minnesota setting does a lot of heavy lifting, bringing a chilly, gothic atmosphere that feels like something bad is always about to happen. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it just thinks about it for a while.
The strongest part of the book is the vibe. Lourey clearly knows how to build mood, and the themes of generational trauma and family secrets are compelling on paper. The magical elements add a layer of intrigue, though they occasionally feel more like a suggestion than a fully realized system.
Unfortunately, the pacing is where things start to wobble. This is very much a slow burn, and not always in a satisfying way. There are stretches where the story seems to stall out, as if it forgot it’s supposed to be going somewhere. By the time things pick up again, you might already be side-eyeing the page count.
The characters have potential, but they never quite reach it. Each of the Blackthorn women is meant to feel distinct and layered, yet they can come across as more sketch than portrait. The emotional moments are present, but they do not always hit with the weight they are aiming for.
In the end, The Blackthorn Women is an atmospheric read with a solid premise and some genuinely eerie moments. It just does not fully deliver on that promise. If you like slow, moody mysteries and do not mind a bit of narrative wandering, it is worth a try. If you are looking for something tighter or more intense, this one might test your patience.
The premise is genuinely intriguing. Four generations of cursed women, a brooding family home, and a main character returning to deal with both personal baggage and whatever ominous nonsense her ancestors left behind. The small-town Minnesota setting does a lot of heavy lifting, bringing a chilly, gothic atmosphere that feels like something bad is always about to happen. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it just thinks about it for a while.
The strongest part of the book is the vibe. Lourey clearly knows how to build mood, and the themes of generational trauma and family secrets are compelling on paper. The magical elements add a layer of intrigue, though they occasionally feel more like a suggestion than a fully realized system.
Unfortunately, the pacing is where things start to wobble. This is very much a slow burn, and not always in a satisfying way. There are stretches where the story seems to stall out, as if it forgot it’s supposed to be going somewhere. By the time things pick up again, you might already be side-eyeing the page count.
The characters have potential, but they never quite reach it. Each of the Blackthorn women is meant to feel distinct and layered, yet they can come across as more sketch than portrait. The emotional moments are present, but they do not always hit with the weight they are aiming for.
In the end, The Blackthorn Women is an atmospheric read with a solid premise and some genuinely eerie moments. It just does not fully deliver on that promise. If you like slow, moody mysteries and do not mind a bit of narrative wandering, it is worth a try. If you are looking for something tighter or more intense, this one might test your patience.
May 20, 2026
The Blackthorn Women had a lot going for it, especially in the way it built atmosphere and tension. The opening takes its time unfolding, but it creates an intriguing foundation that gradually pulls you into the story. The middle section was easily the strongest for me. It was haunting, eerie, and full of emotional tension that kept me invested. Because the buildup was so effective, the ending felt a little too neatly resolved in comparison, and I found myself wanting a bit more payoff after such a strong atmospheric climb.
The book also gave me strong vibes of Practical Magic, both in tone and overall story feel. While I personally struggled with Practical Magic’s more scattered writing style, The Blackthorn Women felt much more accessible and easier to settle into. At the same time, the similarities in plot and mood were noticeable enough that it often felt familiar rather than fully distinct.
One of the central themes here is the weight of secrets and the tendency for characters to sacrifice their own happiness for others. That emotional dynamic definitely added depth to the family relationships, though the constant withholding of information created a whole host of problems that could have easily been avoided with a conversation, which grew increasingly more frustrating as the story went on, especially since it wasn’t limited to the younger, more inexperienced characters. Still, if you enjoy family dramas built around buried truths and complicated emotional loyalties, there’s plenty here to appreciate.
Overall, I landed somewhere in the middle with this one. The atmosphere was immersive, creepy, and beautifully done, and that alone kept me engaged. While the reliance on miscommunication and the tidy ending didn’t completely work for me, I can absolutely see why readers who love moody, witchy family stories would enjoy it.
The book also gave me strong vibes of Practical Magic, both in tone and overall story feel. While I personally struggled with Practical Magic’s more scattered writing style, The Blackthorn Women felt much more accessible and easier to settle into. At the same time, the similarities in plot and mood were noticeable enough that it often felt familiar rather than fully distinct.
One of the central themes here is the weight of secrets and the tendency for characters to sacrifice their own happiness for others. That emotional dynamic definitely added depth to the family relationships, though the constant withholding of information created a whole host of problems that could have easily been avoided with a conversation, which grew increasingly more frustrating as the story went on, especially since it wasn’t limited to the younger, more inexperienced characters. Still, if you enjoy family dramas built around buried truths and complicated emotional loyalties, there’s plenty here to appreciate.
