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The Woman and the Witch #1
The Woman and the Witch
The first in The Woman and the Witch Trilogy
Can a little bit of magic save a woman trapped in darkness?
Meet Angie and Frieda, two unforgettable characters who will live in your memory long after you turn the last page.
Nothing ever changes in the village of Witchford until the day a hundred-year-old, bad-tempered witch falls and breaks her hip, and a fifty year old cleaner decides her life is over.
Both are haunted by ghosts, but can Frieda help Angie find out what her long dead father is trying to tell her? And can Angie help Frieda fight off the wolf who circles ever closer?
A story of empowerment and friendship, 'The Woman and the Witch' explores the freedom ageing can bring, and the power of the natural world.
Can a little bit of magic save a woman trapped in darkness?
Meet Angie and Frieda, two unforgettable characters who will live in your memory long after you turn the last page.
Nothing ever changes in the village of Witchford until the day a hundred-year-old, bad-tempered witch falls and breaks her hip, and a fifty year old cleaner decides her life is over.
Both are haunted by ghosts, but can Frieda help Angie find out what her long dead father is trying to tell her? And can Angie help Frieda fight off the wolf who circles ever closer?
A story of empowerment and friendship, 'The Woman and the Witch' explores the freedom ageing can bring, and the power of the natural world.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
133 people are currently reading
2478 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Larkman
5 books86 followersAmanda Larkman was born in a hospital as it was being bombed during a revolution. The rest of her upbringing, in the countryside of Kent, has been relatively peaceful.
She graduated with a degree in English Literature degree and an MA in Modern Literature and has taught English for many years. 'The Woman and the Witch' was her first novel.
Hobbies include trying to find the perfect way to make popcorn, watching her mad labradoodle run like a galloping horse, and reading brilliant novels that make her feel bitter and jealous.
She has a husband and two teenage children, all of whom are far nicer than the characters in her book.
Follow Amanda Larkman
On Twitter: @MiddleageWar
On Instagram: @Amanda_Larkman
Blog: www.middle-agedwarrior.com
She graduated with a degree in English Literature degree and an MA in Modern Literature and has taught English for many years. 'The Woman and the Witch' was her first novel.
Hobbies include trying to find the perfect way to make popcorn, watching her mad labradoodle run like a galloping horse, and reading brilliant novels that make her feel bitter and jealous.
She has a husband and two teenage children, all of whom are far nicer than the characters in her book.
Follow Amanda Larkman
On Twitter: @MiddleageWar
On Instagram: @Amanda_Larkman
Blog: www.middle-agedwarrior.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 26, 2023
Well, it's a bit vain of me, but it would be odd if I didn't give my own book 5 stars wouldn't it? I think this book is marvellous, and everyone should read it. :)
June 13, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A crazy old lady and a troubled soul... simply add a dollop of witchcraft, a few dead folk, an arch-enemy and a dog called Trevor!! And there it is: a cracking story with a dual narrative that worked seamlessly for me!
This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
A crazy old lady and a troubled soul... simply add a dollop of witchcraft, a few dead folk, an arch-enemy and a dog called Trevor!! And there it is: a cracking story with a dual narrative that worked seamlessly for me!
This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
October 29, 2021
Very enjoyable! Could pick apart the flaws in several parts of the story, but it made me laugh and was fun to read so I choose not to!
October 29, 2021
I read this one really quickly. It was an easy breezy read. The author has a lot of promise but this one fell right in the middle of the road for me.
I loved the magical aspect, I wish more time was spent flushing out the magical system.
Too much focus on the weight of the protagonist. This seemed to be the only trait of the protagonist and what everyone judged her worth as a human on.
The pacing was off. A lot of time was spent with the woman and the witch, all while a tremendous threat was looming. The threat arrives without much preparation and is easily vanquished.
I loved the magical aspect, I wish more time was spent flushing out the magical system.
Too much focus on the weight of the protagonist. This seemed to be the only trait of the protagonist and what everyone judged her worth as a human on.
The pacing was off. A lot of time was spent with the woman and the witch, all while a tremendous threat was looming. The threat arrives without much preparation and is easily vanquished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
This book was not what I was expecting. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it…. then I fell in love with this wonderful story. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. The audible version was superb! I am so hoping for a sequel…..
Highly recommend this book!
Highly recommend this book!
