In the Pines

by Mariah Stillbrook

Two witches, two secrets, and a curse that could tear a family apart.

Olivia and Ellie have lived their lives knowing a dark entity is stalking their family, determined to kill them all. After the death of Olivia’s son, she abandons her magic and her family, leaving Ellie in a nightmare of heartbreak, her marriage crumbling and her sister gone. Determined to save their mother Arianna from a spell that left her comatose, the two sisters must come together to unravel the riddle of the curse that has haunted their family for generations.

But as they delve into the past, the truth they uncover is more twisted and treacherous than they ever could have imagined. Will they be able to break the curse, or will it consume them all?

Praise for In the Pines:

"Stillbrook penned an utterly mesmerizing tale full of magic spells and rituals, spirits and demons, and witches and their familiars." Readers Favorite

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Adult, Lesbian, LGBT

374 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Mariah Stillbrook, originally from Iowa, is a pansexual, witchy author. She lives in Colorado with her German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. Though she's moving into multi-genre storytelling, she focuses her writing on urban fantasy and horror in both adult and young adult genres.

Author of In the Pines, The Erwain Trilogy, and Hall of Shadows.

Praise for In the Pines:

"Stillbrook penned an utterly mesmerizing tale full of magic spells and rituals, spirits and demons, and witches and their familiars." Readers' Favorite

Praise for The Lost Erwain:

"Mariah Stillbrook delivers a mesmerizing tale due to her stellar writing skills. It was like reading The Chronicles of Narnia all over again. Fantasy lovers will be pleased." Readers' Favorite

Praise for Hall of Shadows:

"This captivating tale contains family secrets, deception, mystery, adventure, paranormal elements, and drama. Mariah Stillbrook pulls her readers into a fully developed fantasy world brimming with enchantment and magic." Readers' Favorite

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This needed so much more work before it was published. Sadface :(

[Miriam]

DNF on page six. This writing is so bad. I was hate-reading from paragraph one and once i realized that, i decided to just stop.

[Ariell Sirena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family of witches haunted by a generational curse, it's seems after the actions of their mother, they begin to unravel their mystery and fight back against the forces against them.
I absolutely loved this. It gave me all the vibes watching an old charmed episode would. Not only that but as a pagan myself, it was amazing to see so many familiar things, such as practice, lore and so in. I read this in Kindle but I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy


*I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honesty review*

[Gnomereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book was such a powerful story of family, love, pain, loss, fear, and forgiveness, all wrapped up in magical package. I really loved the way these witches and their magic was portrayed. It was lovely and the emotions I felt throughout this entire book were heightened by the imagery and the way these characters felt so relatable.

This covered some heavy subject matter, but I feel that it was integrated in such a perfect manner that it didn’t feel overwhelming. There were undercurrents of hope, even in the bleak moments and I found that to be the push that kept me reading. I love stories that I can connect with in some capacity and this does that in spades.

Every one of us knows what it’s like to love intensely, despair deeply, fear helplessly, grieve painfully, or forgive tentatively, but this story felt like it took these concepts and allowed the reader the opportunity to come to terms with where each of us may be in those emotions and process them right alongside the characters as they embark on their journey.

This was truly inspiring and incredibly beautifully written, 5 stars well deserved.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for sure! Give this new author a try because this book is awesome! All of the characters are so well thought out and you connect to them. Plus LGBTQ+ representation? I feel like I read this so fast because it was so good I had to know what was happening next!

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.

[Sarah]

DNF, p. 77. Without a library copy, I only read the sample chapters. I would not be inclined to continue the full book; the writing is a bit too green for me (is this a debut? I’m not invested enough to check) and the characters are unlikable, but not in a way that I found compelling or enjoyable to read.

[Nick Wilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It has pretty much everything you might want out of a witchy fantasy - a deep-seated curse, family bonds that are broken and then healed, a well-developed magic system, cute familiars, and yes, wands and broomsticks. These tropes are familiar, but with the vibrancy of the characters and the intensity and urgency of the story, Stillbrook makes everything fresh. The story is mainly told from the POV of two sisters, Olivia and Ellie, going back and forth between them, although we do also hear briefly from the mother, Arianna, who is out of action for the most part. That's all to do with that family curse, and the job of the sisters is to unravel where it comes from and eliminate it before it's too late. The interplay between them is a delight - Ellie has a wild streak and a good dose of snark, while Olivia appears more straight-laced and has seemingly turned her back on magic for a while after the tragedy of her son being taken. With various other relatives that weave into events, this is a real family saga, albeit one taking place over multiple lifetimes. I'd characterise it as "rural fantasy" because it takes place wholly in pastoral settings, which adds to the brilliant atmosphere - "the answer is in the pines." I'd welcome a sequel featuring more from these characters, but if not, I would read anything else this author has to offer.

