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The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
A coven of modern-day witches. A magical heist-gone-wrong. A looming threat.
Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they've fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there's hope, since the imminent return of Ruby--one of the sisterhood who's been gone for thirty-three years--will surely be their salvation.
But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they've ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby's homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.
The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.
Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais' clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.
Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they've fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there's hope, since the imminent return of Ruby--one of the sisterhood who's been gone for thirty-three years--will surely be their salvation.
But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they've ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby's homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.
The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.
Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais' clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
696 people are currently reading
25610 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Marais
6 books1,011 followersBianca Marais cohosts the popular podcast, 'The Shit No One Tells You About Writing', which is aimed at emerging writers/aspiring authors. She teaches creative writing through the podcast and was named a winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies.
Before becoming an author, she volunteered in Soweto where she assisted care workers with providing aid for HIV/AIDS orphans and their caregivers.
She now lives in Toronto, where she loves playing escape-room games and writing about strong female protagonists.
Before becoming an author, she volunteered in Soweto where she assisted care workers with providing aid for HIV/AIDS orphans and their caregivers.
She now lives in Toronto, where she loves playing escape-room games and writing about strong female protagonists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,374 reviews
March 17, 2022
This book was an absolute joy to write. It got me through some pretty dark times when the only thing getting me out of bed was the prospect of sitting down with these glorious witches who kept yelling at me that this story was not gonna write itself, Missy!
They were a gift and I am so grateful that they chose me to be their scribe.
I hope so much that you enjoy it. I hope it makes you laugh. And that it makes you think and cry and rage. But mostly laugh. And that it also makes you want to pick up the phone to tell the members of your sisterhood how much you love them. Because sisterhood is everything.
Thank you for reading and reviewing it. My readers mean the world to me.
They were a gift and I am so grateful that they chose me to be their scribe.
I hope so much that you enjoy it. I hope it makes you laugh. And that it makes you think and cry and rage. But mostly laugh. And that it also makes you want to pick up the phone to tell the members of your sisterhood how much you love them. Because sisterhood is everything.
Thank you for reading and reviewing it. My readers mean the world to me.
December 13, 2022
For those saying that there's "too much 80 year old sex" in this book, I would like to encourage you to grow the fuck up.
It's nothing graphic, it's simply a woman knowing there's no expiration date on one's sexuality.
I like heists and witchcraft tales a lot, but add a group of cantankerous older people, and you're basically writing just for me. I am totally here for all the senior adventure books that have been coming out lately. They're hilarious and drive home the fact that your life isn't over when you hit menopause.
While a lot of people will draw parallels between this book and The Change, I think they're unique enough and enjoyable in their own right that the comparison is not necessary.
I enjoyed the community these witches have. Their individual stories and powers were interesting. I will say I lost a couple in the shuffle (I could never remember who Ivy was or what Queenie's power was), but over all I thought this was a sweet tale that showcased the evolution of love in a found family.
It's nothing graphic, it's simply a woman knowing there's no expiration date on one's sexuality.
I like heists and witchcraft tales a lot, but add a group of cantankerous older people, and you're basically writing just for me. I am totally here for all the senior adventure books that have been coming out lately. They're hilarious and drive home the fact that your life isn't over when you hit menopause.
While a lot of people will draw parallels between this book and The Change, I think they're unique enough and enjoyable in their own right that the comparison is not necessary.
I enjoyed the community these witches have. Their individual stories and powers were interesting. I will say I lost a couple in the shuffle (I could never remember who Ivy was or what Queenie's power was), but over all I thought this was a sweet tale that showcased the evolution of love in a found family.
September 18, 2022
Bianca Marais can certainly write across genres- literary fist fic (LOVE!), dystopian (also loved!), and now a fantastical novel about a group of endearing witches!
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is about five witches, all in their 80s. Moonshyne Manor may be torn down because they are behind on the mortgage. Ruby has returned recently, and they are hoping she can turn things around. It’s not just their home that needs to be saved, though, and they may have to look to others for help and not just each other.
You just have to meet the witches, and Persephone, the TikToker, too. Not only is this book fresh and fun and full of heart, female friendship, and found family, it’s smart and packed with important messaging. I loved every character and every word. Can we please see these witches as a movie or series soon?!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is about five witches, all in their 80s. Moonshyne Manor may be torn down because they are behind on the mortgage. Ruby has returned recently, and they are hoping she can turn things around. It’s not just their home that needs to be saved, though, and they may have to look to others for help and not just each other.
You just have to meet the witches, and Persephone, the TikToker, too. Not only is this book fresh and fun and full of heart, female friendship, and found family, it’s smart and packed with important messaging. I loved every character and every word. Can we please see these witches as a movie or series soon?!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 7, 2022
I was very excited about this book and was thrilled to get the audiobook to review from NetGalley, but this book was not for me.
It took a good quarter of the book before we actually started getting into a story. This first part is setting up the characters and a lot of sex. There is a lot of self love in here and reading about that from 80 year old witches is not my cup of tea. Since I was reading this for review, I trudged on.
Once we got to the story, it did pick up some, but the story was just not that interesting.
This book was so strange that I’m not sure I will pick up another book by this author.
