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A Pinch of Magic #4
A Storm of Sisters
There are secrets hidden beneath the ice . . . bring the magic home in the frosty fourth instalment of the bestselling Pinch of Magic Adventures, from the award-winning Michelle Harrison.
When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger. As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness's ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed?
Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures:
‘Harrison’s fully imagined world has conviction, and the perils of the story are lightened by the warmth and spirit of its characters’ The Sunday Times
'BRILLIANT' Emma Carroll, author of Letters From The Lighthouse
'Simply phenomenal!' Sophie Anderson, author of The House With Chicken Legs
'I was utterly captivated by the Widdershins sisters' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy
‘Gutsy and rude, full of warts-and-all family love, Harrison’s latest has the wry enchantment of an E Nesbit classic’ Guardian
‘A fabulous magical adventure’ Sunday Express
‘Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale’ Daily Mail
When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger. As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness's ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed?
Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures:
‘Harrison’s fully imagined world has conviction, and the perils of the story are lightened by the warmth and spirit of its characters’ The Sunday Times
'BRILLIANT' Emma Carroll, author of Letters From The Lighthouse
'Simply phenomenal!' Sophie Anderson, author of The House With Chicken Legs
'I was utterly captivated by the Widdershins sisters' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy
‘Gutsy and rude, full of warts-and-all family love, Harrison’s latest has the wry enchantment of an E Nesbit classic’ Guardian
‘A fabulous magical adventure’ Sunday Express
‘Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale’ Daily Mail
339 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2022
22 people are currently reading
1405 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Harrison
28 books1,220 followersMy first children's novel, THE 13 TREASURES, won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. THE OTHER ALICE won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award. A PINCH OF MAGIC won a Dutch Bronze Pen Award. My books have been translated and sold in 25 territories worldwide.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
My next children's novel is A CLOCK STRIKES MURDER, a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in March 2026 in the UK. My debut novel for adults is TWO LITTLE LIARS, a thriller partially set in the 1990s. It publishes in June 2026.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
My next children's novel is A CLOCK STRIKES MURDER, a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in March 2026 in the UK. My debut novel for adults is TWO LITTLE LIARS, a thriller partially set in the 1990s. It publishes in June 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 3, 2022
Ok..WOW. I thought the last book in the series was my favorite so far..but now I think this one just may be. Being the 4th book in a series, that’s impressive. This has so many things about it that I love. An amazing setting! We once again have a new location, & this town of Wilderness with the winter market, frozen lake, freezing setting, & legend of Highywaymen & the his love who haunts the hotel, the crystal ball, plus “the drowning girl”is a VERY atmospheric location indeed. I love the new characters we meet in this, & fell for them as well. My heart belongs to Sonny & Bonbon though. If there’s a wolf, my heart will be there lol. Even the characters who are evil/bad, or just rude/cranky like cousin Clarissa, are written so well as usual. Such a gripping & fascinating read. Got harder & harder to put it down. I know Charlie is many peoples favorite, but she has always annoyed me & still does. Sometimes Fliss is my favorite, & then most other times it’s Betty. Of course Granny is always gonna be a fav as well lol Love that woman. I do love that the sisters are so different to one another, with their own unique traits/personalities. There is that “trapped” feeling setting in here, when there’s a big ice/snow storm & no one can leave. There’s a lot of adventure, & plenty of danger & suspense-especially towards the end! Wowza. Full of so much atmosphere, imagination, & sisterly love. The author still paints such a vivid story, & even though I read this on 80-90 degree days-her writing was so vivid, I FELT the cold. Very eerie, thrilling, haunting, & yet..COZY read. I loved going on another adventure/mystery with the Widdershins, & hope there’s plenty more to come. Highly recommend. STUNNING cover by Melissa Castrillón too.💜
August 8, 2023
5☆ потому что главное, что это читалось супер уютно
Я так рада новой части про приключения трех сестер, хотя она и не стала моей самой любимой, но все же. Мне нравится, что авторка не изменяет самой себе, и главные роли в ее цикле играют девочки, девушки, женщины. В этой книге всего три основных мужских персонажа, а остальные роли отданы девчонкам. Причем у каждой из девчонок свой характер, мечты, слабые и сильные стороны, и за каждой из них интересно наблюдать.
Если три предыдущие части, скорее, летние, то эта пронизана морозным утренним воздухом, вкусом снежинок на языке, хрустом снега под тяжелыми ботинками, ярмарочными огоньками и уютным треском камина в огромном старинном отеле. Мне бы, конечно, хотелось видеть здесь больше Чарли и Флисс, потому что в этот раз все внимание целиком и полностью авторка выделила Бетти, она моя любимая из сестер, но смотреть на их командную работу намного интереснее.
