Summary: In this article, I have compiled 20 of the best books similar to Practical Magic that I believe will enchant you with their blend of magic, family bonds, and heartfelt storytelling. Here's my top 3:
- The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
- Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Practical Magic
- The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
- Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
- The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
- The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
- The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
- Cackle by Rachel Harrison
- The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
- The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
- The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
- Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie
- The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith
- The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel by Alyssa Palombo
- Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
- The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
- The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
1. The Rules of Magic
- Author: Alice Hoffman
- About: A prequel to Practical Magic, this novel explores the lives of the Owens siblings—Franny, Jet, and Vincent—as they navigate love, loss, and the family curse in 1960s New York City.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, blending magical realism with historical fiction.
- Length: Approximately 384 pages.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving; leaves a lasting impression with its themes of love, fate, and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with rich, descriptive prose.
- Why Read It: Offers a deeper understanding of the Owens family's magical heritage and the origins of the family curse.
2. Garden Spells
- Author: Sarah Addison Allen
- About: The Waverley sisters, Claire and Sydney, reunite in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina, where their enchanted family garden influences their lives and relationships.
- Style of Writing: Whimsical and charming, with elements of Southern Gothic and magical realism.
- Length: Approximately 290 pages.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming; leaves readers with a sense of wonder and appreciation for family bonds.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward narrative with enchanting descriptions.
- Why Read It: Captures the magic of everyday life and the importance of family and community.
3. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
- Author: Sangu Mandanna
- About: Mika Moon, one of the few witches in Britain, is invited to teach three young witches at Nowhere House, leading her to discover love and a sense of belonging.
- Style of Writing: Cozy and uplifting, with a focus on character development and found family.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year Written: 2022
- Emotional Impact: Warm and comforting; leaves readers feeling hopeful and embraced.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible and engaging prose.
- Why Read It: A delightful story about finding one's place in the world and the magic of unexpected connections.
4. The Once and Future Witches
- Author: Alix E. Harrow
- About: In 1893, the Eastwood sisters join the suffragist movement in New Salem, seeking to restore witchcraft and women's rights in a world that has forgotten both.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and richly detailed, blending historical fiction with fantasy elements.
- Length: Approximately 517 pages.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Empowering and thought-provoking; leaves a lasting impression on themes of sisterhood and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; complex themes with intricate prose.
- Why Read It: A compelling tale of women's empowerment and the reclamation of forgotten magic.
5. A Discovery of Witches
- Author: Deborah Harkness
- About: Historian and reluctant witch Diana Bishop discovers a bewitched manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library, leading her into a world of magic, vampires, and forbidden love.
- Style of Writing: Scholarly and immersive, with detailed historical and scientific references.
- Length: Approximately 579 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Captivating and romantic; leaves readers pondering the intersection of history and magic.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging; dense with historical and academic content.
- Why Read It: An intellectual and romantic journey into a richly imagined supernatural world.
6. The Witching Hour
- Author: Anne Rice
- About: Neurosurgeon Rowan Mayfair inherits her family's New Orleans mansion and uncovers the dark legacy of the Mayfair witches and their connection to a mysterious spirit named Lasher.
- Style of Writing: Gothic and atmospheric, with intricate family histories and supernatural elements.
- Length: Approximately 965 pages.
- Year Written: 1990
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and intense; leaves a deep impression with its complex characters and dark themes.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; complex narrative with dense prose.
- Why Read It: A masterful blend of gothic horror and family saga that delves into the origins of witchcraft.
7. The Witches of Eastwick
- Author: John Updike
- About: Three women in a small Rhode Island town discover their magical powers and navigate the chaos that ensues when a mysterious man arrives.
- Style of Writing: Darkly humorous and satirical, with rich descriptions and social commentary.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 1984
- Emotional Impact: Provocative and thought-provoking, with moments of unease and dark charm.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires attention to detail due to Updike's intricate prose.
- Why Read It: A compelling exploration of power, desire, and the consequences of wielding magic.
8. Cackle
- Author: Rachel Harrison
- About: After a breakup, Annie moves to a quaint village and befriends a mysterious local woman who may be a witch.
- Style of Writing: Lightly spooky and humorous, with an empowering and quirky tone.
- Length: Approximately 304 pages.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and empowering, with themes of self-discovery and independence.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; written in a straightforward and engaging style.
- Why Read It: A fun and relatable story about embracing your own power and finding happiness.
9. The Witches of New York
- Author: Ami McKay
- About: Set in 1880s New York, the story follows three women who run a tea shop that secretly serves as a haven for witches.
- Style of Writing: Atmospheric and richly detailed, blending historical fiction with magical realism.
- Length: Approximately 528 pages.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and empowering; leaves a lasting impression with its vivid world-building and strong characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; historical elements require some focus.
- Why Read It: A fascinating mix of history and magic with compelling female characters.
10. The House on the Cerulean Sea
- Author: TJ Klune
- About: A caseworker for magical children visits an orphanage that changes his perspective on love and belonging.