[Jacqueline Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting from this book, but it was way more than I could have imagined! I absolutely loved this book. This will be one I place on my physical shelf. The drama, magic, sister bond, and the PAIN. I blew through this book in a day, I just couldn't put it down. It's what every witch wants in life, minus the curse, of course. I laughed, I was brought to almost tears and felt the emotions of the characters. The details of the scenes are beautiful. This would make a cute tv series or a movie. Thank you for your creative mind, Mariah!!!!!

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very powerful book about a family of witches. Modern day problems plague a family that has been cursed for generations. They work at trying to break the curse as their matriarch lies in a coma for trying to stop it.

The author has written what seems a very authentic account of witchcraft. There are so many details, and the way it impacts the characters seems very genuine. The relationships in this book feel very real, and it was easy to care for characters and their issues.

If you like books about witches that feel very real, I would highly recommend this book!

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Billas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

A gorgeous, magical read! In the Pines is an enthralling tale with memorable characters that l’ll be thinking about for a long time. My favorite character that I can relate to the most is Ellie who is queer and going through a lot but you root for her to figure out what’s the best for her, in all of her lifetimes. If you want a new witchy read with LGBTQ+ representation, look no further. Can’t wait for the author’s next book!

[Katie Sandy-miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I don’t love fantasy novels. But this book is different. The characters are so real and relatable. Mariah’s writing makes you feel like you’ve known these characters forever and the relationships are messy and raw and real. There’s awesome representation for anyone looking for LGBTQ+ stories in a real light. This kept me intrigued the whole time and I am excited for her next book!

[Vicki-Ann Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Pines follows the lives of two sister witches and their fight to save their family from a dark entity focused on killing everyone they love. The rich history and engaging characters made this a real page turner and I enjoyed every minute. The authors writing style is easy to read and a compliment to the craft. I'd recommend In the Pines to anyone who loves a good witch tale, magick, family, and love.

If you enjoyed the film Practical Magic, you're gonna love this book!

[Molly A. Petzl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read! This book leaves you always wanting to find out more. I haven't read many witchy fantasy books. One thing I liked about this book was that Mariah does a great job of throwing you into the witchy world, but teaches you about the customs, traditions and symbology of this world, and makes you feel a part of it alongside her relatable characters. Can't wait to see what else this author comes up with!

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it just wasn’t it for me. Love that it’s from a local Denver author, and I could see it being somebody’s cup of tea! There were parts of it I liked, but overall, I found the storyline to be confusing. There were just so many elements and I feel like i didn’t really get a good explanation for most of them. I’m usually a faster reader but it was hard for me to stay engaged. The fastest I read was the last 60 pages but even then I was putting pieces together and feeling like I was missing stuff.

[Tristin McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this

[K.M. Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

Definitely the book you want to read if you're into witches, curses, and modern day paranormal! the family dynamics are crucial, and I enjoyed the LGBQT+ representation.

I didn't fall 100% in love with it, but I think I'll be in the minority for that. It's one I would tell my friends who enjoy the genre to pick up.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I (unintentionally) read this in October, this book gave me like spooky-ish, Practical Magic vibes. This book has it all, family turmoil, curses, familiars, drama, and BROOMS! 🧹🔮

This book is dual POV (for the most part) from two sisters named Ellie and Olivia, who are pretty much opposites. It starts chapter one from their mother Arianna's POV where you get the run down of the curse, the entity responsible for it, at least a very nutshell explanation of it. This book follows Ellie and Olivia while they unravel more information on the curse that plagues generations of their family, how to finish their mothers spell that protects them, and how to end the curse before it's too late for all of them.

I loved the characters, Ellie was definitely my favorite. She was very witty and snarky, Olivia has lived through such traumatic experiences- she's a lot more level headed and reserved. I laughed a lot and also teared up at moments, but I loved every second of it. This was a comfort read for me in this cold, fall weather it was so beautifully written, and such an amazing story.

[RaeAnne Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read! If you enjoy witchy type things, you would love this book!

In this book, we follow 2 sisters, Olivia and Ellie. Their family for lifetimes has been cursed by an entity. Their mother, Arianna, decided to try and change things with the curse, which leaves her comatose, forcing the sisters to get along and work together to save their mom and those they care about.

While working together to save their mother, they end up having to also work on themselves. There is so much history we start to uncover, and it is so interesting to read! There are secrets that had me guessing till the end.

If you enjoy paranormal, fantasy, spells, familiars, tarot cards, crystal balls, and magic, you should give this book a try! You get a HEA ending, some plot twists on the way, and a fast pace that makes you wanna keep reading.

"Magic is nothing more than energy, as is the emotion of love."

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much, Mariah Stillbrook!!!

[Kathy Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother, two daughters, an aunt, a cousin, musicians, a family business… it all seems so ordinary, allowing the reader to relate and be drawn in to their relationships and dilemmas. However, when magic comes to play the story takes you to a deeper, farther reaching reality. Early in the story Aunt Lana tells Ellie, “There is an order to magic.” And indeed, Mariah Stillbrook proves to be a master storyteller weaving the elements of a family curse into the characters involved culminating in a starry night event that occurs once in 30 years. As a family of witches who seem to be able to project and change the undesirable, they do have limits with their powers including the outcome of unruly hair. I love the mix of humor, bawdiness and serious consequences of every action. The message of this story will most likely hit home for all readers. It is a message for the ages.

