The Witches of Cambridge

Hiding in plain sight among the spires of Cambridge University--or occasionally floating above them--is a group of women (and one man) with unusual gifts. Heloise and her daughter, Amandine; sisters Kat and Cosima; and their friend George often use their magical gifts to smooth out sticky situations. Menna van Praag's sixth novel, The Witches of Cambridge, touches on love, grief, the dark power of secrets and the healing properties of friendship and trust.

Amandine is able to sense people's feelings, but not the reasons behind their emotions. When she meets art student Noa, whose gift is seeing people's secrets (but whose curse is blurting them out), Amandine hopes Noa can help her discover why her husband is so distant lately. Meanwhile, Cosima, desperate for a baby, mixes up some magical pastries to attract a potential father. When George falls under Cosima's spell, and Noa is seduced by a handsome artist with a hidden agenda, the other witches must use all their powers, magical and otherwise, to help their friends find their way again.

Van Praag (The House at the End of Hope Street) tells her story with a light touch, tossing in spells and the names of deities the way Cosima sprinkles magical herbs into her desserts. While the magic is inconsistent, the setting is charming, and the witches themselves (especially wise, thoughtful Heloise) are appealing characters. Readers who enjoy lighthearted novels with a gentle dash of magical realism will find The Witches of Cambridge a treat. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams

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