Magic Lessons Read-Along: Book Recap, the OG Owens Women, & the Origin of the Love Curse

Join us for a mini deep dive into Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. This is the third episode of our read-along coverage of the entire Practical Magic series as we prepare for the movie sequel, Practical Magic 2, coming out in theaters on September 11.Pour yourself a midnight margarita as we travel back to 1600s Essex and Salem to meet Maria Owens and her daughter Faith, uncover the true origins of the family love curse, and trace the foundations of the Owens family grimoire.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:⏱️ 8-Minute Book Recap: A complete refresher on the plot of Magic Lessons, following Maria Owens from 17th-century England through Curacao to the New World.💔 The Origin of the Owens Love Curse: We break down the exact moment Maria cast her infamous curse from the gallows, and discuss potential loopholes and cures. 🫶 The Original Coven & Mother-Daughter Dynamics: We explore the coven of women who raised and taught Maria—Hannah, Rebecca, Adri, and Mrs. Henry—and analyze Faith's tragic journey into darkness under the abuse of Martha Chase.✨ Magical Creatures: From Cadin the crow and Keeper the wolf to the eel in Leech Lake, we trace the animal familiars, and examine how Death Watch Beetles foretell or defy fate.📜 Historical Context & Real-World Magic: We examine real historical elements woven into the story, including the Salem Witch Trials, indentured servitude, the triangular trade, and Tawa Tawa leaf remedies for breakbone fever.🥧 Owens Family Lore & Easter Eggs: We spot the origins of many classic Owens traditions, including the apple pie beacon, red boots, courage tea, the blue stepping stones, and the planting of the very first magnolia trees on Magnolia Street.PRACTICAL MAGIC READ-ALONG SCHEDULEJoin us as we read through Alice Hoffman’s entire Practical Magic series in release order ahead of the film release:Out Now: Practical Magic (Book #1), The Rules of Magic (Book #2 / Prequel) & Magic Lessons (Book #3 / Prequel)September 8: The Book of Magic (Book #4 / Conclusion)CONNECT & SUBSCRIBEFollow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:Website: deeptropepodcast.comInstagram: @DeepTropePodcastTikTok: @DeepTropePodcastFacebook: /deeptropepodcastDeep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.