September 4, 2021
This story was everything! I felt sadness upon finishing it because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this incredible characters, and I tried my best to extend my reading experience by digesting it very slowly. This book was like an exquisite desert enjoyed by the fire with a warm cup of tee.
There's so much I loved about this story I don't even know where to start. The writing and prose was beautiful, the words flowed like magic out of a wand. I was transported into this small town, every time I opened a page it just pulled me right in. I could feel the magic tickling my fingertips and smell the fresh scent of the forests, it's tree leafs still sparkling with water droplets. I could feel the mist upon my skin.. you get the picture. It was descriptive and poetic but not overdone. I was hungry for a real witch story and this book delivered exactly what I wanted and more.
The characters were incredibly well developed, they grow as the story progressed. I couldn't help but to like and encourage them. There was so much heart in this story. The fact that the narration alternates between the two main characters' point of view allows the reader to get a full picture of what's going on, and Amanda Larkman manages to do this without ever sounding repetitive. There is a continuous mystery all throughout the story and all the secrets are revealed slowly, which does wonders at keeping the interests afloat. There is magic, potions & salves, a gorgeous large house that is a little beat up by time, references to historical events, and much more. I loved how the story focuses on these two women and the way in which their relationship affects their lives for the better, there is a little bit of romance but its tastefully included and it does not affect the main plot in any way. Even Angie's cleaning sprees were incredibly gratifying.
There were a couple of technical issues:
- I found several typos in the ebook I have.
- There is a lot of build up and suspense in regards to the confrontation between Frieda and the big bad wolf, however the actual confrontation itself felt a little rushed and its conclusion seemed too simple.
However, regardless of these issues I still consider this story as a 5 star read, simply because the enjoyment of reading it merits that rating. I would most definitely recommend this book and I myself look forward to reading more from this author.
There's so much I loved about this story I don't even know where to start. The writing and prose was beautiful, the words flowed like magic out of a wand. I was transported into this small town, every time I opened a page it just pulled me right in. I could feel the magic tickling my fingertips and smell the fresh scent of the forests, it's tree leafs still sparkling with water droplets. I could feel the mist upon my skin.. you get the picture. It was descriptive and poetic but not overdone. I was hungry for a real witch story and this book delivered exactly what I wanted and more.
The characters were incredibly well developed, they grow as the story progressed. I couldn't help but to like and encourage them. There was so much heart in this story. The fact that the narration alternates between the two main characters' point of view allows the reader to get a full picture of what's going on, and Amanda Larkman manages to do this without ever sounding repetitive. There is a continuous mystery all throughout the story and all the secrets are revealed slowly, which does wonders at keeping the interests afloat. There is magic, potions & salves, a gorgeous large house that is a little beat up by time, references to historical events, and much more. I loved how the story focuses on these two women and the way in which their relationship affects their lives for the better, there is a little bit of romance but its tastefully included and it does not affect the main plot in any way. Even Angie's cleaning sprees were incredibly gratifying.
There were a couple of technical issues:
- I found several typos in the ebook I have.
- There is a lot of build up and suspense in regards to the confrontation between Frieda and the big bad wolf, however the actual confrontation itself felt a little rushed and its conclusion seemed too simple.
However, regardless of these issues I still consider this story as a 5 star read, simply because the enjoyment of reading it merits that rating. I would most definitely recommend this book and I myself look forward to reading more from this author.
January 22, 2022
This book starts out as one sort of novel, which doesn't seem to fit with the title except for the first chapter.... and then it becomes something completely other.
Mrs B is a fabulous character; I don't think enough books could be written to get through all the stories she has to tell! I also love that she is far from perfect and struggles with the petty urges we all do when people irritate us.
Angie has hidden depths and goes on a real journey to discover what her life is about after decades of grey grief and dissatisfaction.
And the supporting characters - the house and the woods - fabulous! Beautifully and evocatively described so you can see every element. I want to lose myself in that library (though I would be installing heating!). And the magic... is stunning to read.
All of this and you get a dollop of history, a bit of globe trotting, an unlikely friendship, a dangerous face off - and a dog. Really, really enjoyed it.
Mrs B is a fabulous character; I don't think enough books could be written to get through all the stories she has to tell! I also love that she is far from perfect and struggles with the petty urges we all do when people irritate us.
Angie has hidden depths and goes on a real journey to discover what her life is about after decades of grey grief and dissatisfaction.