Overall, I landed somewhere in the middle with this one. The atmosphere was immersive, creepy, and beautifully done, and that alone kept me engaged. While the reliance on miscommunication and the tidy ending didn’t completely work for me, I can absolutely see why readers who love moody, witchy family stories would enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25⭐️ The Blackthorn Women is less your average family drama and more a twisted, almost gothic tale of witches, secrets and the legacy of a brutal curse. The story revolves around the complicated, and sometimes fraught, relationships between these women; mothers, daughters, and sisters, who are all bound not just by blood, but by the legacy of their power.
Central to the plot is the curse set by Charlie, a figure from the family’s past who is determined to see the Blackthorn women destroyed. That curse haunts every part of their lives, shaping their relationships, choices and even the way their small, insular town treats them.
Lourey doesn’t shy away from the messy realities: betrayal, grief and the sharp edges of mother-daughter conflict are woven throughout the story. But at its heart, the novel is about these women relying on each other and fighting to break free of what’s haunted them for generations. The supernatural elements are present but grounded; the real magic comes from the strength and complicated love the women share.
The town of Faith Falls feels almost like a character, always present and influencing events, adding an extra layer of tension. If you’re looking for a story with witches, intergenerational curses, and complex family ties, this book is a strong choice.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be excellent, which really added to the atmosphere and helped bring the story and characters to life.
Thank you to the publisher/author for providing me with an advanced complimentary copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
Central to the plot is the curse set by Charlie, a figure from the family’s past who is determined to see the Blackthorn women destroyed. That curse haunts every part of their lives, shaping their relationships, choices and even the way their small, insular town treats them.
Lourey doesn’t shy away from the messy realities: betrayal, grief and the sharp edges of mother-daughter conflict are woven throughout the story. But at its heart, the novel is about these women relying on each other and fighting to break free of what’s haunted them for generations. The supernatural elements are present but grounded; the real magic comes from the strength and complicated love the women share.
The town of Faith Falls feels almost like a character, always present and influencing events, adding an extra layer of tension. If you’re looking for a story with witches, intergenerational curses, and complex family ties, this book is a strong choice.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be excellent, which really added to the atmosphere and helped bring the story and characters to life.
Thank you to the publisher/author for providing me with an advanced complimentary copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*4.5 just because I wanted a little more. ARC from Netgalley.
Jess Lourey has never failed to surprise me with twists and turns. This was no different.
The Blackthorn women were pretty complex for as little time we spent with them. Right away you are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and you are not sure what to think. Why are these women so separated, what exactly happened to make Charlie curse the line of women?
The story pulls you into a cute hallmark movie town style. However we've got twists with adding in the snakening and the magic of these witches. So at this point I was very invested into each characters problem and how they were interconnected.
This book is a lot about women and how we need to stick together through thick and thin. Friendships, family relationships, seeing the bond being repaired between sisters.
I wish we had a prequel book to this. I want to know what Velda was like when she was young and why her husband was so terrible. I also want to find out how Ursulas life was. We get little snippets here and there when it talks about what her mother had her do. Other than that we do not know the relationship with her parents, just the they are not present much in her life.
I want to know how Jasmine and Katrine grew up and how high-school was. And the horrible incident that happened to Jasmine.
There is so much potential in other books for this series, I'm hopefully that they can be brought back to life again.
Jess Lourey has never failed to surprise me with twists and turns. This was no different.
The Blackthorn women were pretty complex for as little time we spent with them. Right away you are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and you are not sure what to think. Why are these women so separated, what exactly happened to make Charlie curse the line of women?
The story pulls you into a cute hallmark movie town style. However we've got twists with adding in the snakening and the magic of these witches. So at this point I was very invested into each characters problem and how they were interconnected.
This book is a lot about women and how we need to stick together through thick and thin. Friendships, family relationships, seeing the bond being repaired between sisters.
I wish we had a prequel book to this. I want to know what Velda was like when she was young and why her husband was so terrible. I also want to find out how Ursulas life was. We get little snippets here and there when it talks about what her mother had her do. Other than that we do not know the relationship with her parents, just the they are not present much in her life.
I want to know how Jasmine and Katrine grew up and how high-school was. And the horrible incident that happened to Jasmine.
There is so much potential in other books for this series, I'm hopefully that they can be brought back to life again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Jess Laurey and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC read through NetGalley.