It took a good quarter of the book before we actually started getting into a story. This first part is setting up the characters and a lot of sex. There is a lot of self love in here and reading about that from 80 year old witches is not my cup of tea. Since I was reading this for review, I trudged on.
Once we got to the story, it did pick up some, but the story was just not that interesting.
This book was so strange that I’m not sure I will pick up another book by this author.
August 27, 2022
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marias
Paranormal witch mystery with older characters and telling a story that happened in the past but has impacted current day. Includes a magical transgender character.
The witches in the manor are a made family. They are elderly and are waiting for one of their own to come home. The local men’s counsel wants the witches out and is calling the debt. The witches have only until midnight on All Hallows’ Eve to pay the debt or the house will be bulldozed.
Last names of the men and families in the town are clearly descendants of the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Young Persephone is a delight. She’s smart and creative and I felt bad for her home situation. The witches themselves are amusing with their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Secrets are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. A few twists I could see coming but they were integral and revealed with effective writing techniques.
I enjoyed this magical witches story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Paranormal witch mystery with older characters and telling a story that happened in the past but has impacted current day. Includes a magical transgender character.
The witches in the manor are a made family. They are elderly and are waiting for one of their own to come home. The local men’s counsel wants the witches out and is calling the debt. The witches have only until midnight on All Hallows’ Eve to pay the debt or the house will be bulldozed.
Last names of the men and families in the town are clearly descendants of the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Young Persephone is a delight. She’s smart and creative and I felt bad for her home situation. The witches themselves are amusing with their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Secrets are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. A few twists I could see coming but they were integral and revealed with effective writing techniques.
I enjoyed this magical witches story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 17, 2022
Couldn’t connect with the odd, unfocused writing style or with the witches. Many POVs and not one that grabbed me. A lot of focus on sex for eighty-year-old women. Found it a little hard to believe.
Thank you to MIRA for sharing a copy, but this story isn’t for me.
Thank you to MIRA for sharing a copy, but this story isn’t for me.
December 14, 2022
4.5 stats rounded up. This definitely took me by surprise, didn't think I'll enjoy the story as much as I did. The characters definitely made the story great as the plot line felt like something I've read/seen a bunch of times but I still loved it. Although not enough for a full five star
September 17, 2022
Where do I even start with this wonderful, wonderful book?? Bianca Marais has written the perfect book to make you laugh and cheer as a group of octogenarian witches band together to save their home, uncovering long-held secrets and strengthening their bonds of friendship along the way.
I laughed until I cried reading this book and was hardcore obsessed with all the characters. Think Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls as these feisty witches give no fucks and tell it like it is! I loved the found family, the gender fluidity and the in your face feminism!!
Amazing on audio with a HILARIOUS author's note included at the end. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading a book by Bianca, trust me when I tell you that you're missing out!! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Highly enjoyable and recommended for fans of The change by Kirsten Miller.
I laughed until I cried reading this book and was hardcore obsessed with all the characters. Think Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls as these feisty witches give no fucks and tell it like it is! I loved the found family, the gender fluidity and the in your face feminism!!
Amazing on audio with a HILARIOUS author's note included at the end. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading a book by Bianca, trust me when I tell you that you're missing out!! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Highly enjoyable and recommended for fans of The change by Kirsten Miller.
August 19, 2022
DNFed at 30%
I'm so bummed. The premise of this sounded interesting - a group of older witches get help fighting the patriarchy from a young Tiktoker - but it just didn't connect with me at all. It jumps between all the different witches and at times I found it hard to keep straight who was who.. Just the beginning alone it replays the same morning through the POV of each one... and the narrative voice for all POVs felt like the same person and felt a bit hokey and silly at times? I think many others will find it fun but personally the quirkiness wasn't my jam.
I think fans of Hocus Pocus may like this book though.
I'm so bummed. The premise of this sounded interesting - a group of older witches get help fighting the patriarchy from a young Tiktoker - but it just didn't connect with me at all. It jumps between all the different witches and at times I found it hard to keep straight who was who.. Just the beginning alone it replays the same morning through the POV of each one... and the narrative voice for all POVs felt like the same person and felt a bit hokey and silly at times? I think many others will find it fun but personally the quirkiness wasn't my jam.
I think fans of Hocus Pocus may like this book though.
October 11, 2023
3.5 stars
this was fun but there was a lot going on in these books, i actually think it would’ve benefited from being a series considering this follows 6/7 characters. but this was very cute and i loved the messages this book had.
this was fun but there was a lot going on in these books, i actually think it would’ve benefited from being a series considering this follows 6/7 characters. but this was very cute and i loved the messages this book had.
February 13, 2023
Book 10/100 for my 2023 Goodreads Challenge.
My selection for the prompt "A book your friend recommended." for the 2023 Popsugar Reading Challenge.
OMG I freaking LOVED this book. 💝 The sass, the feminism, the storyline, the grimoire recipes, and the writing style. 🧙🏻♀️
This book follows six elderly witches and their plight against local men who are trying to take over their distillery/manor. So many things are not as they seem in the beginning (let's be real..... MY FAVE THING EVER. Plz surprise me, I love the anxiety rush lol 😜) and I can assure you my jaw dropped multiple times at the plot twist.