Еще можно заметить закономерность, что сюжет очень быстро уходит к своему концу за пару глав до, а потом остается только довольствоваться маленьким эпилогом. Я бы с большим удовольствием почитала про события, случившиеся после всех похождений. Тем не менее, это было очень приятное чтение, и я надеюсь, что впереди мы увидим еще не одну книгу, где девчонки соберутся снова.
P.S. lowkey показалось, что Элора и Робин встречались, но их назвали подругами… Ну ладно, ладно…
– Ну и ну, как ты выросла! Твоя бабушка упоминала, что ты ешь без перерыва.
– Бабушка говорит, что у меня здоровый уплетит, – сказала Чарли, потирая щеку.
Я так рада новой части про приключения трех сестер, хотя она и не стала моей самой любимой, но все же. Мне нравится, что авторка не изменяет самой себе, и главные роли в ее цикле играют девочки, девушки, женщины. В этой книге всего три основных мужских персонажа, а остальные роли отданы девчонкам. Причем у каждой из девчонок свой характер, мечты, слабые и сильные стороны, и за каждой из них интересно наблюдать.
– Дай сюда, – сказала Чарли, закатив глаза. Она выкопала мертвую мышь и с помощью Бетти расчистила по другую сторону дорожки пятачок для перезахоронения. – Да упокоится он с сыром, – торжественно произнесла она, разравнивая землю совком.
– Э-э, упокоится с миром, Чарли, – деликатно поправила Бетти.
– Знаю, – ответила Чарли. – Но, по-моему, сыр бы ему больше понравился, как думаешь?
Если три предыдущие части, скорее, летние, то эта пронизана морозным утренним воздухом, вкусом снежинок на языке, хрустом снега под тяжелыми ботинками, ярмарочными огоньками и уютным треском камина в огромном старинном отеле. Мне бы, конечно, хотелось видеть здесь больше Чарли и Флисс, потому что в этот раз все внимание целиком и полностью авторка выделила Бетти, она моя любимая из сестер, но смотреть на их командную работу намного интереснее.
На Вороньем Камне про них уж точно не заходила речь. Галки-нахалки, сорока-морока – все это Бетти слышала тысячу раз. Еще была считалка-поговорка про ворон, которую бабушка часто повторяла, но пакости, связанные с павлинами, – это что-то новенькое.
Еще можно заметить закономерность, что сюжет очень быстро уходит к своему концу за пару глав до, а потом остается только довольствоваться маленьким эпилогом. Я бы с большим удовольствием почитала про события, случившиеся после всех похождений. Тем не менее, это было очень приятное чтение, и я надеюсь, что впереди мы увидим еще не одну книгу, где девчонки соберутся снова.
– Мы, и никто другой! – Чарли закивала, но вдруг ахнула: – А если это Прыг-скок умрет? Прыг-скок! – Она подергала себя за воротник. – Просыпайся! Помогите, он не дышит… а, нет, дышит. Наверное, наелся сыру, который я для него стащила, и заснул.
P.S. lowkey показалось, что Элора и Робин встречались, но их назвали подругами… Ну ладно, ладно…
February 10, 2025
I've been hanging on to this last book in the Pinch of Magic series for ages as I knew my love for middle grade had faded somewhat in recent years. However this is as wonderfully whimsical and creatively written as it's predecessors. Granny is my favourite character, she gives the appearance of ruling those girls with an iron rod while loving them fiercely. The sisters share a wonderful bond too, moulded by childhood trauma and magical adventures. This is a suitably wintery tale that has a touch of mystery and spooky goings on and the obvious dash of magic. I particularly liked the highwayman story that is weaved into the girl's plot. It added a touch more humanity into a plot that would have lent itself too far into the fantastical for me.
A great middle grade fantasy series, but I'll admit my interest in these kinds of stories has just fallen off somewhat in recent years. However my children will love this.
A great middle grade fantasy series, but I'll admit my interest in these kinds of stories has just fallen off somewhat in recent years. However my children will love this.
May 31, 2023
Fantastically wintery and ghostly tale! I absolutely love this series, such adventurous and fun times with tough and funny main characters! I hope the author writes more books about the Widdershins sisters!!! 😊
December 22, 2022
ah so good!
February 19, 2023
CAWPILE rating: 7.14
February 17, 2022
Just as wonderfully created as the rest of the series.
The sisters are delightful and I think it was a good step forward to expose them to the plot of this book.
Completely enjoyable.
The sisters are delightful and I think it was a good step forward to expose them to the plot of this book.
Completely enjoyable.
