New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston transports readers to the windswept mountains of Wales in The Winter Witch , an enthralling tale of love and magic.

In her small early nineteenth century Welsh town, there is no one quite like Morgana. She is small and quick and pretty enough to attract a suitor, but there are things that set her apart from other girls. Though her mind is sharp she has not spoken since she was a young girl. Her silence is a mystery, as well as her magic―the household objects that seem to move at her command, the bad luck that visits those who do her ill. Concerned for her safety, her mother is anxious to see Morgana married, and Cai Jenkins, the widowed drover from the far hills who knows nothing of the rumors that swirl around her, seems the best choice.

After her wedding, Morgana is heartbroken at leaving her mother, and wary of this man, whom she does not know, and who will take her away to begin a new life. But she soon falls in love with Cai's farm and the wild mountains that surround it. Here, where frail humans are at the mercy of the elements, she thrives, her wild nature and her magic blossoming. Cai works to understand the beautiful, half-tamed creature he has chosen for a bride, and slowly, he begins to win Morgana's affections. It's not long, however, before her strangeness begins to be remarked upon in her new village. A dark force is at work there―a person who will stop at nothing to turn the townspeople against Morgana, even at the expense of those closest to her. Forced to defend her home, her man, and herself from all comers, Morgana must learn to harness her power, or she will lose everything in this beautifully written, enchanting novel.

"An enthralling tale of love and magic." – USA Today

From Booklist

Brackston, author of The Witch’s Daughter (2011),provides another paranormal historical. This time around she forgoes the time travel, grounding her story firmly in the darkly superstitious Welsh countryside. Never speaking a word and frightened by strange powers she does not fully understand or know how to control, Morgana Pritchard is beginning to arouse suspicions in her neighborhood. It is only after her fearful mother marries her off to a widower from the far hills to protect her that Morgana begins to realize the extent and the purpose of her gift. As Cai and Morgana’s love story unfolds and accusations of witchery begin to swirl about, Morgana learns to both harness and respect her “magic blood” in order to protect both herself and her beloved husband from an insidious enemy. --Margaret Flanagan

Review

“ New York Times best-selling author Paula Brackston transports readers to the windswept mountains of early 19th century Wales in The Winter Witch , an enthralling tale of love and magic.” ― USA Today

“There's a whiff of Harry Potter in the witchy conflict--a battle between undeveloped young magical talent and old malevolence--at the heart of this sprightly tale of spells and romance, the second novel from British writer Brackston (The Witch's Daughter, 2011)…. Love of landscape and lyrical writing lend charm, but it's Brackston's full-blooded storytelling that will hook the reader.” ― Kirkus

“Brackston delivers an intimate paranormal romance that grounds its fantasy in the reality of a 19th century Welsh farm.” ― Publishers Weekly

“Paula Brackston's Winter Witch is a whimsical and mystical tale that's part romance part mystery part fantasy and all extraordinary. Her beautiful narrative moves flawlessly throughout the story… This unique novel will appeal to fans of a multitude of genres from historical to fantasy and will engage fans of all ages as well.” ― www.thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/

“Lushly written with a fascinating premise and an enthralling heroine, The Witch's Daughter will linger long in memory after the last page has been savored. Highly recommended.” ― Sara Poole, author of The Borgia Betrayal

“A beautifully written, brilliantly crafted page-turner that completely invests you in the lives and loves of the witch's daughter. A true reading event.” ―Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess' Cooking School, on The Witch's Daughter

“A lyrical and spell-binding time travel fantasy featuring an immortal witch who must summon all her powers to defeat the evil hounding her through the centuries.” ―Mary Sharratt, author of Daughters of the Witching Hill, on The Witch's Daughter

“With her first novel, author Paula Brackston conjures up a riveting tale of sorcery and time travel. By mixing feminine heroism with masculine might, Brackston successfully captivates readers with characters Bess, an immortal witch, and sinister dark lord, Gideon…. It's almost impossible not to root for the underdog in this magical twist on the classic David vs. Goliath tale. Plus, the skill with which Brackston weaves her characters through time makes this book a fascinating take on global history.” ― Marie Claire on The Witch's Daughter

“Brackston's first novel offers well-crafted characters in an absorbing plot and an altogether delicious blend of historical fiction and fantasy.” ― Booklist on The Witch's Daughter

“This pleasantly romantic historical fantasy debut flips lightly between the past experiences of ageless witch Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith and her present-day life in Matravers, England... Bess's adventures are fascinating.” ― Publishers Weekly on The Witch's Daughter

“Stretching her tale over several centuries, British-based Brackston brings energy as well as commercial savvy to her saga of innocence and the dark arts…. History, time travel and fantasy combine in a solidly readable entertainment.” ― Kirkus on The Witch's Daughter

“An engaging, well-written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.” ― Portland Book Review on The Witch's Daughter

“Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch's Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak of immortality to stay true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.” ― NightOwlReviews.com

“ The Witch's Daughter is a wonderful combination of historical fiction and paranormal. Brackston's story alternates between past and present as she mixes tales of Elizabeth's early life with the present day, tying in historical events including Jack the Ripper and the horrors of WWI... Overall, a really enjoyable read.” ― BookBitch.com

“Readers who enjoy historical fantasy built around an epic struggle between good and evil should enjoy this original take on the theme.” ― HistoricalNovels.info on The Witch's Daughter

“An enjoyable read.” ― Genre Go Round Reviews on The Witch's Daughter

“This tale spans centuries and walks the line between good and the darker side of magic. Magic and those who possess it have been feared and persecuted throughout most of human history. Find out what it is like to live for hundreds of years, mostly in solitude, and have to struggle with having the power to help people, but being afraid to use that power.” ― Affaire de Coeur on The Witch's Daughter

“Women will certainly love the independent, feisty female characters, but the narrative is wonderfully imaginative and the plot fast-moving and filled with action. This novel is highly recommended for witches and warlocks alike.” ― Historical Novel Society on The Witch's Daughter

“The combination of stories from the past and the present meld nicely, and the author adds some clever twists so the reader never knows exactly from whom the next Gideon apparition will arise. Perhaps the best twist is the ending--leaving an opening for another book, but at the same time furnishing the reader with quite a satisfactory ending.” ― The National Examiner (UK) on The Witch's Daughter

“Ambitious and thought-provoking, this book will lure you into vivid, visceral worlds where evil lurks at every turn. The beautifully crafted BOOK OF SHADOWS will be etched on my mind for a long time. What an action-packed, emotionally powerful film it would make too.” ―Sally Spedding, author of STRANGERS WAITING, on The Witch's Daughter

“An unforgettable story by a highly original new writer.” ―Rebecca Tope, author of the Cotswold crime series, on The Witch's Daughter

“ The Witch's Daughter is a must read for anyone who loves magic set in the real world, who craves a well-written novel with historical elements along with romance and witchcraft tied into a tension-filled plot and vivid imagery, and, of course, who seeks an escape from their own lives if only for a moment.” ― Huffington Post

“...compelling and beautiful...a book to be savored. I look forward to reading more from this wonderful writer who always manages to take my breath away.” ― SF Site on The Witch's Daughter

“The Winter Witch is one of the most magical and compelling novels I've ever read. A tender and exquisitely written tale, with a heroine who continues to haunt your dreams long after you close the book.” ― Karen Maitland, author of COMPANY OF LIARS

About the Author

PAULA BRACKSTON has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. In 2007 she was shortlisted in the Creme de la Crime Search for new writers. She lives in Wales with her family.