And the supporting characters - the house and the woods - fabulous! Beautifully and evocatively described so you can see every element. I want to lose myself in that library (though I would be installing heating!). And the magic... is stunning to read.
All of this and you get a dollop of history, a bit of globe trotting, an unlikely friendship, a dangerous face off - and a dog. Really, really enjoyed it.
May 27, 2022
Refreshingly different
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book when I started reading it, but the slightly quirky story soon drew me in. The characters are well drawn and the magic is quite convincing. It made a nice change to read a paranormal novel which didn’t rely on all the usual tropes and went for a different angle.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book when I started reading it, but the slightly quirky story soon drew me in. The characters are well drawn and the magic is quite convincing. It made a nice change to read a paranormal novel which didn’t rely on all the usual tropes and went for a different angle.
June 20, 2021
I received a free Kindle copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
This was one of the most enjoyable books that I've read in a long while. It kept me up late into the night on a couple of occasions. I loved the characters and kept thinking what a great movie this would make, as long as they didn't glam it up and stuck to the story.
I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more by this author.
This was one of the most enjoyable books that I've read in a long while. It kept me up late into the night on a couple of occasions. I loved the characters and kept thinking what a great movie this would make, as long as they didn't glam it up and stuck to the story.
I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more by this author.
January 24, 2022
My Sister bought me this book for Christmas saying that it was her favourite book of 2021, it hasn’t disappointed! A fabulous story with brilliant characters,I raced through this book on a long weekend away! …and now I wish I was still reading it! I loved it!
April 30, 2023
I loved this book. Pulled me right into it. A powerful story of love and friendship, with a sprinkling of magic
December 2, 2021
Well this was so different, really enjoyed the storytelling, enjoyed how the lives of the characters were interwoven. Worth reading more by this author.
January 16, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m sad it’s finished...!! It was a very cosy read and one I’ll most likely read again.
February 20, 2021
Interesting and beautiful story
The story of a downtrodden almost 50 year old woman meeting an old woman had me hooked.
So many hidden stories and thoughts are woven into the main storyline.
A book of regrets and decisions
Would recommend to 50 something year old
The story of a downtrodden almost 50 year old woman meeting an old woman had me hooked.
So many hidden stories and thoughts are woven into the main storyline.
A book of regrets and decisions
Would recommend to 50 something year old
April 19, 2021
Very enjoyable read. Loved the characters, the house, the wood, the villains and the treasures. In fact, there was nothing to dislike here. A delight to read, beautifully written to draw the reader into the story time and time again, never a dull moment.
Thank you Amanda for creating a little gem. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you Amanda for creating a little gem. I look forward to reading more.
December 3, 2025
i read this book a long time ago, but it’s important to rate it as i think it should reach more people, i remember it as a really nice story
October 20, 2022
Hard to put down with enthralling characters
Read it in two days and it would have been one if I didn't have a life. I have no complaints about anything in the book - the story developed well as did the characters. Loved the ending. Will read the others in the trilogy for sure! #thsnksgoodreads
Read it in two days and it would have been one if I didn't have a life. I have no complaints about anything in the book - the story developed well as did the characters. Loved the ending. Will read the others in the trilogy for sure! #thsnksgoodreads
July 11, 2025
I loved this. I'm a sucker for a story about grumpy, old people, and I love a British author and setting. Throw in all kinds of magic and mischief, and I am a happy reader.
June 8, 2020
The woman and the witch. What can I say? I read a lot of books and this has got to be the best book of 2020 for me.
This book is absolutely amazing, it pulls you in and doesn't let you go. The characters are amazing, you feel like you know them.
It's magical, compelling, beautiful, funny and I didn't want it to end, I have a serious book hangover now. 5 starts from me.
This book is absolutely amazing, it pulls you in and doesn't let you go. The characters are amazing, you feel like you know them.
It's magical, compelling, beautiful, funny and I didn't want it to end, I have a serious book hangover now. 5 starts from me.
December 25, 2022
Highly entertaining and beautifully written. As a fan of fantasy and ghost stories, I highly recommend this book. Can’t wait to read Frieda, the next one in the collection.
June 1, 2022
Well written and beautifully crafted novel.
I liked the differences between the two women, one born a witch and the other coming late into her powers. Frieda is beautiful, hedonistic and rich, Angie is hugely fat,plain and downtrodden, but they come together and the friendship becomes, gradually, one of the richest and most complex of their lives.