There was a dash of whimsy throughout the novel as the witches interacted with each other and their surroundings. The satirical writing and sarcastic whit of the witches truly made me howl with laughter (please see updates for some of my fave quotes) and this was consistent throughout. Lots of themes and morals, which I appreciated. While Marais wrote with a joking tone, so many quotes from the novel pack a punch against misogyny, transphobia, racism, domestic violence, and so much more. 👊🏻
Ugh I want to read this again! I was so happy to read along with my coworker/friend Kailla. Yay for buddy reads and having good friends to read with.
5 stars. Read this.
My selection for the prompt "A book your friend recommended." for the 2023 Popsugar Reading Challenge.
OMG I freaking LOVED this book. 💝 The sass, the feminism, the storyline, the grimoire recipes, and the writing style. 🧙🏻♀️
This book follows six elderly witches and their plight against local men who are trying to take over their distillery/manor. So many things are not as they seem in the beginning (let's be real..... MY FAVE THING EVER. Plz surprise me, I love the anxiety rush lol 😜) and I can assure you my jaw dropped multiple times at the plot twist.
There was a dash of whimsy throughout the novel as the witches interacted with each other and their surroundings. The satirical writing and sarcastic whit of the witches truly made me howl with laughter (please see updates for some of my fave quotes) and this was consistent throughout. Lots of themes and morals, which I appreciated. While Marais wrote with a joking tone, so many quotes from the novel pack a punch against misogyny, transphobia, racism, domestic violence, and so much more. 👊🏻
Ugh I want to read this again! I was so happy to read along with my coworker/friend Kailla. Yay for buddy reads and having good friends to read with.
5 stars. Read this.
October 30, 2022
I loved so much about this book. Humor, sisterhood, witchy vibes - it has it all.
August 8, 2022
Social Justice Warrior: The Novel
I would like to thank Bianca Marais, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also HUGE thanks to Emer Flounders for inviting me on the blog tour and providing me with an audio version.
SPOILERS, ye be warned
On one hand, I respect what Marais did here, and it was executed better than it might have been. On the other hand, much of it wasn’t to my taste.
Pro: Each of the women had distinct personalities. A few leaned hard into stereotypes, right down to their names. But they also owned those stereotypes. I found all but Ursula likable, but I particularly sympathized with Ivy; she and I have some things in common.
Con: Too many characters. I listened to not only the cast list but the first few chapters three times before I felt I had a grasp on who was who (the on-the-nose names did help).
As to Ursula—I’m not sure if it was Marais’s intention, but to me Ursula came across as obsessed with Ruby. I found it off-putting, in part because it was kind of creepy, and in part because none of her supposed sisters ever held an intervention. They just let her fester for sixty or seventy years. And framing Magnus like that . . . The book says you have to forgive family, but you don’t. What she did was a lot more heinous than Marais let on. I’m not sure it was forgivable, especially considering the consequences.
Pro: The novel was inclusive of minorities and encouraged environmentally-friendly habits.
Con: This book definitely had a social agenda. It quickly became irritating. Even the core of the plot, come to find out, was a metaphor for gender reassignment surgery. I think? More or less? Or maybe not even a metaphor but just a magical version of it. I mean, I was glad for Ruby, but I’d have been more entertained by a simple plot to save the family farm, as it were. Yeah—in fact, the heist should have taken place in present day. Was Ruby’s agenda necessary? It just made the timeline convoluted. Although her memory loss was an interesting take on dementia. Hmm . . . debatable.
Also, about Ruby--I found the caveat of what she wanted to do strangely hypocritical and counterintuitive. Here, take this measure to truly feel at home in your body--but you'll lose your power, the thing that makes you special. Yeah, she was losing her power anyway, but . . . I just feel it should have been handled differently.
Pro: The protagonists were of an age rarely chosen for lead characters. It felt fresh, unique, and heart-warming for them to have personalities aside from “grandma,” to be depicted as individuals of will and strength and power. Declining strength and power, but still more than elders are commonly given credit for.
Con: Who wants to spend their free time imagining old people having sex or running around naked? Toning Jezebel down would have helped.
Pro: Magnus, at least, was a great guy. He genuinely loved Ruby, every facet of her. I felt my spirit lighten when I read that, when he was concerned rather than horrified.
Con: Men in general were depicted as selfish, greedy, unreasonable, aggressive, condescending, wife-beating villains and bad fathers. I’m with Persephone in opposing the patriarchy, but we shouldn’t generalize an entire sex like this book did (or profession—all the cops were corrupt idiots). Sure, a lot of men have generalized women and still do, but that doesn’t make it right for us to do it to them. So where were the townswomen in all this? Did they have nothing to say about Mens’ World? Did they not drink the anger-potion? It’s like only one aspect of the consequences was explored—the one that suited the book’s agenda. Not plot—agenda.
Pro: Some of the grimoire recipes were interesting/entertaining. It was a creative device, at any rate, and never broke tone.
Con: But mostly I felt they disrupted the story and were unnecessary. Fluff that didn’t contribute much. Every time one came up, it annoyed me; a few times I groaned out loud. I just wanted to get back to the story. The ones from Jezebel also made me uncomfortable.