March 15, 2022
This is literally the only book I’ve managed to find the time to read this year. College has put me into a massive reading slump and I was starting to think nothing would break it BUT!! I pre-ordered A Storm of Sisters as soon as I realised Michelle Harrison had written it and lo and behold, Michelle has gotten me out of another reading slump! The plot twists in this story were really amazingly crafted, I didn’t see them coming at all, the story fit together like beautiful little puzzle pieces that painted a wonderful picture in the end. I’ve loved the other Widdishins’ adventures mostly due to Michelle’s astonishing ability to create such vivid imagery, she makes you feel like you’re actually a part of the story and despite this book being set in a very different climate, she’s mastered this as well. I love how each of the sisters have their own personalities and maintain their characteristics consistently throughout the series. Thank you Michelle for another amazing story, I can’t wait for your next!
December 27, 2022
This book was great, just like the other books in this series. I love the dynamic between the sisters and the way they get through the different adventures. I've also really loved how for most of these stories, the setting is entirely different. It gives the author a lot of freedom, which makes for a fun adventure.
I do have one critique of it that is a slight spoiler, so I'm putting it in a spoiler tag.
I do have one critique of it that is a slight spoiler, so I'm putting it in a spoiler tag.
February 16, 2022
So cute, looking forward to reading more adventures with the sisters.
April 4, 2022
I wasn’t expecting another story with the Widdershins but OH MY GOODNESS was I excited when I saw this - and even more so when I reviewed the ARC from NetGalley.
This instalment was so atmospheric. I could picture the pure magic of the winter market and I wish it was real! The sisterly relationship always makes me so happy, mixed with Harrison’s incredible writing. She does an amazing job at bringing each sister’s personality to the spotlight, and their individual quirks just make you smile (especially Charlie!!!🥺)
This fourth book has everything that the previous books have - a sense of adventure at your fingertips, and a mystery just waiting to be solved!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to Michelle Harrison for these books and incredible stories 💕
This instalment was so atmospheric. I could picture the pure magic of the winter market and I wish it was real! The sisterly relationship always makes me so happy, mixed with Harrison’s incredible writing. She does an amazing job at bringing each sister’s personality to the spotlight, and their individual quirks just make you smile (especially Charlie!!!🥺)
This fourth book has everything that the previous books have - a sense of adventure at your fingertips, and a mystery just waiting to be solved!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to Michelle Harrison for these books and incredible stories 💕
February 3, 2022
The storm of sisters
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the chance to review the fourth instalment of the pinch of magic series I have read them all and I can say that they get better on every instalment. This one was creepy and an amazing setting as we follow the Widdershins on a new adventure in colder climates I was on the edge of my seat as I read it with my heart in my mouth. This book has what we all have loved before the three sisters being their normal selves I would still give my life for Charlie she is far too cute. Magic because it will always be magical to the mysterious vibes. I did not see the reveal at the end coming I thought something else was going to happen but I loved it all the same.
If you love strong family bonds you will love this, if you love mystery you will love this. If you love adventure you will love this. The writing transports you into the world and you feel as if you are being welcomed back into the arms of granny, fliss, Betty and Charlie and I am a big fan of Bonbon.
Cannot wait if we are lucky to have another instalment I will be first in line to order and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the chance to review the fourth instalment of the pinch of magic series I have read them all and I can say that they get better on every instalment. This one was creepy and an amazing setting as we follow the Widdershins on a new adventure in colder climates I was on the edge of my seat as I read it with my heart in my mouth. This book has what we all have loved before the three sisters being their normal selves I would still give my life for Charlie she is far too cute. Magic because it will always be magical to the mysterious vibes. I did not see the reveal at the end coming I thought something else was going to happen but I loved it all the same.
If you love strong family bonds you will love this, if you love mystery you will love this. If you love adventure you will love this. The writing transports you into the world and you feel as if you are being welcomed back into the arms of granny, fliss, Betty and Charlie and I am a big fan of Bonbon.
Cannot wait if we are lucky to have another instalment I will be first in line to order and review.
January 16, 2022
When the Widdershin sisters go with their granny to help cousin, Clarissa, in the cold place of Wilderness, little did they think they'd get anything other than a spot of sightseeing and a few chores to do. Oh my, how wrong they were. Skating on thin ice is just the start, with haunted rooms, a lost treasure and crystal ball with a mind not to be found. Oh and there is far more going on than just that.
This series strengths are in the breadth and depth of the adventure, if you'll excuse the pun.
What I also love about these stories is the scene setting. Michelle's plots are woven intricately and seemlessly through, bring just the right sense of place, the right amount of spine tingling chills, and tons of adventure suspense and wholly loveable or boo-able characters. A storm of Sisters is no exceptions. The plot is deliciously tingly and as as elegant and natural as the paterns on a frosted pane.
To say I was immersed is an understatement. I curled up with this on the sofa wrapped up with a hot drink. Then transfered to bed with the cat and finished it this morning with a tear in my eye. That, for me reviewing a book, is a good thing. It means I was hooked, the ending surpassed my wildest hopes, and I just dont want to say goodbye to the characters.
Definitely a must read for any young reader. A modern classic for winter and a great excuse to stay in with a hot drink and enjoy a roaring fire.
This series strengths are in the breadth and depth of the adventure, if you'll excuse the pun.
What I also love about these stories is the scene setting. Michelle's plots are woven intricately and seemlessly through, bring just the right sense of place, the right amount of spine tingling chills, and tons of adventure suspense and wholly loveable or boo-able characters. A storm of Sisters is no exceptions. The plot is deliciously tingly and as as elegant and natural as the paterns on a frosted pane.
To say I was immersed is an understatement. I curled up with this on the sofa wrapped up with a hot drink. Then transfered to bed with the cat and finished it this morning with a tear in my eye. That, for me reviewing a book, is a good thing. It means I was hooked, the ending surpassed my wildest hopes, and I just dont want to say goodbye to the characters.
Definitely a must read for any young reader. A modern classic for winter and a great excuse to stay in with a hot drink and enjoy a roaring fire.
January 16, 2022
A fantastic ghostly tale of the echoes of love and highway robbery set in a snow-covered Wilderness and dark icy corridors haunted by the past.
Love, love, love this series, and this fourth book reaches the same high level of atmosphere and storytelling as the previous three. I love that all of these books contain stories within stories, it means that, as a reader, I'm not just getting two tales for the price of one, but that by having each setting tangled with some form of local lore, the places in the time of the Widdershins sisters are given a sense of history, and become much more vivid as a result.
Without overdoing it, Michelle Harrison conjurs up atmosphere so skilfully, I swear I felt a chill while reading this, absolutely love it! This fourth book doesn't have much in the way of character development, but now that this is the fourth adventure for the Widdershins sisters, it is great to see that they appreciate and use each others' strengths, while having independent agency, thoughts, and personalities of their own.
So pleased this lives up to the other three, and I'm amazed how the four books can feel so different, exploring shadowy legends from the misty, eerie, foreboding of Crowstone, to the cackly, witchy, creepy threat of Pendlewick, and now the ghostly chill of Wilderness, loved it!
Love, love, love this series, and this fourth book reaches the same high level of atmosphere and storytelling as the previous three. I love that all of these books contain stories within stories, it means that, as a reader, I'm not just getting two tales for the price of one, but that by having each setting tangled with some form of local lore, the places in the time of the Widdershins sisters are given a sense of history, and become much more vivid as a result.
Without overdoing it, Michelle Harrison conjurs up atmosphere so skilfully, I swear I felt a chill while reading this, absolutely love it! This fourth book doesn't have much in the way of character development, but now that this is the fourth adventure for the Widdershins sisters, it is great to see that they appreciate and use each others' strengths, while having independent agency, thoughts, and personalities of their own.
So pleased this lives up to the other three, and I'm amazed how the four books can feel so different, exploring shadowy legends from the misty, eerie, foreboding of Crowstone, to the cackly, witchy, creepy threat of Pendlewick, and now the ghostly chill of Wilderness, loved it!
March 31, 2022
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly thought this series was a trilogy and was sceptical when this book was announced. I needn't have been, I think it may be my favourite book in the series! Something about the mystery element adding into the magic and ghosts that surround our heroines really worked for me.
Once again, this does revolve more around Betty, and I did find myself missing Charlie and Fliss in places, but I loved how they work together and trust each other through this. They are great together and it's nice to see any wobbles in their relationship from the start of the series really ironed out.
It's also a really visual read (and I say this as someone with aphantasia!) - you really get a feel for being there and a sense of what the atmosphere is like. I may not have been able to picture it, but I still felt the anxiety of the chase, the chill in the air. Michelle Harrison shows her strength in her writing so strongly in this book.
There was one part of the resolution that let me down a tiny bit (I won't say what because it's a spoiler), but other than that, I loved it! Definitely a great series, and I highly recommend it to all readers.
4.5 stars.
I honestly thought this series was a trilogy and was sceptical when this book was announced. I needn't have been, I think it may be my favourite book in the series! Something about the mystery element adding into the magic and ghosts that surround our heroines really worked for me.
Once again, this does revolve more around Betty, and I did find myself missing Charlie and Fliss in places, but I loved how they work together and trust each other through this. They are great together and it's nice to see any wobbles in their relationship from the start of the series really ironed out.
It's also a really visual read (and I say this as someone with aphantasia!) - you really get a feel for being there and a sense of what the atmosphere is like. I may not have been able to picture it, but I still felt the anxiety of the chase, the chill in the air. Michelle Harrison shows her strength in her writing so strongly in this book.
There was one part of the resolution that let me down a tiny bit (I won't say what because it's a spoiler), but other than that, I loved it! Definitely a great series, and I highly recommend it to all readers.
4.5 stars.
April 4, 2022
Another perfect adventure for the Widdershins!
I absolutely love how Michelle Harrison creates new legends in this world, that set the girls on a new quest. And it's always a very different setting: this time we get snow, frozen lakes, and a haunted hotel.
We also get to care very quickly for the new characters, which always makes the emotional ending work. Something else made me teary eyed as much as Charlie facing dead animals: don't scare me like that Ms Harrison!
Did I see the main twist coming very early on? Yes but I'm a grown up, and it doesn't even matter because the adventure is still gripping from beginning to end. Not a dull moment, as usual! Though honestly I'd follow the Widdershins do anything like go to school or plant flowers next to dead rats.
Now if they could maybe save Granny from her drinking problem next time...
I absolutely love how Michelle Harrison creates new legends in this world, that set the girls on a new quest. And it's always a very different setting: this time we get snow, frozen lakes, and a haunted hotel.
We also get to care very quickly for the new characters, which always makes the emotional ending work. Something else made me teary eyed as much as Charlie facing dead animals: don't scare me like that Ms Harrison!
Did I see the main twist coming very early on? Yes but I'm a grown up, and it doesn't even matter because the adventure is still gripping from beginning to end. Not a dull moment, as usual! Though honestly I'd follow the Widdershins do anything like go to school or plant flowers next to dead rats.
Now if they could maybe save Granny from her drinking problem next time...
January 23, 2022
A winter’s afternoon, the fire is lit, you’re holding onto a hot mug of tea, fatigued by the freshest of wintery air..and it is time for a story…
The Widdershin Sisters - Felicity, Charlie and Betty having survived 3 incredible adventures with witches and curses, high towers and pirates, are now living in a quiet little village and to be honest Betty is a bit bored..until they receive a letter from Clarissa, who has broken her leg and they must all travel to Wilderness to help their relative. Staying in the nearby hall they become aware of strange noises, stories of a highwayman and his love who disappeared in a frozen lake..and then a fortune teller arrives…
I have been absolutely spellbound by each of these books and Storm of Sisters was no exception. For me the magic lies in the wonderful characters - teenage Felicity who is in love with love; Betty who always manages to find adventure and Charlie who won’t go anywhere without her rat and Granny. It lies in the incredible settings with their amazing names - ‘Dead Man’s Curve’, ‘Wilderness’, and ‘Elora’s Tears’. It lies in the amazing descriptions of icy scenery. And it lies in the wonder of the story. This has magic; a costume ball; a missing girl; a frozen lake; ghostly goings on…
Each book in this series has a very different feel and atmosphere - Book 3 was definitely the scariest for me - this one feels so different partly because it takes place in the depths of winter. There is a winter market with wonderful stalls, hot chocolate and iced drinks but with snow falling ‘ thick and fast..The danger was all around building like the snow inside.’ Chilling!
This is a story which can be enjoyed by adults and middle grade readers. Children will just love the magic elements, the scary bits and the wonderful childish humour such as the delight in being invisible and watching people pick their nose or scratching places that aren’t polite because they don’t know you are there.
So enjoyable! I hope that there will be a fifth!!
June 27, 2022
I absolutely adore this junior fiction series and I have forever. A Pinch of Magic is a wonderful series about a trio of sisters who have a thirst for adventure and each have a bit of magic inside of them. The latest book A Storm of Sisters was a perfect winter read with an amazing mystery and themes from the famous folktale Jack Frost. I loved the full circle mystery this book came with and the descriptions were perfect. A wintry must read full of magic and mystery perfect for younger readers (and older ones).
June 4, 2022
** 3.5 stars**
This one was a fun read, and I enjoyed it. However, I can bring myself to give it no more than 3.5 stars, because I know how much better Michelle Harrison can do, and this is not it. I honestly think she will have trouble to ake the series any better than what she achieved in the first 3 books, especially on the 3rd one. But hey, I'm here for the ride, so fingers crossed the next one will be better.
This one was a fun read, and I enjoyed it. However, I can bring myself to give it no more than 3.5 stars, because I know how much better Michelle Harrison can do, and this is not it. I honestly think she will have trouble to ake the series any better than what she achieved in the first 3 books, especially on the 3rd one. But hey, I'm here for the ride, so fingers crossed the next one will be better.
January 30, 2023
I kept putting off reading this because I didn't think I was in the mood for middle-grade BUT once I started reading it I had so much fun. I loved spending time with the sisters again and, as with the previous books, the mystery cleverly comes together at the end with some spooky/witchy things thrown in. I hope there will be more books in the series!
