[MPOV] When Witches Can't Cast

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.36/5
Published: April 9, 2025
Author: Matilda Lockwood
Genre: Historical romance

Dedham Vale, England, 1758

Drowned if she is, damned if she isn’t—Gatty Carter can’t escape the curse of being called a witch.

Marked by suspicion and chased by fear, Gatty’s life shatters after a cruel prank nearly ends it. Desperate for safety, she flees the only home she’s ever known.

But escape offers no sanctuary. Arrested for vagrancy in a strange town, Gatty soon finds herself at the mercy of a mysterious family with dark secrets of their own. They claim to run a home for wayward women, but in reality, they seek out survivors of witchcraft accusations, hoping to unlock powers none of the women possess.

Among this unlikely coven, led by an overimaginative matriarch, Gatty discovers a bond she never expected. But as she grows close to these women, and even closer to a handsome librarian—her deception becomes harder to keep. Now, she must embrace the very role she’s always feared—or risk losing the only family she’s ever known.

For readers who believe the real magic is women who refuse to be silenced.

I have read the author's previous novels and, surprise, surprise, I actually like this best! When Witches can't Cast is about Gatty, who was condemned as a witch and sentenced to death by the villagers. She managed to escape and survived the ordeal, running to other villages to hide. Discovered by Lydia, she was brought to a home for women like her predicament. Slowly and surely, she has blossomed into a leader, a healer and finding true love amidst it all.

It was an engaging read with many trials and turbulence thrown in Gatty's way. I liked how she survived each of it and grown stronger. The teamwork and friendships shared with the other women in the house were truly inspiring.

Overall, it is a 4/5 read for me. Nicely plotted with slow, blossoming romance, though I did wish it to be faster at times LOL! Thanks to LibraryThings and the author for this copy in return for my honest review!