Question—so the women paid off their debt, but how will they pay for everything going forward? That was all I could think of at the end. Yay, they cleared their debts . . . but what about next quarter’s taxes? And the quarter after that? I mean, the bills won’t stop. Does the distillery make enough revenue? But if it does, why couldn’t they pay off their loan? Why did they even need a loan? Did sales take that much of a dip due to SWT? Do the women not distribute farther than town? Either I missed something (likely) or some part of that doesn’t add up. More clarification on their financial situation was needed.
Another thing that could have been clarified was why Ruby was in prison. I had to go back and listen to Tabby’s memory of that night again to find out. One, having to repeat-listen to search for missing information always irritates me, and, two, they glance over the reason for Ruby’s arrest so quickly I had to actually stop what I was doing and concentrate on each word to be sure I caught it. It wasn’t helpful to have that night related to us through Tabby’s deep POV, because she was too busy realizing she was dead to really pay attention to the standoff, which made that whole scene rather confusing.
Something that really frustrated me was when Ivy accidentally drank the anger-potion and starting ranting about her frustrations with her sisters. They were legit emotions, she was incredibly stressed, but all her sisters cared about was proving the effects of the anger-potion. Which, yes, were important in that moment, but no one bothered to circle around and talk to Ivy about her frustrations. And Ivy shouldn’t have been keeping secrets. The narrative should have been more about getting those women, supposedly so close, to communicate better, should have been about them all, but instead it was all about Ruby.
So again, I respect what Marais did here, shining light on people and problems often ignored if not scoffed at by society, but it was too heavy-handed for my taste and detracted from what could have been a really fun story with better character development.
Also, vikings hats and face paint? Way to be subtle, Marais. More than once this novel felt like an exercise in venting the author’s own frustration with current events.
Oh, and the narrator, Amy Landon, was great!
I would like to thank Bianca Marais, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also HUGE thanks to Emer Flounders for inviting me on the blog tour and providing me with an audio version.
SPOILERS, ye be warned
On one hand, I respect what Marais did here, and it was executed better than it might have been. On the other hand, much of it wasn’t to my taste.
Pro: Each of the women had distinct personalities. A few leaned hard into stereotypes, right down to their names. But they also owned those stereotypes. I found all but Ursula likable, but I particularly sympathized with Ivy; she and I have some things in common.
Con: Too many characters. I listened to not only the cast list but the first few chapters three times before I felt I had a grasp on who was who (the on-the-nose names did help).
As to Ursula—I’m not sure if it was Marais’s intention, but to me Ursula came across as obsessed with Ruby. I found it off-putting, in part because it was kind of creepy, and in part because none of her supposed sisters ever held an intervention. They just let her fester for sixty or seventy years. And framing Magnus like that . . . The book says you have to forgive family, but you don’t. What she did was a lot more heinous than Marais let on. I’m not sure it was forgivable, especially considering the consequences.
Pro: The novel was inclusive of minorities and encouraged environmentally-friendly habits.
Con: This book definitely had a social agenda. It quickly became irritating. Even the core of the plot, come to find out, was a metaphor for gender reassignment surgery. I think? More or less? Or maybe not even a metaphor but just a magical version of it. I mean, I was glad for Ruby, but I’d have been more entertained by a simple plot to save the family farm, as it were. Yeah—in fact, the heist should have taken place in present day. Was Ruby’s agenda necessary? It just made the timeline convoluted. Although her memory loss was an interesting take on dementia. Hmm . . . debatable.
Also, about Ruby--I found the caveat of what she wanted to do strangely hypocritical and counterintuitive. Here, take this measure to truly feel at home in your body--but you'll lose your power, the thing that makes you special. Yeah, she was losing her power anyway, but . . . I just feel it should have been handled differently.
Pro: The protagonists were of an age rarely chosen for lead characters. It felt fresh, unique, and heart-warming for them to have personalities aside from “grandma,” to be depicted as individuals of will and strength and power. Declining strength and power, but still more than elders are commonly given credit for.
Con: Who wants to spend their free time imagining old people having sex or running around naked? Toning Jezebel down would have helped.
Pro: Magnus, at least, was a great guy. He genuinely loved Ruby, every facet of her. I felt my spirit lighten when I read that, when he was concerned rather than horrified.
Con: Men in general were depicted as selfish, greedy, unreasonable, aggressive, condescending, wife-beating villains and bad fathers. I’m with Persephone in opposing the patriarchy, but we shouldn’t generalize an entire sex like this book did (or profession—all the cops were corrupt idiots). Sure, a lot of men have generalized women and still do, but that doesn’t make it right for us to do it to them. So where were the townswomen in all this? Did they have nothing to say about Mens’ World? Did they not drink the anger-potion? It’s like only one aspect of the consequences was explored—the one that suited the book’s agenda. Not plot—agenda.
Pro: Some of the grimoire recipes were interesting/entertaining. It was a creative device, at any rate, and never broke tone.
Con: But mostly I felt they disrupted the story and were unnecessary. Fluff that didn’t contribute much. Every time one came up, it annoyed me; a few times I groaned out loud. I just wanted to get back to the story. The ones from Jezebel also made me uncomfortable.
Question—so the women paid off their debt, but how will they pay for everything going forward? That was all I could think of at the end. Yay, they cleared their debts . . . but what about next quarter’s taxes? And the quarter after that? I mean, the bills won’t stop. Does the distillery make enough revenue? But if it does, why couldn’t they pay off their loan? Why did they even need a loan? Did sales take that much of a dip due to SWT? Do the women not distribute farther than town? Either I missed something (likely) or some part of that doesn’t add up. More clarification on their financial situation was needed.