Unfortunately, I’m DNFing The Blackthorn Women at around 20%.
I really tried to get into this one because the premise, magic system, and overall plotline are genuinely compelling. There’s definitely an interesting story here, and I can see why this book would work for a lot of readers.
That said, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
I tend to gravitate toward fast-paced fantasy that pulls you in quickly, and this felt much slower and more gradual in its pacing. At 20%, I was still struggling to fully connect with the story and felt a bit lost trying to piece together what was happening. For me, the narrative felt somewhat disjointed, which made it hard to stay engaged.
I don’t necessarily think this is a flaw in the book itself, it feels more like a mismatch between the book’s style and my personal reading preferences. This seems like the kind of story that takes its time building the world, unfolding the plot, and really ensuring you understand the main characters you follow. So I think readers who enjoy slower-burn fantasy and a more digestible, layered introduction to the story may really appreciate it.
While I wasn’t able to continue, I can absolutely see the appeal for the right audience. If you enjoy fantasy that eases you into its world rather than throwing you straight into the action, this could be a great fit.
Unfortunately, I’m DNFing The Blackthorn Women at around 20%.
I really tried to get into this one because the premise, magic system, and overall plotline are genuinely compelling. There’s definitely an interesting story here, and I can see why this book would work for a lot of readers.
That said, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
I tend to gravitate toward fast-paced fantasy that pulls you in quickly, and this felt much slower and more gradual in its pacing. At 20%, I was still struggling to fully connect with the story and felt a bit lost trying to piece together what was happening. For me, the narrative felt somewhat disjointed, which made it hard to stay engaged.
I don’t necessarily think this is a flaw in the book itself, it feels more like a mismatch between the book’s style and my personal reading preferences. This seems like the kind of story that takes its time building the world, unfolding the plot, and really ensuring you understand the main characters you follow. So I think readers who enjoy slower-burn fantasy and a more digestible, layered introduction to the story may really appreciate it.
While I wasn’t able to continue, I can absolutely see the appeal for the right audience. If you enjoy fantasy that eases you into its world rather than throwing you straight into the action, this could be a great fit.
May 9, 2026
I’d first like to thank NetGalley, Jess Lourey, and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jess Lourey is an auto buy author for me, so when I saw The Blackthorn Women pop up on NetGalley, hitting that apply button was an absolute no brainer. Going into this one, I truly wasn’t sure what to expect, especially knowing Jess is primarily known for her thrillers.
Though this story gave me some Practical Magic vibes, it quickly became clear that this was about so much more than revenge, witchcraft, or banishing demons. For me, at its core, this was a story about owning our truths, the power of sisterhood, family, healing from trauma, and learning to see ourselves as beautifully imperfect, even when life and other people have left their marks.
Did I enjoy the darker, more supernatural elements and the shedding of evil? Absolutely. But that wasn’t what pulled me in the most. What kept me glued to the pages was watching these women learn to save themselves and each other. There was something deeply empowering and emotional about their journeys.
I read this in one sitting and genuinely could not put it down. As someone who loves magical realism, this one absolutely worked for me. I will say I felt like a few parts of the story were left a bit unfinished, and I’d love to see this turn into a series so we can spend more time in this world and with these characters.
4 stars. ✨
Jess Lourey is an auto buy author for me, so when I saw The Blackthorn Women pop up on NetGalley, hitting that apply button was an absolute no brainer. Going into this one, I truly wasn’t sure what to expect, especially knowing Jess is primarily known for her thrillers.
Though this story gave me some Practical Magic vibes, it quickly became clear that this was about so much more than revenge, witchcraft, or banishing demons. For me, at its core, this was a story about owning our truths, the power of sisterhood, family, healing from trauma, and learning to see ourselves as beautifully imperfect, even when life and other people have left their marks.
Did I enjoy the darker, more supernatural elements and the shedding of evil? Absolutely. But that wasn’t what pulled me in the most. What kept me glued to the pages was watching these women learn to save themselves and each other. There was something deeply empowering and emotional about their journeys.
I read this in one sitting and genuinely could not put it down. As someone who loves magical realism, this one absolutely worked for me. I will say I felt like a few parts of the story were left a bit unfinished, and I’d love to see this turn into a series so we can spend more time in this world and with these characters.
4 stars. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey This book was excellent! I absolutely devoured it once I started it! If you love Practical Magic, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you so much to @jesslourey for this fantastic story! This is my first of your books, and I can't wait to dive into more!