I liked the differences between the two women, one born a witch and the other coming late into her powers. Frieda is beautiful, hedonistic and rich, Angie is hugely fat,plain and downtrodden, but they come together and the friendship becomes, gradually, one of the richest and most complex of their lives.
March 8, 2022
Having read this for the 2nd time for a bookclub at work, I'm delighted that this book is as enjoyable in its 2nd reading as it was for the 1st.
It was good to refresh my memory in anticipation of the sequel which is due to be published soon.
It was good to refresh my memory in anticipation of the sequel which is due to be published soon.
February 22, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this story. it had me hooked right from the start. The narration brought the characters to life and the whole story played like a movie in front of my eyes. I would highly recommend this book to readers who like a little magic in their lives.
October 4, 2024
I’ve read quite a few witch books and this book was probably the worst one I’ve read. I couldn’t read any more. Nothing historical about it, nothing worth reading basically. Normally I would not critique a book so much but this book is awful!
November 22, 2024
What an incredibly cozy book! Witchy and scary at times and so so delicious 😋😋🤤 5/5
September 7, 2022
I saw this book on this site, and I clicked the "Want to read" button. then forgot about it. Then a couple of nights ago I was going through my books on my Kindle deciding what to read and nothing caught my eye, then I noticed this on Goodread and thought "why not" it looks okay.
Boy was that an undertatement, it was bloody fantastic, right from the start up to the end there was nothing I didn't like about it.
The charcter of Mrs B is wonderful (I wish I knew a Mrs B), the stories she could tell would fill so many books, she has been everywhere, tried everthing and met everyone who is anyone including Picasso who painted her portrait. The best thing about Mrs B is that is is a 100 year old witch. She is grumpy, short tempered and prefers to be left alone in her beautiful house, garden and woods.
Angie lives in the village she is 50, overweight and in a rut, her marriage is on the rocks. She works as a cleaner in the school she attended as a child and is becoming quite disillusioned with life.
Within a few days of each other Mrs B trips over her cat and breaks her hip, she is hospitalised and hates it, she is short and snappy with the nurses and other patients and just wants to get back to her house, she fears something will happen while she is away.
Angie then discovers her husband has been unfaithful, and goes into a downward spiral, and is stood on the railway bridge ready to jump under the train. As luck would have it (or is it fate) the local doctor has been travelling home on that train and spots Angie. He manages to coax her down. He take her home with him and he and his wife take care of her.
In the hospital Mrs B is getting restless and wants to go home, but she can't care for herself so they are discussing putting her in a nursing home, she know this will kill her.
Angie needs something to motivate her and she also needs to leave the doctors house. His wife comes up with a solution, she moves Angie into Mrs B's home so Mrs B can be discharged to the care of Angie.
Neither of them are happy at this solution and tolerate each other, but slowly a friendship starts to form, they have more in common than they think, they can both communicate with the dead. Mrs B decides to teach Angie a few things she hopes will help her self esteem, and a true deep friendship develops.
There is so much more to this story than just this friendship, there are relationships, drugs, Nazi's, and evil wizard and a lovely stray dog called Trevor.
I finished it last night and went straight onto Amazon and ordered the next one in the series, I read three chapters of that before I had to put the light out at 2.30am
You really must read this book, one of the best I have read for a while
Boy was that an undertatement, it was bloody fantastic, right from the start up to the end there was nothing I didn't like about it.
The charcter of Mrs B is wonderful (I wish I knew a Mrs B), the stories she could tell would fill so many books, she has been everywhere, tried everthing and met everyone who is anyone including Picasso who painted her portrait. The best thing about Mrs B is that is is a 100 year old witch. She is grumpy, short tempered and prefers to be left alone in her beautiful house, garden and woods.
Angie lives in the village she is 50, overweight and in a rut, her marriage is on the rocks. She works as a cleaner in the school she attended as a child and is becoming quite disillusioned with life.
Within a few days of each other Mrs B trips over her cat and breaks her hip, she is hospitalised and hates it, she is short and snappy with the nurses and other patients and just wants to get back to her house, she fears something will happen while she is away.
Angie then discovers her husband has been unfaithful, and goes into a downward spiral, and is stood on the railway bridge ready to jump under the train. As luck would have it (or is it fate) the local doctor has been travelling home on that train and spots Angie. He manages to coax her down. He take her home with him and he and his wife take care of her.