Another thing that could have been clarified was why Ruby was in prison. I had to go back and listen to Tabby’s memory of that night again to find out. One, having to repeat-listen to search for missing information always irritates me, and, two, they glance over the reason for Ruby’s arrest so quickly I had to actually stop what I was doing and concentrate on each word to be sure I caught it. It wasn’t helpful to have that night related to us through Tabby’s deep POV, because she was too busy realizing she was dead to really pay attention to the standoff, which made that whole scene rather confusing.
Something that really frustrated me was when Ivy accidentally drank the anger-potion and starting ranting about her frustrations with her sisters. They were legit emotions, she was incredibly stressed, but all her sisters cared about was proving the effects of the anger-potion. Which, yes, were important in that moment, but no one bothered to circle around and talk to Ivy about her frustrations. And Ivy shouldn’t have been keeping secrets. The narrative should have been more about getting those women, supposedly so close, to communicate better, should have been about them all, but instead it was all about Ruby.
So again, I respect what Marais did here, shining light on people and problems often ignored if not scoffed at by society, but it was too heavy-handed for my taste and detracted from what could have been a really fun story with better character development.
Also, vikings hats and face paint? Way to be subtle, Marais. More than once this novel felt like an exercise in venting the author’s own frustration with current events.
Oh, and the narrator, Amy Landon, was great!
November 4, 2025
Reread on audio 2025:
For my reread I decided to try the audio.
I was not disappointed!
These ladies jump off the pages normally, the audio added an extra layer of feeling to these characters that I adored!
Original Review 2022:
This was fantastic!
I adored these ladies and hope I am this feisty in my 80s.
The best way I can describe this is...
Sex and the City combined with Practical Magic & The Golden Girls.
It had all the humor and feels and magic I hoped for.
Much love to Goodreads & Bookclubbish for my paperback received in a giveaway.
For my reread I decided to try the audio.
I was not disappointed!
These ladies jump off the pages normally, the audio added an extra layer of feeling to these characters that I adored!
Original Review 2022:
This was fantastic!
I adored these ladies and hope I am this feisty in my 80s.
The best way I can describe this is...
Sex and the City combined with Practical Magic & The Golden Girls.
It had all the humor and feels and magic I hoped for.
Much love to Goodreads & Bookclubbish for my paperback received in a giveaway.
October 6, 2022
I really wanted to love this book but it would really benefit from editing. There were a lot of characters to keep straight at first. The story could have been better if the author focused more on developing that vs trying to make different political and social statements. The impact would have been more powerful if one subject was covered vs trying to talk about ageism, feminism, transgender, dementia ect. There are better Witch books so this would be a good one to skip.
October 30, 2022
I was a little nervous when I saw a somewhat lower Goodreads average for The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais, but it turns out I had absolutely nothing to worry about since this was such a great read! I love witchy books, and this was the perfect choice to help get me into those October/Halloween feels. I adored the sisterhood, and I was really happy that Marais put a list of them at the front of the book along with descriptive features and traits. The story is packed full of magic and has a ton of recipes/instructions for various things like incense cones, tea-leaf reading instructions, rosemary infused gin, and much more (some are quite scandalous if I do say so myself). I loved the serious tone that was brought through Ruby's story, as well as all of the hilarity brought by this ragtag gang of witches and a rambunctious Persephone.
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is also one of the better audiobooks I have listened to that only has one narrator for many characters. I don't know how she did it, but Amy Landon had more voices in her than any other narrator I have listened to, and I was thrilled with the way she was able to give each character a different voice. It was a wonderful experience, so I highly recommend giving the audio a try if that's your thing. I loved the story as well as the characters, but I did think having the various recipes and instructions spread throughout the book was a bit distracting. Sometimes they tied into what was happening in the chapter, but at other times I wasn't quite sure why they were placed where they were. I think having them at the back of the book would have been helpful to me personally, but I did enjoy them just the same. This is the first time I have read this author, but it definitely won't be my last, and I recommend The Witches of Moonshyne Manor to people who want a lighter read for the fall/Halloween season with plenty of heart and moments of significance.
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is also one of the better audiobooks I have listened to that only has one narrator for many characters. I don't know how she did it, but Amy Landon had more voices in her than any other narrator I have listened to, and I was thrilled with the way she was able to give each character a different voice. It was a wonderful experience, so I highly recommend giving the audio a try if that's your thing. I loved the story as well as the characters, but I did think having the various recipes and instructions spread throughout the book was a bit distracting. Sometimes they tied into what was happening in the chapter, but at other times I wasn't quite sure why they were placed where they were. I think having them at the back of the book would have been helpful to me personally, but I did enjoy them just the same. This is the first time I have read this author, but it definitely won't be my last, and I recommend The Witches of Moonshyne Manor to people who want a lighter read for the fall/Halloween season with plenty of heart and moments of significance.
Read
August 27, 2022Dnf 2% bc we're already talking about the "rock hard member" of an 80 year old.
Read
November 16, 2023Not rating I was only a couple of pages in & already talking about having an orgasm PLEASE we hadn’t even got to the plot line yet.