Thanks also to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing (Thomas & Mercer) for the opportunity to read this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Sisters, Jasmine, and Katrine are raised in a family with a deep legacy of magical women who carry unique gifts. Their family also carries a murderous curse, kept secret for decades. This is a story of heartbreak and loss. It explores the terrible things that can happen to women at the hands of evil men. We see that secrets kept from the ones we love most can fester and rot until we become a shell of who we once were. When the curse threatens to truly destroy them, seven daughters, four generations must stand together if they ever hope to break the curse forever. They will have to own their secrets, admit their fears, and come together to save themselves and their town.
I highly recommend this novel! I think it will be flying off the shelves once it's released! It is a love letter of family, mistakes, connection, and redemption. It will have you staying up way too late to find out what happens next!
#TheBlackthornWomen #NetGalley #JessLourey #ThomasandMercer
Thank you so much to @jesslourey for this fantastic story! This is my first of your books, and I can't wait to dive into more!
Thanks also to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing (Thomas & Mercer) for the opportunity to read this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Sisters, Jasmine, and Katrine are raised in a family with a deep legacy of magical women who carry unique gifts. Their family also carries a murderous curse, kept secret for decades. This is a story of heartbreak and loss. It explores the terrible things that can happen to women at the hands of evil men. We see that secrets kept from the ones we love most can fester and rot until we become a shell of who we once were. When the curse threatens to truly destroy them, seven daughters, four generations must stand together if they ever hope to break the curse forever. They will have to own their secrets, admit their fears, and come together to save themselves and their town.
I highly recommend this novel! I think it will be flying off the shelves once it's released! It is a love letter of family, mistakes, connection, and redemption. It will have you staying up way too late to find out what happens next!
#TheBlackthornWomen #NetGalley #JessLourey #ThomasandMercer
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I am a Jess Lourey fan for life, and I was elated to find this book available on NetGalley! So thank you to the author and publisher for making this book easily accessible ahead of the pub date for a big fan like myself.
Jess has a way of crafting a story that draws you in and doesn’t let go. She writes characters who are not only interesting and relatable, they’re well rounded and make you want to learn more. The Blackthorn Women are no exception to this, and I found each character and perspective captivating. Reading about the creation of this story, I’m glad it came to light in the way that it did.
While this book does bring some dark themes, I think they were handled in a way that doesn’t make anything feel gratuitous or for shock value. Again, a testament to Jess’ writing — she handles the difficult topics that come up in her stories with a blend of reality, grace, and care.
Overall, while The Blackthorn Women isn’t typically a style of book I’d gravitate towards, I found myself getting lost in the story and wanting to know more about these incredible women (and the guys who love them!). In the questions at the end of the story, Jess asks if we’d want to see a prequel about Eva and Ennis Blackthorn, and of course my answer to that is ABSOLUTELY. :)
I am a Jess Lourey fan for life, and I was elated to find this book available on NetGalley! So thank you to the author and publisher for making this book easily accessible ahead of the pub date for a big fan like myself.
Jess has a way of crafting a story that draws you in and doesn’t let go. She writes characters who are not only interesting and relatable, they’re well rounded and make you want to learn more. The Blackthorn Women are no exception to this, and I found each character and perspective captivating. Reading about the creation of this story, I’m glad it came to light in the way that it did.
While this book does bring some dark themes, I think they were handled in a way that doesn’t make anything feel gratuitous or for shock value. Again, a testament to Jess’ writing — she handles the difficult topics that come up in her stories with a blend of reality, grace, and care.
Overall, while The Blackthorn Women isn’t typically a style of book I’d gravitate towards, I found myself getting lost in the story and wanting to know more about these incredible women (and the guys who love them!). In the questions at the end of the story, Jess asks if we’d want to see a prequel about Eva and Ennis Blackthorn, and of course my answer to that is ABSOLUTELY. :)
April 26, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the free ARC!
"And here's the thing about being a woman in this world: You grow so accustomed to pushing up against everything just for a little space of your own that sometimes you see a fight where there isn't one. [Pretending It’s Not Crazy] is a way we women help each other conserve energy for the battles that matter."
📚📚📚📚📚
my thoughts
It’s giving Practical Magic but instead of dooming the men they love, the Blackthorn women are doomed to have bad experiences with men.
I absolutely loved the snakening. The idea that snakes take over the town every so often is horrifying and symbolic. With it, carries the weight of the past murder the older witches of the family committed, coming back to both literally and figuratively bite them.
Following each member of the family to see their experience with the snakes and the ghost of the past was unique with such a large cast but I enjoyed how it provided perspective.
