In an alternate version of New England in the 19th century, life for women is highly structured and highly boring, thanks to the strict governance of the Brotherhood. The ideal woman must be chaste, ignorant, and obedient, declaring her commitment at age 17 to either the religious order of the Sisterhood or to a husband. Anyone not conforming to the Brothers’ wishes runs the risk of being accused of witchcraft, a grievous offense indeed. The three teenaged Cahill sisters, considered reclusive and unfashionable bluestockings by many, don’t quite fit the Brothers’ ideal of womanly perfection. What most people don’t know, however, is the terrible truth behind their inherent oddness: Cate, Maura, and Tess were all born witches. Following the death of their beloved mother, eldest sister Cate has dedicated her life to protecting and caring for Maura and Tess, a task that consumes her even as she faces her ever-approaching commitment ceremony, some unexpected correspondence, a meddling new governess, more suitors than she knows what to do with, and a dark family secret that will undo all that she has worked to save. With only six months to spare before having to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, it looks more and more like Cate won’t be able to keep her promise to her mother. If she were an ordinary girl, it would be so easy to simply pursue the advances of Paul, the handsome boy next door, or even Finn, the scholarly gardener who catches her eye. Cate Cahill, of course, is far from ordinary. Always, there are her sisters to think of, and the fate that might befall them if she weren’t around to keep their secrets. In the end (or is it really the beginning?), a frightening prophesy comes to light, and courageous Cate will have to choose between friends and family, love and duty, truth and persecution. What will become of the Cahill girls? Born Wicked is a stunning debut novel that features strong characters and plenty of intrigue, romance, and magic to please older readers. The story of the Cahill witches is not one to miss.
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Posts by Mrs. Remington, School Librarian
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