March 5, 2022
This is a perfect 4th book in the series. I loved that each book is very different and has real twist. For me this book was spooky but not too scary. Love that I still laughed. Charlie is fast becoming my favourite of the sisters..
February 18, 2023
4.5 stars 🌟
January 10, 2022
I've loved this series since the start, and had been preordering all of them. So I was really excited to get an ARC of it!
Harrison did not dissappoint!
Another fantastic mystery for the girls to solve, set in the deep of winter. There are ghosts, love stories and mysteries abound.
I found it very hard to put this book down, as the story just gripped me the whole time. Harrison has an amazing way of describing the setting that makes it so vivid and real, if i hadn't been in a nice, warm room, i'd have been shivering away, imagining i was in the freezing cold along with the girls!
a brilliant addition to this series, and well worth a read. Could technically be read as a standalone, but it is better if you read the first 3 books in the series.
Harrison did not dissappoint!
Another fantastic mystery for the girls to solve, set in the deep of winter. There are ghosts, love stories and mysteries abound.
I found it very hard to put this book down, as the story just gripped me the whole time. Harrison has an amazing way of describing the setting that makes it so vivid and real, if i hadn't been in a nice, warm room, i'd have been shivering away, imagining i was in the freezing cold along with the girls!
a brilliant addition to this series, and well worth a read. Could technically be read as a standalone, but it is better if you read the first 3 books in the series.
December 31, 2025
This is definitely more of a 4.5 star rating. I think this is a solid favorite middle grade series for me. I don’t obsessively love them but I really really like them every time. I love the sisterly bond and their family. I really like all the people they meet along the way. Plus all the shenanigans they get into is a sure fun part of it too.
I hope there’s going to be more of these but I’m not actually sure if there is going to be!
I hope there’s going to be more of these but I’m not actually sure if there is going to be!
January 4, 2022
I'm so thankful to Netgalley for letting me read this before the publish date.
This is the 4th installment of the Widdershins sisters. I would definitely recommend reading the previous three first, even though the story is still fab without knowing their history.
The three sisters travel to help family and stumble across a magical mystery: involving ghosts, robbers, crystal balls and a deadly love.
What I love about these books is the subtle way magic is involved. This is not a world where a wave of a wand fixes everything, or muttering the right words. Their magic is just a little pinch that they use wisely to help get themselves out (and into) trouble.
I finish the book wanting to know what happens next, will there be a part 5?
This is the 4th installment of the Widdershins sisters. I would definitely recommend reading the previous three first, even though the story is still fab without knowing their history.
The three sisters travel to help family and stumble across a magical mystery: involving ghosts, robbers, crystal balls and a deadly love.
What I love about these books is the subtle way magic is involved. This is not a world where a wave of a wand fixes everything, or muttering the right words. Their magic is just a little pinch that they use wisely to help get themselves out (and into) trouble.
I finish the book wanting to know what happens next, will there be a part 5?
March 14, 2022
CAWPILE: 7.57/10.00 - 4/5
Este es el cuarto de la saga, amo volver a ver a las hermanas Widdershins, ver sus aventuras y la magia que las rodea.
Es interesante como la autora ha "crecido" la historia, no sé si porque es una autora del UK, pero siento que estos libros middle grade tienen escenas que vendrían siendo muy de YA.
Pero esta historia fue interesante, ver como el pueblo de Wilderness se dejaba guiar por los fantasmas del pasado. Betty, Fliss y Charlie son un increíble cast de personajes, cada una trae algo peculiar a las novelas.
Esta edición que estoy reseñando es la edición especial de Waterstones. 339 páginas.
Este es el cuarto de la saga, amo volver a ver a las hermanas Widdershins, ver sus aventuras y la magia que las rodea.
Es interesante como la autora ha "crecido" la historia, no sé si porque es una autora del UK, pero siento que estos libros middle grade tienen escenas que vendrían siendo muy de YA.
Pero esta historia fue interesante, ver como el pueblo de Wilderness se dejaba guiar por los fantasmas del pasado. Betty, Fliss y Charlie son un increíble cast de personajes, cada una trae algo peculiar a las novelas.
Esta edición que estoy reseñando es la edición especial de Waterstones. 339 páginas.
November 1, 2022
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the free arc.
A netgalley book originally got me into these books, which I then went on to buy the whole collection! So, I had a good feeling about this request: I absolutely loved it.
Visiting Clarissa in Wilderness - in the meddle of nowhere - the girls get caught up in a rumoured ghost story and have to uncover the truth. Is the highwayman real? Who's the girl walking the corridors? Where's the fated crystal ball?
My favourite Widdershins story so far!