In the hospital Mrs B is getting restless and wants to go home, but she can't care for herself so they are discussing putting her in a nursing home, she know this will kill her.
Angie needs something to motivate her and she also needs to leave the doctors house. His wife comes up with a solution, she moves Angie into Mrs B's home so Mrs B can be discharged to the care of Angie.
Neither of them are happy at this solution and tolerate each other, but slowly a friendship starts to form, they have more in common than they think, they can both communicate with the dead. Mrs B decides to teach Angie a few things she hopes will help her self esteem, and a true deep friendship develops.
There is so much more to this story than just this friendship, there are relationships, drugs, Nazi's, and evil wizard and a lovely stray dog called Trevor.
I finished it last night and went straight onto Amazon and ordered the next one in the series, I read three chapters of that before I had to put the light out at 2.30am
You really must read this book, one of the best I have read for a while
August 24, 2021
Brilliant read
This is a must read book. It tells of witchcraft but not of battles with wands but of drawing energy from the earth and living things. The main character is a feisty woman of over a hundred years of age, sharp tongued, impatient and still living the memories of her youth. A wonderful departure from the typical portrayal of older women. Her new companion grows through her despair from failed and lost relationships to be powerful and happy. Her weight 'problem' is no longer a problem when she becomes content. Another character description that steps outside the stereotype.
This is a must read book. It tells of witchcraft but not of battles with wands but of drawing energy from the earth and living things. The main character is a feisty woman of over a hundred years of age, sharp tongued, impatient and still living the memories of her youth. A wonderful departure from the typical portrayal of older women. Her new companion grows through her despair from failed and lost relationships to be powerful and happy. Her weight 'problem' is no longer a problem when she becomes content. Another character description that steps outside the stereotype.
May 26, 2021
Maybe this is my cup of tea? On occasion I find myself picking up books thinking, I don't think this is going to be my cup of tea and then I read the whole darn thing and find myself hoping there's a second book coming.
I love Frieda and think she deserves her own prequel.
And to be fair, because all must be balanced, Angie can have her sequel.
On a side note, the perfect way to make popcorn is in a pot with oil and a knob of butter, once it's all popped, season with salt, black pepper, a little dried parsley, thyme and rosemary.
I love Frieda and think she deserves her own prequel.
And to be fair, because all must be balanced, Angie can have her sequel.
On a side note, the perfect way to make popcorn is in a pot with oil and a knob of butter, once it's all popped, season with salt, black pepper, a little dried parsley, thyme and rosemary.
May 5, 2022
This is a unique and enthralling modern witchy story. It took me a while to get into but once I did I was entranced and didn't want to stop listening until the end. It is very well written with a great storyline. The author paints the two protagonists beautifully, and even managed to make me warm to Frieda by the end. The settings are also very well described enabling me to picture them in my mind as I listened.
I wasn't keen on the narration. I think this is part of the reason it took me a while to get into the book. It would have helped if the narrator had used different voices for the women so that it was easier to know who was talking.
I wasn't keen on the narration. I think this is part of the reason it took me a while to get into the book. It would have helped if the narrator had used different voices for the women so that it was easier to know who was talking.
August 24, 2024
So ….. not my genre of reading but since going to a book club I have been encouraged to widen my reading circle .
And I am so pleased I did .
Thoroughly enjoyed this cracking story - a grumpy old woman , a lost soul , a dog and a secret …. All mixed up with a dose of magic .
I loved how the relationship of the two main characters developed and the story was told by each of them .
A real page turner and most enjoyable read , made me laugh out loud , feel genuine warmth with the characters , a sadness at times but I got so engrossed in the magic and intrigue .
…. I now can’t wait to complete the trilogy and learn more of Freida and Angela’s friendship , journey and magical craft .
And I am so pleased I did .
Thoroughly enjoyed this cracking story - a grumpy old woman , a lost soul , a dog and a secret …. All mixed up with a dose of magic .
I loved how the relationship of the two main characters developed and the story was told by each of them .
A real page turner and most enjoyable read , made me laugh out loud , feel genuine warmth with the characters , a sadness at times but I got so engrossed in the magic and intrigue .
…. I now can’t wait to complete the trilogy and learn more of Freida and Angela’s friendship , journey and magical craft .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews