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Strega - Magic: The Spirit Never Dies
STREGA - The Spirit Never Dies “I was born on the white November day the Baptismal font cracked. Big, and right down the middle. Not a good sign in the Italian immigrant stronghold of Ocean County, New Jersey. Six weeks later, the second they wrapped up the christening my Godfather - running late for a meeting at an unspecified location - gently kissed my forehead and signaled to the bouncer waiting at the door to ‘Git the friggin cah stahted.’ And that’s the good part.” - Annie STREGA - The Spirit Never Dies is a rich novel from acclaimed storyteller Lynne Russell, set along the shores of modern day Massachusetts and in the Old Country of southern Italy, where the hereditary witchcraft of Benevento province is legendary. Indeed, Strega means witch in Italian. Steeped in history but with a sense of humor, this is a tale of Reincarnation, Family, Love, Hope. About the Joy we can pull out of suffering. About Feminine Sovereignty and Gifts passed down through the ages. And about a certain magical liquore enjoyed to this very day, and the importance of sharing it with your true other half. Angela Scotti (Annie) is a third-year medical student very near to achieving her dream of becoming a healer. But destiny, Destino, has other plans for her. Tragedies in her short life refuse to give her peace. Worse, her fiancé, a successful New York divorce lawyer, gives no credence to the urgent whispers she has begun to hear in the night. They swirl around her and warn that the clock is ticking, that the time is near, but they never say what she should do. Even worse, in her hospital work her mentor has become her enemy, and she faces the fight alone. This beautifully written, cinematic account of the women who preceded Annie moves smoothly through Italy of 1617 and 1899. Today, a prisoner of her unsettled present, Annie flees to the calming waves and fresh salt air of Massachusetts. Without warning she runs headlong into the frightening Past, a past that threatens to destroy her. Yet she finds hope, and love, and herself in the most unlikely places. Will she recognize it in time?
About the Lynne Russell was the first woman to anchor a regular network nightly newscast, more than 33,000 over 18 years at CNN. The New York Times called her a “just-the-facts stalwart of CNN Headline News”. They also called her a news anchor with the personality of a professional wrestler, which she took as a compliment. Washington Journalism Review : a spot as Best in the Business. Private investigator, double black belt, former Deputy Sheriff, Lynne writes the PJ Santini series of romantic crime novels and historical fiction. She and her husband live near Washington, D.C. and in Italy.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
“The first witch was as beautiful as you. Men loved her and women hated her. She was all women.”
At some point in her earliest years, every little girl in my family turns a bewildered cheek into the softness of her pillow as she’s tucked in at night. She closes her wonder-filled eyes to unpuzzle this riddle, reassured by the gentle feminine voice beside her bed that it is the truth and that in time she will understand. Then this tender sleeping beauty is whispered to, as she sinks into slumber.
“Remember the power and the knowledge that rest in your breast have been handed down from the ancient goddesses… the Lifegivers. They rule over Harmony and Fertility and Balance. But men have sought to erase their influence from the world. They have been violent [but] no match for our passion and for the way Nature favors us. You can do a lot more with a broom than sweep, you know.”
Reprinted from STREGA - Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell. Copyright ©2021 Lynne Russell. All rights reserved. This excerpt or any parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
About the Lynne Russell was the first woman to anchor a regular network nightly newscast, more than 33,000 over 18 years at CNN. The New York Times called her a “just-the-facts stalwart of CNN Headline News”. They also called her a news anchor with the personality of a professional wrestler, which she took as a compliment. Washington Journalism Review : a spot as Best in the Business. Private investigator, double black belt, former Deputy Sheriff, Lynne writes the PJ Santini series of romantic crime novels and historical fiction. She and her husband live near Washington, D.C. and in Italy.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
“The first witch was as beautiful as you. Men loved her and women hated her. She was all women.”
At some point in her earliest years, every little girl in my family turns a bewildered cheek into the softness of her pillow as she’s tucked in at night. She closes her wonder-filled eyes to unpuzzle this riddle, reassured by the gentle feminine voice beside her bed that it is the truth and that in time she will understand. Then this tender sleeping beauty is whispered to, as she sinks into slumber.
“Remember the power and the knowledge that rest in your breast have been handed down from the ancient goddesses… the Lifegivers. They rule over Harmony and Fertility and Balance. But men have sought to erase their influence from the world. They have been violent [but] no match for our passion and for the way Nature favors us. You can do a lot more with a broom than sweep, you know.”
Reprinted from STREGA - Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell. Copyright ©2021 Lynne Russell. All rights reserved. This excerpt or any parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
- GenresFiction
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
2 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Russell
7 books2 followersLynne Russell is the author of the P.J. Santini romantic crime series, including HELL ON HEELS, HEELS OF FORTUNE and LOVE HEELS!. Like Lynne, P.J. Santini is a television journalist and a private detective. Her novel STREGA - MAGIC: THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES (published on Halloween 2021) is a completely different story of Old Italy, modern love, reincarnation and magic.
Lynne Russell broke ground as the first woman to solo anchor a network nightly newscast. She anchored CNN/CNN Headline News for 18 years, more than 33,000 international newscasts. She developed a following who admire her objective, authoritative delivery and non-conformist on-air personality and demeanor.
Her long-standing dedication to the people's right to know was recognized in the New York Times, which called her a "just-the-facts stalwart of CNN Headline News." In The Washington Post: "We are, frankly, devastated by the news... Lynne Russell is leaving...the future seems a little sadder." Russell hosted the first U.S. cable in the classroom project, as her CNN Week in Review was introduced in schools.
For years, she has successfully balanced her journalism career with her other "occupations": Deputy Sheriff in Fulton County [Atlanta] Georgia as jail officer, and licensed private investigator. She holds two black belts in the martial art Choi Kwang Do, is a certified open water SCUBA diver and keelboat sailor, and an enthusiastic - if clumsy - hockey skater.
All of this prompted her to write her inspirational first book, How to Win Friends, Kick Ass and Influence People (Dec.1999, St. Martin's Press), exploring the liberating concepts of appreciating and utilizing one's own abilities and talents, peaceful coexistence with the opposite sex and celebration of "la difference!". Actor/comedian Richard Belzer says, "If Xena, warrior princess could tell her story, this would be her book." A New York Times review quipped she's "a news anchor with the personality of a professional wrestler." She considers that a compliment.
After CNN, she launched Lynne Russell Red Lipstick on LynneRussell.com, and created the Benevento Lampshade Company, featuring personally handstitched, one-of-a-kind luxurious Italian silk lampshades, showcased at BeneventoLampshades.com. A nod to her Italian heritage and the romance of the Old Country.
Russell and her husband divide their time between Washington, DC and Italy.
Lynne Russell broke ground as the first woman to solo anchor a network nightly newscast. She anchored CNN/CNN Headline News for 18 years, more than 33,000 international newscasts. She developed a following who admire her objective, authoritative delivery and non-conformist on-air personality and demeanor.
Her long-standing dedication to the people's right to know was recognized in the New York Times, which called her a "just-the-facts stalwart of CNN Headline News." In The Washington Post: "We are, frankly, devastated by the news... Lynne Russell is leaving...the future seems a little sadder." Russell hosted the first U.S. cable in the classroom project, as her CNN Week in Review was introduced in schools.
For years, she has successfully balanced her journalism career with her other "occupations": Deputy Sheriff in Fulton County [Atlanta] Georgia as jail officer, and licensed private investigator. She holds two black belts in the martial art Choi Kwang Do, is a certified open water SCUBA diver and keelboat sailor, and an enthusiastic - if clumsy - hockey skater.
All of this prompted her to write her inspirational first book, How to Win Friends, Kick Ass and Influence People (Dec.1999, St. Martin's Press), exploring the liberating concepts of appreciating and utilizing one's own abilities and talents, peaceful coexistence with the opposite sex and celebration of "la difference!". Actor/comedian Richard Belzer says, "If Xena, warrior princess could tell her story, this would be her book." A New York Times review quipped she's "a news anchor with the personality of a professional wrestler." She considers that a compliment.
After CNN, she launched Lynne Russell Red Lipstick on LynneRussell.com, and created the Benevento Lampshade Company, featuring personally handstitched, one-of-a-kind luxurious Italian silk lampshades, showcased at BeneventoLampshades.com. A nod to her Italian heritage and the romance of the Old Country.
Russell and her husband divide their time between Washington, DC and Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 27, 2021
Angela Scotti, also known as Annie is a woman who was born in November on the day that the baptismal font cracked in half at the local church, this is not a good omen, or at least not to her Italian-American family. When she was baptised in her grandmothers salad bowl, her family were up to their usual tricks and her Godfather was frantic and constantly clockwatching throughout as he was late to a meeting, but none of this surprised the priest who was running the baptism. She has been through a lot in her life from experiencing multiple tragedies to having an unusual childhood and family dynamic, but she has dealt with it all, however, the whispers she has been hearing at night all her life have started to become louder and more urgent, but her fiancée is not accepting what is happening and refuses to believer her, being the straight laced lawyer that he is. Meanwhile, she is learning how to become a healer, but the person who should be a mentor to her in the workplace has instead become someone who is against her with every fibre of their being, but what Annie doesn’t realise is that the stress she is under is about to send her on a quest to find herself and to a tiny town on the coast of Massachusetts.
While we learn about Annie and her life, we also learn about her family history, from the year 1617 where it all began with her ancestors, their destined meeting and the skills which were to be passed down through the feminine line of magic and witchcraft and it’s roots in Benevento in Italy land where a Strega, or witch was able to live freely and have a legendary place in that Southern Italian land and the mysterious liquore famed for its potency and enablement of everlasting love.
At the same time, the history of the small coastal town is being revealed to Annie piece by piece, but what she finds out leads her to both joy and despair as the events detailed in the year of 1899 weave themselves into an unexpected place in history. Will Annie be able to recognise the signs around her and live up to the Destino, or destiny which has been laid before her, or will she crack under the pressure and let defeat destroy everything she holds dear? This is a story of strength, weakness, happiness and sadness which takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as hidden truths and connections are revealed to the unprepared and told in a magical way which pulls you along, as you learn how past, present and future are all interlinked.
While we learn about Annie and her life, we also learn about her family history, from the year 1617 where it all began with her ancestors, their destined meeting and the skills which were to be passed down through the feminine line of magic and witchcraft and it’s roots in Benevento in Italy land where a Strega, or witch was able to live freely and have a legendary place in that Southern Italian land and the mysterious liquore famed for its potency and enablement of everlasting love.
At the same time, the history of the small coastal town is being revealed to Annie piece by piece, but what she finds out leads her to both joy and despair as the events detailed in the year of 1899 weave themselves into an unexpected place in history. Will Annie be able to recognise the signs around her and live up to the Destino, or destiny which has been laid before her, or will she crack under the pressure and let defeat destroy everything she holds dear? This is a story of strength, weakness, happiness and sadness which takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as hidden truths and connections are revealed to the unprepared and told in a magical way which pulls you along, as you learn how past, present and future are all interlinked.
November 22, 2021
Literally, this book had me under its spell! I had always had an interest in magic and all that goes along with it. I for one have always been a believer, and wondered on the history as well as what different kinds of magic existed. I was pulled right in, many things were going on, but it made the appeal more amazing!
The story of the awesome female courageous characters sold the deal for me right from the bat. All I got to meet while reading had different strengths and really showed how powerful they were, not just with the magic, but mentally minded. I loved that aspect. I was very much interested in the fact the book dealt with Italian Magic. It was all new to me and certainly brought on the intrigue! For me Annie was so easy to love as a character. She was the one who had to undergo a lot, and she came out stronger than I think both her and I thought possible. The story brought on action and everything gets explained as you read though! I do love a book that makes me question in the first few chapters, and I get answers later!
The pace was very easy flowing as I have said. The events that happened made the story take shape. I wish I was there with Annie, I would have had so many questions and wanted to partake in the experiences. The book was well thought out in terms of writing, I really enjoyed it. Its one I will be recommending to people as well. The history that came to light, more less the past, it was very visual for me and it made sense completely, and was a nice thing for the story I found. It was a wonderful, amazing, and magical read that was very enjoyed! The story brought everything, and delivered well!
This was a good read, it brought on emotions and suspense very well for me as well as the other adaptions I had gained from reading this book. I was intrigued more than I can put into words. The history was my favorite part and watching Annie grow and shape, and learning about the Italian magic and past and things happened was amazing to visualize! High recommendation for this amazing book!
The story of the awesome female courageous characters sold the deal for me right from the bat. All I got to meet while reading had different strengths and really showed how powerful they were, not just with the magic, but mentally minded. I loved that aspect. I was very much interested in the fact the book dealt with Italian Magic. It was all new to me and certainly brought on the intrigue! For me Annie was so easy to love as a character. She was the one who had to undergo a lot, and she came out stronger than I think both her and I thought possible. The story brought on action and everything gets explained as you read though! I do love a book that makes me question in the first few chapters, and I get answers later!
The pace was very easy flowing as I have said. The events that happened made the story take shape. I wish I was there with Annie, I would have had so many questions and wanted to partake in the experiences. The book was well thought out in terms of writing, I really enjoyed it. Its one I will be recommending to people as well. The history that came to light, more less the past, it was very visual for me and it made sense completely, and was a nice thing for the story I found. It was a wonderful, amazing, and magical read that was very enjoyed! The story brought everything, and delivered well!
This was a good read, it brought on emotions and suspense very well for me as well as the other adaptions I had gained from reading this book. I was intrigued more than I can put into words. The history was my favorite part and watching Annie grow and shape, and learning about the Italian magic and past and things happened was amazing to visualize! High recommendation for this amazing book!
November 30, 2021
A wonderfully told story set along the shores of modern day Massachusetts and in Southern Italy’s, Old Country, both of which really came alive through the authors detailed and descriptive narrative. I could feel the Italian sun and the fresh salt air in Massachusetts. The storyline has it all, history, hereditary witchcraft, wonderful characters, amazing settings and, “Reincarnation, Family, Love, Hope, Suffering and Joy”, and of course magical liquor! All of which had me spellbound from page one. Angela Scotti (Annie), a third-year medical student has dreams of becoming a healer, but due to past tragedies her destiny or ‘Destino’ has other plans for her. Annie is also having difficulties whilst working at the hospital as her mentor has become an enemy, and then there is her successful lawyer fiancé who is giving her no support. Especially in regard to the urgent whispers she has started to hear at night.
The dual timeline aspect works well and reads flawlessly in this novel, from Italy in 1617 and 1899 and the stories of Annie’s predecessors, to modern day Massachusetts. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this engaging novel, and felt as though I was there with Annie as she faces her past. The historical details made me feel immersed in the eras and the author has obviously done her research thoroughly. An enjoyable read which flowed well and kept me captivated from start to finish.
The dual timeline aspect works well and reads flawlessly in this novel, from Italy in 1617 and 1899 and the stories of Annie’s predecessors, to modern day Massachusetts. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this engaging novel, and felt as though I was there with Annie as she faces her past. The historical details made me feel immersed in the eras and the author has obviously done her research thoroughly. An enjoyable read which flowed well and kept me captivated from start to finish.
December 17, 2021
Picture this- a little villa in Italy where the center of town is a fountain. The smell of olive trees and many herbs float in the breeze. I can see myself at the fountain the day the news came forth from a crazy woman- pregnant. Who would believe such lies from her? Well, the truth has been told and the sisters who live on the outskirts of town and society are seeing to that pregnancy. The story takes a turn for the worst and the sisters are rushed off to America. I can relate to the sisters living on the outskirts of society as I too have never felt like I lived or belonged in mainstream. I use herbs, oils, and tonics to keep well and to heal others. I wear crystals in my clothes and worship all that Nature provides for us to use. I am a moon child and flow with the waxing and waning of the moon cycles.
Annie in our present day undergoes a journey of self-realization and lives up to her Italian roots. An amazing story of a family through the centuries and how they cope with their unusual background and personalities to become strong women. I absolutely loved this story! It was a great read and so easy to relate to the women that I found myself caught up in the story and the excitement. I journeyed with the sisters and experienced self-discovery with Annie. Definitely a must-read story for those who feel like they too live on the outskirts but have so much knowledge to share.
Annie in our present day undergoes a journey of self-realization and lives up to her Italian roots. An amazing story of a family through the centuries and how they cope with their unusual background and personalities to become strong women. I absolutely loved this story! It was a great read and so easy to relate to the women that I found myself caught up in the story and the excitement. I journeyed with the sisters and experienced self-discovery with Annie. Definitely a must-read story for those who feel like they too live on the outskirts but have so much knowledge to share.
December 23, 2021
What an amazingly beautiful story of women of the past and present! This is like multiple stories combined into one fantastic tale. We begin with Annie's ancestors and what their life was like. It is so vividly described, I felt like, I was right there. It is a story set in the old country, giving us a set up to the present. Then we are back to present day and Annie. Feeling stuck and at a crossroads, she takes a break from her life and learns so much.
The people are what make this book phenomenal. All of them -- both of the past and the present -- are unique and add to the story. This is a story of the endurance of women over the years through love and loss, and everything that comes between. It makes you stop and be thankful for who and what you have. And to never stop believing.
I am so happy to have found this wonderful tale and be immersed in it. It brought joy to by soul and I highly recommend it to those who like women's fiction with a bit of magic mixed in.
The people are what make this book phenomenal. All of them -- both of the past and the present -- are unique and add to the story. This is a story of the endurance of women over the years through love and loss, and everything that comes between. It makes you stop and be thankful for who and what you have. And to never stop believing.
I am so happy to have found this wonderful tale and be immersed in it. It brought joy to by soul and I highly recommend it to those who like women's fiction with a bit of magic mixed in.
November 27, 2021
This book is utterly captivating. I was immediately drawn into this story from the very first page. I was cheering for Annie the entire time that she was on a fascinating journey of self discovery. This book really highlights how important it is to listen to your intuition and to always follow your heart. Just because the life you want might not be what's expected of you it's never to late to change the course of your life and take a different path. It can be so hard to reach for happiness but it's worth the risk and the connection between Annie and Ian is sheer magic! The flashbacks to an older time and exploring family history was so fascinating. This book is unlike anything I've ever read before and I absolutely adored it! This is definitely a must read story of romance and self discovery that transcends time itself.
November 29, 2021
I was drawn to Strega due to the supernatural element of witchcraft. I’ll be honest I was off put when I first started reading it. I was really confused trying to figure out what was going on.
It starts with Annie’s baptism then automatically jumps back hundreds of years in time.
I understand now it was to build the backstory it all ties together.
In saying all that, trust me when I say give this book a chance. I considered giving up on it, but I’m glad I didn’t and pushed through. It was definitely worth it.
Definitely different in its own right, but at the same time falls right in line with other books in the genre once you figure it all out.
I’m all about supernatural elements in stories but the tragedy in this story is sad but it breeds love and happiness.
Again I’ll say read it, don’t let confusion force you to put it down because you will be missing out!
It starts with Annie’s baptism then automatically jumps back hundreds of years in time.
I understand now it was to build the backstory it all ties together.
In saying all that, trust me when I say give this book a chance. I considered giving up on it, but I’m glad I didn’t and pushed through. It was definitely worth it.
Definitely different in its own right, but at the same time falls right in line with other books in the genre once you figure it all out.
I’m all about supernatural elements in stories but the tragedy in this story is sad but it breeds love and happiness.
Again I’ll say read it, don’t let confusion force you to put it down because you will be missing out!
November 30, 2021
This book we are introduced to Annie. A strega or "witch" in Italian. She is aiming to become a doctor and with her loving fiancée by her side...only she isn't sure that this doctor thing is her passion, and her fiancée turns out to not be that great as well.
Annie soon embarks on a journey to find her calling and her true self. It becomes a eye opening journey that is taken with Annie and the gifts she finds and the strength she gains speak to who she is as well as the connection to women generations before her.
This book was such a great read! Witches and powerful women all entwined in one. The way the story provided past and present combined with a vast family history made it all the more fascinating. This is a first read for me by this author but the way she tells stories I can guarantee its not the last.
Annie soon embarks on a journey to find her calling and her true self. It becomes a eye opening journey that is taken with Annie and the gifts she finds and the strength she gains speak to who she is as well as the connection to women generations before her.
This book was such a great read! Witches and powerful women all entwined in one. The way the story provided past and present combined with a vast family history made it all the more fascinating. This is a first read for me by this author but the way she tells stories I can guarantee its not the last.
November 22, 2021
This was a really good book! I'll admit, at the start I was a little iffy on it, and it took several chapters to really get into it and start understand what was going on but once that got cleared up I couldn't put this book down and it made it a very quick story to read! It was so good! The imagery is incredible. The author is able to describe every that is seen and felt in incredible detail and I felt like I was there with every character in this story, no matter what time period. I was extremely impressed with that. This is not the first book I've read from this author before but I wasn't sure what to expect wit this story. But I highly recommend this one, it was really good, and enthralling to read!
