Before The Thunder

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a marvellous contemporary fantasy novel that enchanted me from the start.

Fantasy is a genre that I am unfamiliar with, but Rewitched was a smashing tale.

Rewitched combines the love of books, the love of a good cat called Jinx, and a legacy of magic to be fulfilled on Bella’s thirtieth birthday – but all is not as it seems at first. Appearances can be deceptive.

We learn that greed and the lust for power have seen some act in diabolical ways, seeking to deceive those around them.

Love of family is a powerful force. “I would fight with every fibre of my being for you.” Family is not always blood-related but it is those who love us.

Cats have an inner sixth sense. Jinx gives warning when he feels all is not right around Bella.

Life is so much more than we can see. Forces of good and evil do battle. Ultimately it is pure hearts, self-belief and love that will rule the day.

At the heart of the novel is a bookshop. A character has been too timid to follow her dreams – we all need a dose of courage to grab our dreams and to live them.

As one who always gets lost in a good book, my favourite quote was:

“It’s [the bookshop] supposed to exist in its’ own little bubble of cosiness that’s entirely separate from the real world.”

The book is beautifully crafted by Lucy Jane Wood. There are moments of hilarity. “Ethellius Hartingham had attempted a transference to Hull, but had ended up in Hell thanks to his strong Scottish accent.”

Rewitched is a perfect read to escape from reality for a few hours. A very charming read.

JULIA WILSON