Penelope Leland has come to Ireland to study magic and prove to herself that she is as good a witch as her twin sister, Persy. But when the dashing Niall Keating begins to court her, Pen can't help being distracted from her studies. Little does Pen know, Niall is acting upon orders from his sorceress mother. And although it starts as a sham, Niall actually falls deeply in love with Pen, and she with him. Even if he halts his mother's evil plan, will Pen be able to forgive him for trying to seduce her into a plot?
Review
"Daughters of landed gentry, teenage twins Persephone (Persy) and Penelope (Pen) Leland live in Victorian Era London. In Bewitching Season (Henry Holt, 2008/ VOYA April 2008), the focus was on Persy; here Pen is the protagonist. When the girls' governess Melusine Allardyce (Ally) marries Michael Carrighar, Pen accompanies them to Ireland to further study and improve her magical abilities. The Leland twins inherited witchcraft from their mother's side of the family but keep their abilities secret. The more adept Persy, always a serious student, once used her powers to save both Pen and Princess Victoria from power-hungry evildoers. With Persy happily married, Pen wishes to hone her skills and perhaps also find a husband. Soon after arriving in Ireland, Pen meets Lady Keating who seems friendly. But Dr. Carrighar, who tutors Pen now that Ally is with child, distrusts this woman with a shady past. Pen falls in love with Lady Keating's son, Niall, but soon realizes that she may be a pawn in a nefarious plot against England's throne and that Niall's affections might be feigned. While sorting out her conflicting emotions about Niall, Pen contends with powerful magic, an ailing governess, and a clurichaun in the wine cellar. Seamlessly weaving elements of historical fiction, romance, and magic, Doyle creates believable characters in a realistic setting set in a fascinating plot. Extremely well written and utterly delightful, this book should appeal to female readers fourteen and older. Although this sequel can stand alone, reading the first book would enhance the experience." Reviewer: Rachelle Bilz, VOYA
