Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. And when it is combined with stories about witches, I am totally there! The author wrote a book about witches and the suffrage movement but, for me, it became something even more. There are so many lessons woven throughout this story.I loved the character development of the sisters. The family drama and all of its secrets do come to full light by the end. It just goes to show us that without real communication lives can ultimately be ruined. June, Agnes, and Bell are all products of their childhood–pain, abuse, and abandonment. It takes them joining the suffrage movement to bring them, at least, to a common ground. A place where they fight for the same thing and maybe even to a place where forgiveness can begin.For me, this story became more about the treatment of women and them finally standing up against the powers that hold them down. It takes place in a time where women are property and have no voice. The are treated horribly and the men make all the rules. Also, during this time, the witch hunts were taking place and the burnings were beginning in America. This was not a safe time to be a woman.It’s also about love. Sisterly love. Motherly love. Forbidden romantic love. Love for your fellow human beings. If you love someone, truly love them, then it doesn’t matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation, which is another lesson in this story. The sisterhood that arises amid this very dangerous time is the beginning of a new way of life, a new way of thinking. We know the actual history of how things turned out for witches and women. But, at the same time, even though we don’t live like our sisters had to, we’re still fighting some of the same fights. I’m sure there are those who would deny us the right to vote if they still could. Women are still mistreated. People of color are denied and dismissed. There are those who still believe that anything outside of heterosexual love is wrong. But , when we read the stories of where we began, where the fight began, we can be encouraged and empowered to keep moving forward. The battle still rages but great things can be accomplished when we lay down our differences and come together for the common good. That’s why stories like this one are so important! The Eastwood sisters did exactly that in this book.I loved the witch and magic aspect too. I enjoyed imagining that the witchcraft of old is really still here, just hidden in plain sight. This was a truly fascinating part of the story for me. It makes me want to dive further into the history of witches.While this isn’t a fantasy with dragons and warriors fighting for good against evil, there is an epic battle scene. And, as in all battles, there are heartbreaking losses. I cried and cried over one of those losses. As a reader you ask, “Did that really need to happen?” As a writer, my answer is, “Yes. It really did need to happen.” It doesn’t make it hurt any less, though.I could go on and on about this book! The storytelling, the characters, the lessons, and the history all come together in an amazing way. I’ll end by saying that this book is now my favorite read of this year so far, and will go on my list of favorite reads of all time. It will take something pretty spectacular to take its place.I gave this book all the stars and highly recommend it to any fan of historical fiction, historical fantasy, stories of witches, stories of women’s history, and stories about sisters.