The Memory Witch by Heather Topham Wood (4 stars) Plus Giveaway

Series: The Memory Witch #1
Release Date: December 15th 2013

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Purchase: Amazon

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About The Memory Witch

Ten years ago, Quinn Jacobs’ mother made a bargain with a local witch—steal away Quinn’s memories from the first eight years of her life and in return, Quinn would spend a year in servitude to the witch.

On Quinn’s eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to leave her home and friends behind. For the next year, she’ll live at the Chadwick House, learning everything she needs to know about being a spellcaster. As her powers grow, Quinn begins to unravel the secrets of the past and the reason her mother was so desperate to conceal the horrifying truth.

Review

Quinn doesn't remember the first eight years of her life thanks to her mom's deal with Stella, a witch. The deal: Quinn's memories were erased. But magic always comes with a price, and Quinn must now spend a year as Stella's apprentice. 

As the days pass, Quinn learns more about her abilities and the costs of witchcraft. What she doesn't learn is anything about her past, until she takes matters into her own hands. But there's a reason her mom fought so hard to wipe Quinn's memories. Will the truth be too much for Quinn?

Heather Topham Wood crafts excellent characters. I loved Quinn's strength and determination. No matter how many hurdles she faced, she wanted to know about her past and fear wasn't going to stop her. Along the way, she confronts horrific truths. But nothing cripples her for long. 

While serving her yearlong term, she meets Mason. Thanks to his own troubled past, he doesn't want to be involved with a witch. In addition, Stella forbids it. Yet, the two are drawn to each other. There's a sweetness and maturity to their growing relationship. I'm sure readers will have varied opinions of Quinn's mother's actions, but she had to make some difficult choices. I hope future installments shed more light on her character. 

The story takes quite a few twists and turns, and the reveal of what happened to Quinn when she was eight is a highly emotional tearjerker. Although it took me a few chapters to feel invested in the story (and there were some editing errors), the build up and ending was quite the ride. I was left breathless and eager for book two. 

My greatest hope for this series is that Quinn's heart can override her hurt.

Something I want to commend Heather on... writing a New Adult book which is not focused on overdone, and too often raunchy, sex scenes. However, it's definitely not for young adult readers thanks to mature content.

Some of my favorite passages:

"The deal was one year. Yes, magic is fascinating," I acknowledged, "but I also don't need to be in service to people's wants and desires for the rest of my life. I see what magic can do to people. Sometimes it can bring temporary happiness, but most of the time it only brings misery." (p176)

Years and years worth of memories jumped around in my brain and begged to replace the painful ones. They fluttered in my mind and I tried to hold onto the happy feelings associated with each snapshot of my past. It helped block out the blood and the fear and the sorrow. (p 216)

Rating: 4 stars

Giveaway

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About the Author

Heather Topham Wood’s obsession with novels began in childhood while growing up in a shore town in New Jersey. Writing since her teens, she recently returned to penning novels after a successful career as a freelance writer. She’s the author of the paranormal romance Second Sight series and the standalone The Disappearing Girl.

Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.

www.authorheather.com | twitter.com/woodtop255 | facebook.com/HeatherTophamWood

Please check out other blog tour stops on The Memory Witch blog tour page.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Special Extra: It's a big day for Heather! In addition to spreading the word about The Memory Witch, she revealed her cover for Falling Autumn today. I've shared it on my author blog. Check it out here.

Oh, and one more treat. I had the pleasure of reviewing The Disappearing Girl by Heather. Check out the review here.