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Witches of Time #1

The Witch's Awakening

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“A witch!”

It’s an accusation Arianna O’Sullivan dreads as she struggles to conceal her abilities from the suspicious villagers in Colonial Massachusetts. Saved from the pillory by a handsome, chivalrous stranger, Arianna senses an inexplicable connection. When she’s given no choice but to marry the charismatic man even after discovering he’s the grandson of an infamous witch-hunter, she fears her powers won’t be restrained for much longer.

Intrigued by the scarlet-haired beauty, Darius Wyndham recklessly weds her and brings her home to his settlement. Falling in love with his wife was never in the plan, and Darius grows suspicious of his new feelings. He never believed in witches, yet he certainly feels bewitched. Or could Arianna be his destiny?

Arianna dares to believe she’s finally found love and safety in the arms of her new husband, but when the spirit of his first wife appears with disturbing clues to her death and long-hidden secrets from their past, Arianna is left questioning everything.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2021

445 people are currently reading
727 people want to read

About the author

Leigh Ann Edwards

39 books106 followers

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5 stars
229 (38%)
4 stars
152 (25%)
3 stars
144 (24%)
2 stars
48 (8%)
1 star
25 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
January 26, 2021
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

The Witch’s Awakening begins The Witches of Time series with a fascinating story that takes place around the beginnings of the Salem Witch Trials, a horrid point in history yet the mass hysteria that occurred then is a time that has always drawn my attention. The Witch’s Awakening took me back with all the emotions, fear, uncertainty, and dangers of that time.

Arianna and Darius are a unique couple considering that she actually is a witch and he is descended from a famous (or infamous) witch-hunter. Yet the connection we feel between them is immediate and strong. I enjoyed their bantering, their obvious attraction, and how the bonds between them grew – no witchcraft involved in spite of Darius’ wondering about bewitchment at times. I liked them individually and as a couple.

Their road to a happy ending isn’t smooth by any means. I was drawn into this world with ease and didn’t want it to end… but then, there is the next book in this series to look forward to. As always with this author, the writing was smooth, the emotions high, and the situation captivating. If you love a good Paranormal Romance/Fantasy series then you’ll want to get started on The Witch’s Awakening soon. I had a blast, and I’m thinking if you enjoy this genre then you will, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
13 reviews
January 2, 2021
Recently finished the first book and all I can say is fabulous, magic and dragons, demons and fairies, oh my, the characters are rich and well rounded, I laughed and cried, rooted for the home team, and yelled at the bad guys, just thoroughly loved it, can't wait for the second book to see what happens next. So thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of the books by Leigh Ann Edwards, I gave it four stars although it surely deserves five simply because of the cliffhanger ending, those make me crazy until the next book is released as I get so invested in the author's deep rich characters
14 reviews
December 9, 2020
Storyline, is what I have come to expect from Leigh Ann, marvellous. Hero and Heroine characters strong and believable as not perfect people. The evil characters are nasty and are human and non .
I will now await the 2nd book impatiently.
This is the starting of the 3rd Series that I have read of Leigh Ann ‘s and I have enjoyed all .
If you haven’t read them , do.

Profile Image for Annette Summerfield.
702 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2023
I understood that Arianna had a lot of danger around her. Evil followed her and anyone around her would be put in danger. Still, I found it tiresome that she didn't just accept the love and help being offered to her. She didn't want her loved ones near her for fear of them being killed, but they were determined to stand by her .
Darius' 'cottage' sounded wonderful, even if the spirit of Liza had her own room. Liza didn't cause any problems though.
I enjoyed all of the friends, family, Grandmother and Wolf.
Obviously, I couldn't wait until the bad guy was killed. Charlotte, I don't even know what to say about her. Anyone would definitely Not want her around. I felt bad that Elizabeth turned out as she did. She was 16 though, so I hope she matured and found love with Ethan.
Again, I understand why Arianna piled the snow high around the cabin, but it wasn't fair to Darius.
There is sex scenes in the book, but I just move along past them, back to the story. There is a lot of flirting, almost sex and talk of sex. The bad guy wants the beautiful witch, the husbands want their wives, Elizabeth is a teenager with jealousy and sorrow in her heart and feels that having sex will bring her fun, joy and acceptance.
The magical men and women that come and go in Arianna's life were interesting. I enjoyed each of them. They do first show up when Ethan is drunk and Charlotte sends him over to Arianna's place to have his way with her. She could use her magic on him and stop him, but 2 male time travellers show up.
Then we learn how and why Jean Claude was a part of her life.
There are always parts, here and there , in books that I speed read over. Too much repetition of thoughts, repetition of facts that we know, sex, conversations that really don't matter and so on. I enjoy, what I think, are the good parts.
4,123 reviews21 followers
January 12, 2021
This is the third series I have had the pleasure of reading written by Leigh Ann Edwards. She doesn’t just write fantasy or just write romances. Instead she writes romance fantasy sagas. Her characters are larger than life so that one book is never enough to tell their story or their family’s story. The Witch's Awakening the first in the Witches of Time has connection to the first wonderful series but takes place in the witch panic stricken world of Massachusetts Bay Colony 1692.

