Reviewing: The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais

Read time: 3 minutes

Edition:

🎧 Listened in audio
📢 Narrated by Amy Landon
⏱ Duration: 11 hours

Book Blurb:

Five octogenarian witches, led by Queenie, face eviction from their enchanted Moonshyne Manor as a brewing company threatens to seize their home. A mysterious prophecy, a stolen artifact, and a missing sister resurface old secrets, forcing the coven to unite. With only seven days to save their legacy, the witches uncover betrayals and rekindle their magic. From The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais, this tale blends humor, heart, and supernatural chaos in a race against time.

Let’s talk about the book:

I’ll be honest: the story starts slowly. Had I been reading the physical book, I might have given up in the first 40% of the pages. But thanks to the phenomenal narration by Amy Landon, I stayed hooked, and boy, am I glad I did. Landon absolutely breathed life into the story, her voice adding charm and rhythm where, on the page, I might have struggled. But somewhere around the 40–45% mark, something clicked. From there, it transformed into a dazzling, high-stakes ride that had me hooked straight through to the final, heartwarming ending.

From that midpoint, it’s a gripping, all-in ride filled with secrets, betrayals, and magical mayhem that had me glued to my earbuds until the stunning, heartwarming end. Bianca Marais crafts a sisterhood that’s messy, bold, and fiercely lovable. It delivered a magical mix of charm, feminist defiance, and emotional punches that surprised me in the best way. The relationships between the witches were the heartbeat of the book. Their camaraderie, arguments, and absolute loyalty to one another gave the narrative depth beyond potions and spells. I especially appreciated Rose’s gender fluidity arc—a thoughtful, affirming thread that added so much texture to the story. Seeing her accepted without hesitation by the coven was a powerful, beautiful reminder of what unconditional sisterhood and inclusivity should look like.

That said, a few things grated. The word “mule-like” for stubbornness was everywhere—every witch got the label, and it felt repetitive. Also, the sexual innuendos were a bit much; boldness in these older witches didn’t need to lean so hard into risqué vibes, making it a no-go for younger readers. Add this to your TBR for a slow-burn start that delivers a powerful, enchanting finish.

Would I recommend it?

Despite the sluggish start, The Witches of Moonshyne Manor won me over with its vibrant characters and emotional depth. Amy Landon’s narration is a game-changer, and the inclusive themes shine. Not perfect, but worth the ride for witchy, heartfelt chaos. Mark this magical adventure for your next read!

Which witchy tales cast a spell on you?

Have you read The Witches of Moonshyne Manor? Did the slow start trip you up, or did the coven’s magic pull you through? And what’s your take on boldness: does boldness always have to equal sexual boldness in fiction, or can it be shown in other ways? Let’s chat in the comments. Witchy book lovers, I want your thoughts!

Grab your copy:

Amazon CA
Goodreads
Follow Bianca Marais on her author page