- Style of Writing: Whimsical, heartfelt, and deeply empathetic.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving; leaves readers feeling hopeful and inspired.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language with layered themes.
- Why Read It: A beautifully written story about acceptance, love, and the magic of found family.
11. Midnight at the Blackbird Café
- Author: Heather Webber
- About: Anna Kate returns to her small Alabama hometown to settle her grandmother's estate and discovers the magic of the Blackbird Café, which serves pies that hold healing powers.
- Style of Writing: Gentle and heartwarming, with a touch of magical realism.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Comforting and uplifting, with a focus on healing and community.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a cozy and straightforward read.
- Why Read It: A sweet story about family, love, and the magic found in the ordinary.
12. The Book of Lost Things
- Author: John Connolly
- About: A grieving boy stumbles into a fantastical world of fairy tales that reflect his fears and desires.
- Style of Writing: Dark, lyrical, and imaginative, blending fairy tale elements with adult themes.
- Length: Approximately 340 pages.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Poignant and haunting, with themes of loss and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the prose is rich and symbolic.
- Why Read It: A beautifully crafted story about the power of stories and overcoming grief.
13. Hallowe’en Party
- Author: Agatha Christie
- About: Hercule Poirot investigates the death of a young girl at a Halloween party after she claims to have witnessed a murder.
- Style of Writing: Clever and suspenseful, with a classic mystery tone.
- Length: Approximately 270 pages.
- Year Written: 1969
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing and satisfying; leaves readers pondering the complexities of human behavior.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible yet intellectually engaging.
- Why Read It: A timeless mystery with a spooky Halloween backdrop.
14. The Vine Witch
- Author: Luanne G. Smith
- About: A vineyard witch seeks revenge after being cursed and uncovers secrets about her heritage and magic.
- Style of Writing: Atmospheric and enchanting, with a mix of mystery and romance.
- Length: Approximately 280 pages.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Immersive and satisfying, with themes of love, vengeance, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; an engaging and magical read.
- Why Read It: A unique blend of magic and wine-making set in a rich, magical world.
15. The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
- Author: Alyssa Palombo
- About: A retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow from Katrina Van Tassel’s perspective, exploring her love story with Ichabod Crane and the secrets of Sleepy Hollow.
- Style of Writing: Romantic and gothic, with atmospheric descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 432 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Mysterious and heartfelt, with lingering themes of love and betrayal.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; descriptive prose and historical setting.
- Why Read It: A fresh take on a classic tale with added depth and emotion.
16. Blackbird House
- Author: Alice Hoffman
- About: A series of interconnected stories spanning generations, centered around a New England farmhouse and its mysterious, magical history.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and evocative, blending magical realism with emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 240 pages.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and poignant, leaving a lasting impression with its themes of love and loss.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; beautifully written but requires attention to thematic connections.
- Why Read It: A mesmerizing exploration of human connections, history, and the power of place.
17. The Night Circus
- Author: Erin Morgenstern
- About: A magical competition between two young illusionists unfolds in the enchanting setting of a mysterious, otherworldly circus.
- Style of Writing: Dreamy and atmospheric, with intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 387 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Captivating and enchanting, with a sense of wonder and lingering awe.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; richly descriptive and nonlinear storytelling.
- Why Read It: A spellbinding tale of love, rivalry, and the power of imagination.
18. Wildwood Dancing
- Author: Juliet Marillier
- About: A retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, set in Transylvania, focusing on five sisters who discover a magical world.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and immersive, with strong folkloric and fantasy elements.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Magical and bittersweet, leaving readers enchanted and reflective.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; intricate and layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: A beautifully written tale combining magic, folklore, and the bonds of sisterhood.
19. The Little Shop of Found Things
- Author: Paula Brackston
- About: A woman with the ability to sense the history of objects discovers a connection between a mysterious antique and a ghost from the 17th century.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and descriptive, with a mix of historical fiction and magical realism.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Charming and intriguing, with themes of love, destiny, and the past.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible yet richly detailed.
- Why Read It: A captivating blend of history, romance, and the supernatural.
20. The Language of Flowers
- Author: Vanessa Diffenbaugh
- About: A young woman with a troubled past uses her knowledge of flowers and their meanings to communicate and heal relationships.
- Style of Writing: Poignant and lyrical, with a contemporary yet timeless feel.
- Length: Approximately 334 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving; leaves a lasting impression with its themes of forgiveness and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally rich and reflective.
- Why Read It: A beautifully woven story about resilience, love, and the unspoken language of nature.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for books that capture the same magical blend of love, family, and enchantment as Practical Magic, I think you’ll love starting with The Rules of Magic, Garden Spells, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. These are my top picks because they deliver unforgettable stories about self-discovery, sisterhood, and finding magic in everyday life. Whether you’re exploring the Owens family’s legacy, immersing yourself in the whimsical world of the Waverley sisters, or following Mika Moon’s journey to belonging, I’m sure these books will leave you captivated and craving more.