I really liked the writing style of the author. It felt unique and poetic at times.
trigger warnings
"And here's the thing about being a woman in this world: You grow so accustomed to pushing up against everything just for a little space of your own that sometimes you see a fight where there isn't one. [Pretending It’s Not Crazy] is a way we women help each other conserve energy for the battles that matter."
📚📚📚📚📚
my thoughts
It’s giving Practical Magic but instead of dooming the men they love, the Blackthorn women are doomed to have bad experiences with men.
I absolutely loved the snakening. The idea that snakes take over the town every so often is horrifying and symbolic. With it, carries the weight of the past murder the older witches of the family committed, coming back to both literally and figuratively bite them.
Following each member of the family to see their experience with the snakes and the ghost of the past was unique with such a large cast but I enjoyed how it provided perspective.
I really liked the writing style of the author. It felt unique and poetic at times.
trigger warnings
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75/5 star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️for me
Jess Lourey steps away from her usual thriller lane and delivers a haunting magical realism story centered around four women gifted with unique powers, all desperately trying to survive a curse threatening to destroy them. While magical realism is not typically my go-to genre, Lourey’s writing once again pulled me in with rich atmosphere, layered family dynamics, and an underlying sense of dread that kept the audiobook engaging from start to finish.
The story beautifully blends family, survival, magic, and generational secrets into a dark and emotional listening experience. The audiobook narration added an extra eerie layer to the story that made the tension and mystery feel even more immersive. While there were moments where the pacing slowed for me, I still found myself invested in the women and the unraveling curse tying them together.
Not my usual read, but Jess Lourey’s storytelling talent shines through even outside of thrillers. Fans of haunting family sagas, magical realism, and atmospheric stories filled with emotion and danger will likely enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early audiobook ARC!
Jess Lourey steps away from her usual thriller lane and delivers a haunting magical realism story centered around four women gifted with unique powers, all desperately trying to survive a curse threatening to destroy them. While magical realism is not typically my go-to genre, Lourey’s writing once again pulled me in with rich atmosphere, layered family dynamics, and an underlying sense of dread that kept the audiobook engaging from start to finish.
The story beautifully blends family, survival, magic, and generational secrets into a dark and emotional listening experience. The audiobook narration added an extra eerie layer to the story that made the tension and mystery feel even more immersive. While there were moments where the pacing slowed for me, I still found myself invested in the women and the unraveling curse tying them together.
Not my usual read, but Jess Lourey’s storytelling talent shines through even outside of thrillers. Fans of haunting family sagas, magical realism, and atmospheric stories filled with emotion and danger will likely enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early audiobook ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am rating this book with 3 out of 5 stars. Unfortunately, the reading experience did not live up to the high expectations I had developed, given the overwhelmingly positive buzz surrounding the author. I have two other novels by this same author waiting on my bookshelf, and I had truly hoped this title would serve as an exciting introduction to her work.
While this specific book ultimately did not resonate with me as a personal favorite, my overall impression of the author's talent remains positive, and I absolutely still intend to read her other books. I was particularly impressed with the initial chapters; the narrative started off with a compelling hook and a strong sense of direction. However, my engagement began to wane significantly around the halfway point. At that stage, I found the pacing slowed considerably, and the plot seemed to meander, causing me to lose interest and simply look forward to reaching the conclusion.
My thanks go to #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
While this specific book ultimately did not resonate with me as a personal favorite, my overall impression of the author's talent remains positive, and I absolutely still intend to read her other books. I was particularly impressed with the initial chapters; the narrative started off with a compelling hook and a strong sense of direction. However, my engagement began to wane significantly around the halfway point. At that stage, I found the pacing slowed considerably, and the plot seemed to meander, causing me to lose interest and simply look forward to reaching the conclusion.
My thanks go to #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2026
The Blackthorn Women
Jess Lourey
RePub: 5/26/26
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
My Thoughts:
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, if Jess Lourey writes it, I’m reading it. The Blackthorn Women (previously published as The Catalain Book of Secrets) was a multigenerational story filled will magic, darkness, curses, secrets, and so much healing. Lourey does such a fantastic job of setting the scene in her novels and I love the way she can have me on edge and totally creeped out. The snakening… OMG I swore I could hear and feel the snakes. All in all I enjoyed this one and hope we get to see more of the Blackthorn women.
What I enjoyed:
🐍 Magical Realism
🐍 Paranormal
🐍 Family Dynamics
🐍 MN Setting
🐍 Practical Magic Vibes
Thank you to Jess Lourey and NetGalley for the gifted copies.