A netgalley book originally got me into these books, which I then went on to buy the whole collection! So, I had a good feeling about this request: I absolutely loved it.
Visiting Clarissa in Wilderness - in the meddle of nowhere - the girls get caught up in a rumoured ghost story and have to uncover the truth. Is the highwayman real? Who's the girl walking the corridors? Where's the fated crystal ball?
My favourite Widdershins story so far!
December 17, 2022
This is one of those special children's books that I think will delight everyone who reads it; a really magical fourth book in the Widdershins sisters series.
Betty, Fliss and Charlie are living happily with their father and Granny when a plea for help from cousin Clarissa arrives. They can't resist an adventure and travel with Granny to the small, snowy town where she lives to help out. As soon as they arrive they learn of the story of a doomed love, a highwayman and missing treasure all set against the backdrop of a magical market and a winter storm.
The characters are excellent. They have grown so much through the books and in this story they really came together as a unit, building on each other's strengths and weaknesses to support and challenge each other. I loved the sibling relationship and how they worked together to find out what was really going on in the town.
The balance of magic and ghostly goings on was just right and would appeal to so many children - a must for every school library!
Betty, Fliss and Charlie are living happily with their father and Granny when a plea for help from cousin Clarissa arrives. They can't resist an adventure and travel with Granny to the small, snowy town where she lives to help out. As soon as they arrive they learn of the story of a doomed love, a highwayman and missing treasure all set against the backdrop of a magical market and a winter storm.
The characters are excellent. They have grown so much through the books and in this story they really came together as a unit, building on each other's strengths and weaknesses to support and challenge each other. I loved the sibling relationship and how they worked together to find out what was really going on in the town.
The balance of magic and ghostly goings on was just right and would appeal to so many children - a must for every school library!
September 11, 2024
An absolutely delightful fourth instalment in the a pinch of magic adventure.
I loved that it was based on the highwayman poem which I remember reading back when I was in year three or four possibly, and recall being absolutely mesmerised by it.
It's funny actually because recently it popped back into my mind, as it always eventually does.
It feels kind of like a chilling, haunting background memory... as if I was actually there, so it's strange that I should pick this up around a time when it reemerged in my mind without realising that a storm of sisters was loosely based off of the poem.
This being set during deep winter wasn't off-putting like it can sometimes be when you're reading a seasonal book out of season. Sometimes it just feels a little bit jarring to the senses when you're, for example, blisteringly hot but you're reading about the darkest coldest night. A storm of sisters didn't have that struggle, fortunately.
One thing I really adored was how atmospheric this was and how perfectly it captured the tone of this legend, this feared ghost story and the depth and darkness and absolute freezing temperatures of the winter... As well as the dangers that comes with that and some unpleasant memories for the sisters. [Side note, but the way grief was sort of briefly touched on was quite well done for an introductionary piece to it. I'd love this to be expanded on because you can instantly tell that Harrison has this empathy and kindness in how she would progress that storyline.]
This really lent itself beautifully to this mystery that Betty and her sisters were trying to uncover and the ghost story on top of it, making it incredibly eerie and, once again, highly atmospheric.
The twists and turns were so layered and it kept me guessing from the get-go. Everytime I thought that the plot was winding down and we were finally getting some answers a curveball would be thrown and another reveal would be made, completely throwing out everything else that we had just learned and it was simply fantastic.
Seeing the power of love, especially between Betty, Fliss and Charlie was absolutely powerful. I felt like it really was amplified through the storytelling of the ghost story as a theme that carried throughout the novel, as well as generally just showing how far the girls would go for each other to make sure they were safe and cared for.
We had some fantastic new characters which I would love to see pop-up in future books, but remembering from other books prior to this, you don't really see them once we've moved onto the next novel. Which is totally fine, but I think they were just so well crafted that it would be amazing to see them pop up and kind of see how they're doing again in future stories.
Speaking of future stories, I am so excited to see where the next adventure takes us. I was almost worried there, for admittedly, a rather long time, thinking this could be it, especially with how the ending was looking. But I feel satisfied in the conclusion of a storm of sisters and very hopeful that more is to come. So fingers crossed, and as always, I will definitely be watching this space.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
I loved that it was based on the highwayman poem which I remember reading back when I was in year three or four possibly, and recall being absolutely mesmerised by it.
It's funny actually because recently it popped back into my mind, as it always eventually does.
It feels kind of like a chilling, haunting background memory... as if I was actually there, so it's strange that I should pick this up around a time when it reemerged in my mind without realising that a storm of sisters was loosely based off of the poem.
This being set during deep winter wasn't off-putting like it can sometimes be when you're reading a seasonal book out of season. Sometimes it just feels a little bit jarring to the senses when you're, for example, blisteringly hot but you're reading about the darkest coldest night. A storm of sisters didn't have that struggle, fortunately.