November 22, 2021
Strega - Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell. This book was so good. It's not a book you can read lightly you really have to think about it and pay attention but that made it much more real to me. Its the story of the women in the Ciofani family who are from Italy and they use magic. I really enjoyed Annie and she was such a strong, independent woman who mad great strides in her life thru this book. Annie came out stronger than ever due to things she had to undergo. The writing in this book made me feel like I was in Italy and made me almost believe I had magical powers! The story has a lot of action and you will be amazed at how fast you turn the pages. Do yourself a favor and read this amazing novel about Italian women and their magical powers!
November 21, 2021
Starting out, this book got me with the synapsis. I started reading and it drew me in even more. Getting to read about the Italian magic was interesting. Seeing the female lead going through struggles to what she thought was mental illness and turned out not to be was thrilling and amazing. I'm glad I gave this book a chance. The writing was done beautifully, and I could see the book playing in my mind. The story progressed at a well pace, it wasn't too fast or too slow. The characters were relatable and I could connect with them. I suggest reading this book and giving it a chance! You won't regret it!
November 22, 2021
4 Stars
Strega- Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell.
I have read quite a few of this author’s books before and really enjoyed each and every one. This book is a bit of a departure from what I have come to expect- but just as well written and enjoyable as the others. It also has the humorous touches that I love about her books.
A romantic suspense with witches, history, magic, the paranormal, drama, reincarnation, betrayal, tragedy, and dramatic developments…. which kept me turning the pages to discover how everything played out in the end.
Looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Lynne Russell!
Strega- Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell.
I have read quite a few of this author’s books before and really enjoyed each and every one. This book is a bit of a departure from what I have come to expect- but just as well written and enjoyable as the others. It also has the humorous touches that I love about her books.
A romantic suspense with witches, history, magic, the paranormal, drama, reincarnation, betrayal, tragedy, and dramatic developments…. which kept me turning the pages to discover how everything played out in the end.
Looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Lynne Russell!
November 26, 2021
The best thing for me is finding new authors and new books. This was just the ticket. I love paranormal or fantasy type books and I love the way this one was written. The multi timeline element of this book really works well. I like how the past was used and how it really was the key to everything. The author really has a unique and refreshing story.
I was really hooked from the beginning and I could not put this book down. From the historical part of the book to the present day the story was flawless and really flowed well. I look forward to more from this author and I really hope this is the beginning of a good series.
I was really hooked from the beginning and I could not put this book down. From the historical part of the book to the present day the story was flawless and really flowed well. I look forward to more from this author and I really hope this is the beginning of a good series.
November 29, 2021
Angela Scotti (Annie) is a third year medical student running from her past and her present, to the shores of Massachusetts. In this little town she will learn more about the past and herself than she ever thought imaginable. As well as the generations of strong women of Italy that came before her.
I feel so empowered after reading this book! I loved the tone and the strong emphasis on female strength and empowerment! Russell created such a detailed and emotional love story that it brought me to tears! I could really feel the emotions from the characters! I really felt like I was there with them. A must read!
I feel so empowered after reading this book! I loved the tone and the strong emphasis on female strength and empowerment! Russell created such a detailed and emotional love story that it brought me to tears! I could really feel the emotions from the characters! I really felt like I was there with them. A must read!
November 30, 2021
Lynne Russell has written a novel that is captivating from the first word to the last page with strong female characters and a plot that is both magical and historical. In Russell's "Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies," we follow the storyline of an Italian family through the perspective of its female members. The interesting twist is adding the element of magic to the plot and how this ability shapes their experience throughout history. This is a unique take on storytelling and Russell has an obvious strength in both plot and character development as she intertwines both easily. This is a wonderful read and one that ends far too quickly!
December 1, 2021
This book will for sure put a Spell on you. I have always loved reading about magic and this author did not disappoint, giving us a courageous female lead, different characters all with different magical strengths, and a fantastic plot. When I found out that this book would focus on Italian magic I was super intrigued and I was definitely not disappointed. Annie was a very impressive character who goes through a lot and in the end she definitely came out stronger then I ever thought she would while reading her story. Full of emotions, suspense, magic and oh so much more this story was a brilliant read.