September 5, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
Author: Biance Marais
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1.5/5
Spice: 1/5
Diversity: Black character
Recommended For...: paranormal, adult, thriller, heist, magic, fantasy
Publication Date: August 23, 2022
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Age Relevance: 18+ (cursing, sexual content, sexism, death, HP references, illness, alcohol consumption, violence)
Explanation of Above: There is a lot of cursing in this book and sexual content mentioned, hardly any shown. There are some sexist comments thrown around and illness is shown and mentioned. There are 3 HP references. There is alcohol consumption shown a lot. There is some gun violence.
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there’s hope, since the imminent return of Ruby—one of the sisterhood who’s been gone for thirty-three years—will surely be their salvation.
But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they’ve ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby’s homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.
The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.
Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais’ clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.
Review: This was a meh book for me. For the good portions of the book, I liked that it poked some fun at older witch media and it’s got a strong Fuck The Patriarchy tone to it. I also liked that it included the recipes for the items that the witches were making throughout the book.
However, I didn’t like this book. The book was a bit too heavy handed on the “wokeness” and while I’m definitely all there for changing society and everything, I felt like the author tried too hard and it leaned into the satirical territory or the “let’s make fun of liberals” territory. I also hated that the book had a character who was very feminist, but loved Harry Potter. Like… make it make sense? You can’t have true feminism unless you fight for every female. Maybe I missed the whole point of the novel and it’s really not a true witches book, but it’s certainly messy and doesn’t make sense half the time. Unless I’m completely wrong about the character of the author, I think the author tried but really needs to do some rewrites on this one and needs to make sure that they’re as socially aware as their characters pretend they are.
Verdict: It’s a no for me.
Book: The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
Author: Biance Marais
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1.5/5
Spice: 1/5
Diversity: Black character
Recommended For...: paranormal, adult, thriller, heist, magic, fantasy
Publication Date: August 23, 2022
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Age Relevance: 18+ (cursing, sexual content, sexism, death, HP references, illness, alcohol consumption, violence)
Explanation of Above: There is a lot of cursing in this book and sexual content mentioned, hardly any shown. There are some sexist comments thrown around and illness is shown and mentioned. There are 3 HP references. There is alcohol consumption shown a lot. There is some gun violence.
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there’s hope, since the imminent return of Ruby—one of the sisterhood who’s been gone for thirty-three years—will surely be their salvation.
But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they’ve ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby’s homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.
The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.
Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais’ clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.
Review: This was a meh book for me. For the good portions of the book, I liked that it poked some fun at older witch media and it’s got a strong Fuck The Patriarchy tone to it. I also liked that it included the recipes for the items that the witches were making throughout the book.
However, I didn’t like this book. The book was a bit too heavy handed on the “wokeness” and while I’m definitely all there for changing society and everything, I felt like the author tried too hard and it leaned into the satirical territory or the “let’s make fun of liberals” territory. I also hated that the book had a character who was very feminist, but loved Harry Potter. Like… make it make sense? You can’t have true feminism unless you fight for every female. Maybe I missed the whole point of the novel and it’s really not a true witches book, but it’s certainly messy and doesn’t make sense half the time. Unless I’m completely wrong about the character of the author, I think the author tried but really needs to do some rewrites on this one and needs to make sure that they’re as socially aware as their characters pretend they are.
Verdict: It’s a no for me.
October 7, 2023
I'll admit, I picked this up purely for the title. I had no idea what to expect -- except that I hoped for some autumnal vibes! -- and was surprised that this witchy tale was to be comprised of a coven of eighty year olds. Not only battling age and aches but also trying to keep from being run out of their homes by the local townspeople after they've a) fallen behind on mortgage payments and b) are widely known to be witches.
Sounds like a hoot, right? And it mostly is.
I didn't always love the writing/narrative tone and actually found that it felt a little too removed for me to really sink my teeth into things as a reader. I enjoyed how the plot and the events that happened in the past informed the present but it was hard to connect to any real emotional resonance with the characters. I found them interesting, occasionally funny, and in one case my heart wanted to break over and over, but again, I just felt a bit too distanced from it all. But there were multiple times I paused to reflect on a passage or observation, I absolutely loved that these old biddies had a colourful past and had successfully done a heist in their fifties, and I also enjoyed how everything resolves at the end -- even if it's almost a little too perfectly wrapped up.
She thinks of how sometimes the most sacred conversations we'll ever have are the ones that require no words, and how there are very few people in our lives who we'll ever speak that silent language with.
At it's core, this is a story about family and sisterhood and the ties that bind, come hell or high water or an angry mob. If you're looking for a wholesome kind of spoopy tale, with some incredibly insightful lines, and some pretty unique characters, this is definitely one to pick up.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Sounds like a hoot, right? And it mostly is.
I didn't always love the writing/narrative tone and actually found that it felt a little too removed for me to really sink my teeth into things as a reader. I enjoyed how the plot and the events that happened in the past informed the present but it was hard to connect to any real emotional resonance with the characters. I found them interesting, occasionally funny, and in one case my heart wanted to break over and over, but again, I just felt a bit too distanced from it all. But there were multiple times I paused to reflect on a passage or observation, I absolutely loved that these old biddies had a colourful past and had successfully done a heist in their fifties, and I also enjoyed how everything resolves at the end -- even if it's almost a little too perfectly wrapped up.
