There’s something magical about small towns nestled in the mountains, isn’t there? Places where the mist clings to treetops and whispers ancient secrets, where folklore is as much a part of daily life as the morning coffee ritual. Rachel Greenlaw’s latest novel, “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells,” transports us to just such a place—the enigmatic town of Woodsmoke, where the mountains have a will of their own and the Morgan women have been weaving spells for generations.
A Homecoming Tinged with Magic and Melancholy
Carrie Morgan fled Woodsmoke a decade ago, leaving behind a broken engagement and a legacy she wasn’t ready to accept. But when her grandmother Ivy passes away, leaving Carrie her dilapidated cottage, she finds herself drawn back to the town she once called home. Greenlaw’s prose is as crisp as the mountain air as she describes Carrie’s return:
“I clutch the keys between my fingers. The cottage in front of me is quiet and watchful, small windows tucked into the folds of granite walls. I hesitate, taking a moment, feeling the edges of metal in my hand, the cold damp air as I draw it down my throat, the light as it snatches at the October clouds above.”
From the moment Carrie steps foot in Woodsmoke, we’re swept up in a world where the boundary between reality and magic is as thin as morning mist. Greenlaw’s deft touch brings the town to life, populating it with characters who feel as familiar as old friends and as mysterious as the mountains themselves.
A Love Story Woven with Frost
At the heart of the novel is a romance that blossoms as quickly and unexpectedly as the first frost of winter. Matthieu, a handsome stranger who appears just as the temperature drops, offers to help Carrie renovate her grandmother’s cottage. Their connection is instant and electric, reminiscent of the best slow-burn romances:
“She likes how he smells. All forest and earth and clean laundry. She likes how his hands are always warm, how solid he feels to her.”
But as their relationship deepens, so too does the sense of unease. Carrie’s great-aunt Cora warns her of an old tale—a stranger who appears with the first snow, only to vanish without a trace when spring arrives. Is Matthieu the man of Carrie’s dreams, or is he destined to break her heart?
The Magic of Sisterhood and Second Chances
While the romance between Carrie and Matthieu forms the novel’s backbone, it’s the relationships between the women of Woodsmoke that truly give the story its heart. Greenlaw explores the complex dynamics between Carrie, her childhood best friend Jess, and the aunts who raised her with nuance and sensitivity.
The tension between Carrie and Jess, in particular, is palpable from the moment they reunite. Years of unspoken hurts and misunderstandings have created a chasm between them, but there’s still a flicker of the bond they once shared. Their journey towards reconciliation is by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming:
“I miss Jess’s laugh. Once I was sure I heard it, walking the streets of Paris at twilight four years ago, and those throaty notes lured me to a café with tables sprawling across the pavement. Of course, it wasn’t her. But I stayed there all evening, nursing cups of hot chocolat and cream, listening to the ghost of her laugh on someone else’s tongue.”
The Morgan Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword
Central to the story is the Morgan family’s magical legacy, embodied in the mysterious book of spells passed down through generations. Greenlaw deftly weaves together family history, local folklore, and the power of the written word to create a rich tapestry of magic that feels both ancient and immediate.
The book itself becomes almost a character in its own right, its pages holding not just spells but the collected wisdom and warnings of the Morgan women who came before. As Carrie grapples with her place in this lineage, we’re treated to tantalizing glimpses of the power—and the price—of magic:
“When he finally falls into a fitful slumber, his head against my shoulder, I cry quietly. My tears are tiny flashes of heat stinging my skin before I wipe at them with shaking fingers. I begin to talk then. To the mountains. I know what I have to ask for.
Somehow I’ve always known it would end this way. The mountains demand bargains. They require beating hearts and blood. They’ve been the subject of too many stories to ignore. There are too many unexplained things that could be magic, that could be something, and maybe I should have paid better attention. Maybe I should have had a bit more fear.”
A Love Letter to Small-Town Life
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its vivid portrayal of life in a small mountain town. Greenlaw brings Woodsmoke to life with rich, sensory details that make you feel as if you’re walking its streets alongside Carrie. From the local hardware store to the town gossips, every aspect of Woodsmoke feels authentic and lived-in.
This sense of place is crucial to the story, as the town itself becomes a character in its own right. The mountains loom large, both physically and metaphorically, their presence a constant reminder of the magic and danger that lurk just beyond the edges of everyday life.
The Changing Seasons of the Heart
Greenlaw uses the changing seasons as a powerful metaphor for Carrie’s emotional journey. As winter gives way to spring, we see Carrie thawing too, rediscovering parts of herself she thought she’d left behind. The author’s descriptions of the natural world are particularly evocative:
“The frost has formed overnight, weaving lace and ice over the fields. I throw on an extra jumper, pull my hair up into a bun, and stretch, feeling the spaces between my ribs fill with light.”
A Spellbinding Blend of Genres
“The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells” defies easy categorization, blending elements of contemporary romance, magical realism, and women’s fiction into a unique and compelling whole. Fans of Greenlaw’s previous work, like “One Christmas Morning,” will recognize her talent for crafting emotional, character-driven stories, but this novel represents a bold new direction for the author.
The magical elements are handled with a light touch, never overwhelming the human drama at the story’s core. Instead, they serve to heighten the emotional stakes and add an extra layer of enchantment to an already captivating tale.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While the novel is overwhelmingly successful, there are a few areas where it stumbles slightly. The pacing in the middle section can feel a bit slow at times, and some readers might find themselves wishing for a bit more action to balance out the introspection.
Additionally, while the magical elements are generally well-integrated, there are occasional moments where the rules of this world feel a bit fuzzy. A little more clarity on how exactly the Morgan women’s magic works might have helped ground some of the more fantastical elements.
The Verdict: A Magical Read Perfect for Cozy Nights
Despite these minor criticisms, “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells” is a thoroughly enchanting read. Greenlaw has crafted a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt torn between the pull of home and the lure of the wider world.
With its blend of romance, magic, and small-town charm, this novel is perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, and Adrienne Young. It’s the kind of book that begs to be read curled up under a blanket with a steaming mug of tea, preferably as the first snowflakes of winter begin to fall outside your window.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of magical realism and contemporary fantasy
- Readers who enjoy stories about family legacies and small-town dynamics
- Anyone who’s ever felt the bittersweet pull of returning home after a long absence
- Romance lovers looking for a story with depth and a touch of magic
- Those who appreciate beautifully crafted prose and evocative descriptions of nature
Final Thoughts: A Spellbinding Addition to Greenlaw’s Repertoire
With “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells,” Rachel Greenlaw has cemented her place as a master of emotionally resonant, magically tinged fiction. This novel is a testament to the power of coming home—not just to a place, but to oneself.
As Carrie’s story unfolds, we’re reminded that sometimes the most powerful magic of all is the ability to forgive, to love, and to find where we truly belong. It’s a message that lingers long after the final page is turned, as comforting and warming as woodsmoke on a chilly autumn evening.
So, dear reader, if you’re in the mood for a story that will sweep you away to a world where magic still lingers in the corners of everyday life, where love can bloom even in the depths of winter, and where coming home can be the greatest adventure of all – look no further. “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells” is calling your name, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this enchanting journey.