Jess Lourey
RePub: 5/26/26
After her husband’s infidelity, devastated Katrine Blackthorn reluctantly returns to Faith Falls, Minnesota, to her family’s Queen Anne mansion on the hill and the magic that binds them all.
Her grandmother Velda charms everyone she meets. Her mother, Ursula, is a brewer of potions who sees a threat around every corner. And there’s her estranged sister, Jasmine, broken by something no one will name. With Katrine’s return, all that the Blackthorns have feared seems to be manifesting. The snakes amassing with the spring thaw and the stranger who’s rolled into town are just the first omens threatening the fragile peace the family is rebuilding.
Now Katrine must face the darkest secret of her lineage and rediscover her own magic if the Blackthorn women are to survive.
My Thoughts:
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, if Jess Lourey writes it, I’m reading it. The Blackthorn Women (previously published as The Catalain Book of Secrets) was a multigenerational story filled will magic, darkness, curses, secrets, and so much healing. Lourey does such a fantastic job of setting the scene in her novels and I love the way she can have me on edge and totally creeped out. The snakening… OMG I swore I could hear and feel the snakes. All in all I enjoyed this one and hope we get to see more of the Blackthorn women.
What I enjoyed:
🐍 Magical Realism
🐍 Paranormal
🐍 Family Dynamics
🐍 MN Setting
🐍 Practical Magic Vibes
Thank you to Jess Lourey and NetGalley for the gifted copies.
May 20, 2026
Practical Magic with a little bit of Snakes on a Plane.
A curse haunts multiple generations of witches in the Blackthorn bloodline, and they each try to fight it in their own way. If you like witchy girl power and gothic, magical realism: this one is for you.
I really enjoyed this book. Jess Lourey is an auto-buy author for me, and I'm always sucked into the story immediately. Lourey does an excellent job of following the rule "show me, don't tell me". The imagery of the setting is immersive, and the experiences of each of the witches were unique and equally heart-wrenching.
It felt like a book where every woman included was the main character, simultaneously. The town described feels like the same town described in her book "The Quarry Girls", which added an element of familiarity for me that I liked.
Splashes of generational trauma and various coping mechanisms are throughout, and there should probably be a few trigger warnings regarding the types of violence referenced and portrayed.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book!
A curse haunts multiple generations of witches in the Blackthorn bloodline, and they each try to fight it in their own way. If you like witchy girl power and gothic, magical realism: this one is for you.
I really enjoyed this book. Jess Lourey is an auto-buy author for me, and I'm always sucked into the story immediately. Lourey does an excellent job of following the rule "show me, don't tell me". The imagery of the setting is immersive, and the experiences of each of the witches were unique and equally heart-wrenching.
It felt like a book where every woman included was the main character, simultaneously. The town described feels like the same town described in her book "The Quarry Girls", which added an element of familiarity for me that I liked.
Splashes of generational trauma and various coping mechanisms are throughout, and there should probably be a few trigger warnings regarding the types of violence referenced and portrayed.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book!
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026This one is for the gals who love Practical Magic and small towns (especially gals from Minnesota).
I am a huge fan of Jess Lourey's Steinbeck and Reed series so when I saw she had a few new releases this year I had to hop on them!
This book is quite a change from what I am used to from Lourey. Filled with grief, sister / family dynamics, and a sprinkle of magic. If you like cozy, witchy books this book with its flowery writing and poetic internal monologues should be added to your TBR! The added layer of the curse and how each woman plays an important role helped tie everything together.
It wasn't exactly my cup of tea so I skimmed through it at about 50% to get a feel for how it would end. For me it got a little too flowery in the middle, but I think if I wasn't coming off of a big action packed book, or if it was fall / Halloween time, I would've enjoyed the cozier slow pace more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an early audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest reivew.
I am a huge fan of Jess Lourey's Steinbeck and Reed series so when I saw she had a few new releases this year I had to hop on them!
This book is quite a change from what I am used to from Lourey. Filled with grief, sister / family dynamics, and a sprinkle of magic. If you like cozy, witchy books this book with its flowery writing and poetic internal monologues should be added to your TBR! The added layer of the curse and how each woman plays an important role helped tie everything together.
It wasn't exactly my cup of tea so I skimmed through it at about 50% to get a feel for how it would end. For me it got a little too flowery in the middle, but I think if I wasn't coming off of a big action packed book, or if it was fall / Halloween time, I would've enjoyed the cozier slow pace more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an early audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest reivew.
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