She thinks of how sometimes the most sacred conversations we'll ever have are the ones that require no words, and how there are very few people in our lives who we'll ever speak that silent language with.
At it's core, this is a story about family and sisterhood and the ties that bind, come hell or high water or an angry mob. If you're looking for a wholesome kind of spoopy tale, with some incredibly insightful lines, and some pretty unique characters, this is definitely one to pick up.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
August 20, 2022
4.5 stars
This was one of my anticipated reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Entertaining and engaging, the story touched on a number of interesting themes including sexism, ageism, female empowerment, and the sustaining bonds of friendship.
The story was a bit slow to start as the focus was on setting the stage and introducing the seven main characters. But I really enjoyed learning about the interesting characters and in becoming immersed in the story’s setting of Moonshyne Manor and the lives and back stories of the witches. I felt that I was part of the setting throughout the novel.
The novel flowed well and was easy to read and I was never bored. I loved that the story was about strong, powerful senior citizen women who did not put up with the male-dominated society in which they lived. I highly recommend this novel - it was magical!
Thanks to Harper Collins and Harlequin Trade for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Witches is out August 23.
This was one of my anticipated reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Entertaining and engaging, the story touched on a number of interesting themes including sexism, ageism, female empowerment, and the sustaining bonds of friendship.
The story was a bit slow to start as the focus was on setting the stage and introducing the seven main characters. But I really enjoyed learning about the interesting characters and in becoming immersed in the story’s setting of Moonshyne Manor and the lives and back stories of the witches. I felt that I was part of the setting throughout the novel.
The novel flowed well and was easy to read and I was never bored. I loved that the story was about strong, powerful senior citizen women who did not put up with the male-dominated society in which they lived. I highly recommend this novel - it was magical!
Thanks to Harper Collins and Harlequin Trade for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Witches is out August 23.
September 7, 2022
Thanks to Edelweiss and Mira for allowing me an early look at this gem.
Well, these witches certainly cast their spell on me. I could not spend enough time with them. Friendship, sisterhood, octogenarians, all themes that will enchant me every time, especially when put up against the patriarchy and business as usual. All sprinkled with liberal use of Marais' humor. The game to uncover a long lost wand was reminiscent of Quidditch in the Harry Potter books (which I also loved).
Get your brooms brushed off to travel with this coven. You won't be disappointed.
Well, these witches certainly cast their spell on me. I could not spend enough time with them. Friendship, sisterhood, octogenarians, all themes that will enchant me every time, especially when put up against the patriarchy and business as usual. All sprinkled with liberal use of Marais' humor. The game to uncover a long lost wand was reminiscent of Quidditch in the Harry Potter books (which I also loved).
Get your brooms brushed off to travel with this coven. You won't be disappointed.
October 12, 2022
Review coming soon.
April 26, 2022
*TW* HP reference
Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Witches of Moonshyne Manor.
This book was describe to me as The House in The Cerulean Sea meets Charmed meets The Golden Girls so immediately I knew I had to read it because I love all three of those things. It was refreshing to read a story with lead characters who were in their 80s and were still capable of kicking some ass. If you love books with witches then this one is definitely for you. The characters are quirky and complex and lovable. I really enjoyed this book.
That being said, there were two references to Harry Potter in this book that I think does not need to be there. We are in the year 2022 and in my opinion Harry Potter should not be mentioned in any books after everything Rowling has done and said. She has done serious harm to the Trans and LGBTQ2+ community and mentioning her books brings attention to her and she doesn’t deserve any more attention. This book ultimately has a Trans character in it so I’m not sure why the author thought it would be a good idea to mention books written by an author who doesn’t support the Trans community.
This book either needs to remove the reference or add trigger warnings so people who do not support Rowling are made aware before reading.
Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Witches of Moonshyne Manor.
This book was describe to me as The House in The Cerulean Sea meets Charmed meets The Golden Girls so immediately I knew I had to read it because I love all three of those things. It was refreshing to read a story with lead characters who were in their 80s and were still capable of kicking some ass. If you love books with witches then this one is definitely for you. The characters are quirky and complex and lovable. I really enjoyed this book.
That being said, there were two references to Harry Potter in this book that I think does not need to be there. We are in the year 2022 and in my opinion Harry Potter should not be mentioned in any books after everything Rowling has done and said. She has done serious harm to the Trans and LGBTQ2+ community and mentioning her books brings attention to her and she doesn’t deserve any more attention. This book ultimately has a Trans character in it so I’m not sure why the author thought it would be a good idea to mention books written by an author who doesn’t support the Trans community.
This book either needs to remove the reference or add trigger warnings so people who do not support Rowling are made aware before reading.
September 30, 2022
This book was like the Golden Girls if they were witches trying to save their house and life as they know it from the evil, male townsfolk.
The pacing is a little slow at first as we're really introduced to this (kind of large) cast of characters, plot, and magic system. I appreciate what this book was doing and that it touched on a lot of important topics ranging from sexism and ageism to racism, and transphobia. However, at times, it felt a little heavy-handed and bordering on ridiculous (like, the men of the town want to knock down the witches' house so they can build "man's world" which is like Disney but with craft beer and strippers). I enjoyed the overall concept of the story and the character dynamics but overall wasn't as into this as I wanted to be. I don't usually feel this way, but I could see myself really enjoying this as a movie instead.