The world new and old haven’t changed so much that women have control over their lives. Being accused of being a witch only made life worse for any and all. This is where the story begins with twist and turns making it a gripping and enthralling read. The description states that Darius Wyndham weds Arianna O’Sullivan but this is unlike any ceremony that you would have witnessed before. Then the settlement that they go to and the life that they lead is entirely unpredictable. Then the conclusion is an opening to a new beginning as the story continues in the next book. Remember these characters journeys are too huge for one book.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
391 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
What an interesting life Arianna O’Sullivan has had so far, and with that name, I know you know what her heritage is. If not, I’ll tell you. It’s Irish with red hair, green eyes, and a woman’s body. But if that were not enough, her Irish temper would definitely convince you if it didn’t kill you.

I liked the way that Leigh Ann Edwards described the various phases of the relationship between Arianna O’Sullivan and her soon-to-be husband, Darius Wyndham, or her soon-to-be ex, Darius Wyndham. Even the smallest or simplest secret can be damaging to a relationship, and so can familiarity.

I give this romantic, almost erotic, story four stars out of five stars because it seemed that the near ending and ending seemed to be rushed. I look forward to reading the rest of the series when I can.
Profile Image for Ashley Hobsonreads.
179 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2025
good book

This was a good book following one of the transcendent witches who is meant to help with the battle against evil. Interesting reading a book set in this time period as I certainly haven’t done so before! Hadn’t realised that there are meant to be witches of each element either in this series! Looking forward to seeing what’s next!

Favourite quotes include:
“I’d like to employ my magic so all men live the life of a woman, even for a while. We’re to be attractive, but not beautiful lest other men look, able to carry on a conversation but not be forward, not imbecilic but not too intelligent, expected to comply to being bedded upon request, but often discouraged to admit we find pleasure during the joining.

“I think Charlotte and Elizabeth should just go diddle themselves!” Kathleen angrily said.
15 reviews
January 18, 2021
Another great read by Leigh Ann Edwards! The Witch’s Awakening is the start of a new series and takes place in pre-revolutionary America where Arianna O’Sullivan has recently arrived from England. Leigh Ann’s books are always full of imagination and intrigue. One never knows what’s around the corner as Arianna’s powers increase after marrying her pre-destined “guardian”, Darius Wyndham. We meet some characters first introduced in her Irish Witch series and Arianna’s powers are being tested by the Gods to determine how strong her powers are getting. Can’t wait for the next book to drop in April to continue the saga.
Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
968 reviews23 followers
January 28, 2022
Wow!

One of the best stories I've read in a long time.
The Witch's Awakening is wonderfully written and it kept me reading well into the late night....I didn't want to put the book down for fear that the story would go on without me! Leigh Ann Edwards knows how to tell a story...I've always loved witch stories and this did not disappoint...
The characters are brilliant especially Arianna and Darius...their love is timeless. I laughed and cried reading about their love...they touched my soul. I hope to see more of them in the next book...
I was told by the author that this is a spinoff of her Irish Witch series but I found that I enjoyed it without reading the Irish Witch series
Highly recommend this book...you won't be sorry pick it up today
Profile Image for Carole Mondragon Author.
76 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2022
I LOVED this book. I particularly enjoyed the character development of the main character.

The author understands how to build a story world and does it so well that I quickly became immersed in the plot. Her attention to historical detail helped me to lose myself in the pages so that before I knew it, hours had come and gone.