Thank you for the ARC.

[melissa Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hauntingly beautiful story, well written with so much depth to the characters. it's a story of love, pain, loss and learning to accept yourself and let go. The characters are well written and I could see myself in olivia, I did want to shake both sisters at times for being so obtuse but grief and loss isn't linear and they had to learn that.  The book kept me hooked, I just had to keep reading, I cried at the end because it really resonated with me, the needing to let go of the pain we carry and accept who are you. I wasn't keen on the Derek storyline, I felt it was rushed  but I get why it's there. I love a witchy book and thoroughly enjoyed the story, it was just the right balance of love, heartbreak and family.

[Robin Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive an arc copy of In the Pines!

If you’re into curses and witchy sister stories, this is the one! After their mom falls into a coma, Olivia and Ellie decide it is time to break the curse that has been plaguing their family for generations.

While there was magic, the story was very grounded. People who love to read contemporary but want to give fantasy a try will find this a great book! One of my favorite things was seeing witches in a contemporary setting carrying wands!! It truly felt like this could happen in real life.

You’ll be terrified of the woman haunting them!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of witchy sisters and the family curse they are fighting against. The characters were relatable and likeable, even when they were unlikeable. The magic system was interesting and the plot had twists that I didn't see coming. It did take me a couple of chapters to really engage with the story and I found myself wishing I had seen a bit of the sister's relationship before their estrangement. I also thought a scene in the beginning when they were kids would be a good way to introduce the magic system and show their relationship. But once I was into the story (a few chapters in) I found it hard to put down.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a great witchy story that brings together multiple generations of women as they try to unravel the secrets and curses of their family’s past.

This would have gotten a 4 star review from me if it wasn’t for the reasoning behind the curse was attacking to a culture of people based upon stereotypes. Without that element and before the revelation, I was thoroughly enjoying this story. It had just the right amount of witchyness and mystery in it to keep me intrigued, even though I did have some pieces of the puzzle figured out early on.
Take out the one stereotype element and I would have hugely loved this book; but that just left a bad feeling for me to not be able to enjoy it.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witches. Magic. A dark family curse that runs generations deep.

In the Pines is a mysterious novel that explores the life and times of sisters Ellie and Olivia. Their family is far from ordinary, as their bloodline is intertwined with witchy origins. The family is broken and plagued by a curse that insidiously rips the family apart.

Through pain, loss, and trials, the sisters must persevere to finally free themselves of the long burdened curse. This book has many ups and downs and is very emotional and thought provoking.

If you love paranormal fantasy, thrillers, and family drama, definitely pick up this book!

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started as a story about cursed witches ended up being a really powerful story about love and family. Ellie and Olivia are sisters who have been brought back together after years apart to help figure out a spell to save their mother....and likely everyone else, too. As they figure out different parts of the curse and magic, the sisters learn more about themselves in both this life, and the past. Getting to the root of the curse and understanding where it came from was an interesting and powerful journey that this family needed to take.

[Corina Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't about witchcraft. It was about fear. Fear of reconciliation between a family and extended family. Fear of the past and how it interconnects the future. It was about a family fueled by hurt so much that they needed the last thing they'd think of to rid themselves of the pain cursed upon their family by fear. It also about healing; healing between two sisters so connected to each other it goes back into their past lives. A mother and wife needing to understand her own pain to be able to heal for her marriage and to connect with her family again.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is centered around a family of witches that are battling their generational curse and trauma. This is a beautiful story full of grief and forgiveness that made me laugh and cry more than once.

The highlights:
These witches have familiars, which is to say, there are animals in this book!
Although this is mostly a serious book, there are moments of witchy levity that will make you giggle.
I was genuinely a little scared of the baddie.

I would definitely read more from this author!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book! The characters were well developed. The magic system made sense and was fun. The story was amazing and kept me wondering and wanting more until the end!

The author did a great job making the characters imperfectly perfect. The message of the forgiveness can be healing and how hatred festers and turns us into monsters was delivered perfectly without being preachy.

I definitely recommend picking this up if you like fantasy, witches, and mystery!

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently started reading and can’t put it down. I really appreciate how relatable the characters are; especially in terms of their mental health struggles. You REALLY care about these characters from the get go.
I love that I’m FINALLY reading a book by an author who understands witchcraft. It also helps that the story is spooky and magical. It’s sassy and comical. It gives me all the feels. Can’t wait to keep reading.

[Theresa Allender · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love the most about this book is that it is unpredictable. Because there is fantasy, the unpredictability is even higher. You never know what is going to happen next so the pages keep turning. This story is one that pulls you in, right from the beginning. This story actually pulled me in, right from page one. Watching Olivia and Ellie grow and learn more about themselves, I’m hoping for a sequel. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quality fantasy read.