The pacing is a little slow at first as we're really introduced to this (kind of large) cast of characters, plot, and magic system. I appreciate what this book was doing and that it touched on a lot of important topics ranging from sexism and ageism to racism, and transphobia. However, at times, it felt a little heavy-handed and bordering on ridiculous (like, the men of the town want to knock down the witches' house so they can build "man's world" which is like Disney but with craft beer and strippers). I enjoyed the overall concept of the story and the character dynamics but overall wasn't as into this as I wanted to be. I don't usually feel this way, but I could see myself really enjoying this as a movie instead.
August 17, 2022
A story about sisterhood and six outlandish octogenarian witches who refuse to bend to the patriarchy? Yes, please! The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is a delightful romp of a book that will make you laugh and cackle out loud. Marais sure knows how to cast a spell on her readers.
October 28, 2022
This was a delight!! I loved that I read it in October!! Love this group of "older" witchy women & their back story....Bianca is a favorite author of mine & this is a complete turn around from her previous books & oh my- what fun she must have had writing this great story!
October 30, 2022
DNF- I made it to chapter 3 and just couldn’t go any further. This was a case of way too much too soon and not enough plot building to interest me. I feel like this might be someone else’s very feminist cup of tea. For me, I enjoy a little more finesse.
November 6, 2022
I love Marais’ books and this one was no different. She has written a book about five witches in their 80s who must band together to save their house from an angry mob that wants nothing more than to tear it down and rid themselves of these ladies, and in order to stay they have only a few days to come up with the full amount owed on their house. They are not getting any younger, their powers are not as strong as they once were, and compounding matters they have another problem to deal with when one man is determined to avenge his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. There are other issues between the women that come to the surface, and to deal with it all they get some help from Persephone, a young and sassy TikToker that is ready to fight the patriarchy.
This was such a delightful story that was endearing and so much fun to read. I loved these witches and the addition of Persephone was brilliant. I loved the relationships between each of them, their backstories, and how they looked out for each other as well as new individuals that came into their lives. I highly recommend this one goes on your list, you won’t be disappointed. The audio for this is fantastic as well and it is a perfect spooky season read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mira Books for the digital copy to review.
This was such a delightful story that was endearing and so much fun to read. I loved these witches and the addition of Persephone was brilliant. I loved the relationships between each of them, their backstories, and how they looked out for each other as well as new individuals that came into their lives. I highly recommend this one goes on your list, you won’t be disappointed. The audio for this is fantastic as well and it is a perfect spooky season read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mira Books for the digital copy to review.
September 6, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bianca Marais may have been a new author for me, but after reading the blurb for The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, I jumped at the opportunity to read and review. After all, lead characters in their eighties are not a usual occurrence in the book world. The idea of octogenarian Witches banding together to save their home intrigued me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.
The story began in an interesting tone, and soon I found myself eager to discover how it would all unfold. However, it took a 360-degree turn and was not for the best. With its slowing pacing and lack of excitement expected, the story became a struggle to get through. The Witches are supposed to be working on saving their home, but more focus was placed on reunions, events from the past and acquainting themselves with the teenager who offered to assist them in protecting their home.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It definitely did not work for me. I kept listening, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I felt disconnected from the characters and the story. The most interesting aspects of the story were
1. the Narration
2. the past events regarding the heist, which ultimately revealed reasons for Ruby’s incarceration.
Amy Landon narrated and her narration gave what otherwise a dull story some life. Her voices aptly portrayed each of the characters. She brought them to life by adding the right emotion to her reading. I had no issues Listening to her narration, which was the main reason I stuck with the story to the bitter end.
Now I know I am in the minority where liking this story is concerned as I have seen several readers giving rave reviews. It didn’t deliver the desired effect for me, but don’t let my views deter you from picking it up if you think it would interest you. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Bianca Marais may have been a new author for me, but after reading the blurb for The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, I jumped at the opportunity to read and review. After all, lead characters in their eighties are not a usual occurrence in the book world. The idea of octogenarian Witches banding together to save their home intrigued me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.
The story began in an interesting tone, and soon I found myself eager to discover how it would all unfold. However, it took a 360-degree turn and was not for the best. With its slowing pacing and lack of excitement expected, the story became a struggle to get through. The Witches are supposed to be working on saving their home, but more focus was placed on reunions, events from the past and acquainting themselves with the teenager who offered to assist them in protecting their home.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It definitely did not work for me. I kept listening, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I felt disconnected from the characters and the story. The most interesting aspects of the story were
1. the Narration
2. the past events regarding the heist, which ultimately revealed reasons for Ruby’s incarceration.
Amy Landon narrated and her narration gave what otherwise a dull story some life. Her voices aptly portrayed each of the characters. She brought them to life by adding the right emotion to her reading. I had no issues Listening to her narration, which was the main reason I stuck with the story to the bitter end.
Now I know I am in the minority where liking this story is concerned as I have seen several readers giving rave reviews. It didn’t deliver the desired effect for me, but don’t let my views deter you from picking it up if you think it would interest you. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
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