I've become a fan of Leigh Ann Edwards' novels, particularly because I enjoy reading about Ireland. The panolpy of characters in her work only add to the charisma. Another Great Read Leigh Ann!
Profile Image for Debra  M..
272 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2021
Love loved this book!!! I read Ms.Edwards previous books ,this one really grabbed my attention .I love anything that has to do with witches and paranormal.Love this time period of 1692 which started the Salem witch trials. I'm patiently waiting for book 2 in this debut series.
2 reviews
January 18, 2021
Absolutely love all Leigh Ann's books, this one being no exception. I feel like I'm in the story, phenomenal writer.
Could not put the book down. Really excited about the next instalments. A must read. You will love them all!
Deanne Ford
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,518 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2025
Ends on a cliffhanger! Beware! Pretty well fleshed out historical fiction set just before Puritan witch hysteria. There is a romance and some sexy parts and some mysterious references to time witches. I enjoyed the adventure the sense of family, the witches, and the romance.
Profile Image for Mairi Krausse.
379 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2022
Great witch story!

This book is imaginative, full of adventure and very well written. The story is easy to follow and consistent. It definitely keeps you guessing and has an unforeseen end. You must read this!
Profile Image for Jennifer Wilson.
5 reviews
October 28, 2022
Attention grabbing read !

This is such a great story with love and a bit of violence to make it exciting. I can't wait to read the series.
130 reviews
September 3, 2023
Love Conquers

This talent awakening story is really a long running love story. It’s love that motivates the main characters and it guides their actions throughout the story.
8 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2022
(Audiobook) DNF. I made it through chapter 13 and that ended the book well enough for me.
9 reviews
November 9, 2025
A well written historical book with love , lessons and hate tide in a great story
Profile Image for Kitta Vorster.
9 reviews
January 1, 2025
Magic

Really liked the story line and magic. Fresh ideas and liked that the writer did not use the usual tropes associated with witch stories.
123 reviews
September 3, 2022
Amazingly bad. To be fair, I got this as a free download so I shouldn't complain. But I just can't imagine who would actually buy the rest of the series. The author is good at building a plotline (even if much of it seems to have been cribbed from Outlander) and does a good job planting portents to build suspense, but the writing is awful and the character development even worse.
105 reviews
November 17, 2024
Great book

The Witches Awakening was one of the best books I've read. A must read for any paranormal romance lover.

Samantha
11 reviews
September 20, 2022
Mediocre

This story started well but soon devolved into a litany of home many times the main characters had sex or could have had sex. Ruined the story for me.
Profile Image for Nicola Anderson.
260 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2024
Fantastic

What a thrilling read, full of love, death and intrigue. I hope that their travel to the future and that the win the battle.
Profile Image for Erin.
399 reviews
September 25, 2024
This was a slog to get through. So much meaningless shit shoved into one story. There really was no plot, or there was 3. It was honestly hard to tell.

It was a jumble of mostly miscommunication and an unwillingness to talk.
No, Really. 98% of this books drama could have been avoided if these two idiots would just talk to each other honestly. It REALLY annoys me when characters lie about stuff that you just KNOW will end up biting them in the arse later. Or don’t mention something for vapid, Shallow or stupid reasons.

This book was just a lot and I will not be paying money for the rest because this was a convoluted mess and I don’t want to be put through more of this shit.

This was needlessly long, needlessly convoluted and stupidly plotted.
I’ve read Wattpad fan-fiction less of a mess than this.
Profile Image for Elaina.
185 reviews
June 10, 2025
I liked the story. Historical witch trials with a romantic twist. The relationship moves fast and the beginning when Arianna and Darius meet is a bit confusing because his character seems to flip the script a lot. I don’t like ignoring the fact that it is historically accurate, that and the “men will be men” excuse they use to justify it.
The side characters seem to just fall off the page at some point to, so don’t get too attached to knowing what happens with them.
Profile Image for Beverly Ford.
320 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2021
I love stories with good wotches so I loved this one. Anxious to see how the series progresses. Lots of potential.
8 reviews
January 13, 2024
Loved it so much I have reread this book again!
Profile Image for Khaleah Sims.
28 reviews
September 1, 2025
Please post more audiobooks on hoopla.. after rereading the 4 stories over and over again I can never get enough.. they were so intriguing and I need more !!
Profile Image for Liz Carr.
135 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2024
Although I wasn't expecting much more than a light read, this is better than I'd expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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