One thing I really adored was how atmospheric this was and how perfectly it captured the tone of this legend, this feared ghost story and the depth and darkness and absolute freezing temperatures of the winter... As well as the dangers that comes with that and some unpleasant memories for the sisters. [Side note, but the way grief was sort of briefly touched on was quite well done for an introductionary piece to it. I'd love this to be expanded on because you can instantly tell that Harrison has this empathy and kindness in how she would progress that storyline.]
This really lent itself beautifully to this mystery that Betty and her sisters were trying to uncover and the ghost story on top of it, making it incredibly eerie and, once again, highly atmospheric.
The twists and turns were so layered and it kept me guessing from the get-go. Everytime I thought that the plot was winding down and we were finally getting some answers a curveball would be thrown and another reveal would be made, completely throwing out everything else that we had just learned and it was simply fantastic.
Seeing the power of love, especially between Betty, Fliss and Charlie was absolutely powerful. I felt like it really was amplified through the storytelling of the ghost story as a theme that carried throughout the novel, as well as generally just showing how far the girls would go for each other to make sure they were safe and cared for.
We had some fantastic new characters which I would love to see pop-up in future books, but remembering from other books prior to this, you don't really see them once we've moved onto the next novel. Which is totally fine, but I think they were just so well crafted that it would be amazing to see them pop up and kind of see how they're doing again in future stories.
Speaking of future stories, I am so excited to see where the next adventure takes us. I was almost worried there, for admittedly, a rather long time, thinking this could be it, especially with how the ending was looking. But I feel satisfied in the conclusion of a storm of sisters and very hopeful that more is to come. So fingers crossed, and as always, I will definitely be watching this space.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
February 11, 2023
"One day, almost forty years after it had been stolen, the crystal ball sensed a new presence and it was an intriguing one... Three sisters with their own pinch of magic."
We are reunited with the Widdershins sisters in A Storm of Sisters where we travel to the Wilderness to care for their aunt Clarissa who has broken her foot. And the town has plenty of adventures for the sisters with a frozen lake, winter market, costume ball, fortunetellers, and ghosts. And all are not good-spirited, so once again the sisters have to race against the clock to solve the mysteries and save the day.
Harrison is so good at writing the sibling relationship between the three Widdershins sisters. Their interactions are so believable. There was a lot of good snark, but also so much love and affection between the sisters. Their relationship is definitely the best part of this series in my opinion.
Because I wasn't as enamored with this installment as with the previous ones. I was so excited to get stuck into an atmospheric story filled with winter and snowstorms and creepy ghosts. And we certainly got all of that delivered here. But the story just dragged on without a whole lot happening. I just never really got invested in the mystery; probably because it seemed fairly straightforward although there were some twists that I didn't see coming. But even those twists didn't massively impact the story, so they failed to have an impact on me as well.
All that being said, I still obviously enjoyed this story as evident from the fact that I gave it 4 stars. I loved exploring the town of Wilderness. Harrison really knows how to build an intriguing setting, and if she continues on with this series, then I am definitely going to pick the sequel up.
My other reviews in the A Pinch of Magic series:
A Pinch of Magic (#1)
A Sprinkle of Sorcery (#2)
A Tangle of Spells (#3)
We are reunited with the Widdershins sisters in A Storm of Sisters where we travel to the Wilderness to care for their aunt Clarissa who has broken her foot. And the town has plenty of adventures for the sisters with a frozen lake, winter market, costume ball, fortunetellers, and ghosts. And all are not good-spirited, so once again the sisters have to race against the clock to solve the mysteries and save the day.
Harrison is so good at writing the sibling relationship between the three Widdershins sisters. Their interactions are so believable. There was a lot of good snark, but also so much love and affection between the sisters. Their relationship is definitely the best part of this series in my opinion.
Because I wasn't as enamored with this installment as with the previous ones. I was so excited to get stuck into an atmospheric story filled with winter and snowstorms and creepy ghosts. And we certainly got all of that delivered here. But the story just dragged on without a whole lot happening. I just never really got invested in the mystery; probably because it seemed fairly straightforward although there were some twists that I didn't see coming. But even those twists didn't massively impact the story, so they failed to have an impact on me as well.
All that being said, I still obviously enjoyed this story as evident from the fact that I gave it 4 stars. I loved exploring the town of Wilderness. Harrison really knows how to build an intriguing setting, and if she continues on with this series, then I am definitely going to pick the sequel up.
My other reviews in the A Pinch of Magic series:
A Pinch of Magic (#1)
A Sprinkle of Sorcery (#2)
A Tangle of Spells (#3)
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