December 11, 2021
This book was everything I wanted it to be and much much more. I really have always been a believer of witches, or Strega as referenced in this novel, and the history of the power that women carry in families and this book really delves into that and runs with it in such a fun way that the reader gets really carried away. I loved every moment I got to spend with Annie. This story was written so vividly I felt transported right there with her and that was really needed in a dark time for me so I can’t thank the author enough for her wonderful world building skills. I would love to see more stories about the family in the future and even more of Annie.
November 18, 2021
A very well-written novel that follows the women of the Ciofani family through time. These 'wise women' are intuitive, intelligent, romantic and strong - they are young independent women and the backbones of their families. I really enjoyed following the women that Russell drew for us, and the choices that determined their fates. The lush descriptions of Italy and Italian family tradition had me eating pasta and drinking wine three nights in a row... never a bad decision. The plot was very engaging and the way the authour was able to bring the past to life was gorgeous. Definitely recommend!
November 23, 2021
This is a detailed and rich story that takes you on journey right from the first page. I found the whole story to be so interesting. It is completely different to what I would expect from this author but it was a great story nonetheless.
It was easy to imagine what the author was describing. The settings, the characters were all vivid and real. The author really does pull you into the story and it feels like you are experiencing it with the main character. I thought this was a well written book that is certainly worth your time.
It was easy to imagine what the author was describing. The settings, the characters were all vivid and real. The author really does pull you into the story and it feels like you are experiencing it with the main character. I thought this was a well written book that is certainly worth your time.
November 27, 2021
Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is such a wonderful read! It is out of my normal genre but I found it refreshing and welcomed the fantastic story-telling of the author. The way she was able to describe the characters, scenery, and emotions made me feel as though I was a spectator in 1800's Italy and modern day Massachusetts. Even though a love story is at the center of this novel, it is far from a romance. The twists and turns made me want to keep reading until I was finished and even then, I wish the story could have gone on longer. I loved this book!
November 28, 2021
The baptismal font cracked in half in the local church on the day that Annie was born - a very bad omen to her italian-american family. They resorted to baptising her in her grandmothers salad bowl.
This is just the beginning of this engaging book about Annie's very interesting life. As she ages, the whispers she has always heard begin getting louder and louder. Every stage of Annie's past and present are wonderfully shared in this book and it kept me turning the pages. A new author for me, but not one that will get old.
This is just the beginning of this engaging book about Annie's very interesting life. As she ages, the whispers she has always heard begin getting louder and louder. Every stage of Annie's past and present are wonderfully shared in this book and it kept me turning the pages. A new author for me, but not one that will get old.
November 29, 2021
Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is a magical story of the legacy of family and love. I was excited to pick up a new book by this author. I was not disappointed. I have really enjoyed her other books but this was a different type of style for her. The links between the different time periods and how this forms the legacy of the main character kept me intrigued and wanting more. There was a variety of emotions entwined with magical elements. The story is beautiful and reminded me of books by Alice Hoffman. I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 1, 2021
A very interesting and a unique book, set in Italy in the 1600s , and talks about witchcraft, magic and reincarnation.A third year medical student is running away from her past and present to the modern Massachusetts where she begins to learn all about herself.In an eye opening journey, she begins to realize her powers and also of all the women in her previous generations. This book boasts of women power and encourages women to choose the path of their choice without any inhibitions. As I said earlier, it is a very unique book and a wonderful read.
November 28, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The story caught my attention from the beginning where it described the area of Italy the family is from. The descriptions of the area is beautiful and the characters are also well written and helped transport me into the story. The history, romance, some suspense, and magic all combined to make this a story I didn’t want to put down. I really enjoyed this book and will be checking for future books by this author.
December 14, 2021
This book started off kind of slow, it was interesting, but slow. But as I got further in I was drawn in more and didn't want to put it down. A bit of feminism, but not so much that it turned me away from reading it. I would actually love to read a second book to this series to see where life took Annie.
March 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies. This was well setup with an enjoyable, though tragic, back story. I really identified with the character and I thought the ending was fitting and satisfying. I look forward to more books by this author. BTW, I read this in one day, that's how much I liked it!
Want to read
March 3, 2022I won the Kindle version.
March 10, 2022
I wanted to like this book and gave it a chance by reading 50%. It was confusing and I never really knew what was happening. This was my first Goodreads giveaway so, I was disappointed.
dnf
October 1, 2023DNF @ 6% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. This book was very weird and I found myself quite bored which is not a good combination.
April 11, 2022
Good book hard to put down.
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